Destination Chesterfield

HS2 to proceed and bring economic benefits to Chesterfield

11th February 2020

The Government announced today (11th February) it will proceed with HS2 following recommendations from the independent Oakervee Review.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Chesterfield. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity for the town and borough. The new high-speed train line will have a transformative effect on our economy, with the prospect of 10,200 new jobs, 4,700 new homes and an annual uplift of £270 million in expenditure on local goods and services.

“HS2 will afford the one million people that currently live within 30 minutes’ drive of Chesterfield railway station improved rail connectivity to the north and south and establish Chesterfield as the international gateway to the world-famous Peak District national park.

“Chesterfield is ready for HS2. We are currently finalising the HS2 Chesterfield Station Masterplan ahead of a public consultation exercise this summer and have been making the case for the new HS2 line maintenance depot, which will bring hundreds of new high-quality engineering jobs to Staveley, to also be used as a base for construction of the new line.

“I am also delighted that over 800 primary and secondary school children in Chesterfield and north Derbyshire have already had the opportunity to engage in our “HS2 and You” programme. With the billions of pounds of investment now planned for the rail industry there will be plenty of great job opportunities for future generations”.

“There is no limit to the council’s ambition to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people. The arrival of HS2 is critical to our future.”

Find out more: HS2 Chesterfield

Today’s announcement comes on the back of Talgo’s recent decision to establish its UK Headquarters at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The Spanish train manufacturer has also confirmed its commitment to develop a Rail Innovation and Training Centre in Chesterfield.

The Innovation Centre, which is expected to open in 2022, will include a suite of specialist research and development laboratories, commercial office and workshop space, and training facilities that will provide a complete education pathway from school through to university level study. The Innovation Centre will also act as a hub for Talgo to engage with local companies that supply parts to the rail industry.

Related story: Very high-speed rail comes to Chesterfield

Whilst the Government has given the go ahead to the construction of the whole line, the announcement also references an intention to carry out a further review of the second phase of HS2, which includes the eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, continued: “It is critical that the delivery schedule for HS2 Phase 2b is not delayed further and there must be no downgrading of the line through the East Midlands to reduce costs.

“I will therefore be working closely with East Midlands’ Leaders from both the public and private sectors to ensure that this doesn’t happen. We must provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber*, said: “

The vast potential of HS2 will only be realised if implemented in its entirety. While it is of course essential to keep an eye on costs, failure to deliver the Eastern Leg would undermine the whole project and greatly limit its return on investment; putting businesses here in the region at a distinct disadvantage in the process.”

Responding to news Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace said:

“A further review of HS2 Phase 2b is an opportunity to make sure that HS2 is properly integrated with Midlands Engine Rail, and that other rail improvements are brought forward before the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton is operational.

“It is important, however, that the Phase 2b hybrid Bill receives Royal Assent in this Parliament to provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities. A review must also commit to constructing Phase 2b from the West Midlands to the East Midlands first, and must not consider downgrading lines north of Birmingham to cut costs. The Midlands must not be short changed with a two-tier HS2 network.

“Midlands Connect will continue to work closely with HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and local authorities to develop a plan that maximises the benefits of HS2, including improved HS2 connectivity for Chesterfield and the early delivery of the planned HS2 Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Staveley.

“The Midlands has a golden opportunity to make the most of the huge benefits HS2 will bring to our communities. It is time to come together to deliver the infrastructure revolution the region desperately needs.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Banner Jones Solicitors raises £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice

8th February 2020

Award winning law firm Banner Jones has raised £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice through their annual Free Wills Month.

Running for the 4th year in a row, as part of the John Eastwood Hospice Free Wills Month, the team offered members of the public the opportunity to have their will written or updated, free of charge, in return for a donation to the charity.

The funds raised will help John Eastwood Hospice – an independent registered charity – continue its work in providing vital palliative care services to patients for free to those with life-limiting illnesses. The charity relies on the generosity of the local community and its team of volunteers.

This donation comes amidst of the firm’s next upcoming charity Free Wills Month which is expected to run throughout February in support of Helens Trust, a Derbyshire-based charity which helps terminally ill people spend the rest of their life in their own home.

Katie Woodard, Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “We work closely with John Eastwood Hospice throughout the year and I’m so pleased that the work we do on a daily basis has helped raise money for such a valuable cause.

“We would like to thank all those who have donated and taken the time to let our dedicated team guide them through the Will writing process.”

Martyn Knox, Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice said: “At John Eastwood Hospice we support people with advanced or progressive diseases such as cancer, motor-neurone disease or other long-term conditions to help improve and maximise the quality of the lives of our patients and their families.

“We are always so grateful for Banner Jones’ support and our ongoing relationship with the team.”

Banner Jones Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Dronfield and Nottingham.

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones Solicitors

Vicky Strong (Paralegal at Banner Jones), Katie Woodward (Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones), Mark Bilton (Executive Director at Banner Jones) and Martyn Knox (Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home

BHP bolsters tax team with private client specialist

6th February 2020

Award-winning accountancy firm, BHP, has expanded its tax department with the appointment of Suzy Harris-Milnes as Tax Partner.

Suzy has specialised in private client work for more than 20 years and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm, where she will help business owners, wealthy individuals and trusts with their personal tax affairs. She joins BHP after spending 24 years at Grant Thornton.

Offering bespoke advice, Suzy has extensive experience in creating aligned personal and business strategies for private clients.

Chris Humphreys, Head of Tax at BHP, said: “Suzy has spent the majority of her career developing long-lasting relationships with private clients to help shape and structure their personal finances.

“As we continue to grow, we are thrilled that Suzy has chosen to join the business – her experience in private client work will further strengthen the services that we offer.”

Suzy Harris-Milnes, Tax Partner at BHP, commented: “BHP has a long-standing reputation as a strong, independent business with an exciting future ahead. I was attracted to the growing accountancy firm because of its great clients, numerous award wins and recruitment growth over the last few years.

“I am now looking forward to expanding my speciality, building new relationships, training the team internally and highlighting the importance of private client work.”

Last year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list – in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Celebrating our apprentices in Chesterfield

6th February 2020

Sometimes national celebrations are specifically relevant to a local area, and that is the case with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 3 to 7 February.

One could argue that Chesterfield celebrates apprenticeships 52 weeks a year as we were the first, and I believe still remain the only place, to declare itself an Apprentice Town nearly three years ago.

Apprentices and apprenticeships are fundamental to Chesterfield’s ongoing success.

There is more than £1billion worth of investment, development and redevelopment taking place in and around the town which, it is estimated, will create will bring the opportunity to access up to 10,000 new jobs. I for one want local people and school leavers to benefit from these jobs, but they can only do this if they have the right skills and are aware of the opportunities available.

Chesterfield was the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’

The Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference on 26 February will, I hope, further this conversation. The conference brings together business and education leaders to discuss how as a town we can develop our young people in order to improve the employability and skills offering for the future.

Let’s not wait for the conference however. If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend – make sure young people around you are aware of apprenticeships and the value they bring to their personal and professional development and the town’s prosperity.

The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Look Beyond’. It celebrates the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England today. From highlighting the breadth of industries and roles available to the talent and energy apprentices bring into the workplace. Let’s all ‘look beyond’ when we’re giving young people post 16 careers advice.

Baasit Siddiqui, star of Gogglebox and expert on Education and Social Mobility, will be the key note speaker at the event.

More than 14,000 students in North Derbyshire are set to gain their GCSE and A Level qualifications in the next five years. As these young people weigh up their futures and decide how best to forge their career path, I believe it’s vital that apprenticeships are presented as viable options alongside University and A Levels, to pupils in schools.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed. Having a skilled workforce is key to ensure our town continues to thrive for generations to come.

“Apprentices and apprenticeships are fundamental to Chesterfield’s ongoing success”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Spire Radio and S40 & S41 Local magazines announce partnership

4th February 2020

Chesterfield Champions Spire Radio and S40 & S41 Local magazines are partnering to offer discounted advertising packages across radio and print.

The new partnership will help businesses get their name and services out to a wider and more diverse local audience. Companies or organisations can benefit from a healthy discount (between 20 and 25%) when advertising packages on radio and in the magazines are arranged together, helping Chesterfield’s businesses reach even more potential clients. Along with the advertising packages, Spire Radio, are also offering all S40 & S41 Local advertisers, new or existing, 10% off any quoted event price.

S40 Local is one of two popular printed publications, that together form the online hub, Chesterfield Local. S40 Local magazine has been helping support local business, encouraging a sense of community and championing local events for over 11 years. Sister publication, S41 Local, was launched in 2018 and follows the same ethos as the original magazine with tailored content for the community based to the North West of Chesterfield, together delivering to 14,500 addresses.

S40 Local delivers to areas including Acorn Ridge, Ashgate, Brampton, Brookside, Holymoorside, Somersall and Walton, S41 Local to Ashgate Heights, Brockwell, Brushfield, Cutthorpe, Dunston (Skylarks & businesses) Highfield, Linacre, Newbold, Piccadilly, Sheffield Road (businesses) and Spital. Plus, both are delivered to a small selection of independent town centre businesses. (Please note: S40 & S41 Local do not cover the entire postcodes for S40 and S41 as distribution has grown organically).

Paul Chapman, Editor and Owner of S40 Local, said: “I’m excited to be pairing our services alongside Spire Radio. Like Spire Radio, I’m keen to support our town and the great independent businesses within it. This partnership will enable businesses to make the readers of S40 and S41 Local, together with the online listeners of Spire Radio aware of the great services they have to offer.”

Simon Paterson, Editor of S41 Local, said: “Having seen the great work that Spire Radio do at many of our local events, championing our town and providing quality entertainment, I am proud to be a part of this forward-thinking partnership. It’s great when two local, independent businesses work together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this great venture.”

Spire Radio is a lifestyle branded online community radio station, broadcasting 24 hours a day from their Chesterfield Town Centre studio. They have the biggest range of live shows broadcast from Chesterfield (they do not syndicate shows with other stations), with over 80 hours a week of local, live content. They are coming up to their 5^th anniversary, which will bring a range of changes to the station, including a significant investment to be announced in Spring 2020.

Jordan Hartshorne, Director of Social Media and PR at Spire Radio (right), thinks working together reflects the community spirit of Chesterfield: “Spire Radio is really excited to be working with S40 and S41 Local magazines on these new packages which will help Chesterfield businesses reach more people in the community”.

Businesses who are interested in the new packages can get in touch via email on sales@spire-radio.com, paul@s40local.co.uk or Simon@s41local.com. The combined radio and print offers are available to new advertisers only.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield estate agent opens new site following acquisition

22nd January 2020

Award-winning estate agent Dales & Peaks will be expanding to a new office location in Matlock to accommodate its expanding team following the acquisition of rival firm TPS Estates.

Established in 2006, the company offers ‘no-fuss’ professional services to those looking to buy, sell or rent residential properties. Dales & Peaks have expanded to grow their already substantial property portfolio and client base across Derbyshire, the East Midlands and beyond.

The new location will provide a large office space, situated in an attractive listed building sat at a prominent location at Dale Road in Matlock and will employ three staff members, with the view of growing this to five or six in 2020.

Banner Jones Solicitors advised Dale & Peaks – which has a well-established office on Old Brick Works Lane, Chesterfield – on the business acquisition and the lease agreement on the new office space. Banner Jones Solicitors and Dales & Peaks are both part of the Chesterfield Champions scheme which is run by Destination Chesterfield.

Sarah Currey, Managing Director of Dales & Peaks, said: “We’ve had a hugely successful year, with considerable expansion through the hard work of the team. Having recently won Small Business of the Year 2019 at the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards, ending the year with the acquisition of TPS Estates is a fantastic achievement, allowing us to further our offering across Derbyshire and the East Midlands, and to continue to provide high-quality services to our ever-expanding client base.”

“We hope the acquisition and our new office space in Matlock will ensure that we are in a strong location to help people with their residential property needs in Matlock and surrounding areas, and to provide another great location out of which our growing, passionate team can operate.”

“Banner Jones’ advice throughout this period has been invaluable, and we are looking forward to what the future now holds!”

Ian Osborn, Commercial Solicitor at Banner Jones added: “Dales & Peaks has had a great year which has seen them expand organically, as well as through the acquisition of TPS.”

“We are delighted to have been instructed to support them with their commercial legal requirements during this time and look forward to assisting with their commercial offering in the future, as their operation continues to grow.”

Banner Jones offers a full range of services to businesses, including commercial agreements, company formations, support with commercial property and more.

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones

Click here to find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Gogglebox personality to headline Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference

20th January 2020

Gogglebox personality Baasit Siddiqui is headlining a free event next month which will bring together North Derbyshire’s business community and education sector ahead of the creation of thousands of jobs.

The Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference aims to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses to ensure school leavers are ready to take up an estimated 10,000 job opportunities that are being delivered as a result of more than £1bn of development in the borough of Chesterfield.

Baasit Siddiqui, who appears on the hit Channel 4 show with his brother and father (The Siddiqui Family) is the keynote speaker at the conference, which is being held at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Brimington, from 8:00am – 10:30am on Wednesday 26 February.

A former teacher, who boasts 10 years of teaching experience, the TV personality is an expert on education and social mobility. He is the Managing Director of Siddiqui Education Ltd, a Derby-based company which uses his public profile and the positive reputation of the Siddiquis from Gogglebox to help motivate and inspire school children.

The conference is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, The D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, and Destination Chesterfield.

At the conference, which returns for the fourth year, Mr Siddiqui will focus on how an education, which helps develop a range of transferable skills, can be used to support students as they progress through their educational and employability journey.

He will be joined by Rachel Quinn – Head of People and Skills at D2N2 LEP, Michael Timmins – Director of Water, Ports and Power North at AECOM and representatives from The Careers Enterprise Company and Cornerstone Business, as well as student council members at Whittington Green School.

The students at Whittington Green School are just some of more than 14,000 students in North Derbyshire, who are set to gain their GCSE and A Level qualifications in the next five years.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, explained why the conference is so important to Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

He said: “One of the Council’s priorities is to ensure that local people benefit from the economic growth that we are seeing in Chesterfield and support them into local jobs and good careers. There are a number of significant growth and regeneration projects underway in the borough. Collectively, these projects provide an opportunity to put Chesterfield on a higher growth path and will bring the opportunity for local people to access up to 10,000 new jobs.”

“The conference plays an important role in bringing together both business and education leaders to ensure communication lines are open and young people can benefit from employment and training opportunities now and in the future within the town.”

Daniel Heffernan of The D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub added: “We’re delighted to be involved in the event which will showcase the fantastic collaboration that is already taking place in the area. Importantly it also brings together business and education leaders who are eager to understand how they can better support the regions young people. Ultimately this will help lead to improved employment opportunities, and subsequent economic growth.”

Places at the conference are limited. To find out more and to book your free place at the event, please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

North Derbyshire Careers Hub launched by D2N2

20th January 2020

Over one hundred people attended the launch of the North Derbyshire Careers Hub on 14 January. The hub is an initiative between D2N2 and the Careers and Enterprise Company designed to improve the life chances of the region’s young people.

At the launch, hosted at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, guests learned first-hand how the ambitions of the Hub will shape the future of young people. Attendees were encouraged to think about the skills that will be needed in the future workplace and new careers available in a rapidly changing landscape.

The North Derbyshire Careers Hub is made up of 21 schools and colleges working together to transform careers education for young people across the region. Careers Hub will maximise the quality and impact of careers support for young people across the north of the county.

Led by D2N2 with £80,000 in financial support from the Careers & Enterprise Company; the Careers Hub works collaboratively with universities, training providers, employers, Enterprise Advisers, and careers professionals alongside lead school Shirebrook Academy to deliver the Gatsby Benchmarks and improve careers outcomes for young people.

In addition, the hub also offers a central fund for employer engagement activities and training for a ‘Careers Leader’ in each school.

Amongst the speakers at the launch event were D2N2 Head of People & Skills Rachel Quinn, Abdul Bathin from the Careers & Enterprise Company, and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield.

Local students also helped support the event with compare duties performed by Head boy of Tibshelf school, Max Derbyshire and refreshments provided by pupils from Stubbin Wood Special School.

Chloe Pearce, 14, from Outwood Academy Newbold said: “The event has been really interesting, especially seeing what goes on in careers behind the scenes and it’s been great getting students involved in the whole experience.”

D2N2 Careers Hub lead Dan Heffernan said of the launch: “I’m delighted to be managing this project on behalf of D2N2. This launch event showed the real appetite for change across North Derbyshire, and the team and I look forward to working closely with all our partners in the coming months.

“The North Derbyshire Careers Hub will play a key role in the long-term success of our region’s economy, building on the success of our existing Enterprise Advisor Network, and the strong partnerships between schools, colleges, and businesses.”

“We want to ensure young people get timely and relevant careers advice and meaningful encounters with the world of work. This will help lead to improved employment opportunities and subsequent economic growth.”

John Yarham, Interim Chief Executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company said: “This is brilliant news for young people in the county. The North Derbyshire Careers Hub will mean more and more young people get the opportunity to meet all and interact with a huge range of employers.

“These opportunities will help inspire young people, inform them about the different paths open to them, and prepare them for the world of work.”

The North Derbyshire Careers Hub is part of a wider network of hubs set up across the country by LEPs and supported by the Careers & Enterprise Company.

Hubs have garnered support from the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and more than 100 ‘cornerstone employers’ across the country who have committed to driving and championing connections to the world of work; including Airbus, KPMG, Anglian Water and GCHQ.

The Careers Hubs are based on a pilot scheme by the Gatsby Foundation (which is behind the Gatsby Benchmarks, an internationally recognised ‘checklist’ of what schools and colleges need to do to provide the best careers advice) and the North-East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), run from 2015 to 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Try something new this January

31st December 2019

Have you decided on your New Year’s resolution?

Choosing one, which you will be able to keep for longer than a few weeks, can be really challenging. But committing to try a few new experiences is something everyone can achieve, as well as having a lot of fun.

We’ve selected five ideas from Chesterfield businesses. Why not give them a go with your family, friends or colleagues?

1. Learn a new skill

If you enjoy getting creative, you may be inspired by Chesterfield College’s £15 taster courses in silversmithing or ceramics? These are a great way to try out a new hobby and if you enjoy the taster you can sign up for a six week course to perfect your skills.

Find out more about the Ceramics taster.
Find out more about the Silversmithing taster.

Or why not try your hand at gin making? Love Brewing on Chatsworth Road runs gin experiences every Friday and Saturday evening to get you started with your own bespoke flavours, including a 200ml bottle of your creation to take home (per pair).

Find out more about the Make Your Own Gin Experience.

2. Experience new local events

You may be feeling blue now the festivities are over, but now is a great time to plan your diary for 2020. There are plenty of exciting new events to look forward to as well as the return of many popular favourites.

Extreme Bike Battle
Chesterfield Autojumble Market
Make Your Own Gin Experience
Brampton Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
Sporting Dinner: An Evening with Paul Merson and Phil Thompson at Casa Hotel

Click here to find more local events updated throughout the year.

3. Support local businesses

How often do you shop locally? Are there small changes you could make to help boost the local economy?

S40 Local Magazine is supporting #FiverFest from 15th to 29th February and is spreading the message that if every adult in Chesterfield spends £5 per week in local independent shops rather than online or in supermarkets, we will boost our local economy by £20.4M per year.

Click here for details of many local businesses from solicitors to shops.

4. Become a volunteer

Have you thought about becoming a volunteer? It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and give something back to the local community. These are just a few of the many valuable opportunities locally:-

If you’re a local employer, could you donate your time to support young people in Chesterfield with mock interviews or work experience? Click here for more information online.

If you’d like to support the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, you could become a volunteer fundraiser. Some of the past fundraising activities have helped cancer and dementia patients with art therapy and activities, refurbished medical rooms and enabled the hospital to purchase new rehabilitation equipment. For more information click here.

At Citizens Advice Chesterfield there are a variety of roles to choose from: including adviser, telephone adviser, receptionist, trustee, campaigner, ambassador and fundraiser. Full training is given and you’d be part of a friendly group of volunteers. Click here for more information online or contact Linda Moore, Chair of the trustee board and a key fundraiser.

Perfect for people who love where they live, Chesterfield Visitor Centre and Museum are always looking for new volunteers. Click here to find out more.

Find more local charities here.

(Photo shows local builder, Avant Homes supporting local charity, Fairplay).

5. Taste local produce

You can add some colour to the dark January days with this new sparkling water from Chesterfield’s Franklin & Sons. Bursting with real, zesty fruit, the new range of Sister’s Soda is available in three unique combinations. The Sister’s Soda range has three unique flavours including Guava & Lime, Pomegranate & Hibiscus and Pineapple & Cardamom and is available in pubs and bars across Chesterfield as well as supermarkets. Click here for more information online.

Or have you tried the delicious gluten free Coffee and Walnut cake from Liza Bakes? A finalist at the national British Baker Awards in the gluten free category, the popular treat has a rich coffee flavour and nutty texture and you would never guess it’s gluten free! Available in a selection of cafes across Chesterfield or or click here to see more online.

For more information about local producers click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield: A review of the year

20th December 2019

While 2019 has been another year of political uncertainty, one thing that has remained consistent is Chesterfield’s progress.

Destination Chesterfield and its many Champions forged ahead with their plans, providing a solid platform for further growth and development in 2020.

2019 was the year that major developments started to come out of the ground, resulting in jobs and exciting new venues being created in the town centre.

The new Premier Inn hotel opened in April 2019 on the first and second floors of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, forming part of the Northern Gateway development. It created 37 new jobs and is currently achieving an occupancy rate of around 90% at weekends and an impressive 60% during the week – helping the town increase its number of overnight stays and footfall.

Increasing footfall was high on the agenda for Chesterfield town centre in 2019 with retailers, the council and Destination Chesterfield coming together to collectively promote the town, helping attract visitors and new businesses to high streets throughout the borough.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre received national recognition for its contribution to increasing footfall in the town centre in December when it won the gold award in the Re:wired category at the prestigious REVO Gold Awards which recognise and celebrate the best examples of innovative retail property technology.

Vicar Lane and its owner Alterx have worked with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brand

2019 was also the year that jobs at created Markham Vale exceeded those employed there when the site operated as a colliery. 2019 was the year that Chesterfield welcomed Spanish train manufacturer Talgo following the opening of its UK head office at Barrow Hill.

And the town isn’t showing any signs of slowing down in 2020. More jobs are set to be created at Elder Way in 2020 as the basement and ground floor of the former Co-op are transformed into restaurant, bars and a gym by the developer Jomast.

Further buildings are also set to come out of the ground at Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, while planning approval was granted in late 2019 for the David Lloyd Adrenalin World at Peak Resort in Unstone.

Exciting times are ahead for visitors, residents and businesses.

Destination Chesterfield’s Champions were asked to reflect on 2019; what were their highs and memorable moments, and also asked to look ahead to what they believe 2020 holds in store for them and the town.

Name: Lee Ashley

Job Title: Director

Company: Spire Recruitment Ltd

What has been Chesterfield’s most significant achievement in the last decade?

“I have been impressed with how all the plans for our town have come together and have actually happened, it is great to see so many businesses doing well and playing an active part in making Chesterfield a prosperous area. The amount of construction work in the region is great, all the new additions to our town are brilliant and give people reasons to visit the town centre. The fact so many new companies have chosen Chesterfield as their home is positive as well – the economy in Chesterfield is very stable and long may that continue!”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“Spire Recruitment is approaching its sixth Birthday and we are looking to expand our team. We hope by growing, it will give us even more opportunities to show local companies what we are all about. 2020 is a year we are really looking forward to and we wish everyone else a Happy New Year.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Company: UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“Apprenticeships are an important route to further education. They allow young people to have a real job with training, earn while they learn, develop their skillsets and understand their full potential. UKATA currently employs five apprentices and three former apprentices and, as a former apprentice myself, I understand first-hand the very real benefits apprenticeships provide both to the business and the individual.”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“UKATA is supporting the British Lung Foundation in 2020, to raise awareness, fund research and support victims of asbestos related diseases. For over 30 years, BLF has been the only charity in Britain solely based on researching lung diseases. They help people of all ages suffering from a variety of conditions including asbestos related cancer – mesothelioma. 10,000 people are newly diagnosed with a lung disease each week in the UK, over 5,000 die each year due to asbestos related diseases.”

Name: Zhanna Troshina

Job Title: Sales and Marketing Executive

Company: RA Information Systems

What excited you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Chesterfield has experienced a huge expansion of the businesses operating in workspace industry over the last five years and has an abundance of new business premises, modern office, innovation and multi-use accommodation. The industry growth is predicted to continue with flexible workspaces becoming increasingly required. Rapid urbanisation may increase workspace business rates and reduce availability in cities, which will result in Chesterfield being considered as a convenient and ideal location. These positive trends show a prodigious opportunity for the town’s future.”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“RA Information Systems has substantial experience working with workspace providers such as Business and Incubation Centres and Science Parks. The industry growth represents a good opportunity for us to continue delivering projects comprehensive of services such as IT infrastructure, shared internet connectivity, VoIP telephony, data security, industry specific software and tech support. We look forward to offering technology solutions enabling further growth of this evolving industry.”

Name: Jane Manfredi

Job Title: Proprietor

Company: proMUA & Beauty Training

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“At proMUA & Beauty Training we pride ourselves in being a VTCT approved centre offering World Class Qualifications at Level 2 and 3 in Beauty Therapy and Make-up. We are excited to be offering Beauty and Make-up courses for 14-16-year olds in 2020. These will be a Level 1 and will run one day per week after school. This will be a fantastic opportunity for school children to gain a vocational qualification alongside their school studies.”

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Having my business in the centre of Chesterfield, it’s great to see new developments happening. The Northern Gateway scheme is very exciting and, with projects already completed in the town centre, it’s definitely encouraging new businesses to come to Chesterfield creating job opportunities. It’s good news that the planning for the Chesterfield Enterprise Centre has been passed so I’m looking forward to seeing the development of that in 2020.”

Name: Clare Talati
Job Title: Director
Company: Derbyshire Education Business Partnership

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“In 2019, we achieved the matrix Standard and were Highly Commended in the Careers Provider of the Year category at the Careers Excellence Awards. We were also finalists at the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards for Outstanding Growth. We can’t wait to see what 2020 will bring! We intend to grow our programmes to help ensure learners benefit from, and schools meet, the Gatsby benchmarks. We‘ll also be expanding the work we deliver with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities schools.”

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“We promote careers in all sectors by working with local employers. This helps inform young people about the opportunities available and the skills employers value and look for. Bringing the world of work to life for learners is at the core of what we deliver. Therefore, we are proud to be part of Made in Chesterfield; raising the awareness of careers – in manufacturing, engineering, science and technology – with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began in 2014.”

Name Julie Richards
Job Title: Principal and Chief Executive Officer
Organisation: Chesterfield College

What excited you most about Chesterfield’s future?

“It is exciting to know that Chesterfield College is playing a part in developing a learning culture within our town and we are helping to build a community of learning to support growth and prosperity.

“We support young people and adults to progress into successful careers by giving them the skills and experiences they need. Ensuring local companies have the ability to develop their workforce effectively and are able to meet the need to develop technology skills is a key part of how we support businesses to grow and thrive.”

Has your business made a New Year’s resolution and, if so, what is it?

“In 2019, we played a part in raising awareness of the need for fair funding for colleges through the national ‘Love our Colleges’ campaign. We want to ensure the Government understands the important role further education plays so we will continue to campaign for fair funding in 2020 and beyond to ensure we can carry on inspiring futures and changing lives for our community.”

Name: Stephen Gordon
Job Title: Executive Director
Company: Banner Jones Solicitors

Has your business made a New Year’s resolution and, if so, what is it?

“Working in a business sector that is notorious for using lots of paper, we’ve decided that it’s time to be different and are striving to become ‘paper-lite’. We’ve already started the process and, in some departments, we are already working without paper. This not only helps us to reduce our carbon footprint but also produces a better, clearer working environment for our staff. We hope to finish the process in early 2020.”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“As a business. we take the wellbeing of our staff very seriously and have recently appointed a dedicated Performance & Wellbeing Coach to provide support when needed. To continue with this focus on mental health we have decided to make ‘Mind’ our charity of the year in 2020 and will plan various fundraising initiatives around this. We’ve always been a big supporter of local charities such as Ashgate Hospicecare and they will also remain close to our hearts in 2020.”

Name: Tim Benson
Job Title: Associate
Company: AECOM

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“Investment in infrastructure will continue to increase over the next 12 months, providing many employment opportunities in transportation, power generation and new housing. In addition to the delivery of new infrastructure is the challenge that the climate emergency puts on the way we use existing infrastructure. These demands require new thinking and new solutions, presenting plenty of opportunities for school leavers to get involved straight away through our apprenticeship programme.

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“On a local level, we are looking to support various local charities next year as part of our commitment to Social Value. All of our employees are given two days every year to give something back to our local communities. We are currently in discussion with Derbyshire Voluntary Action group, Groundwork Towards Work and Young Enterprise East Midlands, and have established relationships with local organisations including Ashgate Hospicecare and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.”

Name: Mark Ross
Job Title: Managing Director
Organisation: Redbrik Estate Agents

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“We are already excited about the opportunities for real growth in 2020 and for Redbrik to become more of an integral part of homeowner’s lives. We have always prided ourselves on our innovation and the ability to solve our customers’ problems, and we plan on doing this next year through the launch of new services to the property sector. There will be fantastic opportunities for people who love customer service, marketing and property to join our expanding team – watch this space!”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“As a company, we are focused on supporting charitable causes across the communities we serve. We are very proud to be sponsors of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, enabling over £100,000 to be raised since 2017 for local charities. The event’s charity partners are Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and, this year alone, runners pledged excess of £40,000 for them. In 2020 we would love to get over 2,000 runners on the start line and double the amount we’ve raised so far for the charities.”

Name: Leah Shortt
Job Title: Operations Manager
Company: Learning Unlimited

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“We pride ourselves on being able to support businesses to attract new talent through apprenticeship and training programmes. Our newly appointed product development team is looking forward to supporting employers to create dynamic and cutting-edge education and training programmes to meet the needs of industry, whilst addressing local skills shortages. Our years of experience in education and training puts us in an advantageous position when it comes to working in partnership with business and shaping their future workforce and skills development.

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“The range of career routes opened up by the number of apprenticeships available is really exciting. I would encourage any school leaver to look beyond traditional routes into employment and explore the options available to them through apprenticeships. You can achieve university-level qualifications and get vital skills at the same time as earning a wage. Our apprenticeships careers fair on 4 February 2020 at Chesterfield College will showcase the range of opportunities available and give you chance to meet local employers.”

Name: Anna Melton
Job Title: Director
Company: In the Works PR

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“The demand for video content continues to increase and became an integral part of what we offer at In the Works PR 2019. We have invested heavily in editing software as there is certainly going to be lots of opportunities for film where our construction and development clients are concerned and their projects start to take shape in 2020.”

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“The town leaves 2019 on a high and I am so proud to be part of it. Spades have gone into the ground at major developments this year which is what people have been waiting for. So much happens behind the scenes with commercial developments that often the development can seem like a white elephant because they don’t happen immediately. It’s definitely not the case in Chesterfield. I am hugely optimistic for the town, my business and my team in 2020. It’s definitely going to be a Happy New Year!”

Name: Neil Johnson
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP)

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“With a number of large-scale developments starting to come out of the ground in Chesterfield, construction in the town will take a dramatic leap forward in 2020 and this will present opportunities for Chesterfield’s communities. There are many building projects, big and small, scheduled for 2020 and it’s great to see Chesterfield’s ambition and investment continuing at a good pace. This is really exciting for myself and the DBCP team to be involved with – it will certainly keep us busy in the new year.”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“The increase in construction projects, not only in Chesterfield but across Derbyshire as a whole, places greater demands on our services. So, I see opportunities for growth with recruitment as a major opportunity for DBCP in 2020. We’ve already got a great team, but we’re on the look-out for good building control professionals. There’s a great career opportunity for them with DBCP in 2020”

Name: Peter Swallow
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Bolsterstone Group Plc

What has been Chesterfield’s most significant achievement in the last decade?

“A highlight for me has to be the creation of Destination Chesterfield of which I am Chair. It has brought together the business, charity and education sectors to really make a difference in driving forward the town. I don’t know of any other town or city that has achieved this, and should all be proud of what has been achieved. By working together, we really have made a difference and established a solid platform for further investment, jobs and opportunity for Chesterfield over the next decade.”

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Chesterfield Waterside is really starting to come together. This development will make a significant impact on Chesterfield’s future, providing jobs and homes for local people, and 2020 will be a formative year for the development. Avant Homes began construction of 173 homes in 2019 and they will be released for sale in 2020. This is the year we will also see the office accommodation at the Basin Square neighbourhood come out of the ground, representing the first step in delivering the commercial element of the Waterside vision and we are already in advanced talks with occupiers for the office space. The future is bright for both Chesterfield Waterside and the town itself.”

Name: James Pogson
Job Title: Director
Company: Northern Tea Merchants

Has your business made a New Year’s resolution and, if so, what is it?

“Northern Tea Merchants has been working hard throughout 2019 to reduce the amount of plastic used across the company and in particular tea bags, and that will continue going into 2020. We completed our final Biodegradable Tea Bag Paper test on the 30 October this year and have produced over 500,000 biodegradable bags so far. We will continue working hard and carrying any further research necessary to continue to minimise the amount of plastic we use.”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“We are excited to continue growing the contract packing side of the business next year whilst continuing to supply our high-quality teas, coffees and cocoa to all of our local Chesterfield customers. Our aim is to keep looking after our loyal, existing customers, by supplying the best tea and coffee at great prices, and welcome more and more new customers with open arms.”

Name: Mark Hill
Job Title: Commercial Property Director (Jomast Developments)
Company: Elder Way

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“In 2020 there is a huge opportunity for us to transform the ground floor and basement of the former Co-op on Elder Way. Right now, the space is empty, but in 2020 I am confident we will see new businesses here. The Premier Inn is open and trading well and now is the time to bring restaurants, cafés and bars together at Elder Way and create a brand new leisure quarter in the heart of Chesterfield.”

What has been Chesterfield’s most significant achievement in the last decade?

“Chesterfield Borough Council has done a great job in supporting inward investment over the last decade. It has been open, welcoming and, most importantly, supportive of investors like us. I know this played a big part in attracting Jomast to invest in the former Co-op building on Elder Way. We’re very glad we took the plunge three years ago to invest in Chesterfield and it’s great to be part of the town’s future with such a landmark development.”

Name: Cllr Tricia Gilby
Job Title: Leader
Company: Chesterfield Borough Council

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“Chesterfield Borough Council is one of the town’s biggest businesses, a £110m business employing 900 staff and delivering 50 services. In 2020, we plan to build dozens of new council homes, set the council and Chesterfield on the right path to carbon neutrality, develop our third innovation centre for new start-up businesses and attract more visitors through our expanding festivals and events programme. We also have the opportunity to boost the fortunes of Staveley by sealing a £25m town deal”.

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Our £2.1bn growth programme. 2020 is a big year for Chesterfield Waterside with new homes, a new office block and a new car park set for construction; also, for Peak with David Lloyd due to build their first Adrenaline World. We hope the Government will confirm the funding for a new £90m road to bypass Brimington and fully commit to HS2, which will bring enormous benefits to Chesterfield. These developments will create thousands of new well-paid jobs for local people”.

Name: Dom Stevens
Job Title: Destination Chesterfield Manager
Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“The team at Destination Chesterfield are looking forward to relaunching the Chesterfield Retail Awards as the Chesterfield High Street Awards. The new look awards are the culmination of the feedback from past entrants so we are confident that they will reflect the breadth of businesses and activities, that together bring vitality to our high streets across the borough. We’re very excited by the opportunities the new High Street Awards bring not only to businesses and people that enter them, but also the borough as a whole. We want as many people to be involved as possible.”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“As part of Destination Chesterfield’s 10th year celebrations the team has pledged to undertake at least 10 volunteer days in the Chesterfield community. We recognise that the community, charity and volunteer sectors are such an important part of Chesterfield so it’s great that we will be able to support them throughout 2020.”

Over 180 organisations have become Chesterfield Champions to support the development of our economy, shape our future and showcase all that is good about the town. Joining the scheme is a direct statement of belief from organisations about their commitment to Chesterfield and its successful future.

For information on how you can become a Chesterfield Champion, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Posted in Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Nominations now open for relaunched Chesterfield High Street Awards 2020

19th December 2019

Recognising the changing face of the high street, the annual Chesterfield Retail Awards have a brand-new name and look for 2020 – the Chesterfield High Street Awards – as well as two new categories.

The popular awards are now open to almost every business on Chesterfield’s high street from shops, market traders, events and regeneration projects to estate agents, banks, solicitors and accountants.

The new High Street Business category has been added to this year’s awards’ line up to reflect the diversity of Chesterfield’s high street and is open to all non-retailers except food and drink businesses. While the new Future High Street Award recognises the physical improvements and regeneration of high streets across Chesterfield.

Nominations are now open in the quest to find the best customer-facing high street-based businesses across the borough of Chesterfield.

Organiser of the annual awards, Destination Chesterfield, wants you to say which businesses on the town’s high street are your favourites and why. Nominations are open until midnight on Friday 14 February.

All nominated businesses will be evaluated and a mystery panel of judges will visit businesses shortlisted in 11 of the 15 categories before the winners are announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony at Casa Hotel on Wednesday 24 June.

The awards’ relaunch recognises the town’s exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

Now in its seventh year, the awards have gone from strength-to-strength; mirroring the town’s economy.

Commenting on the relaunch of the awards for 2020, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The new 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the contribution that every business based on high streets in the borough is making in creating jobs, attracting visitors to the town, delivering great customer service and collectively helping drive the success of Chesterfield’s economy.

“I urge everyone to get involved and put forward their favourite businesses. We want to celebrate as many as possible in the awards.”

People can now nominate across 12 categories in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards:

• High Street Business of the Year
• Future High Street Award
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
• Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
• Best New Store 2019/2020
• Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
• Home, Gifts & Leisure Retailer of the Year
• Market Trader of the Year
• Independent Retailer of the Year
• National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year
• Best Town Centre Event 2019/2020

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Peak FM and Q2 Creative.

You can nominate online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/highstreetawards until midnight on Friday 14 February 2020.

Information about the various sponsorship packages are available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/highstreetawards or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Nominate Now

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting