Destination Chesterfield

Shortlist announced for 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

28th July 2015

The votes for the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are in and have been counted.

24 eateries, pubs, bars and venues have been shortlisted across 10 categories in the popular awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, who are headline sponsor and host of the awards for the third year running.

The shortlisted establishments were selected from hundreds of nominations received by the competition organisers Destination Chesterfield.

This year sees the introduction of a brand new category – Conference Venue of the Year – and also 11 new contenders for the awards, including The Tickled Trout, Batemans Mill, Chesters, Little Castle, H&F Tea Rooms, Libby’s, Four One Three, Coffee St, Qoozies, Three Cottages and the Proact Stadium.

A secret panel of judges is now set to visit the shortlisted establishments in order to decide the winner of each category which will be announced in October by award winning restaurateur Theo Randall, who is a familiar face on prime time TV.

Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Calabria

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

H & F Tea Rooms

Libby’s

Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Gastro Pub of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield College

The Tickled Trout

Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel

Three Cottages

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Hoopers

COCO Bar Bistro

The Manor

The Market Pub

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison & Platt

Four One Three

Coffee St

Qoozies

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Libby’s

Best Out of Town

The Tickled Trout

Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel

Bateman’s Mill

Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest

To be announced soon

Chesterfield Food Hero – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

To be announced on the evening

Young Chef of the Year – Sponsored by the Crooked Spire Church

To be announced

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41
O-Tokuda
Indian Blues

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Chesters
The Manor at Brampton
Little Castle

Conference Venue of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants

Casa Hotel
Proact Stadium
Peak Edge Hotel

As well as the winners of the nine categories, Theo will be announcing the winners of three additional categories – Food Producer of the Year, Young Chef of the Year and Food Hero – at the glittering award ceremony being held on Wednesday 28 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield Cllr Amanda Serjeant said: “The success of the Food and Drink awards is all down to the general public and, once again, they haven’t let us down voting in their droves for their favourite food and drink establishments.”

“The awards are recognition of the contribution Chesterfield’s thriving hospitality industry makes to the local economy. Restaurants, cafes and bars are an important part of Chesterfield’s future leisure offering and are integral part of our recently launched Town Centre Masterplan.”

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Ibbotson’s wins top award at 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

25th June 2015

One of Chesterfield’s oldest businesses, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Retail Awards (24 June 2015), organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited.

Established in 1945 Ibbotson’s is, this year, celebrating its 70^th year of trading. As well as being a regular sight on the market it has recently diversified into online ordering which has widened its customer base by bringing Chesterfield’s market to those who are unable to come into town or are at work during opening hours.

As well as Retailer of the Year, Ibbotson’s also scooped the title of Market Trader of the Year at the annual awards. Owner Nick Ibbotson said: ““I can’t believe that we have won two awards and it is particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. It’s amazing to have beaten all the big stores and other independent retailers. We’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield for more than 70 years. It’s been a long time coming.”

Ibbotson’s was one of 13 winners of a total of 16 awards recognising the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town. Other multiple award winners include Adorn Jewellers and Debenhams who each triumphed in two categories.

This year’s awards received more than 600 nominations for businesses from the public resulting in 32 finalists, of which 20 were first time finalists. Six businesses returned to defend their crowns from last year’s event including Pelican Cycles, which successfully retained its titles of Leisure Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year

Held at the Winding Wheel, the sell-out ceremony was hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo James Summers and Becky Measures.

The winners were selected from 36 finalists, competing for the title of the very best in their respective categories.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Cabinet Member for the Town Centre and Visitor Economy, Amanda Serjeant, said: “Across Chesterfield we are privileged to have a great range of independent stores in the Shambles and the Yards in the Town Centre, along Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor as well as our market and popular high street stores. It is this mix of retailers that makes our town so popular and keeps shoppers, both locally and further afield, coming back for more.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. The Retail Awards recognised and celebrated the efforts and success of retailers across the town.”

Other supporters of the awards included eBusiness Works, Derbyshire Times and Peak FM.

Find out more about the winners of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

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

Sell-out 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards bigger and better than ever before

15th June 2015

More than 140 people will witness this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards winners being crowned at the sell-out award ceremony on Wednesday 24 June.

Following last year’s runaway success, the ceremony has moved to a bigger venue and organiser Destination Chesterfield has, once again, witnessed unprecedented demand.

This year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards is being held at the Winding Wheel, where the ceremony will be hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo Becky Measures and James Summers.

James and Becky commented: “We’re honoured and privileged to be hosting the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards. We thinks it’s absolutely brilliant for the town. There’s a real buzz about the town and everyone is talking about it. A massive well down to all the finalists.”

At the awards, 36 Chesterfield retailers will battle it out to be named the very best in their respective categories. The 16 categories recognise the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town.

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers
Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) Sponsored by Peak FM
Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

This year, the awards are hosting an additional category – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award, which will name town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the awards include eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

You can keep up-to-date with the awards on Twitter, instagram and facebook by using the hashtag #retailawards15.

To find out more about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Manufacturing companies urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield

10th June 2015

Engineering and manufacturing companies in Chesterfield and north east Derbyshire are being called on to make a difference to the future of young people and get involved with Made in Chesterfield taking place in November later this year.

Festival organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging companies to put themselves forward and get involved with the school and business events that will be taking place throughout the month.

This year Made in Chesterfield has been extended from a week to a month, providing even more opportunity for the town’s manufacturing and engineering companies to ignite career interest in the sector from young people.

Last year a number of companies took part in the first ever Made in Chesterfield which took place over a week in November. United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company, Kingfield Electronics, FieldCandy, and Magnifica Technologies Ltd, offering tours of their facilities, competitions, events and workshops with schools and students.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Last year Ivan’s company took an active role in Made in Chesterfield Week and invited a number of schools to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

If your company would like to get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Manufacturing

Voting now open for 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

8th June 2015

Voting is now open for the Chesterfield 2015 Food and Drink Awards.

Members of the public have until midnight on Sunday 12 July 2015 to nominate their favourite eateries, hostelries, food producers and conference venues in Chesterfield as well as out of town, across 10 categories.

The awards return for their third year and promise to be bigger and better than ever before. Last year hundreds of nominations were received with just 38 businesses and individuals being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with headline sponsor Chesterfield College whose students will, once again, be catering the entire awards evening at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

This year, two people could also have the opportunity to attend the glittering awards ceremony as guests of Destination Chesterfield. Everyone who votes in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards will be entered into a free prize draw for two tickets to the awards ceremony. So make sure you save the date!

Vice Chairman of Destination Chesterfield Cllr Amanda Serjeant is now urging people to get voting. She said: “The success of the Food and Drink awards is all down to the general public and they haven’t let us down yet. Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. I hope people will get behind us once again and vote and help make the 2015 Food and Drink awards the best yet.”

Shortlisting will take place in August with the winners being crowned at the star-studded ceremony in October later this year. Award winning restaurateur Theo Randall, who is a familiar face on prime time TV, and recently published his second cookery book, My Simple Italian has recently been confirmed as the host of the awards.

Voting in the 10 categories is easy and can be done online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

The 10 categories in which you can nominate in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by
• Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
• Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield College
• Pub / Bar of the Year
• Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP
• Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
• Best Out of Town (within 10 miles of Chesterfield)
• Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest
• International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Celebrity host announced for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

1st June 2015

Celebrity chef Theo Randall has been confirmed as the host of Chesterfield’s 2015 Food and Drink Awards ceremony.

Theo will announce the winners of the very best producers, restaurants, cafes, bars and venues that Chesterfield has to offer. Nominations for the prestigious awards open on Monday 8 June, with the ceremony taking place later in the year in October.

The Awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with headline sponsor Chesterfield College whose students will, once again, be catering the entire event at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Award winning restaurateur Theo is a familiar face on prime time TV, and recently published his second cookery book, My Simple Italian.

Commenting on the awards Theo said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. I am passionate about good quality food and drink and these awards embody the very best that the town has to offer as well as celebrating the next generation of employees in the hospitality industry. I am very much looking forward to meeting some of the local stars on the food and drink scene as well as the hospitality students at Chesterfield College.”

Stuart Cutforth, Principal and Chief Executive of Chesterfield College added: “It is fantastic to support Chesterfield’s Food and Drink awards again this year. These awards really help to raise the profile of the industry in the area and celebrate local talent. Chesterfield College is looking forward to hosting the event later this year and showcasing the talents of our catering and hospitality students. Events like this are a brilliant opportunity to excite and encourage young people to get the skills they need to be part of this industry in the future.”

Nominations across ten categories for the awards open in June and shortlisting will take place in August with the winners being crowned at the star-studded ceremony in October later this year.

This year there are 13 categories in the awards including the brand new Conference Venue of the Year. Other categories in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield College
Pub / Bar of the Year
Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP
Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
Best Out of Town
Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by NatWest
Conference Venue of the Year – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Crooked Spire Church
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design
Chesterfield Food Hero – sponsored by Banner Jones

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods and Reflections.

Voting opens on Monday 8 June and can be done online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards. Posters and postcards are also being distributed to food and drink businesses across the town. Voting is open until midnight on Sunday 12 July 2015.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield Retail Awards shortlist announced

21st May 2015

Six Chesterfield retailers are hoping to retain their titles at next month’s Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Northern Tea Merchants, aGeek, Vivienne’s Hairdressing and Beauty, Babyluv, Fred’s Haberdashery and Pelican Cycles have once again been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

They join a total of 33 Chesterfield retailers shortlisted across 14 categories in the annual awards, which recognise the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town.

The shortlisted retailers will now go head-to-head, with the winner in each category being announced by Peak FM breakfast show hosts, Becky Measures and James Summers, on Wednesday 24 June at The Winding Wheel.

The winners of each category will also fight it out for the prestigious Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber. Last year, Pelican Cycles scooped the coveted award.

Organised by the town’s inward investment campaign, Destination Chesterfield, the Awards are sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “We work with many local retailers already and the apprenticeships that we offer in relation to retail are growing increasingly popular, such as customer service and sales apprenticeships, so are delighted to be involved with such a key retail awards ceremony in Chesterfield. We hope that we continue to work successfully with more and more local retailers in regard to their staffing and training needs as we look to help grow this area’s economy, giving the community a real boost.”

The shortlisted retailers across the 14 categories are:

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Learning Unlimited
Adorn Jewellers
Blanc
R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Market Hall Business of the Year – sponsored by Kier
1001 Vac and Electrical spares
A Little Bazaar
Lambs Cupcakes

Best New Store – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
A Little Bazaar
Meadowfresh
PK House

National / Multiple Retailer of the year – sponsored by Vicar Lane
Carphone Warehouse
Debenhams
Specsavers Opticians

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – sponsored by BHP Accountants
Meadowfresh
Northern Tea Merchants
R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – sponsored by In the Works PR
Badger
Blanc
Moo Fashions

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Vivienne’s Hairdressing
Phunk’d Hair & Nail Lounge
The Therapy Lounge

Jewellery & Accessories Retailer of the Year – sponsored by The Pavements Shopping Centre
Adorn Jewellers
M’s Gallery
Moo Fashions

Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Curious Goods
Libby’s
New Dawn

Children’s Clothes, Toys and Accessories Retailer of the Year
Babyluv
Debenhams
Giraffe Nursery Store

Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors
aGeek
Chips Computers
Tech CPR

Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM
Fred’s Haberdashery
StraightCurves
Pelican Cycles

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
David Wood Fine China
Ibbotson’s Fresh Produce
Tiddlywinks

Independent Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Jumble Design
R P Davidson Cheese Factor
Libby’s
Pelican Cycles

This year, the awards are hosting an additional category – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award, which will name town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre. Voting for this award was done directly with Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, however the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award

Carphone Warehouse
Holland and Barrett
New Look

Other supporters of the awards include eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

You can keep up-to-date with the awards on social media by using the hashtag #retailawards15.

To find out more about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Peak FM breakfast pair to host 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

7th May 2015

Peak FM breakfast show presenters, James Summers and Becky Measures have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

The popular pair will host the glittering award ceremony, which will honour the town’s very best jewellers, independent stores, food and drink retailers, and multiple retailers at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel on Wednesday 24 June 2015.

The awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited – part of the Chesterfield College Group. More than 150 businesses have been nominated across 15 award categories, and the shortlist will be announced at the next Destination Chesterfield Champions Breakfast on the 21^st May.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “We’re delighted James and Becky have agreed to host the awards ceremony. They’re big, familiar personalities in the town and I’m sure they will make the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony a memorable event.”

For more information about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or follow on Twitter using the hashtag #retailawards15.

At the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, James and Becky will announce the winners of the following categories:

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM
Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Vicar Lane Retailer of the Year
Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include eBusiness works and the Derbyshire Times.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

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

From canvas to canvas for St Mary’s students’ winning tent design

5th May 2015

Two Year 10 students from St Mary’s School have finally seen their winning tent design brought to life by Staveley-based outdoor products designer FieldCandy.

Students Rhys Rossello (15) and Louis Rafferty (14), both studying Graphics Products at St Mary’s, took part in the tent design competition organised by Destination Chesterfield as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival last year. Made in Chesterfield brought together the town’s thriving manufacturing sector and schools to highlight to career opportunities within it.

The winning design, which features Chesterfield’s crooked spire, the Proact Stadium roof, the train station, Town Hall and Growth Sculpture, was selected by Crush Design and Derbyshire Education Business Project.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The judges felt that Rhys and Louis’ design reflected Chesterfield and it was a good modern adaptation for a tent.”

Rhys and Louis worked at Crush Design’s studio on Marsden Street in Chesterfield to transform their design into a format ready for printing on the FieldCandy tent.

Headteacher of St Mary’s Sean McClafferty added: “Both Rhys and Louis are a credit to St Mary’s. They have excelled themselves and I am sure this success will encourage them to consider careers in the area of design as they are both clearly gifted students.”

The design was reproduced on a stunning two-man tent by FieldCandy. John Harris, Director of FieldCandy, said: “We were delighted to be able to participate in Made in Chesterfield. We’re even more thrilled with the wonderful design that Rhys and Louis have produced. It’s translated excellently into a tent and we’re very proud of it.

“Taking part in Made in Chesterfield was a great opportunity for FieldCandy to give something back to the Borough. The Council has been exceptionally supportive of the business and has helped us access grant funding to grow and create jobs here.”

Since launching in 2011 FieldCandy has taken the camping world by storm with its unique eye-catching luxury designs which are all made at the company’s headquarters on Colliery Close in Staveley. The designer tents, which feature offbeat graphics such as leopard print, a block of cheese and floral motifs, have developed a celebrity following and are seen at festivals over the world. Some of the designs have even been showcased at the 54^th Grammy Awards in the US.

FieldCandy and Crush Design were just two of a number of companies that took part in Made in Chesterfield 2014. The manufacturing festival will return later this year in November for a full month of events. It is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To keep up to date with events and developments in Chesterfield, as well as plans for Made in Chesterfield 2015 visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

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

Discover Derbyshire with New Free App

27th April 2015

A new free app has been launched to reveal local stories and hidden secrets from across Derbyshire.

Designed to boost tourism locally, the app, named ‘Discover Derbyshire & Peak District,’ is now ready to download after more than 10 years of research and design by Derbyshire-based company Audio Trails Ltd.

It allows visitors to discover 200 ‘hidden gems’ around the county and uses satellite location technology to display places of interest close to where they are standing.

People can unlock hidden walking trails and listen to local residents’ personal stories that bring the past to life. Using archive photography, the app also allows users to fade old images into their device’s camera view and see how today’s scene has changed compared with the past.

Ann Wright, Head of Arts at Derbyshire County Council said:-

“We want people to discover things they may not know about Derbyshire, such as which local suburb was built by Russian wrestlers, or which town liquorice allsorts were invented in and this app will help them do that.

“It emphasises our county’s attractions in an innovative way which is easy for people to use while out and about using their own phone or tablet.”

Audio Trails Creative Director Dan Boys said:

“We’re really pleased to be part of a project like this that combines history with personal accounts and pictures.

“It’s great working in partnership with the council and staff such as countryside rangers who have shared their in-depth knowledge about places such as Linacre Reservoirs and the former industries along Five Pits Trail.

“The idea of the app is to bring personal stories, archive photography and lesser-known historical information together in one easily accessible package so that people can really discover Derbyshire for themselves.”

Dan is currently in the process of adding information to the app about the Pennine Way to celebrate the famous trail’s 50th anniversary. It was the UK’s first long-distance trail and stretches 256 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders.

More locations, trails and stories will be added to the app throughout 2015 and people are encouraged to share their stories or old photographs.

The ‘Discover Derbyshire & Peak District’ app is currently available to download for iOS devices via the AppStore with plans for an Android version to follow later this year. No mobile reception is needed to use it − once downloaded, all content is stored and can be accessed anywhere.

Find more information at www.discover-derbyshire.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

East Midlands Businesses Buck National Trend

23rd April 2015

Businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire outperformed their national counterparts in the first three months of the year, according to the results of a new survey.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has released the results of its latest Q1 Quarterly Economic Review 2015, which found that business growth remained robust in the early part of the year, giving an increasing number of firms optimism for the year ahead.

The findings were in sharp contrast to the national survey released by the British Chambers of Commerce earlier this month, which saw firms reporting weaker results in most areas – including domestic sales, exports and business investment.

The Chamber tracks business performance across a range of key economic indicators – including sales and orders, staffing levels, price expectations, investment intentions and business confidence – to produce a quarterly ‘State of the Economy Index’.

After falling in two consecutive quarters at the end of 2014, the index increased from a year-ending 377 to 386 in Q1, bolstered by firms’ strengthening confidence in their profits and turnover in 2015, which is resulting in rising staffing levels and investment plans.

In terms of activity, 51% of firms reported an increase in UK sales in Q1, which mirrored the previous quarter, and there was a slight fall in the number of firms reporting a decrease in domestic sales. However, this was offset by a fall (from 33% to 29%) in the number of firms which reported an increase in their export sales in Q1.

Firms’ confidence in both future turnover and profitability increased over the quarter, as 67% (up from 64% in Q4) said they expected their profitability to increase over the next 12 months, while 76% (up from 71%) expected an increase in turnover.

This strengthening confidence has led to business investment plans being revised upwards. Almost four-in-ten businesses said they planned to increase their investment in training and plant/machinery this year, while almost eight-in-ten businesses indicated they will award a general staff pay rise, at or above inflation, in 2015.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “Despite the build up to the General Election, it was encouraging to see such a resilient performance from East Midlands businesses in the first three months of the year, with many indicators of business success seeing improvements.

“Over the past year, the Chamber’s message to politicians and decision-makers has been that the East Midlands has moved from being a ‘bellwether’ of the UK economy to a national leader, so it is equally encouraging to see this message borne out in these findings, with the figures in this report exceeding their national equivalents.

“There are a number of factors contributing to this success, including the broad spread of business sectors present across this region and the drive and commitment that exists within East Midlands businesses and their employees.

“These characteristics will continue to stand the region in good stead post-election.

“Regardless of the political make-up of the next Government, if business had one overarching message to give, it would be to focus on delivering long-term policy and avoid the kind of political short-termism that acts only to complicate the planning and running of a successful business.”

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