The Portas Pilots Application for Chesterfield Town Centre has been submitted. We will hear in May if we are successful. In the meantime watch our supporting video at http://youtu.be/fsG9ghd6bxo and share it far and wide.
Source:Destination Chesterfield
Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council is submitting a bid for Chesterfield to become a Portas’ Pilot town
Up to £100,000 of government cash is on offer for 12 towns to pilot the scheme, which was set up after Mary Portas led a review on revitalising town centres. Local government minister Grant Shapps has described this as a “golden ticket” for town centres.
Against the national backdrop Chesterfield is performing well with high retail occupancy rates and developer interest in the town.
Chesterfield’s Portas Pilot bid is about the future of the town, ensuring that this success and interest continues. The key themes in the bid are the development and growth of new and existing town centre businesses, the historic market and creating a balanced evening economy.
Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “The Portas Report highlighted the importance of markets for towns. Chesterfield Market is at the heart of our bid alongside our independent and high street traders.”
As part of the bid a short video will be submitted, the Chesterfield film entitled ‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’ includes local residents and businesses supporting the application in a black and white silent movie.
If successful a Town Team will be carefully selected from the Chesterfield Champions and other town centre businesses to manage the delivery of the project and the future of the Town Centre.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “This bid will allow us to use the public and private sector expertise from the Chesterfield Champions to ensure our town centre remains vibrant and adapts to compliment the future developments in the town.”
Chesterfield will find out if it has been successful in its bid in May.
Source:Destination Chesterfield
Chesterfield Borough Council has given approval for a revamp of its award-winning Tourist Information Centre (TIC). The refurbishment which will be carried in February is one of a number of projects by Destination Chesterfield to update key gateways into the town. The revamp will give the Centre a more vibrant, modern and customer-friendly location that showcases Chesterfield at its very best.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “The impression we give visitors when they arrive in Chesterfield is vital. The objective of our Warm Welcome Campaign is to improve the arrival at key gateways into the town.”
The £40,000 funding for the refurbishment of the centre and Destination Chesterfield’s other gateway improvements is from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Cllr Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Chesterfield Borough Council said: “So many people use the Centre every year, but the building is looking somewhat tired inside so we’re pleased to work with Destination Chesterfield to use this ERDF money to bring the Centre up to date and create something that will set a high standard for the rest of their stay in Chesterfield.”
Local agency and Chesterfield Champion, Crush Design, were appointed to manage the project and have created a striking new look for the Centre that embraces the new visual identity for Chesterfield.
Natalie Brammer at Crush Design said: “It’s been a really interesting project to work on as there are so many different aspects to the TIC. Making the design and functionality work together has been a challenge but we’re delighted with the final look.”
The revamp will also introduce a new feature to the exterior of the building which will tell a short story about four famous people associated with Chesterfield and will include George Stephenson, Gordon Banks, Lady Baden-Powell and Bess of Hardwick.
The TIC welcomed 155,841 visitors in 2011, an increase of over 12,000 from 2010. The Centre has won the English Tourist Board’s National England for Excellence Awards in 2005 and 2009 and 95% of people interviewed in a customer satisfaction survey last year thought that the service offered was either good or excellent.
Source:Chesterfield Borough Council
Destination Chesterfield has a century of members for the Chesterfield Champions scheme. Southside Magazine, United Cast Bar Limited and Places and Faces Magazine are the latest businesses to support the project.
Southside Magazine, who are the 100th Champion, spontaneously joined at Destination Chesterfield’s Celebrate Chesterfield Event after hearing the future plans for the Town.
Simon Moreman, Publishing Manager of Southside Magazine said “There are so many exciting projects coming forward for Chesterfield, we as a business have a key role to play in helping the town to promote these changes and wanted to be involved.”
The Champions support the future development of Chesterfield through support and guidance to Destination Chesterfield on how they promote Chesterfield.
James Brand, Sales Director of United Cast Bar Limited said “We are a large local employer and plan to grow further, if the business community can work together to improve Chesterfield and its profile this will increase the opportunities available to companies in the town.
Beverley Bearder, Managing Director of Places and Faces Magazine said “We are keen to support the development of Chesterfield especially the growth of its speciality businesses. Through the support of our magazine we will assist in raising the profile of the town across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “it is great that 100 businesses of all sizes and from all sectors support our approach to promoting Chesterfield. A year ago we launched the scheme and we thank the first 100champions for their support and look forward to working with the current and new champions in the future.
Destination Chesterfield which is funded through money from the European Regional Development Fund, is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield as a modern contemporary destination. This approach to promoting the town sees the local business community playing a central role in its success by leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, and businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.
Further information about the Destination Chesterfield project and the Chesterfield Champions Scheme can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk
Source:Destination Chesterfield
Front line staff this week became the town’s first ambassadors as part of a new initiative launched by Destination Chesterfield.
‘Chesterfield Ambassadors’ is a scheme for front line staff in the town and recognises the important role they play in shaping the impressions of Chesterfield to visitors who are here on business and pleasure.
The workshop developed by Chesterfield Champion, Evolution Training highlights useful facts about Chesterfield, the town’s regeneration plans alongside the importance of good customer service.
The first ambassadors included street cleaners, security guards and restaurant staff, but the work doesn’t stop with the workshop; Ambassadors will be kept up-to-date with the latest news and events in the town so they can share this information with their customers, colleagues, families and friends.
Peter Swallow chair of Destination Chesterfield said “The first impressions visitors receive will shape their opinion of Chesterfield. We want front line staff to be confident to talk about Chesterfield and the exciting plans for the future.”
Chris Ash, Director of Evolution Training said “As a Chesterfield Champion it has been great to be able to use our expertise to develop this workshop. We look forward to working with Destination Chesterfield in creating the network of ambassadors and the important role they have in promoting Chesterfield.”
Destination Chesterfield will be looking to recruit more Ambassadors in 2012 and if you would be interested in becoming involved contact Dominic Stevens at Destination Chesterfield on 01246 207207 or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk.
Source:Destination Chesterfield
The Derbyshire Times in association with main sponsor Destination Chesterfield has just launched its 2011 Business Awards, which aim to recognise and reward business excellence across all sectors, private and public.
Open to organisations of any size, based in the Derbyshire Times’ circulation area, entries are encouraged from those that feel they are working smarter than their competitors to create a business edge.
Entrants to the Derbyshire Times Business Awards may come from entering your own organisation for an award or by nominating a third party.
There are many benefits of entering, being shortlisted or winning an award; it not only motivates staff and increases customer confidence but also raises business profiles among potential customers.
Winners will be judged by an impartial number of well-respected business people within our community. Winners will receive a trophy and the right to use the awards logo on letterheads and marketing information.
The awards will be presented at a gala celebration evening to be held at Chesterfield Football Club, on November 17.
Following the huge success of last years awards, tables of 10 are now available for only £700 plus vat so why not reserve your table now.
Be there on the night to see local businesses recognised for their outstanding achievements. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink and canapés on arrival, followed by a four-course a la carte dinner with wine.
Make sure your organisation is represented at these prestigious awards. Tables for the ceremony will sell fast; to reserve a table for your organisation all you need to do is contact Emma Angell on 07801195407 or emailemma.angell@jpress.co.uk
Below is a full list of all the categories. For more information or to nominate a business, log onto website at www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
Business Idea of the Year: This award will go to the company/person whose original idea has led to increased productivity within their business, led to a reduction in costs, or a development of their brands. We will be looking for evidence of how this idea reaped rewards for your business and how it has been implemented into your company.
Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion Barber Harrison & Platt: This award will go to the outstanding individual who can best demonstrate exceptional vision and leadership in the establishment and development of an owner-led business. The judges will look for clear identification of a market opportunity, innovation, growth and evidence of strong financial performance in terms of sales and profit growth.
Young Business Person of the Year –Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion Chesterfield College: This category encourages nominations from any business, team or organisation who feel they have a young person aged between 16 – 25 years, who has excelled in their field during 2010/2011.
Small Business of the Year: Open to organisations with 15 or less staff, this award will go to the company that best demonstrates significant growth and innovation in its market sector, underpinned by strong financial performance.
Business Personality of the Year: This category is for those at a managerial or executive level who have impressed a sense of their own unique personality on the business, bringing their own style to bear alongside a sense of leadership and commitment to the business which has made a quantifiable difference to the firm.
Team of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion, DNCC: The Team of the year Award is open to outstanding management teams. Judges are looking for management teams that are truly go-ahead, enlightened, innovative, and forward-thinking.
Community Contribution of the Year: Through their commitment to the local area entrants for this award should show that they have actively supported the local community, schools or colleges. Entrants for Community Involvement will be measured on their specific participation and not purely upon financial support.
The Environment Award – Sponsored By Chesterfield Champion, Chesterfield Waterside: Entrants to this category must show examples of what innovative action the company has taken towards a low carbon economy.
Customer Service Award – Sponsored By Franke Sissons: This award will go to the organisation which can best demonstrate that it has the customer at the heart of its business.
Most InnovativeProperty/Building Development: This may include the regeneration or redevelopment of an existing building – or be a completely new project. The judges are looking for how the development may have taken into consideration any existing structures and features and its eventual suitability for purpose.
The Manufacturing Award – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion, Natwest Bank: The winner of this award will need to demonstrate a modern, efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing, including a commitment to the excellence and development of its products and services, whilst reaching new markets.
Healthy Workplace Award – Sponsored by Derbyshire PCT: This award recognises employers who go that extra mile to look after the health of their staff and promote healthy living throughout the business.
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vidbo: This award focuses on companies in the retails business and highlights the relationship with the general public on a day to day basis. Entrants should show high levels of customer service as well as an innovative approach in building the strength of the business, Outlining their approach to branding and presentation within the store plus details of how the company has grown over recent years as well as any plans or ideas to help grow the business over the next few years
Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion, Banner Jones: Open to an individual or team of people who can demonstrate that they have had a major impact on their business and Chesterfield as a town over a number of years, enhancing the community through their work and having a long-term business success.
2011 Business of the Year – Sponsored By Chesterfield Champion, Chesterfield Borough Council: This award is the ultimate accolade for all our entrants and the winner will be chosen from each of the category winners.
The judges will be looking for the company/person who has shown the most enterprise, passion and drive
Source:Derbyshire Times
Have you taken the best summer photo of Chesterfield?
The sunny weather hasinspired the new Destination Chesterfield team to gather a photo album of all the best images of the town to show the rest of the country just how good it is here.
This is your chance of fame as the best photographs may be published in a brand new Summer brochure that will we be sent to thousands of people in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.
Plus, the photograph voted as the best-ofthe-best will win a year’s supply of Fredericks Ice Cream. If you are wondering how much a year’s supply is we have based it on having one ice cream every-single-day of the year, which amounts to 60 big tubs of ice cream. However we do recommend that, in the spirit of healthy eating, the winner share’s their ice cream!
To enter just publish them to our Flickr group onwww.flickr.com/groups/chesterfield or email them todominic.stevens@dncc.co.uk
The best images will also be posted on www.chesterfield.co.uk/summerthroughout June and July.
Guidelines
The judges will be looking for summer seasonal photos with great local scenery and happy locals. It could be your favourite building, an event you attended, they can be quirky or traditional as long as they show what is best about Chesterfield.
If you want the chance of fame by appearing in print in Chesterfield’s Summer brochure it will need to have been submitted before 15/06/2011 and be available in high resolution (300dpi).
However the ice cream prize is not restricted and will go to the photo that the judges believe sums up summer in Chesterfield the best, regardless of resolution and content.
So send in your photos of Chesterfield we all want to them on our Flickr group!
Terms and conditions for this competition are available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.
The closing date for this competition is 15/06/2011 but we welcome any further photos to our Flicker group at any time.
Thanks to Fredericks Ice Cream, Crush Design and The Derbyshire Times for the support of this competition.
Source:Destination Chesterfield
Forming part of their course, the students have been promoting Chesterfield across the local areas of the College’s three campuses, explaining just how much there is to do in the town such as places to eat, play sport and shop. As part of the drive the students put up posters, handed out flyers and manned information desks all in a bid to raise the awareness of the amount of things to do in Chesterfield.
Dom Stevens of Destination Chesterfield said “Destination Chesterfield are pleased to be working with Chesterfield College’s Travel and Tourism students, it is a great opportunity for them to use the skills they are developing to promote the place they live or study in and to raise awareness of what is happening in the town. The students have been enthusiastically promoting things to do, shopping and places to eat and drink as well as the future development sites and the Chesterfielduk facebook and twitter pages to not only fellow students but visitors to the College as well.”
Source:Chesterfield College & Destination Chesterfield
Businesses leaders in Chesterfield discussed the next stages of the Destination Chesterfield Project over breakfast at the Red Lion at Stonedge and enjoyed an exclusive glimpse of the town’s latest boutique hotel which is due to open in April.
Destination Chesterfield, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Chesterfield Borough Council and the local business community is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield. This new approach to promoting the town sees local businesses playing a central role in its success.
Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dom Stevens, presented the achievements so far, the future plans for the project and then delivered a workshop with the businesses to develop these campaigns.
The attendees then donned hard hats to have a behind the scenes tour of the Red Lion’s new hotel rooms the latest regeneration project taking shape in the area.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “This meeting was all about action, about what we have achieved since the launch in September, what we will deliver in the next 2 years and how local businesses as Champions will support these plans.”
Vic Risorto, a Chesterfield Champion and owner of Calabria, said “It was great to have the opportunity to feed in our ideas and discuss what we as local businesses can add to the project. This is an exciting time for Chesterfield and I am looking forward to working with Destination Chesterfield to deliver the campaigns”
Damian Dugdale, a Chesterfield Champion, and owner of the Red Lion said “This event gave Chesterfield Champions an exclusive preview of what we have planned at the Red Lion. Our development and the other regeneration projects around the town are all exciting additions to a changing Chesterfield.”
Images of the event can be viewed on the Destination Chesterfield facebook page
For further information on Chesterfield and the Chesterfield Champions Scheme visit www.chesterfield.co.uk or follow us on twitter @chesterfielduk
Source:Destination Chesterfield
Destination Chesterfield has launched new facebook and twitter pages for Chesterfield. Become a fan or follow for the latest news, events and special offers for Chesterfield.
Source:Destination Chesterfield
Dom Stevens has been appointed as Destination Chesterfield Manager, his role will be to manage the new Chesterfield brand and drive forward the Chesterfield Champions project.
Dom who was born in Chesterfield and grew up in Derbyshire was previously Destination Marketing Manager at marketing gloucester ltd.
Dom Stevens said “I am looking forward to working with local businesses to promote Chesterfield to the world. The town is perfectly located and has a number of exciting regeneration projects making it an excellent place to invest, work, live and visit.”
For further information on Destination Chesterfield and the Chesterfield Champions contact 01246 207207 or email dominic.stevens@dncc.co.uk
Source:Destination Chesterfield