Development

Regional tourism awards to be celebrated next spring

Shining stars of the East Midlands’ vibrant tourism industry will be celebrated at a prestigious joint awards ceremony hosted by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, next spring.

It has been announced that the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards will be revealed at a glittering joint awards ceremony held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on 20 March 2025.

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby – are joining forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement across the tourism sector and give local businesses an opportunity to share their success stories, generate valuable publicity and reach new customers.

From B&Bs and visitor attractions to hotels, campsites and unique experiences, the diverse award categories reflect the breadth of the region’s tourism landscape.

The awards are held in partnership with VisitEngland and Gold winners will have the opportunity to progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

The awards ceremony is supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to celebrate the success of local tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25BN of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.

The evening will bring together 500 guests from across the region’s tourism, leisure, culture and hospitality industries, including shortlisted businesses from 30 overall awards categories plus local MPs, partners and stakeholders.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “One of my priorities is to boost tourism and celebrate our region’s heritage, vibrancy, culture and natural beauty through my Visit East Midlands campaign. This joint awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellence in all aspects of tourism across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and I’m delighted to host and support these awards.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re excited to be joining forces with our LVEP partners in Nottinghamshire to deliver a glittering joint awards ceremony celebrating the very best of tourism in the East Midlands next spring.

“The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer. Not only do these awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism products, but they also highlight the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in driving growth, creating jobs, and making the region such a great place to live, work and visit.

“The visitor economy is a vital yet often underappreciated asset of the East Midlands, and this event will help us harness the industry’s full potential so we can truly start to punch above our weight”.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “It’s great to see these two amazing Awards come together, ramping up the impact and value of entering for tourism businesses in Nottinghamshire, Peak District and Derbyshire.  These areas have truly outstanding national winners, and we look forward to welcoming the regional award winners to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025. I wish all of those who enter the very best of luck.”

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners. The Awards Ceremony is sponsored by Nottingham Venues.

For more details on the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards.

Derbyshire and Derby tourism awards

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Work set to begin on regeneration of Staveley market

A multi-million pound regeneration project is set to begin in Staveley in November.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, includes the construction of a new landmark building in the town centre, improvements to the market square and rejuvenation of the high street. Together the works will help support local businesses by creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.

A drop-in session will be held in Staveley market square from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday 23 October where local residents and business owners can come and find out more about the plans and the programme for construction.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This project will transform Staveley town centre and encourage more people to visit to support both existing retailers and market traders. The project will help expand the town centre offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.

“We’ve been speaking with local businesses and hosting drop-in sessions throughout the design process to ensure the plans are right and at this next drop-in session you’ll be able to speak with the contractor who is delivering the project and find out more about the programme.

“We’re trying to minimise the disruption caused in the town centre to ensure that businesses can continue to trade and will be ready to benefit from the improvements once work is complete.

“This is a really exciting project for Staveley and will help ensure that the town can thrive for generations to come.”

Stepnell who have been working to complete the town centre designs have been appointed to lead construction on the Staveley 21 project.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Staveley 21 will be incredibly transformative for the town centre and as a complete construction partner with vast experience enhancing public spaces, we recognise the importance of close collaboration with local authorities, partners and future users to exceed on these expectations.

“Early engagement with the local community is vital to ensuring the landmark building, market and high street can maximise their impact and we have made great progress since our appointment. Social value can be just as transformative to the community as the build itself, and the Staveley Town Deal will encompass this approach as we look to commence works.”

Works in November will begin with the removal of the disused toilet block on the market square.

In its place a new landmark building will be built that will form a new focal point for the town centre. Once completed the building will house Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library on the ground floor and the upstairs will provide space for new businesses.

Staveley 21 also includes the transformation of the marketplace to create an enlarged public space to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support outdoor theatre and performances, and natural play equipment to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.

Designs for the play equipment have been developed in collaboration with pupils from Staveley Junior School, who visited the site with Stepnell and took part in a workshop to discuss what kind of equipment they would like to see installed.

New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre. Up to 80% of the costs of shop front improvements like new signage, windows, canopies, and much more can be funded through the scheme.

Through the Animate Chesterfield public art project, Coralie Turpin has been appointed to work with the community and develop a new piece of artwork that will celebrate Staveley’s heritage and develop designs that can be incorporated into the new paving.

Coralie said: “I am looking forward to working with the people of Staveley, we’re planning some fun activities reflecting the local canal heritage and nature to generate ideas for the design. I’m excited to create a great piece of public art for the new marketplace that is friendly and interactive.”

Around £5 million of funding has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.

Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I’m pleased that work will be starting soon on Staveley 21, this is a key project in the Town Deal programme and will make a real impact on the ability of the town centre to attract additional visitors to support local businesses and explore the Staveley area. I look forward to seeing the plans come to life over the next year.”

To find out more about regeneration in Staveley and the developments currently taking place across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

 

Staveley pavillion building artist impression

 

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Progress continues on multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The multi-million pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which will create a state-of-the-art cultural venue in the heart of Chesterfield town centre – is progressing at pace.

Representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council were provided with a behind-the-scenes tour to review progress and see how work to transform the building has been progressing.

Leading Midlands construction firm, G F Tomlinson, took control of the site last year and has been working to achieve the ambitious plans which include creating a single entrance to both facilities, an expanded theatre, a reconfigured museum, community spaces and a new café bar.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The building has changed dramatically since December 2023 and the work so far is starting to show how this building will feel when it is completed. I’m excited to welcome residents and visitors back to this venue once it is completed and think it will be a truly spectacular experience that we can all be proud of.

“This is an ambitious project for our borough and there is a lot of hard work still to do, but it will create a truly unique building where residents and visitors can experience culture and learn about the history of our borough.”

Group of people wearing hard hats and high visibility clothing outside building with scaffolding on exterior

Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased with how works are progressing for the delivery of the multi-million-pound sensitive refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Stephenson Memorial Hall and you can really see the pivotal stages taking place to breathe new life into the Corporation Street site.

“Once complete, the landmark state-of-the-art facility in the town centre will be revitalised with its expanded theatre, reconfigured museum and improved community spaces, bringing many new opportunities to the local vicinity for arts and entertainment.”

In the auditorium the changes are significant – the circle has been stripped back, with the decorative panelling being safely stored ready to be reinstalled once the project is complete. and new steelwork brought into the building ready to build an enlarged seating area.

Cut outs have also been made in the walls to create a new access point to the circle from the upper floor of the new café bar. New entrances to the auditorium on the ground floor have been created and a new concrete slab has been laid on the auditorium floor which will allow for the installation of a new air conditioning system that provides heating and cooling for theatre guests.

A new accessible lift shaft has been built that will ensure all guests can access every floor of the building including the circle which will include new accessible seating and the basement where a Changing Places toilet will be created.

On the Corporation Street side, part of the roof has been removed ready for a new Link Gallery to be installed. This will house rooms that can be used for events, school trips, and community activities, and as extra space during performance intervals.

As well as upgrading the facilities, much of the work is also about improving the fabric of the historic building to protect it for generations to come, and ensure it is more energy efficient. This has included improvements to the roof, where the existing roof tiles have been lifted, and upgrades to the structure, lining and insulation have been installed to help improve the thermal efficiency of the building and ensure the roof is watertight for many years to come.

Works have also included the cleaning of external brickwork and some re-pointing to restore the building its original splendour.

On Station Back Lane a new extension is being built which will house dressing rooms and a new backstage area to provide performers with modern accessible facilities. A new foundation has been laid and the blockwork in this area is progressing well.

In Autumn 2021 Chesterfield Borough Council received almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

A portion is being used to improve connections across the town centre and create attractive public spaces to support a range of events and markets. Work began on the Market Place earlier this year.

Around £11 million of the Levelling Up Fund grant funding will be used to fund the renovation and remodelling of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Find out more about the project and sign up for updates about the project by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Auditorium being refurbished with machinery and building materials

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New sports shop opens at Chesterfield Market Hall

A brand-new shop has opened in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall, selling sports equipment, clothing and health products.

Fearless Sports started off selling boxing equipment, before expanding into selling all sports goods including trainers, t-shirts, hoodies, sports and health supplements.

The business started off as an online enterprise, but has since moved into the Market Hall to expand its footprint.

Neil Siddall, Co-Founder of Fearless explained how the idea for the business came about: ” I started boxing at the age of 10 with Pat Bogle at his Barrowhill boxing club, I then joined the Army at the age of 17 again getting involved with boxing, sailing, scuba diving, rock climbing and Mai Thai to name a few.

“After 29 years in the Regular Army ( still do it part-time) I found myself working in Kenya and got involved with a local Kenyan boxing team and decided to help them develop. To help the young boxers mentally prepare for fights, I came up with the concept of fighting fearlessly.

“After a while, business partner Kieran and I decided it would be a good name for a sports brand. We talked the idea through and decided to give it a go and make our own boxing equipment and clothing, spread the word about how to be fearless in sports and hopefully keep helping young people to develop in sport.

Speaking about why he chose Chesterfield as the town to launch the business, Neil added: “Both myself and Kieran grew up in Brimington, sons to miners so it fits that the first fearless sports shop should open in Chesterfield.

“The area is growing fast, especially in sports with new gyms opening all the time – and also with the peak district on our doorstep and sports tourism increasing year on year, we’re optimistic about the business and its future in Chesterfield.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member said: “It’s great to see Fearless Sports adding yet another great shopping option to Chesterfield Market Hall.

“The Market Hall has seen several new independent traders opening their businesses in recent months, which shows continuing business confidence in our high streets.

“On behalf of Destination Chesterfield, I’d like to wish Fearless Sports plenty of growth and success in the coming months and years.”

For more information, visit the Fearless Sports website at: www.fearless-sports.co.uk

Looking to launch your retail business here in Chesterfield? Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Fearless Sports market hall stall showcasing sportswear, accessories and supplements

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Summit to spotlight ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformations of Chesterfield high streets

Business owners are invited to explore how Chesterfield’s ongoing regeneration is set to unlock significant investment opportunities in the coming years. 

The Chesterfield Investment Summit will take place on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, at Casa Hotel, offering an extensive update on various projects that will dramatically modernise and revitalise the town’s high streets. 

East Midlands Combined County Authority, will address the summit, sharing their vision and priorities for driving investment in Chesterfield and the broader region. 

Mayor Claire commented: “The regeneration of Chesterfield’s high streets is a key milestone in the broader strategy to breathe new life into our towns across the East Midlands. By modernising and enhancing these vital spaces, we are not only improving the everyday experience for residents and businesses, but also attracting significant investment that will create new jobs and opportunities.” 

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and supported by We Are Spaces, East Midlands Chamber and Markham Vale, the event will showcase transformative works in Chesterfield Town Centre. Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council, will provide updates on several key initiatives, including Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield. The project promises over £10 million in enhancements aimed at improving the town centre’s appearance, functionality, and flow. 

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Ojay McDonald, Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management, will discuss the evolving role of high streets and the need for adaptation to future demands. 

Attendees will also hear from Amy Revell, Co-Founder of We Are Spaces. Amy’s company is currently carrying out the extensive refurbishment of a Grade II listed building in Chesterfield’s retail core.  

She will be joined by Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, who will provide insights into the £6 million regeneration and revitalisation efforts underway in Staveley’s town centre. 

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “The Investment Summit is a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about all the incredible things happening in Chesterfield. With the multi-million pound regeneration projects currently underway in Chesterfield and about to begin in Staveley, this is the time to look ahead to the future of high streets and talk about how the interventions we are making will help ensure they can continue to thrive and provide a full range of leisure, retail and cultural experiences.  

“I look forward to welcoming local businesses and investors to the summit and discussing with them how they can play a key role in Chesterfield’s future.”  

To see the full event details and secure a place at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, please book online at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/

Dr Huw Bowen speaking at 2024 Chesterfield Investment Summit

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Training initiative launched to help manufacturers engage with young talent

Funded training courses are being offered to Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector to support recruitment and growth.

A new initiative – known as Manufacturing Futures – will teach mentoring skills to businesspeople from the sector to help firms engage with young talent. This programme will empower companies to offer more work experience opportunities, confidently take on apprentices and interns, and provide career advice to young people.

The concept emerged at a Manufacturing and Engineering Forum organised by Destination Chesterfield which identified recruitment challenges in the sector. In fact, recent data indicates that 66% of businesses attempting to recruit in the past three months have struggled to find suitable candidates.

With manufacturing comprising 8% of Chesterfield’s workforce — nearly double the national average — it’s crucial to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills needed to drive local manufacturing forward.

Training sessions for new business mentors will be held in a dedicated learning space provided by United Cast Bar, with Chesterfield College hosting the sessions.

Manufacturing Futures was launched alongside the tenth edition of Made In Chesterfield, an annual festival supported by The Chesterfield College Group offering tours of local manufacturing, engineering, and construction businesses to school pupils, showcasing the diverse career opportunities available in the sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Board Member of Destination Chesterfield, stated: “I urge all businesses in the Manufacturing and Engineering sectors to participate in this exciting new project. While progress has been made in encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers, there is still much work to be done. By equipping businesses with the skills to mentor and develop talent from local schools and colleges, we can continue to close the skills gap and ensure our local firms remain vibrant and successful.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “Chesterfield has a proud tradition of engineering and manufacturing, but we need to ensure this sector can continue to grow and provide new opportunities for our residents. I’m pleased that we have been able to fund this programme as it will help people advance their careers and support our residents to take up roles in this sector in the future.

“Working in partnership with businesses and education providers is key to ensuring this programme is effective and provides the support the sector needs.”

The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is one of several skills programmes to receive funding which will help ensure local residents can advance their career and that the local economy can grow.

This is just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after Chesterfield Borough Council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

To get your business involved in Manufacturing Futures, go to https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/manufacturing-futures/ for more information.

Businesses can also stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities to engage with young people by signing up to Destination Chesterfield’s skills and employability newsletter.

 

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Calls made for government funding to unlock regeneration in Staveley

Politicians and businesses are calling for government funding to help bring forward the Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR), to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalise several former north Derbyshire mining communities is not missed.

The proposed 6km road would unlock the development of the former Staveley Works site for new housing, commercial units and community spaces, and also the former Staveley Chemical Works site for employment uses. Investment in the new road would also align with many of the projects currently being delivered through the £25.2 million Staveley Town Deal.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, Councillor Tricia Gilby, was joined by local MPs Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) and Louise Jones (North East Derbyshire), plus officer representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, and landowners Harworth Group and The Devonshire Group, on a recent site visit to discuss the enormous potential of the Staveley Growth Corridor in terms of new homes, new jobs, a new primary school and new leisure opportunities centred on the Chesterfield Canal.

Harworth Group and The Devonshire Group have both submitted planning applications to Chesterfield Borough Council to develop their respective parts of the former Staveley Works site, which if fulfilled could generate an additional £205 million of spend per annum into the local economy. In addition, The Devonshire Group is exploring how it can redevelop the adjacent former Staveley Chemical Works site for employment uses.

These proposals are dependent on the delivery of the Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route, which if constructed will also unlock other regeneration and development opportunities in the Staveley area, relieve road congestion and improve air quality.

The former Staveley Chemical Works site together with the former Hartington Colliery site are also earmarked for inclusion in the proposed East Midlands Investment Zone – where the priority will be to attract new green technology and advance manufacturing businesses and create new high-quality jobs for local people.

Funding for the road project is currently being considered by the Department for Transport.

Many of the region’s political leaders have signalled their support for the new route and the regeneration that would be unlocked by it, including East Midlands Combined County Authority Mayor Claire Ward, who visited the site in July.

Toby Perkins MP said: “The Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route is vitally important to the regeneration of Staveley and alongside improving traffic flows for everyone, it is likely to lead to thousands of new jobs and hundreds of new homes. It is important that money is found to complete the detailed land investigation work which is needed to provide certainty on the costs of the clean-up and construction. And after that we need confirmed approval that the funding for the road will be made available. I will be stressing the importance of this to the new Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, alongside our new Mayor Claire Ward and other local politicians and business leaders.”

Louise Jones MP said: “There is huge potential for the Regeneration Route to unlock the homes and jobs that our community needs. I’m determined that we grab this opportunity with both hands – I’ll be working with Toby Perkins, Claire Ward and our local councils to secure the funding we need to get the project up and running.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We couldn’t be better placed to realise the enormous potential of the Staveley Growth Corridor. The public and private sector are fully aligned in terms of their shared commitment to delivering 1,300 new homes and separately building a commercial estate that will support the creation of 6,400 new jobs over a five to ten-year horizon.

“Our collective ability to do this is however reliant on government support for the Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route and trying to secure this is a priority action. It is therefore very encouraging to have the full support of our local MPs and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward.

“We want Chesterfield to be a thriving borough and working together as partners we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver long-lasting change and future prosperity for communities that are still recovering from the decline of mining and other traditional industries.”

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “The Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route is one of the most significant economic growth opportunities in the East Midlands. It has the capacity to deliver the government’s growth agenda by reclaiming brownfield land and facilitating forward jobs, homes and environmental benefits at scale, ensuring an old industrial site is brought back to life.

“With our partners, Chesterfield Borough Council, Harworth Estates and The Devonshire Group, we want to work with government to deliver this transformational investment that will bring widespread benefits to communities along the Staveley Corridor and join the dots with other strategic investments in Chesterfield and across Derbyshire’s northern growth zone.”

Jo Neville, Harworth Group’s regional head of planning, said: “The walkaround the site and the previous visits from the East Midlands Mayor earlier in the summer show real commitment from the region’s leaders to addressing local housing need and creating opportunities for communities.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with our partners in Chesterfield to deliver at Staveley Works and hope the government recognises the strategic case for investing in this part of the country as part of its national growth agenda.”

Andy Byrne, Group Property Development Director at The Devonshire Group, said: “We are committed to helping bring the successful regeneration of this once thriving industrial heartland to fruition, so it is reassuring to see and hear the continued support of local politicians. With plans submitted and the support from local stakeholders, we’re raring to get started, so all that’s left is commitment from the Department for Transport to help deliver the new route and unlock this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Staveley regeneration route campaign - politicians viewing plans for new road

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Chesterfield design agency nominated as finalists for prestigious business awards

A Chesterfield-based design agency has recently been shortlisted for two prestigious awards, in business and entrepreneurship.

Led by Natalie Burkinshaw (Founder and Creative Director), Crush is a design agency that works to support local businesses through to global corporations with impactful branding, design, website development and marketing support.

This month, the agency has been shortlisted for the regional East Midlands Business Awards, under the category ‘Creative and Media’, whilst the agency founder, Natalie, has been shortlisted for the national, female-championing Novi Awards, under the category ‘Female Entrepreneur’.

As an independent agency working in an environment of 25,000 other UK agencies, these awards prove to be a testament to Crush’s expertise and experience within the creative sector.

From rebranding Chesterfield Borough Council to building the new Ministry of Sound website, Crush’s ethos centres around their motto of ‘Global reach, Local love’. This ethos, too, is reflected in these awards themselves, as an agency nominated for both a regional business award, and a national award honouring the impact of female leadership, innovation and entrepreneurism in business.

Taking place in October this year, the East Midlands Business Awards is an annual event that brings together inspirational business leaders from the local region, recognising shared business success. With several categories, including Creative and Media, the awards aim to unite organisations from across a wide range of different sectors and specialisms to come together in a celebration of excellence in business.

On the other hand, The Novi Awards are specific awards aimed at celebrating female leaders and championing change in business. A 100% female-owned, global community of women, Novi recognises women amongst a variety of categories such as entrepreneurs, leaders, rising stars, mentors and many more. The Novi Leadership Summit and Awards  takes place in London later this year.

Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder and Creative Director at Crush said: “I am exceptionally proud of the whole team. They each bring a unique quality to Crush and it’s a genuine delight to see what they create and deliver for our clients. Entering awards is not something we have ever done before but this year I wanted to really celebrate the team’s hard work and dedication. Becoming finalists in our first two submissions is an absolute honour, not to mention a terrific surprise.”

Crush supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Woman with dark hair sat at desk with apple mac in front of her

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BHP invests in future talent with 34 new trainees

Chesterfield-based independent accountancy firm BHP has welcomed 34 new trainees.

This latest intake includes 17 graduates, nine non-graduates and eight placement students. All of the trainees will take part in BHP’s successful training programme, which is run across each of BHP’s five offices, and all its service lines. The programme provides an opportunity for those looking to break into the finance industry to gain hands-on experience while studying for their professional qualifications.

For the past five years, the BHP training programme has helped over 200 professionals build thriving careers. This year’s programme included a two-week induction, where the entire cohort came together with past trainees and team members from all five of BHP’s offices to share experiences and learnings.

Karen Arch, chief people officer at BHP, said: “At BHP, we’re passionate about nurturing and developing the skills of young professionals looking to break through and leave their mark on the finance industry.

“One of the core values at BHP is about having a positive impact, whether that be on our clients, the communities in which we work or the lives of people who work here. Our trainee programme is key to this as not only through each intake do we help create the next generation of advisors, we also ensure that our clients and our own business are able thrive – not just today, but long into the future.

“Being certified as a Great Place to Work® we pride ourselves on being a supportive workplace that always keeps the wellbeing and future success of our people at the forefront of our business.”

Looking for support to upskill your workforce? Get in touch with us today and we’ll refer you to the right people to help your business grow.

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Large group of accountancy trainees wearing formal attire in a large huddle

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Business community called to inspire future talent in Chesterfield

Businesses are being invited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chesterfield by getting involved with local schools.

This is an opportunity not just to give back to the community but to help cultivate future talent to drive Chesterfield’s economy forward.

Local businesspeople are encouraged to engage with students by attending careers fairs, conducting mock interviews, and participating in employer question-and-answer sessions.

Beyond these events, some schools are also seeking work experiences for students in years 10 and 11., providing them with invaluable insights into the world of work.

The schools reaching out include Brookfield Community School, Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, Outwood Academy Newbold, Parkside School, Springwell Community School, St Mary’s Catholic High School, Whittington Green School and Netherthorpe School.

It is hoped that links with businesses will provide real-world experience and guidance to shape the career paths of young people.

Keith Hirst, Headteacher at Brookfield Community School, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “There is no better way to inspire our young people and give them insights into the world of work than by connecting them with local businesses. Engaging in activities like mock interviews, careers fairs, and Q&A sessions allows our students to understand how businesses operate and what it takes to build a successful career.”

Mr. Hirst added: “We aim to support our local businesses in developing strong workforces. These sessions offer mutual benefits—for our schools, our young people, and Chesterfield’s broader economy.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the council’s Skills and Employment Partnership, echoed these sentiments, urging businesses to get involved: “It is vital that we bridge the gap between education and business to ensure our young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their chosen careers.

“Businesses have a crucial role to play in inspiring future talent, showcasing the diverse career opportunities available in Chesterfield, and preparing local students for their future steps. This is not just a chance to contribute to the community but an opportunity to connect with potential future employees, understand the emerging workforce’s expectations, and ensure that the skills they are nurturing align with industry needs.”

For more information on how your business can support local schools, including a list of schools and event dates, please visit the Chesterfield website.

Looking to upskill your workforce and boost your business? Explore available resources and support at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Businessperson speaks to room full of school pupils

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Timber Floor trade counter operator secures new Chesterfield showroom

Timber Floor Studio has completed a relocation in Chesterfield, in a move that places the company in a prime position on one of the town’s busiest roads.

The business has made the move to the new unit, just off the A61 at Whittington Moor Roundabout. Timber Floor Studio is an independent business dedicated to supplying and installing high-quality flooring. It provides flooring for homes and businesses, serving Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas.

The letting follows a brief marketing period by Salloway Property Consultants, which generated a high amount of interest from occupiers throughout the midlands and further afield.

Salloway Property Consultants were appointed by the property owners to assist in securing a suitable tenant for the property. The premises are located adjacent to an existing trade counter unit, comprising c. 2,200sq.ft. of showroom space including office accommodation.

William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who agreed the deal on behalf of a private client, commented: “It’s great to be able to facilitate a move for a local company in Chesterfield. Timber Floor Studio have showrooms in Doncaster, Worksop and Chesterfield but the Chesterfield move is a real upgrade for them, moving into a much more prominent unit beside the A61.”

Tony Adams from Timber Floor Studio knew it was the right location for them since the property first went on the market: “We have been looking to relocate for some time now so when this property came onto the market, we knew it was right for us. We are very excited to open our new trade counter at Greenline Business Park, we recognise that the location offers us great opportunities.”

William Speed added: “It is still evident that high spec industrial and trade counter units are extremely popular in Chesterfield, with more and more tenants looking for space. We strongly recommend that anyone looking to sell or let their premises contacts us to discuss potential options.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an ideal location to base your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Exterior of Timber Floor Studio building with branding and signs on

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