Development

Popular fish and chip restaurant confirms expansion to Markham Vale

Popular fish & chip restaurant and takeaway Chesters is set to expand it’s presence even further across North Derbyshire, with plans moving forward to open a new restaurant at Markham Vale.

Chesters has been trading from it’s original base on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield for more than a decade, picking up a number of awards and positive reviews from customers in the process.

Now, owner Chris Ioannides is excited to expand the business to another site in the area. He said: “We are ecstatic & proud that we can be expanding in this current climate.

“It’s a struggle and very challenging but like others we are battling through and although our date has been pushed back we can’t wait to open and to be able to offer our services to the other side of Chesterfield.

“It’s been 10 years of hard work with some weeks working up to to 60 hours to establish our branch on Sheffield road. This has created us a successful brand name in the industry and won us local and national awards which has helped build out reputation to what it is today.

“This along with all our hard work and the great support of people of chesterfield has now helped us to expand.”

The new Chester’s will combine a restaurant, takeaway & drive through. The building will have tall vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass bi-fold doors and windows, which will make it a great dining experience in the summer. A reclaimed boat, man-made sea huts and huge reclaimed walls with artistic drawing will also make up the impressive décor.

The team is hoping to open the new premises in June, despite a few setbacks in the building process caused by Covid-19 and other factors.

Chris continued: “Being local ourselves and being that it’s the people of chesterfield that have supported us over the decade it certainly makes us want to expand our branch within chesterfield & surrounding areas. This gives our community something back by providing many jobs and opportunities for the people of chesterfield. When we are mentioned nationally we are proud to put chesterfield on the map.”

Chesters

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International football set to return to Chesterfield in March

England’s Young Lions will head to Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium in March.

The MU19s host a 2022 UEFA U19 EURO elite round group with Armenia, Portugal and Republic of Ireland as they bid to qualify for this summer’s finals in Slovakia.

Ian Foster’s age group will conclude the group with a fixture against Portugal at the Technique Stadium on Tuesday, March 29 (7.30pm kick-off).

Prior to that, England will host Republic of Ireland at Walsall on Wednesday, March 23 (7.30pm kick-off)  and Armenia at Rotherham United on Saturday, March 26 (2pm kick-off).

Only the group winners qualify for the U19 EURO finals, a tournament England has won once in its current guise in 2017.

The home of the Spireites has hosted a number of international matches since its opening more than a decade ago, ranging from under-16 to under-21 levels. The technique was also one of the host venues for the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship in 2013.

Foster said: “It’s great that we have home advantage for this final phase of our qualifying campaign and even better that it allows us to take our Young Lions around the country.

“We’re looking forward to visiting Chesterfield where the backing will be vital in helping to get us over the line to qualify for the U19 EURO finals in Slovakia this summer.

“It’s rare that football fans get to witness the next crop of young England stars in their region so we hope to see plenty of all ages come out to enjoy the unique experience of watching international football.”

Chesterfield chief executive John Croot said: “We are honoured to have once again been asked to host an international fixture at the Technique Stadium. We attract good attendances for international matches and we are looking forward to welcoming the Young Lions.”

Tickets are on sale now at TheFA.com/tickets.

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

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New game added at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has announced the launch of a new game, providing a new challenge to visitors at the attraction.

The new game, titled ‘The Cage’ has been added to the lineup, alongside existing titles ‘The Governor,’ ‘Rob the Bank,’ and ‘The Crazy Cat Lady.’

The game is set to give players a few frights along the way, with the game being set around an evil restaurant owner with a dark secret.

Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Nick Hogan said he was delighted to be offering the new experience to customers: “We are only offering new games because the people of Chesterfield have supported us so far as nearly 7000 players have taken part so far.

“When we reached number 4 in the UK it was a real pinch yourself moment. The team were challenged to get into the top 20 rooms so to get so far has been unbelievable. The next time the Derbyshire Times posts the question, ‘What’s the best thing about Chesterfield?’ I am hoping someone says the Escape Rooms.”

Nick also explained when people can expect to see further development within the Games Quarter: “From an Escape room perspective, we may look to freshen things up late in 2022 but we want to get the CAGE firmly established as a fantastic experience and we may then look towards the next Xmas theme.

He also hopes that more people across Chesterfield will pay a visit to the attraction and give it a try: “So many people will say they don’t want to be locked in a room or confined space or are scared. There really isn’t anything to worry about. I would ask them to give us a call and talk through the options as to how we would make their experience a fantastic one.”

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

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Have your say on business in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield are encouraging local retail and leisure businesses located throughout Chesterfield and Staveley town centres to complete a quick survey to allow us to gain a further understanding about supporting our high streets and town centres across the borough.

As a town centre or high street business, we would be grateful if you could complete the business tracker that will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns, events and business support.

This will help us shape future support for businesses, and events in the borough. Your insight will also be really useful to inform aspects of our significant investment plans which are being brought forward through the Levelling Up Fund and Staveley Town Deal.

The questions focus on your business’s location, if you have seen any recent increases or decreases in turnover pre and post pandemic, the level of footfall you see in your area, your views on Chesterfield or Staveley town centre as a place to shop, your awareness of business support available and your awareness of recent events held in the borough such as the Christmas Lights Switch On and the 1940s Market.

The results will be analysed and the process with be completed three times per year going forward.

Your opinions are important to us, and it will take less than 10 minutes to complete the questions.

The survey will close at the end of February 2022.

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Chesterfield Museum prepares for multi-million pound renovation

Chesterfield Museum is set to close in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

It is the next step in the refurbishment of Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the museum and The Pomegranate Theatre.

Proposals for the renovation of the Grade 2 listed building are due to go before Chesterfield Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday 28 February and, if approved, the museum will close from Tuesday 1 March to begin the complex process of moving the historic collection into safe storage.

The project is projected to cost around £15 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help ensure that Chesterfield is a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include a new lift which would help disabled guests access the circle and upper museum floors and to compliment this there would be an increased number of wheelchair spaces within the theatre.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, explained: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is one of our most striking buildings and these exciting plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town centre.

“Our wonderful museum is a central part of the building and we’re now preparing for the huge and complex task of moving thousands of treasured items that are in our local collections to a safe, temporary home. Subject to planning approval, the museum will close at the start of March, and building work is set to begin later in the year.”

Items in the collection will be securely stored in a controlled environment to ensure preservation. One of the signature pieces, the medieval builder’s wheel, will be stored with a specialist renovator who will clean it whilst work progresses in the building.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We’re working hard to make sure people will still be able to enjoy our theatre and museum attractions in new and innovative ways while the transformation of the building is carried out.

“Our team at the museum regularly host interactive activities and events to help all members of our community connect with our history and we’re exploring even more ways to do this over the coming years – you’ll be able to find out more about our plans on our website and social media pages soon.”

Revolution House, which tells the story of the Revolution of 1688, will reopen on Friday 15 April. The free museum will then be open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 18 September.

Whilst the Museum collection is moved the Pomegranate Theatre will continue to operate as normal and tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01246 345 222 or by visiting www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to submit entries for the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022

Entries are now open for the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2022, the annual ranking of England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers produced by the Department for Education.

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers celebrates England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers and helps future apprentices, parents and careers advisers to identify apprenticeship opportunities at the country’s leading employers.

First launched in 2020, the annual employer rankings have been developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers.

The rankings weren’t produced in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’re back in 2022 to showcase the apprenticeship employers that have done the most to provide successful apprenticeships over the last 12 months.

And new for 2022, England’s top small and medium-sized employers are being featured for the first time in the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers.

Employers will be recognised for their commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of their new apprentices, and the number of apprentices who complete their apprenticeships and progress further with the employer.

Together, the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers will reveal which employers – large and small – are the country’s top apprenticeship employers for 2022.

Apprenticeship employers in every industry and employment sector – from accountancy, fashion and law, to teaching, nursing and engineering – are invited to enter for this year’s rankings.

The entry deadline is Friday 25th March and the new rankings will be announced during a special live broadcast in the summer of 2022.

More details about the rankings, how to prepare your entry, and the minimum entry requirements are available on the official entry website: http://topapprenticeshipemployers.co.uk

The new employer rankings for 2022 will be announced during a special live broadcast in the summer, celebrating the country’s leading employers of apprentices.

Nadhim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education said: “The business benefits and career opportunities created by apprenticeships makes them a key feature of our commitment to level up skills and opportunity across the country.

“There are thousands of employers of all sizes and sectors that are providing individuals with the chance to learn new skills and have successful careers, while boosting their business’ success in the process.

These rankings will help everyone, from young people to career-changers, to make informed decisions about their future and unleash their full potential. I encourage all eligible employers to enter.”

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

 

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Students and higher apprentices graduate with university-level qualifications from Chesterfield College

Students and higher apprentices from Chesterfield College celebrated their graduation recently after studying for university-level qualifications. In the first graduation ceremony for two years, proud friends, family and employers attended a special ceremony at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield.

Graduates who completed their courses over the last two years were finally able to celebrate achieving their university-level qualifications in a wide range of subjects and levels following their studies during the pandemic.

Achievements in higher national certificates and diplomas as well as foundation, full and postgraduate degrees in engineering, public services, social care, education, sports and creative media were all celebrated. Those celebrating success with higher level professional qualifications in business, human resources, management, accounting and education were also recognised in the ceremony.

James Dietsch, graduated with a BSc Hons in Software Development and was chosen to give the student vote of thanks at the ceremony.  Studying for a degree in computer software development at Chesterfield College gave James the chance to develop a career in something he loved after he was made redundant from a job in retail. He is now working with the college to develop the new digital technology centre which recently opened, providing students on a range of courses from construction and engineering to computing and art with industry standard equipment to develop their skills.

He said: “The fact that we have made it here today to attend our graduation is not only a testament to our commitment to complete a course, but also to the hard-working staff members of the college who have supported us throughout this journey. Graduates, we have all progressed into a unique club of individuals and have the power now to determine our own path, so with that I ask that you simply follow your dreams and do whatever makes you happy.”

Lee Hardy graduated with a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management along with 3 of his colleagues from the Central England Co-operative Society. They had all studied for the qualification on an apprenticeship. He told us:

“It has been a long time coming to be able to celebrate our achievements so it is a relief to finally be here. The company does really well at investing in colleagues. Studying at this level gave us more opportunities, greater learning and something we can give back to the company as well as ourselves. The leadership skills we have gained already has helped us massively.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group congratulated the graduates at the ceremony. She said;

“I am delighted we are able to hold our graduation ceremony today. It feels very special for the graduates to celebrate the incredible achievements with family, friends and employers. Every year I see students show remarkable dedication but I believe these graduates have shown extra resilience and commitment in achieving such success in such unprecedented circumstances.  On behalf of The Chesterfield College Group and our partner universities, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you and I wish you every success for the future.”

Chesterfield College works alongside a range of partners to deliver university-level and professional courses, including Sheffield Hallam University, University of Derby and Pearson. This allows people who want to work towards higher education qualifications the opportunity to access  flexible, affordable and quality higher level skills with their local college.

To find out more about the courses available at the University Centre visit www.chesterfield.ac.uk/university-level/

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

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Dunkin’ Donuts and Taco Bell set to arrive in Chesterfield

Two new food outlets are set to create more jobs in Chesterfield, as plans have been revealed for Dunkin’ Donuts and Taco Bell to move into a vacant unit on a leisure park in the town.

The two eateries will occupy the unit on the Alma Leisure Park, just off the A61 Derby Road near Horns Bridge Roundabout. The unit was previously occupied by Chiquitos, before the national chain went into administration.

The unit will be sub-divided to provide two new restaurants (with takeaway facilities) to be occupied by Dunkin’ and Taco Bell. The proposed use will be a hybrid use as a result of the mixed restaurant/takeaway elements.

Alma Leisure Park already occupies a number of businesses including:

  • Cineworld
  • Nando’s
  • Nuffield Health
  • McDonald’s Drive Thru
  • Frankie & Benny’s

According to a statement by Canada Life Ltd, the company behind the planning application, the re-development of the vacant unit will lead to the creation of 45 new jobs.

The statement said: “The Dunkin’ restaurant (Unit 6A) will generate 15 employee positions (6 full-time and 9 part-time) and the Taco Bell restaurant (Unit 6B) will generate 30 employee positions (12 full-time and 18 part-time).”

Granting the application, Chesterfield Borough Council said in the decision notice: “The Local Planning Authority have during and prior to the consideration of this application engaged in a positive and proactive dialogue with the applicant with regard to the proposed scheme in order to achieve a positive outcome for the application.”

No objections were raised by consultees or members of the public to the planning application.

Centrally located in the UK Chesterfield is superbly connected, has an abundance of new business premises and room to grow. Find out more about investment opportunities in the town here.

Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening – with award winning restaurants that are attracting national media recognition, and independent coffee shops and pubs with a belief in local produce. Find out more about eating out in the town.

 

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Mortgage 1st announces new partnership with British Home Sellers

Chesterfield-based Mortgage Advice firm Mortgage 1st and Nationwide Estate Agent British Home Sellers are now proudly working together to enhance the home buying journey for their customers.

House hunters across the country entrust British Home Sellers to find them their new home, with the company possessing a large team of experts and a portfolio of hundreds of properties for sale across the UK.

For customers to be able to put in an offer to buy a property, they need an AIP (Agreement in Principle) which is proof that they can get a mortgage. Mortgage 1st has a nationwide team of experienced Mortgage Advisers who can search the market to find the best mortgage deal available to them based on their circumstances.

Their combined operations means that once customers find a property through British Home Sellers, they speak to an Adviser at Mortgage 1st who can provide them with an AIP in a matter of minutes. This means they can offer on the property there and then. Continuing to work closely together until completion reassures their mutual customers that they are in the safest of hands.

The two businesses will be working together in order to provide customers with expertise and guidance to meet the needs of the modern house hunter of today.

Jon Stones, Managing Director, Mortgage 1st commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside the team at British Home Sellers as they completely share in our vision for providing customer excellence and are a dynamic forward thinking business like ourselves.”

“Both Mortgage 1st & British Home Sellers share the same values in that their customers & team members are everything. By creating friendly, supportive and exciting places to work they attract passionate individuals who thrive on delivering great customer service.”

Alex Clendon, Managing Director of British Home Sellers said: “The speed of communication and expertise from Mortgage 1st has been fantastic and improves the service we can provide to both buyers and sellers.

“Their usage of smart technology, combined with experience and a lovely team yields amazing results for our customers.”

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Latest Robinson sustainable packaging is a perfect match for Valentines’ Day

A Chesterfield manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging has partnered up with luxury chocolate manufacturer Holdsworth, to produce sustainably packaged chocolates in time for Valentine’s Day.

A range of 160g chocolate boxes have been produced: Dark Heaven, Milk Heaven and Assorted Heaven. The packaging has been carefully crafted using 100% post-consumer recycled material and is fully recyclable. The clear viewing window is produced from recycled UK water bottles adding to the sustainable appeal.

David Sharples, Managing Director at Holdsworth Chocolates said: “Valentine’s Day is always a busy time for us. A lot of consumers buy chocolates for their loved ones and it’s so important that the packaging is recyclable and made from recycled material. We pride ourselves on delivering the experience of luxury, handmade chocolates using premium packaging with sustainable credentials; there’s no compromise.”

David continues: “Robinson is a key partner; a local, reliable supplier who produce high quality sustainable packaging that meets all our brand requirements. Being UK based helps us to reduce our carbon emissions and keep our supply chain agile and efficient.”

The boxes have been beautifully printed using six colours including intricate foil blocking, adding a striking element to the finished box making it a perfect gift for a loved one this Valentine.

Jon Walker, New Product Development Director at Robinson said: “It’s always a pleasure to work with Holdsworth. Being a local company we can be responsive and flexible to their needs, turning around their packaging from design to delivering the finished product in 2- 3 weeks.”

In 2021, Robinson launched a new sustainability pledge outlining a range of commitments underpinned by their strategic priorities, focused on putting the customer first, sustainable growth and thriving people. Find out more here.

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

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UKATA Urges Construction Industry Employers to Ensure Apprentices are Asbestos Aware

This National Apprenticeship Week, a leading UK authority on asbestos training is urging employers to ensure asbestos awareness training is provided to all apprentices, to reduce the number of tradespeople contracting fatal asbestos related diseases.

Research has shown that younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are at greater risk of developing deadly asbestos related diseases than older workers.

Providing apprentices with key information about asbestos at an early stage will enable them to challenge poor work practices and protect themselves.

Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), urged: “With the death toll from asbestos exposure over 5000 per year, UKATA is calling on all employers of apprentices working in trades, to ensure asbestos awareness training is conducted as soon as possible.”

Apprentice electricians, plumbers, carpenters, joiners, heating and ventilation engineers, painters and decorators are just some of the 1.3 million tradespeople that are at risk from exposure to the killer building material. And the facts are startling:

• Asbestos kills around 20 tradespeople in the UK every week, making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths (www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/tradesperson.htm)
• Electricians are almost 16 times more likely than the general population to develop the killer lung disease mesothelioma in their lifetime. (Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case-control study.)
• Asbestos exposure kills 4 plumbers every week (Health & Safety Executive)
• The UK has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world. The risk is highest in people who were exposed to asbestos before age 30. (Institute of Cancer Research)

Despite the well-publicised health risks posed by asbestos, a 2017 survey conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of 500 tradespeople showed that less than a third were aware of the correct ways to deal with and handle asbestos in the workplace.

Craig explained: “It’s never too early to provide asbestos awareness training to your workforce. The statistics show that the earlier in a person’s career they receive the appropriate training, then the better protected they are against developing asbestos related cancers in later life.

“A half day awareness course could prevent them from contracting a deadly disease and also ensure they don’t expose others to the dangers of asbestos.”

For employers whose apprentices are yet to receive asbestos awareness training, UKATA advises that they access UKATA approved asbestos awareness training, either with a local provider or online.

“Asbestos awareness training is low cost and readily available. I urge all employers to book their apprentices on these half-day courses and provide them with a safe foundation for a long and safe career within the construction industry,” added Craig.

UKATA approved asbestos awareness courses are available both online and in training centres throughout the UK. Alternatively, the training provider may deliver on site.

To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call our team on 01246 824437.

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

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