Development

Leaders call for improved rail services across the East Midlands

1st August 2024

Leaders across the East Midlands region have come together to call for a long-term plan for improving regional rail services.

It follows a report from Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) that shines a spotlight on the opportunity to improve rail travel across the area.

The report, titled “A Platform for Growth”, highlights the need to develop a more competitive rail offer in the East Midlands, improve performance standards, and for an East Midlands voice within the new Great British Railways.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield Railway Station is one of the busiest in the East Midlands and of vital importance to unlocking the economic potential of our borough and the wider economies of north Derbyshire and the Peak District.

“We need our train services to be catalysts for growth bringing more and better jobs to our economies, stimulating inward investment, enabling social mobility and introducing new audiences to the area’s visitor attractions.

“To achieve this, there needs to be investment in our stations, better quality trains, more frequent and reliable services, and fare structures that encourage people to leave their cars at home.”

Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of TfEM, said: “Our evidence suggests that regional rail services in the East Midlands are directly worth around £356 million per year to our regional economy. We have major population growth forecast and exciting local plans for many more new jobs and homes.

“Due to years of underinvestment, the East Midlands rail network is sparse and infrequent compared to other regions. This inevitably impacts on punctuality and the ability to run the level of services the region requires.

“Around 75% of stations in the East Midlands are served by just one train per hour or fewer, with even lower levels of service levels on Sundays and increasingly overcrowded trains on Saturdays.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way.

“We need to see a new clear plan for growth for this region in terms of both services and performance. The rail industry cannot ‘cut itself’ to financial sustainability – it must grow patronage to survive, and the East Midlands is a great place to start!”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Rail is proudly embedded in the culture of our region, yet there is so much more room for improvement when it comes to infrastructure and regional services in the East Midlands.

“Our regional rail network doesn’t yet match the ambition of our towns and cities. Commuters, local communities and business can see what rail investment has done elsewhere and rightly expect the same standards here.

“If we’re going to reduce the number of car journeys and meet our climate goals, we need to boost sustainable travel by investing in our rail network and making sure commuters are getting a fair deal. If we get this right, we could unlock tens of millions of pounds of direct economic benefits.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Although our regional fleet is undergoing a major £28.2 million refurbishment, the East Midlands transport spend per head has been significantly below the UK average level for all of the last 25 years.

“We are keen to work in partnership with Transport for the East Midlands, our mayors and other stakeholders to improve this situation. Rail is a key enabler of economic and social value and for our region to compete, grow and meet the ambitions of its citizens, greater investment in rail infrastructure and services is vital.”

Chesterfield’s Specialised Canvas Group acquires Protec Covers

25th July 2024

Specialised Canvas Group, a manufacturer based in Chesterfield, has successfully acquired Protec Covers.

Protec Covers is the UK’s leading manufacturer and retailer of motorhome and caravan covers. This latest acquisition further strengthens Specialised Canvas’ growth within the UK leisure market.

The company, based on Staveley’s Ireland Industrial Estate, says the takeover aligns perfectly with its campervan and motorhome windscreen cover brand, Custom Camping.

Founded in 1997, Protec Covers has earned a sterling reputation within the UK leisure vehicle market for providing durable, custom-fit covers specifically designed for the transportation and storage of caravans, campervans, and motorhomes.

Paul Noble, Managing Director of Specialised Canvas, shared his excitement: “We are delighted to welcome Protec Covers to the growing Specialised Canvas family.

“With our extensive fabric and sewing capacity and expertise, along with our years of experience within the leisure vehicle industry, we are perfectly positioned to build on Protec’s success and continue providing customers with market-leading products and services.”

“Our team has been hard at work to ensure a seamless transition in production and resolve any fabric supply challenges. We are pleased to announce that we are currently fulfilling past orders and accepting new ones for caravan towing jackets and caravan covers.

“Looking ahead, we expect to restart production of motorhome and campervan covers by late 2024, once we have addressed our current backlog.”

Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member said: “I would like to congratulate Specialised Canvas on this latest acquisition. It is positive to see manufacturers across our town thriving and growing, helping to boost jobs and prosperity in our town’s economy.”

Invest in Chesterfield

Invest in Chesterfield and become part of a thriving business community that includes world-leading manufacturers and multinational communication companies. Businesses of all kinds already enjoy the advantages of our proactive approach, supportive community, excellent travel connections, and prime strategic location.

With the M1 motorway nearby, regular direct train services from our station, and four major airports within a sixty-minute travel time, Chesterfield offers exceptional accessibility.

Find out more about locating your company in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield Busines News, Chesterfield manufacturers, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, Specialised Canvas

Town centre regeneration work starts on site

23rd July 2024

Work on the next phase of the multi-million pound regeneration of Chesterfield town centre has officially started on site.

Councillors Tricia Gilby and Kate Sarvent met with Louise Bruynseels a regular market trader and John Allen the Construction Director at contractor Thomas Bow, to see how works had been progressing to the upper section of Market Place during the first week of construction.

The works will see the creation of a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting. Work will then move on to New Square – to create an attractive and flexible space that will complement the main market and speciality markets, but can also be used to host festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings.

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

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

The town’s historic cobbles will be lifted, and re-laid and some new paving will also be installed – together this will maintain the historic look but will provide a more level surface throughout the Market Place, making it easier for people with accessibility issues such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users or parents with pushchairs to navigate the market.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re all immensely proud of our town centre and historic market, and we’re investing in its future to help it thrive for generations to come.

“It’s fantastic to see work begin on site, and we all look forward to seeing the improvements take shape over the summer. The town centre is very much open for business, although inevitably there will be some short-term disruption and we thank people for their patience.

“We’re working closely to support our market traders and town centre businesses and will keep people up to date as the project progresses – please sign up to our regular monthly email newsletter and also keep an eye on the council’s social media channels.”

Artists impression of New Square development in Chesterfield

All town centre businesses and market stalls will be open as usual during the regeneration work. Some market traders have temporarily re-located to either the lower half of Market Place, New Square, or other areas of the town centre nearby – but the market will run as usual on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (and speciality markets as usual on Sundays).

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield is an 18-month scheme to improve the look, feel and flow of key public spaces, and revitalise the historic market.

Further phases of works include Rykneld Square which will be transformed to create a green and welcoming space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire.

Separately, G F Tomlinson will carry out improvements to Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

Questions about Revitalisng the Heart of Chesterfield can be submitted to the project team by emailing: RHOCEnquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

For more information or to sign up for project updates by email, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield market, Chesterfield market improvements, Chesterfield market revamp, Chesterfield market works, chesterfield news, chesterfield town centre, Love Chesterfield, Revitalising the heart of Chesterfield

Local business support boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

23rd July 2024

‘Early stage’ businesses based in Chesterfield can now pitch to access new funding to support growth.

The Early Stage Angel Investment Fund (ESAIF) was developed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2 LEP) ahead of it becoming part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) earlier this year.

The Fund, which has been launched at events in Derby and Nottingham. aims to stimulate investment and growth in ‘early stage’ companies – those that have been trading between six and 24 months.

D2N2 LEP/EMCCA are contributing £4 million to the fund, match-funded by ESAIF fund manager, Haatch. Over the longer term these funds will be re-invested in the programme, to catalyse investment and growth for more early-stage companies.

The Derby launch event, held at Derby Arena, featured a video keynote address by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands , and presentations by D2N2 LEP Deputy Chair and EMCCA’s business representative David Williams MBE DL, Lewis Stringer of British Business Bank, Samantha Deakin of the University of Derby and Fred Soneya of ESAIF fund manager Haatch.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Supporting our local economy is one of my priorities as Mayor of the East Midlands and I’m delighted we’ve been able to launch the Early Stage Angel Investment Fund.

“I look forward to hearing all about the impact of this fund, how it supports our local businesses, and how it will help our regional economy thrive. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together through this significant investment and strong collaborative partnership.”

The Early Stage Angel Investment Fund was announced by D2N2 LEP Chair Elizabeth Fagan at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds earlier this year.

To find out more information about the Fund and to make an application visit: https://haatch.com/investors/haatch-d2n2-esaif/

If you’re looking for more support for your business, find out more about the schemes which may be applicable to you at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield Business Grants, chesterfield business support, chesterfield news, Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

Council continues to make progress on climate targets

22nd July 2024

Chesterfield Borough Council is continuing to make progress to its target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and carbon neutral borough by 2050 as its Climate Change Annual Report is published.

The annual report sets out the work the council has undertaken over 2023/24 to make progress towards its targets. In the last year the council has planted more than 5000 trees, invested almost £4 million of energy efficiency improvements in its properties, funded community projects, developed a plan to reduce emissions in operational buildings, established a new community-based Climate Forum and much more.

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning and the environment, said: “In just the last year we have seen record breaking temperatures and severe flooding, both of which have deeply affected our communities and demonstrates why we must take action to reduce our emissions, and why we must do it now.

“Becoming carbon neutral is an ambitious task and the ongoing financial challenges the council faces make this even more difficult, but we are continuing to make the changes we need to and by setting out detailed objectives on an annual basis we are delivering real progress. In February we approved our next Climate Change Delivery Plan which is even more ambitious and will a further reduction in our emissions.

“I am proud of what we have achieved over the last year but there is still lots to do to reach our target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.”
The annual delivery plans are built around the six themes set out in the council’s climate change strategy, including buildings and energy use, travel, green space and land use, communications and engagement, data and monitoring, and council influence.

Within each theme there are specific actions, in 2024/25 these include, strengthening measures which require contractors and suppliers to demonstrate their green credentials when being considered for work, starting work on the major decarbonisation of our operational buildings, continuing to provide support to the Chesterfield Climate Forum and taking steps to move to a low carbon vehicle fleet.
The council has just taken delivery of new electric cars that will be used to deliver the Chesterfield Careline service.

Councillor Martin Stone said: “Decarbonising our fleet is a difficult task, but it is important because transport is one of the largest sources of emissions. I’m looking forward to seeing how these new vehicles perform in our fleet, expanding the number of electric vehicles and looking at alternative fuels for some of our maintenance equipment.”

The council will be introducing more electric vehicles into the fleet over the summer and these will be used to deliver building cleaning, environmental protection, and housing services.
In the autumn the council will be trialling the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil to power vehicles like a road sweeper where electric alternatives are currently unavailable.

To read the full annual report and find out more about what the council is doing to meet its commitment to tackling climate change visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/climate-change

Looking for support to make your business more sustainable? Go to our business support page to find out about the latest initiatives available to you.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield news, Chesterfield sustainability, Chesterfield sustainability news, Climate Change

Town Centre developments to transform Chesterfield’s visitor economy, say business leaders

19th July 2024

A group of business representatives across Chesterfield say they’re optimistic that the upcoming revitalisation of the town centre will have a major impact on tourism and footfall.

Works to revamp the heart of Chesterfield began this month, with improvements set to transform the look, feel and flow of the town’s key public spaces.

The 18-month-long project will begin in Market Square, where improvements will create a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting. New Square will then be transformed into a flexible events space to support speciality markets and a wider range of uses. Rykneld Square and the area around the Crooked Spire will also see improvements.

Furthermore, work is continuing at the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum. Works to improve Corporation Street will create a new gateway to the town centre for visitors arriving by train.

The developments have received the backing of Chesterfield’s business community in a recent round table discussion. Held in conjunction between Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times, business leaders discussed several areas of the town’s visitor economy, with town centre regeneration dominating the list of key talking points.

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, explained how some of the plans for our town centre are taking shape. She said: “The first thing we wanted to do is to link the whole of Chesterfield better with the Railway Station, so we are improving the public realm right from the station into town, via Corporation Street.”

“With the Pomegranate Theatre and Museum, we want to combine the two offers because they were separate before. So, once the Stephenson Memorial Hall reopens, you’ll effectively go to the theatre and the museum at the same time.”

“Lastly, we want to improve facilities for our market traders, so we’re modernising our stalls. We want to improve the layout of the stalls and populate the space better to allow for a more flexible space which can include entertainment. We’re also making New Square into a more flexible space as well, so we can bring more high-profile events and activities into our town centre.”

Jordan Hartshorne, Managing Director at Spire Radio spoke of his excitement to see the work getting underway: “Things are actually going on now, and I think that’s so positive to hear. What a lot of our listeners say to us is they’ve heard a lot about the regeneration, but they haven’t seen anything yet.

“I think what’s helping now is that people can see the work taking place at the theatre and the work done recently on Packers Row. A lot of people want to see that happen immediately, but of course, that is not always realistic. It’s moving in the right direction and you can see there’s a good plan for the town. It’s just about getting it enacted.”

Ryan Smith of Voeberg Hospitality, the organisation currently developing a new boutique hotel adjacent to the Holywell Cross (Donut) Roundabout, believes the investment will encourage a more diverse range of traders to the town.

He added: “The improvements will encourage savvy online traders to set up pop-up shops within the market. Businesses can test the water with a market stall as an incubator for their business, so they don’t have to go through the process of buying or renting a full premise.”

Joby Parsons, Events and Sales Co-Ordinator at West Studios agreed that attracting more pop-up and artisan businesses will add to the vibrancy of the area: “If we can have more independent businesses, more pop-ups and unique experiences, I think it will certainly attract new people.

“Most of us now have the convenience of being able to shop online, but the benefit of them coming to town is the experience they get; that community feeling and having a relationship with small businesses and the stall holders.”

Delegates at the Round Table also agreed that ensuring the right mix of businesses and investors would be key to bringing more visitors to the town.

Cllr Kate Sarvent said: “You want to attract the quality of development and investment that is then going to attract more redevelopment. We want people to live in the town centre who are going to use it and spend money there too.”

James Snipe, Audit and Accounts Manager at Shorts Chartered Accountants is hopeful the town can provide the right balance to set Chesterfield apart from other areas.

“You’ve got Sheffield just up the road, which is home to all the large stores, but then you’ve also got Bakewell within half an hour which is a small artisanal town, and home to many independents. So, in Chesterfield, we’ve got to ensure we have the best of both worlds.”

Joby Parsons agreed that giving Chesterfield a clearer identity would further enhance perceptions of the area: “We are quite a large town and we do have a lot to offer but we’re not quite as big as the cities which surround us.

“However, there are lots of different positives to Chesterfield. We have different hubs where we do things well, but I think that we can make more of those. When someone says they don’t know about our town, I always say, ‘it’s the one with the spire,’ and then it usually clicks. I know people say we overdo it with promoting the Crooked Spire, but it is one of the fundamental things we should continue to promote because in terms of our identity, Chesterfield and the spire go hand-in-hand.”

Deon Jacobs is Business Development Director at Cawa, a bakery and café with stores in Chesterfield’s marketplace and at the railway station. He told colleagues that encouraging more artisans to the high street will be crucial to its future success: “I think because we’re an artisan brand, we find that works well.

“We find that there are a lot of other artisan places around as well, and that makes a big difference. People now go to towns and cities because of the smaller, independent businesses rather than the national brands.”

If you would like to find out more about supporting Chesterfield’s independent businesses, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/.

If you own a business locally, find out more about becoming part of our network of Chesterfield Champions, and join a community of organisations committed to raising the profile of the town.

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

Office occupancy success continues across Chesterfield

18th July 2024

Chesterfield is fast emerging as a prime destination for office space. With its strategic location and proactive community, combined with modern commercial developments, our town is becoming a beacon for businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the region.

The success story of office developments in Chesterfield is a reflection of the town’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach, as businesses adapt to hybrid working models.

In recent years, Chesterfield has seen a remarkable transformation. Its skyline has evolved with state-of-the-art office spaces that blend modern amenities with the town’s historic charm.

One Waterside Place, The Glass Yard and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre have all opened in the last couple of years, whilst quality refurbishments such as The HQ and The Quad have added to the availability of highly-demanded grade A space.

Interest in Chesterfield is fueled by a combination of factors: excellent transport links, competitive prices, and a council committed to supporting business innovation and development.

Chesterfield’s strategic position, offering easy access to major cities like Sheffield and Nottingham, makes it an ideal location for businesses seeking connectivity without the hefty price tags of larger urban centers. Moreover, the town’s investment in infrastructure and sustainable development is attracting a diverse range of companies.

PIB, Nuzest and Varley are just some of the companies opening new offices in Chesterfield recently, whilst businesses such as BHP, Rosewood Wealth Management, We Are Spaces and Vines Legal have thrived in the town, culminating in moves to larger offices.

We’ve spoken to the people involved in these transformational office projects, which are setting Chesterfield apart as a leading hub for enterprise and innovation.

With new stock continuing to come to the market, including the recently completed York House, there are plenty of opportunities to invest in Chesterfield.

Join hundreds of businesses benefitting from Chesterfield’s ideal location, affordability and work-life balance. Find out more about office spaces available in our town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Chesterfield Innovation Centres

2 female business people at white desks talking at Chesterfield Enterprise Centre, Crooked Spire visible through window

Northern Gateway Chesterfield Enterprise Centre

Chesterfield’s three innovations centres continue to report impressive occupancy rates. The recently-developed Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in the heart of the town has an occupancy of 85% currently. Occupancy at Dunston Innovation Centre sits at a whopping 95%, and Tapton is currently 83% full.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Our Enterprise and Innovation Centres provide businesses with the space and support they need to grow and thrive in our borough and there has been lots of demand for space in all three of our centres over the last year.

“Our investment in these centres has been a key element of our plan to grow the local economy and create new employment opportunities and we’ve seen the success of this investment through businesses growing and expanding their presence in our borough. New businesses receive a warm welcome into our centres, and our dedicated team are always happy to help businesses find the right space for them. If you’re looking for new office space in Chesterfield, please get in touch with our team who will be pleased to help you in your search.”

One Waterside Place

BHP, 1 Waterside Place, Chesterfield

All floors of the flagship One Waterside Place building, situated just a few yards from Chesterfield Railway Station have now been taken.

The seven-storey development is home to BHP Chartered Accountants, Rosewood Wealth Management and Wesco Anixter. Meanwhile one of the first businesses to move into the building, Varley, has taken a second floor of space to take the occupancy to 100%.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We’re delighted that Varley has expanded their office space within One Waterside Place. Together with BHP, Rosewood Wealth Management and Wesco Anixter, the building is now fully occupied.

“One Waterside Place has been a huge success for both Bolsterstone and Chesterfield Borough Council; it has been instrumental in setting new headline rents for office space in the town. Whether it’s a private or public partnership, our aim is to create places people want to live, work and invest throughout the UK. It’s certainly been the case with Chesterfield Waterside. The success of One Waterside Place and Waterside Quarter is helping us attract substantial interest in the next delivery phase of the regeneration scheme.”

“We are now progressing well with our plans to bring forward the next stages of Basin Square. There has been significant interest shown and we envisage being able to take some elements to the next stage later this year.”

The Quad and The HQ

Two recently-refurbished buildings, situated near Queen’s Park and Chesterfield town Centre, have both seen huge demand.

The Quad and The HQ underwent major improvements, carried out by FI Real Estate Management.

With 56,000 sq ft of floor space, The Quad is now at full occupancy with DHU Healthcare moving into the building. Investment at the HQ has created over 100,000 sq ft of modern open-plan office space, with the majority now snapped up.

Dom Knowles, Head of Offices FI Real Estate Management, commented: “The way businesses use office space is fundamentally different to just a few years ago. As developers, it’s our responsibility to provide workspaces that respond not only to the needs of the current market but to set the trends for future ways of working.

“Our space at The HQ and The Quad is flexible and customisable, allowing our tenants to maximise their workspace without compromising on convenience. Elevating spaces with the highest standard of amenities creates spaces where people love to come to work and will ultimately thrive, which benefits the business. We’ve had a large volume of interest in this development throughout the refurbishment and I expect we will be fully let in the coming months.”

An Agents View

The first half of 2024 has pleasingly been a busy period for FHP Property Consultants. The company was involved in the letting of space at One Waterside Place, as well as several other sites across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Darran Severn, Director at FHP Property Consultants commented: “It’s been hard work but pleasing we are seeing some of the deals we agreed earlier in the year completing. We are finding that enquiry levels are consistent and in some of these locations and it’s a matter of unearthing the right occupier for the building.

“Quality is key, and many of the businesses we are speaking with are looking for refurbished space that is immediately available for occupation. Both capital and rental values remain at existing levels, with typical lease lengths being between 5 and 10 years with breaks in year 3. Whilst there is an element of uncertainty in the air due to political and world events, we do require more stock across Chesterfield and Derbyshire to satisfy ongoing requirements.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield blog, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield office spaces, Chesterfield offices, Chesterfield property and construction, Love Chesterfield

Construction begins on new Community Diagnostic Centre

18th July 2024

Construction work has begun at Walton Hospital, so patients across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire can utilise a ‘one-stop-shop’ Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), from Spring 2025.

The £5.2m development at the Walton Hospital Site is part of the wider £29.9m investment in CDCs across Derby and Derbyshire. Following an ecologist review, the site is now undergoing preparatory work, including the demolition, of old plant rooms; paving the way for a state-of-the-art modular building.

Expecting to care for thousands of patients per year, the CDC will enable diagnostic services like blood tests, ultrasounds, MRI scans, CT scans and point-of-care testing to be delivered closer to patients’ homes and offer patients the ability to have multiple tests.

Once fully operational, the CDC at Walton is expected to complete thousands of diagnostic tests a year.

The demolition of the plant room and ground preparation is expected to take approximately ten days, with a custom-built modular build arriving on site in approximately 12 weeks.

Michelle Veitch, Chief Operating Officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “Community Diagnostic Centres allow patients to access services often closer to home. This means that our patients will have even more choice about where and when they receive their tests, allowing a shorter turnaround of results and the start of any required treatment.

“This is the start of the journey to deliver another fantastic facility for our communities. We believe the CDCs will reduce wait times for diagnostic tests and provide a more convenient and efficient service for patients in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a Trust we are delighted to be able to expand our services further into the community. Our partnership with Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services NHS Foundation Trust means that we can provide diagnostic services from community bases across our region, like Walton Hospital and Whitworth Hospital.

“The purpose-built CDC at Walton Hospital will transform how we deliver diagnostic services to our patients throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, where we anticipate around 5,260 tests being booked within the first month of opening.”

Dean Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust said: “The purpose-built diagnostic facility at Walton Hospital will be a fantastic addition to health services in our community, allowing more patients to receive even more tests under one roof.

“I look forward to seeing progress on site and to the official opening of the community diagnostic centre next year. Thank you to everyone involved who is helping to make this much-anticipated facility a reality for the benefit of patients.

There are more than £2 billion of regeneration projects taking place or planned in Chesterfield. Discover more about at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. Find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Property and Construction

New businesses set up shop in Chesterfield Market Hall

17th July 2024

Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall has welcomed several new traders as the building in the heart of our town continues to evolve.

The Catch have taken a unit inside selling fresh fish, Blueberry Café is operating the Market Hall Café and Galaxy Travel have taken a unit on the outside of the Market Hall.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is always a pleasure to be able to welcome businesses into the Market Hall. There is a fantastic variety selling everything including luxury goods, fresh produce, carpets, wool, and so much more. I’d encourage everyone to go and support these great independent businesses in our town.

“The Market Hall is a fantastic place to do business, it sits right in the heart of our town centre, includes a strong community of businesses that work together, with the offer of affordable rents for small businesses to start and to grow.

“With the works planned through our Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project a strong future lies ahead for the Market Hall, with an expanded events space and a revitalised outdoor market the Hall will become an even more important focal point in our town.

“I hope all these businesses will settle into their new premises and have a successful future in the town centre.”

The Catch opened in May and offer a wide range of fresh fish prepared by expert fishmongers.

Aashirvad and Manu, the owners of The Catch, said: “We’re excited to share our passion for fish and its health benefits with the community! We will save you the prep work by cutting and cleaning your fish exactly as you like. We offer pre-orders to ensure we can provide exactly what you desire, along with a wide variety of cuts to suit your preference.

“From whole fish for the adventurous cook to convenient pre-portioned options, The Catch is your one-stop shop for fresh, delicious seafood.”

Blueberry Café has been appointed to run the Market Hall Café and they took over the operation of the café in March.

James Shawe, owner of Blueberry Café, said: “We are delighted to be running the café in the Market Hall. Established in 2008, we have carefully grown the business and are always looking for exciting new opportunities.

“Working with Chesterfield Borough Council has given us the opportunity to invest in the café, protect jobs and develop the business to ensure we continue to offer a superb range of products and services for all visitors to Chesterfield.”

Galaxy Travel has recently taken on one of the units on the outside of the Market Hall. A local taxi and travel firm the company provides a service for any occasion including local trips, nights out, minibus hire, or an airport transfer.

David Lewis, owner of Galaxy Travel, said: “We chose to base our local taxi business in Chesterfield town centre, specifically in the vibrant Market Hall, as we believe in supporting and being a part of the thriving community of traders. Our dedication to providing fast, reliable, and helpful taxi service is enriched by the bustling energy and charm of this historic town. We are proud to be a part of Chesterfield’s dynamic business landscape.”

Markan Foods Limited who will be specialising in Nigerian food will also be setting up in the Market Hall very soon.

With the ongoing multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, that will transform the look, feel and flow of the town’s key public spaces, now is a fantastic time to set up your business in the Market Hall.

The Market Hall benefits from a central location, offers affordable rents for small businesses and flexible terms for leasing premises.

If you’re interested in setting up a business in Chesterfield Market Hall, contact Hannah Ramsdale or Claire Cunningham on 01246 345255 or email economic.development@chesterfield.gov.uk. Looking for further information about why Chesterfield is a great place to invest? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Chesterfield is home to many independent retailers, cafes and restaurants, who are all ready and waiting to provide you with a great experience. Find out more about visiting our town here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, Chesterfield market, Chesterfield market hall, chesterfield news, Chesterfield shops, chesterfield town centre, Love Chesterfield, shopping in chesterfield

Acquisitions, appointments and competition wins for Chesterfield Champions

16th July 2024

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to grow.

Our latest roundup includes several successes from across our business community, with announcements of new hires, acquisitions, competition wins and sponsorships across the town.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “It is very pleasing to see Champions achieving further success across our town, as our organisations continue working together to support the local economy and raise the profile of Chesterfield. We would like to wish all businesses in Chesterfield further growth and success in the future.”

Find out the latest news from across the Chesterfield Champions network below.

Shorts announce acquisition of Hewson & Howson

Accountancy and Tax specialists Shorts have announced the acquisition of South Yorkshire Accountancy firm Hewson & Howson, in a deal which sees all of the Hewson & Howson employees join the Shorts team.

Formed by Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson in 1995, Hewson & Howson built a respected reputation throughout their 30 year history, specialising in providing a partner led service to owner managed businesses. Driven by the decision for both Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson to retire, transferring the business to an accounting firm with a similar culture and service ethic was a key priority for both outgoing partners.

Andy Irvine, Managing Partner at Shorts, said “Hewson & Howson have a long-standing reputation for providing their clients with high quality tax and accountancy service and we are delighted to now welcome their team and clients to Shorts. Their approach of providing a fully supportive and personal service, and building long standing relationships with their clients is very much in line with the culture here at Shorts and we are looking forward to working with their clients and team over the years to come. Our very best wishes go with Ian and Andrew for a long and happy retirement.”

Ian Hewson added “When Andrew and I considered retirement and selling the practice, finding the right firm, with the perfect synergy for our clients and team was very important in that decision. Having built a business with a solid reputation, it was important to us that our clients would continue to be looked after with the same attention and support, following the transfer. We firmly believe that the culture at Shorts aligns with our own and we are confident that we leave our clients in the very safest of hands at Shorts going forward.”

New chair appointed at Ashgate Hospice to lead charity

Ashgate Hospice has announced the appointment of Chris Hallam as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Chris, a distinguished Behavioural Psychologist with extensive leadership experience in the banking sector and consultancy, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the North Derbyshire hospice.

The 58-year-old, who was formally appointed to the role at a trustee meeting in May, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to building on the hospice’s remarkable achievements and advancing its mission.

Chris said: “What a huge privilege it is to be given this chance to lead such an important organisation like Ashgate Hospice.

“I am in awe of everything our staff, volunteers, patrons, supporters and patients do to make the hospice the place it is today.

“My personal values of kindness, fairness, and togetherness align closely with Ashgate’s values of compassion, teamwork, and being respectful, open, and inclusive.

“I have deep roots in this area, having been nurtured by the communities of North Derbyshire. My role at Ashgate is a wonderful chance to give back to the community that has been a significant part of my life.”

Chris was inspired to work with Ashgate Hospice after a personal experience when his school friend received care at a hospice.

The care and support his friend received “made a profound difference to him and his family”, and Chris wanted to do his bit to help other families in similar circumstances.

Expressing excitement about the future of Ashgate Hospice, Chris added: “The superb leadership team is developing ambitious plans to ensure we continue to grow and spread the Ashgate magic far and wide.

“Our priorities will focus on expanding our reach, improving our services, and innovating in how we deliver care to a broader community.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is the lack of funding for end-of-life care. We must raise our voice nationally to address this issue.

“Despite these challenges, I am confident in our ability to continue providing exceptional care.”

Competition success for Learning Curve Group students

Students at Chesterfield’s Learning Curve Group have been praised for claiming top prizes in a series of national competitions.

In Blackpool at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists competition, Learning Curve took home the following accolades.

First place 1960s Makeup by our Level 2 student Emily Wharton
First place for creative nail art by our Level 2 student Cassie Swindell
Fourth place Bridal Makeup by Level 2 student Emily Wharton

Students competed against substantial community/ public colleges of which entered several students in each competition. However with practice, skill, high levels of creativity and perseverance Learning Curve managed to take home three wins.

At the World Skills Beauty Therapy competition, Learning Curve initially entered 10 media makeup students, a mixture of level 2 and level 3 in the photographic entry stage back in May. The college managed to gain a place for all students to compete in the regional stage, which was an outstanding achievement, especially when only just over 1000 students gained places in this stage across the UK.

Learning Curve Group also entered 3 Beauty Therapy students, another mixture of level 2 and level 3 students into the Beauty therapist and Practitioner competitions.

Upon this success, in June, Learning Curve took students to York City College to participate in the next stage of the competition. Learners demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage and determination. Now, students and tutors are awaiting results from this competition . If the team are to be successful, the next stage will be the national Competition which is held in Manchester in November.

Lastly, another Learning Curve student, Naomi Morris, started her journey with the college aged just 16 years old as a Study Programme Learner. Naomi completed 3 years at the Chesterfield Academy where she studied Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Level 4 Diploma in Permanent Hair Removal & Skin Rejuvenation. She has since been successful in being offered a place with Steiner Cruise Ships and is due to start her new job role this year.

Spireites land new stand sponsorship deal

A new sponsorship deal has been agreed which will see the West Stand at the SMH Group Stadium re-named The LMD Vacuum Excavation (West) Stand.

Commenting on the news, Mick Dysart, LMD Vacuum Excavation’s managing director, said: “We are really proud to be able to sponsor the West Stand.

“We’re lifelong supporters and it is a real privilege to be able to do something for the community and sponsor the club.

“Being in the Football League is where we should be as a club, and I think we have got a squad that can compete at the top of end of the table.”

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield’s marketing manager, said: “I would like to thank LMD Vacuum Excavation for their valued support.

“We look forward to working with Mick, Sandra and the team and establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Based at Duckmanton, LMD Vacuum Excavation operate nationwide, working with blue chip construction firms and utility companies.

The company is one of the largest operators of vacuum excavation in the UK.

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield business growth, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield Business Success, chesterfield champions, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield

Destination Chesterfield Chair wins prestigious property award

15th July 2024

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has won a prestigious regional award for his services to the property and construction sector.

Peter took home the Property Personality of the Year Award at the Insider South Yorkshire Property Dinner 2024.

The event at Sheffield City Hall celebrated the best completed projects, deals and industry individuals in the region, with the Property Personality category being voted for by colleagues across the property sector.

As co-founder of Bolsterstone Group, Peter has worked on and delivered a variety of projects in our area. One of Peter’s main regeneration projects in our town has been the Chesterfield Waterside Scheme, which has seen success with new housing and a modern seven-storey office, One Waterside Place, built and already fully occupied.

Further development at Waterside seeks to deliver a hotel, multi-storey car park and residential accommodation, centred around the new canal basin and a pedestrianised public realm.

Speaking on his award win, Peter Swallow commented: “I was surprised and thrilled to receive the Property Personality award. It was made even more special by the fact that it was voted for by colleagues across the regional property sector.

“I would like to thank all those people for their support and would also like to express my gratitude for the collaboration across the sector, which has enabled regeneration across several key sites in our region.

“Many congratulations to all the winners and nominees at the event, Our role as a sector in making towns and cities better places to live, work, and play should never be underestimated.”

Further investment opportunities are available at Chesterfield Waterside and across our town. Find out more about why Chesterfield is ideally located to support the growth of your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield news, Chesterfield Property News, Destination Chesterfield, peter swallow, Property and construction, Property and Construction in Chesterfield