Development

Call to get behind #LoveChesterfield and support local businesses as lockdown eases

Businesses are being supported to boost their profile – and encourage more people to shop local as lockdown eases – as part of a new campaign showcasing everything that’s great about Chesterfield.

Independent shops, bars and eateries are among the businesses encouraged to take advantage of a new #LoveChesterfield support pack, featuring a range of free marketing materials which they can use to collectively celebrate the unique products and experiences available in the borough.

It’s part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched last week by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and based on consultation with local businesses.

The pack includes a range of customisable images and resources for businesses to use on their social media, posters and window vinyl designs – all of which can be downloaded for free.

And to help shine a spotlight on what’s on offer over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend, businesses and residents are being encouraged to use the resources to get behind a #LoveChesterfield social media day from 9am to 9pm on Friday 28 May – using the hashtag to showcase great local products and services.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our town centre and high streets have got so much to offer, and we’re keen to do all we can to help businesses showcase their unique products and services.

“Together, we’re stronger and by working in partnership under the Love Chesterfield campaign we can really harness the appeal and attractiveness of our historic town.

“Since our launch last week we’ve had a lot of local support – our community is proud and resilient, and people have shown that they want to get out and about to help our local businesses get back on their feet as lockdown eases.”

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Crooked Spire Facebook & LinkedIn

Businesses can follow these top five tips to get involved in the Love Chesterfield campaign (full details at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/business-support-pack/)

  • Use #lovechesterfield on social media channels
  • Encourage your customers and staff to sign up for the Love Chesterfield E-Newsletter
  • Send us your news stories and promote your events and activities with us
  • Use the campaign graphics and support Love Chesterfield
  • Create graphics bespoke to your business

You can find out more and download the Love Chesterfield campaign materials at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/business-support-pack/

Businesses are also being encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of support available to them from the council and Destination Chesterfield, as part of wider economic recovery plans.

The Supporting Our High Street campaign will signpost people to the latest advice, guidance and training that is available to local businesses. This includes support from a town centre engagement officer, as well as help to get set up in business online. Visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/supporting-our-high-street/ for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

East Midlands unemployment rate is falling at joint-fastest level in UK regions

The East Midlands jobs market is picking up faster than just about every region in the country, according to the latest Government figures.

Between January and March this year, the region’s unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over was 4.9% – a 1% decrease on the previous three-month snapshot from October to December 2020.

This trend is well above the -0.3% change to the national unemployment rate and the joint-fastest decrease in people out of work proportionally alongside the North East.

The total figure reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is one-tenth of a percentage point above the 4.8% UK average, which fell from 4.9% in the previous quarter.

In the February to April 2021 period, the number of UK workers on payrolls rose by 97,000 on the previous quarter, while job vacancies rose by 48,400 – although these figures remain 772,000 and 128,000 lower, respectively, than the pre-pandemic levels from January to March 2020.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The decline in the unemployment rate and the rise in payroll employment is further confirmation that the East Midlands jobs market is now more resilient to the ongoing restrictions.

“Continued Government support and the easing of restrictions as the UK moved to step two of its roadmap helped drive higher payroll employment in April.

“The rise in the number of job vacancies points to an encouraging upturn in demand for labour amid the gradual reopening of the economy and the strong vaccine rollout.

“With business confidence higher than at any point in the pandemic, companies are gearing up to capitalise on a full reopening of the economy and restarting pre-Covid projects that had stalled, both of which demand more resources.

“For large periods of the pandemic, the East Midlands has borne the brunt of lockdown restrictions as our economy is well represented by many of the industries that have shut down, including hospitality, tourism and retail.

“As these industries reopen, we’ll see more people returning to jobs, while the region can also capitalise on a broader marketplace for jobseekers who will no longer be constrained by immediate geography in a future agile working environment.

“Our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2021, which received a record 539 responses from East Midlands businesses between 15 February and 8 March, showed that while a net 2%* of firms decreased headcount over the previous three months, a net 26% expected to increase their workforce over the following three months.

“With stage three of the roadmap since having commenced alongside a strong vaccine rollout, we can expect to see recruitment intentions speed up over the coming months – with the unemployment rate falling further as a result.

“UK unemployment remains on track to peak at a much lower level than in recent recessions. However, the Government must be prepared to intervene further in the jobs market if necessary as the squeeze on business cashflow from any marked delay to the planned full reopening of the economy may trigger renewed job losses, particularly when furlough becomes less generous over the summer.”

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Hundreds of vacancies up for grabs at the virtual jobs and training fair

Job seekers in Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to join a virtual jobs fair this month – which could put them on the path to a new career opportunity.

Chesterfield Borough Council is teaming up with North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council to give a boost to local residents’ employment prospects as the online jobs and training fair is set to highlight hundreds of opportunities across Derbyshire.

After the huge success of the previous virtual events, which saw over twenty businesses providing more than 200 employment opportunities, this next fair on Wednesday 26 May is aiming to be bigger and better yet, with even more employers attending.

The three local authorities have teamed up together to provide the two-hour online session where vacancies, training opportunities, employment help and advice will be available via social media, using the hashtag #DerbyshireJobsFair.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “Supporting our residents and local businesses is a vital part of our economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the jobs fair is the perfect chance for us to continue to help local people who are looking for their next employment opportunity during these challenging times.

“Our past events have been popular with local job seekers and employers, and we’re pleased to be working alongside our partner authorities again to support our local communities.”

Leader of Bolsover District Council, Steve Fritchley said: “This event is the perfect opportunity for us to support people after what has been a trying year for us all. We want to give our local economy a boost and helping people into employment and training is one way we are doing this, as well as undertaking a local Skills Audit and planning for an Institute of Technology (Centre of Excellence).”

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said, “We have hosted some fantastic online job fairs previously with our partners, helping to secure employment for our local communities.

“This next jobs fair is a great way for local businesses to take part and share their vacancies with us so we can help residents with employment opportunities and progress their career to the next level.”

Many employers are already signed up to take part in the event by sharing their vacancies using the hashtag, and all the opportunities will also be shared on the councils’ social media channels.

There will be a wide mix of job opportunities available, from more senior positions through to apprenticeships that are designed to help develop skills and experience. Chesterfield is an Apprentice Town and all three local authorities are committed to supporting young people progress in the world of work, through apprenticeship opportunities.

They will be key to helping ensure economic recovery because not only can they provide young people with new skills, they can also be used to recruit new staff, re-train or upskill existing staff.

The event will be held on 26 May from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm across all council’s social media channels. Businesses wishing to advertise and take part can do so free of charge. Email mark.szadura@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk or call 07973 343383 with your expression of interest.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

‘The Boutique Outlet’ is the Latest Pop-Up to Join Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is excited to announce the arrival of yet another new name to the centre.

‘The Boutique Outlet’ is a ladieswear pop-up, stocking popular brands such as French Connection, Masai, Mos Mosh, Salsa (jeans), Cream, Great Plains, Fransa and Postcard, always up to 80% off recommended retail price.

The boutique offers high quality fashion with a mix of formal, casual and occasion wear. Accessories such as scarves and handbags, as well as Lexus shoes, are also available.

The Boutique Outlet is situated on Steeplegate at Vicar Lane (opposite Qoozies), and is open Monday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to be welcoming yet another pop-up shop to Vicar Lane. The shop looks great and is packed full of great quality womenswear at reduced prices so pop in and get yourself a bargain!’’

The opening of the Boutique Outlet comes after a number of popular developments in Chesterfield Town Centre, with Chesterfield Escape Rooms now officially taking bookings, and The Vintage Tea Rooms also moving into a premises an Vicar Lane. Both venues are now open to customers following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK.

It also coincides with the current Love Chesterfield campaign, which is aimed at supporting the town’s retail and hospitality sectors by raising awareness of shopping and eating locally, along with re-discovering some of the town’s best-loved visitor attractions. People and businesses are being encouraged to use the hashtag #LoveChesterfield on social media to spread the word.

If you would like to find out more about Chesterfield’s range of high-street businesses, head over to our shopping page here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Escape Rooms celebrates official opening

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has officially opened to the public, after the highly-anticipated visitor attraction was given the green light by the easing of covid-19 restrictions.

There are a number of games to choose from at the venue, with the aim of solving the puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

An official ribbon cutting was carried out on Monday (17th May) by Chesterfield’s mayor, Cllr Glenys Falconer who enjoyed a game of ‘Rob The Bank’ during her visit.

Nick Hogan, owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms said: “It’s been a few months in the planning but it has finally happened, we’re open for business! Our original objective was to put a smile back on the face of Chesterfield and give the town centre a new focus and I think we have achieved it.

“We are only small cog in the amazing amount of positive activity taking place around the town, but nevertheless the feedback we are getting from the games is fantastic.”

The Escape Rooms now employs 15 staff on a mixture of permanent, Kickstart and casual contracts. They are all trained to ensure customers feel safe and enjoy their experience.

Nick continued: “What i have loved so far is watching teams from the Games Masters area, having fun. To see people together, smiling, laughing, joking and having fun has made the setting up of the business worthwhile. Our social reviews on trip advisor, Facebook and Google have been unbelievable and testament to the pride and hard work that all of the team put in to each game.”

“So many people i have spoken to have advised they have never played or even considered playing an escape room but have decided to support the business and give it a go. The very same people are the ones I love watching the most. One lady, who, in reception asked lots of questions due to her lack of understanding, was seen doing a full on fist pump when she solved her first clue!!”

“We really want our customers to embrace our different themes and experience all of the games and wow are some of them competitive! We have launched a set of monthly leader boards which are advertised in reception, starting the concept of being an ‘Escape Room Legend’ to get into our all-time Hall of Fame! A player must have successfully completed all three games to enter!”

To find out more about Chesterfield Escape Rooms and book your visit, head to http://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/ or email info@chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Businesses called on to enter new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021

Entrepreneurship, sustainability and community contribution from businesses will be recognised in the brand-new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021.

The search is now on to find the businesses and organisations that deserve recognition for their efforts over the last 12 months.

Entries are now being invited for four business categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021.

Businesses, projects and individuals are invited to enter Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors), the Sustainability Award, Community Contribution and Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by DBC Training) categories.

The introduction of the Sustainability Award is part of the combined efforts across Chesterfield to become carbon neutral. It will reward firms that have implemented positive changes over the past two years, which have resulted in significant benefits for the business.

Recognising the importance of helping start-up businesses in the town, the winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award will also receive a package of practical support. Category sponsor Banner Jones Solicitors’ will provide 10 hours of free mentoring with its commercial and employment law specialists and Destination Chesterfield will fund 12 months of marketing support through its Chesterfield Champions scheme.

Launched this month by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the new Love Chesterfield Awards aims to recognise the contribution that all consumer facing businesses and organisations make to the high street – from retailers and food and drink businesses to estate agents, charities and accountants and everything in between.

Entry to the awards is free and businesses can submit an application for any of the categories here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/nominate/apply-for-the-love-chesterfield-awards/. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 June.

Shortlisted businesses will be evaluated by a mystery panel of judges before the winners are announced on Wednesday 20 October.

Subject to COVID restrictions being lifted, the award organiser, Destination Chesterfield plans to host a black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre in October, bringing together the town’s business, retail and hospitality communities.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the launch of the new awards: “I think we can all agree that every sector and industry has faced its challenges over the last 14 months. It has been, and will continue to be, a joint effort to help the town recover from the pandemic and thrive in a post-lockdown climate. The collaborative approach utilised by many local businesses here in Chesterfield has been a huge part of the inspiration for the awards and we’re urging businesses to tell us their success stories.”

Peter Currey, Managing Director at EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management commented: “The Love Chesterfield Awards are a great opportunity for businesses across a range of different industries to get involved and give recognition to what we have as a town.

“Chesterfield seems to hold its own as a hub for many businesses of all sizes. We have some great names in the retail and hospitality industry in Chesterfield, but it’s great to see other areas being recognised this year including entrepreneurship, which is the driving force behind the growth and sustainability of the business activity we have here.”

In addition to the business categories, there are a further 12 categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021.

Members of the public are invited to nominate retailers and food and drink businesses for an award until midnight on 31 May 2021. Nominations can be made here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Spirecross Ltd.

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards or ceremony, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

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Medieval Masterpieces ‘coming home’ as Chatsworth House reopens

Two medieval masterpieces are returning to Chatsworth after more than 60 years and will go on display to visitors for one season only as the house reopens on Tuesday 18 May 2021.

At almost 600 years old and measuring more than 11 x 4 metres each, the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries are one of the largest pictorial representations of any kind from their period and the only great 15th century hunting tapestries to survive. Depicting medieval scenes of fabulously dressed noble men and women hunting in imaginary landscapes, they are believed to have been made in Arras, France between 1425-1450.

Having been closed for more than six months, the house will reopen its doors to ‘Life Stories’, a new exhibition that shares stories about the fascinating lives of people associated with Chatsworth through the placement of nine paired portraits and objects. Life Stories will run throughout the house before visitors reach the last room, the magnificent Sculpture Gallery, where the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries will be hung on the walls.

The tapestries belonged to the Devonshire family for more than 500 years before they were accepted by HM Government in lieu of tax payable on the estate of the 10th Duke of Devonshire. They were allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum where they have been housed ever since. Chatsworth is working in partnership with the V&A to bring the tapestries back to the house for this eight-month display.

The Duke of Devonshire: “It is a great privilege to welcome these tapestries back to Chatsworth; they had been part of the Collection for very many years until they were given in partial lieu of death duties in the 1950s. Since then they have been superbly looked after at the V&A Museum and we are delighted that they are allowing us to enjoy them here in Derbyshire once again for a few months in 2021.”

Tapestries were enormously costly objects in the Middle Ages and therefore the preserve of only the wealthiest families. The details of the tapestries give an insight into medieval life, but the action is set in imaginary landscapes. Hunting tapestries, with scenes of forests, people and animals, were a popular subject, transforming the cold and draughty interiors of medieval castles and mansions into forest glades.

The ‘Life Stories’ exhibition (18 May – 3 October 2021) includes the pairing of the artist Elisabeth Frink’s Tribute I with Angela Conner’s portrait of Frink herself; Alicia Paz’s painting Courage Calls to Courage Everywhere is connected to Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, to highlight her interest in politics, science and poetry; while Henry VIII’s rosary, Natasha’s Daintry’s 2015 ceramic work Skin Deep, and a recreation of Bess of Hardwick’s necklace of 1000 pearls, made by leading Derbyshire based jewellers C W Sellors, also feature. Focusing on the traces of lives in the house, the exhibition presents objects in new ways, demonstrating how past figures continue to resonate in our lives today.

The house completes a phased reopening at Chatsworth with the garden, farmyard and adventure playground already open to visitors.

Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance. Each area of Chatsworth will reopen in line with government guidance on social distancing, household mixing and travel restrictions applicable at the time.

Indoor restaurants will also reopen on 18 May while most other restrictions will be lifted from 21 June.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Local magazine group Heron Publications launches sixth title, ‘So Bolsover Magazine’

Expanding its coverage of the north Derbyshire district, magazine company Heron Publications has launched a brand new title – its sixth.

And a particularly busy month for the family-run company has also seen the printing of its largest ever publication.

‘So Bolsover’ magazine is the newcomer and 6,500 copies have been delivered free of charge to homes and businesses in and around the town. A bi-monthly glossy A4 title, the first edition has been particularly warmly welcomed by individuals, businesses and organisations.

It features plenty of relevant news, features and pictures from the Bolsover area, including columns by Town Mayor Paul Goodwin and Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher.

Said director Mike Firth: “It may seem a strange time to expand our business just as we are hopefully coming out of a pandemic, but the local community – through Old Bolsover Town Council – was very keen for us to launch one of our magazines in the area just as businesses are working hard to get back on their feet.

“They had seen Heron Publications’ titles in other towns and villages and wanted one of their own.”

Meanwhile, publication of the ‘Dronfield Eye 2021 Directory’ has been slightly delayed this year, but it has certainly been worth waiting for with a bumper 150-page edition due to land on doormats this week.

Sponsored by Dronfield Town Council, it includes listings of local groups, societies and sporting organisations, features on local happenings, a guide to local schools, a food and drink section, motoring news and much more.

Heron Publications, established for almost 20 years, also produce ‘Twist’ magazine in Chesterfield, ‘Wings’ in Wingerworth, Tupton and Ashover, ‘Active8’ in south Sheffield and the quarterly nostalgia periodical, ‘My Kind of Town’.

The company supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. The business, based in Dronfield, is proud to be one of the original Chesterfield Champions.

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Vicar Lane and its independent businesses support local work experience programme

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is once again proud to be working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), to develop a work experience programme, this time with the support of the centre’s independent retailers.

The programme, put together by Shaun Brown, Centre Manager of Vicar Lane, will see five learners from Shirebrook and Clay Cross working in independent shops, as well as the Centre Management office, at Vicar Lane.

The aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between education and the real world of work, with the learners receiving meaningful interactions with employers.

Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms are all getting involved in the programme.

The work experience programme is scheduled to start in May, with the learners working one day per week across ten weeks. The learners are currently studying a Customer Service qualification, and will be assessed whilst on their placements at the shopping centre.

Vicar Lane’s partnership with DACES began in 2019, and continues to grow, with Shaun Brown also planned to take part in the learners’ upcoming mock interviews, to help them overcome the nerves and build confidence.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “It is such a privilege to once again be working with a team of young people from the Chesterfield community. Previous initiatives produced some really positive results, and we’re really looking forward to having the learners as part of the Vicar Lane team over the next couple of months.

“A big thank you goes out to our wonderful indies, Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms for supporting this programme.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s diverse high street and retail scene over on our shopping page.

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

BHP announces relocation plans to Chesterfield’s Waterside development

Local accountancy firm BHP has announced plans to open a new office in the Chesterfield Waterside development – one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes.

The move to the innovative and sustainable £320 million Waterside scheme will allow for the expansion of the BHP team as they actively recruit in a number of roles.

Construction of the seven storey Grade ‘A’ office building, One Waterside Place, began last year. The steel frame is now complete, and the building will be made watertight and undergo an internal fit-out before businesses move in later this year.

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “Despite the wider economic uncertainty of the past year, our team has continued to grow, and Chesterfield has always been an important location for us.

“Waterside is a fantastic regeneration project and offers us a really exciting opportunity to provide first class office facilities for our team and also get behind transformational investment in the area.”

Built across 16 hectares on the edge of Chesterfield town centre, the development will transform the remains of the old Trebor and Arnold Laver factories and create a thriving and successful canal-side environment. The site will include housing, shops, bars, a hotel, an outdoor event venue, an ecological park and a canal basin marina.

With both the commercial and residential elements underway, Chesterfield Waterside is already becoming an enviable address to live and work.

Lisa Leighton continued: “Going forwards we expect most of our teams to adopt a seamless blend of office and home working in which the office will be a place for collaboration, sharing ideas, meeting clients, and for all our people to grow and develop.

“The building will be set within an attractive landscaped area and connected to a high-quality public square featuring the newly constructed canal basin.

“As well as state-of-the-art work space, we’re planning on off-setting our carbon footprint across the whole office and staff will benefit from commuter friendly walking and cycle paths, as well as good access to Chesterfield’s mainline train station.

“It is a hugely exciting time for our Chesterfield team, and we’re continuing to recruit in this area, so we would urge people to get in touch if they’d like to find out about the roles available.”

BHP has had a presence in Chesterfield since 1991. The company also has sites in Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds, and York.

With more than 350 staff, over the last ten years, BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m.

BHP was ranked 84th by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the second year running in 2020. The hard-fought and nationally celebrated list, which is now in its 20th year, recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

For more information about BHP, visit www.bhp.co.uk

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New ‘Garden Oasis’ open for Children at Kids Planet Sheepbridge

A brand-new outdoor garden oasis and forest school area have opened at Kids Planet Sheepbridge, one of five centres operated by the childcare firm in the Chesterfield area.

The well thought out garden environment offers children at the nursery on Dunston Trading Estate, Foxwood Road, the opportunity to explore and discover the natural world.

Designed and created in partnership with Newby Leisure, the garden, which includes a herb planting area, natural water features, mud kitchen and sandpit offers children a space full of sensory richness and away from technology.

Nursery Manager, Sarah Jones who believes it is essential for children to have the opportunity to spend time outdoors to build an important connection with the natural world said: ‘We were honoured here at Kids Planet Sheepbridge to have the Mayor of Chesterfield attend our setting. She spoke about the amazing charities she supports, which as a setting, we hope to raise funds for in the future.  The team have put in an incredible amount of work to create our fabulous outdoor space and the children are loving the time spent in their new outdoor environment”.

Speaking at the opening, The Mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Glenys Falconer said: “I was honoured to be invited to officially open the new outdoor area at Kids Planet Day Nursery Sheepbridge.  The staff were professional and informative, and I was amazed by the standard of the new high quality, stimulating environment provided by the nursery.  Kids Planet Sheepbridge is a lovely place for children to attend, and I look forward to hearing more about the Forest School classes they are running.”

The nursery, previously owned by Excellence in Childcare before being acquired by the award-winning, family-owned Kids Planet group in 2019, caters for babies to preschool and is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 am till 6:00 pm, 52 weeks of the year.  It also offers an Out of School and Holiday Club available for children from 4 to 11 years.

For details or to register a place, contact Sarah Jones at sheepbridge@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

Kids Planet supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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