Development

Chesterfield College is shortlisted for a national award for a new teaching and learning initiative

Chesterfield College has been shortlisted for a Tes (Times Education Supplement) Further Education Award for Best Teaching and Learning initiative.

The college recently introduced a programme called ‘Aspire’ designed to complement and enhance teaching and learning. All students at college now take part in the programme, designed to develop happy, healthy, confident and capable students and apprentices. This impressed judges and earned the college a place on the shortlist alongside other further education providers across the country.

The Aspire programme, which started before the pandemic, has been developed over the last year. It has already had a huge impact on learners. Attendance, retention and achievement rates have significantly improved. The quality of student work has also improved. For example, there was a 56% increase from merit to distinction in hairdressing, and a 25% increase from merit to distinction for beauty students.

The programme works by:

  • Enabling students to feel hopeful and optimistic about their future. It helps to identify their purpose, develop their voice, influence and place in society so they reach their full potential.
  • Providing a holistic wrap around service that effectively prepares students for destinations that meet their needs and interests. This enables them to thrive, flourish and succeed in their future lives and careers.
  • Enabling students to learn well, progress and succeed in all aspects of their development. This includes their personal, social, educational and employability skills, physical and mental health and wellbeing, and their ability to stay safe.

Jackie Rossa, executive director for quality improvement and assurance said: “The impact of the Aspire programme is profound. By developing skills as part of the programme, students have made better progress in their vocational areas. It has enabled us to realise our ambition for our students and apprentices. We look forward to building on this success. I am delighted we have been shortlisted for this award and I am very proud of the way students and staff have embraced Aspire over the last year. ”

Tes head of FE Julia Belgutay said: “Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our Tes FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist – it is a brilliant achievement.”

Winners of the Tes awards will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 28 May.

Chesterfield College 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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Council joins University of Derby’s new employee mental health support scheme

Chesterfield Borough Council has become the latest organisation to join the University of Derby’s Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP), which provides support to businesses and their employees affected by mental health issues.

The Council joins more than 30 other organisations, and their 10,000 employees, who have now signed up to the scheme funded by Midlands Engine.

The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot implements new workplace interventions at pilot organisations and rolls out existing interventions in businesses, with the intention of reducing mental health distress and breaking down any barriers to accessing care.

The aim is to support employees who are experiencing mental distress or illness to either remain engaged and productive at work, or successfully transition back to work after a period of absence.

Since launching in 2020, the University of Derby has enhanced the original MHPP offer by working with academics within the University to offer new short courses and webinars to businesses involved in the pilot, and, in response to the pandemic, is now supporting several organisations with their Leadership and Management programmes, Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Covid recovery agenda.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Business Transformation and Customers, said: “We are really pleased to have joined the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot. As part of our commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our staff, we want to create an environment where our staff can speak openly about mental health and be aware of the support that is available to them, and we believe joining the pilot will help us achieve this.

“As part of the pilot, we will be able to access new resources and training that will help support our health and wellbeing agenda, and raise awareness of mental health in the workplace. We look forward to working in partnership with the University of Derby.”

Dr Paula Holt MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby and Clinical Lead for the MHPP, added: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council has chosen to join the growing list of organisations that the University is now working with as part of the scheme. We look forward to working with staff there to help reduce the prevalence of mental health difficulties and increase productivity among the workforce.

“We are now working with businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire to help integrate effective mental health provision within their working environment and would welcome enquiries from businesses of any size who are interested in working with us to create a ‘road map’ of support for their employees.”

The pilot links employers directly to initiatives such as Every Mind Matters, This is Me and Mental Health First Aid, which all provide expert guidance.

Businesses taking part will be asked to commit to an initial meeting to discuss how the programme would work for their company, creating a roadmap for its success, and promoting their commitment to the pilot in the workplace.

This week is currently mental health awareness week, and organisations across Chesterfield are raising awareness through a variety of initiatives. You can find out more here. 

Dr. Paula Holt MBE

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Chesterfield’s hospitality sector gears up for full reopening

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is gearing up for the full re-opening of indoor dining and drinking venues under step three of the easing of lockdown.

Thanks to takeaway, delivery and, more recently, outdoor seating, a limited number of pubs, cafés and restaurants have been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic. However, with the lifting of restrictions to allow indoor dining and drinking, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are set to completely re-open from Monday 17 May.

Delighted to be finally fully re-opening Douglas Daniels, owner of The Market Pub commented: “We’re greatly looking forward to getting back, as are the whole team. We’ve really missed all of our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back into The Market Pub.

“Independent businesses give towns and cities their unique character and help to offer an alternative to the national chains. They’re also usually the first to reflect new trends and attitudes. We’ve got many new things on the way and we look forward to showcasing them soon.”

Tracey Wallis, Owner of The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We are really looking forward to being back, it’s been such a long time and we’ve missed our wonderful customers. We’re already taking plenty of bookings, so it shows that people have missed us too!

“The last 14 months have been a struggle to say the least, but I am positive that Chesterfield’s independent businesses and the hospitality sector will bounce back with a vengeance.

“Roll on 17 May when we can begin serving our much-loved range of Northern Tea Merchants’ teas and coffees again, alongside freshly prepared breakfast favourites, light lunches and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and scones.”

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands and Owner of Casa Hotel added: “Every time we have been closed, we’ve been determined to come back bigger and better and now is no different. Although we have been closed, we have been very busy! We have built the new Oak Room extension to our wedding venue, extended the terrace and built a brand-new kitchen at Peak Edge Hotel.

“At Casa, we are refurbishing the Cocina Restaurant with luxurious new booths and décor. The bar will be extensively refurbished with an amazing new design and concept – it will be the place to be in the town.

“The love everyone has shown us throughout the last year has been keeping us going. We have in fact remained open throughout the entire pandemic by supporting the NHS with free accommodation and food and, more recently, the vaccine centre here at Casa. Let us hope this is us opening for good and for an amazing summer ahead.”

During lockdown, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield supported the hospitality sector by dedicated a full page on its website, pointing customers to where they could access both takeaway and delivery services.

The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/ has details of restaurants, with sub-pages for cafés, pubs, bars and tea rooms in and around Chesterfield that have continued to operate by adapting to meet the needs of the community.

The page will continue to be updated and live until all businesses in the sector are fully operational.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Eating and drinking out, especially in Chesterfield, is all about great customer service and a fantastic product. Takeaway and delivery services have been wonderful throughout the pandemic and we’re all grateful for the hard work it took the businesses to adapt overnight and deliver this.

“But I think the town is now ready to get back into our favourite pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants to enjoy the warm atmosphere and see those familiar, friendly faces once more. We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local businesses in what’s such a crucial time for the hospitality sector.”

To find out more about eating and drinking out in Chesterfield, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Love Chesterfield

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

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Brand new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 launched to celebrate business community’s unsung heroes

Recognising the heroes of the business community over the last year, Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards have been combined to create the brand-new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021.

After what has been a challenging time during the pandemic, the new awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

And because the high street and hospitality businesses recognised in the Love Chesterfield Awards are all at the heart of the community, Destination Chesterfield is asking people to nominate who they think should win one of these prestigious awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, nominations for the brand new awards are now open. Nominations can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

Nominated 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 organisers plan to host a black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre in October, bringing together the business community and recognising its heroes.

Commenting on the launch of the brand-new Love Chesterfield awards, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but I think we can all agree that the resilience demonstrated by our local business community has been nothing short of inspiring.

“The new Love Chesterfield Awards recognises all sectors of the business community and the role everyone has played in the town’s economic survival and recovery from the pandemic.

“I urge everyone to get involved and put forward their favourite businesses for the new Love Chesterfield Awards – it’s never been more important to recognise the work of our community’s heroes.”

There are 16 categories in total in the new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021, however people can nominate across 12 categories:

• Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor EntireFM
• Pub/Bar of the Year
• Café of the Year
• Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd
• Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
• Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Market Trader of the Year
• Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group
• Independent High Street Business of the Year

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 include the Sustainability Award, Community Contribution, Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

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.

Peter Currey, Managing Director at EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards. Our team is looking forward to the build-up and, indeed, the event itself in October. EntireFM works closely with a number of clients within the retail and hospitality industry and at all levels of the supply chain. It’s been a difficult past year for both of these industries for sure and we’ve seen a lot of businesses have to dig deep to pull through.

“Being part of the Love Chesterfield Awards is, of course, a great opportunity for EntireFM as a local business. It’s an opportunity for us, and other local businesses, to give recognition to the great businesses we have here in Chesterfield and the faces behind them.”
Nominate online at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/ until midnight on 31st May 2021.

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

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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Businesses back Love Chesterfield campaign by telling us their favourite things about the town

With Covid-19 restrictions lifting and our high-streets, markets and visitor attractions beginning to re-open, now is the time to shout about all the things that are great about Chesterfield!

Businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are backing the newly-launched Love Chesterfield campaign, launched in partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield,  by telling us the reasons they enjoy living and working in the town.

To find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign and how you can get involved in supporting the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

You can also support your favourite local businesses in the town by nominating them at the newly-launched Love Chesterfield Awards 2021. Find out more about the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/

“I would describe Chesterfield as a friendly, welcoming and historic town. It has some great independent restaurant offerings and has an expanding accommodation offer. It truly is the gateway to the peak district.”

Lee Barnes, Managing Director of Inspire Design and Development Ltd.

“There is so much change and development for Chesterfield at the moment, which is sure to make a lot of impact. Due to the nature of our business, I’m looking forward to seeing what will become of the Town Centre Redevelopment.”

Natalia Marchetta: Co-owner, Salute Prosecco

“My vision of the future of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire is a happy one but it does depend on people continuing to use the town and our fabulous collection of shops, bars, restaurants and salons. Together we can ensure that Chesterfield continues to thrive and takes its rightful place as an excellent tourist destination and a wonderful place to live, work and play”

Laura Jo Owen, Adorn Jewellers

ryan essential site skills

“The area has a powerful sense of community, always rallying together in times of crisis. Because of this, I have no doubt that Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a whole will bounce back from Covid-19 and be stronger than ever.”

Ryan Cancellara, Business Development Manager, Essential Site Skills.

“I was born and raised in Chesterfield and am proud to work and live in the area. I love living so close to the Peak District and enjoying all the town has to offer. I always love going to the Chesterfield Artisan Market. It is a great way to support small, local businesses and find unique gifts for people (or myself!)”

Phoebe Sellars, Business Development and Loan Manager at Bridge Help.

Champion of the Week

“There’s a fantastic community spirit amongst Chesterfield businesses and a wide range of business support available. This has led to some fantastic collaborations between local businesses and a great range of local events.”

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator for West Studios

steve perez honorary degree

The people in Chesterfield make the area a great place in which to run a business. Chesterfield has its roots as an industrial town, which you can see in people’s hard working ethic. People are the most important part of running a successful business, and without them our businesses would not be where they are today.

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands, Owner of Casa Hotel and The Peak Edge Hotel.

“Chesterfield has a great business community, and I have found everyone is so welcoming. The location is perfect being so close to so many things. I am pleased I chose Chesterfield for our training school the easy access, by bus, train, and car was a real selling point for us.”

Jane Manfredi, ProMUA & Beauty Training

“The growth of the food and drink scene over the last decade has been amazing, seeing an eclectic mix of new restaurants open over the last decade has been great.”

Tom Currey, Sales Director at Dales & Peaks.

 

“Everyone I speak with, whether it’s an individual or business, has a genuine affinity to help and support local people and businesses. It doesn’t matter how much the town grows, we all still retain the community spirit and prefer to support the local independent businesses.”

David Armé, Cheetham Jackson Ltd

It’s a town that continues to evolve and grow as at any one time there are always a number of exciting developments taking place.

Jon Stones, managing Director of Mortgage 1st

“The camaraderie of the local businesses is what makes Chesterfield so different. We all want to help develop the town, provide quality workspaces for growing teams and support one another. The town is so close to the peak district and provides quality hotels and B&Bs for people who are visiting.”

Jessica Risorto, Chesterfield Area Manager at Redbrik Estate Agents

 

“The best thing about working in Chesterfield is the lovely characters who are our loyal customers and they keep small businesses like the one I work for going. Their show of support for the community in difficult and challenging times has been fantastic.”

Georgina Page, R.P Davidson The Cheese Factor

“Chesterfield is really going places and I think with projects like the Northern Gateway it will help transform the town into an innovative, sustainable and above all enjoyable place to live and work.”

Matt Bust, Business Support Manager at Woodhead Construction

“I think the next ten years look very promising and there is huge potential for Chesterfield and the developments we are seeing. I hope that these developments prove successful and that businesses are encouraged and incentivised to take up these fantastic new premises and turn them into thriving hubs of activity and entertainment.”

Nick Evans, Director of Milestone Financial Planning

“I moved to Chesterfield 28 years ago and from the very beginning people were always so friendly to me but I’ve felt the most benefit since working in the voluntary sector. On the whole people are so kind and supportive of each other but where there are problems or people in need there is such a fantastic network of people and organisations out there and always someone willing to help.”

Debbie Fennell, Derbyshire Voluntary Action

 

“I see Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire in a good place at the moment. There seems to be lots happening and there are some really passionate and driven individuals”

Paul Ryan, Partnership Development Manager for Shape Learning Partnership


“There’s so much talent out there locally and lots of small businesses with great ideas and products.”

Lesley Winnard, Workpays

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

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Love Chesterfield aims to boost the local economy

As lockdown eases, now’s the time to rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield – that’s the message behind a new campaign being launched to encourage people to love the town and borough and support local businesses.

The new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign has been launched today (Monday 10 May) by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions continue to ease.

Centred around Chesterfield town centre, and the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, the campaign is encouraging people to seek out Chesterfield’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “Our local businesses have had a year like no other and it’s never been more important that we each do our bit and help support them as best we can as national restrictions continue to ease.

“There’s a lot to love about our town and borough – things we have all missed during lockdown – and that’s exactly what our new Love Chesterfield campaign aims to shine a spotlight on.

“We’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and through the Love Chesterfield campaign we will be encouraging everyone to carry on shopping locally and safely.”

The marketing campaign will feature in local magazines and newspapers, and across social media. People will be able to sign up to receive Love Chesterfield news by email, which will include details of local events and ways to get involved. Market Traders will also be giving away special edition Love Chesterfield shopping bags.

Each month there will be the chance to win a gift from a local independent shop by taking part in a Love Chesterfield survey. The prize, worth up to £50, will showcase the great products that can only be bought in Chesterfield town centre.

Love Chesterfield Banner

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, added: “In the town centre alone there are around 200 independent retailers here you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products. Add to these retailers the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available and of course the numerous Markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone here.

“As restrictions ease, we are all getting back out, shopping and safely socialising with friends and family once again. There is no better place to do that than on Chesterfield’s high streets, which of course include Hasland, Staveley, Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield is partnering with the council to develop and deliver the Love Chesterfield campaign.

“Supporting the high streets and the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are part of it should be – and is – a team effort. We are all committed to Chesterfield’s high streets thriving long term and the Love Chesterfield campaign is an excellent vehicle for us all to get behind and raise awareness of everything that is great about the town and borough.”

Chesterfield Borough Council was awarded £96,000 from the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund. Some of this has already funded marketing campaigns such as the successful Christmas campaign and the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House and is also funding the Love Chesterfield campaign.

Cllr Gilby added: “We’ve used the government funding wisely here in Chesterfield to support businesses and the local economy. We have employed a Covid-19 information officer who has been advising businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and how to operate safely and our dedicated town centre engagement officer has been a lifeline for many retailers and hospitality businesses. Using the funding to promote the town centre and the borough’s high streets has been essential. And it’s paying off – the town centre is busy and it’s great to see new businesses opening too.

“It is now time to talk up Chesterfield. Let’s show our fantastic high street businesses some love.”

Find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Banner

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

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New coffee shop opens inside Chesterfield’s H&F furniture store

A brand-new coffee shop has opened in Chesterfield, located within the H&F furniture store on New Beetwell Street in the heart of town.

Chesterfield Coffee Co. is being described as a relaxing place for customers to unwind, whether people are browsing the shop for furniture and home accessories, or just want to pop in for a speciality coffee.

The new cafe has been developed in a vibrant and atmospheric space, whilst still incorporating the original features of the old corn mill.

H&F has been providing Chesterfield with handcrafted furniture for over 10 years, and the latest addition to the store will provide an ideal space to meet with friends and sample quality produce from many local suppliers, all based around the stunning Peak District.

The team says it is now looking forward to welcoming customers with coffees produced by talented coffee roasters who pride themselves on individuality, alongside a helping of sourdough bread and handmade pastries from local bakeries.

One staff member, Victoria said: “I am very excited to be a part of the new team at Chesterfield Coffee Co. we will be producing quality artisan sandwiches, salads and pastries as well as working within a environment which has a fresh decor inspired by a chilled Nordic and Scandinavian style and design. I am especially looking forward to welcoming customers old and new back to the coffee shop.”

Manager of the shop, Finley commented: “I am thoroughly excited to bring a city vibe to Chesterfield. After living in Leeds for the past four years, I wanted to bring some of those qualities here for people to enjoy, where everyone can enjoy the surroundings and atmosphere of our individual space. Whether you just want relax friends or have a change from working from home, it would be great to to see you all.”

 

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Special edition Gin launched by Derbyshire Distillery to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare

Derbyshire Distillery have teamed up with the Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council to launch a special edition pink gin to help raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Derbyshire Distillery was established in early 2018, using only the finest local and international ingredients. Demand has continued to grow across Derbyshire and the Peak District and beyond.

This collaboration with the Chair of the Council will see a cherry flavoured gin and glitter, it is sure to be a big hit amongst gin lovers and will be available for sale via the Derbyshire Distillery website, by visiting their premises in Markham Vale or from Chesterfield Football Club.

All of the proceeds will go towards helping raise money to support Ashgate Hospicecare in the work they do to provide palliative care to patients and support they provide to many families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Richard Aspinall, sales manager at Derbyshire Distillery said: “We wanted to see how we could help raise money for a local charity and Martin approached us to ask if we could produce a gin in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

“We set to work by producing a nice, pink and glittery gin, thanks to the brilliant work of our head distiller, Oliver Meakin. I would also like to thank Paul Truscott, who designed the label for the bottles.

“We think it is a nice way to raise funds for Ashgate Hospicecare, whereby people can have a good time and enjoy a gin and tonic (responsibly of course!)”

Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Martin Thacker MBE, said, “It has been a fantastic experience working with Derbyshire Distillery to produce this incredible special edition gin. It is sure to be a big hit with gin lovers and as a special edition – make sure you get your hands on a bottle before they run out!”

“Of course, the main reason for producing this limited edition gin is to help support my charity this year in office – Ashgate Hospicecare. All profits from the sales of the gin will be donated to the charity. The work they do to help families in their tough and distressing times is incredible and I would like to do everything possible to help support them in continuing their fantastic work and care they provide”.

The gin comes in 50cl bottles at £25 and is available to purchase from: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/ and Chesterfield Football Club.

Derbyshire Distillery, Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield FC support 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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Businesses Given Access to Leadership Skills Development Through New Project

Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can access support in developing leadership and management skills through a new project which is set to launch this month through the University of Derby.

The Smart and Inclusive Leadership (SAIL) project will support employees of SMEs in developing the leadership and management skills needed to drive productivity and growth. Supervisors, managers, recent graduates and aspiring leaders will be able to start the online programme from 24 May 2021. Coaching and mentoring to support career development will also be available to participants.

The project is part of the European Social Fund (ESF) High Level Skills programme. A second project focusing on developing science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills will also be offered later in the year. Both projects will be delivered by a consortium of higher education, further education and third sector organisations. Led by Nottingham Trent University (NTU), the consortium includes the University of Derby, Derby College, Nottingham College, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, Inspire Culture and Learning, and the Workers’ Educational Association.

The projects, part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), will be bolstered by the same amount in match funding by delivery partners, meaning there is no cost to eligible organisations that choose to participate.

Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be part of these two new projects aimed at supporting SMEs and their employees with specific focus on the development of high-level skills.

“Partnerships between business, universities and other education providers are essential for driving innovation in the region and we are pleased to be part of the consortium delivering this training.”

Both projects will encourage participation of people underrepresented in both leadership and management, and STEM. This includes but is not limited to; women, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups, disabled people, people living in a single adult household with dependent children, and people without basic skills qualifications.

To find out more about how to join the upcoming leadership programme, visit Smart and Inclusive Leadership Programme and for further information on the STEM programme visit Branch Out in STEM.

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Love Brewing turns beer making into a social occasion with new product

Chesterfield’s Love Brewing has launched a new range of products aimed at turning the art of beer and cider making into a social activity.

‘Love Brewing Together’ is a new way to enjoy home brewing that can include your friends, family or colleagues. Customers are invited to choose their group of participants (5 minimum) and what they want to brew – either beer or cider. The company says more options will be available in the future.

The group is then given the opportunity to meet virtually, and have an expert talk through the process from start to finish in an online video meeting.

Business Development Manager for Love Brewing, Rob George said: “At love Brewing we’ve been thinking of ways that people who are new to home brewing can give it a try and share the experience with others in a fun and sociable way.

“We make it as easy as possible by packaging together the equipment and beer kits, and if required, our experienced staff will host an online meeting and guide everyone along at a pace to suit.

“With remote working being more common, and people who’ve missed their friends and family, or live at a distance, it’s a great way to catch up, have a few laughs and create some delicious drinks along the way. It’s also an ideal team bonding exercise, and we’ve had a lot of interest already from business owners who want to give their staff a fun experience that can be done from home.

“The founder of Love Brewing, Richard Blackwell, has been putting content online for years, and our YouTube channel gets thousands of visitors every day from people learning how to make home brew, so there’s a huge wealth of knowledge for people to dig into if they wanted to learn more, but these online events are aimed at complete beginners. We’ve many experienced staff who are passionate about home brewing and happy to share their knowledge.

“I personally have an online catch up with a group of university friends who are spread around the UK, so I’m going to see if they fancy joining me to make a Beerworks IPA from the Craft Brewery series. It’ll be my first try at home brew, and considering I work for Love Brewing, I had better make sure it turns out nice!”

To find out more about the new ‘Love Brewing Together’ packages, head over to the company’s website.

Love Brewing 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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Bridge Help adds to growing team

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has added to its growing team with the appointment of Naseer Ahmed as Head of Sales for London and the South East.

Naseer’s appointment at the fast-growing short-term lender is one of a number of regional business development appointments being made by the company in 2021 to meet national demand for its loan products.

Naseer brings 13 years in client relationship management and corporate and commercial banking to his new role at Bridge Help. He boasts 10 years’ experience with major high street banks where he specialised in commercial banking before making the move to the bridging sector in 2019. He joins Bridge Help from TFG Capital Limited and, prior to that, Kuflink.

Explaining what attracted him to the role, he said: “Bridge Help offers a fresh and evolving approach in a saturated market. The company puts relationship-building at the heart of the deal backed by some excellent inhouse systems.”

Welcoming Naseer to Bridge Help, Chief Executive Chris Sellars said: “Naseer’s appointment represents a very important milestone for the business. Our loan book is growing daily and its important to me that we have the right people, like Danny, in place at a regional level to continue to develop solid, long-term relationships with brokers throughout the country. I am confident that Naseer will make significant inroads with brokers in London and the South East.”

Naseer added: “Having recruited teams myself in my previous banking roles I could identify with Chris at interview. He really wanted to get to know me as a person. His passion and vision for the business is very exciting and I am delighted to join the team.”

Outside work, Naseer enjoys spending time with his young family and being outdoors. He has recently taken up fishing despite his dislike of live fishing bait. “I like to push myself out of my comfort zone,” he explained.

Naseer is one of a number of strategic business development appointments that Bridge Help will be making in order to deliver more than £25 million in short-term loans this year.

Brokers and borrowers have not only been attracted by the client-first approach and attractive terms that Bridge Help offers, but also the firm’s dedicated legal and valuation teams which have ensured that property investors have been able to get deals over the line quickly and benefit from the current stamp duty holiday.

To arrange a meeting with Naseer or speak to one of our business development team in your region, contact Bridge Help on 033 3303 4681.

Bridge Help 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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