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Nominate now! People urged to nominate their business heroes for Love Chesterfield Awards 2022

Chesterfield’s annual Love Chesterfield Awards are returning in 2022 to recognise the heroes of the town’s high street and wider business community.

The awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprenticeships and sustainability.

From now until the 31 May, people can nominate their favourite pub, restaurant, café, tearoom, food producer, independent and chain retailer, hospitality business, market trader and high street business across 10 categories in the annual awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, nominations for the prestigious awards 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 at a glittering black tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

With 310 new businesses opening in Chesterfield since the start of the pandemic, there should be no shortage of choice for nominations.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “The town’s businesses have, once again, proved that they don’t stand still in the face of adversity, adapting and, in some cases, expanding, during the pandemic.

“Nominating a business for a Love Chesterfield Award is an excellent opportunity for people to show their appreciation and gain public recognition for the town’s businesses that go the extra mile.”

Peter Currey, CEO of EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the headline sponsor of the awards, commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor, once again, for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise the many fantastic businesses, organisations and individuals that are working so hard to keep Chesterfield thriving.”

There are 15 categories in total in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022, however people can nominate across 10 categories:

  • Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management
  • Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
  • Independent High Street Business of the Year
  • Best New Hospitality Business
  • Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
  • Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley
  • Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Café/Tea Room of the Year
  • Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
  • Excellence in Customer Service

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors. Businesses can put themselves forward for one of these prestigious awards with entries opening for these categories from 12 May until 30 June.

As well as the individual award sponsors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Derbyshire Times, Elder Way and JP Fire Safety Solutions.

Nominate online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/ until midnight on 31 May 2022.

Peter Swallow added: “After the turmoil and uncertainty of the last two years, we expect the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards to be our biggest and best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the packages available.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at 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.

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

Events and activities to take place across Chesterfield to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Communities in Chesterfield are being encouraged to come together to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – with a number of exciting events planned across the town to help mark this historic milestone.

Chesterfield Borough Council is calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a great opportunity for local communities to come together and celebrate our Queen’s historic reign and we’d love to see the people of Chesterfield getting involved.

“To celebrate this anniversary, national events and initiatives will be taking place throughout the year and we’re really excited to join in the celebrations. We’ve also got plenty planned in the town centre over the bank holiday and throughout the year that the whole family will be able to join in with.”

Royal Chesterfield Exhibition

Although Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for a multimillion-pound refurbishment, local residents will still be able to take a look down memory lane as a pop-up ‘Royal Chesterfield Exhibition’ will take place at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, between Monday 30 May and Sunday 5 June 2022, visitors will be able to explore past royal visits and celebrations in Chesterfield, showing how local people marked Royal milestones. The exhibition is free to attend and features items from the collection relating to previous jubilees, going back to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Fun in the park

From Thursday 2 June to Monday 6 June, a fun-fair will be located in Queen’s Park with rides and entertainment on offer for the whole family.

A trip to the theatre

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, a unique documentary film on Her Majesty the Queen will be screening at the Pomegranate Theatre. Elizabeth – A Portrait in Parts, is a nostalgic, uplifting and fresh modern chronicle of the extraordinary 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen.

On Friday 3 June at 2pm, there will also be a feel-good performance at the Pomegranate Theatre. Starring comedy legend Jimmy Cricket and Leah Bell, ‘A right Royal Knees up’ is a feel-good performance with show-stopping scenes, sing-a-long memories and spectacular footage as we take a nostalgic journey through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Further information on both events, including details of how to book tickets, can be found at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/jubilee

Platinum Jubilee Tea Dance

The Mayor of Chesterfield is set to join local residents to celebrate the Jubilee in style by attending a special tea dance in the Ballroom at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 1 June from 3pm.

The Ashby “Little” Big Band with eight musicians and a singer will play a mix of ballroom and sequence in the beautiful ballroom at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk  or by calling the box office on 01246 345222.

More information about what’s on

For further information Jubilee events, including details of how to join in with national initiatives, residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the council’s social media channels and www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Residents encouraged to complete survey on high streets and town centres in the Chesterfield borough

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to complete a consumer survey to help us to learn more about how you use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick survey will ask you to tell us about markets you have visited, which high streets you visit regularly, eating out and your choice of entertainment.

Please spend a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 12 May 2022.

At the end of the questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see the ‘Crooked Spire Medieval, Murder-Mystery Musical’ on its opening night at the Pomegranate Theatre on Thursday 19 May 2022.

Complete the survey. 

You can find out more about what’s on offer across our local high streets in Chesterfield by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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

Major refurbishment to take place at prominent Chesterfield office building

A major refurbishment of prominent Chesterfield office space, The HQ, Rowland Hill House in Chesterfield is underway, resulting in a raft of new tenants.

The works being carried out by FI Real Estate Management includes a £1.2m remodelling of the ground and third floors, which has created brand new reception and meeting space and the ground floor has been split into a series of smaller suites in response to market demand. This is now fully occupied by a diverse range of businesses including software consultancy Forefront Technology and advertising agency, Eehhaaa.

The next phase of works will see a £1m+ refurbishment of the first and second floors that will see the space divided to provide smaller units, with discussions already ongoing with a number of interested parties from Derbyshire and beyond.

The HQ, Rowland Hill House offers a wide range of refurbished, flexible and affordable office space from 400 sq ft up – right up to 60,331 sq ft across four floors. Space can be divided in order to meet specific business requirements, with turnkey and bespoke packages available.

The property also boasts 326 on site parking spaces, unlike many office buildings in the area.

Situated within the heart of the historic market town of Chesterfield in Derbyshire, Rowland Hill House is just a 15 minute drive from the M1 and East Midlands Airport only a 40-minute car journey away.

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management commented: “We continue to see strong demand for high quality office space in prime locations in Derbyshire and the surrounding area, particularly those with ample on-site parking like here at The HQ, Rowland Hill House.

“Local and regional businesses are keen to find first class office environments but understandably want the flexibility to create solutions that are tailored to them and suit their unique needs. We’re able to offer traditional leases as well as bespoke, turnkey packages and are already seeing good interest in floors one and two on this basis.”

Find out more about the wide range of quality and affordable office spaces here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Vegan Market launches

Chesterfield will host a regular Vegan Market in 2022 that adds to the line up of specialist Sunday markets held in the town.

The Vegan Market is run by Rainbow Monkey Events Ltd and the first one will be held on Sunday 8 May from 10am to 4pm in New Square. There will be a wide selection of vegan traders both from Derbyshire and from further afield.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The specialist Sunday markets are proving really popular amongst both visitors and residents. It’s great that we’re working with another partner to increase the variety of Sunday markets.”

Chesterfield Vegan Market will offer an amazing range of vegan products including cakes, chocolate, dog treats, fudge, jewellery, household goods, clothing, pies, pizza, plastic free and zero waste solutions and a selection of hot food.

There will also be animal charities and rescue centres promoting the services they offer and a selection of vegan artists and creatives selling their artwork. Everyone is welcome at the market whether they are vegan or not and visitors are also able to bring along their canine companions.

Sam Brundish, founder of Rainbow Monkey Events, said: “We have chosen to run some of our ethical vegan events in Chesterfield as I have a long connection with the town – I attended Chesterfield College for my Foundation Degree and I’ve been eating at Elliott’s since I first went vegan 20 years ago! And, having previously traded at the vegan markets which were run in 2019, we are keen to bring a regular vegan market to the folks of Chesterfield and beyond!

“We have already booked in a number of exciting stalls so whether you are new to veganism or interested in any aspect of it from the tasty food to the animal rescues which are local to you, we welcome you all to Chesterfield Vegan Markets starting in May 2022.”

Specialist Sunday markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

On 8 May the Chesterfield Vegan Market will take place in New Square whilst the Record Fair takes place in the main market.

Future dates for the Chesterfield Vegan Market are Sunday 10 July and Sunday 4 September. All taking place in New Square from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more about the market at www.rainbowmonkeyevents.co.uk and follow the company for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Largest council housing development in a generation set to welcome new families

Local families are set to move into their new homes after works on the biggest council housing development in the borough since the 1980s are complete.

A £4.1m development has seen 21 brand new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green – the latest development as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable and accessible homes across the town.

The new development, named Badger Croft, comprises of ten two-bedroom houses, six three-bedroom houses, four four-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom bungalow – all of which will be let to local families on the council’s housing resister.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re pleased to see that this development is complete and ready to welcome families to their new homes. It’s the biggest council housing development of this generation, so it’s a huge milestone in our efforts to increase the housing supply across the borough.

“Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and these new properties will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for families in our borough.”

In response to the climate emergency that was declared by council leaders in July 2019, the council is committed to ensuring that all its housing stock is as energy efficient as possible.

Councillor Ludlow added: “It’s really important that new developments in the borough take account of environmental issues – contributing to a more sustainable future for us all.

“Living in a warm and energy efficient home is not only better for our planet, it will also reduce costs to run the property, offering affordable warmth to our tenants.”

Each of the new properties has increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Whilst works were ongoing on site, the council’s main contractor, Henry Boot Construction, worked with the local Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to complete additional landscaping works and environmental improvements close to the new development that will help to enhance the wider local community. This included the creation of wildflower meadows and planting that will help boost biodiversity and support pollinators.

Ryan O’Loughlin, Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a local contractor, it has been a pleasure working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver an exceptional development. Residential is a sector of strategic importance for Henry Boot Construction and this adds to our impressive portfolio of high-quality schemes.”

The council’s Local Plan encourages all schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art to the value of 1% of the total cost of the project, as part of the ‘Percentage for Art’ scheme which the council has operated since 1994.

This has been reflected with the development at Badger Croft where the council approached artists to submit proposals for an art installation that embraced a Badger theme associated with the area. After proposals were submitted, and through vigorous debate, local councillors made the decision to go with Coralie Turpin, who designed a 3.4m tall steel structure and then created a handmade mosaic design incorporating badgers and celebrating nature.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Workpays’ Big Assembly Wins at the 2022 Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards

Big Assembly, a project delivered by Workpays in association with its partners, has won the FE WEEK AELP Annual Apprenticeship Conference 2022 Award for Promoting Apprenticeships ‘Campaign of the Year’ at the award ceremony in Birmingham.

The annual event returned in 2022, with the broadcast informing thousands of young people about the benefits of apprenticeships. The live event enables schools, parents, students and employers to receive  information and advice about possible next steps in their careers.

For the 2022 event, The Big Assembly teamed up with companies such as Pret A Manger, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Alex Glasner, Managing Director at Workpays said: “It’s a real honour to be receive the Promoting Apprenticeship Campaign of the Year Award. Our entire team works hard throughout the year to provide young people with information and real stories about incredible apprenticeships.

“I’m proud that the work we are doing has been recognised with a national award. We will always keep young people and their careers at the centre of what we do.”

Twenty-four awards winners were recognised at the awards including Workpays, revealed at the ceremony in Birmingham as part of the two day conference which is held annually.

There are many great opportunities to become an apprentice across Chesterfield, with more than 2,500 people currently taking part in an apprenticeship in the town.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.

Workpays 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, Apprentice Town, Business, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Holdsworth hatch up with Robinson’s sustainable packaging for their luxury Easter chocolates

Chesterfield based manufacturer Robinson have developed sustainable packaging for luxury chocolate manufacturer Holdsworth’s Easter chocolate gifts.

Two limited edition Easter boxes have been produced for Holdsworth’s popping candy egg and Easter bunny treat bag. The packaging has been made from 100% post-consumer recycled paperboard and is widely recyclable. The clear viewing window is produced from recycled UK water bottles adding to the sustainable appeal.

David Sharples, Managing Director at Holdsworth Chocolates said:

“Whenever we produce packaging, including for special celebrations such as Easter, we aim to make sure all the materials we use are sustainable and can be recycled.”

“Sustainable packaging is a collective goal for both Robinson and Holdsworth. Our brand was developed on a passion for creating beautiful hand-crafted chocolates, using the finest of everything, that’s why it is so important that we invest in high quality sustainable packaging that reflects our values too.”

The packaging has been printed using six colours and is completed with foil blocking; the perfect finishing touch to add a stunning and luxurious feel to the design. As the Easter packaging was only needed in limited quantity, Robinson provided a small bespoke run for Holdsworth’s needs, making them the perfect packaging partner.

Jon Walker, New Product Development Director at Robinson said:

“Producing high quality, creative, engaging packaging for brands and retailers at an affordable price is key. Being an independent company means that we can be flexible to the needs of Holdsworth. We turned around production from design to delivery in just 3-4 weeks.”

If you are interested in purchasing Holdsworth chocolates for Easter you can order online at https://holdsworthchocolates.co.uk/

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

Holdsworth Easter Egg

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Custom Solar support local authority on their journey to Net Zero

Chesterfield headquartered Custom Solar have completed a solar project with Bassetlaw District Council.

Bassetlaw District Council chose Custom Solar to undertake a number of projects which has enabled the use of renewable solar energy at its Carlton Forest Depot in Worksop and will contribute to its ambition to improve the environmental credentials of the local area.

Custom Solar has equipped the Council building with a solar system that is able to produce 53,844kWh of renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 14.5 tonnes each year. The effects of the project equate to having 146 solar panels installed.

The site will also receive 5 electric vehicle charging points that take power from the solar installation and will allow the Council to begin the electrification of its vehicles.

Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Custom Solar have been first-rate partners, installing PV panels on our depot buildings at Carlton Forest, Worksop. Improvements to the Carlton Forest site are a key element of our decarbonisation journey and these works will see a reduction of carbon emissions from this site by over 16%.”

“Throughout the whole installation process Custom Solar were supportive and attentive, never accepting second best and working consistently hard to ensure precision and accuracy. The work will be completed with the installation of electric vehicle charging points which will initiate the electrification of the Council fleet.”

Gary Sucharewycz, CEO of Custom Solar said: “We are thrilled to have completed the solar PV and electric vehicle charge station project for Bassetlaw Council at their Carlton Forest site. Our expert in-house design team created a system that utilises integrated technologies to enhance the loading capabilities of the system. Custom Solar is proud to work with local councils and authorities to assist in their aspirations for Net Zero”.

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

Solar Panels - Custom Solar

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

North Derbyshire solicitors launch new service

Dawson Radford Solicitors are excited to announce that we can now offer a new annual employment retainer service, DR-HR. Providing employment law & HR support for a fixed-fee, we can support businesses by ensuring that they are meeting their legal obligations at an agreed, affordable price. Saving you valuable time and work whilst being cost effective.

The relationship with employees is one of the most important for all businesses, and the law that relates to this relationship is constantly evolving. Making mistakes can prove very costly. It is crucial therefore that you keep up to date with developments and ensure that you have the correct documents and policies in place.

Our service includes ensuring that those essential employment documents are up to date and compliant; ongoing support that isn’t subject to monthly or annual time limits, preparation of any letters or documents needed to support an issue, training on a pre-agreed area of employment law, as well as discounts on the other legal services Dawson Radford offer.

Head of Employment Liam Kenealy says: “Employment law changes at such a pace that unless you are 100% focused on the area, there is no way you can keep up. It is important therefore that business owners have someone they can rely on to ensure they are, and remain, compliant in terms of their employment paperwork and processes. That is exactly what DRHR is designed for. We make sure that the employment & HR element of your business is taken care of, allowing you to focus on everything else.”

For further information on our DR-HR service, please call us on 01246 932 100 or drop us an email at hello@dawsonradford.co.uk

Dawson Radford 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 Business, Featured, Home

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire appoints business advisers to boost visitor economy

The area’s official destination management organisation, which is based in Chesterfield, has appointed three business advisers to support the recovery and growth of visitor economy businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Alison Duckworth, Caroline Sanger-Davies and John Roberts have been appointed by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) to help deliver support to local tourism and hospitality businesses through the East Midlands Accelerator project.

The project has received £5.27 million from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and is being delivered in designated areas across the East Midlands, including in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.

Led by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with, amongst others, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the University of Derby and The Food and Drink Forum, the project aims to breathe new life into local communities as part of the Government’s commitment to ‘levelling up the nation’ and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

With extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, MPDD’s advisers will provide one-to-one support to help visitor economy businesses access funding, training and specialist advice through the Derbyshire stand of the East Midlands Accelerator project.

Through the project, businesses in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales can apply for specialist consultancy and training support through growth vouchers of up to £2,000. Flexible grant funding of up to £8,000 (at an 80% intervention rate) is also available to help businesses invest in green solutions and digital technology, as well as providing access to wage subsidies.

Businesses can access support to reduce their carbon footprint (such as funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging points); receive help on how to improve their online presence (such as the implementation of an online booking system); and secure one-to-one mentoring to encourage business growth.

A series of fully-funded workshops to support recovery, increase skills and improve business resilience is also set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The East Midlands Accelerator project runs until the end of June 2022 and businesses are urged to act quickly to make the most of this unique opportunity.

More information on the support available for businesses can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/community-renewal-fund

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