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MyFuture careers platform re-launched for 2021 Chesterfield and North Derbyshire school leavers

Following a hugely successful lockdown launch, the innovative employability and careers platform MyFuture, is here to stay for another year.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 LEP the My Future platform was dreamt up during lockdown when Year 11 and 13 young people were unable to access face-to-face careers information.

The platform, however, has been so successful, with thousands of young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire using it to find careers advice and apprenticeships, that funding has been extended for a further 12 months helping bridge the gap ahead of large scale in-person careers events returning. Derbyshire County Council is also supporting the relaunch of the MyFuture platform.

Over the last 12 months, more than 4,000 young people, teachers and parents have accessed the platform.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained: “MyFuture has been immensely popular since its launch. We were all very keen for it to continue beyond lockdown being lifted and I am delighted that the partners were able to provide funding to enable this. Together we are helping create a strong, skilled workforce which will support the continued inward investment in the town as well as ensure young people gain the best advice and support for their future career development in these challenging times.”

The funding has enabled a refresh of the MyFuture platform by Chesterfield-based creator and designer Oasis Studio. New features within the virtual careers fair include improved search functionality, easier navigation within the exhibition hall, TV screens within the pods which play live videos and immersive sound allowing the user to feel like they are actually attending a live careers fair.

New pods have also been added to MyFuture, including The Tickled Trout, Acorn Training, Edwards Employment Solutions, Superior Wellness, Staveley Town Deal and NLT Training Services. With around 100 pods on the platform, including one featuring The National Careers Service, MyFuture offers young people in the area unparalleled access to careers information.

The pods are set across 11 zones in the virtual careers fair, providing a wealth of information about different sectors, industries, individual businesses, apprentice positions and further education options available across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We originally launched MyFuture with our partners to ensure there was good quality careers advice available during the pandemic and we have seen fantastic levels of engagement. It’s proved to be such a successful support tool that we are keeping it in place and making it even better than before. There are new organisations featured on the platform and new features which mean it is more interactive and engaging. I’d encourage any young person thinking about their next steps to take a look at MyFuture for local opportunities and inspiration.”

Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 said: “Using innovative technology like MyFuture helps to raise aspirations for young people by bringing to life the opportunities available to them. It’s great to see this resource continuing and developing as bringing together the worlds of work and education is a vital part of our strategy to lead our region’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alex Dale added: “We are delighted to support the relaunch of MyFuture. The website is a great place for young people to explore different career opportunities, get advice and search for local opportunities including apprenticeships and further education courses.”

Young people, teachers and parents who now want to learn about the many opportunities available to future school leavers, can visit MyFuture at www.myfuture.org.uk.

Employers who wish to have their business featured on the MyFuture platform should contact Emily Williams at Emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

People encouraged to have their say on the future of Staveley Town Centre

Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on the Staveley Town Centre Draft Vision Master Plan through a public consultation which launched today (Monday 8 November).

Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking the public’s view on draft proposals which set out a vision for the future development of Staveley’s town centre, including improvements to the look, feel and flow of Market Square and High Street, and are designed to harness the opportunities presented by wider investment in the town.

The draft plan has been brought forward as part of an ambitious regeneration package being delivered under the Staveley Town Deal programme, which has created a ‘golden opportunity’ to breathe new life into the former mining town for generations to come.

Members of the public will be able to participate in the consultation online until midnight on Sunday 12 December by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-masterplan

There will also be a public exhibition throughout the consultation at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley where people can view the draft proposals and submit their feedback. Council staff will be available to answer questions in person, by phone or a Teams appointment. More details of these sessions can be found on the consultation webpage.

There will also be the opportunity to view the exhibition and submit feedback at several events in Staveley including the Christmas Market at Staveley Hall on 4 December, and in Morrisons.

The purpose of the consultation is to get public, community and business feedback on the draft proposals, so they can then be amended to reflect community and business ambitions and ideas and finalised in order to secure the Towns Fund grant.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Staveley and the draft proposals, aim to enhance other local investments to transform the area for years to come – creating a place where people can start, stay and grow.
“Working closely with the strong community and many businesses in Staveley is key to unlocking the town’s potential and ensuring we create opportunities for everyone’s benefit.

“I’d urge everyone to take a look at our draft proposals and share their feedback as soon as possible, your opinions will help shape our final plans. By working together, we can do something remarkable and ensure that Staveley has a bright future.”

Just over £4.85m has been earmarked for town centre improvements to support the delivery of the vision for Staveley as part of the Staveley Town Deal programme – with funding subject to final approval by Government early next year.

Key proposals in the vision include:

  • Regenerating Market Square, including proposals for a new building called ‘The Market House’ which would create a commercial and community hub, with potential to host large indoor and outdoor events
  • Revitalising High Street, including plans to upgrade and improve landscaping, street furniture and cycle parking
  • Unlocking the development potential of underused or derelict sites which could be used to support a more vibrant evening economy, family facilities and leisure opportunities
  • Installing town centre Wi-Fi, to create a more digitally connected town centre for the benefit of businesses and shoppers
  • Improving signage, and adding new walkways which will link the canal with Staveley Hall and local shops / services – helping people to explore further and stay longer

The draft vision master plan has been put together following initial consultation with Staveley Town Council, local business representatives, community and key partners – with a view to gathering more detailed feedback as part of the six-week consultation period.

The updated draft master plan is designed to replace a previous version of the document which was drawn up in 2009 and now – due to changes in within the borough, as well as the national economic context – must be reviewed to ensure it provides a relevant and robust framework for the development of the town centre.
Discover more about the draft proposals and submit feedback by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-masterplan

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

School workplace tours make a comeback for Made in Chesterfield

North East Derbyshire’s school pupils are set to get hands-on with engineering and manufacturing careers once again with the Made in Chesterfield campaign which returns in November.

Forced to moving to virtual workplace tours last year amidst the pandemic, schools can once again visit local engineering and manufacturing businesses in person and discover the range of careers and job opportunities on offer to them in the sector.

Launched originally in 2013, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign, which is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership, has since introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the possibility of a career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

Relaunched for 2021, and free from the constraints imposed last year by the pandemic, Made in Chesterfield is offering workplace tours for schools across 10 local companies operating in the STEM sector.

Aiming to bridge the careers information gap between education and industry, groups of Year 7 – 11 students will be visiting businesses from Monday 8 – Friday 26 November for an educational, interactive learning experience between.

Companies offering workplace tours to schools include CBE+, Superior Wellness, United Cast Bar, Morgan Sindall Group Plc, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils, Vistry Partnerships, Weightron Bilanciai and Woodhead Group.

As part of the month-long Made in Chesterfield campaign, schools can also access a range of careers videos to enable young people to experience a number of workplace tours virtually. There is also supporting activities and careers information and apprentice opportunities within the MyFuture virtual careers fair.

Four years ago, Made in Chesterfield introduced Eve Bennett (20) to the sector with a two- week work experience with her now employer MSE Hiller. She has since gone on to complete a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at the company which is one of a number businesses in the sector supporting the campaign.

Eve said: “I still find it shocking that women get frowned upon for going into engineering. It’s a brilliant job and career for anyone. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer for as long as I can remember. I love the job and the company I am working for. I couldn’t see myself doing anything different.”

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “We have been running Made in Chesterfield for eight years and in that time, it has achieved an incredible amount. It works. Two of MSE Hiller’s apprentices are a direct result of the campaign.

“Made in Chesterfield is committed to breaking down preconceived ideas about the sector by young people, their parents and teachers. The world has changed and so has the manufacturing and engineering sector. It offers fantastic skills and training as well as interesting and well paid jobs at every level. Everyone is welcome.”

Dan Heffernan, Careers & Young People Lead at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “In this fast changing world of innovation, technology and ever increasing advancement within industry, never has the phrase “you can’t be what you can’t see” been more appropriate. After the last 18h months of our young people being confined to their screens, it’s more important than ever that they are now given the opportunity to experience real life workplaces and to engage with employees carrying out real life jobs.

“It’s no secret that the pandemic rocked our labour market and sent shockwaves right the way across industry. However, as we now turn the corner our businesses are looking at how they can bounce back and thrive once again, and central to this will be a pipeline of talent ready to enter their workforce. It is therefore vital that our young people are aware of the opportunities open to them, and crucially that they understand what they must do to get there.

“D2N2 LEP and the Careers & Enterprise Company are incredibly proud to be working on this open door initiative in Chesterfield, building on the successes that have been seen in previous years whilst engaging and encouraging even more businesses and schools to take part. It is then our intention to use this model as a framework to roll out to all schools right the way across the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire region through our new Careers Hubs.”

Charlie Goodwn, projects Officer at DEBP commented: “We’re excited to working in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and D2N2 to deliver the Made in Chesterfield event in November for students from Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire schools. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired by local employers and have their eyes opened to the many career opportunities that are available to them right on their doorstep.”

DEBP has been working with the schools to identify groups of students that would benefit from a visit to a local company. Students identified may have a specific career they would like to learn more about or may just need an opportunity to learn about the careers within their preferred industry.

Charlie added: “We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of this year’s Made in Chesterfield events for the young people and businesses involved.”

Made in Chesterfield 2021 has been made possible thanks to funding and support from The Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, North Derbyshire Career Hub, D2N2 LEP, Careers and Enterprise Company, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and Natwest.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and discover how your school can get involved with a workplace visit, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

New beauty salon to open in Chesterfield Town Centre

A new beauty salon is set to open in Chesterfield town centre, following a deal completed by commercial property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors.

Acting on behalf of Entain, NG Chartered Surveyors has leased the 861 sq ft 39 Low Pavement, which was previously a betting shop, to Brows, which will be opening in the town as part of a national expansion plan.

Brows is a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs, offering affordable, high-quality treatments. Services include Threading, Tinting, Waxing, Nails, and Lash treatments.

Luke Geddes from Brows said: “39 Low Pavement is a great location with lots and footfall and key retailers in close vicinity.

“Our new store will be a great addition to our current portfolio and we want to make it into the number one destination for brow and lash in Chesterfield. No appointments are required, just pop in and speak to one of our qualified beauticians who will help find the treatment that is perfect for you.”

Sunny Landa, of NG Chartered Surveyors commented: “This is another great outcome for our client, who we continue to work with across the Midlands and North.

“Chesterfield is on the up and I’m sure Luke and his team will be hugely successful in the town. We wish them all the best with their national expansion plans.”

Luke added: “We had a great time working with Sunny, who is very professional and proficient, to enable us to navigate our way through to completion of our new shop. We look forward to working with Sunny and the NG team on future projects.”

The announcement is the latest in a number of new openings across the town, including the Barkworthy Dog Emporium, The Lucky Magpie Salvage and Kids entertainment venue Kooka. 

Chesterfield town centre is soon set for a major revamp, after it was confirmed recently the town will recieve £20 million from the government’s levelling up fund.

To find out more about Chesterfield’s unique independent shopping experience, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Investment Summit to put town’s £45m grant funding under the spotlight

Chesterfield’s success in securing more than £45million in grant funding in this year’s March and October budgets will take centre stage at the fifth Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The free-to-attend event is returning in-person once more and will be held at the Casa Hotel on Wednesday 24 November from 8:30am – 12:00pm.

Christian Neilsen, Urban Design Associate at BDP which developed the Staveley Town Centre Masterplan, in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council, will be amongst the speaker line-up.

This is one of the eleven projects that are receiving funding through the £25.2 million Staveley Town Deal.  The grant for Staveley was one of the largest given to 45 towns in England in March earlier this year as part of the government’s £1billion Town’s Fund.

In the recent budget, Chesterfield was once again put under the spotlight by Chancellor Rishi Sunak after securing a £19.98 million grant from the national Levelling Up Fund.

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who is also speaking at the event will reveal how the government funding will be used to continue to create a better future for our market traders, retailers, residents, and businesses.

Around 150 people are expected to attend the popular event which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The event will also hear from Rupert Carr, director of Birchall Properties, the company developing Chesterfield’s £400million all year leisure, education, wellness and entertainment destination PEAK, is to headline. He will update delegates on the progress and plans for the ambitious multi-phase leisure development which capitalises on the town’s proximity to Peak District National Park.

Additional speakers also include Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chris Henning, Executive Director Place at Derbyshire County Council and Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc the company developing the town’s £340million regeneration scheme Chesterfield Waterside.

Peter Swallow commented: “We’re delighted to bring back the Investment Summit in person, after hosting it virtually last year. Chesterfield has continued to move forward and made significant progression on developments within the town in spite of the pandemic, so there is lots to talk about at the Summit. It’s going to be another great event.”

Organisers anticipate high demand for this year’s in-person event. To find out more about the event and book your free place, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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

Chesterfield’s fireworks extravaganza returns this bonfire night

Chesterfield Borough Council’s fireworks extravaganza returns later this week, and everyone is welcome to come along.

The council have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the entertainment at this year’s event.

The fireworks event takes place at Stand Road Park on Friday 5 November, the gates will open at 4.30pm and close at 9pm.

Presenters James Summers and Elliot Holman from Chesterfield’s 1866 Sport Radio will be hosting the stage show and getting everyone ready for the fireworks display.

There will also be entertainment at the event provided by local band The Rosadocs and Norskov, who previously appeared on TV show The Voice.

Chester the Fieldmouse will also be making an appearance on stage too.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The fireworks extravaganza is one of the most popular local events with thousands of people enjoying the display and entertainment each year.

“This year, we have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the event and they have organised the great evening of entertainment for everyone to enjoy too.

“Please wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and come along to join in the fun and see the display.”

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, said: “The excitement is building as we get closer to the event and we can’t wait to deliver the entertainment and help to make it a night to remember!”

The fireworks display will begin at 7pm and there will also be a selection of fairground rides and food vendors. There will be live entertainment for those attending to enjoy both before and after the fireworks.

Entry to the event is £2 per person – free for children under five. Visitors are asked to have the exact money ready as change cannot be given.

Parking for the event will be available at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium for a donation of £3 per car, which will help cover the cost of stewards with any excess being given to charity.

There is also a bus stop on Sheffield Road which is less than a two-minute walk from the park, find more details about bus services that stop here on the Stagecoach website.

Visitors are reminded that they should not attend this event if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, a new or continuous cough or a loss of their sense of smell or taste. There will also be plenty of space at Stand Road to ensure visitors can maintain social distancing.

The fireworks extravaganza is one of a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

More information about entertainment being organised in Chesterfield for Christmas this year can be found here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas

Chesterfield Events - Stand Road Firework Display

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

Long serving Ashgate Hospice staff member marks 30 “incredible” years

One of Ashgate Hospice’s longest serving members of staff is marking 30 years caring for palliative and end of life patients this month – and her ‘desire’ and ‘dedication’ has been praised by charity bosses.

Pam Garvey, who as a Palliative Care Support Worker, cares for patients and their families in their own homes, celebrated her 30th anniversary at Ashgate on Thursday (21st October).

Over the past three decades, the 65-year-old has been there to provide compassionate and comforting care to thousands across North Derbyshire.

Before starting at the hospice, Pam worked in a role supporting people across the county with mental health problems.

She says although it wasn’t her first job when she started at Ashgate in 1991, she ‘knew quickly after starting that it would be her last’.

After reaching the milestone this week, Pam said: “The past 30 years have passed by so quickly, but I’m so glad that I followed my heart and joined the hospice team back in 1991.

“So much has changed at Ashgate over the years to meet the needs of our patients but our goal has always remained the same: to provide excellent, compassionate palliative and end of life care to the people who need us.

“I meet so many inspirational people, who make me feel so humble and grateful for everything I have. I have learnt something from all of them.

“I feel a sense of pride when I tell people I work at Ashgate Hospice; I still have the letter offering me the post from all those years ago. I just can’t believe it’s been 30 years!”

Pam initially started at the hospice as a volunteer in 1989, before being offered a permanent position on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit two years later.

After a short length of time supporting patients on the ward, Ashgate started caring for patients and their families in their own homes – and Pam instantly knew that was her dream job.

She added: “Two years after starting out on the Inpatient Unit, Ashgate extended our care offering to people in their own homes, and I instantly knew that’s where I wanted to be.

“The role has certainly changed since then, there were no mobile phones or sat navs; our matron, Jean, would wave us off, armed with just a map and the patient’s details – that’s where each day began!”

When Pam started at Ashgate, there were approximately 12 nurses, four health care assistants, a few doctors, three kitchen staff and three office staff.

Today, there are 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers at the charity, which last year cared for more than 2,500 patients across a range of different services.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said: “On behalf of everyone at Ashgate I’d like to wish Pam a huge congratulations as she reaches her 30th  year caring for patients.

“From starting as a volunteer when we first started providing care on our Inpatient Unit to being involved with the launch of our community services – she’s achieved so much over the past three decades.

“She has helped and continues to help make a positive impact on the lives of so many families – she’s truly one in a million.

“I’m so grateful to Pam for her incredible service over the years and the desire, commitment and hard work she brings to work each day emulates everything Ashgate is about. Thank you, Pam – Ashgate wouldn’t be the same without you!”

Would you like to work alongside Pam and other Ashgate colleagues? The charity is currently hiring for Bank Registered Nurses to join its award-winning ‘Outstanding’-rated team on the hospice’s newly refurbished 21-bed Inpatient Unit.

To find out more about the role and other vacancies at Ashgate Hospice, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/vacancies

Ashgate Hospice 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, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Traders invited to book their stalls for the festive shopping rush

Makers, crafters, and independent retailers are being invited to book a stall on Chesterfield Market in the build up to Christmas.

Market stalls are available on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays between 22 November and 24 December. Casual traders and local creatives are being invited to sign up now to reserve their place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve got lots planned for Christmas in Chesterfield that will help bring more shoppers into the town centre, it’s really important that traders get in early and book their stalls. We’re really trying to spread that shop local message and encourage people to come and support our local businesses and traders.”

There will be lots of activities and events in Chesterfield this Christmas to encourage visitors into the town centre.

The Amazing Magical Santa House and Elf Trail will be making a return after being positively received last year.

The Crooked Spire Church will be hosting its Festival of Christmas Trees. There will be a Lantern Parade in the town centre.

There will be regular walkabout entertainment throughout the festive period, including stilt walkers, carol singers and tap-dancing turkeys.

A Christmas Lights Switch On event and Market will be held on Sunday 21 November to mark the start of Christmas in Chesterfield.

More details on all these events will be released over the next month.

A market stall is £20 in December but traders can benefit by booking all three market days in a week for £50.

Market stalls comprise of either an 8-foot or 12-foot stall, with four boards, enabling trading on either side.

Prospective traders can find out more about trading on Chesterfield Market and book a stall by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

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

Recruitment Event returns to Chesterfield Market

People searching for work in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being invited to a recruitment event where they can meet local employers and find out more about training schemes.

Following the success of the last Recruitment Event, Chesterfield Borough Council has once again teamed up with DWP Jobcentre Plus to organise an event designed to give job seekers a helping hand to find their next role and support local businesses to recruit.

It will run between 10am and 1pm on Wednesday 10 November at Chesterfield Market, with employers from sectors hospitality, leisure, construction, and health care attending on the day.

The last Recruitment Event held in September helped more than sixty people find employment with more securing places on specialist training schemes.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The last event we held worked really well, it allowed job seekers to directly meet employers and find out more about the opportunities available in the area. We got great feedback from both employers and job seekers at the event and felt it was important to host another one before the new year.

“If you’re looking for work, then this event is here for you. You will be able to find out more about current opportunities and may even find your next job on the day.”

Angela Stansfield, Derbyshire Partnership Manager – Department for Work and Pensions, said: “Jobcentre Plus are delighted to be involved in a second Recruitment Event with Chesterfield Borough Council following the successful event in September. These events are a great way to bring jobseekers and recruiting employers together creating the opportunity for interviews to take place on the day & jobs to be filled quickly. Especially on the run up to Christmas this event will ensure people looking for work find the right job for them and their families”.

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.

There will be a special focus on the Kickstart scheme, which provides 16–24-year-olds with a six-month paid work placement, that could lead to a full-time role. There will be the opportunity to find out more about current placements by speaking to the employers directly.

There will also be a selection of local training providers and other organisations who will be able to offer help and support with your job search. They will be able to offer advice on apprenticeships and the training available.

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

£20m boost for Chesterfield set to enhance cultural offer

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured £19.98m of Government funding through a successful bid to the national Levelling Up Fund. The funding was confirmed as part of yesterday’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review.

£11.4m will be allocated towards the costs of a £15.6m project to remodel and refurbish Chesterfield’s ‘striking’ Stephenson Memorial Hall extending the Pomegranate Theatre, reconfiguring and modernising Chesterfield museum, and introducing new gallery space, a café bar, education, and community facilities.

The remaining £8.5m of funding will be used to further regenerate Chesterfield’s historic town centre, with investment centred on four key public spaces and the connections between them – Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Market Square and New Square.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Chesterfield. The funding that we have secured from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund will complement the significant investments the council and its partners are already making in Chesterfield town centre and will ensure that we can continue to create a better future for our market traders, retailers, residents, and businesses.

“These investments coupled with the council’s business support activities, which include our Digital High Street Project, new business start-up programme, and Love Chesterfield campaign, also complement the ground-breaking Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, which aims to sustain the future vitality and viability of Chesterfield town centre.

“We want Chesterfield to be a go-to place for visitors. The projects that will be enabled through the Levelling Up funding will go a long way to helping us achieve this ambition by enhancing our cultural offer and creating new experiences in and around the town’s most iconic building – the Crooked Spire (Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints) – and our historic market grounds.

“We are an ambitious council, committed to making Chesterfield a thriving borough and improving the quality of life of local people. We have achieved part one, which is to secure Government funding, the next part is to deliver these Levelling Up projects at pace and with the desired impact for the future prosperity of our town and borough.”

Under the council’s plans, the four key public spaces that make up Chesterfield town centre will be re-imagined to accommodate a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. This will be achieved through enhancements to the current public realm, comprising new seating to encourage people to dwell and socialise, new landscaping, new lighting, and digital connectivity for all.

At the Stephenson Memorial Hall, the council will be looking to create a unique facility, using the very latest technology to fuse all forms of performing and visual arts whilst also showcasing and celebrating Chesterfield’s heritage. The aim is to ensure that all our residents can experience the arts and culture in much improved facilities, which we hope will also attract many new visitors to Chesterfield’s economy.

Chesterfield Borough Council made its funding submission to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in June 2021, but it has not stood still with a planning application submitted last week for the works of refurbishment planned for Stephenson Memorial Hall.

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

Local doggy day care and doggy hotel wins prestigious industry award

Chesterfield-based Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care and Luxury Doggy Hotel have won one of their industry’s most prestigious awards – the Pet Industry Federation Awards (PIF), Kennel of the Year.

The Pet Industry Federation provides a quality assurance of businesses in the pet care sector with all members agreeing to adhere to their charters, representing best practice for the different sectors of the pet trade on joining the relevant association.

The PIF Awards celebrate success across a wide range of products, services, companies and individuals and provide the perfect platform to recognise excellence and innovation in the industry.

Dawn Brown founded Rose Cottage in December 2017 and has grown it to where it can now look after over 200 clients at their 5 ½ acre site.

Speaking on the achievement Dawn said, “The PIF Awards represent the very highest accolade in our industry and to have been acknowledged as a finalist was amazing, but to win – well that was phenomenal. Kennel of the Year is always an extremely well contested category and winning it really does reflect the lengths we go to ensure our canine companions are happy and extremely well looked after every time they come to stay with us.

“I want to say thank you to my whole team for helping to make this happen. After the last 18 months winning this award is an incredible pick-up and we’re all so very grateful.”

Rose Cottage is also finalist in three categories in the prestigious regional awards the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards.

Dawn added: “Yes, in the same week as winning the PIF Award, Kennel of the Year we also heard that we’re finalists in all three categories we entered in the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards including Customer Service Award, Small Business of the Year and Team of the Year.

“Honestly the news couldn’t get any better! Congratulations to all the other finalists and good luck for the finals! We’re up against some stiff competition but to have been recognised in the finals and to be included with these other amazing companies and individuals is fantastic and, again, testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone here at Rose Cottage.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards take place on Thursday 25th November 2021 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sheffield Park.

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care 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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