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Derbyshire students prepare to receive their A level and GCSE results

Thousands of students across Derbyshire are preparing to receive their A level and GCSE results.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s Robinson Plc appoints sustainability expert as new director

Award-winning sustainability expert Lubna Edwards has joined Chesterfield-based Robinson Plc, custom manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging, as their Group Sustainability and Marketing Director.

Lubna will be building on the company’s heritage and strong commitment to sustainability and launching a range of new initiatives as the 180-year-old business rebrands in the autumn.

With over twenty years’ experience in sustainability leadership, Lubna is excited to become a part of the successful company, which announced their latest significant operational investments and 5% year-on-year sales growth, despite challenging market conditions.

Lubna’s appointment follows that of Dr Helene Roberts as the new Chief Executive of Robinson plc, both previously having worked at leading global packaging manufacturers Klöckner Pentaplast and Sealed Air.

Dr Helene says: “We are absolutely delighted to have Lubna on our leadership team. Lubna is a force for change in the plastics industry – a champion of sustainability and the voice of reason at a time when misconceptions about plastics and the packaging industry are prevailing. Tirelessly working to make people more aware of the benefits of plastic in a sustainable world, Lubna is also now in demand globally as a leader for change and engagement in an environmentally and socially compassionate way, while meeting market needs”.

Lubna has appeared on both national and regional television aiming to debunk the many misconceptions around the industry, explaining the benefits of plastics, a unique valuable material that should be managed and disposed of responsibly, collected, sorted and recycled. She is determined to support the development of a circular economy and prevent leakage of plastics into our marine and land environment.

Lubna, who will be developing a new dynamic sustainability strategy on her arrival, is thrilled about her new role. She says: “I am elated to be working with an organisation that has such a remarkable history and heritage, helping to embed sustainability at the heart of everything we do. I am passionate about packaging, in particular closed loop plastic packaging which can, if we all take a joined-up approach, drive transformational change and create a better, circular future for plastic, while remaining high performing and fully functional”.

Aside from media appearances, Lubna lobbied for change, working with industry and governmental organisations on single-use plastics with the European Commission and HM Treasury.

Lubna is trustee member of RECOUP, and has been Board member of RECOUP, INCPEN, BPF, EUPC, UK Plastics Pact, and chaired the EUPC PET Sheet association. She also extended her efforts into the community for example as a Starpack awards sponsor for educational institutes focussed on packaging design, and collaborating with schools as part of WRAP’s Fresher for Longer engagement campaign.

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

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

New board member for Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

With a wealth of more than 30 years of NHS experience, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is announcing Berenice Groves as its new Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer from late autumn.

A trained paramedic by background and currently the Director of Operations at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, she will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the hospital – ensuring that exceptional patient care is provided in a safe environment and in line with national standards of performance.

Alongside her clinical and senior management roles, she has also worked on large-scale national programmes – developing NHS111 services across the North East of the country and as the national Head of Improvement for the Emergency Care Intensive Support Team (ECIST).

Paramedic training gave Berenice the foundations to lead in a crisis and her current role includes board level responsibility for emergency planning, which she will also continue to be accountable for here at the Royal.  In Blackpool she is supporting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery and restoration of services – and is looking forward to working with staff to make sure the Trust can proactively respond to the challenges the NHS will face this winter.

She comments: “I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance to become part of the team at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.  This is clearly an excellent organisation with exciting opportunities to develop and further improve care and services for patients.  On my visits so far I have been struck by how engaged staff are – and how proud they are to work here.  I am looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and our patients to make a difference.”

Angie Smithson, Chief Executive says: “We are so pleased that Berenice is joining us to support the Trust with its goals and ambitions.  With her skills and knowledge, she will be a real asset to the Board and – like me – she is clearly passionate about making sure patients receive exceptional care and that hardworking staff are supported and looked after.  I am confident that she will address our day-to-day operational challenges by working with colleagues and the Derbyshire health and social care ‘system’. She will bring a new dynamic to our Board we look forward to welcoming her.”

The appointment of Berenice to the Board will enable its current Chief Operating Officer, Tony Campbell, to focus on the huge improvement plan the Trust is setting out to deliver.  As Director of Strategy and Transformation he will take on full responsibility for the variety of programmes and plans in place or due to start over the next few months.  These range from multi-million pound new builds, through to new clinical partnerships and care pathways and service re-developments.

“To become an even better hospital we must concentrate on our strategy and the critical factors that will help us to reach our goals,” continues Angie. “With these changes to our structure, the Board of Directors is illustrating that improvement is at the heart of everything it does.  Over recent months, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the impact of rapid, large scale improvement and the difference it has made.  Working with colleagues and partners from across Derbyshire we have the best opportunity we’ve ever had to continue to bring new ideas to life for our patients, our staff and the communities we serve. ”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Shortlist revealed for 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards

The very best shops, market stalls, events, projects and businesses on Chesterfield’s high streets have been revealed by Destination Chesterfield.

Thirty-six finalists have been named in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards. Postponed since March, the finalist line-up and confirmed awards ceremony date, now come at a time when it is more important than ever to shop locally.

The High Street Awards have never been more relevant. Previously known as the Retail Awards, the Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects in the town centre, Chatsworth Road, Whittington Moor, Staveley and Hasland that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

This year, two new categories have been introduced to the awards line up – High Street Business of the Year and the Future High Street Award – recognising the contribution that non-retail businesses, projects, initiatives and developments make to the modern high street.

Members of the public nominated from December to February. The nominations have now been counted and online reviews have been assessed by Destination Chesterfield, resulting in a 36-strong shortlist across 12 categories.

At the awards ceremony, one of the 27 shortlisted retailers will take the overall top title of Retailer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

To ensure the safety of both finalists and guests, Destination Chesterfield will host a virtual awards ceremony later in the year. The winners of the Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced live on the evening of Wednesday 21 October, and everyone is invited to watch.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator said: “The people behind the town’s high street businesses have shown such resilience during challenging times, and we could not be more proud of them. The team at Destination Chesterfield is pleased to have adapted by taking the awards ceremony online. An advantage of taking the ceremony online is that we are able to welcome many more guests to recognise the achievements of high street businesses. ”

“After months of lockdown, never have high street businesses needed our support more than in the current trading conditions. The ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to them and show all high street businesses our ongoing support.”

Chesterfield High Street Awards

Winners of the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2019

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

High Street Business of the Year
Chatsworth Travel
Pinewood Properties
Strada Estate Agents

Future High Street Award
Flexible Leasing at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
Premier Inn, Elder Way
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Big Screen

Best Town Centre Event
1940s Chesterfield Flea Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Chesterfield Motorfest

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods
Crazy about Cakecraft
Tallbird Records

Best New Store
Nana B Baby & Children’s Wear
Shop Indie
The Wool Cabin

National / Multiple Retailer of the Year
Marks and Spencer
Warhammer
Waterstones

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery
Chesterfield Craft
Love Brewing

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Charles Hedley
Dotique
Ingmans

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie
Fifty Shades of Beauty
One Nine Three Hair and Beauty

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Huckleberry Willow
Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Market Trader of the Year
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Simon Harding’s Fruit and Veg
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery
H&F
Little White Dress

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, JP Fire Safety Solutions, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Peak FM, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

Destination Chesterfield has a few sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the high street please click here or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Something Special Bridal received two awards at the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2019

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Savings on the cards for local magazine readers and an opportunity for businesses to attract new customers

Tens of thousands of families are benefiting from a unique scheme designed to help them enjoy savings when they spend money in their local economy.

Heron Publications, the family-run company behind four long-established local community magazines, is delivering 52,000 loyalty cards to readers who can use them to enjoy a range of savings and incentives offered by local businesses, month after month.

The scheme is completely free for residents and businesses alike with no hidden charges or membership fees.

Each month, listings of where cards can be shown to make savings will appear in the free distribution ‘Dronfield Eye’, ‘Twist’, ‘Active8’ and ‘Wings’ publications.

Director Mike Firth (below) said: “We are an independent business ourselves, so know only too well the pressures almost all local companies are under at this time. We wanted to do something that would make a difference in our communities and this scheme is already paying dividends for our readers and for shops and services.”

“Hundreds of businesses feature in the pages of our publications each and every month, but this scheme is open to absolutely every local tradesman, shopkeeper, restaurant owner and more.

“It’s the closest thing to our communities issuing their own currency.”

The scheme is been supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Dronfield Town Council, Wingerworth Parish Council and South Yorkshire Police.

For further information, call Heron Publications on 01246 416027.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

The ‘Energy for Business’ grant fund re-opens for applications

Local SME businesses can apply for 40% of project costs from the ‘Energy for Business’ grant fund, an EU funded project delivered by the Energy Innovation and Collaboration team at the University of Nottingham.

Funding can assist projects such as implementing sustainable energy technologies, improving energy efficiency within the business or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Only business located within in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire are eligible for the funding. Please see additional eligibility information below:

  • The minimum cost of the project must be no less than £2,500
  • The maximum cost of the project must be no more than £20,000
  • It is a capital funds grant that is 40% match funded
  • The monies are awarded once the work/purchase is completed
  • Recipients will be chosen by an independent panel and their decision will be deemed to be final.

To find out more, or to apply for funding, enquiries can be made by emailing energy@nottingham.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications for the current round is Friday 28th August 2020.

To find out more about the University of Nottingham’s Energy Innovation and Collaboration team and how it supports businesses, click here.

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

Help for those affected by recent flooding

More than 450 businesses and households affected by the November 2019 and February 2020 floods are able to get help to pay for flood mitigation measures.

Derbyshire County Council are set to administer a scheme that gives eligible properties a £5,000 grant to put in measures to help stop properties being flooded in the future. These could be flood doors, sealing brick work and external walls, replacing airbricks with flood airbricks, flood barriers and moving electrical sockets up the wall.

£500 of every grant will need to be spent on a specialist survey, which will ensure that the right mitigation measures are recommended and installed.

Around 300 businesses and households were affected by the floods in November 2019, which were in South Derbyshire, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield and Amber Valley. The February 2020 floods hit 160 properties in Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and South Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council will write to all those eligible for the grant, and claims for those who flooded in November 2019 will need to be submitted by the end of October, with work carried out by February 2021.

The deadlines for applications for those affected by the February 2020 floods and not yet known.

Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer, said:”This money will help businesses and householders put in some simple but effective flood mitigation measures that will help should the floods take place again.”

“The council will administer the scheme, process all applications and sort out a specialist survey, which will make sure that the right measures are recommended for each particular property. Surveyors will also check that the work gets completed to a good standard.”

“We saw a high number of properties flooded in many parts of the county, both in November 2019 and February this year, and I am sure that this money will help should we face similar circumstances again.”

Derbyshire County Council will use the services of specialist surveyors who are already used by the Environment Agency.

Growth Sculpture Horns bridge Roundabout

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

Chesterfield Borough Council adopts ambitious plan to rebuild economy

Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild Chesterfield’s economy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan, which was approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 14 July, outlines what the council, with the backing of other partner agencies, will do to support the town’s businesses to bounce back and help restore business and consumer confidence.

The Plan sets outs a comprehensive set of fully funded measures that include delivering a new business start-up support programme, which will encourage entrepreneurs and workers who may have lost their jobs due to covid-19 to bring forward new business ideas. Funding and expert advice will be available as will a premises location service.

The council will also be launching a portfolio of skills delivery initiatives. The initiatives will focus on the skills and training needs of local people, particularly young people, to enhance their prospects of securing the jobs on offer. Chesterfield residents and businesses will be able to access a new virtual skills and careers information hub. Particular attention will also be paid to the establishment of initiatives to reskill and upskill the current workforce.

Innovative promotional campaigns are already being rolled out with Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to shop local and support town centre retailers and market traders. The Plan also includes a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of Chesterfield as a visitor destination and hub.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Rebuilding the local economy following the easing of lockdown restrictions is a top priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times.

“We understand this will be a worrying time for business owners of all sizes and it is important that the council and its partners continue to do all we can to ensure that local businesses receive all the help they need in these most challenging of times.

“Whilst there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, the Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.”

The council has to date paid out £25.7 million in small business grants to 2,202 Chesterfield businesses, administered business rates relief to a value of £18 million to 661 businesses and shared a further £1.05 million with 120 businesses via the Local Discretionary Grants Fund scheme.

The council has also provided expert advice and support to over 300 local businesses since mid-March and as a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants, amended rental terms including rent free periods for some and rent deferral arrangements for others.

The work done with retailers, market traders and licensees to safely and successfully re-open Chesterfield town centre has seen thousands of people return to the high street since 1 June.

The council has also not shirked from continuing to progress its ambitious £1 billion growth programme that when complete will deliver thousands of new jobs to the town and borough both during the construction phases and once works are complete. This includes the Northern Gateway Scheme where construction of the new Enterprise Centre on Holywell Cross (Donut) started on site during the lockdown period. Plans are also well advanced in progressing improvements to the public realm on Elder Way and taking forward the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project which will see a number of enhancements made to Chesterfield’s famous market grounds.

As part of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub, Chesterfield businesses can access an experienced business advisor and the council’s Economic Development team is always on hand to talk through and help develop solutions for businesses facing challenges large and small. You can contact the team by e-mail at economicdevelopment@chesterfield.gov.uk.

More information on the support that is available to businesses can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

A ‘sitting’ tribute to Chesterfield Royal Hospital colleagues and key workers

A local fundraiser has given colleagues, patients and visitors at Chesterfield Royal Hospital a chance to put their feet up.

Andrew Woodard, who lives at Langwith Junction, raised £1,250, using it to buy a bench that serves as a tribute to all of those who have worked hard during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The NHS-blue bench sits proudly, in plain view just outside the main entrance to the hospital, emblazoned with the words “Thank you to our amazing NHS Staff. Thank you to our Key Workers” in tribute to the collective effort over the past five months.

Andrew said: “I’m a local lad, born and bred in Derbyshire, and I wanted to do something to recognise the incredible work they’ve done in treating and looking after people, not just those who have tested positive for COVID, but everyone who’s needed help.”

He added: “I grew up around here, this is my local hospital, my daughter Sian was born here and now works here on the Emergency Management Unit (EMU) so it’s a big part of my life. I’m so proud of everyone here, all of the ley workers across the county and what they’ve done. This bench was something practical that I could raise money to show how much I, and those who donated and helped to raise the money, appreciate what they’ve done.”

Andrew set up a GoFundMe page at the beginning of April with the intention of raising the £1,250 needed to get the bench made. He knew of a gentleman called Chris Kennedy who owns a company called Roll and Scroll based in Grantham that produces solid steel benches that are cut to a design and powder coated to last.

Andrew added: “He’s made hundreds over the years, including a number for Armed Forces and Remembrance Day and an incredible one that was given to Sir Captain Tom Moore on his birthday. He has done a few for other NHS organisations and the design, colour and sentiment was perfect for what I had in mind. I’m just so grateful for everything our key workers have done and pleased to see that the bench has pride of place and people are using it.”

A spokesperson for the Royal said: “It looks tremendous, it’s such a bold NHS-blue; you can’t miss it outside the main entrance and it has been very well used already. We’ve had so many lovely gestures, donations and messages of support but this is something permanent with a lasting message. It truly reflects the work that we and our partners across the health community, emergency services and public sector have done in partnership and we would like to thank Andrew and everyone who donated to his cause.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Help to make local ‘Life in Lockdown’ book a reality

Derbyshire Voluntary Action are working on an exciting project to publish a ‘Life in Lockdown’ book, documenting the Covid-19 pandemic as seen through the eyes of residents in Chesterfield and surrounding areas.

Submissions will be welcomed from amateur and professional artists, poets, photographers, creative writers, crafters and song writers. This book aims to unite residents through a common goal, celebrating how we rose to an unprecedented challenge and showed that community spirit is alive and kicking.

To make the book a reality, Derbyshire Voluntary Action are hoping to raise funds to cover the publishing, marketing and distribution costs for the initial run of 500 copies.

As an organisation, Derbyshire Voluntary Action proudly supports hundreds of voluntary sector organisations and community groups. They are passionate about championing the work of the community and its volunteers, and are incredibly proud of our strong working relationship with Public Health, NHS, local businesses, and funders.

Charlotte Higgins, who is leading the project, said “The young, the elderly, volunteers, health care workers, survivors of Covid-19 and the bereaved… everyone has their own unique story that deserves to be told and preserved for future generations. Volunteers can put in to words why they felt compelled to give their time, how attitudes have changed towards the community they live in and what next? How small businesses have adapted and been hugely resourceful in order to survive but in many cases became a crucial life line for local people. Photographs capturing special moments of hand clapping, rainbows in the windows, VE day celebrations on the drive, emotional reunions and exhausted masked care workers. The first-hand accounts of Covid-19 survivors and the agony of relatives unable to bring comfort to loved ones.”

The ‘Life in Lockdown’ book will be for sale to the public with the proceeds going towards supporting local charities or the community.

You can help make to the ‘Life In lockdown’ book a reality by submitting content for the book – this could be a photograph, a story, art work or a poem telling your experience of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Find out how to get your work featured in the book here – https://dva.org.uk/covid-19-book-project/. Donations can also be made to help fund the book through their GoFundMe page.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action hope local people will join them to be part the communal ‘Life in Lockdown’ journey, and be instrumental in not only preserving history for future generations, but at this time, providing something for us all to look forward to.

If you have any questions, or would like further information about the ‘Life in Lockdown’ book project please contact Charlotte Higgins on 07907 484835 or charlotte@dva.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield’s virtual Medieval Fun Day announced

Chesterfield Borough Council will be hosting a virtual Medieval Fun Day on Tuesday 28th July, with talks and videos available throughout the day on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page.

The virtual Medieval Fun Day will take place on Tuesday 28 July, the day when this ever-popular annual event had been due to be held in Chesterfield town centre. Unfortunately, this year’s event has been cancelled due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I know many people were disappointed to hear that the Medieval Fun Day had been cancelled but the museum team have worked hard to enable everyone to access a range of Fun Day activities online where people can learn more about Chesterfield’s history.”

The event will start with a video that looks back at previous Medieval Fun Days and all the exciting acts over the years including the roaring dragon and the unforgettable court jester.

Charlotte, who is part of the front of house team at the museum will talk about what life was like for people living in medieval Chesterfield and an actor playing the part of a medieval executioner has recorded a special video that will help people learn more about crime and punishment in medieval Chesterfield; how law breakers were burned, maimed and disembowelled, what the Scolds Bridle was used for and the dreaded ‘jig of death’.

Maria Barnes, who is one of the museum’s collections officers will also give a short talk on some of our medieval objects, including the fascinating history of the builder’s wheel that was used to construct the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire).

During previous Medieval Fun Days local re-enactors have set up camp in the churchyard. The team will therefore be sharing some great pictures of the Thomas Stanley Retinue re-enactors, which will bring to life the various weapons and armour used in the medieval period.

As well as all these great talks there is also got a selection of brilliant craft activities put together by STEAMWORKS. These include guides to making a salt dough castle, model catapults, some fabulous golden goblets fit for any medieval monarch and a jesters’ hat.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained as activities are scheduled throughout the day so make sure you visit www.Facebook.com/ChesterfieldMuseum from 9.30am and join in the fun. All videos released as part of the Medieval Fun Day will stay on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page for you to watch at your convenience.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting