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Derbyshire’s homelessness support during pandemic recognised nationally

The efforts of those involved to house rough sleepers in Derbyshire following the outbreak of Covid-19 have been recognised nationally in the Local Government Association (LGA) briefing paper on the response to accommodating rough sleepers during the pandemic.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been actively engaged in The Derbyshire Homeless Officers Group, delivering Derbyshire’s response to the Government’s “Everyone In” initiative, a national effort.

In Chesterfield, the council has successfully provided temporary accommodation for 30 rough sleepers across the borough.

Local hotels and bed & breakfast facilities were commissioned alongside existing accommodation options. In addition, the council developed a number of new temporary accommodation units within its own housing stock to ensure that all who needed a safe place to stay during the pandemic could be accommodated.

Following the success of the ‘Everyone In’ initiative, the council is now working on ‘Keeping Everyone In’, developing new support arrangements and services to try and ensure that all who have been temporarily accommodated are able to access suitable, permanent accommodation.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The way in which the council and our partners have come together to ensure we could house all of the borough’s rough sleepers through the period of the Covid-19 lockdown has been nothing short of outstanding.”

“However, using hotels and other establishments as temporary accommodation was only ever going to be a short-term solution. Our aim now is to ensure that all of our rough sleepers have an offer of suitable, permanent accommodation and access to wrap-around support services to give them the very best chance of re-building their lives.”

Chesterfield Borough Council have also announced that due to the easing of Government restrictions on the housing market and people being able to move homes, they will be restarting the advertising of council homes through Chesterfield Home Options from Monday 22 June.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Citizens Advice Chesterfield releases details of support given to local people during pandemic

Citizens Advice Chesterfield have released a report including details of the support they have provided to local residents during the Coronavirus pandemic.

From the start of lockdown in March to the end of April, Citizens Advice Chesterfield supported 942 people with 3078 problems.

Staff and volunteers adapted the delivery of their services once the pandemic began, adding extra advisers to their telephone lines and also introducing a webchat feature to their website in order to meet the increase in demand.

The report shows people needing help to access emergency food, cash or vital essentials was 5 times higher than in the same period last year. There were also 4 times the amount of employment issues then in the same period in 2019.

The top four areas where advice was issued, in order, were:

  • Universal Credit
  • Benefits and Tax Credits
  • Debt and Money Issues
  • Employment

The proportion of people seeking advice under 30 years of age was double that in the same period in 2019.

Linda Moore, Chair of Trustees, commented: “Trustees are constantly in awe of what our staff and volunteers do for local residents on a daily basis and we feel privileged to be a part of such a vital, life-saving service. Recently though, what has been done is nothing short of miraculous. We are proud of their work and achievements. We want to thank them publicly for their tireless dedication.”

As one of their clients said: “You were amazing and listened to what I said. I don’t know what I would have done without your help and support. Thank you.”

Advice Appointments are available throughout each weekday between 9am and 5pm. To access help, please contact the triage and advice line on 0300 4568437, open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

Click here to find out more about Citizens Advice Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield Borough Council receives support from Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund

Chesterfield Borough Council has received £92,500 in funding from the Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund.

The funding is primarily for use in Chesterfield town centre, but can also be used to support the re-opening of other district shopping areas such as Staveley town centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor.

The Government has allocated the funding from the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, to help support the process of reopening England’s high streets safely. The European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

The funding, which will be used in collaboration with Destination Chesterfield, will help implement new measures to encourage the safe re-opening of Chesterfield town centre considering the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the need to promote and maintain safe social distancing.

Some of the funding will also be used for communication and public information campaigns to market the town centre and the borough as a place to visit and to encourage more and more people to shop local. More information about how the funding will be spent will be announced over the coming weeks.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Businesses and organisations across Chesterfield have shown great resilience during the lockdown period. Experiences with our Chesterfield Champions and other local companies has shown that businesses are keen to pull together and come out the other side of the coronavirus pandemic stronger than ever.”

He added: “The Destination Chesterfield team will continue to promote the Shop Local message over the coming months and to support retailers in their recovery.”

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Chesterfield Borough Council has already used some of the funding on signage and road and pavement markings to support shoppers to maintain safe social distancing around the outdoor market, market hall and Chesterfield town centre.

Click here to find out more about Destination Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield FC Women announce new Head of Coaching

Chesterfield FC Women have appointed former Doncaster Rovers Belles and Watford Ladies Manager, Katie Rowson, as their Head of Coaching.

The role will see Katie, who holds the UEFA A Licence coaching qualification, oversee all coaching throughout the women’s section of the club, with a particular focus on aligning the academy and the first team to create a fluid pathway for players.

Katie is also an FA affiliate tutor, delivering coaching courses for aspiring coaches and has previously been the technical director of the British Virgin Islands Football Association as well as Doncaster Belles Regional Talent Club. Katie has also been the manager of the Great Britain and England Universities women’s football teams and joins the Spireites with a vast amount of knowledge and experience within the women’s game.

Katie said: “I am excited to join such a progressive environment with great ambition. Like with any project that I involve myself in, my decision to join the club is because I believe that I can make an impact.”

“The club has a fantastic history within the girl’s and women’s game; and over the past 18 months the club have really taken steps to put Chesterfield FC Women ‘back on the map’, which I’ve been watching with interest.”

“I believe that, with my experience, I can aid in aligning the philosophy and ambition of the club with a technical programme to promote holistic development throughout the full player pathway. My role is to mentor the coaching workforce and to implement the club philosophy throughout the club from first team to U11s.

“Ultimately, success will be judged on the positive connections that I can make with the coaches, players and their families that are involved in the club. If I can help engage all parties with the identity and ambition of the club via an aligned technical programme, coaching approach and development pathway, I will be pleased with the impact.”

Commenting on the appointment, Spireites Women’s general manager Gabrielle Salomon said: “We’re all delighted that Katie will be joining us. When you look at her experience and the knowledge she will bring to the club, it’s so exciting to think what we could achieve.”

“The women’s team is going through a period of rapid growth, both on the pitch and off it. To add Katie to the team really does show the direction we are heading in as a club and I can’t wait to start working with her.”

The appointment comes following the launch of the Chesterfield FC girls’ academy. To register your interest for trials, or for more information, please email women@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Coronavirus Community Support Fund aims to support charities and social enterprises

The Government’s new £200 million Coronavirus Community Support Fund is now open for applications. The fund is part of the Government’s £750m financial support package for charities and social enterprises.

The fund, which is being administered through the National Lottery Community Fund, aims to increase community support and to reduce temporary closures of essential charities or social enterprises, ensuring services for vulnerable people impacted by COVID-19 have the financial resources to operate, and so reduce the burden on public services.

Priority will be given to:

  • Organisations supporting people and communities who experience disproportionate challenge and difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Organisations providing services and support for vulnerable people, for which there will be increased demand as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Organisations which connect communities and support communities to work together to respond to COVID-19.

Charities and not for profit organisations are able to apply for grants of between £300 and £10,000 or for grants above £10,000. Decisions on funding will be made within weeks. Applications can be submitted at any time.

More information and the application forms can be found at www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/covid-19/learn-about-applying-for-emergency-funding-in-england

Beyond this response, National Lottery funding is available for longer-term rebuild and recovery.

Derbyshire County Council apprenticeships

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Crow Lane closure improves cycling for Chesterfield Royal Hospital staff

Chesterfield Royal Hospital, DSFS (Derbyshire Support & Facilities Services), Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Cycle Campaign have helped to create a new sustainable commute route.

Crow Lane has been closed to general traffic to create a safe route that stretches almost from the town’s train station towards the hospital’s grounds. It means that cycling from the town centre has become easier and safer for commuters, encouraging the use of greener forms of transport. It also links the town centre to closer, existing cycle paths and further afield.

It’s the result of a joint request from the Royal and the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign to Derbyshire County Council to close Crow Lane to traffic at the town end with a view to making it a permanent solution.

A spokesperson for DSFS said: “It’s been part of our site access plan to try and encourage more sustainable forms of transport and the move to close Crow Lane to traffic is fantastic news. We know from consulting with colleagues that more people would be willing to cycle in if it was safe to do so, but cycling up Hady Hill is not ideal.”

“The reason why Crow Lane was the preferred option is because it links to the town centre and other, nearby cycle paths. There has been a large increase in cycling since lockdown and electric bikes are increasing in popularity. To be able to cycle without being impeded by traffic makes it more appealing from a health and safety perspective as well as a safety point of view.”

The route can only be accessed by car via the Calow end for residents and has been done initially as an emergency closure for three weeks. The closure will then become temporary for 18 months with a view to making it permanent at the end of that period.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer said: “We’re pleased to have been able to offer a route for people to cycle safely from the middle of Chesterfield to the Royal. We’re making changes to town centres across the county, to make it easier for people to walk or cycle to the shops or places like the Royal.”

It’s the latest in a string of initiatives introduced by Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services for the Royal with the intention of encouraging alternatives to driving and addressing issues surrounding site access.

DSFS added: “We’ve recently opened new and refurbished shower and changing facilities for those cycling, walking or running to work, allowing them to freshen up and change into their work clothes. We have  just launched a cycle to work scheme which does not have the usual £1000 limit, so will enable staff to get an electric bike helping staff to cycle up the hill. We’re also about to improve our bus shelter accommodation and introduced electronic bus timetables to make it easier and more comfortable to get the bus to and from work.”

“We’d like to thank the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign and Derbyshire County Council for working with us and making this happen. It underlines our joint commitment to improving the environment, encouraging greener forms of transport and working on behalf of our colleagues to provide safe and effective, sustainable commutes.”

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

Deadline extended for East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

The East Midlands Chamber Business Awards continue the search to find the region’s leading organisations, with the application process for the 2020 programme being extended until Monday 27 July.

During the current crisis, we have seen businesses across the region undertaking fantastic work to adapt to the new ways of working, all while keeping the economy ticking over, maintaining cash flow, helping the NHS and their wider communities and continuing to develop and retain staff.

The deadline extension will allow these businesses to come forward and showcase their innovation and success in the face of adversity.

With 13 categories to choose from, the awards are designed to ensure opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Categories for 2020 include Apprentice of the Year; Business Improvement through Technology; Commitment to People Development; Community Impact; Education and Business Partnership; Entrepreneur of the Year; Environmental Impact Award; Excellence in Customer Service; Excellence in International Trade; Innovation in Manufacturing; Outstanding Growth; the Generation Next Young Professional Award; and Small Business of the Year.

A category winner will be chosen as Business of the Year for each county. Organisations can enter as many categories as they wish, the application process is 100% online to make it as easy and smooth as possible. Once an application has been created, entrants can edit their entries multiple times before the final submission.

The application process has also been updated to enable companies or individuals to be nominated for an award by others.

Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive said: “The year to date has been very difficult for all business yet it is still important to come together to celebrate our achievements. The Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to shout about their successes and gain the recognition they deserve.”

“Entering the awards is a win-win at every level. The programme is among the most contested and prestigious around so they are a key tool in raising your profile and can complement your marketing strategies coming out of this crisis. Even if your application doesn’t make the shortlist, it is still read by the calibre of business talent which makes up our judging panel.”

“I would encourage businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire to take advantage of this extension and I look forward to seeing the talent captured in this year’s programme.”

If you’re thinking of entering, the Chamber is hosting a series of online sessions aimed at supporting businesses to put forward their best possible entry into the Business Awards 2020.

Hosted by professional bid writer and consultant Rachel Hayward, from Ask the Chameleon, the session will cover category specific hints, tips and advice which can be taken away and applied to writing your award applications. More information can be found at https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/business-awards/awards-application-writing-workshop/awards-writing-workshops-with-rachel-hayward.

For the first time, the awards are open to members and non-members. Applications can be created at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards. For any questions or queries, please contact events@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Click here to find out more about East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

The East Midlands Chamber are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

Bloc Digital won the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Derbyshire Business of the Year Award 2019

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

A ‘celebrity’ shopping experience awaits Chesterfield shoppers

Non-essential retailers in Chesterfield town centre have returned to their shops and stores and re-opened with coronavirus-related safety measures in place after 13 weeks of closure.

The implementation of safety measures mean that some retailers are now promising shoppers a ‘celebrity’ shopping experience.

Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers based in The Shambles said: “We’ve been chatting to our customers via social media throughout lockdown so that has helped us understand how they want to shop with us. They don’t want to queue and wait around to get into the shop which is why we’ve introduced an appointment only system to Adorn.”

“Whether purchasing or not, we want people to not feel pressured and have the shop to themselves – a celebrity shopping experience! We’re more than happy for customers just to browse and have a catch up with us – we’ve missed them.”

Ashgate Hospicecare has installed Perspex screens on the tills in its shops and also removed and condensed displays to enable people to observe the two-metre distancing rule.

Eighty-five per cent of the shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre have re-opened with the remainder set to follow over the next few weeks.

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Co-Ordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, explained: “All of the retailers at Vicar Lane have been working very hard to implement measures that make it as safe as possible for everyone. As well as social distancing measures, some stores are providing hand-sanitising stations, or are offering appointment-only shopping. Additionally, some are operating reduced opening hours.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is undertaking a phased re-opening of its shops and donation centres over a three-week period. “The shops and donation centre will be re-opened over a three-week period, starting with our donation point and furniture store in Hasland,” added Laura Evans, Head of Retail Operations at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Sarah added: “We have provided details of every store’s safety measures and opening times on the Vicar Lane website to help visitors feel confident about visiting us. We’re reviewing government guidelines on a daily basis and ensuring that we are able to adapt quickly.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Supporting retailers and visitors, Chesterfield Borough Council has implemented social distancing measures throughout the town centre, market and Market Hall.

There is now visible signage around the town centre advising shoppers where to queue outside individual shops. There are also signs in areas such as car parks and green spaces reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines keeping two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, and not to congregate in groups.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre remains the council’s number one priority and we have been working closely with local retailers and market traders to make sure we can maintain safe social distancing within the town centre.”

“If you are worried about anything or have any questions, our town centre ambassadors will be on hand to help you.”

Retailers have praised the measures Chesterfield Borough Council has put in place around the town centre. “The council has also really considered the flow of people around The Shambles so we’re confident that social distancing is fully in place for every visitor,” said Laura-Jo.

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

The safety measures have also given entrepreneurs confidence to set up a town centre business.

Prior to lockdown, Natalia Marcheta, owner of mobile Prosecco bar, Salute, was due to set up a pop-up bar in Vicar Lane and plans remain in place for later in the year. She said: “Having seen the social distancing measures the council has put in place in the town centre, it has given us confidence to go-ahead with the venture in-line with the government guidelines of when hospitality businesses are allowed to re-open, as we know that our staff and customers will be safe.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), is urging the public to “play their part” in making shopping safer. It says customers should follow five steps:

  • Queue considerately
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Follow instructions inside and outside shops
  • Follow all necessary hygiene measures
  • Be respectful to shop staff

Lockdown has hit many businesses and charities on the high street hard. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retailers saw clothing and footwear purchases fall by two thirds.

Laura Evans explained: “The temporary closure of our shops has had a significant impact on the charity. Twenty-nine per cent of Ashgate Hospicecare’s income comes from its retail operations so we’re delighted to be able to re-open the shops.”

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Hasland Store

Vicar Lane praised the Government support for retailers during lockdown. Sarah Bowler “We’re delighted that all the existing retailers in Vicar Lane are re-opening after Lockdown, and we’ve also got a new bridal shop opening called Precious Memories by Anne-Marie. The Government help has been very welcome during this period and retailers are very thankful for the Rates Relief for this year – it is a huge weight off their shoulders.”

Despite the forced closure of non-essential retailers, many of Chesterfield’s retailers believe lockdown has been good for the health of the high street. Many town centre businesses are positive about their future following the success of the Shop Local message which has been championed by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Borough Council throughout lockdown.

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield explained: “The resilience that local businesses and service providers have shown during lockdown has been remarkable. Plans are in place by Destination Chesterfield to continue to promote the Shop Local message beyond lockdown and support retailers in their recovery and help them thrive as part of the town centre.”

Laura-Jo Owen said: “I think lockdown has helped people realise the shops and stores they have on their doorstep so I am expecting new customers who discovered us on social media over the last 12 weeks, to also visit the shop. We’re so happy to re-open and welcome back old and new customers to Adorn.”

Lisa Swift, owner of Shop Indie agreed, saying: “We believe that after the lockdown has ended and people are allowed to move freely that they will have a much better appreciation of local businesses they have been reliant on during lockdown.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Chesterfield’s retailers and the council are united in their enthusiasm to re-open and welcome back customers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “It’s great to see so many people back in the town centre as we look to restart our local economy. We know that many of you will have spent the last three months shopping online, but now is your chance to come back to the town centre, indulge in some retail therapy and support Chesterfield businesses by shopping local.

“The town centre has so much to offer. From national retailers to small independent stores and of course our outdoor market and Market Hall, there really is something for everyone.

“You’ll have the opportunity to browse and buy some of those nice to have items that you simply haven’t been able to get. Father’s Day is just around the corner too, so it’s the perfect chance for you to support our local retailers when you’re out looking for a gift.”

Click here for the Destination Chesterfield Father’s Day Gift Guide

Laura Evans, of Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “One thing that hasn’t changed in all our shops however, is the warm and friendly welcome. We can’t wait to welcome staff, volunteers and customers back.”

Sarah Bowler from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre agreed, saying: “We’re all very excited to be re-opening and welcoming everyone and getting back to the new ‘normal’.”

For shoppers who are still shielding,  the website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that have adapted to provide and supply their products and services remotely.

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

Two new units announced at Markham Vale in £25 million deal

Work to build two large new industrial units has started at Derbyshire County Council and HBD’s flagship regeneration site Markham Vale, signalling confidence in Derbyshire’s future economic prospects.

Aver Property Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Ergo and NFU Mutual, is building the 2 units at Markham Vale, off junction M1 29a, in a £25 million deal.

The units, measuring 221,518 square feet and 75,000 square feet, are being built on the north side of the business and logistics park and will be available to purchase or lease. Construction of the 2 units will be carried out by Derbyshire-based firm Bowmer and Kirkland.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “This investment in Markham Vale shows a great level of confidence in the Derbyshire economy and its potential for growth.”

“As we continue our work to support local businesses to recover from the downturn brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important that we continue to provide new opportunities for investment, bringing the potential for new jobs and helping to keep the economy moving.”

“This deal sends a strong signal to other investors that Derbyshire is a place that helps businesses to survive and thrive and I’m pleased that the construction contract has been awarded to a local business providing a further boost for the area and the local economy.”

Anthony Clitheroe, Director at HBD, said: “Both investors and occupiers are attracted by the high-quality build available at Markham Vale, combined with our proactive, partnership-led approach to development and proven track-record of delivering on time and to budget.”

Click here to find out more about Markham Vale

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

CBE+ successfully implements new ERP system despite Covid-19 setbacks

CBE+ has successfully implemented their new ERP system across the business, despite setbacks triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

CBE+ is a specialist sub-contractor operating from modern, purpose-built facilities in Chesterfield specialising in CNC machining, electroless nickel plating, gears and laboratory services. The group was formed by Cooper Brown Enterprises who invested in four separate businesses to bring integrated supply chains to global markets including aerospace, oil and gas.

The new EFACS E/8 System went live Monday 1st June. Implementing a company-wide ERP System is part of their continual investment and strategy to unite the group.

Implementation was put at risk by the sudden work and travel restrictions imposed by the Government due to the Coronavirus emergency, with project team members self-isolating or unable to attend meetings in person. In addition, CBE+ experienced a particularly busy time due to their involvement in the Ventilator Challenge, whereby many tens of thousands of parts had to be manufactured within very tight deadlines.

Nevertheless, the team at CBE+ allocated extra days and weekends to continue their work of transferring data, testing functions and making sure the system was ready to go live. The postponement of the ‘go live’ date was minimised, which CBE+ sees as a great achievement considering the challenges the project team faced.

Lindsay Atkins, Group Production Manager, explained how the new system would benefit the business: “We are changing systems to increase visibility and support productivity. Our current systems do not give us the planning and flexibility which the business needs therefore requiring more manual input. EFACS will be integrated and will provide real time data.”

Marie Cooper, CEO, commented, “Although we didn’t make our initial target date, we still saw the project through to the end, despite everything happening at once: lockdown measures and the manufacturing of  medical devices parts we had never made before. A project of this magnitude must be done right, and under the circumstances the team performed exceptionally well. We believe EFACS will enable the controls and provide the insights we need to implement our strategy and grow the business in the future.”

CBE+ are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

New bridal and prom dress boutique to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to welcome another new local name to the centre with its very own pop-up shop.

Precious Memories is Chesterfield’s newest bridal and prom dress boutique – offering its customers a glamourous experience, whatever the occasion. The store is set to open on Monday 15th June.

The owner and creator of Precious Memories, Anne-Marie, has always dreamed of one day running her own business which utilises her talents and expertise. After many years of modelling in the wedding industry, she was finally brave enough to follow her own dreams of creating the vision she had always dreamed of; a pristine, glamorous boutique, specialising in making women feel beautiful, empowered and like the queens they are.

Anne-Marie has a talent for high end customer service, personal stylist experience and a flare for hospitality. She understands how to dress each body shape to flatter, reflect personality and to evoke that powerful confidence when a woman feels beautiful.

Anne-Marie creates a warm, friendly space for ladies seeking bridal gowns and prom dresses that gives the ultimate VIP service, second to none, to absolutely every customer who walks through her doors.

The beautifully designed interior of Precious Memories allows customers to peruse through the exclusive designer dresses at ease and their luxurious, private viewing area adds a VIP element to the experience.

Precious Memories is also set to host a series of networking events for Brides and professionals in the wedding industry to connect. Bringing together local make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers and more in one location, Brides-to-be will be able to trial and sample a selection of products and services in one venue, taking the stress out of the wedding planning process.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Anne-Marie and ‘Precious Memories’ to Vicar Lane. It is an incredibly exciting business model with lots of truly original elements that we are sure our customers will benefit from and most importantly – enjoy!”

Click here to find out more about Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

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