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Furniture and lighting firm chooses Markham Vale for its northern base.

Aver Property has confirmed a 224,000 sq ft deal with one of the UK’s biggest furniture companies at Markham Vale.

The deal will see Gallery Direct take the Orion 1 unit on Seymour Link Road as its packing, warehousing, and distribution hub for the North.  This newly built facility owned by Aver property, comprises an eaves height of 15 metres, 21 docking doors and spaces for 39 trailers. It boasts over 224,000 sq. ft. of space, enough to house 35,000 pallets.

This distribution facility sits prominently fronting onto the M1 Motorway and will serve as Gallery’s northern packing, warehousing, and distribution hub, with enough space to accommodate the ongoing expansion of the business. The property is also planned to accommodate a new 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art showroom over three floors.

Established in 1973 as a small family run business, Gallery Direct has grown to become the leading British based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of furniture, home decor and accessories, committed to offering the complete home furnishings solution.

Peter Delaney, managing director at The Gallery Direct Group, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this prestigious facility in an amazing northern location. The fact is that this new property, combined with our southern warehouse and head office, improves further our distribution and operational capacity. We will be able to serve 96% of our clients’ requirements with one day delivery times, utilising our own home distribution fleet.

“We are excited to be expanding Gallery’s established home interiors categories, including furniture, lighting, wall décor and textiles, as well as the newer developments in outdoor living, home accessories and Christmas. Our strategy to be the leading supplier of the complete home and outdoor solution continues at pace. OrionOne is another significant milestone for our business and we look forward to welcoming clients to our grand opening early in 2022.”

Rob Whatmuff, from Colliers, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Aver Property on this transaction. Agreeing the deal in advance of practical completion is testament to both the quality of the building and the Markham Vale location.”

 

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Chesterfield’s Custom Solar completes innovative panel installation at the port of Southampton

Chesterfield-based green energy company, Custom Solar is proud to have completed its latest innovative solar project in the Port of Southampton.

The latest development in partnership with Associated British Ports sees the Horizon Cruise Terminal fitted with 2,000 solar modules, providing an 871kWp (Kilowatt Peak) system which will generate 850MWh per year. This ultimately means that on a day-to-day basis the terminal will generate more energy than it uses.

The new Horizon Cruise Terminal is thought to be the greenest in the UK. It is a significant step forward in energy sustainability within the maritime sector, with the ‘plug-in’ Shore Power technology that will allow vessels to connect to the national grid for power, significantly cutting carbon emissions.

The innovatively designed curved rooftop of the Horizon Cruise Terminal provided challenges to the project, with significant obstacles spanning spotlights and shipping infrastructure. As well as this, the installation of the project accounted for snow loading challenges with the architectural design of the rooftop. The Custom Solar design team expertly surpassed these challenges with a bespoke developed design.

ABP’s Sustainable Development Manager, Sue Simmonite, said: “From the outset of the design phase, we have been committed to ensuring our new Horizon Cruise Terminal embraces sustainability principles. Working with Custom Solar we have been able to maximise the amount of solar generation installed on the roof space of the design such that the terminal will be a net generator of renewable energy.”

Custom Solar’s Chief Executive, Gary Sucharewycz, said: “We are proud to have delivered another fantastic project for the Associated British Ports at the Port of Southampton. We have been involved in the project from concept and worked on complex solutions through the architectural design phase.

“This resulted in our team designing a bespoke mounting solution to seamlessly integrate the solar system into the bi-directional curvature of the roof. It’s been a fantastic project to have been involved with and one that our team have enjoyed being part of. The visual impact is impressive but more importantly we have assisted our client in identifying and creating solutions for deploying on site solar in a complex environment which is what we specialise in with our expert team.

“We operate and maintain over 3MW of solar assets at the Port of Southampton that we delivered over the last 3 years with further projects being developed and delivered.

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK.

The firm’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on creativity, expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety. The company values the trust placed in it to provide the correct solar solution and investment plan for each unique scenario.

Custom Solar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

New solar installation at Port of Southampton, Image Credit – ABP

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New soft play, entertainment and dessert venue open in Chesterfield

A brand new venue for children is set to open in Chesterfield, which will house family-friendly entertainment, a soft play area and mouth-watering desserts.

Kooca will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm to help provide fun for your little ones, while you, your family and friends tuck into an indulgent treat.

The venue on Beetwell Street will officially open its doors to the public from Saturday, 2nd October, with toy cars and pony cycles also included to enable children to have a fun experience.

Special events such as Halloween and Christmas parties will also be lined up at the new venue, which aims to provide hours of fun for youngsters across North Derbyshire and beyond.

Operations Director Ian Biggin said: “Our intention is simply to be Chesterfield’s Premier Children’s Soft Play, Entertainment, Party and Dessert Venue.

“Kooca features the latest in soft play design, along with a family friendly entertainment venue which will host shows and events throughout the year.

“We can offer bespoke party packages from tailored group experiences including food and drink packages up to exclusive venue hire for your special event.”

Kooca will be offering guests a delicious range of treats for guests, including freshly made waffles topped off with locally-made Frederick’s ice cream, coffees with flavoured shots, milkshakes and much more.

Further plans for the new business include the development of ‘Our Tiny Town’ in which the business’s owners will work with teams from Chesterfield borough council and Chesterfield College to create a miniature replica of Chesterfield within the building.

You can find out more about Kooca, and all the exciting events taking place there over on the venue’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/koocaltd or by calling 01246 604670.

There is so much to do across Chesterfield to keep the whole family entertained. Find out what you could be getting up to in the town on our ‘Places to Visit’ page.

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Ashgate Hospicecare appeals for volunteers to help with Sparkle Night Walk

Ashgate Hospicecare is appealing for volunteers to come forward and support one of the biggest fundraising events of the year, the Sparkle Night Walk 2021.

The popular event is set to return this weekend, Saturday, 25th September, after being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The route comprises of a 10km course down the A61 bypass, past the iconic Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield, beginning and ending at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium.

Peter Stone, Ashgate Hospicecare’s Director of Income Generation said: “We need more volunteers than ever before to help more than 1,600 Sparkler Walkers hit our target of £150,000 for the event.

“The funds the Sparkle Walk raises are vital for our work – although it isn’t just about the money as people take part to remember someone they have lost.

“It’s a hugely significant event for many families of people who the Hospice has cared for and when those bunny-ear clad folk are winding their way through Chesterfield through the night and then start to turn again towards the morning, it’s a sight not to be missed!”

“We need volunteer marshals on the route to cheer everybody on and help them remember why they’re taking part.”

Marshals would need to arrive at 8pm and will be needed until between midnight and 1.30am. Anyone who would like to help but can’t stay for the whole event is able to marshal at an early post, or the organisers can find another role for you.

Any volunteers wishing to bring along family or friends to help, they will be very welcome. All volunteers will be fully briefed and placed with an experienced volunteer where possible.

Volunteers will also receive a free hot drink and a free bacon roll (or a vegan alternative) – and a chance to make Chesterfield really sparkle!

If you can volunteer on Saturday, Contact events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or call on 01246 233404.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

sparkle night walk

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Community Chesterfield launches next round of training and shared learning sessions

Community Chesterfield has launched its next phase of training and shared learning workshops to support the learning needs of staff and students at the University of Derby, as well as community and voluntary third sector groups across Derbyshire which help people in Chesterfield.

The project, which is a Lottery funded partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby, has announced the topics to be covered up to February next year across its different learning programmes.

A variety of workshops which are one to two hour long one-off sessions covering a range of topics, will take place throughout the rest of the year. The subjects being focused on are a Makaton taster, Introduction to Domestic Abuse Training (accredited), Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills and Gambling-Related Harm Awareness.

Due to its popularity during previous series, the project’s Training and Tea sessions are returning, the first of which is a series of seven sessions focusing on fundraising to be delivered by Anna Clyne, director of MTH Consulting, who has 15 years’ experience working in frontline and management positions within the sector.

She specialises in supporting UK and international charities to understand impact, build a strategic approach to income generation and develop compelling funding approaches. Her first session will take place on 6 October.

Andrew Deighton will also return to facilitate more Training and Tea sessions early next year, delivering subjects including Solving Problems and Generating Ideas, Personal Development Planning and Managing Your Time More Effectively.

Connect and Reflect, which aims to connect the community, the health and social care sector and the University to allow them to discuss, learn from and reflect on the common experiences we each have, will also continue on the second Tuesday of every month.

The interactive online networking and shared learning sessions will cover the following topics between August and December: Conversations about Coaching and Building Teams, Accessible and Creative Communication and End of Life: Those Who Give Support Need Support, Identity and Intersectionality and Social Media: Professionally Sociable.

Connect and Reflect is for community and voluntary third sector organisations or groups helping people in Chesterfield, staff and students at the University of Derby and individuals working within Health or Social Care for people in Chesterfield.

Community Chesterfield also provides access to E-Learning courses which can be completed at your own pace. Available topics include Assessing Display Screen Equipment (DSE), First Aid Awareness, Negotiation and Time Management.

Places on all the above training and shared learning are free for University of Derby staff and students with a connection to Chesterfield, as well as those working at or volunteering for Derbyshire-based ‘not for profit’ community organisations helping people in Chesterfield. Some subsidised tickets are available for Training and Tea for anyone in Derbyshire. Terms and conditions apply.

For the full list of training and shared learning or to book a place on any of the sessions, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/community-chesterfield-30163085884.

Community Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Chesterfield’s Avant Homes helps dance company leap to success in first dance world cup

Hardy Alexandra Dance Company has sashayed its way to national success at the Dance World Cup, following a sponsorship deal with leading housebuilder Avant Homes Central.

The troupe of 42 dancers aged between five and 18 represented England at the Dance World Cup for the first time in Telford, Shropshire.

Avant Homes Central sponsored the dance company £1,000 which helped cover costs for auditions, team kits, costumes, accommodation, and transport.

The competition featured 120,000 competitors from 62 countries and the dancers of Hardy Alexandra Dance Company won a mixture a gold, silver and bronze medals across numerous dance disciplines and age groups.

Hardy Alexandra Dance Company instructor, Alexandra Mahjouri, said: “We’re extremely proud to see our dancers’ talent be recognised in a worldwide arena and with our array of medals they are now known as some of the best dances in England.

“Dancing can be an expensive hobby and Avant Homes’ contribution has allowed this international competition to be available to every student at Hardy Alexandra Dance Company. We’re very grateful for their donation and to be able to see our dancers take part in the Dance World Cup has been incredible.”

One of the dancers that competed in the dance troupe was ten-year-old, Sophie Harrison, who is the daughter of Avant Homes Central sales and marketing administrator, Kelly Harrison. Sophie has been dancing since she was one-year old and competed in the Dance World Cup in a song and dance routine.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “Hardy Alexandra Dance Company is an inspiring organisation, which does excellent work with youngsters keen to pursue dance, and all their hard work paid off after dancing to success at the Dance World Cup for the first time.

“Avant Homes is extremely proud to have been able to provide support in getting the company and dancers to the competition and we’re delighted to see England win the gold.”

Based in Chesterfield, Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK. The group currently has 54 developments across its five operating regions.

Avant Homes Central has 10 developments under construction stretching from Worksop to Newark.

For more information on Avant Homes Central, please visit www.avanthomes.co.uk.

Avant Homes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Royal Hospital Christmas card competition returns for 2021

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital charity has launched its annual Christmas card competition, with the team hoping this year’s will be the biggest and best yet.

Young people across the area are being encouraged to submit their festive designs ahead of the 12th November deadline, with the winning designs to be professionally produced and sold to raise funds for the charity this Christmas.

Ken Godber, Charity Director at Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: “The response we had last year was wonderful and the standard incredibly high. It was heart-warming to see so many youngsters come together and get creative in support of the charity and this hospital and we appreciate so many schools making it a part of their lessons and activities.

“We all know that last Christmas was a difficult one for so many people so we’re hoping for an even better response this year and would like to everyone to get into the Christmas spirit a little earlier and encourage your children or grandchildren to send us their designs. It’s for a fantastic cause and all money raised through the sale of these Christmas cards will go towards helping our patients to receive the very best care and treatment and to provide our staff with a great place to work.”

If you know a young person who would like to get involved with designing a card, they can find the entry form for the competition at: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/our-charity/annual-christmas-card-competition-2021

To enter, email your scanned entries to crhft.communications@nhs.net or alternatively you can post to:

Communications Office
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Calow
Chesterfield
S44 5BL

Remember to include an entry slip with your design (either included in the email or pop it in the envelope with your design.)

The hospital is also encouraging people to share the competition with other young people, local schools family and friends so more people can get involved.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital  supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New games quarter to open in Chesterfield town centre

A brand-new leisure offering is set to open in Chesterfield, bringing a variety of new activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Chesterfield Games quarter is an exciting new development in Soresby Street in the Town Centre. The attraction is a collaboration of four Leisure and Gaming businesses, set to offer a variety of gaming genres all in one location.

Two new exciting businesses have chosen to move to the location due to the popularity of Chesterfield Escape Rooms since its opening earlier this year and Geeks Headquarters, which has grown in popularity for players of trading card games, board games, roleplaying games and miniature games.

Chesterfield VR – A Virtual Reality gaming centre and Chesterfield Games Zone (GMZN), a PC and gaming arcade will officially open their doors in November 2021, bringing a variety of fun activities for people of all ages.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has also confirmed that due to an amazing response from the public, the attraction is set to expand further.

Games masters at the popular venue are in the process of creating an additional game in time for Christmas called “Santa’s Stuck up the Chimney,” with a fifth game set to launch in February 2022.

The Escape Rooms already offers three games for visitors, known as ‘The Governor,’ ‘Rob The Bank’ and ‘The Crazy Cat Lady.’

Nick Hogan, owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms stated: “It’s a huge coup for the town to attract two new fledgling businesses to invest in the town centre and create something very unique, especially as all four owners live in the local area.

“We cant wait to get this opportunity, which shall serve the needs of all age groups, off the ground in late November.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Entrepreneurs offered post-COVID funding through new Vision Derbyshire partnership

A new grant scheme aimed at providing support for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses has been announced in Derbyshire, to aid the county’s economic recovery.

As the county continues to recover after a difficult 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a huge increase in people setting up their own business.

Figures show that across the UK more than 400,000 new businesses, including more than 2,000 in Derbyshire, were launched last year, with entrepreneurs who may have never dreamed of being their own bosses helping to lead the UK’s post-COVID recovery.

Now, a partnership of local authorities across Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Council, have joined forces to launch Vision Derbyshire in order to encourage more people living locally to set up their own companies too.

Called the ‘Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme’, the scheme is open to those who are about to take the plunge or have just started their business journey.

Vision Derbyshire has already assembled a team of local expert business advisors who will be there to offer free advice and support, while funding of up to £10,000 per applicant is also available.

Networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success will also be a part of the package.

Nothing on this scale has ever been launched in Derbyshire before and, unlike other business support schemes, Vision Derbyshire is targeting entrepreneurs and those aged between 17 and 30, or who are aged over 50 and who lost their jobs or livelihoods during COVID.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Economic lead for Vision Derbyshire and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, which is one of the councils taking part alongside Derbyshire County Council said: “Councils across Derbyshire have been committed to doing all we can for our businesses through what has been an incredibly difficult time but, like places up and down the country, our local economy has been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic.

 

“However, out of hardship often come silver linings and it has also seen many people who were among the most badly affected launch their own businesses or make plans to go it alone.

“They are precisely the people that this Vision Derbyshire scheme is designed to help, so that together we can nurture the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship that has always burned brightly in Derbyshire in order to help the county’s economy to re-emerge stronger.

“We are delighted to be involved in this county-wide initiative and would encourage anybody who has considered starting their own business or who has taken the plunge in the past year to find out more about how Vision Derbyshire can help them to turn their plans into a successful and sustainable business.”

A funding pot of £550,000, which has been raised through Derbyshire’s involvement in the Government’s Retained Business Rates Pilot scheme, has been set aside to fund companies, with a range of grants available over the next two years.

To find out more about the Vision Derbyshire scheme visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/visionderbyshirebusinesssupport or email Business@derbyshire.gov.uk

 

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Popular 1940s market set to return in Chesterfield

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy themselves during half term as the annual 1940s market returns for 2021.

Taking place on Thursday 28 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market is one of the most popular events in our calendar and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to bring it back this year.

“I hope lots of people will come along and support our local businesses and traders, there will be lots to see and it will be fun for all ages.”

Kalamazoo dance band will make their return to Chesterfield and will be performing throughout the day in New Square.

A replica Spitfire will be on display outside the Visitor Information Centre and visitors can learn more about the role of these planes in World War Two.

There will also be a display of vintage vehicles including cars, military vehicles, and a classic fire engine.

The weekly flea market will take place in the market place with traders in 1940s costume. There will be a competition for the best dressed trader and visitors are encouraged to get into the 40s spirit by dressing in period costumes.

Chesterfield Museum will also be open as usual from 10am to 4pm where visitors can learn more about the town’s history, including a final chance to visit the Put That Light Out exhibition, which finishes on 30 October.

The exhibition looks at life in Chesterfield during World War Two, featuring displays and objects that will help visitors learn more about rationing, holidays at home, the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Home Guard. Entry to the Museum is free but donations are welcome.

More activities and entertainers are still being confirmed, find out more about the event by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/40s

The 1940s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

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Drinks Partner Confirmed for Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has confirmed a new official soft drinks supplier for its 2021 event in Queen’s Park.

Franklin & Sons Soft Drinks, part of the Global Brands franchise of businesses, will provide drinks for runners goody bags at the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, which is taking place on Sunday 17 October 2021, starting at 10:00am.

Franklin & Sons are also providing a selection of prizes, including drinks from their range, as well as overnight stays & meals at the CASA and Peak Edge Hotels for Redbrik 10k’s event winners.

Sam Coles, Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons, said: “As our Head Office is based in Chesterfield, we’re proud to again sponsor the Redbrik 10k. An event that brings the local community together, raises money for some fantastic charities, whilst supporting the health and wellbeing of local people.”

John Timms, Event Director at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, said: “We’re delighted to have Franklin & Sons on board for the race and runners no doubt will be too.”

“This is the latest in a long line of important partnerships with renowned local and regional businesses, all of which are crucial to growing this event and locally, regionally and nationally.”

“We want to make the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k an event for all ages – we’re really excited to see everything come to fruition on event day and seeing our runners get some refreshing drinks when they cross the finish line after all their hard work!”

To sign up to the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k visit: www.chesterfield10k.com

The route will take runners past a number of the town’s landmarks, including the cobbled streets of the town centre and the iconic crooked spire. It will also feature service and cheer stations on the course and will have a later 10am start.

Global Brands and Redbrik support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

competition

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