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Chesterfield Champions get into the festive spirit

Businesses in our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have been busy getting into the festive spirit, with several initiatives to support our people and communities.

Find out more about what our organisations have been up to below!

Chesterfield FC spreads festive cheer at Ashgate Hospice

Ashgate Hospice - Chesterfield FC Visiting

The players from Chesterfield Football Club brought plenty of smiles and Christmas cheer to Ashgate Hospice on Thursday 5 December, during their much-loved annual visit.

The day began in the hospice’s Day Services area, where players joined patients for festive arts and crafts, including Christmas card making. They also took part in a light-hearted debate about the best chocolates in a Celebrations box – with the Spireites unanimously agreeing that Bounty is not a fan favourite!

Next, the team visited Ashgate’s specialist Inpatient Unit to spend time with patients, chatting and sharing stories with them during the visit. One special visitor, Daisy the Poodle Shih Tzu, was especially delighted with all the attention from the players.

Before finishing their visit, the players took a tour of Ashgate’s newly renovated Day Services area, set to reopen early next year. The updated space will provide enhanced support for people living with life-limiting and incurable illnesses and the people important to them.

Spireites captain Jamie Grimes said: “It’s been a couple of years I’ve been here and it’s great to see all of the new facilities going in and all of the money that has been donated by local companies.

“It’s really eye-opening to see how kind people can be and the kind work that everyone does here. People seem so comfortable and as happy as they can be in their situation.

“It’s nice to have a joke, bring a smile to a face and hopefully take their mind off of what they are going through.

“It’s not nice to see people struggling but it gives you a bit of perspective with football and makes you appreciate what you have got.

“It’s been my third year coming now [to Ashgate Hospice] and I keep seeing the place get better and that is important thanks to the donations that they get.

“I can only commend the people and the countless companies that have donated to the new facility and it’s a credit to the amazing work that people do here and the amazing kindness and generosity of the people in the community.”

To make the day even more magical, the club brought Christmas sacks filled with chocolates and biscuits to share with patients and staff.

Ali Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice, shared: “We’re so grateful to Chesterfield FC for visiting us each Christmas. It’s such a special day, and the joy they bring to our patients, those important to them, and our staff and volunteers is just incredible.

“Watching them take the time to chat and laugh with everyone is heartwarming—it’s a reminder of how amazing our community is when we come together.”

Right now, Ashgate is only able to operate 15 out of its 21 inpatient beds. As a result, not all patients who require hospice care are able to access it, meaning some families are missing out on the essential support and special moments that hospices offer, especially during the festive period.

To support Ashgate this Christmas and help ensure more people can access vital care, please visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/christmas-appeal or by calling 01246 567 250.

Legal Firm’s Will Writing Service Success Boosts Charity Funds

Hospice launch Graysons 2023

Chesterfield-based Graysons Solicitors raised £1,130 for Ashgate Hospice recently with its Will Week initiative. The Glass Yard-based firm offered free will writing whilst encouraging a donation to the charity for each one drafted.

Graysons also offered advice on other matters from powers of attorney to trust arrangements. Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons, said: “I’m proud to say it was a very successful week. Every donation helps support the specialist care given at Ashgate Hospice, and making a Will provides peace of mind that a person’s affairs will be handled in the way they wish in the future.”

Graysons Solicitors has been a regular supporter of Ashgate Hospice for many years.

Laura Law, senior individual giving and legacy officer at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We were so happy to once again have the support of Graysons Solicitors during their Will Week fundraiser. Writing a will is so important to ensure that our affairs are in order whilst making sure our loved ones are looked after when we’re no longer here. Not only that, but it allows us to put plans in place so that we can get on with making the most of the time we have with them.”

Graysons were the main sponsor of the Butterfly Appeal at Chatsworth last year, following two years as sponsors of the successful Forget Me Not Appeals staged at Chatsworth in 2021 and Renishaw Hall in 2022. They also sponsored Ashgate Hospice’s 2024 ‘Big Thank You Party’.

They will be sponsoring the 2025 Dragonfly Appeal at Chatsworth.

Graysons Solicitors specialise in wills, estates and trusts, elderly client services, lifetime planning, property, family law, personal injury, and clinical negligence.

To find out more, please visit: www.graysons.co.uk

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Health and Wellbeing Hub receives a Highly Commended accolade

HSJ Awards

The Health and Wellbeing Hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has received a prestigious accolade, being named ‘Highly Commended’ in the Staff Wellbeing Award at the HSJ Awards 2024. This annual event celebrates success stories across the health and social care sector, providing a platform to inspire and shape the future of the NHS.

The facility includes:
• A fully equipped gym
• Two studios to host groups and exercise classes
• Counselling rooms
• Areas for group or individual reflection
• Changing room and shower facilities
• Bike storage facilities
• Foyer space for colleagues to take time out, eat lunch and network

The Health and Wellbeing Hub opened in July 2023 – and is a free on-site facility supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of all 5,613 colleagues . Its purpose is to ‘care for carers’.

The initial predictions expected the Hub to engage with around 15% of the workforce. However, since launch, over 50% of colleagues have been engaged with the Hub – it’s a facility with options for all.

Mahmud Nawaz, Trust Chair, attended the Awards with colleagues from the Trust: “This commendation is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are committed to creating a supportive and healthy workplace and this recognition is a huge encouragement for us to continue our efforts. Thank you to everybody involved.”

This year’s awards covered an incredible 26 categories. An impressive 1,351 entries were received, with 235 organisations, projects and individuals making it to the final shortlist.

Abbie Foster, Health and Wellbeing Lead, added: “This is a proud moment for us. We faced tough competition from other incredible organisations in our category, and we are honoured to be recognised amongst such great company.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive comments: “It’s important we continue to support our people – without our exceptional people, we can’t provide exceptional patient care and I’m very proud that we’ve been able to showcase this and be recognised on a national stage. Thank you to everybody involved.”

The Trust were able to attend the ceremony thanks to sponsorship from Westfield Health.

Veezu Supports Sheffield Children’s Hospital Patients with Free Rides to Blend Culinary Foundation

Veezu Supports Sheffield Children's Hospital Patients with Free Rides to Blend Culinary Foundation

Veezu, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing private hire technology business, is proud to announce a special partnership aimed at supporting young patients from Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Since August, Veezu has been offering free, round-trip transportation to the Blend Culinary Foundation at Cambridge Street Collective. This initiative eases logistical challenges for families, ensuring that young patients can attend cooking classes without added stress. By removing transportation barriers, Veezu enables children to fully benefit from this therapeutic programme, contributing to their recovery and well-being.

The Blend Culinary Foundation, in collaboration with Sheffield Children’s Hospital, offers cooking classes designed for children and young people under the hospital’s care. These sessions focus on building kitchen confidence, encouraging positive relationships with food, and equipping participants with practical skills to promote healthy eating habits. This supportive and therapeutic approach complements the hospital’s broader treatment programme, which includes medical care, psychological support, and nutrition education.

“At Veezu, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said Sacha Boulis, Regional Marketing Manager for Veezu. “By providing transportation for these young patients, we hope to reduce any barriers they may face in accessing these classes. It’s a small gesture that we believe can have a big impact on their journey to recovery.”

Caitlin Hallatt, Philanthropy Manager for The Children’s Hospital Charity, added “We are so grateful for the continued support of Veezu. Working together in partnership with staff at Sheffield Children’s and Blend Culinary Foundation, we are able to offer accessible support and classes for our patients. Moving away from the hospital environment to experience tailored sessions in a fun and interactive place has proven really beneficial, and without Veezu it wouldn’t have been possible to run these sessions as effectively.

“We’ve been in partnership with Veezu for many years now and are always blown away by their willingness to support in any way that they can to help our patients and families.” The complimentary rides were provided through the Funded by Veezu initiative, which helps to fund hundreds of local projects nationwide and aims to make a positive difference. To learn more about Funded by Veezu, please visit https://www.veezu.co.uk/funded-by-veezu.

Certificate of appreciation for Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane certificate of appreciation

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield were delighted to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Royal British Legion Riders (RBLR) this week, acknowledging the centre’s ongoing support for the charity’s vital work.

The RBLR, a group of motorcycling enthusiasts dedicated to supporting and promoting the work of the Royal British Legion, have found a valued partner in Vicar Lane.

Vicar Lane has warmly welcomed the Chesterfield branch of the RBLR to host numerous fundraising events at the centre. These events have offered visitors a chance to interact with RBLR members, admire their motorcycles, and even take photos on the bikes — all in support of the Royal British Legion’s important initiatives.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane, shared his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from the RBLR and look forward to many more opportunities to work together for such a meaningful cause.”

For further details please visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/

Bolsover shines bright with light show and lantern parade

Lantern parade

Junction Arts brought two illuminating events to Bolsover; Bright Winter Nights at Bolsover Castle and the Bolsover Lantern Parade, which celebrated its 30th birthday.

On Friday, the 29th of November, Bright Winter Nights saw over a thousand people flock to the immersive light show at Bolsover Castle. The sell-out event included three art installations that were co-created with the community and professional artists. Know Your Neighbourhood in the old riding school saw Bolsover District residents’ artwork come to life in a film created by national artist William Lindley and projected onto the stable walls.

Mirror, Mirror, created by Derbyshire theatre company, Babbling Vagabonds and projection artists Illuminos, featured the work of students from Bolsover School. It was an interactive piece, with visitors using mirrors to find characters and become part of the artwork.

In Full Colour, a digital projection onto the Little Castle was the event’s centrepiece. Projection artist Rebecca Smith worked with youth members of Derbyshire LGBT+, which includes LGBTQIA+ young people from around Chesterfield, to create an inspiring immersive experience that combined history with contemporary digital art.
Local resident Michelle Ward said: “It was amazing, we really enjoyed it. I think William Cavendish would have approved as it was his party palace and he liked to show it off.”

On Saturday, hundreds of people joined the Bolsover Lantern Parade with their lanterns and thousands more lined the streets to see one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions.

Following a month of lantern-making workshops in the community and local schools, just under 600 lanterns were made for the parade, with 400 taking part on the night. Among the hundreds of creations, there was a giant Stitch, a beautiful turtle, a rocket, a jellyfish, a car, a sausage dog, lots of Christmas trees and two huge dragons!

The parade marked the finale of the Bolsover Winter Festival, a weekend of festive fun, which includes a traditional Christmas market and a day of festive food and entertainment in the town centre.

Chesterfield-based charity Junction Arts organised the events in partnership with Bolsover District Council, Old Bolsover Town Council, English Heritage, Bolsover Place Board, PlatformThirty1 and other community partners.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Wow, what a weekend we’ve had in Bolsover! The two events celebrated art, technology and local people, with every piece of content co-created with the community and professional artists. These events shine a light on the creativity and strong community spirit that exists in this brilliant town, and we feel so proud to be part of it.

“Thank you to our funders, supporters, partners, volunteers, artists, and everyone who made a lantern or turned out to support these fabulous events.”

Images courtesy of David Blewer, Steven Bostock and Philip Newman from Bolsover Camera Club.

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield community organisations invited to apply for University of Derby funding

A fund created to support local groups, organisations and individuals in Chesterfield and the wider Derbyshire area will return for 2025 following a successful debut.

The University of Derby is inviting applications from anyone based in the city or county who is seeking seed funding for projects that will bring impact to the local area and community and would like to work in partnership with the University to bring their ideas to life.

The Civic Community Fund provided seed funding to five organisations in 2024. They were music and arts development group Baby People, Chesterfield-based inclusive arts project SocialFuse Festival, children’s mental wellbeing CIC Bridge The Gap, Hands on Skin – an initiative which looks at exploring identity and cultural heritage through drum rhythms – and a project that co-creates poetry around nature connectedness and the Whispers From The Woods poetry book.

As well as receiving a grant from the University of Derby, successful applicants were also invited to work closely with researchers and other experts at the University to profile and share their work within the wider civic community.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ann Fomukong-Boden used the funding to host SocialFuse Festival; an inclusive event held in Chesterfield over the summer which showcased various social enterprises from across the county.

She said: “The contribution we received from the Civic Community Fund enabled us to host SocialFuse Festival earlier this year, and to ensure that the event was free for all attendees.

“This meant that everyone in the community could join in, regardless of their financial situation.

“It is important to us that SocialFuse Festival is accessible to all, and we are grateful to the University of Derby for the support it has given us.”

The Civic Community Fund is designed to support the work of the University’s Civic University Agreement, which was launched in June 2022, by creating new partnerships locally and providing support to civic projects that will have a positive impact within the community.

Although the Civic Community Fund is a relatively new initiative, the University has supported local community projects for decades, providing funding to inspiring groups across Derbyshire who make a real difference to people’s lives.

Dr Rhiannon Jones, (Associate Professor of Civic Practice) and Head of Civic and Communities at the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby is proud to be a Civic organisation that is committed to playing its part in the city and county’s ongoing prosperity and wellbeing, supporting local communities and the people within them, working closely with our stakeholders and partners to deliver our Civic University Agreement.

“The Civic Community Fund has been a hugely successful initiative, and we are looking forward to receiving applications for 2025.

“The fund is a fantastic way of enabling us to provide bespoke support for local groups and individuals whose endeavours would benefit from the support the University can offer. We are looking for people who want to partner with us in the longer term, to work with our experts to develop their brilliant projects and make a real impact in the local area.”

Applications for the Civic Community Fund should be made via the university’s website before January 31. Applicants will be notified of funding application outcomes by February 14, 2025.

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

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Business Advisory Board for the East Midlands meets for the first time

Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region have been appointed to the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Business Advisory Board.

Following an extensive recruitment process, 11 business representatives have been recruited to the board, and they met earlier today for the inaugural meeting of the Business Advisory Board, which took place at Bolsover District Council in Derbyshire.

The Business Advisory Board, chaired by David Williams, Chairman of Geldards and EMCCA’s Associate Member for Business, will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the EMCCA Board.

The purpose of the Board is to strengthen the connection between EMCCA and local businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses, large and small, is harnessed when making decisions on the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net zero.

At the inaugural meeting, members were provided with an overview of EMCCA’s recently launched Inclusive Growth Commission and discussed how the Business Advisory Board will inform its work. The advisory board members also discussed the current investment strategy and pipeline of development currently underway in the region, providing their input and feedback to the plans outlined.

Two Destination Chesterfield Board Members are also represented on the EMCCA Business advisory board; Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber and Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director, Devonshire Group.

David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board said: “I was delighted to welcome members of the Business Advisory Board to our inaugural meeting earlier today. We had an excellent discussion and heard great contributions from our members, who provide good representation from across our region in terms of sectors, geography, and small, medium and large businesses.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The Business Advisory Board is an important part of our collaboration with our local businesses and I look forward to hearing the views of board members going forward as we progress our work on the Inclusive Growth Commission, and our investment pipeline for our region.”

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More than 150 new homes to be built in Mastin Moor

Contracts have been exchanged to enable the building of more than 150 new houses in Mastin Moor, near Chesterfield.

Vistry Group is expected to begin development on land south of Bolsover Road in High Ridding, after exchanging contracts with The Devonshire Property Group.

The 11 acre site, which was previously agricultural land, will provide approximately 165 mixed tenure homes on the second phase of the wider Mastin Moor development, which will eventually deliver 650 homes alongside a local centre with retail and health facilities, as well as a community garden.

Vistry Group has submitted a reserved matters application for 165 homes to Chesterfield Borough Council, with a determination expected in 2025.

Devonshire Property Group has already constructed the main site infrastructure, in addition to an innovative Construction Skills Hub south of the site. The hub will offer sector specific training on the live construction sites in Mastin Moor, providing opportunities for future generations of builders to develop their skills.

Harron Homes occupies phase one of the wider development, building new homes on a 16 acre piece of land to the south west.

Rob Spittles, Managing Director of Vistry East Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on this parcel of land and to be contributing to the growing community in Mastin Moor. We know there is a need for high-quality homes in the area, as well as properties that offer a mixed-tenure for a variety of buyer needs, and look forward to adding this offering to the wider development in the future.”

Andy Byrne, Director at the Devonshire Property Group, said: “We’re delighted to have Vistry on board to deliver another phase of homes at The Riddings in Mastin Moor. What we really like about Vistry is their mixed tenure model, providing homes for sale, rent and affordable housing. This helps to create a truly sustainable community, something that is important to the Devonshire Group. Once complete the overall development will provide over 50 acres of new parkland, a new local centre and an extension to the existing community gardens. We wish Vistry well with their planning application and look forward to welcoming them on site in 2025.”

Are you looking to live in a town which provides a great community, work/life balance, and good educational facilities for your family? Find out more about what Chesterfield can offer.

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

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Promotions and collaborations lead to growth for Champions

Businesses in our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are continuing to achieve exciting milestones, with further growth and success announced my several organisations in recent weeks.

Find out the latest news in our roundup below:

New leadership structure for the next chapter at Whittam Cox Architects

Andy Dabbs Nick Riley 2024

As part of our planned succession strategy and ongoing evolution, Whittam Cox Architects is excited to announce a new management structure for our senior leadership team. With Ashley Turner stepping down from his role as CEO, the new structure is designed to unify and build upon the experience of our directors into a single Executive team.

Effective from 1st December 2024, marking the start of our financial year, the new structure will see the Executive Directors continue to lead the practice in terms of service and project delivery, whilst also taking on additional responsibilities for specific areas of strategic and operational leadership.

Andy Dabbs and Nick Riley will take on newly formed roles as Managing Executive Directors. These positions will draw on the personal and complementary strengths of each individual’s experience and impact to date.
In addition to Andy and Nick, the Executive Director team will consist of existing shareholders; Dave Savage, Jon Godwin, Dan Cocker, Steve Spedding, David Skelton, Mark Williams, Ian Lowson and Paul Rogers.

Andy Dabbs, who also supports the town as a Destination Chesterfield board member, said: “This is an important milestone for us in our sixth decade. We’ve achieved so much progress and diversification in the last ten years, and we are both excited and optimistic about the future. This evolution of our practice leadership structure recognises and promotes the directors into one team. We believe this will positively support leading the business effectively and successfully into the future. We feel both confident and excited about this news and the transition which we are looking to fully realise over the next year and beyond”.

Nick Riley: “Our compass in navigating this change has been centred on providing the best outcome for the practice holistically and for our clients. This structure will provide more opportunity for inclusive progression of colleagues and will help us to continue building on the strength of our service offering to clients. As a practice we want to leave a positive impact and legacy in everything we do and for us this is about being Progressive by Design.”

Ashley Turner: “This marks a new era for Whittam Cox Architects and is part of a succession plan and practice evolution essential for the long-term success of the practice that we set in place just over 10 years ago. I have every confidence that this remarkable business will continue to be successful and grow with this leadership model.”

Green Arch Consulting Expands Sustainability Expertise with New Consulting Partner

Woman stood on balcony in large open hallway smiling

Green Arch Consulting, a boutique sustainability consultancy whose founder Emma Knight-Strong is based in Chesterfield, is delighted to announce the appointment of Aberdeen based Zoe Yuill as a Consulting Partner.

This expansion bolsters the firm’s expertise, enhances its geographic reach, and strengthens its service offering.

Zoe brings significant experience in sustainable finance, corporate governance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. Her addition to the team enhances Green Arch Consulting’s existing advisory services covering sustainable business practices, transition planning and sustainable corporate governance.

It also allows the business to expand its growing ‘virtual Chief Sustainability Officer’ service for SMEs looking for senior-level specialist sustainability support but who don’t have the ability to bring someone in on a full-time basis.

This growth highlights the success of Green Arch Consulting’s strategy to deliver an entirely flexible work environment at the same time as providing efficient and responsive client services. Through partnerships with existing consultants and an expanding network of highly skilled associates operating under the Green Arch Consulting brand, the firm provides tailored support and scalable resources for clients.

By fostering a global network and championing flexible working arrangements, the business has attracted highly experienced professionals who work seamlessly across time zones to meet the unique needs of businesses worldwide.

“Zoe’s expertise is a perfect fit for our mission to support businesses in their sustainability transitions,” said Emma Knight-Strong, Green Arch Consulting. “With her experience and our expanded network, we are better equipped than ever to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainability and ESG.”

Future of East Midlands energy production explored at summit

wind turbine sustainability chesterfield

Businesses, policy makers and educators gathered in Derby for East Midlands Chamber’s 2024 Midlands Energy Summit on 28th November.

Keynote speakers and panel discussions examined energy storage, provision, distribution and technological developments in areas like fission, fusion and hydrogen.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore opened the summit. Speaking afterwards he said:

“Energy plays a vital role in growing the East Midlands economy and embracing and exploring the storage and production scope we have right on our doorstep is a key part of our Manifesto for Growth – our asks to policy makers that have ensuring the East Midlands thrives at their core. Fast-evolving technology has brought a range of attractive clean energy opportunities that make the clean growth journey to Net Zero something businesses can really benefit from.

“The summit today was about marrying the insight businesses in the East Midlands energy sector have as they embark into new technologies and seize its potential, with the detailed research and analysis that our superb universities and academics bring, so that as a region we can lead the way on future energy provision and distribution.”

Superior Wellness unveils premium hot tub and swim spa collection

Exterior of Superior Wellness retail centre

Superior Wellness is excited to announce the launch of AquaSolus, its most premium collection of hot tubs and swim spas to date. Inspired by the natural elements of water, simplicity, and balance, the AquaSolus range is designed to redefine luxury, wellness, and relaxation. This new collection, featuring the AquaPure and NaturaBalance ranges, combines cutting-edge hydrotherapy with sleek, modern aesthetics, creating an unparalleled relaxation and wellness experience that serves as both a retreat and a stylish addition to any space.

“Launching AquaSolus is a landmark moment for Superior Wellness, as it represents the pinnacle of our commitment to luxury, innovation, and wellness,” said Rob Carlin, Managing Director of Superior Wellness.

“This collection embodies our vision of creating exceptional hot tubs and swim spas that prioritise design, performance, and the complete well-being of our customers.

The AquaSolus collection made its debut at the Pool & Spa Patio Expo in Dallas from November 12-14, where attendees had the exclusive opportunity to experience the AquaSolus range firsthand. With hot tubs and a swim spa on display, visitors were able to explore the advanced features, high-performance design, and aesthetic allure of AquaSolus.

The AquaSolus range will be available in showrooms globally in early 2025. For more information, please visit the new AquaSolus website aquasolus.com.

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Chesterfield retains ranking as the happiest town in the East Midlands

Chesterfield has once again come out on top of a survey which highlights the happiest towns in the East Midlands.

Our town came top of the regional table in the latest Rightmove Happy at Home index. Now in its 13th year, the online property portal surveyed over 35,000 people across Great Britain to find out exactly what they love (or don’t love) about where they live.

The survey measures how residents feel about their local area across 15 key happiness factors. These range from the sense of togetherness within the community and access to green spaces, to the feeling of belonging that a place fosters.

Rightmove property expert, Tim Bannister, said: “For over a decade we’ve been asking residents what makes them feel happy about where they live, as feeling happy is about more than the home itself.

“It’s the intangible factors of feeling proud to live in an area, feeling a sense of belonging, and feeling able to be yourself that are the biggest drivers of happiness.”

The main drivers of happiness in a place according to Rightmove are:

  • A welcoming community where you can truly be yourself
  • Access to nature, such as local countryside, or National Parks
  • Practical things, like nearby schools, doctors, and shops

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “To see Chesterfield remain top of the list as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands is great news for the area.

“Chesterfield offers residents a fantastic work/life balance, access to green space, superb education facilities, and of course the warm sense of community across our town.

“There is also plenty to do if you like keeping busy, with our historic town centre undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration. If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for your family, Chesterfield is the place for you.”

Find out more about the benefits of living and working in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

 

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Chesterfield company announces £8.9 million US expansion

Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based global leader in hot tubs and wellness products, is proud to announce the establishment of its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.

Currently working with over 100 U.S. partners, Superior Wellness has quickly become the fastest-growing hot tub and wellness manufacturer in the world. With its innovative product lineup—including premium hot tubs, swim spas, and chill tubs—Superior Wellness is trusted by thousands of customers globally to enhance health and well-being.

Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories. Known as Superior HQ, this state-of-the-art facility will enable Superior Wellness to improve stock availability, reduce lead times, and better support its growing U.S. market. Operations are set to begin in December 2024.

Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. With the opening of Superior HQ in Cameron, South Carolina, we’re investing in the future of wellness while creating 35 new jobs for the local community. Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionise our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.”

Sales Director Gareth Ward added: “Our expansion into South Carolina demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative products to our U.S. partners. Working with over 100 partners across the U.S., this facility allows us to better serve them with shorter lead times and improved availability of our award-winning products. We look forward to building stronger relationships and growing together with the Orangeburg community.”

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

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Partnership working in Chesterfield leads to more young people taking up careers in STEM

More young people are taking up manufacturing and engineering courses in Chesterfield, according to new figures.

Chesterfield College has reported a phenomenal 80% increase in engineering study enrolments for 16–18-year-old students in the last 3 years.

The figure was released during the annual Made in Chesterfield Festival, in which local businesses invite school pupils to their factories and premises to showcase the range of rewarding careers in STEM sectors.

Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership coordinate the Made in Chesterfield campaign. It is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, EMCCA Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and Natwest.

More than 3,500 school pupils in Chesterfield have now engaged with the town’s manufacturing and engineering businesses since Made in Chesterfield was first launched 10 years ago. This year, students were invited to visit several businesses, including:

  • MSE Hiller
  • Superior Wellness
  • Weightron Bilanciai
  • United Cast Bar
  • The Devonshire Group
  • Penny Hydraulics
  • Aztec Oils
  • Heraeus Electro-Nite
  • Chesterfield Construction Skills Hub

Celebrating its success, Nick Catt, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai, commented: “To see more young people enrolling in engineering courses across our town is a testament to the fantastic collaboration between the College and local businesses in recent years.

“We know how vital it is to highlight careers in Manufacturing, not just to help our businesses grow in the future, but to allow our people to thrive in skilled and rewarding jobs. I look forward to seeing further partnerships across our town to keep narrowing the existing skills gaps in our sector.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of The Chesterfield College Group added: “We are delighted to see such a significant increase in young people choosing to pursue engineering and manufacturing courses at Chesterfield College.

“This 80% rise in enrolments reflects both the growing interest in STEM careers and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built with local businesses through initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. By working together, we’re ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in these dynamic industries, helping to secure a prosperous future for Chesterfield and beyond.”

Schools in the area have also expressed their gratitude to businesses for opening their doors to young people. Debbie Crossley, Careers Adviser at The Bolsover School commented: “The Made in Chesterfield tour to MSE Hiller was so informative and insightful, and I really appreciate the team taking the time to speak with our students and explain things in detail.

“The links to the curriculum were fabulous and covered several subjects including English, maths, physics and chemistry.  It was great to see the students relating some of their classroom learning to the skills and knowledge they will need in the workplace.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership said: “We are thrilled to continue supporting the Made in Chesterfield initiative, which plays a crucial role in connecting young people with local employers.

“By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences, we’re raising awareness of the fantastic career opportunities available right here in Chesterfield. These partnerships not only inspire the next generation, but also help businesses engage with potential future employees, ensuring the local workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

If your business is looking to engage with future talent, find out more about how you can get involved with local schools and other skills initiatives in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

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New café opens its doors at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley

A new independent café has officially opened its doors in the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley – further boosting facilities for sports centre customers and residents.

The new outlet – called the ‘Coffee Stop’ – has been created on the ground floor of the Chesterfield Borough Council-owned leisure centre.

It is open seven days a week – serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals, and provides a new social place for sports centre customers, and members of the public, to meet-up.

Councillor Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This independent café is a great new addition to our centre, and comes just weeks after the newly-refurbished gym was unveiled, boasting a range of state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

“Going to the gym, a fitness class or watching your child’s swimming lesson can be as much about socialising and making new connections, as it is about exercising – and the Coffee Stop provides the perfect place to meet up or enjoy a post-workout refreshment.

“We are delighted to welcome this local business into our centre, and we wish them great success.”

The council had offered the opportunity for a leaseholder to take space in the ground floor of the centre on Barlow Road as part of its plans to both improve local facilities, but to also make the best use of its buildings.

Neil and Maria Butkeraitis, co-owners of the Coffee Stop and who also operate the popular café at Poolsbrook Country Park, said: “We’re so excited to open our doors in the Healthy Living Centre and bring even more facilities for people to enjoy in this hub of the community.

“We’ve already got a great family of customers at our café in Poolsbrook Country Park, and we hope everyone will love the opportunity to enjoy our relaxing atmosphere and tasty menu in this additional new venue.

“We’ve been working hard to get everything ready, and to recruit some new team members – and we look forward to seeing customers old and new in our new home!”

The café is open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Visit http://www.coffeestopcafe.com/ for more information and to view the menu.

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New cycling route opens at Markham Vale

A new cycleway has been installed linking Markham Vale business park to Staveley, allowing people working at the site to choose a more sustainable commute.

The 1.37mile (2.2km) cycleway starts just off Markham Lane next to the Environment Centre and ends on the Seymour Link Road.

It was officially opened by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, who was joined by a group of enthusiastic cyclists who will be regularly using the trail.

Councillor King said: “Another feather in Markham Vale’s cap. This place is a real success story and a phenomenal transformation over just 2 decades.

“Attracting local, national and international business to Derbyshire it stays at the forefront of developing business and industry fit for the future.

“This cycleway is another indicator of our commitment to help deliver green initiatives. At Markham we will also have the Electric Forecourt that can charge 30 electric vehicles simultaneously and state of the art energy efficient new buildings in line with our Net Zero ambitions.”

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said: “Across the county we support many cycling opportunities for both business and leisure. This cycleway is a good example and helps our ambitions to provide more infrastructure for safe and sustainable ways to travel. I hope that it will encourage some of those working at Markham to travel by bike and provide new leisure cycling opportunities for our residents as well.”

The Markham cycleway has cost £750,000 from a funding package of £7 million that was provided by the government in 2023/2024 for local improvements in the East Midlands. The funding was via the East Midlands Combined County Authority Devolution Capital Fund.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture between the County Council and property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot. Situated off M1 junction 29a it centres around what was the mostly derelict Markham Colliery site. Over the last 20 years it has been transformed into a prime business location. This latest development adds to its attractions and boosts its ambitions to offer sustainable transport options to those working on the site and those cycling for leisure.

Find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield, a town set up to provide a great work/life balance for people living and working here.

 

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Government backing for Chesterfield apprentice barber academy

A new apprentice barber academy has opened in Chesterfield, providing a hands-on learning option for young people in our area.

The government-backed scheme will be based at Less Than Zero, an award-winning barber shop based in the town centre.

The unique 13 month training program is designed to deliver a comprehensive education in the art and business of barbering at NVQ Level 2 and Level 3.

With an emphasis on hands-on experience and industry readiness, the Apprentice Barber Academy at Less Than Zero provides in-depth training to aspiring barbers looking to build sustainable and successful careers. The curriculum is crafted
to cover every aspect of barbering, from mastering classic and contemporary techniques to understanding customer service, personal branding, and business fundamentals.

“We’re dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of barbers and setting new standards in barbering education,” said Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner. “With this academy, we’re committed to giving our apprentices the skills,
knowledge, and real-world experience they need to become not only expert barbers but also confident professionals.

The program is structured to allow apprentices to progress at their own pace, with individualised mentoring provided by skilled instructors from Less Than Zero’s talented team.

Apprentices will gain invaluable experience through client interactions and on-the-floor practice, preparing them thoroughly for a career in barbering.

Enrolment is now open, and prospective apprentices and employers are encouraged to contact the Academy via the Less Than Zero Barbers website. Spaces are limited to ensure personalised instruction, allowing each apprentice to receive
focused guidance and mentorship throughout their training journey.

For more information, visit www.lessthanzerobarbers.com or contact martin@ltzbarbers.com

Looking for support to upskill your team? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Are you considering working in Chesterfield? There are many benefits to working in our innovative town, such as the central location and transportation links. Not forgetting the modern offices and workplaces within the town and surrounding areas. Discover more about working in Chesterfield here.

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