Home

Chesterfield businesses urged to enter King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024

Firms in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been urged to seek the royal seal of approval for their achievements by entering the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

East Midlands Chamber is encouraging companies to enter the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024, which opened for entries over the coronation weekend.

They will recognise organisations for their achievements across innovation, international development, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Our region is full of fantastic companies that are breaking new ground in their sectors, delivering goods and services across the world, and demonstrating how business can be a force for good – which is why we are so keen to talk about the East Midlands being a Centre of Trading Excellence.

“Now, it’s time to start spreading the word about just how great we are on a global stage and we would encourage businesses to shout about their achievements far and wide.

“The King’s coronation was a tremendous occasion that brought the best of our country together, so what better time to use this as an opportunity to showcase the best of our region’s business community by entering the King’s Awards for Enterprise.

“It was exciting to see eight companies with links to our region – including six Chamber members – recognised in the 2023 awards but it would be great to grow this number in 2024 and really put the East Midlands on the map.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 are free to enter and the deadline is midday on 12 September 2023. Applicants can enter multiple categories via an online process.

Shortlisted organisations will be notified in October and winners notified in March 2024, with unsuccessful organisations receiving feedback on their applications around the same time.

The list of winners is officially announced in the London Gazette on 6 May 2024 and representatives will be invited to attend a royal reception next summer.

Awards recipients are permitted to fly the King’s Awards for Enterprise flag at their main office and use the emblem in marketing materials for five years.

They will also receive an official certificate known as a grant of appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy.

For more information about eligibility criteria and to apply for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.

A webinar for Chesterfield businesses will be taking place on Wednesday, 21st June with award writing expert, Lucinda White from Pure Awards – who will cover the entry process, what to consider when entering the awards, and how to make practical in-roads into preparing the content.

Find out more and book your place at the event here.

Growth Sculpture Horns bridge Roundabout

 

 

 

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

Complete our Love Chesterfield survey to have an opportunity to win a prize

Chesterfield residents and local business owners are being encouraged to complete our quarterly consumer and business surveys to help us to learn more about how you / your customers use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick surveys will ask you questions about your business performance and any changes you have noticed in the last three months (January 2023-April 2023) if you are a business owner.

The consumer survey will ask you to update us on what events or venues you have attended and services you have used recently in our communities.

Please spend a few minutes to complete the relevant questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 20 June 2023.

At the end of the consumer questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win either a free 3-month gym membership or a free 3-month place on a children’s activity class at Chesterfield Borough Council’s leisure centres.

Businesses who complete the survey, will have the chance to enter a prize draw to win advertising for your business in the Destination Chesterfield business or leisure e-shot (worth £100). To qualify, you will need to fill out this and the next 3 quarterly Love Chesterfield Surveys for your chance of having a banner advertisement. A winner will be drawn in Spring 2024.

Complete the surveys here:

Business survey: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/r96myd

Consumer survey: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/m94tet

Chesterfield town centre views outdoors

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

Chesterfield toy shop grows into new store on Vicar Lane

A toy shop, which started as a market stall in Dronfield has now opened a brand-new independent store at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield.

The Little Ark was founded in 2021 by Liz Telford-Sides, who whilst was on maternity leave with her second child, was shocked by the amount of plastic used to manufacture and package toys.

So, Liz began investigating eco-friendly alternatives and started sourcing toys from beautiful brands that were sustainable with no plastic packaging. Since launching, The Little Ark has continued to expand its ranges, trading from Chesterfield Market Hall before the move to Vicar Lane.

Liz commented: “We are incredibly excited to move to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. The mix of independent shops alongside big high street brands such as H&M and New Look is great and we are so proud to be part of this.

“There are two main reasons we love being in Chesterfield; one is our customers and the other is the local independent businesses. We have received wonderful support from both our customers and the other indie businesses.

“People are now wanting to see the products they are purchasing, and I would definitely say I’m one of those people. When people see our products in-person, they often comment on the quality of the items and the longevity they can get out of them. This is transferable across independent businesses; they are providing quality items and provide an exceptional level of service that you just can’t get online.

“Businesses such as ours are willing to take a risk on providing Chesterfield with something it doesn’t have, but it will only be successful if people shop with us. Independent businesses can often be hidden away from the main thoroughfares but if people look that little bit harder they will find some absolute hidden gems.”

Liz also added that the success of the business wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her father, Gary Telford, who helps to run the shop on a daily basis.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support yet another local business in the heart of Chesterfield, especially one with such sustainable values.  We’re very excited to see the range of toys and baby products on offer at The Little Ark.’’

Chesterfield Borough Council offers a free, efficient service to help you find the perfect premises for your business. If you’re looking for retail space in the town, find out more about the range of available commercial property here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

the little ark 1 873

 

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

Local producers encouraged to exhibit at Chatsworth Country Fair

The popular Chatsworth Country Fair is set to return this summer, and producers, artisans and craftspeople based in Chesterfield and Derbyshire are being encouraged to showcase their products at the event.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, is inviting local producers to apply for a place in the ‘Derbyshire Makers’ Marketplace’ at one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor celebrations.

Held at Chatsworth from 1st to 3rd September 2023, Chatsworth Country Fair showcases the best in traditional, British country pursuits, with thrilling showground entertainment, quality trade stands and fun for all the family.

Derbyshire producers can register an interest in exhibiting in the Derbyshire Makers’ Marketplace at the event, which will celebrate the fantastic variety of quality products made in the county, ranging from arts, crafts and homeware to fine food and drink.

The opportunity is open to small and medium-sized businesses based in Derbyshire and is part financially supported by Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire-based businesses can apply for a place in the Derbyshire Makers’ Marketplace using the following link: https://VPDDCCF23.eventbrite.co.uk

Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 14th May 2023. Stalls provided to successful applicants will be subject to a charge of £150 plus VAT per business.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Derbyshire has a wealth of quality local produce, artisan makers and skilled craftspeople and it’s great to be able to shine the spotlight on all they have to offer at Chatsworth Country Fair this year.

“The fair attracts thousands of visitors from near and far and is a great platform for local businesses to expand their customers base as well as flying the flag for Derbyshire makers.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re delighted to offer Derbyshire producers the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services to thousands of potential customers from across the UK at Chatsworth Country Fair this summer.

“The marketplace is a celebration of local talent, showcasing the wealth of quality products made in Derbyshire, and offers a great opportunity for independent makers to exhibit at a large national event thanks to support from Derbyshire County Council. Good luck to everyone who applies!”

Home fragrance producer 022 Chatsworth Country Fair

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Growth, rebrands and exciting milestones for Chesterfield Champions

A number of Chesterfield Champions have announced recent successes, with firms revealing new recruits, rebrands and anniversaries.

Find out more in our roundup from across the town below.

Redbrik celebrates a flurry of female promotions

Redbrik promotions

Redbrik Estate Agents has announced numerous internal female promotions.

The firm recently celebrated promotions among both long-standing employees and recent recruits:

  • ​​Gemma Hynes has been promoted to Area Manager from her previous Property Consultant role.
  • Sarah Bicknall has been promoted to Area Manager from Lettings Property Consultant.
  • Thea Cox has been made Marketing Manager, promoted from Marketing Executive.
  • Grace Bradbury has been promoted to Sales Manager from her previous role as an Applicant Manager.

Claire Madej, Redbrik’s Talent and HR Manager, commented: “Redbrik is only as good as its people and I’m so pleased to see these fantastic women progress through the agency and take us – as a company and as part of the wider industry – forward. Last month the industry celebrated both International Women’s Day and the first-ever Women In Estate Agency conference, so we’re pleased to mark yet another milestone for women in property with these incredibly well-deserved promotions.”

Exciting rebrand for Roy Peters Estates

ROY PETERS

Roy Peters Estates, which has been trading successfully in Chesterfield for nearly 50 years has rebranded with a fresh new look.

The company has redeveloped its office accommodation to make it a brighter more welcoming environment, along with creating a dedicated private meeting room for anyone with concerns to share these in confidence.

Richard Sherwood, Director at Roy Peters Estates said: “We felt it appropriate to freshen our image and indicate we are ready for the challenges to come, whilst appreciating where the business started and our founders Roy Cutt and Peter Bown.

“We have come a long way and have plans to grow the business, specifically our residential management, building our commercial portfolio and offering professional commercial services, as we feel there is a gap in the market for a local specialist in the town.

“Our new branding will stand out and compliment our physical and on-line presence. We have some new faces here at Roy Peters, including Commercial Specialist Andrew, Accounts Lead Julie and our first Apprentice George. All three have settled in well and are already complimenting our existing team.

“Chesterfield has a huge amount to offer its residents and businesses, as do Roy Peters Estates. We, as a Chesterfield business do our best to deal with other local businesses and mutually benefit the town. ”

Edwards Employment Solutions celebrates 5th anniversary

Chesterfield recruitment agency, Edwards Employment Solutions is celebrating five years of success in the town.

The business recently announced growth, with a move to new office space the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – find out more on the post below on some of the company’s main achievements over the last five years:

Woodall Homes announces dynamic rebrand

Woodall Homes, with current developments across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, has launched a refreshed brand, marking its continued commitment to providing premium homes for first-time buyers, families and downsizers in the modern market.

Managing Director, Dave Wood commented: “The new Woodall Homes brand reflects our commitment to creating attractive premium-quality homes that enhance homeowners’ lifestyles. Our more dynamic and stylish new look marks our next era, as we continue to deliver timelessly attractive, sleek properties and interiors.”

Based in Barlborough, Woodall Homes have five developments currently under construction across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with exciting plans for the coming years. Having secured funding from The British Growth Fund in 2021, the housebuilder has invested in its people, processes and planning as they take on further sites for growth.

Redbrik, Roy Peters Estates, Edwards Employment Solutions and Woodall Homes support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Strength of Chesterfield’s financial & legal sector on show at South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards

Several Chesterfield-based financial and legal companies are celebrating success, with nominations in the 2023 South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants, Banner Jones Solicitors, Shorts Accountants and BRM Solicitors have all made the shortlist across several categories.

The South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards celebrates leading banking, funding, legal and accountancy businesses across the region. The winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner, which will be held at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday 8th June.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants

mitchells rob and tony

Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants has been shortlisted for the South Yorkshire Dealmakers award for “National/International Deal of the Year.”

Being shortlisted for this prestigious award comes after the firm won the “Deal of the Year £10m+” at the Sheffield City Region Dealmakers Awards in 2021.

Tony Hornsby, Corporate Finance Partner at Mitchells, said: “It has been a privilege to support our client’s growth ambitions with this acquisition. It is a real testament to what our award-winning corporate finance team can deliver and delighted to be shortlisted for the National/International Deal of the Year”

Rob Drake, Corporate Finance Executive at Mitchells, said: “In today’s competitive business environment, companies need tailored help to grow and succeed. Our boutique corporate finance team is perfectly placed to provide cost-effective industry expertise delivered with personal attention and it is wonderful to see this recognised regionally by being shortlisted for the South Yorkshire Dealmakers award”.

Shorts

SHORTS corporate finance team

 

The Shorts team is very excited to have been shortlisted 6 times across 5 categories for the 2023 Insider South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards.

It has been a great year for the firm’s Corporate Finance team, which is now celebrating with the following award nominations.

  • Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year
  • Dealmaker of the Year: Andy Ryder
  • (2x) Deal of the Year (£10m+): Acquisition of AML Juratek by Fras-le, and Management buyout of Wincro Metal Industries
  • Equity Deal of the Year: Investment in Sitehop by Mercia
  • Innovation Investment Award: Investment in Sitehop by Mercia

Following the announcement of the award nominations, Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts who is himself nominated for the Dealmaker of the Year Award, said: “It is great to see the expertise of the Shorts team being reflected in these nominations. We have had a record-breaking year, with some fantastic transactions completed, and we are proud to see that hard work being recognised. We have a great team and with an exciting pipeline of opportunities, we are looking forward to another successful year”

Shorts are no strangers to the Insider Dealmakers Awards, with previous wins in a number of different categories.

  • 2020: Deal of the Year (up to £2.5m)
  • 2018: Emerging Dealmaker of the Year (Ellie Wilcockson)
  • 2018: National/International Deal of the Year
  • 2018: Deal of the Year (up to £2.5m)
  • 2017: Mid-market Deal of the Year

Banner Jones Solicitors

Andrew Fielder 873

Leading regional law firm Banner Jones has been shortlisted alongside Translink Corporate Finance in the National/International Deal of the Year category.

The announcement sees the firm’s Business Legal Services department receive recognition for the role it played in advising the shareholders of Chesterfield-based The Corrugated Case Company (CCC), in a major acquisition deal with the UK arm of the global packaging specialist, Tri-Wall, which completed last summer.

CCC is a specialist designer and manufacturer of corrugated cardboard packaging. The company supplies innovative, design led packaging solutions to customers in a range of sectors including retail, food & drink, pharmaceutical and manufacturing.

Andrew Fielder from Banner Jones’ Business Legal Services department – supported by colleagues Tim Barley, Katie Ash and Sara Patel – advised the sellers on all aspects of the share disposal, and of the separate sale of the businesses trading premises.

BHP Corporate Finance (BHPCF) acted as lead advisor to the shareholders of The Corrugated Case Company Limited (CCC) on its acquisition by Tri Wall UK.

A BHPCF team led by Partner Kevin Davies and Assistant Director Declan Savage, ran a competitive sale process, working alongside colleagues from its global Translink Corporate Finance network.

Banner Jones will now join South Yorkshire’s leading banking, funding, legal and accountancy communities at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday 8th of June for the prestigious, black-tie awards ceremony, hosted by South Yorkshire Business Insider, and compèred by comedian Fred MacAulay.

Commenting on the shortlisting Andrew Fielder from Banner Jones’ Business Legal Services department, said: “We are delighted to have received recognition for the work carried out on the CCC acquisition deal, alongside the team at Translink Corporate Finance.

“The South Yorkshire Dealmaker Awards provide a unique opportunity for the local deals community to get together to celebrate our successes, and we are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted in the National/International Deal of the Year category.”

BRM Solicitors

BRM Solicitors Trevor Bird and Sarah Rowland

Chesterfield’s BRM Solicitors has also been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s event:

  • Equity Deal of the Year
  • Corporate Law Firm of the Year

Commenting on the nominations, BRM’s Sarah Rowland said: “I’m incredibly proud that we’ve been nominated, it really is a testament to the hard work of the team, and we take great pride in going the extra mile for our clients and getting the results they need.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Shorts, Banner Jones Solictors and BRM Solicitors support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Innovative scheme helps almost 9,000 people in our region to find work or training

A programme set up to help tackle long-term unemployment across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has supported 8,908 people, thanks to a collaboration between local authorities, businesses and other key agencies.

The D2N2 Building Better Opportunities (BBO) scheme, which comprises three distinctive projects promoting social inclusion, has helped 1,102 of these individuals to progress into employment, assisted 864 into long-term education or training, and enabled 492 people to independently search for jobs.

Funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, BBO has been led by a consortium of voluntary and community organisations across the country.

In the D2N2 region, four stakeholder managers were employed or seconded to East Midlands Chamber and hosted within the four upper-tier councils, with a remit to co-ordinate the £31m programme across the wider employment and skills landscape.

The Chamber has also played a central role in connecting individuals with employers, and promoting an inclusive recruitment agenda among businesses that have skills gaps.

East Midlands Chamber’s head of employment services Paul Needham said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reflect on the tremendous work of the BBO programme in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, where the lives of many people have been transformed because of the support it has offered them.

“Our stakeholder managers have been remarkable additions to the employment and skills landscape in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the past five years, generating new person-centric ideas and influencing system change in how we tackle the issue of long-term unemployment.

“At the Chamber, we have been keen to promote the inclusive recruitment agenda among the business community. With our members telling us about the skills shortages that are consistently holding them back from growing, expanding the labour pool to encompass people from a wide range of backgrounds can bear fruit by filling vacancies with employees who have received support to address barriers to work and turn their lives around.”

The three employment and skills projects are:

  • Opportunity and Change: A £9.8m support programme led by Framework for people with multiple and complex needs, such as homelessness, substance abuse, at risk of offending, mental ill health and domestic abuse victims
  • Towards Work: Led by Groundwork Greater Nottingham, the £14.6m scheme provides a personalised service to help people overcome barriers to work and take their first steps towards employment
  • Money Sorted in D2N2: Led by St Ann’s Advice Centre, the £6m project helps people experiencing financial difficulties to feel more in control of their finances.

Examples of the methods used to support people into work and training have ranged from funding for buying computer equipment in order to study for qualifications through to paying for dental treatment to address poor oral health that had been a personal barrier to work for someone lacking in confidence. Projects have also helped people who are homeless or ex-offenders into work.

In addition, the BBO programme has helped participants to wipe out more than £10m in debt and, on average, grew participants’ weekly disposable income from £18.62 to £92.17 over a six-month period through personal finance education.

Paul added: “These projects have provided us with many learnings, which we will take forward in our other workstreams within the Chamber’s employment support programmes, in which we work in collaboration with Government and work agencies to give people a helping hand into sustainable work and training.”

For more information about the Chamber’s employment and recruitment services work, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/recruitment-services.

To find out more about the Building Better Opportunities programme achievements, visit bbo-d2n2.org.uk

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

 

Paul Needham

Paul Needham, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

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

Derbyshire residents urged to ‘dig in’ to reach one million trees target

County Councillors in Derbyshire are asking residents to help them in a drive to plant one million new trees across the county by 2030.

It is hoped that the planting of new trees will help to boost the environment and tackle the effects of climate change.

Residents, landowners and volunteers are being asked to get involved by Derbyshire County Council. If you’ve planted a tree anywhere in Derbyshire since June 2021, it can be counted towards the million trees target.

Add your tree to the online map here.

If you own land and are interested in planting more trees, the council is offering support and advice. Get in touch if you are a landowner or email milliontrees@derbyshire.gov.uk.

If you would like to volunteer to help plant trees in your area to help reduce the impacts of climate change, and create new habitats for wildlife then the county council wants to hear from you too. Get in touch if you are a volunteer or email milliontrees@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Local businesses and organisations can also get involved by sponsoring or contributing trees, planting on their property, staff volunteering and events. Find out more or get in touch

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader at Derbyshire County Council said: “Trees act like sponges which suck carbon emissions out of the air so the more we plant, the more climate-changing greenhouse gases will be removed from the atmosphere.

“We’re off to a good start – we’ve recorded more than 61,000 trees planted across the county since June 2021 on our website www.milliontrees.co.uk. But we know there will be many more that haven’t yet been recorded and so we’re urging anyone who has planted a tree or trees in Derbyshire in the last couple of years to add it to the website. It’s quick and easy to do!

“We’re also urging landowners who would be willing to offer some land up for tree-planting to get in touch and we’re on the look out for volunteers too to join our planting team – no experience necessary, just time to spare and the will to roll up your sleeves and dig in.

“It’s not all about large-scale projects – every single tree will count towards our target, even if it’s an individual tree in your garden at home.”

Chesterfield from Eastmoor

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Major clay donation from Chesterfield Champions aids canal restoration

The restoration of the Chesterfield Canal will shortly take a great leap forward, thanks to a huge donation of clay from Suon Ltd.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will be spending £5.3 million on major works. These monies are its share of the Staveley Town Deal.

A substantial section will be rebuilding the historic Staveley Puddlebank. This is a massive structure, spanning 800 metres long and stretching across the Doe Lea Valley.

It was originally constructed in 1776 out of clay dug by hand and moved in wheelbarrows. The structure was 10 meters high when it crossed the river Doe Lea. It was partially bulldozed in 1972, hence the need to remodel it.

The value of the clay runs well into seven figures. It is currently at Foxlow, just north of Barrow Hill.

The total volume is 160,000 cubic metres. If this was all heaped onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium, it would be 22 metres high. That’s the height of a seven storey building or five double decker buses. If it was piled onto the centre court at Wimbledon, it would be over 800 metres high. That’s the same as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building or nearly three times the height of the Shard, Britain’s tallest building.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust says it is incredibly grateful for this wonderful gesture by Suon, and also to the Chatsworth Settlement which has waived its right to the royalties that it held upon the clay.

Nicholas Wood, Estates Director for Chatsworth, commented: “We are very happy to have been able to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust with this project, and we hope it will help enable future generations to enjoy the canal for many years.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Development Manager, George Rogers, said: “Purchasing and transporting suitable materials from other sources would be prohibitively expensive and cause untold disturbance to the local population. Without this incredibly generous donation, the project simply couldn’t proceed in its current form and so the Trust is very grateful for the support and generosity of Suon and Chatsworth. We look forward to continuing our long history of working together to enable the restoration of the canal”.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see project sponsors working together to achieve the overall objectives of the Town Deal. This is an important donation that will help ensure the canal can continue to be enjoyed by local people and visitors, whilst making use of this natural resource in the local area.”

Suon Ltd, Chatsworth Settlement Trustees and Chesterfield Canal Trust support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

staveley puddlebank clay

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

Panel session at major UK trade show to shine a light on the huge potential of devolution for our region

The huge potential of devolution for Chesterfield and the wider East Midlands region will be showcased at a major UK trade event this May.

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is leading a panel session at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiif) 2023 in Leeds, to discuss upcoming devolution in the East Midlands for businesses and investors.

The D2N2 region, covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, has a proud industrial and manufacturing track record and is at the forefront of economic development, with the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Development Company recently established.

The region is on track to become the home of the UK’s newest and largest combined authority in 2024. The D2N2 area sits in the heart of the country and is very well connected, and benefits from proximity to infrastructure assets such as East Midlands Airport, the M1 and fast rail links, and its central location means that almost 90% of the UK is accessible within a four hour drive.

The panel session will provide the opportunity for delegates to hear from speakers representing D2N2 LEP, the East Midlands Development Company and key businesses in the region, who will share their insights on the benefits and opportunities devolution will bring to the East Midlands.

Delegates will have the opportunity to get involved in the discussion about what the private sector can bring to complement and enhance the newest and largest devolution deal in England, set to leverage at least £38m per year over 30 years.

The panel session will be chaired by Nicolle Ndiweni, Inward Investment and Business Expansion Specialist, Invest in Nottingham, and the panel of speakers will include:

• Will Morlidge – Chief Executive, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
• Andrew Roberts – Regional Head of Acquisitions, Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group
• Andy Dabbs – Board Director, Whittam Cox Architects
• Sir Chris Haworth – Chairman, East Midlands Development Company
• Ellie Hinds – Business Development Manager, Scape Group
• Steve Wooler – Chief Executive, BWB

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with D2N2 LEP, Marketing Derby and Invest in Nottingham to showcase the exciting opportunities to invest in the region. One of the region’s many strengths is the effective collaboration between the public and private sector to drive forward sustainable economic growth. The panel session at UKREiif will showcase this work, and how you can get involved in the future.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) commented: “We are delighted to host this panel session at UKREiif. The East Midlands devolution deal is not just about driving more funding from the Government into our region: it is also a very clear signal from Government that the East Midlands is the vibrant industrial heart of the UK and is a great place to invest. Together with the rest of the panel, I am really looking forward to discussing the unique opportunities that devolution will unlock for businesses and investors in the region and beyond.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, added: “As well as championing Derby and Derbyshire, we also regularly collaborate with our partners on projects that benefit the wider region, such as the East Midlands devolution deal, which we are fully behind. Over the years, we have achieved some notable successes, attracting major companies, both national and international, bringing thousands of new jobs to this part of the world and we are excited about the huge potential to do so going forward.”

Lorraine Baggs, Head of Investment at Invest in Nottingham said: “The East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority presents a fantastic opportunity for our region to combine our strengths. Nottingham’s two world-class Universities provide exceptional talent to our strong industries. We’re experiencing more development in Nottingham than ever before with countless cranes in the sky, and two transformational city centre sites in the Broad Marsh and The Island Quarter. The devolution deal will bring more investment into our growing region.”

Places for the session are open to those registered to attend UKREiif and can be booked here.

Chesterfield Crooked Spire view

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

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

Exciting Children’s Festival announced for Chesterfield this Summer

A new Children’s Festival is coming to Chesterfield this Summer, providing families with a free weekend of fun and entertainment.

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will include music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops. It is being organised by Junction Arts, an award-winning arts charity based in the town.

Taking place in Queen’s Park on the 29th and 30th July, the event is set to celebrate the joy of childhood, imagination and play – promising to bring colour and excitement to Chesterfield during the summer holidays.

The two-day event will focus on arts and culture, with a number of acts and activities taking place over the weekend.  Entertainment announced so far includes a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, a circus, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face-painting and a brass band that plays everyone’s favourite Disney tunes!

Music and live theatre will take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend, the full line-up will be announced in June.

Junction Arts will also commission a new artwork on the themes of childhood, play and games to celebrate the launch of the festival. Three local primary schools in Chesterfield and surrounding areas will work with the artist during several engagement sessions in the spring.

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, a weekend that’s all about fun with live performances and lots of opportunities to get creative. We have secured lots of high-quality acts already, but we’ll be announcing more very soon!

“Everyone is welcome, there’s no need to register or buy a ticket, families can simply turn up, get involved in the workshops or just enjoy the entertainment on offer. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Junction Arts hope that this will become a much-loved annual event for the town, inspiring children and young people for generations to come.

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July, from 10am-4pm daily.

For more information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartsuk

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

queens park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,