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Chesterfield decorator wins national award

8th August 2022

A painter and decorator from Chesterfield has been presented with a national award for his work at a Derbyshire residence.

Stuart Yates, of Stuart Yates Décor, was named winner of the Small Contractor category at the annual Premier Trophy Awards hosted by national trade body, the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

Stuart is a long-serving member of the PDA, current Vice-Chair of the Association’s Management Board and last year, was Very Highly and Highly Commended in the same category.

The PDA appoints six independent judges who visit projects across the UK ahead of the awards ceremony at the prestigious Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

The judges said: “The redecoration of the kitchen, orangery and staircase was to an exceptionally high standard, with crisp, clean lines and an air of pure class.

“The wallpapering to the primary bedroom was magnificent.”

The PDA is the UK’s largest trade body for the painting and decorating sector, and each year, the Premier Trophy Awards celebrate the best work across seven categories: Decorative, Highly Decorative, Small Contractor, Residential, Commercial, New Build and Industrial, with one project declared the Supreme Winner.

Chief Executive of the PDA, Neil Ogilvie said: “I’d like to thank our award sponsors and our independent judges, who are all members of the Institute of Clerk of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).

“They visited all short-listed projects to assess the quality of work and gain insight into the challenges overcome to produce the final result.

“Congratulations to Stuart Yates Décor, on the skill, professionalism and commitment to quality that is recognised with this award.”

For more about the Premier Trophy Awards, or to find a PDA member near you, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

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

‘Accessibility Champions’ recognised through new scheme for tourism businesses

4th August 2022

17 local tourism businesses have received recognition as ‘Accessibility Champions’ after completing a unique new scheme through the area’s official destination management organisation.

The Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire Accessibility Champions scheme – the first of its kind in the area – has been designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses deliver ‘a warm and inclusive welcome for visitors with additional access needs’.

Through a series of webinars, the scheme covers topics including hearing loss, sight loss, mobility impairment, autism and dementia, highlighting the barriers faced by visitors with access needs and providing businesses with practical tips on how they can overcome them.

Businesses who successfully complete the scheme, which is delivered by Derbyshire-based industry experts Access For All UK, receive official ‘Accessibility Champion’ status, identifying them as one of the most accessible and inclusive tourism businesses in the country.

The first cohort of Accessibility Champions received their certificates at a ceremony held at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel in June. Recipients included accommodation providers Lane Head Barns, Peak Venues and Beechenhill Farm, plus visitor attractions Treak Cliff Cavern, Discover Buxton Tours and The Children’s Country House at Sudbury.

In addition, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire became the first destination management organisation in the UK to receive Accessibility Champion status from Access For All UK, signalling its ambition for the Peak District and Derbyshire to become one of the country’s most accessible and inclusive tourism destinations.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is now encouraging local tourism and hospitality businesses to sign up for the next cohorts of the scheme, which will run on Tuesdays from 13th September 2022 to 11th October 2022, and on Thursdays from 29th September 2022 to 3rd November 2022 (excluding 6th October 2022).

Businesses can sign up for the Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire Accessibility Champions scheme at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/accessibility-champions

The Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire Accessibility Champions scheme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and there is no cost for eligible businesses to attend.

Known as the ‘purple pound’, the accessible tourism market is estimated to be worth £15.3 billion to the visitor economy according to national tourism body VisitEngland, with huge potential for future growth.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to our new Accessibility Champions who are excellent ambassadors for accessible tourism and beacons of inspiration for many other local businesses to follow.

“One in five of the UK population is disabled and the Accessibility Champions scheme offers a unique opportunity for businesses to gain a share of the £15.3 billion accessible tourism market, obtain loyal customers and, above all else, provide memorable experiences for visitors with additional access needs.

“We encourage businesses to sign up to the scheme for expert advice on how they can provide a warm and inclusive welcome for all visitors – and to help us showcase why the Peak District and Derbyshire is truly one of the UK’s most accessible holiday destinations.”

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire 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, Home

Chesterfield businesses confirmed as finalists for East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2022

3rd August 2022

The finalists of this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards have been revealed.

Businesses from Chesterfield up for awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, UKATA, Great 2, Future Life Wealth Management, DBC Training, Rose Cottage Doggy Day Car, The Accountancy Recruitment Group, Aztec Oils and Sheds Ground Maintenance.

In total more than 150 organisations from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have been recognised in the 2022 edition of the annual awards, celebrating the region’s world-class businesses, and are once again delivered in partnership with principal sponsor Mazars.

The awards are split into three events for each county and feature 14 categories, ranging from Community Impact and Excellence in Collaboration to Excellence in Innovation and Commitment to People Development.

Finalists will now have a chance to state their case for winning at a virtual judging day in which they will be interviewed by a panel including sponsors, a Chamber board member and a representative from the Chamber’s senior leadership team.

An overall Business of the Year is also selected for each county from all finalists by Mazars.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Despite the challenges of the past few years, our region continues to show its resilience, ingenuity and hunger for growth, and the line-up of this year’s Business Awards is testament to this.

“The East Midlands is packed with so many hugely successful businesses that are at the pinnacle of their industries, and it’s fantastic to have a chance to put them under the spotlight.
“Alongside showcasing the great examples of innovation, green growth and global trading – which are all integral to the future economic landscape – our Business Awards also celebrate how our companies support their people, communities and each other through collaboration.”

The Derbyshire Business Awards take place on Friday 11 November at Pride Park.

Derbyshire Business Awards 2022 finalists

Business Improvement through Technology (sponsored by Purpose Media)
• Banner Jones Solicitors
• Glide Group
• Scenariio

Community Impact (sponsored by University of Derby)
• Ask the Chameleon & The Swap Shop
• Derby Museums
• Enthusiasm Trust
• Treetops Hospice

Outstanding Growth (sponsored by Amazon)
• Archaeological Research Services
• Baytree Cars
• Neos Composite Solutions
• Reformed IT
• Shed Grounds Maintenance

Excellence in Collaboration (sponsored by EMA Training)
• Composite Braiding, Transport Design International and WMG
• Cosy Direct and Derby Kids’ Camp
• Derby Ram Trail
• DHU Healthcare and Joined Up Care Derbyshire
• Heathland Grove and The Butler’s Pantry

Environmental Impact (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
• Bowers Electricals
• Cosy Direct
• Devtank
• FA-ST Filtration Analysis Services Technology
• Tarmac Cement and Lime

Commitment to People Development (sponsored by Eight Days a Week Print Solutions)
• Bam Boom Cloud
• BEAR
• EMA Training
• Midland Lead
• UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Access Training (East Midlands))
• Cameron Browne, Devtank
• Michael Wheatley, EMA Training
• Matthew Wragg, O’Connor and Co Removals
• Courtney Bower, Recruit 2 You
• Skye Peat, Rural Action Derbyshire

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Ryley Wealth Management)
• Sarah Stevenson, Astute Recruitment
• Vicky Critchley, Bam Boom Cloud
• Natalie Bamford, Colleague Box
• Jillian Thomas, Future Life Wealth Management
• Andy Ball, Great2

Education and Business Partnership (sponsored by Concertus)
• Access Training (East Midlands)
• DBC Training
• E4E Derby
• Futures Group
• UTC Derby Pride Park

Excellence in Customer Service (sponsored by Aston Lark)
• Anoki
• BEAR
• Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care
• The Accountancy Recruitment Group
• The Silver X Group

Excellence in International Trade (Sponsored by RH Automotive)
• Aztec Oils
• Container Components Europe
• Graphoidal Developments
• Katapult

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Barclays)
• Derby Museums
• EMA Training
• Future Life Wealth Management
• MacMartin
• White Peak Distillery

Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Rolls-Royce)
• Devtank
• Neos Composite Solutions
• Peak NDT

Derbyshire Business of the Year (sponsored by Mazars) – Winner to be announced at awards ceremony

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield manufacturer flies the flag at the Commonwealth Games

3rd August 2022

The Chesterfield manufacturer, Flagmakers, won the contract to produce all the flags for the Commonwealth Games, including national flags and bespoke Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth flags.

Flagmakers, which are part of the Specialised Canvas Group, produced over 7,000 flags with design, printing and finishing being completed at their Staveley factory.

Paul Noble, Flagmakers’ Managing Director said “In total, Flagmakers produced over 7,000 flags in a little over 6 weeks, delivered to the game’s organisers with a couple of days to spare! A project of this magnitude requires great skill and coordination, and I am super-proud of the team at Flagmakers for their hard work in securing and realising this project.”

Post games many of the flags will be re-used, with arrangements made for them to be used at further international sporting events hosted in the UK over the next 12 months. Any flags that cannot be re-used will be recovered and recycled.

The 22nd Commonwealth Games is taking place from the 29th July until the 8th August, with the Birmingham welcoming more than 5,000 athletes representing 72 nations and territories.

There have been medal winning performances at the games from athletes from North Derbyshire, these include table tennis player Liam Pitchford and swimmers Jacob Whittle and Imogen Clarke .

This success follows the news, this week, that Chesterfield is second best in England for access to sporting facilities.

Check out some of the great manufacturers based in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield’s entrepreneurs to be recognised at awards

3rd August 2022

The importance of entrepreneurship to Chesterfield’s economy is set to be recognised at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.

Great2Grow – part of Great2, RD Models and MD Hair are all in the running for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The accolade recognises the achievement, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

In addition to the award, the winner, which will be announced on 12 October, will receive 10 hours free mentoring with the award’s sponsor, Banner Jones Solicitors. They will also receive a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.

Andy Ball, CEO at Great2, which is a provider of co-working space and business support services in Chesterfield, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected as a finalist in the Love Chesterfield Awards. Chesterfield is a wonderful location with such a strong industrial heritage, and it’s fantastic to play even a small part in supporting the growth of new start-ups, solo-entrepreneurs and small businesses as they establish themselves in the economy.”

Gemma Hanson, Company Director at RD Models, a remote-control car and accessories store on Sheffield Road, commented: “As a brand-new business, we are so excited to be a finalist in the Love Chesterfield Awards.

“When we decided to set up our business, Chesterfield was the obvious choice for the location of our store. We are proud to call Chesterfield home. With Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium, Northern Gateway and The Glass Yard on our doorstep, RD Models is excited to be a part of the revitalisation of Chesterfield.”

Michelle Dalman, Owner of MD Hair, a salon located at The Glass Yard, said: “I am thrilled to have been shortlisted. With so many creative and driven individuals who have also set up their businesses in Chesterfield, it really is an honour.

“I personally believe that Chesterfield is a fantastic place to set up a business. As well as great transport links and an array of both independent and regional businesses within the town, there are a number of ongoing developments, which demonstrates the demand for growth in the area.

“Since our move to The Glass Yard development on Sheffield Road, we have taken on a number of clients who travel from outside of Chesterfield. This shows that if we invest in the right areas and offer quality products and services, we can encourage more visitors from out of town to boost the local economy.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained the importance of the award: “Chesterfield is an ambitious town and without entrepreneurship we simply can’t grow at the pace we want to. We have some great talent here which shows in the success stories we see regularly. It’s important for us to recognise the hard work of those helping our economy thrive.”

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and Banner Jones Solicitors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards

Vicar Lane to broadcast The Hundred on their big screen

2nd August 2022

From the 3rd August, Vicar Lane is thrilled to debut The Hundred cricket tournament on their Big Screen and delighted even more so, to champion local player Bess Heath.

Born in Chesterfield, 20-year-old Bess currently plays for Yorkshire, Northern Diamonds and will feature for the Northern Superchargers in the upcoming tournament, with their home games being staged at Headingley.

To get behind Bess and the whole Northern Superchargers team, Vicar Lane is thrilled to be giving away a handful of tickets to some of the Northern Superchargers fixtures [at Headingley] and is encouraging shoppers to keep an eye out for how to get involved to win!

More information can be found across the Vicar Lane social media channels.

Vicar Lane is proud to shine a light on Bess’ achievements so far and hope that they can encourage their younger visitors with an interest in sport to stay determined, keep practicing and follow their dreams!

Bess Heath ahead of the upcoming tournament said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in The Hundred this summer and playing for the Northern Supercharges again. It’s an exciting, fast-paced cricket competition with music and family entertainment, which will only be bigger and better this year. I can’t wait to be part of it and it’s a great feeling to have Vicar Lane get behind us as a team and show support by streaming all The Hundred games live on their big screen!’’

Check out what is happening this Summer in Chesterfield

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre 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 Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Lionesses victory will show girls what they can achieve, says Enterprising Women leaders

1st August 2022

Following England’s success at the Women’s UEFA Euro 2022 football tournament, Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain, co-chairs of the Enterprising Women network run by East Midlands Chamber, said: “It’s been so wonderful to see the Lionesses unbelievable achievement at Euro 2022 – featuring two of our own in Chesterfield-born defender Mille Bright and Nottingham-born goalkeeper Mary Earps – celebrated up and down the country, and this moment feels like a defining moment for women’s participation in sport.

“At our Enterprising Women events, we hear from so many inspirational people about the importance of having role models to aspire to in any walk of life –highlighting women in leadership positions or traditionally male-orientated industries shows younger girls about what’s possible for them to achieve in life.

“So by showcasing the success of a women’s team in a sport where usually only men’s achievements are in the public eye, the legacy of Sarina Wiegman’s heroes could be felt for decades to come as more young girls realise they too can have dreams in football.

“As the Enterprising Women network marks its 25^th anniversary this year, we couldn’t think of a more fitting way of celebrating the power of women than through our national sport.”

East Midlands Chamber 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, Home

Chesterfield announced as second best in England for access to sporting facilities

1st August 2022

Chesterfield is the second best place in the country for access to sporting facilities according to new research.

The England Sports Accessibility Index has been created by Runners Need.

It analyses how much town and city councils across England have invested in local sports and activity schemes over the past five years and which places have the best access to sports facilities.

Chesterfield has 137 local facilities per 100,000 residents and an average spend of £57.59 per person per year.

The research highlights on average, a town or city has 73 listed sports facilities per 100,000 people and spends £35.70 per head per year on sports funding.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We welcome the positive news that Chesterfield has been ranked as England’s second most accessible town for sports.”

“We want to be able to help our communities to improve their health and wellbeing and we understand how important it is to have access to facilities and opportunities for people to be active.”

“We have some fantastic local facilities and lots of groups that help encourage everyone in our community participate in sport and physical activity.”

“This ranking is a testament to the fantastic work that everyone involved in sport and physical activity does to help our residents and visitors across the Borough.”

This survey follows announcements that Chesterfield is the happiest place to live in the east midlands and the second best place in the UK to raise a family.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Visiting

Local businesses commended for work in bringing Knife Angel to Chesterfield

29th July 2022

Local businesses and organisations in Chesterfield were commended for their efforts in bringing the poigniant ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture to the town.

The sculpture, made out of discarded blades was created to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime. The monument went on display in Chesterfield, near the famous Crooked Spire church in October/ November 2021.

Now, the businesses and organisations which enabled the visit to happen have been awarded with commendations by Derbyshire Constabulary’s North Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett.

The organisations commended included Leverton UK, Pinewood Properties, Ava Print, Chesterfield Borough Council, The Community Safety Partnership and The Crooked Spire.

Marcus Leverton, Director of Leverton UK explained their vital role in bringing the sculpture to the town. He commented: “Inspector Mathew Winterbottom is a close friend and he asked me prior to the event if we could help with the secure fencing that was to be erected and dismantled on a daily basis to prevent any potential problems with people mistreating the sculpture at night-time.

“We as a company provided this service free-of-charge for the duration of time that the sculpture was in chesterfield. It was important to us as a business to be involved with this scheme, as with most people I have spoken to the sculpture is quite a powerful statement and very moving when you understand that each knife used was from real life crime, some cases were even fatal.

“It was an important message for the Police to get out there, to raise local awareness and to call for a knife amnesty to prevent any further unnecessary deaths or injury through knife crime.

“We were very proud to be involved and it was great work from the full team who contributed to this project’s success.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Knife Angel brought a very powerful and moving message about the horrific reality of knife crime – one which thousands of people had chance to reflect on when they visited the sculpture in Chesterfield town centre.

“Chesterfield is a safe place to live, and we want to keep it that way, by working with our partners to lead hard-hitting and difficult conversations with our young people. Through a variety of engagement and awareness sessions, the Knife Angel’s visit has prompted these discussions, which is a really positive result.”

During the monument’s visit, Derbyshire Police and Chesterfield Borough Council gave people the opportunity to surrender any unwanted knives, and as a result more than 100 knives and bladed articles were taken into safe keeping and off the streets.

Leverton UK, Pinewood Properties and Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints 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, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Knife angel, Love Chesterfield, visiting chesterfield

Visitor Economy businesses encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000

28th July 2022

Visitor economy businesses based in Derbyshire are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000 to enable them to adapt, recover and rebuild in response to the pandemic.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, is offering grants to help local tourism and hospitality businesses respond to new consumer trends and changes in visitor behaviour.

Business grants are available to help small and medium sized businesses invest in valuable digital assets such as online booking systems, updated websites and cashless payment facilities.

Grants are also available to support the purchase of bike-friendly facilities, such as secure cycle storage, and accessible facilities to help local businesses cater for visitors with additional access needs.

The business grants programme is funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project, which supports business growth and development. Phase II of the project has provided over £80,000 of business grant funding to 28 Derbyshire businesses since 2019.

Business grants of up to £2,000 are available in the following areas:

Digitalisation – e.g. an upgraded business website incorporating an online booking system, or a digital point of sale system.
Accessibility – e.g. accessible equipment such as ramps, hearing loops and signage for people with additional access needs.
Cycling – e.g. secure cycle storage and cycle maintenance equipment for visitor use.
Internationalisation – e.g. website translation and the implementation of cashless payment facilities to encourage international visitors.

The deadline for businesses to register their interest for a business grant is Monday 12^th September 2022.

Businesses can find out more and register interest for a grant by visiting: https://MPDD-Business-Grant-Scheme.eventbrite.co.uk

Lindsay Rae, Deputy Director and Head of Industry Engagement at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Our ERDF business grants programme has already been very successful, helping Derbyshire visitor economy businesses to grow, innovate and reach new markets.

“Now, as the industry recovers from the pandemic, we’re renewing calls for local businesses to register their interest for a grant to enable them to adapt and rebuild. These grants can help businesses respond to new consumer trends by investing in online booking facilities, updated websites and cycle facilities to support sustainable tourism.

“We expect to receive a large number of enquiries, so we urge eligible businesses to register their interest as soon as possible.”

Businesses applying for the grant funding must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be part of the visitor economy
Located in Derbyshire
Less than 250 employees
Trading for more than 12 months
Have a business bank account

Successful applicants will receive a 50% grant towards the cost of the overall project, with a minimum grant contribution being £1,000 and the maximum grant contribution being £2,000.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire supports 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 business grants, business support, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Grants for visitor economy businesses, visitor economy

New LGBT+ rainbow crossing unveiled at Ashgate Hospice

27th July 2022

A zebra crossing at Ashgate Hospice has undergone a colourful transformation to celebrate diversity and show support for the LGBT+ community.

The North Derbyshire charity painted the vibrant new rainbow pedestrian crossing outside its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield.

It is just one of a handful of ways the hospice has been demonstrating its support and allyship for patients, staff, volunteers and supporters from the LGBT+ community.

Ashgate also had a stall at Chesterfield Pride on 24 July and are working with Derbyshire LGBT+ to deliver inclusion and awareness sessions to their workforce, as well as decorating its site and shops in rainbow colours.

It comes after the charity recently appointed an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Liz Allam, who works across the organisation to ensure the hospice and its care is inclusive and accessible for everyone.

She said: “The new crossing will remind everyone who visits us about our support for the LGBT+ inclusion, and our overall commitment towards equality, diversity and inclusion. It is a symbol of our dedication to be open to everyone who needs us.

“Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and have access to high-quality palliative and end of life care in a safe and inclusive environment.

“We know from research that people from the LGBT+ community are under-served by hospices and may well be under-represented in our staff and volunteers.

“It is important that everyone in our community knows that Ashgate Hospice is an open and inclusive organisation where they will be warmly welcomed.”

Ashgate Hospice invited John Yates-Harold from Derbyshire LGBT+, Councillor Ed Fordham and Councillor Martin Thacker MBE as well as staff and volunteers to officially unveil the new crossing on 21st July.

At the unveiling of the crossing John Yates-Harold, said:

“It means so much to arrive somewhere and see the rainbow, it means I can come here and know that I am welcome. From the flags adorned in the reception, to this vibrant and visual crossing, it shows that I can come here and be myself.”

Local businesses Trustseal Ltd and Geveko Markings supported the hospice through the installation and donation of materials to create the crossing.

The work was carried out free-of-charge saving the hospice more than £3,000, which can be redirected to fund patient care.

Liz added: “We are delighted to have been joining in with the Pride celebrations this year and we’re particularly looking forward to being back at Chesterfield Pride this weekend – please make sure you come and say hello!

“Ashgate has a hugely committed and compassionate workforce and by welcoming staff and volunteers with diverse backgrounds we will enhance and strengthen the organisation further.

“We all work incredibly hard to be welcoming and open at Ashgate, but we know that more can be done.

“We must understand the barriers that some groups may face in accessing us and then work to address those across the organisation.”

Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s equality, diversity and inclusion commitments here: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/equality-diveristy-inclusion

Ashgate Hospice supports 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Ashgate hospice, Chesterfield diversity, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Pride, LGBTQ, Pride