Home

Chesterfield Digital High Street project equips 127 businesses for the future

More than 120 businesses in the Chesterfield borough are now up to speed with the online revolution after receiving expert digital support via an innovative scheme.

Since being launched in June last year, the Chesterfield Digital High Street project has engaged 127 small and microbusinesses reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into the digital world by building their online offering for customers and improving their social media profile.

Of this cohort, 81 businesses worked with a digital high street adviser, 56 companies developed a digital action plan and 50 firms accessed grants worth £2,200.

Some 38 new websites are now either live or in development – many of these equipped with the latest payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber and its strategic partners Purpose Media and Destination Chesterfield, the year-long project aimed to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which were hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project among businesses, which are now well-placed to embrace current and future digital trends.

“This will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

Among the businesses that have benefited from support is Café Nellie, a recently-opened independent coffee shop in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Owner Tracey Wallis said she was aware the business needed a marketing strategy to quickly become visible to a wide and varied audience.

But as none of the six-strong team had much experience of using social media, the Chamber’s support came at “exactly the right time”, with digital high street advisers Steve Phillips and Alex Gardner helping to build a website and Facebook page.

“Since our Facebook page went ‘live’, we have seen a marked increase in in table bookings,” said Tracey. “Despite the recent heatwave, our sales have increased by about 30%, which our own research suggests is a direct result of our social media presence.

“Having a website is just as important in enabling non-social media users to access attractive, up-to-date information about Café Nellie. In the future, we hope to develop the site to enable our customers to purchase gift vouchers, our own brand of coffee and to make table bookings online.”

While Ibrahim Assaf was literate in using Facebook to promote his business Ibzy Salon, located in Chesterfield’s Jawbones Hill, he noticed it couldn’t be found very easily on Google – with the barbershop, tattoo studio and shisha bar’s location on Google Maps in the wrong place.

“I struggled with the process of updating Google but after experiencing frustration, I left it,” he said.

He signed up to the Chesterfield Digital High Street project and received one-to-one support from Steve, who talked him through the problems he had encountered and came up with a digital action plan.

Ibrahim, who also took up the offer of creating a website, added: “I didn’t have a Google Business Profile at the time, which meant we weren’t listed and new customers couldn’t find me. Steve helped me to set up my page and download the app, so I can easily make changes to opening times and prices.

“I have noticed an increase in new customers who have come to us by finding us on Google and through our new website. In one week last month, we had a 300% increase in visitors to the shop compared to the previous week.

“The website has given me credibility and with setting up the Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, which will help boost my visibility and attract new customers.

“With the bigger customer base, I have now recruited another two barbers so we can offer more services and shorter waiting times. We are very much looking forward to the future – with the help from my advisor Steve, we have the tools to grow the business.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The Digital High Street project has been very successful in helping many organisations that were affected by the pandemic to get online and increase their interaction with customers in a new way.

“We have been able to review current marketing and social media activities, and support businesses on any recommended actions, set up Google listings if needed and offer each organisation a one-year membership to East Midlands Chamber.

“We have received excellent feedback from those who have taken part in the project, with many increasing their online profile so they can expand their business presence.”

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project has now ended but the Chamber continues to offer support to businesses across the region via a digital high street adviser. To find out what support is available, email information@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Apprenticeships in Chesterfield now even easier to find online

Young people looking for an apprenticeship in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been given a helping hand.

A new online search tool has been launched by Apprentice Town making it quicker and easier than ever before to search for apprenticeship vacancies.

The new search function, which is hosted on the Destination Chesterfield website, enables people to browse the wide range of Level 2 – 7 apprenticeship roles within a 15-mile radius of Chesterfield.

People can search for apprenticeship vacancies based on both subject area and Level, with hundreds of opportunities currently available in the local area.

With thousands of young people set to pick up their GCSE and A Level exam results next month; the Apprentice Town website has been praised by business and education leaders in the town.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller, Destination Chesterfield board member and an apprentice employer, commented: “The practical benefits of the Apprentice Town initiative are invaluable both to young people and businesses based in Chesterfield. I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships; they are an intrinsic part of both Chesterfield’s and MSE Hiller’s growth ambitions.”

Chesterfield College Group Principal and CEO, Julie Richards explains: “We’re proud to have supported so many generations of workforce to Chesterfield employers through apprenticeship programmes. Post-pandemic, it’s pleasing to see that the appetite for recruiting young talent into a business via earning whilst learning is still as great as ever. There are so many fantastic opportunities out there from Level 2 right through to degree equivalent apprenticeships and I strongly encourage those considering their options when leaving school, or even mature learners, to consider an apprenticeship route to achieve the career they want.”

In 2017, Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

Chesterfield Borough Council leads the Apprentice Town initiative, which aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher level apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the area.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be the first Apprentice Town in the UK, an apprenticeship is much more than just a job. They allow people to develop their skills and set them along a career path which leads to higher paying jobs – improving their quality of life and helping our borough’s economy to grow.

“We’re committed to making it easier for our residents to find the right apprenticeship opportunity for them, so that everyone has the chance to build a great career in our borough.”

To access the search tool, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/

Or, for more information on the Apprentice Town initiative, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/what-is-apprentice-town/

 

Apprentice Town - Find Your Apprenticeship - Social Media Landscape2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

University of Derby launches new ‘resources on demand’ platform for businesses

The University of Derby have launched a new platform for businesses and employees to kickstart learning through bite sized content.

The on-demand platform allows for individuals to learn at a time that is convenient to them, and allow them to start to explore the world of professional and business development.

The valuable content tailored to support personal and professional development will help individuals and organisations grow, develop, and adapt.

As the business landscape changes the resources that are needed will also need to evolve. Experts from the University are working on creating new resources and content to ensure you have the right knowledge and insight going forward. Individuals can share thoughts on how to shape new resources and content and any recommendations for topics to cover.

These on-demand resources are free to access and will complement the Universities existing business support offer.

Angela Tooley, Enterprise Development Manager at the University said: “These resources have been designed with small businesses in mind, providing easy access to bite size learning. They aim to provide useful information for individuals looking to strengthen their own knowledge, while also providing a great opportunity to discover the support available at the University to businesses.”

Sign up to Business Resources on Demand: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/resources-sign-up/

Find out more about support available at the University of Derby: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/

Chesterfield is a great place to grow your business and there are a number of organisations that offer business support and advice on local tendering opportunities, skills and funding opportunities. To find out more about the business support available in our area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

The 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.

chesterfield college

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

£1million investment completed at Chesterfield motorway truck stop

Work to resurface a forecourt and lorry park just off junction 29 of the M1 near Chesterfield has been completed.

Truckstop service operator Onroute has just completed the £1m project, providing quality facilities for HGV drivers when taking breaks and refueling.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, officially opened the new forecourt at a launch event attended by staff, customers, suppliers, local councillors, members of the Road Haulage Association and contractors involved in the design and completion of the works.

He stressed the importance of the role HGV drivers play in keeping the nation running and praised the work being done by Onroute Truckstops to improve facilities, drive up standards and safeguard their comfort and safety.

Duncan Buchanan, RHA Policy Director for England, also attended the launch. He said: “This is a welcome major investment – a 100 percent privately funded vote of confidence in the viability of high-quality lorry parking facilities. We look forward to more investment from Onroute and many others in the future. We need high-quality lorry parking facilities all over the UK; with a shortage of around 11,000 spaces there is a lot more to do.”

One of Onroute’s busiest sites, Junction 29, forms part of the company’s steadily growing chain of truckstops located across the UK. Their aim is to create a network of high-quality sites where HGV drivers can rest, refresh and refuel before continuing their journey. This aligns with the government’s current plans to boost driver welfare to help tackle the effects of driver shortages throughout the UK.

Onroute acquired Junction 29 knowing that resurfacing would be required to both improve the site and address health, safety and environmental concerns. Plans were drawn up specifying materials that would withstand the volume and weight of traffic to the site.

General Manager at Onroute Truckstops, David Hatherell, said; “The new surface looks fantastic and we are delighted with the outcome. The project is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to develop and improve facilities and services for HGV drivers. Plans are also in place to further expand our network and we are actively engaged in additional acquisitions which we hope to announce in the near future.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent transport links and connectivity at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/getting-here/

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

Chesterfield Residents encouraged to have their say on A61 improvements

Residents and commuters are being asked for their views as part of a project to manage congestion and reduce emissions on the A61 Derby Road between Chesterfield and Clay Cross.

Derbyshire County Council is currently revising its Local Transport Plan, the document which sets priorities for investment in roads and transport across the county, and as a number of new housing and commercial developments are expected in the years ahead, this stretch of the A61 is likely to get much busier.

Highways engineers have been carefully examining a range of options to help manage traffic growth and now want to hear from people who live near the route or use it for commuting, business, school runs, shopping and leisure.

A 10-minute survey has been launched to find out how people use the road, their views on potential options to improve it in the short, medium and long-term, as well as options for alternative ways to travel.

  • short-term: measures to keep the road moving in the short-term such as the new traffic management control centre, giving the council much better ability to respond to problems and inform users, as well as other measures such as real-time passenger information for bus passengers
  • medium-term: identifying preferred solutions to tackle some of the pinch points or challenges on or near the A61 such as electronic variable messaging signs, changes to the Storforth Lane junction and improving visibility
  • long-term: investigations into what major engineering projects could potentially be needed and might be feasible, subject to funding from government, to reduce the congestion problem in the long-term, for example, some of the potential options might be a relief road around Clay Cross, a new railway station or a Grassmoor link road

The findings will shape preliminary design and appraisal work which will be shared with local communities via public consultation later this year before any work takes place.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “If you live on or near the A61 between Chesterfield and Clay Cross, you’ll already know it carries a lot of traffic. With new housing developments and business growth, more people will mean even more journeys.

“So now is the right time for us to look at how we manage congestion and reduce emissions while enabling people to travel and our economy to grow. We want you to have your say in that process right at the start.”

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, said: “Lots of people have told me about the challenges they face traveling up and down the A61, and as it gets busier the risk is that it becomes a real burden on people’s daily lives. That’s why I’ve worked with the council to develop a plan for Derby Road, which involves a mix of short, medium and long-term ideas.

“If we’re going to make a real difference then we need people’s support. This is why we’re asking you for your views about what you’d like to see. If we build a strong enough case then I can go to Westminster and make the case for investment. So this really is your chance to shape the future.”

Find out more and take part in the survey here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall recieves lottery funding for centenary project

The Barrow Hill Community Trust has announced it has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall Centenary Project.

The £90,400 award will support the work, which aims to renovate and repurpose the upper floor rooms and exterior of the Memorial Hall whilst preserving its heritage.

The initial development funding has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Barrow Hill Community Trust progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

The project aims to restore the imposing frontage and key heritage features of the Memorial Hall and will renovate the first floor of the building, creating a learning, skills and heritage space in the reading room and a restored venue for celebrations and events in the former ballroom.

It will create a sustainable future for the building, filling community needs and providing accessible training opportunities for volunteers and staff. The building will be run with and for local people, and be open to the world. It will become a heritage-led wellbeing and cultural destination with community at its heart.

This first stage of funding will be used to replace the slate roof over the heritage space and appoint a Project Co-ordinator to plan a programme of activities that bring local heritage to life, giving local people the chance to find out about the past, get involved and have a say in this important development. Building on the last few years of consultation with local people, the Community Trust and our design team will be finalising the designs for the building and agreeing how the hall will be re-opened to again provide much needed community services’

Built in 1863 as part of Richard Barrow’s industrial model village, the Memorial Hall has long been a focal point for the area and, over the years, has been used as a Dining Hall, Workmen’s Hall, War Memorial and social centre. Gifted in trust to the community by the Staveley Coal and Iron Company in 1924, the project aims to renovate and modernise the Memorial Hall for the future while continuing to honour its legacy and its past.

Commenting on the award, Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support and would like to thank Lottery players for helping to make our vision a reality as we approach the centenary of community ownership of the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. This grant will enable us to further our ambition to create a building which is truly inclusive and which embraces the whole community. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to conserving the Memorial Hall and preserving it for future generations.”

Chesterfield Community Hubs in Barrow Hill, Brampton, Town Centre & Loundsley Green 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, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Peak District Highland Games to return this August

Some of the nation’s strongest men and women are coming to our region next month, to battle it out in the bid to be The Peak District Highland Games Champion 2022.

The flagship show, now in its seventh year, takes place at Matlock Farm Park on Sunday 28 August. It features athletes participating in six demanding strength events including the Tossing of the Caber, Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge. Beginning with a parade of the athletes accompanied by a Scottish Piper Band, the day sees an expert MC provide exciting commentary to enthuse the crowd, with the opportunity for spectators to even take part in a Tug of War.

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant manager of Matlock Farm Park said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this fantastic event once again. It’s such a favourite for so many people, whatever the age. It’s a real spectacle and with so much else going on in the park, there’s something for everyone.”

The day also features a range of food, market and craft stalls with a Bradfield Brewery beer tent and Franklin & Sons gin garden for Summer refreshments. There is an interactive exotic animal encounter, along with much of the usual fun of the farm park, including sheep racing, small animal handling and playtime fun with their new Enchanted Hamlet and Jumping Pillow.

The 2021 Games saw the introduction of Strongwomen at the event, who were warmly received by the crowd. Multiple Guinness World Record Holder Nicky Walters and teenage sensation Millie Thornton took on a mighty Tractor Pull and Caber Toss, but it was arguably Chloe Brennan who stole the show lifting the legendary Peak District Dinnie Stones. This year will see the addition of Emma Wilson, Kay Gallacher and Michaela Moore.

Manbeast Events director Andy Picken said: “There is growing diversity in strength sports and women are demonstrating great dedication to training and some awesome displays of strength.”

He continued: “The female and male athletes are really excited about this year’s Peak District Highland Games, with some amazing competitors lined up. In 2021, Dave Thornton beat twice PDHG Champion Scott Mark Litchfield and it will be interesting to see if one of these can take the title again.

With the introduction of some new athletes, notably 6 feet 7 inches tall young strongman Terry Harrison from Lincoln, it will be fascinating to see how the new ones fair against the experienced and established field of athletes.”

To find out more and to purchase tickets for The Peak District Highland Games, see matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets.

Find out more about some of the great events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer on our Summer In Chesterfield page.

Matlock Farm Park 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Regional unemployment rate drops to the lowest in the country

The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has dropped to a fresh record low of 2.5% – now the lowest in the country.

For the period between March and May 2022, it was 1.3% below the national average, according to the Office for National Statistics’ latest regional labour market figures.

At the same time, the region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the proportion of 16 to 64-year-olds who have exited the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – fell by a percentage point to 21.2%, having climbed for four consecutive months previously.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “These latest statistics show that our region’s businesses are creating plenty of jobs and people are filling them. We said throughout the pandemic that firms in sectors most directly affected by restrictions remained viable once they were allowed to trade freely and the data proves this is the case.

“One of the biggest concerns in recent months has been the rising economic inactivity rate. This reflects trends in which many workers have left the labour force for reasons such as early retirement – particularly in industries such as manufacturing, engineering and construction, where there is also a lack of skilled workers to replace them – and we needed to do more to entice them back.

“It looks like more people are entering the workforce now but businesses are still telling us they are struggling with recruitment. Two-thirds (66%) of companies attempted to take on new staff in the second quarter of the year but 82% of these struggled to find people, according to our latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

“Four in 10 businesses also told us they are now at full capacity, which strongly suggests they need staff to meet the high demand that is driving inflation.

“We therefore need to find ways of attracting new talent, both at home and from overseas, in a suite of support from Government that also encourages businesses to invest in their infrastructure and people. Our research shows investment intentions are down by 6% compared to the previous quarter for plant and machinery and down by 3% for training.

“Turning this around would go a long way to making the productivity gains that will begin to release the handbrake on our economy and tackle some of the inflationary pressures hampering us on our road to recovery.”

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

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.

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

Spireites agree partnership with ‘Her Game Too’ campaign

A partnership has been agreed between the Chesterfield FC Community Trust and HerGameToo.

HerGameToo was founded by 12 passionate female football fans who are committed to growing the campaign with the aim of fostering an ethos in football in which women are welcomed and respected equally.

The non-profit organisation strives to be a catalyst for positive change and works with dozens of professional football clubs across the country to improve the experience of football for everyone.

Alyss Jackson, who is the Trust’s women and girls’ inclusion officer, has welcomed the link-up with HerGameToo.

Alyss said: “The organisation’s aims include creating awareness, providing education, developing a strong sense of community and building a more welcoming environment for women and girls within football.

“This reflects what we are trying to achieve as a Trust. A strong women’s programme is being developed, which includes girls’ academy sides and a women’s first team.

“We are also launching women’s walking football sessions and Weetabix Wildcats sessions for girls aged 5 to 11.

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with HerGameToo.”

To find out more about HerGameToo, go to www.hergametoo.co.uk.

The Spireites have been busy developing womens’ sport in the community this Summer, with former Burnley academy manager Jonathan Pepper being appointed by the club to mastermind the women’s programme for the club’s academy.

He will oversee the Chesterfield FC women’s first team, academy, U16s and ETC ahead of the 2022/23 season launch.

Academy manager Neil Cluxton commented: “It is an amazing opportunity for talented players in the region to play for the newly launched Chesterfield FC women’s team as they embark on the new challenge ahead.”

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Shortlist announced for 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

First-time finalists have dominated the shortlist in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

Twenty businesses have made the shortlist in the 2022 awards for the first time with 11 of them being brand new businesses.

Following almost 1500 public nominations, the shortlist for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards features a total of 34 businesses across 11 categories.

Amongst the shortlisted businesses, Chesters and Adorn Jewellers are hoping to retain their 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards titles.

Last year, Chesters was named as Restaurant of the Year while Adorn took the title of Retailer of the Year in the annual awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “While the town and the retail sector are facing their challenges, the number of nominations we received for such a huge variety of businesses in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards paints a very positive picture for the town.”

A mystery panel of judges will now evaluate the shortlist and the winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October 2022.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the popular awards return for their second year. There are a total of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards with more shortlisted businesses, projects and individuals to be announced later in the year.

Peter Currey, Chief Executive Officer of Entire FM added: “It’s great to be a part of the prestigious Love Chesterfield Awards again and it’s even better to see the support for the range of great businesses we have in Chesterfield. There’s been some tough competition this year with so many great names. On behalf of all the team at EntireFM, we wish all the finalists good luck.”

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards include:

Best New Hospitality Business

The Batch House

Boba Shack

Host Coffee

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley

Barkworthy Dog Emporium

The Lucky Magpie Salvage

MD Hair

Restaurant of the Year – presented by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management

Chesters

Devonshire Arms, Middle Handley

Sicily Restaurant

Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers

Dotique

Hasland Pet Supplies

Master Debonair

Excellence in Customer Service

Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Il Mondo Travel

Nora Eve

Independent High Street Business

Aurora Beauty Studio

Blanc & Blanc Occasions

Dava Boutique

Less than Zero Barbers

Café of the Year

Figaro

Graze

Koo

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Junction Bar

The Rectory

The Three Horseshoes, Clay Cross

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Little Morton Farm Shop

Resting Devil

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Grandad’s Sweets

Flower Girl Plants at Chesterfield Market

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Batch House

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Northern Tea Merchants

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors.

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by several sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, 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: “We’re expecting the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards ceremony to be our best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show their appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the four remaining sponsorship packages.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards or ceremony, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at:

https://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, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival announces exciting 10th anniversary plans

It has been revealed that Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival is set for a return this September, with exciting plans in place to mark its 10th anniversary.

Over the weekend on the 10th and 11th September, the banks of the Chesterfield Canal will come alive with outdoor theatre, music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls, a climbing wall, ‘’have a go’ canoes, boat rides and much more.

To mark this special birthday, organisers Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service have invited the Chesterfield BME Forum to showcase a number of special multi-cultural performances.

More information will follow, but the team has already confirmed that on Saturday 10th September a performance of Ukranian music and dance by the Hoverla Dance Ensemble will take place, meanwhile visitors can enjoy a spectacular Chinese Lion Dance on Sunday 11th September.

Jane Wells, Project Coordinator at Junction Arts commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled! This is a huge milestone for us, to have been able to make the festival happen for 10 years is such an achievement and we feel really proud. We have to work very hard all year round to fundraise for the event as it’s our number one priority that the festival is free, so that no one is  excluded from attending on financial grounds. We want this to be a festival for everyone to enjoy.”

Speaking on the range of multicultural performances taking place at this year’s event, Jane stressed how important it was for the festival to be inclusive of people from all backgrounds: “The festival is well attended but we noticed that our visitor demographic wasn’t representative of the cultural mix of Chesterfield and surrounding area.

“As a first step, we invited members of the Chesterfield BME Forum to have a stand at last year’s festival and it proved to be really successful. The 10th Anniversary  seemed to be the perfect moment to do more so we applied to the National Lottery for funding and were successful. The grant will support four local groups to attend and showcase their cultures, including some incredible music and dance performances, amazing food tasting from around the world plus displays and information. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the  National Lottery players for their support.

Jane also commented on why bringing the community together in celebration was of high importance to the charity: “The mainstay of our work is to build stronger communities through the arts and The Tapton Lock Festival does this in bucket loads! We deliver the event in partnership with DCC Countryside Service and the aim of the festival is to raise awareness of the area along the Chesterfield Canal and the network or footpaths and cycleways to encourage people to spend more time in nature with family and friends becoming healthier and happier.

“Another way the festival brings communities together is through the school outreach we do.  Each year we work with a local school, this year St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The year 5 pupils visited the canal last week to learn all about the flora and fauna of the canal with a countryside ranger, they also had a boat ride!

“In September, Junction Arts will go into school and work with the children to create artwork that will be displayed at the festival. So, I hope you can see how the festival brings people of all ages and from all backgrounds together, to celebrate this beautiful part of town in a safe, inspiring and creative environment.”

The event takes place around the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre from 11:00am until 4.00pm on both days and entry to the festival is free. Find out more here.

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.

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

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter