Property and Construction

Chesterfield Champions collaborate to bring new office space at One Waterside Place to life

7th November 2023

Rosewood Wealth Management has worked in partnership with local company, We Are Spaces to design a vibrant new office space for their new premises at One Waterside Place.

The finance firm has announced a move to the town’s new seven-storey office building, having previously operated from an office on Brimington Road.

Rosewood teamed up with Amy Revell, Director at We Are Spaces Ltd, a firm which provides customised furniture and fit-outs for companies, to ensure they can work in the best environment possible.

Amy, who is a member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, explained how pleased she was to be involved in the project:

“Working with Rosewood Wealth has been amazing. From our very first meeting, it was clear how much the move meant for Shannan and Donna personally, but also for the whole team and the growth it will enable them to achieve. We have similar businesses in that we started from scratch, are passionate about what we do, and have worked hard to build strong foundations for our businesses.

“We all live in Chesterfield, employ local people and care about creating new opportunities and wealth for other local people, so its been a pleasure to share that ethos working together to achieve the same things.

“Our mission was to create a space that enhanced the well-being of the team, was a welcoming and warm environment for both their clients and their families, whilst being practical and professional, enabling them to grow their team steadily over time. The heart of the office has become the central informal breakout area, which is surrounded by private meeting spaces.

“This flexible space allows them to adapt the space to suit their needs. For example, here they can hold networking events, large team lunches, training sessions, welcome clients and family in for a coffee, whilst providing the option to transition into the more private spaces if they need to discuss more sensitive subjects. Designing in this way means the utilisation of the space is incredibly high.”

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Director and Co-founder at Rosewood Wealth Management said: “From the moment we embarked on our office relocation journey, we felt reassured by Amy’s proactive, understanding approach to the fit-out. After patiently listening to our initial thoughts and feelings, Amy was able to transform the once-empty office floor into a modern, inviting and collaborative space.

“By considering the needs and wellbeing of both our clients and staff, Amy was able to effectively utilise the space to create a practical, multi-functional layout. Furthermore, we felt that Amy’s natural flair and experience in design ensured the entire office flows together seamlessly.

“Working alongside fellow Chesterfield Champion, We Are Spaces, meant that we already shared a common passion for the Chesterfield community and supporting local business. By working together, we were able to create a welcoming environment to be enjoyed by local clients, stakeholders and staff alike.

Donna Robertson, Co-founder and Director at Rosewood said: “With a supportive team of colleagues, friends and family behind us, we were able to smoothly transition into our new office at Basin Square.

“Thanks to the hard-working team at We Are Spaces, the move to Basin Square has been a straight-forward transition. Located a short walking distance away from Chesterfield town centre, our new premises situates us in the heart of the community. As we look to the future, this provides us with exciting opportunities to engage with the wider community and nearby Chesterfield College.

“Additionally, being part of Chesterfield’s Waterside Development enables us to contribute towards the strategic regeneration of the town. As advocates for encouraging growth within Chesterfield, Rosewood’s involvement with Basin Square encourages other businesses to invest locally.”

Looking for new office space for your business? Chesterfield is perfectly located in the centre of the country, with proximity to several major cities via well-connected road and rail networks.

Rosewood Wealth Management and We Are Spaces support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Champions: Firms announce new partnerships, recruitment, fundraising initiatives and events

7th November 2023

Firms in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to announce further progress, and help to raise the profile of the town through various initiatives.

Our latest news roundup from businesses and other organisations across Chesterfield sees a new film festival being launched for young people, a collaboration between Chesterfield FC and a local taxi provider, a new apprentice being recruited by a property and construction firm in the town, and two major charitable donations.

Read the latest stories and updates below:

Veezu kicks off Chesterfield FC partnership

Leading Chesterfield private hire provider Veezu, formerly named City Taxis, has partnered with Chesterfield FC for their upcoming season.

Entering their seventh year as first-team travel kit sponsors, only this time under the Veezu brand, the partnership will see Veezu become the club’s official ride partner, ensuring fans can travel to and from home games easily and safely.

“Whilst the rebrand has been a prominent change for us at City Taxis, our ethos and passion for supporting our local community continues under the Veezu brand,” said Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu.

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Chesterfield FC again and to see Veezu on the training kits, in what has been a fantastic start to the 2023/24 season!”

Chief Executive, John Croot said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Veezu and I would like to thank them for their support.

“We are confident that our strong presence and wide reach will help establish the brand in the area.”

Sparky Ink Studio celebrates 7th anniversary with new film festival

Chesterfield’s Sparky Ink Studio, which provides creative experiences and projects for young people is celebrating seven years of success.

The studio will host a film festival, which is a VIP event for the Students, their Families and acquaintances of the Studio over the last 7 years. The festival will be showcasing all the hard work from its talented students and team, dating right back to 2016 when Sparky Ink Studio first opened, as well as some recent documentary clips.

The festival opens at 11am on Saturday 18^th November, when the Studio will be returning to its roots at West Studios. The team will be using the purpose-built theatre and hope to fill all 140 seats there.

Jane-marie Wright , Founder and Creative Director commented: “Since 2018, we have been collecting unseen films, animations and clips from our students and we are so glad we can finally dust off some of our old classics to premiere.

“Our students and Team are very important to the Studio and the work we do and as we are now at the ripe age of 7 we wanted to celebrate this in the best possible way.

“Our little Studio is always trying to give something back to the Autism and SEN community and our students are amazing and deserve to have a special day where they can see how their film looks on the Big Screen. In addition, we think we might be the first ever Film Festival of this kind in Chesterfield and are looking to team up to offer regular Film Festivals of this kind in the future.

“We hope this in turn will motivate more people with Autism, ADHD and other Special Needs to pursue a creative career in this wonderful industry. It is also important that more people know we are here. We often have people tell us they didn’t know we existed so we want to celebrate that the Studio is here and we want more people to come along to our events, workshops and sessions.”

Find out more about Sparky Ink Studio, along with its events and workshops at: www.sparkyink.co.uk or on Facebook @sparkyinkstudio.

New apprentice joins DBCP following career change

Charlotte Gladwin has said goodbye to retail management and has embarked on a brand-new career in building control thanks to an apprenticeship.

Previously working as a store manager at a pet shop for three years, Charlotte (21) now joins DBCP as a Level 4 Building Control Surveyor apprentice.

As an apprentice Charlotte will undertake practical on-the-job learning at construction sites throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, working alongside DBCP’s team of experienced and knowledgeable Building Control Inspectors.

During her five-year apprenticeship, she will also combine her practical training with completing industry-recognised exams, which will ultimately see her qualify as a Building Control Surveyor.

As a qualified Building Control Surveyor, Charlotte will have responsibility for completing site inspections independently and ensuring buildings are safe, energy efficient and adhere to building control standards.

A former pupil of Wales High School in Rotherham, Charlotte entered retail following her A’ Levels. Keen to move out of retail and, with an interest in construction and the outdoors, she identified Building Control as the ideal profession in which to build a career.

She explained: “I really enjoyed studying Geography, Psychology and Business at A-Level and, together with my love of the outdoors, I felt that a career in building control aligned with my future ambitions. At DBCP I’ll be part of the process that creates positive change in the local landscapes for our communities.

“Being in the position to check that building work is correct and architectural drawings have been followed is a significant responsibility. I’m really excited by the fact that at the end of my training, assignments and intense exams, I’ll be carrying out these tasks and be trusted to do so.”

DBCP’s long-running apprenticeship programme is helping the business attract local young people who want to progress their careers within the field of building control. The company currently employs seven apprentices who are at different stages of their training, including degree level.

“The opportunities provided by the team at DBCP are so exciting. I really enjoying being out on site and I’ve already found the team so supportive,” she added.

Delighted to welcome Charlotte to the team, David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, said: “Building Control Surveyors are in high demand. We look forward to sharing our industry knowledge and best-practice with Charlotte as she embarks upon her five-year training. I know from personal experience that building control offers a long and varied career. I am certainly never bored!”

If you’re interested in a future apprenticeship with DBCP, get in touch by emailing david.pratt@dbcp.co.uk.

Redbrik Foundation helps Cavendish Cancer Care provide essential services with generous cash boost

Cavendish Cancer Care will now be able to provide essential therapy for children and young people in need of support, thanks to a generous cash boost from the Redbrik Foundation.

Each month, the Foundation selects one charity from the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire area to receive a donation to help them continue their contribution to the community.

In light of receiving October’s grant, Cavendish Cancer Care can now offer art therapy, play therapy and counselling to young people whose lives have been affected by the illness.

Hannah Williams, Fundraiser at Cavendish Cancer Care, said: “A cancer diagnosis within the family can have a huge impact on children, which is why it is so important they can turn to Cavendish, as a safe space to relax and understand their emotions.

“Katie, whose eight-year-old son was supported by our Children and Young People’s Service when his dad had leukaemia, told us the support and care her son received made a difference to her entire family, with unconditional care, attention and kindness that have helped him work through his anxieties. It is families like Katie’s where this gift from the Redbrik Foundation will make such a difference.”

Every month a different member of the Redbrik team is set to nominate a cause close to their heart, helping them give something back to the local community.

This month, Property Consultant Jacob Bailey named Cavendish Cancer Care as his charity of choice. He said: “I am constantly inspired by the amazing work they do and the support they offer to local families and individuals who are facing some of the most challenging times of their lives. It is an honour to be able to help them continue their fantastic work.”

Since it was established in 2020, the Redbrik Foundation has donated tens of thousands to local charitable causes, including Ashgate Hospice, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Whirlow Hall Farm, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Paces, St Luke’s Hospice, Fairplay and Pathways of Chesterfield.

If your charity is interested in support from the Redbrik Foundation, contact Director David Cooper by email at david.cooper@redbrik.co.uk.

Veezu, Chesterfield FC, Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, Sparky Ink Studio, and Ashgate Hospice 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, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, chesterfield champions, chesterfield fc, chesterfield news, Chesterfield updates, DBCP, Love Chesterfield, Redbrik Foundation, Sparky Ink Studio, Veezu

Planning application approved for new homes at Chesterfield Waterside

2nd November 2023

A planning application for more than 100 houses, along with more than 40 apartments at Chesterfield Waterside has been approved.

Following the submission of a detailed planning application in summer 2022, Woodall Homes has secured permission for a residential development and two commercial units as part of the regeneration scheme.

The residential development features 103 contemporary homes and 41 apartments, comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, to suit a range of lifestyles and buyer needs.

Darren Abbott, Planning Director at Woodall Homes said: “We are thrilled that our Chesterfield Waterside application has now been approved.

“Sitting alongside the River Rother corridor, this development will transform the local area with modern, bespoke and energy-efficient properties plus comprehensive landscaping proposals, which include a linear riverside park with trim trail and a natural habitat edge that will provide a significant net gain in biodiversity.

“We can’t wait to reveal more details about the development over the coming months and see the exciting work getting underway as we look to further enrich the community.”

Pedestrian and cycle links are to be provided throughout the site to encourage residents to take advantage of the excellent local commuter facilities and nearby amenities of Chesterfield town centre, including the railway station, Chesterfield College and Tapton Golf Course.

Development at Chesterfield Waterside is rapidly continuing, following the completion of One Waterside Place, a seven-storey office building which has already been fully-let to new tenants. Companies now operating from One Waterside Place include two financial firms, BHP and Rosewood Wealth Management, along with Fashion brand, Varley.

To find out more about Woodall Homes and their work within Derbyshire, visit: https://woodallhomes.co.uk/

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about the perks of living in our town.

Woodall Homes and Chesterfield Waterside 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, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, Chesterfield development, chesterfield homes, chesterfield housing, chesterfield news, Chesterfield property, Chesterfield waterside, Living in Chesterfield, Woodall Homes

Planning application submitted for the Gateway at PEAK Resort

1st November 2023

Revised Phase 1 planning applications have now been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for the Gateway at PEAK, which has been consented on 300 acres of land regenerated from opencast mining located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, outskirts of Chesterfield.

The Gateway is intended to play an important role in cementing Chesterfield as a destination town and as part of the Peak District experience providing visitors to the region and the local community with low impact ways to explore the National Park thanks to a zero-carbon travel hub.

Like a ski resort, PEAK Resort will be built around a carless mobility service, not in this case to mountains and skiing, but into the Peaks for biking and hiking, for nature, heritage, sport and culture. The commercial village will comprise of experiential retail, locally sourced dining and unique spaces for events, artisan craft and learning experiences.

Phase 1 of the development will create around 1,000 jobs across these sectors with a commitment to education and green skills delivered via an onsite skills academy.

The planning consents for PEAK Gateway Resort were implemented and safeguarded in 2016. The founders of Birchall Properties, the landowner, have already invested over 35 years in nature recovery, passive rewilding and preparation for the development on the 300-acre Birchall Estate which had been the subject of extensive open-cast activities.

The development footprint for Phase One of PEAK Resort is just 10% of the 300-acre reclaimed estate. The rest of the estate continues to facilitate ongoing work and experimentation to improve biodiversity net gain and research into suitable building materials for the future development which can be gathered and replenished. It is also currently home to Forest Schools, helping bring children from urban environments into the great outdoors in safe, educational settings.

Stanton Williams were recently appointed to design the Gateway at PEAK and in recent months key, strategic agreements have been entered into, which will be announced soon. These include:

Heads of terms with national retail brands to become anchor tenants for the commercial village element of the Gateway.
An agreement with a hotel operator to bring a flagship concept to Gateway and operate the 165-room hotel.
Heads of terms with vehicle and transport partners to operate the zero-carbon travel hub.
Agreements with regional education providers to develop education and learning opportunities at the Gateway.
Heads of terms with a leading UK Waste Management partner to deliver waste management solutions and enable an innovative circular economy with a focus on waste reduction and recycling.

Further information:

PEAK Resort is a phased development of national significance. Phase 1 will represent a £200m capital investment supporting and showcasing clean growth in the visitor economy across multiple sectors.
Section 73 and Reserved Matters Applications relating to the already consented planning approvals have now been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council.
Outline and reserved matters approvals were granted for previous iterations of PEAK Resort. The revised Phase 1 has now been developed to incorporate latest best practice and operator requirements.
The Gateway will comprise zero carbon travel hub enabling carless access to and within the Peak District National Park, a 165-room resort hotel, a variety of F&B outlets and spaces for experiential retail facilitating all types of outdoor pursuits including a significant focus on horticulture and adventure sports.
The Gateway will deliver 1,000 new FTE jobs and key strategic partnerships and heads of terms are being reached with several parties which will secure the Gateway’s proposition as a travel hub, in education and skills, experiential retail, leisure, hospitality and accommodation.

Find out more about investment opportunities here in Chesterfield.

Birchall Properties supports 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, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Birchall Properties, chesterfield business news, chesterfield developments, chesterfield news, Chesterfield visitor news, Love Chesterfield, Millign, Peak Resort, The gateway at PEAK

Young people encouraged to discover career pathways in construction

31st October 2023

A series of three events aim to help young people and their and parents and carers learn more about apprenticeships and the options available to them after completing school.

The first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Event will be held at Staveley Miner’s Welfare Football Club on Wednesday 15 November from 6pm to 7.30pm. The event is free to attend and designed to allow parents, carers and young people to speak directly with local employers about their options after completing school.

This event has a construction focus with local firms including The Devonshire Group, Harron Homes and Oasis Studio, talking about the wide range of roles in the sector including the building trades but also other roles including architecture, surveying, marketing, business support and many more.

There will be a question-and-answer panel where the attendees can ask about opportunities in the construction sector and pathways into it.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Young Apprentice ambassadors about their apprenticeship experience. Free refreshments and hot food will be provided to everyone attending.

The event is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, the D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is crucial that we provide the support young people, and their parents need to make informed decisions about the future. Earlier this year we launched our Skills Action Plan which is all about taking a more collaborative approach to developing skills and career opportunities in Chesterfield and events like this are key to realising that ambitious approach.

“Working with our partners at D2N2 and the ASK programme, along with local employers ensures that young people attending the event can develop a really good understanding of careers available in the construction industry and the paths they can follow from school to secure these careers. We are creating a thriving borough where everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“Please do come along to this event or one of the other sector specific events later this year – it’s a fantastic way to help young people make the right decision for themselves to develop a great career in our borough.”

Laura Wilkins, Operational Careers Hub Lead, said: “The D2N2 Careers Hub are thrilled to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and WorkPays to hold the first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information event. We are excited to invite young people, parents/carers and the wider community to meet local employers from the construction sector and hear from apprentices about their experience of working and learning.

“This will be the first of three events to be held in the Chesterfield area, our aim for these events is to ensure that young people and their parents/carers receive the information, advice and support they need to be able to make an informed decision about their next steps, and whether an apprenticeship or technical education pathway is right for them.”

Tina Patel, from the ASK programme, said: “I am looking forward to meeting parents and carers who can expect an in depth and insightful talk about the world of apprenticeships to enable you to support your child with their future career decisions. The event will provide you with a greater understanding of the vocational pathways available and how you can support your child to apply for vacancies.”

Details about further Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Events will be shared on the council’s website and social media.

Oasis Studio, The Devonshire Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays 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, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield careers, Chesterfield construction careers, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Skills, D2N2 Careers Hub, Oasis studio, Property and construction, The Devonshire Group, Workpays

East Midlands moves closer to accessing more devolution funding

27th October 2023

The East Midlands has moved closer to becoming a combined authority and unlocking billions of pounds of additional funding after key legislation was approved in Westminster.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been granted Royal Assent, paving the way for the creation of the EMCCA and the region’s first Mayoral elections next May.

Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council will now decide whether to move forward with devolution plans, with decisions expected before the end of the year.

The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from £1.14 billion of funding over 30 years to invest in local projects related to transport, education and skills, housing, the environment and economic development.

Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “This is a key milestone on the road to agreeing plans to bring in £38 million a year for the East Midlands and move major decision-making to the people who best know our communities, rather than Westminster.

“It’s about improving the lives of people across our region by bringing more and better jobs, opportunities for training, better transport and housing, improving the local economy and accelerating our route to Net Zero. But that’s just the start. If this deal is agreed, we’re determined to build on it over time as other areas have done, bringing further benefits for our residents in the future.”

The powers and funding will be held by the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority, for which there will be an elected mayor from May 2024, and is presently being steered by the elected leaders from the two city and two county councils which signed the deal.

Representatives from District and Borough Councils, alongside wider partners from business and other sectors, will further support the organisation’s development and governance.

Devolution plans for the East Midlands are similar to those already in place across other mayoral regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.

More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.

Earlier this month, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor, who would be in place from May 2024.

Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.

Further investment to boost local projects across the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.

Find out more about the range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield.

Devolution Panellists sat at table on stage with full audience listening

East Midlands Devolution Panel at property and investment show, UKREiiF in May 2023

Posted in Business, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield estate agent wins national awards for customer service

26th October 2023

Pinewood Properties win 7 awards at The ESTAS, the most prestigious awards in the UK property sector

The Chesterfield and Clowne based agency, Pinewood Property Estates received the Gold award in the Best 2-5 Branch Network in the UK at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2023, the biggest awards in the UK property industry.

The winners were announced at the Grosvenor House in London and hosted by the country’s favourite TV property presenter Phil Spencer in front of 1,000 guests.

Pinewood Chesterfield also went on to win Gold for Best Letting Agent in the East Midlands with the Clowne branch scooping Silver in the same category. This is an achievement that very few agents have achieved in the past. The Chesterfield branch finally went on to finish second and receive Silver for Best Letting Agent in the UK.

Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Property Estates said “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS. It means so much to us as we know it’s our customers who have judged our performance. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of our personal service, and this proves we are delivering what we promise. It’s amazing that our independent agency from Chesterfield can smash some of the big boys out of the water.”

Phil Spencer, who has hosted The ESTAS every year since their inception in 2003 addressed the live audience “Everyone one shortlisted here today has attained the ESTAS Standard of Excellence which is based purely on service ratings from customers at the end of the moving experience, giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to the end client. This is a great achievement in its own right so whatever unfolds this afternoon you should all be immensely proud.”

Living in Chesterfield

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield.

Recently rated the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, our town has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bustling market town or a picturesque village, Chesterfield boasts mix of contemporary and traditional housing.

Living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable too! According to Rightmove, the average house price in Chesterfield is at least £10,000 cheaper than Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

Find out more benefits of moving to Chesterfield.

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

Pinewood properties at ESTA awards ceremony

Pinewood Properties at the ESTA awards ceremony

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

Why Chesterfield, Why Now? – Property and Construction firms highlight town’s investment prospects

23rd October 2023

Chesterfield, with its rich history and vibrant community, is not just a picturesque town with its unique Crooked Spire, but also a thriving hub undergoing a series of multi-million-pound regeneration projects.

Thanks to its strategic location in the centre of England alongside the M1 corridor with proximity to several major cities, Chesterfield has the ingredients that make it an enticing prospect for investors seeking growth and potential.

But don’t just take it from us, take it from the businesses which have invested here and call our town their home!

To coincide with the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, we asked businesses in the town’s Property and Construction Group a simple question – Why Chesterfield, Why Now?

We think the responses below speak for themselves!

‘Tremendous support’

Emily Smith, Property Developer behind the highly anticipated Holywell Hotel by Voeberg said: “Chesterfield caught our attention initially due to its strategic location along the M1 and the opportunities for restoring and converting properties.

“The Council and local services have shown us tremendous support for our projects, which makes it an exciting place to be investing. Chesterfield’s unique local charm and welcoming community make it an ideal place to create something new to meet a growing market demand.

“It’s a town where you feel the warmth of support, and investing here has been a truly positive experience.”

‘Experienced workforce’

Roy Peters Estates have been active in Chesterfield since the early 1970s and have seen many changes in our Market Town during the last 50 years. The company offers a locally focused letting and management service.

Emma Gallagher, Director, Office Manager and Head of Commercial Operations has seen a marked increase in quality retail and office instructions over the last six months.

She said: “Chesterfield is centrally located and remains a busy market town with a good retail offering and access to an experienced workforce.”

‘Thriving business landscape’

FI Real Estate Management is the company behind the recent £2 million refurbishment at The HQ in Chesterfield.

Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), commented: “We have seen first hand the positive impact that our investment has had on Chesterfield.

“We’re passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work, improving its offering in line with nearby cities and enriching the lives of the local business community.

“Further investment is vital to ensuring the town continues to grow and develop in line with neighbouring cities, such as Sheffield and Nottingham, making Chesterfield a thriving business landscape for all.”

‘Excellent location’

HBD’s successful Markham Vale scheme continues to be developed alongside Derbyshire County Council. The project, off J29a of the M1 has ensured new premises for dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs for local people.

Richard Hinds, Senior Development Manager at HBD, said: “Chesterfield is an excellent place to do business, demonstrated by the huge success of our Markham Vale scheme. The development is now home to more than 78 businesses and has created over 2,700 new jobs.

“Chesterfield not only benefits from an excellent location at the heart of the UK transport network, but offers a strong local labour market, supporting companies as they continue to grow.

“HBD is pleased to invest in Chesterfield and look forward to progressing the expansion of Markham Vale, providing more high-quality industrial and logistics space to meet occupier demand.”

‘Extremely welcoming’

Dalton Roofing provides residential and industrial roofing solutions to people and businesses across the area.

Speaking about locating his business in the town, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing said: “I moved my business to Chesterfield in 2018, after running my business from Sheffield for 28 years, as you can imagine, this was a big change for me.

“Not only did I move my business, but I also moved my family to live in Chesterfield and I can honestly say I have never looked back.

“The location is fabulous, being close to the M1 and the Peak district, we feel central to all the areas that we cover. The business community are extremely welcoming and offer great business support. Chesterfield is up and coming and full of future potential.”

‘Training for tomorrow’s workforce’

Lime Living is an estate agency which recently expanded into new premises at The Glassyard.

Jamie Wajs, owner of Lime Living commented: “Our town is the ideal location, with it being very placed for excellent access to the M1 network, direct train links to London and other nearby major cities.

“We also have Chesterfield College and the University of Derby Campus providing education and training for tomorrow’s workforce. Not only is our town able to train and retain a business’s workforce through exceptional facilities and resources, but it can attract employees too, through the welcoming community living our town offers.

“For me, it is a no brainer for businesses to invest in our town! There is an excellent access to a wide range of local support networks and we also have a wide variety of commercial property. This ranges from land & new build, warehouses & industrial, business parks to Grade A offices, meaning our town provides excellent opportunity, whether it be a new start up, expansion, relocation or modern hybrid working hubs.”

‘A refreshing level of cohesiveness’

Harworth Group has acquired a 133-acre stalled brownfield site in Staveley, and is now bringing forward exciting plans to deliver 600 new homes, extensive green space and other amenities.

Joanne Neville, Head of Regional Planning at Harworth commented: “We have found all local partners to be engaging and responsive as we work with adjacent landowners to develop this important site.

“We have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of the town, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating a refreshing level of cohesiveness between the public and private sector. Chesterfield is definitely open for business.”

‘Great proximity to major road networks’

Mascot Management has worked on several projects in Chesterfield recently, including The Glassyard and 33 new homes in Duckmanton. Jason Evans, Director at Mascot Management said: “I see the quality of life in Chesterfield as an important factor in attracting talent and investors.

Key factors like the lower cost of living, friendly residents and businesses, good access to cultural amenities, and the open countryside of the nearby Peak District make Chesterfield a great place.

“It has established industrial clusters, and business parks that benefit from being in the heart of the country with great proximity to all the major road networks, including the M1 motorway. This makes Chesterfield an attractive place for people to access, live and work”.

‘A great living environment’

Redbrik Estate Agents recently found in a study that Google searches had significantly increased showing interest in Chesterfield homes.

Hannah Rutter, Property Consultant at Redbrik commented: “The proximity to the Peaks make for a great living environment and offers ease of access to the countryside for their employees during their free time.

“Chesterfield is a fantastically efficient commuting hub for their business and staff with Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leeds and Leicester all being within a 90 minute journey. A wonderful town with a great blend of character and modern, from the Crooked Spire to Casa Hotel.”

Want to find out more about how Chesterfield can provide the perfect location for your business base? Head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Business in Chesterfield, Chesterfield business blog, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield investment, Chesterfield investment summit, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Invest in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction in Chesterfield, Why Chesterfield

Whittam Cox Architects recognised in this year’s Building Top 150

19th October 2023

For the eighth consecutive year, Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox Architects has secured its spot in the prestigious Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings.

Each year, the renowned industry publication ‘Building’ conducts a comprehensive survey of consultants from all disciplines throughout the UK to compile a league table showcasing the country’s top consulting firms.

This survey covers a range of aspects, including financial performance, workforce size, and opinions on market conditions, skills, and the future prospects for the industry. This year, Whittam Cox achieved a ranking of 27 out of the top 50 architect practices, marking a significant advancement from our 40th position last year.

The company says this year’s Top 150 Consultants survey paints an encouraging picture of increased optimism and greater stability. Nevertheless, there remains a notable degree of caution and uncertainty primarily stemming from the continued influence of the macroeconomic climate, which poses ongoing challenges to the construction industry.

Other key concerns highlighted by consultants included staffing issues with attracting and retaining talent, geopolitical events, the impending impact of the Building Safety Act, the ever-pressing issue of climate change, and the accessibility of funding – all playing pivotal roles in shaping our industry’s landscape.

Commenting on the latest milestone, Whittam Cox Board Director Nick Riley said: “This is very positive progression for us, and a reflection of the talent and dedication of colleagues across our entire practice; it’s great to be recognised externally again. Looking ahead, despite obvious headwinds, we remain optimistic about the industry and the sectors we operate in, and our continued evolution as a business.”

The company plays an active role in Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group. Chaired by Whittam Cox’s Andy Dabbs, the group helps to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within the town.

Whittam Cox Architects 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, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield architects, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Property and construction, Whittam Cox Architects

Figures revealed at annual Investment Summit show new businesses are booming in Chesterfield

18th October 2023

Official figures presented today at the Chesterfield Investment Summit show record levels of startups setting up in the Chesterfield area, alongside substantial growth in the town’s visitor economy and construction sectors. Survival rates for companies in Chesterfield far exceed the national average.

New business activity in Chesterfield, Derbyshire’s largest town, reached record levels in 2022 and is expected to grow again this year, according to figures shared today at the Chesterfield Investment Summit. Analysis of Companies House data, the official register of UK companies, shows that 1,021 startups with Chesterfield addresses were registered in 2022, 4% more than in 2021, and indicates the area is on track to create over 1,100 more businesses in 2023.

Analysis from Destination Chesterfield – the organisation responsible for promoting investment in the town – shows strong levels of new business activity in several sectors prioritised in Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy, as well as encouraging signs for the town’s independent retail sector:

92 new hospitality companies were launched in Chesterfield during 2022, a 10% increase on 2021 (84) and more than three times the number (29) created in 2012. Hospitality is a crucial component of Chesterfield’s growing visitor economy, which attracted 3.7 million people in 2022 (20% more than 2021), according to Chesterfield Borough Council. The visitor economy supports over 2,000 full-time jobs in Chesterfield and was worth £207 million last year.
106 new professional services companies were created in Chesterfield during 2022, an increase of 29% on 2021 (82). They include 27 management consulting companies, 22 engineering advisory firms and 12 advertising and digital media specialists. Chesterfield is actively encouraging professional services firms to locate to the town to help achieve a 15% increase in higher-skill, higher-wage knowledge-based occupations for residents by 2030.
99 construction startups were established in Chesterfield in 2022, 10% more than 2021 (90) and 55% higher than 2012 (64). Data from Chesterfield Borough Council shows the number of new homes built in Chesterfield has more than doubled over the last decade to reach 373 completions in the year to April 2023. Chesterfield has exceeded its new build target in each of the last four years and the council has earmarked several prime locations for new residential development as part of plans to build more than 4,000 new homes by 2035.
124 retail and wholesale startups began trading in Chesterfield in 2022. Although this was down 5% on 2021 figures, it represents a 49% improvement over the last decade and is expected to grow to more than 150 in 2023. The number was driven, in part, by a threefold increase in online retail startups over the last decade. Entrepreneurs in Chesterfield launched 23 e-commerce companies in 2022 and are on track to create over 40 more during 2023.

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “New business activity is booming in Chesterfield, which is seeing growth from homegrown startups and those relocating to the town from elsewhere.These outcomes are the fruits of a purposeful strategy to secure new business investment in Chesterfield and help our existing businesses to grow.”

“Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting, either through direct investment or public-private partnerships, a series of projects to provide high-quality commercial space for businesses. It has helped bring to market almost 300,000 square feet of modern office, industrial, manufacturing and logistics space since the start of 2022, and expects further new premises totalling more than one million square feet to become available by the middle of 2025.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Chesterfield is growing thanks to its location, its supportive community, the incredible lifestyle you can enjoy here, and the investments that are being made in high-quality business space and housing. We’ve seen more interest from local and incoming entrepreneurs post-pandemic, who are creating new jobs and opportunities for the abundant talent pool Chesterfield can access, and we expect that growth to continue as the town seizes new opportunities associated with the East Midlands devolution deal over the coming years.”

Official figures also show that businesses based in Chesterfield consistently enjoy significantly higher survival rates than the national average. The latest data from the Office of National Statistics show that 62% of Chesterfield companies started in 2018 were still trading after three years, compared to 54% for all of the UK. Similar figures were recorded for businesses founded in 2016 and 2017.

More than 200 delegates, including domestic and commercial property investors and business leaders from the UK, attended the Chesterfield Investment Summit today. The Summit is organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by East Midlands Chamber and Turner & Townsend.

Destination Chesterfield has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, chesterfield businesses, Chesterfield investment news, Chesterfield investment opportunities, Chesterfield investment summit, chesterfield news, Destination Chesterfield, New businesses in Chesterfield

Inspire Design’s Lee Barnes takes the reigns for Clay Cross Town Board

17th October 2023

The Clay Cross Town Board has announced the appointment of Lee Barnes to the position of Chair.

The Managing Director of Clay Cross-based Inspire Design Group, Lee is an existing Board Member and is one of several private sector representatives on the Board.

Lee will head all future Clay Cross Town Board meetings, which oversee the delivery and progress of the Clay Cross Town Deal.

Clay Cross residents can take comfort in knowing the future of their town is in capable hands. As a North East Derbyshire resident and Clay Cross business owner, Lee has a breadth of professional experience in revitalising urban areas and guiding multi-disciplinary teams, with a strong commitment to seeing the town thrive.

As Chair, Lee plans to take Clay Cross’ local business scene to new heights for its residents stating, “I’ve got a really interesting journey ahead of me as Chair. I aim to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to help breathe new life into Clay Cross.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to move the town forward together, bringing new job opportunities, and more places to eat and drink and spend leisure time. As a resident myself, I am passionate about getting the best offer for us and am excited to lead us into the next phase of the Town Deal.”

So far, projects announced as part of the Clay Cross Town Deal include the regeneration of the town’s high street, along with a refurbishment of the Sharley Park Leisure Centre, which will be renamed Clay Cross Active.

Lee is also a member of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, which aims to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

Another town in our area which has benefitted from town deal funding is Staveley. Find out more about the range of projects taking place in the town here.

For more information on why Chesterfield is an excellent location to invest in your business, head over to our Invest In Chesterfield page.

Inspire Design and Development 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, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield champions, chesterfield news, Clay Cross Business News, Clay Cross News, Clay Cross Town Deal, Inspire Design and Development