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Chesterfield’s hospitality sector gears up for full reopening

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is gearing up for the full re-opening of indoor dining and drinking venues under step three of the easing of lockdown.

Thanks to takeaway, delivery and, more recently, outdoor seating, a limited number of pubs, cafés and restaurants have been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic. However, with the lifting of restrictions to allow indoor dining and drinking, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are set to completely re-open from Monday 17 May.

Delighted to be finally fully re-opening Douglas Daniels, owner of The Market Pub commented: “We’re greatly looking forward to getting back, as are the whole team. We’ve really missed all of our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back into The Market Pub.

“Independent businesses give towns and cities their unique character and help to offer an alternative to the national chains. They’re also usually the first to reflect new trends and attitudes. We’ve got many new things on the way and we look forward to showcasing them soon.”

Tracey Wallis, Owner of The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We are really looking forward to being back, it’s been such a long time and we’ve missed our wonderful customers. We’re already taking plenty of bookings, so it shows that people have missed us too!

“The last 14 months have been a struggle to say the least, but I am positive that Chesterfield’s independent businesses and the hospitality sector will bounce back with a vengeance.

“Roll on 17 May when we can begin serving our much-loved range of Northern Tea Merchants’ teas and coffees again, alongside freshly prepared breakfast favourites, light lunches and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and scones.”

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands and Owner of Casa Hotel added: “Every time we have been closed, we’ve been determined to come back bigger and better and now is no different. Although we have been closed, we have been very busy! We have built the new Oak Room extension to our wedding venue, extended the terrace and built a brand-new kitchen at Peak Edge Hotel.

“At Casa, we are refurbishing the Cocina Restaurant with luxurious new booths and décor. The bar will be extensively refurbished with an amazing new design and concept – it will be the place to be in the town.

“The love everyone has shown us throughout the last year has been keeping us going. We have in fact remained open throughout the entire pandemic by supporting the NHS with free accommodation and food and, more recently, the vaccine centre here at Casa. Let us hope this is us opening for good and for an amazing summer ahead.”

During lockdown, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield supported the hospitality sector by dedicated a full page on its website, pointing customers to where they could access both takeaway and delivery services.

The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/ has details of restaurants, with sub-pages for cafés, pubs, bars and tea rooms in and around Chesterfield that have continued to operate by adapting to meet the needs of the community.

The page will continue to be updated and live until all businesses in the sector are fully operational.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Eating and drinking out, especially in Chesterfield, is all about great customer service and a fantastic product. Takeaway and delivery services have been wonderful throughout the pandemic and we’re all grateful for the hard work it took the businesses to adapt overnight and deliver this.

“But I think the town is now ready to get back into our favourite pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants to enjoy the warm atmosphere and see those familiar, friendly faces once more. We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local businesses in what’s such a crucial time for the hospitality sector.”

To find out more about eating and drinking out in Chesterfield, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Love Chesterfield

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Brand new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 launched to celebrate business community’s unsung heroes

Recognising the heroes of the business community over the last year, Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards have been combined to create the brand-new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021.

After what has been a challenging time during the pandemic, the new awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

And because the high street and hospitality businesses recognised in the Love Chesterfield Awards are all at the heart of the community, Destination Chesterfield is asking people to nominate who they think should win one of these prestigious awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, nominations for the brand new awards are now open. Nominations can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

Nominated businesses will be evaluated by a mystery panel of judges before the winners are announced on Wednesday 20 October. Subject to COVID restrictions being lifted, the award organisers plan to host a black-tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre in October, bringing together the business community and recognising its heroes.

Commenting on the launch of the brand-new Love Chesterfield awards, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but I think we can all agree that the resilience demonstrated by our local business community has been nothing short of inspiring.

“The new Love Chesterfield Awards recognises all sectors of the business community and the role everyone has played in the town’s economic survival and recovery from the pandemic.

“I urge everyone to get involved and put forward their favourite businesses for the new Love Chesterfield Awards – it’s never been more important to recognise the work of our community’s heroes.”

There are 16 categories in total in the new Love Chesterfield Awards 2021, however people can nominate across 12 categories:

• Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor EntireFM
• Pub/Bar of the Year
• Café of the Year
• Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd
• Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
• Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Market Trader of the Year
• Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group
• Independent High Street Business of the Year

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 include the Sustainability Award, Community Contribution, Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Spirecross Ltd.

Peter Currey, Managing Director at EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards. Our team is looking forward to the build-up and, indeed, the event itself in October. EntireFM works closely with a number of clients within the retail and hospitality industry and at all levels of the supply chain. It’s been a difficult past year for both of these industries for sure and we’ve seen a lot of businesses have to dig deep to pull through.

“Being part of the Love Chesterfield Awards is, of course, a great opportunity for EntireFM as a local business. It’s an opportunity for us, and other local businesses, to give recognition to the great businesses we have here in Chesterfield and the faces behind them.”
Nominate online at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/ until midnight on 31st May 2021.

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

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, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions show their support for Mental Health Awareness Week

Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year and runs from 10-16 May. The foundation’s main theme this year is nature, and how connecting with the great outdoors can improve our health both mentally and physically.

Chesterfield Champions have been raising awareness of various mental health initiatives recently, with some carrying out activities to mark the occasion this week.

If your business is hosting any mental health awareness activity throughout this week, remember to let us know by tagging Destination Chesterfield on social media!

Surecare Chesterfield 

Surecare has launched a new  training ‘Hail Yourself’ training package with staff this week. The training will talk about various aspects of mental health. The training is not only designed to help the company’s dedicated care staff to look after the service users, but also help them to look after themselves and each other.

Helen Axup, Registered Manager at Surecare said: “Mobility issues stop a lot of people being able to go out and mixing as they would like to. We as a company want to promote ‘a healthy mind helps a healthy body’.

“I am in the perfect position to see first hand how mental health effects various different people, whether it is the people we care for with SureCare, under-appreciated care staff or the people we know socially. It doesn’t matter who they are, we are a human race and we should offer support and understanding. This gave birth to our ‘Hail Yourself’ training because the person you should start with is yourself.”

Heathcotes Group

The team at Heathcotes Group are sharing a number of resources with colleagues and service users to help raise awareness of mental health and signpost colleages and service users to resources.

Tom Matthews, HR Business Partner at Heathcotes Group has created a blog discussing the impact of the past year and the measures we can take to support good mental health.

You can read Tom’s blog here.

East Midlands Chamber

East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and mental health first aider Lucy Robinson explains how businesses can help their employees to cope with the huge disruption brought on to their lives over the past 14 months.

Lucy’s blog post takes a look at the data behind mental health epidemic, employee mental health concerns and what employers can be doing to look after staff.

Find out more here.

Spire Radio

Team spire

For Mental Health Week, Spire Radio will be taking part in the Mental Health Minute. It takes place on-air at 10.59am on Friday 14th May,  and will feature celebrities and various other messages relating to the subject of mental health.

Find out more at: https://www.spire-radio.com/

The video below shows last year’s ‘Mental Health Minute’:

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

A brand new VIP lounge has been launched at Chesterfield Royal Hospital to improve the wellbeing offer for staff, with the help of airline or aviation staff who are currently furloughed, grounded or made redundant due to the pandemic.

The crews used their exceptional customer service skills and expertise to provide the hospital staff with a little bit of respite, as well as an opportunity to chat and share experiences.

Find out more about  the hospital’s ‘Project Wingman’ initiative here

Chesterfield Borough Council

A selection of ‘Mindful May’ events taking place this month, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Year of Outdoors.

Residents are invited to book onto a number of different outdoor activities aimed at getting people out amongst nature in the town’s excellent green spaces.

Find out more about the events here.

University of Derby

St Helena's Chesterfield

Businesses across Chesterfield and the Midlands region are being offered the chance to boost productivity by working with the University of Derby to provide better mental health support for employees.

The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot will see the implementation of new workplace interventions at pilot organisations and the rollout of existing approaches in small, medium and large businesses across the Midlands Engine region. Find out more about the pilot here.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport

A Derbyshire Institute of Sport project to put health and wellbeing at the heart of its support for the business community has proved a winner, with more than 100 people joining a mental health webinar about the importance of switching off from work and de-stressing.

The webinar, by DIS sports psychology lead Dr Phil Clarke, was the latest in a series of monthly, 30-minute ‘lunch and learn’ webinars available exclusively to businesses who sponsor the Community Interest Company.

Find out more.

360 wellbeing

 

360 Wellbeing Centre says their professional team are available to help with any psychological, physical or social symptoms of poor mental health.

The centre has also launched ‘The Hub Spot,’ a serene and tranquil work space available to hire by the hour. The space is designed for people to professionally meet with clients, get work done in a stress-free environment, take video conferencing calls or simply just to relax and unwind. Unlimited tea and coffee is also available to suit individual tastes. For more information, email info@360wellbeingcentre.co.uk

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Businesses back Love Chesterfield campaign by telling us their favourite things about the town

With Covid-19 restrictions lifting and our high-streets, markets and visitor attractions beginning to re-open, now is the time to shout about all the things that are great about Chesterfield!

Businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are backing the newly-launched Love Chesterfield campaign, launched in partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield,  by telling us the reasons they enjoy living and working in the town.

To find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign and how you can get involved in supporting the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

You can also support your favourite local businesses in the town by nominating them at the newly-launched Love Chesterfield Awards 2021. Find out more about the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/

“I would describe Chesterfield as a friendly, welcoming and historic town. It has some great independent restaurant offerings and has an expanding accommodation offer. It truly is the gateway to the peak district.”

Lee Barnes, Managing Director of Inspire Design and Development Ltd.

“There is so much change and development for Chesterfield at the moment, which is sure to make a lot of impact. Due to the nature of our business, I’m looking forward to seeing what will become of the Town Centre Redevelopment.”

Natalia Marchetta: Co-owner, Salute Prosecco

“My vision of the future of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire is a happy one but it does depend on people continuing to use the town and our fabulous collection of shops, bars, restaurants and salons. Together we can ensure that Chesterfield continues to thrive and takes its rightful place as an excellent tourist destination and a wonderful place to live, work and play”

Laura Jo Owen, Adorn Jewellers

ryan essential site skills

“The area has a powerful sense of community, always rallying together in times of crisis. Because of this, I have no doubt that Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a whole will bounce back from Covid-19 and be stronger than ever.”

Ryan Cancellara, Business Development Manager, Essential Site Skills.

“I was born and raised in Chesterfield and am proud to work and live in the area. I love living so close to the Peak District and enjoying all the town has to offer. I always love going to the Chesterfield Artisan Market. It is a great way to support small, local businesses and find unique gifts for people (or myself!)”

Phoebe Sellars, Business Development and Loan Manager at Bridge Help.

Champion of the Week

“There’s a fantastic community spirit amongst Chesterfield businesses and a wide range of business support available. This has led to some fantastic collaborations between local businesses and a great range of local events.”

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator for West Studios

steve perez honorary degree

The people in Chesterfield make the area a great place in which to run a business. Chesterfield has its roots as an industrial town, which you can see in people’s hard working ethic. People are the most important part of running a successful business, and without them our businesses would not be where they are today.

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands, Owner of Casa Hotel and The Peak Edge Hotel.

“Chesterfield has a great business community, and I have found everyone is so welcoming. The location is perfect being so close to so many things. I am pleased I chose Chesterfield for our training school the easy access, by bus, train, and car was a real selling point for us.”

Jane Manfredi, ProMUA & Beauty Training

“The growth of the food and drink scene over the last decade has been amazing, seeing an eclectic mix of new restaurants open over the last decade has been great.”

Tom Currey, Sales Director at Dales & Peaks.

 

“Everyone I speak with, whether it’s an individual or business, has a genuine affinity to help and support local people and businesses. It doesn’t matter how much the town grows, we all still retain the community spirit and prefer to support the local independent businesses.”

David Armé, Cheetham Jackson Ltd

It’s a town that continues to evolve and grow as at any one time there are always a number of exciting developments taking place.

Jon Stones, managing Director of Mortgage 1st

“The camaraderie of the local businesses is what makes Chesterfield so different. We all want to help develop the town, provide quality workspaces for growing teams and support one another. The town is so close to the peak district and provides quality hotels and B&Bs for people who are visiting.”

Jessica Risorto, Chesterfield Area Manager at Redbrik Estate Agents

 

“The best thing about working in Chesterfield is the lovely characters who are our loyal customers and they keep small businesses like the one I work for going. Their show of support for the community in difficult and challenging times has been fantastic.”

Georgina Page, R.P Davidson The Cheese Factor

“Chesterfield is really going places and I think with projects like the Northern Gateway it will help transform the town into an innovative, sustainable and above all enjoyable place to live and work.”

Matt Bust, Business Support Manager at Woodhead Construction

“I think the next ten years look very promising and there is huge potential for Chesterfield and the developments we are seeing. I hope that these developments prove successful and that businesses are encouraged and incentivised to take up these fantastic new premises and turn them into thriving hubs of activity and entertainment.”

Nick Evans, Director of Milestone Financial Planning

“I moved to Chesterfield 28 years ago and from the very beginning people were always so friendly to me but I’ve felt the most benefit since working in the voluntary sector. On the whole people are so kind and supportive of each other but where there are problems or people in need there is such a fantastic network of people and organisations out there and always someone willing to help.”

Debbie Fennell, Derbyshire Voluntary Action

 

“I see Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire in a good place at the moment. There seems to be lots happening and there are some really passionate and driven individuals”

Paul Ryan, Partnership Development Manager for Shape Learning Partnership


“There’s so much talent out there locally and lots of small businesses with great ideas and products.”

Lesley Winnard, Workpays

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Love Chesterfield aims to boost the local economy

As lockdown eases, now’s the time to rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield – that’s the message behind a new campaign being launched to encourage people to love the town and borough and support local businesses.

The new ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign has been launched today (Monday 10 May) by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions continue to ease.

Centred around Chesterfield town centre, and the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, the campaign is encouraging people to seek out Chesterfield’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “Our local businesses have had a year like no other and it’s never been more important that we each do our bit and help support them as best we can as national restrictions continue to ease.

“There’s a lot to love about our town and borough – things we have all missed during lockdown – and that’s exactly what our new Love Chesterfield campaign aims to shine a spotlight on.

“We’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and through the Love Chesterfield campaign we will be encouraging everyone to carry on shopping locally and safely.”

The marketing campaign will feature in local magazines and newspapers, and across social media. People will be able to sign up to receive Love Chesterfield news by email, which will include details of local events and ways to get involved. Market Traders will also be giving away special edition Love Chesterfield shopping bags.

Each month there will be the chance to win a gift from a local independent shop by taking part in a Love Chesterfield survey. The prize, worth up to £50, will showcase the great products that can only be bought in Chesterfield town centre.

Love Chesterfield Banner

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, added: “In the town centre alone there are around 200 independent retailers here you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products. Add to these retailers the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available and of course the numerous Markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone here.

“As restrictions ease, we are all getting back out, shopping and safely socialising with friends and family once again. There is no better place to do that than on Chesterfield’s high streets, which of course include Hasland, Staveley, Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield is partnering with the council to develop and deliver the Love Chesterfield campaign.

“Supporting the high streets and the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are part of it should be – and is – a team effort. We are all committed to Chesterfield’s high streets thriving long term and the Love Chesterfield campaign is an excellent vehicle for us all to get behind and raise awareness of everything that is great about the town and borough.”

Chesterfield Borough Council was awarded £96,000 from the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund. Some of this has already funded marketing campaigns such as the successful Christmas campaign and the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House and is also funding the Love Chesterfield campaign.

Cllr Gilby added: “We’ve used the government funding wisely here in Chesterfield to support businesses and the local economy. We have employed a Covid-19 information officer who has been advising businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and how to operate safely and our dedicated town centre engagement officer has been a lifeline for many retailers and hospitality businesses. Using the funding to promote the town centre and the borough’s high streets has been essential. And it’s paying off – the town centre is busy and it’s great to see new businesses opening too.

“It is now time to talk up Chesterfield. Let’s show our fantastic high street businesses some love.”

Find out more about the Love Chesterfield campaign at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

Love Chesterfield Banner

Love Chesterfield is a campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield with support from the reopening the high street safely fund and the welcome back fund provided by HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Love Chesterfield Partner Logos

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New coffee shop opens inside Chesterfield’s H&F furniture store

A brand-new coffee shop has opened in Chesterfield, located within the H&F furniture store on New Beetwell Street in the heart of town.

Chesterfield Coffee Co. is being described as a relaxing place for customers to unwind, whether people are browsing the shop for furniture and home accessories, or just want to pop in for a speciality coffee.

The new cafe has been developed in a vibrant and atmospheric space, whilst still incorporating the original features of the old corn mill.

H&F has been providing Chesterfield with handcrafted furniture for over 10 years, and the latest addition to the store will provide an ideal space to meet with friends and sample quality produce from many local suppliers, all based around the stunning Peak District.

The team says it is now looking forward to welcoming customers with coffees produced by talented coffee roasters who pride themselves on individuality, alongside a helping of sourdough bread and handmade pastries from local bakeries.

One staff member, Victoria said: “I am very excited to be a part of the new team at Chesterfield Coffee Co. we will be producing quality artisan sandwiches, salads and pastries as well as working within a environment which has a fresh decor inspired by a chilled Nordic and Scandinavian style and design. I am especially looking forward to welcoming customers old and new back to the coffee shop.”

Manager of the shop, Finley commented: “I am thoroughly excited to bring a city vibe to Chesterfield. After living in Leeds for the past four years, I wanted to bring some of those qualities here for people to enjoy, where everyone can enjoy the surroundings and atmosphere of our individual space. Whether you just want relax friends or have a change from working from home, it would be great to to see you all.”

 

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Special edition Gin launched by Derbyshire Distillery to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare

Derbyshire Distillery have teamed up with the Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council to launch a special edition pink gin to help raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Derbyshire Distillery was established in early 2018, using only the finest local and international ingredients. Demand has continued to grow across Derbyshire and the Peak District and beyond.

This collaboration with the Chair of the Council will see a cherry flavoured gin and glitter, it is sure to be a big hit amongst gin lovers and will be available for sale via the Derbyshire Distillery website, by visiting their premises in Markham Vale or from Chesterfield Football Club.

All of the proceeds will go towards helping raise money to support Ashgate Hospicecare in the work they do to provide palliative care to patients and support they provide to many families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Richard Aspinall, sales manager at Derbyshire Distillery said: “We wanted to see how we could help raise money for a local charity and Martin approached us to ask if we could produce a gin in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

“We set to work by producing a nice, pink and glittery gin, thanks to the brilliant work of our head distiller, Oliver Meakin. I would also like to thank Paul Truscott, who designed the label for the bottles.

“We think it is a nice way to raise funds for Ashgate Hospicecare, whereby people can have a good time and enjoy a gin and tonic (responsibly of course!)”

Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Martin Thacker MBE, said, “It has been a fantastic experience working with Derbyshire Distillery to produce this incredible special edition gin. It is sure to be a big hit with gin lovers and as a special edition – make sure you get your hands on a bottle before they run out!”

“Of course, the main reason for producing this limited edition gin is to help support my charity this year in office – Ashgate Hospicecare. All profits from the sales of the gin will be donated to the charity. The work they do to help families in their tough and distressing times is incredible and I would like to do everything possible to help support them in continuing their fantastic work and care they provide”.

The gin comes in 50cl bottles at £25 and is available to purchase from: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/ and Chesterfield Football Club.

Derbyshire Distillery, Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield FC support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield is awarded ‘Plastic Free Communities’ Status as it Takes Action on Single-Use Plastic.

Chesterfield has joined a network of communities across the UK who are leading the way to tackle throw away plastic at source.

The town has been awarded Plastic Free Community status by marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), in recognition of the work it has done to start reducing the impact of single-use plastic on the environment.

Local Tapton resident, Greg Hewitt, started the campaign in summer 2019 after watching a number of documentaries such as Blue Planet 2 and A Plastic Ocean.

Registering with the SAS Plastic Free Communities movement, Greg and a number of volunteers have pulled together key organisations and businesses in the town to put in place a five-point plan. The objectives include; setting up a community led steering group, instigating the SAS Plastic Free Schools education programme, getting local council commitment and working with local businesses, organisations and community groups to spread the word and minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use.

Greg said: “The campaign has been challenging, especially with Covid, but most business and community organisations we have spoken to have been supportive of the campaign and have signed up. Having support from major partners such as the council, Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, and Chesterfield FC feels amazing.

So far 50 local independent businesses have signed up to the campaign, each making at least three swaps away from single use plastic. These include the award-winning Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, The Cheese Factor, El Cafe Verde and No10.

Plastic Free Chesterfield rose above the challenges of the Covid pandemic in 2020 by organising monthly webinars featuring speakers from Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and Ethical Consumer.

And whilst businesses were joining in, 40 community organisations have signed a Plastic Free Pledge showing their support for the campaign. These include Chesterfield Garland Dancers, Our Vision Our Future, and the newly formed Chesterfield Litter Picking Group.

Greg continued: “To finally reach Plastic Free Community status after a year and a half feels incredible. It is the culmination of many hours given by volunteers who all want Chesterfield to reduce single-use plastics. Just because we now have the status, doesn’t mean Chesterfield is completely plastic free. This is an ongoing journey and we will continue our work to gain the support for our campaign in the community.”

The Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Community network aims to free the places where we live from single-use. Using the five point plan the aim is to empower communities to kick start local grassroots action, which can then be built upon.

The marine conservation charity, based in St Agnes in Cornwall, says it wants to unite communities to tackle avoidable plastic from the beach all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it. It says it is not about removing all plastic from our lives, but kicking our addiction to throwaway plastic and changing the system that produces it.

Rachel Yates, SAS Plastic Free Communities Project Manager, said: “It’s great to see the work that Chesterfield has done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse.”

“We have over seven hundred communities across the UK working to reduce single use plastic and the impact it has on our environment. Every step those communities and the individuals in them take is a step towards tackling the problem at source, challenging our throwaway culture and encouraging the habit and system changes we need to see.”

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Chesterfield’s Seb Perez launches British Rally Championship bid

Editorial by Paul Horton

Chesterfield’s Former Porsche Carrera Cup GB ace Seb Perez will make his debut in the British Rally Championship in 2021, driving a Ford Rally Team M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, reports Paul Horton.

Seb, son of two-time BTRDA Rally Championship titleholder Steve Perez will swap his circuit racing campaign for a season in the British Rally Championship after “completing his time” in British national racing and seeking out new opportunities.

“The British Rally Championship was not really something I was thinking about at the end of last year I`ll be totally honest,” says Perez.

“I was trying to continue within my circuit racing career this year but with the challenges of COVID and travel, it’s become very difficult to go abroad at the moment. Coupled with the fact that my European race aspirations for this season didn’t quite go to plan, we had to look elsewhere.”

The 21-year old driver will contest several historic race championships this year but a chance conversation saw him mount a BRC campaign in what is set to be a quieter season on the race circuits.

“We were sat there one evening and the topic of the BRC came up. I gave it a lot more thought and decided that it could be a great challenge. I have always seen British Rally Championship as a fantastic series and seriously competitive. It’s actually something I’ve thought about doing for a few years but never really had the chance’”.

Perez is no stranger to stage events, his career began in the popular Junior 1000 rally series before many outings in both modern and historic machinery over the years. Turning to circuits, he followed the racing pathway and progressed through the TOCA categories with success at every level including the Ginetta Junior and Supercup series as well as the Porsche Carrera Cup GB in which he became a champion.

However, faced with an unusually quiet season, Perez will return to his roots and get behind the wheel of the latest Rally2 machinery from M-Sport .

“I was lucky enough to drive the Fiesta Rally2 when it was first released and managed to do the Grizedale Stages in it in 2019 and it was certainly a great car to drive. Nevertheless, it will be a huge learning curve and there will be a lot to take from it for sure.

“I think Oulton Park will be quite beneficial for me [as the first round] as I know the layout pretty well from my circuit experience and some single venue events there so it will just be a case of combining that all together. From Nicky Grist onwards it will be a little unknown but I`m feeling pretty optimistic about the season ahead”.

Perez will swap from circuit to rally when he make his debut in the championship with his regular co-driver Gary McElhanney on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May 2021 in the Neil Howard Stages Rally at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

Images by Paul Lawrence and Paul Horton

 

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Businesses Given Access to Leadership Skills Development Through New Project

Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can access support in developing leadership and management skills through a new project which is set to launch this month through the University of Derby.

The Smart and Inclusive Leadership (SAIL) project will support employees of SMEs in developing the leadership and management skills needed to drive productivity and growth. Supervisors, managers, recent graduates and aspiring leaders will be able to start the online programme from 24 May 2021. Coaching and mentoring to support career development will also be available to participants.

The project is part of the European Social Fund (ESF) High Level Skills programme. A second project focusing on developing science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills will also be offered later in the year. Both projects will be delivered by a consortium of higher education, further education and third sector organisations. Led by Nottingham Trent University (NTU), the consortium includes the University of Derby, Derby College, Nottingham College, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, Inspire Culture and Learning, and the Workers’ Educational Association.

The projects, part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), will be bolstered by the same amount in match funding by delivery partners, meaning there is no cost to eligible organisations that choose to participate.

Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be part of these two new projects aimed at supporting SMEs and their employees with specific focus on the development of high-level skills.

“Partnerships between business, universities and other education providers are essential for driving innovation in the region and we are pleased to be part of the consortium delivering this training.”

Both projects will encourage participation of people underrepresented in both leadership and management, and STEM. This includes but is not limited to; women, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups, disabled people, people living in a single adult household with dependent children, and people without basic skills qualifications.

To find out more about how to join the upcoming leadership programme, visit Smart and Inclusive Leadership Programme and for further information on the STEM programme visit Branch Out in STEM.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Dozens help with Chesterfield Canal clean ups

Fifteen volunteers helped to tidy-up one of Chesterfield’s best outdoor spaces last month, with Chesterfield Litter Picking Group and Chesterfield Canal Trust working together to get rid of litter and debris along the canal.

The team got together for the effort on Saturday 24th April, including several canoeists and paddleboarders, who did a superb job clearing the towpath and the canal above Tapton Lock in Chesterfield in the morning. They even removed debris that had got stuck on tree branches in floods.

They saw lots of newly hatched ducklings and even a newt that was found under an old mattress along the bank.

The volunteers also intend to make contact with the companies backing onto the water to encourage them to refrain from dumping their rubbish onto the banks.

In the afternoon, a second group totalling 35 people of all ages, tackled the currently unrestored section of the canal in Renishaw. They cleared a huge amount of rubbish, mostly drinks bottles and cans, but also a tyre, a roadsign, a fire extinguisher and a garden seat. A large elm tree that had collapsed into the canal was cut up and cleared.

This group also cleared vegetation along half a mile of towpath stretching from Main Road Bridge right back to Hague Lane. This is usually impassable in the summer because it gets smothered in brambles, but it is more pleasant for walkers than the adjacent the Trans-Pennine Trail.

This clear-up will be repeated on the last Saturday afternoon of every month. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is keen to set up a group of local volunteers in Renishaw who will eventually manage their section of the canal and look after the adjacent woodland and fishing pond.

In the autumn, the Trust is set to start a major project at Renishaw, making good a previous restoration attempt and extending it to a total of 1,000 metres. This will eventually link up to the Doe Lea Valley restoration section for which the Trust has recently received planning permission.

When all these works are finished, probably sometime in 2024, it will extend the restored canal in Derbyshire from 5 miles to 7½ miles. The highlight will be a 37 metre long aqueduct, nearly 10 metres above the River Doe Lea.

Besides providing a wonderful towpath for walkers, cyclists and mobility scooter users, it will give new fishing grounds. Opportunities for the hire of boats, canoes, paddleboards and cycles will be created. There will be a need for refreshments and it will attract people to the area, thereby benefitting local businesses.

Kath Auton, the Trust’s Membership Secretary, said: “Today has been wonderful. We have met so many local people who are keen to help get the canal restored and back in water. It will be a real asset to Renishaw. I can’t wait for the next clear-up on May 29th.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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