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Chesterfield Champions provide support to the local community

Several businesses and organisations in Chesterfield are doing their bit to support the community.

A number of initiatives and fundraising efforts have been launched to support charities and local residents. Find out more in our roundup below:

Chesterfield Football Club launches ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’

Feed Chesterfield Together has been launched by the Community Trust as a joint venture with Chesterfield Locality Children’s Partnership (LCP). The aim of the campaign is to support local food provisions within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Community manager Jayne Bacon outlined the new initiative, explaining: “It’s about helping local families through what’s going to be a difficult winter.

“Feed Chesterfield Together will raise funds to support existing food provisions such as food banks and distribution units to help and support vulnerable families in the town.

“We want to provide our support and help to feed the most vulnerable this winter as it’s going to be a tough time for everyone.

“We’re delighted with how things have gone so far. We began with a bucket collection at the last home match, raising £250 to begin with, which is a great start.”

David Mills, chair of the LCP, is proud that Chesterfield Schools and pupils have come together to support this crucial initiative. He said: “Schools have provided a platform for children and young people to support the most vulnerable families in Chesterfield.

“This demonstrates the tremendous positive contribution children and young people can make to their local community in a very challenging time.”

Jayne spoke about the importance of the Trust being involved with these sorts of projects.

“It’s absolutely vital for us,” she said. ”We are a community facility, and we want to be here for the people of Chesterfield when they most need help and support.

“It’s essential that we provide support to the most vulnerable in Chesterfield and help them in any way we can.”

Jayne also revealed that a warm space in the HUB will be made available for families over the winter. She said: “We will be opening the HUB from 5pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday, where the heating will be on and we will provide books, magazines and board games.

“It’s a space for people to stay warm and safe. Some of the Feed Chesterfield Together funds will be allocated to offering food and drinks in the warm HUB via Chester’s Den cafe.

“We want people who use the warm HUB to feel welcome, have fun, stay warm and have food available too. It’s vital for us to provide these opportunities and we really want to provide a safe space for families to make use of.

“It’s important that we open our doors. We are a community facility, and we want to open that up for people to use. We’re hopeful this will help a number of families.”

A GoFundMe page has been set-up for people who would like to make a donation to help the project. To access this, please visit www.gofundme.com and search for ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’.

Paperclip takes part in ‘Wear it Pink’ day

Paperclip has been ‘Wearing it Pink’ to raise monies for the charity, Breast Cancer Now. The ‘official’ day is Friday (21 October).

Each team member made a donation and Paperclip agreed to match the funds raised.  1 in 8 Women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime

Find out more on the ‘Wear it Pink’ website.

Kids Planet Sheepbridge creates accessible indoor pumpkin patch

Autumn is in full swing at the Kids Planet nurseries, and one nursery in particular has gone above and beyond in its pursuit to provide children with an accessible magical space to experience pumpkin picking.

The Kids Planet Sheepbridge team have created their own indoor pumpkin patch for the children to explore, truly bringing the outside in with hay, pumpkins, leaves, wheelbarrows, wellington boots, and more.

The children of all ages are using the pumpkin patch, and will be doing some pumpkin decorating and sensory activities with the inside of the pumpkins, working in line Kids Planet’s values of inspiring awe and wonder.

Lauren Poundall, Acting Nursery Manager at Kids Planet Sheepbridge, said: “We are thrilled with our indoor pumpkin patch. It was important to us to create this in order to give all children the opportunity to experience Pumpkin Picking, as sometimes these types of places are not easily accessible to all.

“We wanted to build an inspiring environment which would interest and spark children’s communication. Our Families have loved the Pumkin Patch and the children come into nursery asking to go and see the hay and the Pumpkins.”

Ashgate Hospice’s ‘Light up a life’ returns

Ashgate Hospice’s new-look Light Up a Life campaign has launched and the charity is giving the community a way to remember their loved ones during what can be a difficult time for many.

Supporters will receive a lantern in the post which can be personalised with a photo of their loved one and a special message in return for a suggested £20 donation.

They will also be sent an electric light to place inside their lantern and an invitation to join a special procession and remembrance ceremony in Chesterfield on the evening of Sunday 4th December.

The poignant 1.2-mile procession, which will start around 5pm, will bring walkers to the hospice at Old Brampton for a special remembrance ceremony in the beautifully lit gardens from 6pm.

The evening will include a touching reflection from local celebrant Jonathan Reeve, gentle live music and refreshments.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Every year, Ashgate Hospice unites our community to remember our loved ones during this difficult time.

“But this year will be especially poignant as we will finally get to remember together, in-person, for the first time since the pandemic.

“We hope our Light Up a Life event will bring some comfort to families like Ali’s at such an emotional time of year.

“I hope you will join us at this very special remembrance event and help raise vital funds to support many more families when they need urgent care and support.”

Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal at https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life or by calling 01246 567250.

Chesterfield Football Club, Paperclip, Kids Planet 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

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Council to host pop-up recruitment event this October

Chesterfield Borough Council is hosting a pop-up recruitment event in the Pavements Shopping Centre on Thursday 27 October from 10am to 2pm.

The event will take place in Unit 25 of the Pavements Shopping Centre, previously Wards Shoe Shop, opposite Boots.

Also attending the recruitment event are colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Careers Service at Derbyshire County Council.

People can find out more about current vacancies at the council, and representatives from the Human Resources department will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about working for the organisation.

New vacancies are added to the council’s website every week, so whether residents are looking to take their first steps into the workplace or are looking for a more senior role, they can visit the website to find out more about current opportunities to work at the council.

Councillor Sharon Blank, cabinet member for governance, said: “This is the second pop-up event we have held in the Pavement’s Shopping Centre, and we are encouraging anyone looking for work to drop in to see us during the event times.

“The recruitment event is taking place on the same day as the popular 1940s market, so if you are heading into the town centre, come along to see us and find out what roles are available at the council and ask any questions you have about how to complete application forms, or the level of experience needed for various positions”.

The council has a commitment to support residents to find new job opportunities, and have access to skills, training and apprenticeships, and the council colleagues who are hosting the event will also be able to provide information about what’s on offer.

Those attending can bring their CV along and leave it with the team to be considered for any future vacancies that may be suitable for them.

The council’s website and social media channels are updated regularly with new positions, so anyone looking for work is encouraged to check these sites for the latest opportunities.

This is a drop in event, and no appointment is needed.

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Local artist completes 50m mural at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s children’s department recently unveiled a special piece of artwork spanning more than 50 metres, created by local illustrator and artist, Sally Anderson.

Sally’s largest piece of artwork to date, which took more than a month to plan, was commissioned by Chesterfield Royal Charity to boost the spirits of some of the hospital’s smallest patients, their family, and colleagues.

The original Nightingale Ward main corridor was an impressive backdrop for Sally’s creativity and unique style of drawing and illustration – which features animals, people and some local landmarks patients and colleagues might recognise.

The artwork took six weeks to paint by hand, with Sally carefully choosing the paint colours that worked well together and suited the existing colour scheme. The final artwork creates a bright and friendly entrance to the hospital’s children’s ward.

Ken Godber, Charity Director said: “Charitable funds allows unique opportunities to improve the ‘face’ of our hospital, benefiting colleagues, patients, and visitors. This corridor leading to our children’s ward was plain and uninviting – now with Sally’s mural, the journey to our Nightingale Ward is exciting and certainly more welcoming for our patients.”

Sally Anderson, local artist from Chesterfield said: “I really enjoyed the interaction I had with people as I painted the corridor and seeing how children reacted to certain animals was really rewarding and fulfilling.

“It’s not always a nice experience to walk down a hospital corridor for a child or even a grown-up, so I thought if I could get them to look at the animals and children instead, it may distract them and make them smile.”

When asked about the vision for the artwork, Sally said: “I wanted the mural to be inclusive of all children, regardless of race, ability, or age. My inspiration was to make sure children who visited the hospital could see themselves within the artwork – this mural is for them, and when entering Nightingale Ward, I hope they are able to take a few moments to enjoy the artwork and imagine themselves as part of it.

Jenny Reaney, Play Specialist Team Leader, approached the hospital’s charity to commission a local artist to freshen up the corridor after receiving feedback from patients and colleagues. She said: “We’re delighted to be able to unveil this artwork to our little patients, their families, and our colleagues. The design by Sally is incredible and we’re delighted with the outcome. It really improves and enhances the area; I’ve already seen some patients stop to look and follow the illustrations down the whole 50m corridor!

“Thank you, Sally, for the time and effort you put into this mural – we’re delighted with it and we’re proud to have this on our site as a welcome for our little patients coming onto site for their treatment and care.”

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Chesterfield 1940s market to take place this half term

Chesterfield’s 1940s Market returns during half term with entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Taking place on Thursday 27 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve put together a great package of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Our 1940s Market gets bigger every year and I hope lots of you will come along this half term to support the event and our fantastic market traders.”

Activities

New for 2022 is a Home Guard encampment in the Crooked Spire Churchyard with reenactors ready to talk about the role of the Home Guard and demonstrate the equipment they used. At 11am and 2pm they will be putting on Drill sessions for children where kids can learn marching moves.

Chesterfield Museum will be taking over one of the units in the Pavements Centre where they will be running an activity about rationing and letting visitors engage with history using their handling objects.

They will be joined by Wessex Archaeology who will be running a workshop all day where you can design and print 1940s inspired tiles. Up an’ at ‘em History will also be here running an activity where you can learn about historic bomb disposal and have a go using some dummy World War Two bombs.

Around the Market Place there will be displays about the Land Army, historic mining, and Post Offices through the years. A selection of vintage vehicles including an historic fire engine will be on display too.

The weekly Flea Market will take place across both Market Square and New Square, with traders encouraged to get into the 40s spirit by donning period costumes. There will be prizes for the best dressed trader.

Entertainment

The ever-popular Kalamazoo Dance Band will be performing in New Square at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm – there will be plenty of space for you to dance along.

Singing trio, The Daisy Belles will be wowing crowds Outside Etienne Curtains and Blinds at 10.15am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm.

In Rykneld Square next to the Visitor Information Centre, singer Johnny Victory will be performing at 10.45am, 1.10pm and 3pm. Singer Jayne Darling will be performing at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm.

Outside Santander singer Natasha Harper will be performing at 10.30am, 12.10pm and 1.30pm. Kyle Evans will also be singing at 11.20am, 1pm and 2.10pm.

An escape artist will perform in the Market Place at 10.45am, 1pm and 3pm.

Tours of the Crooked Spire will be taking place at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tours cost £8 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

There is lots of parking available in Chesterfield during the event, full details of both council owned and private car parks on the car parks page.

Visitors are also being encouraged to use public transport to attend the event, options available include trains and busses.

1940s-Mining-Exhibit

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Growth for Chesterfield IT firm with new Head of Sales & Marketing announced

Addooco, the leading Managed IT, Cloud & Communications provider are excited to announce the recent appointment of Nigel Mallender as Head of Sales & Marketing.

Nigel joins Addooco to assist with their next phase of growth and brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the IT solutions sector.

He commented: “Having worked for my previous employer for nearly 24 years it felt like the right time for a new challenge and change. I took my time to find the right opportunity and business.”

Nigel went on to add: “and it was only through a chance meeting with Paul Walters, Head of Operations, I learned of this position and Addooco’s ambitious plans for the future. I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Team and I’m confident this will prove a great fit for all.”

Nigel hails from Yorkshire but has lived in Chesterfield for 25 years. He is married with a young daughter, works for a charity part time and is Chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club.

Richard Walters, Addooco’s Managing Director commented on Nigel’s arrival: “We’ve known Nigel for a number of years and are thrilled to welcome him to our Management Team. Nigel is an experienced individual and a people person who appreciates the importance of building relationships and developing a client base. That’s exactly what we were looking for”.

Addooco is based on Dunston Technology Park in Chesterfield and have been delivering cutting edge IT solutions since 2008. To find out more please call 01246 887887 or visit their website – www.addooco.it

Find out more about the benefits of locating and growing your business here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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Mining memorial at Markham Vale reaches completion

A moving tribute to miners who died in 3 disasters at a Derbyshire colliery has been completed 10 years after it was commissioned.

The final 13 life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of the Walking Together Mining Memorial, taking the total number of statues to commemorate those tragically killed at Markham Colliery to 106 – one for each man who died in the disasters.

Originally commissioned in 2012, the figures form a trail which stretches between the village of Duckmanton, near Chesterfield, to Markham Vale, close to where the former pithead of Markham Colliery once stood.

Markham Vale is the council’s flagship regeneration site reclaimed and developed in partnership with HBD (formally known as Henry Boot Developments) to create new jobs and attract investment into the area.

The trail symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and each figure carries a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role.

Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent designed the memorial supported by Markham Vale Heritage Group which researched the lives of the miners who were commemorated.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “I feel honoured to have been part of this fantastic project and it’s great to see it finally completed.

“It’s incredibly important that we don’t forget the site’s mining history, the challenging jobs the pit workers had and the sacrifices they made.

“This permanent memorial is a place where the miner’s community spirit can be remembered and where families, friends and future generations can come together to pay tribute.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the project including the local community, the families and friends of the miners who tragically lost their lives and the sponsors who have helped make this project possible.

“I would also like to thank the artist Stephen Broadbent, fabricator at CB Arts, the team at Beam and the Markham Vale Heritage Group for all their fantastic work.”

 

The first disaster commemorated by the memorial was an underground explosion on 21 January 1937 which claimed the lives of 9 men. This was followed by a second explosion a year later in 1938 when 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured.

The final disaster occurred 35 years later when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying miners to the coalface failed, killing 18 miners and seriously injuring 11 others on 30 July, 1973.

The final 13 figures have been dedicated to:

  1. David Bann, 54, Contractor
  2. Alfred Garland, 52, Timber Drawer
  3. Robert Gregson, 36, Contractor
  4. John William Hadley, 31, Contractor
  5. Joseph Hibbard, 51, Timber Drawer
  6. Joseph Lilley, 30, Road Repairer
  7. Felix Linathan, 48, Contractor
  8. Mark Richards, 31, Ripper
  9. Samuel Edward Salt, 41, Deputy
  10. Clarence Silcock, 42, Ripper
  11. Fred Taylor, 53, Contractor
  12. Redvers Baden Whitehead, 37, Shot-firer
  13. Matthew Williams, 36, Contractor

A grant of £17,830 has been awarded by Valencia Communities Fund through the Landfill Communities Fund to support and install 8 out of the 13 remaining figures.

Great Bear Distribution Limited sponsored three figures, while a further grant of £38,950 was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which distributes funding raised by National Lottery players. The further grant will cover the cost of 1 figure and fund several activities, including engagement workshops with the local community, a commemorative publication, heritage walking tours of the site and more.

For more information about the memorial visit The Markham Story Mine website. The Story Mine project is supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and ourselves to unearth and share stories from Markham Colliery.

Anyone interested in joining the volunteers at Markham Vale Heritage Group can email contact@beam.uk.net

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

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Council completes modernisation of dozens of properties

Forty one council homes have now been refurbished in Chesterfield – creating brighter, more easily accessible spaces designed to help residents continue to live independently.

Properties at Mallard Court and Leander Court in Staveley are the latest and final independent living flats to undergo a complete modernisation – and mark the completion of a £3.8m refurbishment scheme by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The overall appearance of the flats has been carefully crafted to create a modern and fresh look, and support the council’s vision of creating a greater sense of community by transforming the way it refurbishes homes.

The refurbishment of these properties has seen each home benefit from a newly renovated kitchen and lounge area, whilst each bathroom has been converted into a wet room with a level access shower. This means that homes better meet the needs of residents and allow them to continue living independently.

As part of the council’s commitment to tackling loneliness and social isolation, the effective redesign of these homes will also contribute to a positive living space for residents. Communal and shared areas, both indoors and outdoors, have been given a facelift to create brighter open spaces for residents to get together and socialise. As part of this, both buildings have been linked together to provide additional opportunities for people to spend time together.

As part of its Climate Change Action Plan, the council is committed to ensuring that its existing housing stock is as energy efficient as possible and reduce energy use. The refurbishment of the flats has included new window, roofs and energy efficient facades. Low energy lighting has also been installed in the buildings.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re really pleased to have reached this milestone and have now successfully refurbished all of our homes that are designed to help residents continue living independently, keeping to our promise of creating attractive places to live. We are committed to improving the quality of life for local people and a key part of our housing strategy is to make sure that our homes are of excellent quality and create a modern and desirable environment.

“By creating open spaces in these properties, it also creates a place where our residents can get together, meet new people and socialise. The council is committed to tackling loneliness and social isolation, so we hope to see as many residents as possible getting together and enjoying these spaces.”

Pat Fletcher has recently moved in to Leander Court from nearby Aston Court, where she had lived for 16 years. Pat said: “I love living here, the team have done a great job with the refurbishment.

“The communal areas here are fantastic too and a great way to meet up with friends and neighbours. A group of us meet in the communal kitchen at 2pm every day. It’s nice to have the patio and outdoor space that we can all enjoy and use to socialise.”

The refurbishment project started in October 2017 and has also seen Markham Court, Catherine Court, Glebe Court and Brocklehurst Court all being refurbished, alongside Mallard Court and Leander Court.

The properties have been refurbished and modernised by the council’s main contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. as part of the council’s commitment to investing in its housing stock.

Councillor Ludlow added: “We’re really pleased to have continued to work with our contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. throughout this project. We like to thank all staff for their continued commitment to ensuring that this project has been completed and maintained to the standards our residents expect. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we have continued to work together safely to complete the project and deliver modern and attractive homes for our residents.”

James Taylor, Contracts Manager at Fortem, said: “We are extremely proud to hand over the completed refurbishment of Mallard Court and Leander Court back to the council and residents. This is the fifth, and largest, refurbishment of existing sheltered accommodation that Fortem have carried out for Chesterfield Borough Council, and the results speak for themselves. It is amazing what can be achieved by utilising existing buildings to provide quality, efficient and welcoming homes for the residents of Chesterfield.”

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East Midlands Chamber named UK Chamber of the Year in national awards

East Midlands Chamber has secured one of the most significant accolades in business after being named the UK Chamber of the Year.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire was recognised for supporting businesses to engage with the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda as it took the top prize at the British of Chamber of Commerce’s (BCC) annual Chamber Business Awards, sponsored by Quest. There are 53 accredited chambers of commerce in the UK.

Judges said East Midlands Chamber succeeded in striking a good geographical balance across its membership base, serving more than 4,000 businesses across the three counties. Its strength in the areas of diversity and environmental sustainability also stood out as particularly impressive.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are delighted to receive such recognition and this award is testament to the hard work of the whole Chamber team over the past few years in supporting businesses through one of the most challenging periods in memory.

“We have always sought to provide a comprehensive offer in supporting our members through whatever the world throws at us. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we pivoted our service online with a focus on business resilience and took advantage of opportunities such as the Kickstart Scheme to become the UK’s biggest gateway provider.

“This approach has continued to evolve within a hybrid delivery model as we seek to help guide members through the important business issues of today and tomorrow – including the rapidly-growing ESG agenda, which comprises a commitment to net zero, a diverse and inclusive workforce, and building relationships with communities.

“As new opportunities come forward, we will continue to be at the forefront in ensuring our members are at the leading edge of new business trends, while flying the flag for the East Midlands in order to help attract new investment and grow our region’s economy.”

The Chamber’s achievements in recent years have included:

  • Providing a £100,000 membership relief fund during the pandemic and helping 982 businesses to access Covid-19 funds valued at £1.4m
  • Supporting 902 businesses to fill 2,093 placements in the Kickstart Scheme, which created work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds, with 81% of participants securing a job, or returning to further or higher education
  • Leading a Digital High Street project supporting 322 retailers to improve their digital offering
  • Supporting 700 exporters and 200 importers annually via the international trade service
  • Establishing a Sustainable East Midlands initiative to collate practical advice that supports members on their net zero journey, holding 26 events that attracted more than 1,000 delegates in 2021/22
  • Launching a free ESG toolkit in partnership with RSM UK for members
  • Being an exemplar to businesses in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce by achieving Disability Confident Leader status, leading a prison employment advisory board, signing a menopause workplace pledge and “Time to Change” pledge, and supporting the Midlands Mental Health Productivity Pilot.

The Chamber Business Awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role that chambers of commerce play in assisting firms to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Chamber Network, and the vital support chambers provide to businesses.

Sarah Howard, chair of the BCC, said: “The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is an extremely worthy winner of this award.

“The Chamber’s commitment to sustainability and net zero ambitions is paving the way for other chambers to follow in the fight against the climate crisis.

“Running a successful and vibrant chamber of commerce, with its members’ interests at the core, is no easy task and I want to congratulate all members of the East Midlands Chamber team for their hard work and dedication.”

Steve Charles, head of business partnerships at Quest added: “Congratulations to East Midlands Chamber, a worthy winner of the Chamber of the Year award.

“A strong financial performance enabled it to offer a wide range of support to members including Kickstart, in particular during the pandemic.

“It has led the way on helping members build a diverse and inclusive workforce, as well as meeting their net zero targets. It also has an exciting investment strategy to help it offer even more support to members in the future. Well done.”

To find out about how East Midlands Chamber can support businesses, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/about-us/key-chamber-services or call 0333 320 0333.

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Independent businesses dominate at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

First-time finalists and brand new independent high street businesses have dominated the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Of the 15 award categories,10 of the winners were first-time finalists and five of the winning businesses have only opened in the past two years.

A total of 34 businesses, individuals and developments were shortlisted across the 15 categories in the annual awards, but it was Master Debonair, Sicily Restaurant and Great2Grow – part of Great2, that took the headline awards this year – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.

All three businesses were established in Chesterfield less than 30 months ago.

Last year Sicily Restaurant scooped the title of Best New Hospitality Business with owner Giuseppe Barone stealing the show when he proposed on stage to his partner Monica Sardisco.

Founded in 2019, Sicily Restaurant, which is based on Sheffield Road, is rated as the number one restaurant in Chesterfield on TripAdvisor. Commenting on this year’s award win co-owner ­­Monica Sardisco said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards, and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”

Winner of the Retailer of the Year Award, menswear store Master Debonair opened its Chatsworth Road branch in 2019. Although the third store for the company, it is the first outside the North East where it also has stores in Sunderland and East Boldon.

Delighted to win the award Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”

Brand new business Great2Grow – part of the Great2 Group, a provider of co-working space and business support services, secured this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year title. The award recognises the achievement, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

In addition to the prestigious title, Great2Grow also received 10 hours free mentoring with the award’s sponsor, Banner Jones Solicitors. Great2Grow will receive a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.

Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow, said­­: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”

EastEnders icon and household name Shaun Williamson hosted the sell-out black-tie event at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

Speaking at the awards Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said:

“The finalists and winners of this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards are testament that our hard work is paying off. The awards were a true celebration of independent businesses.

“Since 2013, Destination Chesterfield has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of businesses in our town. Between April 2021 and May 2022, more than 35 independent businesses invested in the town centre. Their confidence in Chesterfield, together with ongoing investment, is helping to ensure that we have a town centre that meets the needs of a new generation of shopper and visitor. It is wonderful to see so many small businesses thriving in Chesterfield.”

More than 250 people attended the celebration which was organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.

Winners of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:

Best New High Street Business – Sponsored by SMH Group

MD Hair

Michelle Dalman, owner, MD Hair: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. I am so proud of my team and myself. The team have been key to winning the award. They make sure everyone has an amazing experience when they come into the salon.”

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Peak Pharmacy

Il Mondo Travel

Jo Bunting, owner of Il Mondo Travel, said: “It’s been a tough few years for us and the travel industry, so this is a great award for us to win.”

Independent High Street Business

Blanc and Blanc Occasions

Anne-Marie White, owner, Blanc and Blanc Occasions, said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be voted for by our customers for the Independent High Street Business award. Being an independent means we can source the best brands from around the world and offer a very personal service.”

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

Master Debonair

Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, who presented the award said: “The market is the beating heart of our town. Ibbotson’s is a second-generation market trader, so it is wonderful they have won this award for the second year running. There are so many good traders on the market so to win this award is testament to Nick Ibbotson and his team for their customer service.”

Best New Hospitality Business

Host Coffee

Christian O’Connell, owner, Host Coffee said: “We had a vision for the business in Clay Cross when we established it, so to pull it off and win this award is a great feeling. The team, our customer service and consistency of product brings people back to us. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management

Sicily Restaurant

Monica Sardisco, owner, Sicily Restaurant, said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”

Café of the Year

Koo

Gemma Taylor-Murdoch, owner, Koo, said: “I feel on top of the world to win Café of the Year. The team put blood, sweat and tears into delivering the best service to our customers and making sure they all have a lovely experience with us.”

Pub/Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Shorts Accountants

Junction Bar

Michael Walker, owner, Junction Bar, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to win the award. We’ve been in Chesterfield for six years and we’ve absolutely smashed it – this award proves it. We have an amazing team and they keep customers coming back.”

Accessibility Award – Sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Café at Northern Tea Merchants

Kim Lamin, Owner, The Café at Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I’m really proud to win the award. We are very keen to make the café as accessible as possible to all our customers to ensure they have the best experience and a warm welcome when they visit us.”

Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by MSE Hiller

Resting Devil Brewery

Josh Clarke, owner and brewer, Resting Devil Brewery, said: “To win the award feels fantastic as we’ve only been going seven months. Quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do. We now want to slowly expand and get our beer into shops and stores.”

Regeneration Award – Sponsored by BHP Accountants

Badger Croft (Led by Henry Boot Construction)

Graham Johnson, Site Manager, Badger Croft, said: “Henry Boot does a lot of projects around the borough, but Badger Croft has been something special. We have given people new sustainable and energy efficient homes to live in for many years to come.”

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by DBC Training

Will Brooks (Superior Wellness)

Will Brooks, Apprentice at Superior Wellness, said: “I’m very proud to win the award. One of the things that made me choose an apprenticeship was the experience and freedom you get compared to university. It’s the best choice I made.”

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing, Superior Wellness, added: “Will really impressed us when he covered the role of two marketing executives who left the company. Senior managers and colleagues all noticed how he stepped up to the role and took it in his stride. Because of Will’s success in the business, we’ve recruited two further apprentices. It’s a great way for young people to start their career.”

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Great2Grow – part of Great 2 Group

Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow said: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”

Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Northern Tea Merchants

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to win the award. We have put so much effort into our journey to becoming sustainable, so to be recognised for it is wonderful. Since committing to becoming more sustainable we have already offset over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide created just from the cultivation of the tea, coffee and cocoa that we sell. This award is the first step of our ongoing sustainability journey.”

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Business Wise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and SMH Group.

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

Chesterfield community groups launch ‘Feeling connected fortnight’ to bring people together

A number of Chesterfield groups and organisations are launching activities and initiatives this October, to bring the community together and help people create local connections.

‘Feeling Connected Fortnight’ is almost here and will run from 17th October until 28th October. The community initiative is the brainchild of the ‘Feeling Connected’ team, part of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, based at their welcoming Hub on Lower Pavement in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Project Manager James Starky explained: “We are planning an exciting fortnight of championing local groups and individuals who bring their community together. This will include a ‘thank you’ event on the 19th October at our Hub. We have produced 3000 copies of our fantastic free newspaper called ’Nurturing Neighbourliness’, offering 50 great ideas for people to use in their neighbourhood. We’d love it if people would get in touch to let us know about any events they plan to host or any groups already happening.”

Feeling Connected has played a vital part in the creation and continuation of many valuable community initiatives in recent months.  Here are some great examples of funding proposals which have recently been awarded a grand total of £30,672.30.

  • The Grassland Hasmoor Big Local Senior Citizens Group and Friends of Eastwood Park applied together for funds for their ‘Let’s Chat’ benches and ‘Let’s Chat’ friendship and IT Group.  They have added ‘Let’s Chat’ plaques to two benches in Eastwood Park to encourage people to do just that. The funding has enabled them to begin a new weekly drop in session in Hasland offering people a chance to chat with others and develop internet skills and surf the web. Sessions take place every Friday morning at Hasland Club from 10am-12noon. Contact: chrisnewton62@yahoo.com for more information.
  • Derbyshire LGBT+ are being supported to set up 3 new social groups for LGBT+ over 18s at the LGBT+ Centre on Rutland Road in Chesterfield. The funds will go towards staffing, materials for activities, and promotion. It is expected that these groups will reach out to around 60 people in the community. Visit www.derbyshirelgbt.org.uk to see their calendar of events.
  • Barrow Hill Community Trust applied for funds to restart New Haven Rest Centre, an amazing community facility which sadly closed in 2020. Following a Feeling Connected grant, the Trust is now able to reopen the centre, initially as a community venue. Spokesperson Ann Lucas said “A small group of wonderful volunteers will manage the room on a day-to-day basis and plan to provide a safe, WARM and friendly space this coming winter. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, social activity, information and advice and the company of other people.” For more information contact Ann Lucas by email: annpickard@hotmail.co.uk.
  • East Peak Countryside Associates will be working with members of the community in Chesterfield to support people to be healthy using the outdoors. Outdoor space from Staveley to Stonegravels / Whittington Moor will be utilised. To find out more about this project follow them on Facebook: East Peak Countryside Associates CIC.
  • Compassionate Voices received funding to provide 4 wellbeing and empowerment workshops entitled ‘The Power of You’. It is intended that the workshops will support up to 50 women by offering them twice monthly meetings to stay connected and encourage them to reconnect with others socially. You can find Compassionate Voices at the Feeling Connected Hub, Lower Pavement, Chesterfield on the third Thursday of each month from 6pm-7.30pm or visit acompassionatevoice.co.uk.
  • Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre were recently awarded funding for a monthly peer support recovery group for 20-30 people living with a chronic exhaustive condition. These include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Post Viral Fatigue (including Long Covid) and Fybromyalgia. The free support group will take place monthly at Lifehouse Church, 90 Chatsworth Road or you can join them via Zoom. To find out more visit their Facebook page: Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre.
  • B:friend is a face-to-face befriending project. Its Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Group have recently received funding to support new work in our area, where volunteer befrienders pledge to visit an isolated older neighbour once a week for an hour. Find more information on their website: letsbfriend.org.uk.

If you would like to find out more about Feeling Connected, contact James Starky, Project Manager on 07743 514934 or message FeelingConnected via Facebook.

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

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

Chesterfield manufacturer Robinson invests in new equipment for its fast-growing Paperbox division

Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer Robinson has invested more than half a million pounds in state-of-the-art SATE machinery for its UK Paperbox division.

Demand has risen as more and more luxury goods manufacturers seek out UK based packaging suppliers for reliability of delivery and quality of product. Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier meeting sustainability commitments.

The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging and why we are now investing in SATE machinery to create the best packaging in the most sustainable way.”

The new equipment – based at the site in Chesterfield – offers huge advantages in terms of production and quality of the finished product with savings on fixed production costs, consistency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.

Robinson UK MD Steve Haley States: “We are all really excited about the recent investments at Paperbox which is aligned to our strategic growth plans. This latest new machine will take us to new levels in terms of production output, machine capabilities and efficiencies to support our customer base.”

The SATE format change over time is reduced, even up to 15 minutes in the case of changes between similar formats, and never more than 1 hour in the case of assembly of kits for special formats or formats completely different from the previous one.

The operational logic and simplicity allow the creation of boxes with large windows without burrs or misalignments. Better management of the gluing process has made it possible to eliminate the annoying problem of “glue gaps”, especially visible in the final part of the sheet, which ruin the final result.

The renewed paper feeding system means the machine can manage sheets with a minimum weight of 70 g/m2 without the need for special measures and the machine can start fully automatically, until the glue is ready on the moving rollers. It is possible to set a schedule for shifts, daily and weekly, in order to find the machine ready upon arrival at the company.

At the end of the work, on a simple command from the operator, the machine takes care of carrying out the washing process in a totally automatic and accurate way.

Internal and external bubbles are completely eliminated during processing, increasing the actual and perceived quality of the final product.

It has the lowest energy consumption in its class, up to 60% less energy requirement compared to competing lines because the S-Line recovers energy when it decelerates. A completely new and innovative approach to save energy and increase efficiency.

The S line machines work a wide variety of different boxes, even punched, with tape or Hot-Melt stitching. Everything has been done to enhance speed and precision, reducing any dead time and machine downtime. In addition to this, the line offers integrated tele-assistance, generating a final report, and a complete processing control that gives maximum choice to the customer.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

Robinson’s paperboard factory in Chesterfield is strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Robinson specialises in custom packaging with technical solutions for hygiene, safety, protection, and convenience. It manufactures injection and blow moulded plastic packaging and rigid paperboard luxury packaging.

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

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

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