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Shorts and MD Law advise on sale of BN Gibson Limited

Chesterfield-based finanical advice firm Shorts recently teamed up with MD Law to act as lead advisors and legal representatives on the sale of a nearby ambulance service.

The two companies provided advice to to Alison and Anthony Corbett on the sale of Nottinghamshire based Ambulance Services, B.N.Gibson Limited to Tim and Rebecca Hawley as part of a Management Buy-In (“MBI”) transaction.

Alison and Anthony will remain involved in the business for a period to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

B.N. Gibson is one of the longest established private ambulance services in the UK and has an established reputation for high standards and reliability.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “We are delighted to have advised Alison and Anthony on the successful completion of this transaction. The sale of the business to an MBI candidate whom they have known for a long time feels like a perfect route to ensure the continuing success of the business under new ownership whilst maintaining the well-established ‘family’ culture of the company .”

Corporate Partner at MD Law, James Burdekin, said: “It was a pleasure to assist Alison and Anthony with the successful transition of the business to new owners and, we are very confident that the business will go from strength to strength under its new ownership.”

Anthony and Alison Corbett said “We cannot thank Shorts enough for the support and advice they have provided over the last 8 years. Shorts have guided us through the sales of two businesses which was our long term goal and have been there for us every step of the way.”

With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. The company is home to some incredible expertise – specialists have joined Shorts from some of the world’s leading firms, bringing years of experience that they have shared and continue to hone.

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

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

The countdown is on to the Plastic Free Festival 2022

The Plastic Free Festival, which debuted in Chesterfield last year, is to return for a second year on Sunday 12th June, 10am-4pm in New Square marketplace, Chesterfield.

The festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music performances.

Special guests, Pride of Britain and Queen’s Honours award winners, Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic will be speaking at the event. Since founding their youth-led organisation back in 2016, the girls have worked hard to inspire kids and adults alike to take action to reduce their use of single-use plastics – or become ‘Plastic Clever’ as they call it.

Their Plastic Clever scheme has since been adopted by over 1300 schools, as well as by cafes, businesses, councils and festivals around the UK. The girls have also spoken internationally, including giving their own TEDx talk.

Attendees of the festival can visit the marketplace stalls to carry out plastic free and ethical shopping from businesses such as Chesterfield’s Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Mrs Greens Eco Store and SallycinnamonCo who sells reusable eye make-up scrubbies.

Those who enjoy getting hands-on can join in craft recycling workshops, where participants can create festival masks, willow tension trays, and items from natural found materials.

Businesses on the marketplace will be joined by Transition Chesterfield, who run the Chesterfield Repair Cafe, and Angela Blair, a local TerraCycle collector who aims to help people re-purpose hard-to-recycle items.

Local food and drink businesses will be on hand to inject some flavour into the festival, with the Asian Association of Chesterfield selling Indian food, B’reydt Dough selling pizza and Sammys Mexican Mare selling burritos.

Live performances from entertainers are also on the agenda, with local favourites Mark Morgan-Hill, Jig for a Kiss, Chesterfield Garland Dancers and The Suffrajetz headlining the end of the festival.

No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with residents and visitors encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, cups and containers.

The festival is kindly sponsored by local sustainable businesses, Superior Wellness, CCS Media, Small Stuff UK and The Corrugated Case Company.

Chair of The Plastic Free Festival Committee, Greg Hewitt, said “We’re delighted to bring back The Plastic Free Festival for a second year, with a much bigger marketplace and special guests Kids Against Plastic. It’s going to be a fantastic family fun day out with something for everyone.”

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

New series of peer-to-peer networks launched by East Midlands Chamber

Senior leaders in SMEs across UK Community Renewal Fund areas are being invited to join a peer-to-peer networking programme that launches this month.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber, the Peer Networks programme gives directors and senior managers the opportunity to share common business challenges and objectives. Regular sessions take place over several months and are facilitated by experts in the field and supported by specialist guest speakers.

Sector-based networks such as manufacturing and the visitor economy – as well as specialist groups for high-growth, female-owned businesses and Generation Next – will begin over the coming weeks, with the first one, designed for the visitor economy, starting on 17 May.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford, who heads up the Peer Networks delivery, said: “Peer networks are quite different to a traditional classroom development programme. They are more informal in nature, and the agenda is set by the group members. Challenges are addressed through conversational peer support and, since group members bring along real-life scenarios, the advice received has immediate relevance.

“Particularly valuable is that members develop support channels in the peer-to-peer network that continue outside the group, and often for the long term. Bringing together businesses in this way to learn from and support one another, is an area the Chamber is particularly well placed to lead on.”

A number of the Peer Networks are being delivered under East Midlands Accelerator, a £5.27m project part-funded by the Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF), and which has received an additional £471,000 of match funding from the Chamber and its partners.

Qualifying businesses must meet a number of criteria. They must be based in either Bassetlaw, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Leicester city, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, or Nottingham city; have operated for at least one year; employ at least three people; and record a turnover exceeding £100,000. In addition, they must have an aspiration to improve and the potential to scale up or export – or be exporting already.
Up to 11 individuals are involved in each cohort and are required to give a time commitment of about 18 hours across the entire duration of the fully-subsidised programme.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Peer Networks may book their place at: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/peernetworks.

Peer Networks programmes:

The upcoming Peer Networks are:
• Visitor economy: 17 May, 6pm
• Generation Next: 19 May, 8am
• High growth: 19 May and 20 May, 9.30am
• North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network: 27 May, 8am
• Leicester City Manufacturing Network: 27 May, 8am
• Nottingham City Manufacturing Network: 1 June, 8am
• High growth: 7 June, 9am
• Derbyshire Dales & High Peak Manufacturing Network: 9 June, 8am
• Women in business: 20 June, 10am

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

Bring Jubilee celebrations to your garden with this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition

Local people are invited to take part in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition and mark the Platinum Jubilee in style by showcasing flowers that are purple, red, white or blue.

Chesterfield in Bloom takes place annually and includes three different competitions for residents to take part in: the council’s tenants gardening competition, the allotment competition, and the general Chesterfield in Bloom category.

Although it is not essential for those entering to grow or showcase their gardens and allotments with a link to the Jubilee celebrations, Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to help us to mark this once in a generation event.

If your garden is brimming with plants and colour, you grow your own vegetables, or you have a hanging basket that you are really proud of, we would love to see it.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “You don’t have to be green fingered to enter the competition. We would encourage anyone to get involved as showcasing what you do in your garden to other people can be really rewarding.

“There are a range of events happening in the town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee so we thought it would be a great idea for people, if they are looking for ideas, to include a few themed flowers, pot plants or any other ideas they may have in colours linked to the national event.

“There is a thriving allotment community in Chesterfield, and we would like to encourage our growers to share their hard work with us as part of the competition.”

If you fancy entering the general Chesterfield in Bloom category, you could choose to complete your application about your front garden, back garden, your container garden/hanging basket or your pub/restaurant garden. You can also nominate a neighbour or company into the competition.

To find out more about each of the categories and how to enter visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/parks-and-green-spaces/chesterfield-in-bloom.

The competition is free to enter, and everyone is welcome to take part. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday 17 June 2022.

For more information please contact John Ramsey, bloom@chesterfield.gov.uk

The council is also repeating its popular competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.

There are three entry categories:

  1. Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower (please make sure your picture is taken next to a tape measure).
  2. Largest Sunflower – the largest flower head based on diameter or width (please make sure your picture is taken next to a ruler or tape measure).
  3. Most Sunflowers – plant with the most sunflower heads (please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).

To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you wish to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run from until Sunday 11 September 2022.

Find out more about the competition here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/in-bloom.

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

Businesses and organisations can now sign up for Chesterfield 10k’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge

Organisers of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10km have launched this year’s Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge and are calling for local businesses and community organisations to get involved.

Local businesses are being offered the opportunity to gain 10 percent discount on Chesterfield 10k entry fees, as well as recognition from the 10k stakeholders as an organisation that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle and mental health wellbeing.

This year the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is taking place on Sunday 16th October, starting from Queen’s Park, at 10am. Registrants for the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge must be over 15 years of age.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again, after many years of involvement. It’s a great incentive for staff of local businesses like ours to create a running goal and stick to a training plan, while encouraging team members to get stuck into some healthy competition.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re excited to see the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge opened up to local businesses and community groups once again, it’s a great way for people in the area to show their support for mental health and a healthy lifestyle, and of course raise money for important local charities. As a previous runner at the event, I can certainly recommend it.”

Charity Partners for the event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

To sign up for the challenge and receive your team discount code please email; info@chesterfield10k.com

Redbrik 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, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Ashgate Hospice announces return of popular Forget-Me-Not Appeal

People in North Derbyshire will be able to celebrate, mourn and remember their loved ones in a special and unique way when Ashgate Hospice’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal returns this month.

As part of the appeal, which is sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, supporters can make a suggested donation of £25 for a custom made, beautifully crafted forget-me-not flower, to pay a lasting tribute to friends or family.

It’s the second year that the charity has held the fundraiser after last year’s appeal raised £117,300 towards care for patients and families.

This year the striking stainless-steel flowers are pink and each measure 45cm in length, having been made by the British Ironwork Centre.

The limited-edition flowers will form a display between 15th to 19th and 22nd to 26th June, within the picturesque grounds of Renishaw Hall and Gardens, near Eckington in Derbyshire.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Our Forget-Me-Not Appeal is a beautiful way for our communities to come together to remember those they love. Anyone can dedicate a flower, whether they have a direct connection to the hospice or not.

“The Forget-Me-Not Appeal is a chance for us all to come together, pause and take time to reflect. Visiting the display of pink flowers and reading the names of all those who have been remembered promises to be very moving.

“The generous donations we receive during an appeal like this one are crucial to the hospice and make such a difference to the families we care for. Every donation helps to ensure we can be there when we are needed most.”

Amanda Griffiths will be dedicating a forget-me-not in memory of her beloved dad, Victor Tye, who experienced ‘exceptional’ care at Ashgate Hospice’s Inpatient Unit after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Before his death on July 28th, 2019, aged 73, the hospice team ensured his final wish of dying at home with his family by his side was granted.

It’s because of this care that Amanda is urging people to support Ashgate’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal.

“My dad was so scared of going into Ashgate and said he felt like it was a one-way ticket,” said Amanda, 46, from Bolsover. “But once he was there and settled in, it was like his second home.

“It ended up being his place of security. He knew whenever he needed someone, whatever time of day or night it was, they were only ever a button press away.

“Dad was most worried about being in uncontrollable pain but felt safe knowing that someone at Ashgate was always there to try to take the pain away whenever he needed it.”

Thousands of forget-me-nots will form a display at Renishaw Hall and Gardens this summer several weeks after the campaign’s launch.

The suggested donation for a forget-me-not is £25 and money raised will be used to fund the hospice’s round-the-clock specialist end of life care.

Jack concludes: “Whether you supported the campaign last year or didn’t, please consider dedicating one of our beautifully crafted pink flowers in memory, or in celebration of that special person. You’ll not only have a lovely flower to add to your garden or to keep in the house, but you’ll be helping us fund vital care for the families who need us most.

“A forget-me-not flower can be dedicated to anyone; they don’t need to have accessed the support and services of Ashgate Hospice.”

To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Supporters will be able to collect their flower from Ashgate Hospice from 1st to 3rd July or have them posted to them once the public display is removed.

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

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Fortem launches new health and safety standard

Fortem has launched their new Health and Safety standard, Safe4Life, which builds upon their existing promises to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day.

Safe4Life – Taking Care of You, represents Fortem’s commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all its staff, trades, supply chain partners and stakeholders. The aim of this rejuvenated standard is to reinforce the essential requirements and expectations, which all levels of the business must meet, to develop and maintain a world-class Safety, Health, Environment and Compliance (SHEC) culture.

The existing standard includes the four key principles required to embed a robust health and safety culture:

  • Value- No one should suffer pain.
  • Belief- ALL accidents can be prevented.
  • Attitude- Everyone has a zero tolerance of unsafe behaviour.
  • Behaviour- Everyone looks out for themselves and others.

These guiding principles are at the forefront of everything Fortem do, be that in the planning and delivery of work, community engagements, on the move and any other way in which its people operate.

The new model builds upon these four guiding principles to incorporate seven key elements:

  • Empowerment
  • Engagement
  • Intervention
  • Supervision
  • Consultation
  • Leadership
  • Recognition

The new standard has been designed to reflect how Fortem approach and manage Safety, Health, Environment and Compliance. Each component of the model details elements of the management system that is either already in place or that will be launched as part of the initiative.

Mike Hart, Managing Director at Fortem said, “The Health and Safety of our workforce, customers and members of the public continues to be our number one priority. A robust, well embedded safety culture creates the foundation for which high Health & Safety standards develops and thrives.

“It helps prevent accidents and incidents and encourages people to report observations, in an environment that does not apportion blame. It leads by example. It protects our people by making sure they receive the right training, equipment, safe systems of work, PPE, support and mentoring. It does not compromise on the safety of its people. It keeps abreast of current legislation and industry best practice and ensures our people are given the relevant information from these so they can continue to work safely. It empowers people to do the right thing, all the time, even when no one else is looking.

“Our refreshed Health and Safety strategy ‘Safe4Life’ is an important milestone in ensuring that, together, we drive our Health and Safety culture across our workforce and supply chain to underpin how we design, plan and deliver all of our work in branches and projects.”

Fortem 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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University of Derby recognised for ‘world leading’ research

The University of Derby is delivering world-leading and internationally excellent research in Education, according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results announced today.

In total, the University submitted 27 Case Studies demonstrating how research has impacted business and society across its core academic themes and subjects.

Notable achievements for the University across other subject areas include:

  • Computer Science and Informatics (74%), Social Work and Social Policy (71%), Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (69%), Art and Design (66%) and Communication, Culture and Media Studies (58%) is ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
  • 100% of the University’s research impact and significance in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences is classified as 4* (outstanding) and 3* (very considerable). 83% in Education is classified as 4* (outstanding) and 3* (very considerable).
  • A 3* research environment – assessed in terms of vitality, sustainability, and how this enables research – for areas including Allied Health Professionals, Business and Management Studies, Social Work and Social Policy, Education, Art and Design and Communication and Cultural Studies.

Speaking about the University’s results, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Since the last REF in 2014, our researchers have continued to generate distinctive, world-leading, and impactful research as part of our ongoing drive to becoming a more research-focused institution.

“These REF 2021 results mark a step change for the University of Derby, reflecting our commitment to delivering excellence in research at an international level, while positively impacting our high-quality teaching and learning. I would like to celebrate our staff, students and partners for the effort, expertise and collaboration that has gone into our submission.”

Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research the University of Derby, added: “Working collaboratively with businesses and organisations in Derby, Derbyshire and the region to deliver applied research and knowledge exchange is an area of strength for us. Our REF submission further demonstrates how our innovation and research expertise aligns to our partners’ needs and supports them to tackle challenges and make a positive impact regionally and globally.”

The University has demonstrated positive impact on the economy, society or culture through its submissions.

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

University of Derby’s St. Helena Campus in Chesterfield

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More than 30 businesses choose Chesterfield town centre for their new home

More than 30 new businesses have opened in Chesterfield town centre in the last 12 months with six more due to open in the coming weeks.

The new businesses, which include Barkworthy Dog Emporium, Kooca, Chesterfield Escape Rooms and Boba Shack, show how the town is not standing still – and is in a strong position to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Cibo Bistro, Fat Pig BBQ, Little Dessert Shop, WiseGuys, and Snowflakes Desert Shop are all set to open imminently. Additionally, the Market Hall has welcomed four pop-up stores – Hobson’s Choice, Sparky’s Treats, The Little Ark, and Adelante Antiques. While the outdoor market has welcomed new traders, including Chris’s Fresh Fish, The Flower Girl, Tina’s Make & Mend, Soul Nuah Soapery, Marples Gifts, Lillie’s Cake Shed, Chocolate Elements, Slacknbaggy, Cakehole Bakehouse and Magesh.

Louise Spence, Bistro Supervisor and Coordinator at Cibo which will open later this month on Low Pavement, said: “We hope with the support of the people of Chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!

“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people.  We hope the kind people of Chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”

Praising the town, Anthony Foster is the owner of one of the new businesses which has opened in the last 12 months, Barkworthy Dog Emporium in Theatre Yard. He said: “It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do – set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

In addition to new businesses, since 2021 nine businesses have also expanded into larger premises in the town centre, these include Rebel, Pizza Pi, Vintage Tea Rooms, Bee-Orchid and Twelfth Craft.

Raj Dhir, owner of Rebel Menswear which expanded into a new larger unit on the corner of High Street and Packer’s Row in March added: “We believe in Chesterfield, and that’s why we are spending roughly £500,000 on the store. Chesterfield as a community and town centre has always supported us so it’s only right we invest back in the town centre and community. We believe the future of Chesterfield Town is bright and will only get brighter as more investment is made into the town centre.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great to welcome new businesses to Chesterfield town centre and celebrate those who are expanding and investing in our town. We’re making a significant investment across our town centre which will further boost business confidence by attracting more visitors and shoppers. Our town centre will be the go-to place to live, work, socialise and shop.”

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is due to open for business shortly – further boosting activity in the town centre.

The council also secured almost £20m of Levelling Up Funding to improve and regenerate key public spaces and improve the look, feel and flow of the town centre – while also refurbishing the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. The work is set to start in spring 2022 and be completed by 2025.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity, and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment.”

New town centre businesses

  • Cawa Bakery – Lower Pavement
  • Cawa Bakery – ChesterfieldTrain Station
  • Alberts Jungerer Bruder – Stephenson Place
  • Boba Shack – Cavendish Street
  • Fireaway Pizza- Knifesmithgate
  • Barkworthy Dog Emporium – Theatre Yard
  • Kooca – Beetwell Street
  • Merkur Slots- Vicar Lane
  • Caprinos Pizza – West Bars
  • Brows – Lower Pavement
  • Bet Extra Casino – Lower Pavement
  • Coffee Co – Beetwell Street
  • The Lucky Magpie Salvage – Hollis Lane
  • The Hidden Knight – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Escape Rooms – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield VR – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Gamezone – Soresby Street
  • Imrans Diner – Cavendish Street
  • The Dirty Habit – Holywell Street

 

New Market Hall businesses

  • Adelante Antiques
  • Hobson’s Choice
  • Sparky’s Treats
  • The Little Ark

New market traders

  • Chris’s Fresh Fish
  • The Flower girl
  • Tina’s Make & Mend
  • Soul Nuah Soapery
  • Marples Gifts
  • Lillie’s Cake Shed
  • Chocolate Elements
  • SlacknBaggy
  • Cakehole Bakehouse
  • Magesh

 

Relocation / expansion

  • Shoe Zone – Packers Row
  • Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane
  • Vintage Tea Rooms – Vicar Lane
  • Twelfth Craft – The Shambles
  • Bee Orchid – Packers Row
  • Rebel – High Street
  • The Job Centre – Vicar Lane
  • Woodheads Café – Theatre Yard

 

Businesses due to open soon

  • CIBO Bistro- Lower Pavements
  • Fat Pig BBQ – Saltergate
  • Snowflakes Desert Shop – 12a Saltergate
  • Little Dessert Shop – Holywell Street
  • WiseGuys – Packers Row
  • A new bridal shop is also set to open its doors in The Shambles

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

Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment receives further funding boost    

An ambitious project to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – which is home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – has been boosted by £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

The funding has been secured by Chesterfield Borough Council and will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet. This funding will complement the Government’s Levelling Up Funding and investment from the council which aims to create a modern cultural attraction in the heart of the town centre.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities. The £17.5 million project will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received more support for our multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial Hall. This funding will help ensure we realise our ambitions of creating an accessible cultural experience, allowing more of our residents and visitors to access this building to enjoy performances and learn about our heritage.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting and creative work to the public.

“We’re pleased to be investing in seven projects in the East Midlands – from replacing well-worn seats in auditoriums and purchasing the latest digital technology to installing ecologically friendlier lighting and making buildings more cost-effective.  Funded work includes updating access facilities designed to ensure a more welcoming experience for visitors.”

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country. The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

New menswear retailer set to open in prominent Chesterfield town centre store

A retailer selling a range of clothes for men is moving into a prominent Chesterfield Town Centre location, adding to the plethora of new retailers in the town.

WiseGuys menswear will be opening in the former Greenwoods store on Packers Row, offering a broad choice of clothing, including casual shirts, knitwear, suits and shoes.

Mike Willis, who used to work for Greenwoods before launching his own clothing business, says he is pleased to be bringing a new store to the town: “I’ve always had Chesterfield in mind as the place where I wanted to open my next store, as it fits with the ‘market town’ profile of my business.

“I opened my first store in Sleaford in 2013, followed by Newark, Melton Mowbray and Boston, so I am delighted that the opportunity has arisen to continue growing the business and offering our products to a wider audience.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming customers from Chesterfield and beyond, and cannot wait to be part of the evolution of the local high street. We’d love to see as many new faces in our store as possible, so please pop in and say hello.”

The store plans to cater for a broad range of sizes, with no skinny fits on offer. Casual shirts range from sizes small to 4XL, while shoe brands are sold in sizes 6-12. Shoes up to size 15 can be sold to order.

Suits are on sale ranging from sizes 34-60 chest. A number of recognised brands will be stocked at WiseGuys, including Dude Shoes, Lambretta Brogues, Ben Sherman Casuals, Lizard King Shirts, Swole Panda socks and underwear, Redpoint Chinos and casual coats, Sunwill jeans and much more.

The store is also recruiting for new staff, with Mike commenting: “I’m looking for a manager and part-time staff to work at the store, ensuring our customers enjoy the best possible visit to WiseGuys. Anyone wishing to apply or find out more, please email wiseguys2014@gmail.com FAO: Mr Mike Willis, Director.”

To find out more about WiseGuys menswear, head over to the website: www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk

Chesterfield’s high street is home to an array of independent and chain retailers. To find out more about shopping in the town, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

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