Visiting

Taco Bell set to open its doors in Chesterfield

The world-famous Mexican-inspired restaurant brand Taco Bell will soon be welcoming customers to its new restaurant in Chesterfield.

Taking up the unit on Alma Leisure Park which used to house Chiquito, the new outlet will be open from Monday 14th November 2022. The launch will mark the brand’s 113th UK restaurant opening.

Customers will be able to order in advance via the Taco Bell app, website or third-party delivery platform or use the digital kiosks in-store to takeaway.

Local Chesterfield residents are invited to say ‘hola’ to Taco Bell on the opening day, with the restaurant set to give away free tacos all day.

Renowned for its craveable, customisable and quick-service Mexican-inspired classics; Taco Bell has been serving tasty tacos, bursting burritos, yummy nachos and its famous quesadillas to hungry UK fans since November 2010. The Chesterfield restaurant will be the brand’s first store in the area.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring Taco Bell to Chesterfield,” said Lucy Dee, Head of Marketing at Taco Bell UK. “The community has been crying out for Taco Bell and we’re very pleased to be able to deliver; creating local jobs despite challenging circumstances. We look forward to feeding residents from Monday onwards.”

Taco Bell Chesterfield is situated at Unit 6B Alma Leisure Park, Derby Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 2EZ and is open from 11am until late, 7 days a week. It joins Cineworld, Nuffield Health, McDonalds, Nando’s and Frankie & Benny’s on the lineup of businesses based there.

Did you know Chesterfield is also home to many great independent restaurants? For some great tips on where to head for your meal out, check out our blog on 50 Food and Drink businesses in the town.

The local food and drink industry has also been celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield.  Nominated by the public and tested by mystery shoppers, all winners and finalists were congratulated at a glittering black tie dinner held at the Winding Wheel Theatre last month. Check out the winners here.

#iseeataco brand campaign – PR crunchy taco images

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

Chesterfield organisations strengthen their teams with new appointments

Several Chesterfield businesses and organisations have announced new additions to their teams recently, which builds upon the wealth of existing talent across the town.

DBCP

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership bolstered its ranks recently, taking on two new team members.

Barry Thomas joins DBCP’s team of Building Control Surveyors to assist with the growing demand for building control services for projects in Derby City Centre, while Tracey Mansell has joined the company’s technical support team based in Dunston Innovation Centre.

Barry joins from Thurrock Council where he was a building control surveyor. It was in this role that he completed a degree in Building Control at Wolverhampton University as well as achieving full Chartership status with the industry’s leading bodies CABE and CIOB.

He commented: “It’s a very exciting time for me professionally. Derby is a great city and there is so much happening there with residential and commercial developments of all sizes. It’s great to be involved with key projects through my role with DBCP.”

Barry will be supported in his role by DBCP’s technical support team which has been joined by Tracey. In her new role, Tracey will provide frontline support to builders, architects and property owners, and DBCP’s team of building control surveyors operating throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

Tracey commented: “I have always had a keen interest in architecture, building and design and a dedication to delivering excellent customer service so when this role came up, I seized the opportunity.”

Avant Homes

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes has strengthened the team in its Central region with the appointment of a regional planning manager.

Katy Falls has more than 12 years’ experience in the planning industry and began her career in local authority planning before moving into housebuilding in 2015.

As regional planning manager, Katy will be responsible for moving potential sites through the planning process while establishing strong relationships with local authorities.

Commenting on her appointment, Katy said: “As a planner, my favourite part of the job is successfully obtaining planning permission and seeing developments come to life. It is exciting to play a role in delivering new homes for our customers, and to contribute towards creating communities where people want to live.

“I have always favoured the residential side of planning, so I am looking forward to taking the next step in my career with a company which has such impressive and ambitious growth plans.”

Avant Homes Central currently has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Mansfield with many more due to start as the business continues to implement its growth plans.

Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes Group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK.

Speaking about Katy’s appointment, Avant Homes Central managing director, Chris Coley, said: “With Katy’s experience in planning within local authorities and housebuilding in the Midlands, it’s an exciting time for the business to be welcoming her to the planning team.

“As the planning manager for the region, Katy will be pivotal in working closely with local council’s to secure planning consent for our new sites and drive our Central operation towards expansion success.”

Katy Falls planning manager Avant Homes

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce the appointment of a new highly respected and experienced Chief Operating Officer.

Michelle Veitch, who is currently Chief Operating Officer at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), will take up the post at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in March next year.

Michelle started her career in the NHS via the NHS General Management Graduate Training Scheme and since then has undertaken a number of senior operational roles at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

As Chief Operating Officer, Michelle will lead our vision to provide exceptional care by exceptional people by working collaboratively and with compassion across the organisation and outside of it – driving results, performance and quality.

Michelle said: “I’m incredibly excited for the new role and challenge of working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at RDaSH and having worked here for over two years, I have made some fantastic friends and was proud to work alongside many talented and committed colleagues.

“Chesterfield has an excellent reputation for patient care and quality services, and I look forward to bringing the lessons I have learnt from my career to support Chesterfield and its community. I look forward to working with colleagues across Derbyshire.”

Milestone Financial Planning

Milestone Financial Planning recently announced it had strengthened its team with the appointment of Financial Advisor, Samantha Halifax.

Samantha commented: “I’ve been working in financial services for over 8 years, in a variety of roles, including as a mortgage advisor and private banker. It’s great to be reunited with Michael, Peter, Mark and Jo again and to meet the rest of the team.”

DBCP, Avant Homes, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Milestone Financial Planning support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Vicar Lane announces festive fun this Christmas

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is inviting customers to experience the magic of Christmas, with a visit to Santa’s Workshop and cosy Grotto this festive season.

Families can enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop, where little ones can come and meet the elves before writing their letter to Santa. Enjoy the moment together as their wish list gets posted in the magical post box and travels right before their eyes, to the North Pole.

Families wishing to head further into the Grotto, can then take an enchanted trip through a winter wonderland. At the end of the winding pathway, they will be greeted by Santa in his cosy grotto, surrounded by all of the toys for the good girls and boys.

Tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto are £8.50 each and every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

Santa’s Workshop and Grotto will be open from Saturday 19th November with a very special appearance from Snowy the Polar bear, roaming in the centre on Saturday 3rd December.

Due it’s previous success, Vicar Lane also offer an Autism Friendly Santa Experience (on selected dates and times) which support children with autism and sensory conditions to enjoy all of the Christmas magic in a more calming and relaxed environment. These sessions must be booked in advance. For more information on how to book, visit the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre website.

In addition to the events within the centre, there is a whole host of fun in the run up to the big day. On Sunday 20th November the Christmas lights will be turned on at 4.45pm in New Square.

For something creative, Vicar Lane is hosting a number of Wreath Making Workshops in conjunction with Thanks a Bunch, Sam’s Flower Boutique and Pizza Pi. Gather with friends and family for a 2-hour workshop inclusive of material, food and drink within the ticket price.

Dates Confirmed below:

NOVEMBER

Wed 30th between 1-3pm – Pizza Pi & Sam’s flower boutique

DECEMBER

Sat 3rd 10-12pm – Thanks a Bunch & Vicar Lane

Sat 3rd 1pm – 3pm – Thanks a Bunch & Vicar Lane

Find out more information on the Vicar Lane Facebook Event Page.

On Saturday 17th December, The Aurora Choir will be around the St James Square area between 11am and 1pm singing Christmas carols to help make last minute shopping more delightful. The Aurora Choir will be raising money for Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We’re delighted to bring back our Grotto and Workshop Experience for the local community and their families this year. There’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the events and with Chesterfield’s Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on the same weekend, it’s a great opportunity to get out with family and friends and begin the Christmas preparations, with plenty of time to enjoy the fun!’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre 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 , , , , ,

New game to arrive at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

A brand-new game is set to be launched at the popular Chesterfield Escape Rooms, with the attraction confirming it will be open to customers later this month.

The family-friendly ‘Sausage Surprise’ game will feature the Escape Rooms’ brightest set yet, taking participants to a picturesque seaside setting.

With a Punch and Judy theme to the game, players will go through a variety of huts in search of hidden sausages, after the naughty crocodile eats them all!

Nick Hogan, Manager at Chesterfield Escape Rooms said: “We have now had five different games played out of the rooms, and there is very much demand for more.

“The town’s response has been phenomenal towards the Escape Rooms so adding to the room portfolio makes sense. Watch this space too, as more games such as ‘The Eerie Motel’, ‘The Big Hangover’ and ‘An hour to Kill’ will be in construction shortly.”

Since opening in 2020, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has shot its way up the rankings on Tripadvisor, even reaching the number one spot for escape rooms across the UK.

Nick said: “To get to the top of the TripAdvisor charts was a very proud moment for me and the team who have worked very hard over the last 12 months. There are over 800 Escape Room businesses in the UK so to have THE number one based on user feedback of our service is a great achievement.”

“We’ve done a few things with the community, such as setting up time limited discount codes for districts in Chesterfield. We also ran a 6-week schools’ competition during the summer holidays, and we even closed for the day to the public earlier in the year and ran free games for Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice.”

To find out more about some of the great places to visit around Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms 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, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre praised by tenants for accessibility, facilities, sustainability and style

Seventeen businesses have made Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre their home since it opened in July this year. The flagship office development has let more than 50% of rooms in just four months after opening.

Targeted at new and growing businesses in Chesterfield, the 32 high quality office suites spread over three floors have attracted tenants from a range of sectors and industries into the town centre, including recruitment, IT, design, marketing, education and training, and fashion.

The building is part of the £19.9m scheme to breathe new life into the northern entrance to Chesterfield town centre and is Chesterfield Borough Council’s newest enterprise centre. It was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Providing 26,000 sq.ft. of modern workplace accommodation, Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was designed to ‘provide a new contemporary landmark which will enrich the urban fabric of the town’.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to see so many new businesses moving into the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. We’ve built on our experiences at Tapton and Dunston Innovation Centres to develop this building and it is already evident that we have been successful in creating a modern environment where Chesterfield’s budding entrepreneurs can collaborate and flourish.”

Tenants have praised the centre’s location, citing it as a primary factor in their decision to make the centre their new home. “Good transport links,” were the primary factor for Logical Personnel Solutions for choosing Northern Gateway as its new home.

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director at Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd. commented: “Our move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre has been an absolute game changer for us.  From a business point of view, we are benefitting from the excellent location. People looking for a new job are able to pop in and see us when they are in town, and we even have our clients from local businesses coming in to see us.

“We now have such modern and functional facilities to host people – it’s really working well for us.  In addition to this, my team and I are really enjoying being back in Chesterfield Town Centre and making the most out of shopping and eating out at lunchtime.  I would encourage any business thinking about making the move to go for it, we’ve certainly not looked back.”

The central location and transport links were also key for Potentia Teaching School Hub which acts as a ‘local’ centre of excellence’ for schools in Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and North East Derbyshire.

Alan Kealy, Director of Potentia Teaching School Hub, explained: “As a DfE designated hub for six areas within Derbyshire, the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre enables us to provide a professional service from a central location so that we are able to support nurseries and schools effectively.”

The high quality interior of the building has been a major pull for a number of tenants, including James Taylor, founder and managing director of Roaring Mouse Public Relations, one of the first businesses to relocate to Northern Gateway in July. He explained: “This is a space that impresses customers and inspires our people. We are delighted to have a stylish, contemporary office that supports collaboration and enables us to do the best work possible for customers around the world.”

Lucinda White, director of Pure Awards, who moved into the centre in September, commented: “Not only is it an ultra-modern space, with floor to ceiling windows and instant hot water on tap but it is the ideal environment for the ‘agency’ feel business of Pure Awards.”

Accessibility and sustainability are central to the building which has been designed by Chesterfield architects Whittam Cox. The building has also been designed to minimise its impact on the environment and achieve considerable efficiencies in energy use.

The sustainability and accessibility credentials of the building were key for Kakou Technologies when selecting the centre for its new home. Ann Fomukong-Boden, co-founder and MD explained: “As a Disability Confident employer designing inclusive and accessible technologies, we required office space with good access to local transport links, not only for our staff, but for our visitors. The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is fully accessible, matches our sustainability principles through the excellent BREEAM rating and centre environmental policies, and provides us with the flexibility we require to grow our business.”

Accessibility was also important for Gillian Scotford, a leading disability campaigner and founder of AccessibleUK.  Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre proved the perfect location for the organisation when she decided to make the move from being home to office-based.

She explained: “The time was right for AccessibleUK to have an office base where we could bring our clients from across the country to our beloved Accessible Derbyshire to deliver training and provide consultancy. The Northern Gateway Enterprise centre is somewhere we feel extremely proud to welcome businesses to such a wonderful, expanding market town with great transport links and accommodation provisions.”

The town centre location was a pull for East Midlands Chamber which is soon to lease space in the building in addition to its headquarters outside the town centre. The additional space will be used as a convenient drop-in meeting point for Chamber members.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, explained: “We want to create a members’ lounge for them to drop in and use as they see fit, while it adds more meeting space in addition to our headquarters in Dunston Road.

“We are excited to see the range of benefits the centre will have on the growth of businesses and the creation of jobs in Chesterfield, both of which will provide a boost to the town’s economy.”

Inside, the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre boasts 24/7 access, IT fibre connection which offers maximum speed multi bandwidth capability, Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout. Each office benefits from access-controlled doors and CCTV coverage is available in internal communal areas and external areas.

Within the centre itself, there is a shared reception and lobby area, two meeting rooms, a break-out area and kitchenettes, bicycle storage, shower and changing facilities, lift access and individually metered power supplies.

The interior of the Enterprise Centre has been designed by Amy Revell, Co-Founder and Director of We Are Spaces Limited, who is now also a tenant at Northern Gateway. She said: “Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre has given us Grade ‘A’ office space for people to work in. These workspaces are comparable to those in bigger cities like Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester which deliver the connectivity for hybrid working for a better work/life balance.”

The building fronts Chesterfield’s new office campaign which was launched earlier this year. The campaign, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has been developed by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

The campaign also showcases One Waterside Place a new Grade A office development. Together with the Enterprise Centre, the buildings add to the town’s already impressive portfolio of properties. Together they add more than 100,000sq. ft of additional high quality office space to the town’s offering, enabling the town to capitalise on the ‘flight to prime’ trend for office space.

In addition to One Waterside Place and the Enterprise Centre, the campaign promotes the range of excellent office and flexible workspace available in the borough, including the Innovation Centres at Dunston and Tapton, The HQ, Great2Work, West Studios and The Glass Yard.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Chesterfield meets the needs of new, growing and established businesses, offering a central location and connectivity, to a local skilled workforce and now, high quality, sustainable office space.

“The new office developments send an important message both locally and nationally that Chesterfield can meet every stage of a business’ life cycle from start-up to maturity.

“The investment in high quality workspaces across the borough will continue to help us to attract further businesses to invest in Chesterfield benefitting the locally economy now and for future generations.”

More than 70 people are now based at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, with numbers set to grow further as businesses secure office space in the building. This will bring additional footfall and custom to surrounding businesses in the town.

Councilor Gilby added: “The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre will support our economy but will also help ensure our entrepreneurs can receive the support they need to see their business thrive. I want to welcome all our tenants and wish them the best of luck; the development of this building is a celebration of their entrepreneurial spirit and the benefits it will bring to our borough.”

To learn more about available office space in Chesterfield, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/office/

Or to find out more about office suites in the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, visit https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/enterprise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield set to remember the fallen with annual service

Residents are being invited to attend Chesterfield’s annual service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 13 November, at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’.

The service will remember all those who have sacrificed their lives in service for our country.

Councillor Tony Rogers, the Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “Our Remembrance Service is open for all to attend and pay their respects, every year we are heartened to see many of our residents support this event and remember together.”

Everyone is welcome to attend and residents are politely asked to be seated by 2pm as the Church can become very full.

The service will be followed by a parade from St Mary and All Saints’ Church, through Burlington Street, High Street, Glumangate onto Rose Hill.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade which will be led by Chesterfield’s Mayor and Mayoress and other local dignitaries. They will be joined by members of the Armed Forces, ex-services organisations and uniformed organisations from Chesterfield.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial from approximately 3.30pm with the Poppy cascade featuring 16,000 Poppies donated by people from across the world as a backdrop.

The Poppy cascade will be installed on the front of the Town Hall on Thursday 3 November by members of The Royal Engineers Association, who are the custodians of the Poppies.  Each year the Royal Engineers Association ensure the Poppy fall’s safekeeping, making sure it is dry and safely stored and any repairs are carried out prior to their next outing.

On Friday 11 November children from schools across Chesterfield will join the Mayor and Mayoress in holding a minute silence at 11am outside the Town Hall and laying a wreath of remembrance.

Staveley Town Council will hold their annual Remembrance parade and service in Staveley on Sunday 13 November. The parade will leave Staveley Market Place at 10.45am and head for the Garden of Remembrance, where the service will take place come rain or shine at 11.00am.

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

Derbyshire strikes gold in national visitor attraction accolades

Derbyshire has struck gold in the national accolades designed to showcase visitor attractions that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.

Three local tourism businesses have received recognition in the VisitEngland 2021-2022 Visitor Attraction Accolades which celebrate the quality and diversity of visitor experiences across the country – with Derbyshire taking home two of three Gold accolades for the East Midlands.

Chatsworth and The Heights of Abraham each received a prestigious Gold accolade, whilst Denby Pottery Village won the coveted accolade for Best Told Story.

The winning attractions have gained the accolades based on scores received following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments. Marks were allocated for the outstanding experiences they provide to visitors across categories including Welcome, Best Told Story, Quality Food & Drink, Hidden Gem and Gold for overall winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “It’s fantastic to see three of Derbyshire’s brilliant attractions flying the flag for our outstanding visitor offer in these prestigious VisitEngland accolades.

“Derbyshire has so many unmissable attractions that deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike, and this is a timely reminder of the value, variety and sheer quality of the area’s tourism industry.”

Pamela Pearson, Visitor Experience Development Manager at Chatsworth added: “We are delighted to receive this award from VisitEngland, which recognises the hard work of our teams and our commitment to going the extra mile to deliver an excellent visitor experience. This year, we celebrated creativity with a free exhibition of monumental sculpture, ‘Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth’, in the parkland. It’s wonderful to be one of the 97 award-winning attractions in England, congratulations to all the winners.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Chatsworth support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Burning Man Chatsworth

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

Chesterfield residents and visitors can visit Santa in his Grotto this winter

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall are now open.

Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto from 20 November and tickets must be booked in advance either online or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great news the grotto is back in town for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are hosting the grotto on the balcony of the Market Hall, for the first time in three years and I know it has been missed by many local people.

“You will need to book in advance, so you don’t miss out on visiting Santa in the Market Hall.”

Visitors are asked to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes prior to their time slot, so we can try to keep queues to a minimum. Families will be able to meet Santa on a first come first served basis within their slot time.

There will also be three relaxed sessions that will be bookable on 3 December, 11 December and 18 December 2022.

The relaxed sessions are specifically adapted for children with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders. There will be no flashing lights and the sessions are extended to reduce anxiety and allow everyone to enjoy a visit to Santa.

The cost will be £6.50 per child, which includes a present.

This is the first time you have been able meet Santa in person for 3 years, and it promises to be a special event for everyone to enjoy.

Bookings can be made in person at the Visitor Information Centre (Rykneld Square, Chesterfield S40 1SB), over the phone (01246 345777) or by visiting the booking website.

More information about the dates and times Santa’s Grotto is open can be found here and more details about what is happening around Chesterfield over the festive season can be viewed at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

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

Innovative community events launched to support local projects

Chesterfield community interest organisation, Kakou is set to launch a brand-new initiative, aimed at helping local projects gain funding.

Chesterfield SOUP is a project that invites artists, social enterprises, charitable organisations and everyone in-between to attend an evening meal with likeminded people where they will be given the time and platform to pitch their ideas and projects that will benefit and improve their local communities- and the voted ‘best pitch’ among the attendees will get the opportunity to be granted funding for their pitch.

This concept has been inspired by countless other SOUP projects worldwide, from Detroit and Perth to Oslo and Dundee- the SOUP event format has spread like wildfire across the world as hundreds of participants around the globe have seized the opportunity to share their ideas to better the hometowns and cities they love the most, all in a wholesome and familiar environment with people who share their passion for change and their love of a homecooked meal.

There is very little as inspiring, powerful and important as the support of a community. This, the team at Kakou quickly came to understand and respect in their work as a Social Enterprise and certified B-Corporation, and the organisation has consistently aimed to bring projects to smaller and younger communities to provide more diverse means by which those voices can enact and be a part of the social change they want to see.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Kakou Co-Founder commented: “It’s a fantastic way for local people to support local community projects directly.”

It is this incredibly potent sense of community that has led Kakou to the launching of the SOUP project, which the organisation believes will channel every ounce of love, ambition and care that we see in spades all around Chesterfield for years to come.

Kakou couldn’t be prouder of how dense a population of social enterprises and community charities that hang their hats in Chesterfield, and of how many people truly care about reaching out, offering a hand and being a part of the movement to make Chesterfield an even more diverse, green, safe and accessible town of opportunity for all in our little corner of Derbyshire.

The first Chesterfield SOUP event will be held on November 11th, from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Monkey Park Community Café on Chester Street, Chesterfield, S40 1DN. Find out more info about Chesterfield SOUP, and to register your place as an attendee, on our website at soup.socialfuse.org.uk.

Kakou 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, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield personal training company crowned as best personal training provider in Derbyshire.

Chesterfield-based personal training company ‘UP Strength’ has won ‘Best Personal Training Provider’ in Derbyshire, at a recent ceremony hosted by SME News.

The Midlands Enterprise programme, now running for five consecutive years, is created to acknowledge and award businesses of all different sizes covering a range of industries that are based within the Midlands.

The award symbolises the hard work and dedication companies have displayed compared to others throughout the midland’s region. UP Strength was crowned Best Personal Training Provider in Derbyshire after just three years in business.

UP Strength was launched in 2019 by owner and Personal trainer Alfie Spencer from Chesterfield.

Alfie Spencer, 24, said being recognised with such a prestigious award is truly amazing.

“We have created an effective personal training model that delivers the same outstanding results whether you can access our studio or not, putting focus into 1-1 personal training but also our ToneUP at home program. Our focus from day one is to deliver a life-changing experience, world-class results and a true real return on investment for every single client that comes on board with UP Strength’

“We hold ourselves accountable to the highest of standards, demanding excellence from ourselves. To be recognised for all our hard work is absolutely amazing”

UP Strength has recently launched their new at home program called ToneUP, which allows you to progress your health and fitness at home with little or no equipment. Their catchy slogan of ‘home sweat home’ hints at what can be expected!

Alfie mentioned that the motivation behind ToneUP is to help people who suffer with “gymtimidation”. “Sadly the hardest part for a lot of people isn’t the workout, it’s actually walking through the doors. We’re trying our best to become a company that helps as many people as possible, who face real challenges when it comes to their own health and fitness.”

“The world needs to know you don’t need a gym to become the best, healthiest version of yourself.”

UP Strength know all about your worries and concerns when wanting to start the gym which is why they operate from a 1-1 private exclusive studio in the heart of Chesterfield. This is just you and your coach.

Alfie went on to say ‘what makes UP Strength so great isn’t about what we sell, it’s not even the fact we’re highly qualified & experienced personal trainers, it’s the fact that we care. We will go the extra mile for you. We care about you, your fitness and your mind. We will invest everything we can in to helping you reach your goals.’

Alfie finally added, ‘I’m just a normal young man from Chesterfield with a dream of owning my own business, whilst helping others transform their lives and becoming the best version of themselves. I’m now proud to say that our small personal training company based in Chesterfield has now become the best provider in Derbyshire. This is just the start for UP Strength.”

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

Luxury Derbyshire housebuilder announces new eco development in Chesterfield

Woodall Homes has announced a gated development of nine luxury homes in Chesterfield.

Nine two and three-bedroom detached bungalows will be available at the development on Newbold Road, boasting fully-fitted kitchens, luxury bathroom suites, landscaped gardens and all powered by Wondrwall, a world-leading intelligent home automation and heating system coupled with renewable energy generating solar panels and battery storage.

As well as allowing users to control all aspects of the homes heating, lighting and security through the Wondrwall app, this complete home energy management system also utilises artificial intelligence and self-learning technology to adapt to the occupant’s daily routine and preferences. Automatically minimising energy bills and the environmental impact of the home by reducing demand and only using the energy that is required at its lowest possible cost and carbon intensity.

David Wood, Managing Director at Woodall Homes, said: “We are delighted to announce our new development, The Shrubberies, complete with Wondrwall technology in each home.

“Sustainability should be at the forefront of the build process for every developer, and we are proud to deliver an eco-development of this standard in Chesterfield.”

To find out more about homes at The Shrubberies, head to their website: https://www.woodallhomes.co.uk/developments/the-shrubberies/.

Woodall Homes’ Planning Director, Darren Abbott (pictured top right) recently spoke about how housing developments are attracting an influx of young families to live and work in Chesterfield. Find out more about what was discussed at the Summit back in September: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/10/new-investment-sites-set-to-open-up-across-chesterfield/

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone. Find out more about living in Chesterfield here.

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

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

Stay informed

Keep up to date

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

Signup to our newsletter