Love Chesterfield

Rodgers Leask keep plans on track for new rail innovation centre at Barrow Hill

Further details for the new rail innovation centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse have been revealed by one of the companies involved in the project.

National engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask is leading the design team currently working on RIBA Stage 4 designs for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) in Chesterfield, which is awaiting planning permission.

The modern rail innovation and training centre will provide more than 1,400 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, and specialist research and development facilities – including a digital laboratory and commercial offices.

Appointed via the ESPO 2664 framework, Rodgers Leask’s involvement so far includes a full-service offering, comprising structural and civil engineering consultancy, geo-environmental engineering investigations and transport planning advice. The consultancy’s various experts are working to overcome the operational constraints posed by the busy industrial site, while also protecting the surrounding area’s interesting features – such as the historically significant Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Kriston Harvey, director at Rodgers Leask, said: “This is a very important project for the area and therefore we’re proud to be involved. Not only will it bring additional full-time jobs to the local area, it will also provide training facilities to enable people to learn new skills and open the door to highly skilled career opportunities in the rail industry. The research and development aspect of the building will see it become a prominent location for rail technology research and innovation, with fantastic links to the rail network.

“As everyone recognises the significant benefits that the project can bring to the community, engagement between the client, design team and other key stakeholders has been very positive and productive.

“Chesterfield has a clear vision for how it wants to develop over the coming years, with a strong plan for growth – it has been exciting to work with the council on this key project.”

In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million, with funding for the project being provided through the Staveley Town Deal. Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail – part of Newcastle University.

Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector.

“I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.”

Rodgers Leask is working alongside architect Frank Shaw Associates, building services consultancy CPW and planning consultant Planning & Design Group. A planning decision is expected in early 2024.

For more information on civil, structural, geo-environmental and transport engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask, visit rodgersleask.com.

Rodgers Leask, Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Chesterfield Borough Councill support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. The business is also a member of the town’s Property and Construction Group.

Driive artists impression

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Chesterfield business to feature on TV’s Dogs Behaving Badly

A Chesterfield Doggy Daycare business is set to feature on Channel 5 show, Dogs Behaving Badly this year.

The show’s host, Graeme Hall visited Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare to hire the centre’s ‘field of freedom’ to train two dogs.

The space was used to teach the dogs to walk better whilst on a lead, with Rose Cottage providing a secure location with large fencing, in case the pets were playing up! The epsiode is expected to be aired in the summer of 2024.

Dawn Brown, Owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare commented: “Graeme was a very chatty, great guy. He spent time with me and my team before and after the filming. He also signed books for us and we have lots of pictures with him”

“To be picked out of the whole of Derbyshire to use our field was amazing, and will definitely help us to stand out. He said they searched for a field to hire and ours came up when they researched our services. They were highly impressed with our site, our branding, and our whole different take on dog care in general. We were happy to oblige and would of course welcome further filming if required whilst in our region.”

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care can offer dog owners a full day of enrichment for their beloved pets, covering basic physical emotional and social needs, which ultimately results in a happy dog at the end of the day.

The centre also offers a luxury doggy hotel with TV, air conditioning, and sofas. However, the dogs only enjoy this luxury at night time, because in the day they are far too busy making the most of Rose Cottage’s 5.5 acre site. All walks are done on-site too, with safety always being the top priority.

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

dogs behaving badly visits rose cottage

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

Win food and drink vouchers for Peddler Chesterfield by taking part in our survey

Chesterfield residents and visitors are being invited to share their views on the town through the latest Love Chesterfield surveys.

The Love Chesterfield Surveys include a consumer and business survey, which are published on a quarterly basis to provide feedback on what has been happening in and around Chesterfield.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The short surveys will ask you two different sets of questions, depending on if you are a consumer or a business owner.

The consumer survey will ask you to update us on what events or venues you have attended and services you have used recently in our communities.

The business survey will ask about your performance and any changes you have noticed in the last three months.

Please spend a few minutes to complete the relevant questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 19 February 2024.

At the end of the consumer questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win food and drink vouchers for two people at the next Peddler Chesterfield event on Friday 22nd March or Saturday 23rd March.

Businesses who complete the survey, will have the chance to enter a prize draw to win advertising for your business in the Destination Chesterfield business or leisure e-shot (worth £100).

  • The Leisure E-shot which is sent to nearly 8,000 contacts on a weekly basis or
  • The Business E-shot which is sent to almost 5,000 contacts on a weekly basis.

A winner will be drawn in Spring 2024. To qualify for the prize draw, you must have filled out the previous surveys in May, July and October 2023 as well as this survey.

The email the banner ad will feature in will depend on the type of services and products the winning business delivers – the most relevant email will be selected by matching the business end consumer with the email’s audience.

Complete the surveys here:

Business: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/blpp4h

Consumer: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/weg9pr

Birdseye view of Chesterfield market place with stalls and people

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Chesterfield firms continue to play their part in the local community

Businesses which support Chesterfield through the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are continuing to show their support for good causes in the local area.

See how the business community is helping to support various charities and good causes in our latest roundup.

Central Technology and Hopkinson Waste Management help to combat loneliness in North Derbyshire

Two white males having a meeting on yellow sofa, notebooks in hand at Central Technology, Dunston

Two Chesterfield businesses have recently shown their support for Brightlife, a charity which helps to prevent loneliness and isolation across our area.

Central Technology has launched an initiative, where for the upcoming months, any customer satisfaction survey completed will contribute to supporting the charity.

The firm aims to aid BrightLife in expanding its telephone befriending service, a lifeline for many.

Mark Cass, BrightLife’s Business Development and Marketing Manager, expresses his thanks: “We are thrilled that CT is backing our cause, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by loneliness. The ongoing cost of living crisis, recent heavy flooding and bad weather has proven to be a constant reminder to us of how important it is that we support older people who are vulnerable and isolated.

“We know from our own research that these individuals are often overlooked and represent a generation that is the last to complain. Our goal is to raise £50,000 to extend support in the area. It costs £6 to make one call, and a donation of £300 sustains weekly contact for an older person over 50 weeks of the year. We welcome the support from CT and their customers.”

Hopkinson Waste Jules and Adam

Elsewhere, Chesterfield’s Hopkinson Waste Management recently partnered with Liverpool-based PIN IoT in support of Brightlife, raising over £1,000.

Jules Gaylor, Managing Director for Hopkinson Waste commented. “By working together to raise funds for BrightLife we’re able to extend our partnership with PIN IoT beyond our normal skip hire operations. Our joint effort means we’re able to raise more funds and do more good to support the local communities in which we operate.”

College Santa Dash raises funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Chesterfield College Santa Dash participants

Just before Christmas. Chesterfield College’s annual Santa Dash took place at Queens Park in Chesterfield. Over 100 students and staff members joined in the fun, dressed up in festive attire and with their fundraising donations.

Courtney Beddingham, a regional fundraiser for Bluebell Wood commented on the charity’s partnership with the college: “I got in touch with the health and social care department initially to see if any of their students wanted to volunteer at the hospice. They came for a tour in the summer and really enjoyed their visit. From there, the college chose us as their Principal Charity of the Year.

“It’s really nice to see the younger generation learning about charities and the things we do. I think a worry for me is that the older generation is typically the giving generation. It’s a pleasure to raise the awareness of Bluebell Wood. We are currently supporting children the same age as the students, so it’s important for them to see how we are helping those children.”

After the race, awards were presented for the fastest three males and females, the best-dressed individual, the best-dressed team and also the most money raised.

Regional law firm raises £14,475 for Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust

brm-solicitors-blythehouse-helens-trust-will-month-2023-hi-res

Chesterfield and Sheffield law firm BRM has raised an impressive £14,475 during its annual Wills month for North Derbyshire-based Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust.

The partnership, now in its fifth year, sees BRM clients make a voluntary donation to Blythe House and Helen’s Trust in exchange for a free Will writing service.

This year’s Wills month marked BRM’s most successful yet, and thanks to the generosity of the firm’s clients, BRM has raised over £54,000 for the charity since 2017.

The money raised will go towards providing highly specialised end-of-life care and support for patients and their families.

The charity provides hospice care in the comfort of patients’ homes across North Derbyshire – including Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, and the outskirts of South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

Becca Gregory, Fundraising Manager at Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the whole team at BRM for supporting the hospice once again this year.

“Not only have we been working with the firm for our Wills month for many years, BRM has been a long-term supporter of ours since 2017.

“We are so grateful for all of their support and generosity. The money raised will go towards providing patients with care in their own homes and helping to make them and their families as comfortable as possible.”

Rob Woodhead, Executive Director of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors, said: “It is a great pleasure to have hosted yet another successful Wills Month in support of Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.

“We’re delighted that we’ve successfully raised almost £55,000 for the charity. These funds will play a crucial role in supporting the organisation as it continues to deliver essential services to the people of our communities.

“Creating a Will not only grants peace of mind but also ensures that your financial legacy is entrusted to those you care about.”

BRM Solicitors, Hopkinson Waste Management, Central Technology, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Chesterfield College 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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5 ways to beat the winter blues and support your wellbeing in Chesterfield

January is a month often associated with resolutions and fresh starts, making it a great time to beat those winter blues and focus on supporting our wellbeing goals.

Chesterfield offers a unique blend of award-winning parks, rejuvenating spas, vibrant businesses, and community facilities, not to mention easy access to the stunning Peak District. This creates a perfect environment for self-care.

Here are our five ways you can focus on your health, fitness and overall wellbeing.

Get outdoors and explore our glorious green spaces

Family enjoying nature and supporting their wellbeing in queens park

Queen’s Park, Chesterfield

It has been proven time and again that getting out in nature and taking part in gentle exercise can hugely boost our mental and physical health. Luckily, Chesterfield boasts an abundance of picturesque parks and trails to discover.

Queen’s Park, with its beautiful lake and gardens, offers a tranquil space for gentle exercise. In addition, Holmebrook Valley Park provides scenic walking trails surrounded by lush greenery, encouraging visitors to reconnect with nature. Chesterfield Canal is also home to some wonderful scenery, with the towpath being popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists.

What’s more, seven parks and open spaces in Chesterfield hold internationally recognised Green Flag status. This provides the ideal backdrop for a refreshing start to 2024. If you’re unsure where to start, Active Derbyshire has some great advice on their website, makingourmove.org.uk.

Burn off those Christmas calories

Queen Park Sport Centre gym exercise wellbeing class

Queen’s Park Sports Centre

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or even just get a bit fitter? Maybe you’ve signed up for the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k and want to get in shape? Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield and Staveley’s Healthy Living Centre can help you on your fitness journey. More information on timetables, booking and memberships can be found on the Chesterfield Borough Council website.

Furthermore, if you like getting out on your bike, Chesterfield is a great place to be. With plenty of cycling trails and routes on offer and the iconic Peak District just a stone’s throw away, Chesterfield has plenty of opportunities for cyclists of all abilities.

Find out more about cycling in and around Chesterfield including some of the best routes, and support on how to keep your bike in top condition.

Indulge in a relaxing spa day

Couple enjoying the spa at ringwood hall

Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa

If you’re looking to escape the winter chill or wind down after a busy Christmas period, maybe it is worth indulging in one Chesterfield’s spa experiences.

Local hotels such as Ringwood Hall or DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park provide a range of wellness treatments, allowing you to unwind and pamper yourself. Also, Casa and the Peak Edge Hotel are sure to provide you with a night or two of luxury.

Head to our hotels page for more details and get ideas for your perfect wellness retreat.

Chesterfield’s business community is ready and waiting to support you

Sian Spencer-Bray Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic

Sian Spencer-Bray, Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic Chesterfield

Looking for some expert advice to boost your mental and physical health?

Our area is home to businesses such as The Body Health Centre, Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic, and 360 Wellbeing Centre, all of which provide services to support the health and wellbeing of our residents.

Check out our directory of Chesterfield Champions, a network of more than 200 businesses which help to promote the town as a great place to live, work and visit!

Make memories with family and friends

Crowds enjoying food at colourful market in Chesterfield

Getting out and socialising certainly helps to boost our sense of belonging. So, why not get some dates in your diary for Chesterfield’s diverse range of events coming up in 2024?

This Spring will see the return of the popular Peddler Market. In addition, Chesterfield Pride, Eat in the Park and the BRM Solicitors Festival of Cricket are all confirmed for the Summer. Head over to our Events page to see what’s on across our town.

Lastly, don’t forget to give @ChesterfieldUK a follow on social media to keep up-to-date on events happening throughout the year!

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New pottery painting shop enables Chesterfield residents to unleash their creativity

A new pottery shop, which enables customers to paint their own pots has opened in Chesterfield.

Peel Pottery is now up and running in the Old Mill building of H&F on New Beetwell Street in the town centre.

The store offers a pot ceramic studio suitable for all ages and abilities, whether for the lone painter, a group of friends, work colleagues or special occasions. The shop also specialises in children’s birthday parties, hen parties and team building sessions.

Owner, Louise Peel explains where the idea for the new store came from:

“I have been learning the art of pottery for a few years now, and feel that Chesterfield deserves a lovely space for any individual to come and unleash their creativity. So I have spent some time creating an area at our shop, ready for ‘paint a pot’ and we are also in the process of setting up evening classes in pottery and other arts. I have friends willing to come down and teach jewellery making, Painting tutorials and more.

“The ceramic studio is located on the first floor of H&F and can accommodate up to 24 people, and it has a kitchen area providing light refreshments whilst you create your ceramic masterpiece.

“As a local person I feel that we need a hub that offers several independent services. The building of H&F in January will offer a café and restaurant area at the rear (Devil’s Depot), our handcrafted furniture and accessories at H&F in the main building, and our ceramic studio and workshop on the first floor. This should offer a little something for everyone all under one roof. So please pop down and visit us”

Find out more about the new centre at: www.peelpottery.co.uk or www.handf.co.uk

Visit Chesterfield for a great day out or to stay. Our town is brilliantly located in the centre of the UK, with a great range of entertainment for all ages and interests. For more information, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

peel pottery 2

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COP 28: Chesterfield firms encouraged to continue prioritising sustainability

A sustainability expert is continuing to encourage firms in Chesterfield to prioritise sustainability, following the recent COP 28 climate summit.

The message comes as Chesterfield Borough Council also reiterates its commitment to its climate strategy, which aims to create a carbon-neutral borough by 2050.

Emma Knight-Strong, Founder of Chesterfield Champion, Green Arch Consulting, advises firms of all sizes on how to cut their emissions, whilst growing their organisations in the process.

Following the summit, which took place in Dubai, Emma has given her thoughts on the event: “There has been a lot of negativity surrounding COP28 but it’s important to look at some of the broader messaging around the conference – both from the conference itself but also from the wider business, finance, reporting and NGO communities.

Emma Knight-Strong Green Arch Consulting

Emma Knight-Strong, Green Arch Consulting

“It is clear that these annual conferences lead to increased scrutiny on environmental practices, irrespective of any potential policy changes. Moving forward, companies should anticipate a heightened focus on sustainability, potential regulatory shifts, and the need to align with evolving climate goals. Adapting to emerging sustainability standards and fostering eco-friendly practices can enhance your business’s resilience and reputation, making it logical to ensure that you incorporate sustainable strategies into your business operations.

“Prioritising sustainability is crucial for businesses for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses growing environmental concerns, fostering a positive corporate image and meeting stakeholder expectations. Secondly, sustainable practices often lead to operational efficiency and cost savings in the long run.

“Thirdly, as global regulations evolve, businesses adhering to sustainable principles are better positioned to comply with changing standards. Finally, consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards eco-friendly products and services, making sustainability a strategic advantage in the market. In summary, integrating sustainability is essential for reputation, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and staying competitive in the evolving business landscape.”

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the summit, Chesterfield Borough Council has been reflecting on how its climate strategy supports both national and international commitments.

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019, and since then the organisation’s emissions have fallen by 36 per cent – driven by actions such as switching to renewable energy, using greener vehicles, making council homes and buildings more energy efficient and changing the way green spaces are managed.

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “COP 28 is an important step to tackling climate change on an international level but it is important to understand how action taken at the local level here in Chesterfield contributes to global change. One of the key commitments at COP 28 was to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems – this is something the council has been working towards, with the switch to renewable electricity supplies and using new technologies like heat pumps in new build council properties.

“Historically the UK is one of the worlds leading emitters and we should lead by example, it is vital that councils like ours take the steps necessary to reduce emissions and contribute to meeting our national targets.”

The council’s refreshed climate change strategy (2023 to 2030) which focusses on key areas which have the biggest impact on carbon emissions, including building use, transport and energy – and builds on the achievements of the previous strategy which was adopted in 2019.

Find out more information about the council’s work to tackle climate change on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/health-and-environment/weather-and-climate-change/climate-change

Green Arch Consulting and Chesterfield Borough Council support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

town hall drone shot

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More new openings at Vicar Lane as centre reaches over 90% occupancy

As it heads into the all-important festive period, Vicar Lane will have over 90% occupancy rate in time for Christmas, with five new openings at the scheme this year.

The centre team’s new leasing strategy has involved targeting local independent businesses to re-enliven the previously struggling street, Steeplegate, as an independent quarter. This has led to three new independents acquiring space at the scheme this year.

Two tenants have moved from Market Hall in Chesterfield to the centre to expand into bigger units. For sustainable toy shop, The Little Ark, this has resulted in a 200-480% increase in sales week-on-week. For Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit, their opening day saw 300 visitors come to the store and it has been positive ever since with a large increase in visitors to the shop compared to their shop in Market Hall.

Coffee shop, Coffee #1 officially opened on Thursday 30th November in the prominent unit by Vicar Lane’s event space on St James Square. They serve a range of hot drinks, coffees and pastries, which has proven very popular with the local community.

Two clothing stores also opened at the scheme. Vintage clothing store, Y Not Vintage opened in June and designer clothing store, Brand Runner opened on 2nd December.

These recent openings will see over 90% of units filled by the end of 2023. This includes two units which have been utilised for Vicar Lane’s Christmas campaign. One unit has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland Christmas Grotto and another has become Santa’s Elf Workshop where an Elf Training Academy and festive crafts take place.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager said “I am delighted in the interest in Vicar Lane, both from visitors and potential occupiers. We have really focussed our efforts on welcoming independents to the scheme this year as well as supporting our current tenants. The management team aim to provide a great experience for everyone here so it’s fantastic to see the hard work and changes have paid off.”

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Looking to start-up or grow your business? Find out why Chesterfield is the perfect base to help you achieve your ambitions.

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

coffee #1 shop vicar lane

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Businesses celebrate Chesterfield’s biggest successes from 2023

2023 has seen significant investment in Chesterfield, with sites including One Waterside Place, Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, and Hartington Business Park all helping to grow our town’s economy.

Meanwhile, announcements of further developments in the town continue to drive forward economic activity, with multi-million pound projects set to get underway in Chesterfield and Staveley’s town centres. Planning permission has been submitted for the much anticipated Gateway @Peak development, giving visitors a base to explore Chesterfield and the Peak District.

With major progress being made across our town in 2023 and further ambitions for growth in 2024, the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have shared with us their biggest successes from the past 12 months.

Peter Swallow, Chair, Destination Chesterfield

Male Chair of Destination Chesterfield Pete on stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre

“This year, it has been great to see the success of the town’s new flagship office spaces, One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. Elsewhere, Markham Vale continues to attract new businesses to the area, and Staveley’s Hartington Business Park has also demonstrated a strong appetite from businesses to invest in our town. In 2024, I look forward to projects such as the Gateway @Peak, the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall, and the revitalisation of our high streets boosting Chesterfield’s regeneration even further.” 

About Destination Chesterfield.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader, Chesterfield Borough Council

Female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council in red jacket on Town Hall balcony

“There is lots to be excited about in 2024. We will continue to put external funding to good use by investing in the future of our borough, our project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre will begin and link with the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall into a world-class theatre and museum. Working with our Staveley Town Deal partners, significant progress will be made towards realising the ambitious projects that will ensure the town is a place to start, to stay and to grow. We will also be investing in more affordable housing for our community. Heading into 2024 we continue to face some difficult decisions around our budget, but we will ensure that putting our community first is at the heart of everything we do.”

About Chesterfield Borough Council

Dom Stevens, Manager, Destination Chesterfield

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield

“2023 has been a year of positivity and progress. New events such as Peddler Market, Chesterfield Children’s Festival, and Eat in the Park, alongside established favourites, have helped to support our independent businesses and the wider economy. In 2024, I look forward to more of the same, with partnerships and collaborations helping bring forward our town’s ambitions.”

About Destination Chesterfield.

David Pratt, Building Control Manager, DBCP

David Pratt - DBCP

“The new office developments in Chesterfield have been a triumph for the town in 2023. They have attracted businesses into the town and set the bar for construction standards and high quality where building control is concerned. With all the developments happening now, and in the future, it is an opportunity for the town to lead on build quality next year and beyond.”

About DBCP

Amy McCroray, Marketing Administrator, Rosewood Wealth Management

Amy McCroray Rosewood Wealth

This year, Rosewood has enjoyed being part of Chesterfield’s flagship regeneration project, Chesterfield Waterside. Joining 3 other businesses in relocating to the environmentally-friendly Basin Square office building, the development will encourage more visitors to Chesterfield and create stronger local business links. Looking ahead to 2024, the Rosewood team is most optimistic about the continued regeneration of the town with upcoming projects to include the refurbishment of Chesterfield train station.

About Rosewood Wealth Management

Nick Grayson, Managing Director, Pinelog Limited

Nick Grayson Pinelog

“2023 was the year that Pinelog became part of Chesterfield’s business community, after we relocated our manufacturing premises from Bakewell to Sheepbridge. Being able to see Chesterfield’s success developing in real time and the growth in business premises has been immensely encouraging. There is so much happening in the town, and I am delighted that the business is now part of the story. 2024 will be an exciting year for Pinelog and Chesterfield.”

Anna Melton, Owner  and Director, In the Works PR

Anna Melton In The Works

“What a year 2023 has been! Full of highs and lows, which Chesterfield has dealt with and, in many cases, emerged stronger. Looking to the future, I have high hopes for the town centre. There is a lot of investment taking place and the new offices at the Donut and Waterside are adding to footfall. I think 2024 will be the year that local people rediscover Chesterfield town centre.”

About In the Works PR

Rob Woodhead, Head of Private Client and Executive Director, BRM Solicitors

Rob Woodhead - BRM Solicitors

“2023 has seen a year of progressive change for Chesterfield and we’re looking forward to seeing what 2024 will bring for the town. We’re delighted to continue to be one of the leading providers of commercial and private client legal services in the area and we’re delighted to champion Chesterfield as a great place to do business as well as being a sought-after place to live. We’ve had another successful year supporting the local community and being a part of the ongoing regeneration of the town through various commercial property deals.”

About BRM Solicitors

Siân Spencer Bray​​​​, Clinical Director & Lead Psychotherapist, Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic

Sian Spencer-Bray Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic

“2023 has brought to light the togetherness of our businesses. With many collaborations and partnerships, you can see how passionate Chesterfield businesses are about working closely with each other to offer more to customers and service users. The increase in events in and around Chesterfield brings a great sense of community and showcases many of the wonderful businesses we have too. It is wonderful to see so many businesses championing positive mental health and wellness in their workplaces and within the community.”

About Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic

Josh Dickens, Business Development & Marketing Manager, SMH Group

Josh Dickens SMH Group

“Chesterfield FC is the biggest success story in our opinion, and we aren’t just saying this because of our sponsorship of the stadium. The team’s captivating performance promises the potential for promotion, anticipating increased attendance, TV exposure, sponsorship opportunities, and financial support for various developmental aspects. Additionally, the Community Trust’s takeover has fostered stability and trust, attracting businesses and fans eager to support the restructured setup.”

About SMH Group

Mike Jones, Customer Relationship Manager, Windowcharm Blinds & Curtains

Mike Jones-Windowcharm

“Over the past year, there have been many successes for Chesterfield. One of the biggest achievements has been the town’s ability to maintain a strong economy despite the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis. The community has shown resilience and adaptability, and I believe this will continue to be a driving force for growth in the years to come. With continued investment in infrastructure and businesses, the town has the potential to become a hub for innovation and a destination for visitors.”

About Windowcharm Blinds & Curtains

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive and Legal Counsel, Bridge Help

“The floods were devastating for the town, including a member of the Bridge Help team whose home was flooded. However, to see how everyone pulled together helping residents and businesses, confirmed that Chesterfield’s spirit continues to be strong in adversity. 2024 will be a challenging year for the country, however I have no doubt that Chesterfield will not only come out fighting but stronger – if past performance is anything to go by.”

About Bridge Help

James Pogson, Managing Director, Northern Tea Merchants

James Posgon - Northern Tea Merchants

“The floods brought devastation to Chatsworth Road and surrounding areas this year, and Northern Tea Merchants was one of the many businesses affected. Whilst terrible, I was delighted at how the community rallied to support each other. Changes need to be made, so I am looking forward to seeing new and successful flood prevention measures in 2024, that will preclude this from happening again and will benefit residents and businesses.”

About Northern Tea Merchants

Jamie Wajs, Owner, Lime Living Estate Agents

Jamie Wajs Lime Living

“The town continues to show that it has an attractive and strong local business and employment economy and there has been a good level of positive investment in new infrastructure during 2023 and with more in the pipeline for 2024. This is making Chesterfield an attractive place to live and work, with the town having a lot more to offer.”

About Lime Living Estate Agents

Katie Ash, Head of Employment Law, Banner Jones Solicitors

Katie Ash - Banner Jones Solicitors

“I’m excited to see that there have been so many new business start-ups over the year and businesses relocating to Chesterfield. As a Chesterfield business of 145 years, it is important for us that the local economy grows and strengthens. We continue to build strategic partnerships with local businesses (including other Chesterfield Champions) offering a full range of commercial legal services and employment law services”.

About Banner Jones Solicitors

Stuart Rooker, Careers Lead, Direct Education Business Partnership

stuart rooker image DEBP

“It’s been fantastic to see a brand-new programme piloted in Chesterfield this year and set to expand over the next four. The ‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ (CMiC) workshop programme is an exciting initiative to deliver careers-related workshops in schools and forge links with local businesses. The pilot focused on the property and construction sector, and the project will widen to include health and care, and engineering and manufacturing.”

About Direct Education Business Partnership

David Whiteley, Co-Director, FWD Motion

David Whiteley FWD Motion

“Chesterfield’s ongoing resilience is what really stands out for me in 2023. It has been incredibly moving to see the community come together to support one another. We simply hope that in 2024 we see our residents, workers, and businesses back on their feet.”

About FWD Motion

Rod Auton, Secretary, Chesterfield Canal Trust

“I’m delighted that One Waterside Place is now fully occupied. Hopefully this will be the encouragement needed for the rest of the developments around the canal basin at Chesterfield Waterside to get underway. I am very much looking forward to the Staveley Town Deal’s canal projects starting on the ground after years of planning. These are the construction of the first building at Staveley Town Basin, the new Trans-Pennine Trail Bridge and the subsequent restoration of the canal further east.”

About Chesterfield Canal Trust

Dominic Staniforth, Partner, BHP Chartered Accountants

Dominic Staniforth BHP

“Chesterfield is experiencing a renaissance, with schemes like the £340 million Waterside Regeneration project playing a vital role in attracting both talent and high-quality businesses to the area. Our home, One Waterside Place, a desirable location next to the station, has proved the mantra ‘build it and they will come’, with its six floors of Grade A office accommodation now fully let. It was fantastic to see the Government award a £20 million grant from the Levelling Up Fund which will support the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall, modernisation of Chesterfield Museum with new education, and community facilities.”

About BHP Chartered Accountants

Amy Revell, Co-Founder and Director, We Are Spaces

amy revell wearespaces

“The office market in Chesterfield has been a great success! One Waterside Place is now fully let, The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is more than 85% occupied, The Glass Yard is around 95% occupied and The HQ Building is proving popular. These successes then support further developments to materialise and ensure a good level of Grade A office space continues to be available. I believe we are very well placed to ensure businesses can recruit and retain skilled people in high quality and affordable workspaces.”

Paul Lewis, Head of Partnerships, Mortgage 1st

“It is tough to narrow it down to one standout moment from the year but the town benefitting from £20m over the next 10 years via the Government levelling up investment fund was a pivotal success for Chesterfield in 2023; this along with further investment in and around the town will hopefully see the town centre flourish once more. The hope of enhanced amenities and job opportunities means that we can all look forward to 2024 with great optimism.

About Mortgage 1st

Matt Close, UK Business Lead, NeoDyne

Matt Close NeoDyne Landscape

“2023 marks a milestone for NeoDyne with our first Christmas in Chesterfield. The Borough Council has successfully attracted and supported new businesses in 2023, and we’ve certainly experienced the welcome and benefitted from their support. Looking forward to 2024, we’re excited about the continued investment in the town centre and Waterside regeneration projects. We intend to play our part by championing Chesterfield as a great place to live and work.”

Richard Fowler, Technical Sales and Account Manager, RA Information Systems

Richard Fowler RA Information Systems Landscape

“Having worked alongside our customers for over two decades, we have seen a remarkable transformation in Chesterfield’s business landscape. The recent success of Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place, coupled with a surge in office space demand, reflects the town’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and tech-driven environment for businesses. This achievement positions Chesterfield as a robust hub, creating a ripple effect that not only attracts investment but also contributes to technology-driven workspace provision for the local community. Exciting times lie ahead as we continue to shape Chesterfield’s economic success story.”

About RA Information Systems

Emma Pymm, Head of Partnerships and Client Relations, ActionCoach

Emma Pymm Action Coach

“The real success for Chesterfield is the continued progression of our business community working together and building impactful relationships. I hope that we can continue to put Chesterfield on the map as not just a through town to the beautiful Peak District, but a thriving gateway for visitors to enjoy and make unforgettable memories. In turn, this will build our economy for future generations. I believe the Gateway at PEAK will play a major part in supporting this.”

Kriston Harvey, Director, Rodgers Leask

Kriston Harvey - Rodgers Leask

“I think the biggest success in 2023 has been the strength of the public and private sector collaboration to drive forward the numerous local projects. It was evident from the full house at the Chesterfield Investment Summit just how broad the support is within the local business community. On a personal level, I was delighted to be involved with the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative. It was great to see the enthusiasm from the students and excellent to hear that a number were now considering a career in the construction industry!”

About Rodgers Leask

Jimmy Drew, Commercial Manager, Derbyshire County Cricket Club

“Our five days of cricket at the picturesque Queen’s Park are the highlight of our calendar, especially the T20 match. In front of a sold-out crowd, an incredible atmosphere and a record victory of 144 runs in 2023, we hope next year’s festival can be bigger and better than previous years, as we continue to put on a brilliant event for the residents in the north of the county.”

About Derbyshire County Cricket Club 

Emily Bowman, Managing Director, Junction Arts

Emily Bowman Junction Arts landsape

“Here at Junction Arts, we are extremely proud of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival that we delivered this year. We welcomed over 8,500 people across the two-day event, boosting the town centre economy and encouraging families to experience a range of creative activities. We are excited to build our offer for Chesterfield next year and are looking forward to creating more memorable moments for families to come together, share ideas and get creative!”

About Junction Arts

Catherine Wenborn, Managing Director, Vines Legal Limited

Catherine Wenborn Vines Legal

“The biggest success for Chesterfield over the last year is the continued creation of great spaces for work and leisure encouraging businesses to relocate and visitors to the town.  In the coming year I hope to see currently unoccupied premises filled or redeveloped to good purpose.”

Nick Gorman, Owner, CCM Change Consultancy

Nick Gorman, CCM Change Consultancy

“The sustained and growing synergetic relationships in our Chesterfield business community continue to be a highlight of working in the town. The networking and knowledge share are vital to the quest for a thriving and rewarding business environment. Our future strategy should involve a plan that looks to capitalise on the environmental ambitions of CBC, matching our local business passion, acumen, professionalism, and innovation with a pursuit of sustainability.”

About CCM Change Consultancy

Georgia Severn, Sales Co-ordinator and Head of Marketing, Custom Solar

Georgia Severn Custom Solar Landscape

“The biggest success for Chesterfield 2023 from my perspective at Custom Solar is the increase in local business’ investments into renewables. We’ve helped multiple clients in our local hometown start their journey to Net-Zero with Solar PV installations, which inevitably, supports the town’s goals too. For 2024 we are excited to continue supporting our neighbouring companies reduce their Carbon emissions as we already have multiple projects for Chesterfield in our pipeline.”

About Custom Solar

Ben Knights, Trainee Estates Manager, FI Real Estate Management

Ben Knights FI Real Estate

Within 2023 FI Real Estate Management has seen numerous changes to businesses ways of working and how they want to utilise the space in which they work from. Chesterfield itself is almost perfectly adapted to these requirements with the council identifying these trends early and creating space to help nurture growing local businesses. Something we also did ourselves was helping create high quality office space at both The HQ and The Quad in Chesterfield.

About FI Real Estate Management

Emma Woodhall, Director, Learning Curve Group Hair and Beauty Academies

Emma Woodhall Learning Curve Landscape

“It’s been a great year for us; we were awarded Training Provider of the Year at the 2023 VTCT Awards. Looking to 2024 our aim is to support hundreds more learners in the region to achieve qualifications to succeed in the industry, training the next generation of beauty therapists and hairstylists! We are looking to build upon current relationships to retain talent within Chesterfield, and support local business.”

The businesses featured in this article 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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Chesterfield’s Addooco celebrates 15th anniversary with award win

A Chesterfield IT company is celebrating, after winning a coveted award at the same time as marking 15 years of continued success.

Addooco began with humble beginnings in a small office at Chesterfield’s Dunston Innovation Centre with predominantly local clients, before a move in 2016 to state-of-the-art offices on Dunston Technology Park.

Now with global reach and a new best-of-breed data centre, featuring the latest in cutting-edge technology, Addooco celebrated its 15th Anniversary in 2023.

To cap off an excellent year, Addooco were recently named Technology Supplier of the Year at the Taxi Summit & All Industry Awards.

The Addooco team attended a lavish evening held at The Troxy in London, celebrating the achievements of leading industry fleets and suppliers and attended by nearly 500 business leaders.

On receiving their prestigious Award, Richard Walters, Addooco’s Managing Director, commented: “I am super proud to be celebrating 15 years in business and Addooco being named Technology Supplier of the Year is the icing on the cake.”

Richard added: “We have a great team who work tirelessly and around the clock, who understand our clients and the industries they operate in. Being recognised for our efforts, hard work and progress with this Award feels amazing”.

Addooco IT provides a comprehensive range of managed IT, Cloud, Telecommunications & Support services to progressive organisations across the UK.

The company is a proud Chesterfield-based business, owned by local people and with a team who virtually all live in the town, many of whom have graduated through the company’s successful apprentice scheme.

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

Invest in Chesterfield – the perfect location for your business

North Derbyshire is cost-effective, well-connected and full of potential.

Invest in Chesterfield and you will join businesses from world-leading manufacturers to multinational communication companies.  Enterprises of every kind already benefit from our positive approach, supportive community, superb travel links and excellent strategic location.

addooco award win 2023

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Chesterfield Borough Council agrees new partnership with University of Derby

Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to establish a closer working relationship and recognise shared ambitions between the two organisations.

The agreement was officially signed by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, at a ceremony in Chesterfield Town Hall on Monday 11 December.

The strategic partnership agreement sets out three joint ambitions:

  • To establish Chesterfield as a University town – delivering higher level skills and education for our people and employers.
  • To work jointly with business partners, education providers and the public sector to deliver world leading research that drives innovation, provide world class facilities to meet the needs of our community and establish a platform to help our entrepreneurs reach their potential.
  • To use our combined assets, within community partnership across Chesterfield, to raise people’s aspirations through delivering effective core skills, careers information, support and advice.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the University of Derby, on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council. This agreement sets out our joint ambition to establish Chesterfield as a University town. Strengthening higher level skills and education across the borough will bring with it further opportunities for residents, businesses, and support for wider economic growth.

“Working with our partners across the borough we are also ambitious to establish opportunities for world leading research and world class facilities to drive innovation and bring inspirational opportunities for our communities and entrepreneurs, helping everyone to reach their potential.

“I look forward to working closely with the University of Derby over the coming years to help achieve our ambitions of being a thriving borough and improving the quality of life of local people.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “As Derbyshire’s only university we take our role working with communities and organisations very seriously, and this Strategic Partnership Agreement underlines our commitment to driving ambition and positive change.

“I am looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of this partnership as we work together to support skills development and improve outcomes for the people and businesses of Chesterfield and the surrounding area.”

The strategic partnership agreement also sets out a series of high level outcomes to which both organisations are committed over the next three years, focusing on the themes of:

  • Health and wellbeing, community, skills and resilience
  • Innovation and research
  • Experiential learning and curriculum design
  • Brand profile and awareness
  • Assets and investment

To achieve these ambitions and outcomes a delivery plan is being developed which focusses on the assets of the University and within Chesterfield borough. It will also identify the resources both organisations can contribute to achieving the ambitions laid out in the partnership agreement.

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

Representatives from the University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,