chesterfield champions

Rosewood Wealth Management receives prestigious industry recognition

Rosewood Wealth Management recently received recognition from Bankhall, a national provider of regulatory compliance support within the financial services industry.

Winning the Best Small Adviser of the Year 2022, Donna Robertson co-director at Rosewood commented: “Rosewood are extremely proud and delighted to have accepted the award, which was based on commitment to compliant advice, diligence in delivering the best outcome for clients and feedback from file reviews and compliance visits to the office”.

A crucial element of Rosewood’s ethos is continuous improvement with a holistic commitment to process driven efficiencies.

Having undergone a recent certification audit, Rosewood has been accredited with ISO 9001 evidencing their commitment to a quality management system along with ISO 14001 demonstrating commitment to reducing their impact on the environment.

Shannan Pool-Gorman, co-director at Rosewood commented: “These global accreditations mean that any current or potential client has peace of mind that they are dealing with a company that has high quality standards embedded within their operating methods and company culture, which is very important to us and something we really pride ourselves on”.

Rosewood Wealth Management believes in providing all of their clients a truly individualised financial advice service. Whether a client is just starting their journey and buying their first home, looking towards their first investment, saving for their future or looking to enjoy their wealth, Rosewood is there to help and provide guidance and support with a service tailored to each client.

The services they provide include investments, pensions, protection – including business protection and general insurance – mortgages, and equity release.

To find out more about the fantastic range of businesses in Chesterfield’s financial sector, click here. 

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

Rosewood Wealth Management

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

Chesterfield Royal installs State-of-the-Art £1.5m MRI Scanner

A state-of-the-art £1.5m brand new MRI scanner has been installed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – expecting to help diagnose more than 16,000 patients a year.

An MRI scanner– or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner – uses magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce three dimensional detailed images of most areas of the body without the use of radiation. It is used to diagnose and monitor treatments in both adults and children.

The Trust has two MRIs on site with this new Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5 T replacing an 11-year-old machine, which was removed in September.

The installation was carried out by a 50 tonne crane and took seven hours with the cryogenics and superconductor – needed to operate the machinery – being connected to the power supply and configured. The new machine will become operational from 23 December – just in time for Christmas.

The new MRI will have a life span of between 10-15 years and weighs just over 4 tonnes – the equivalent of a hippopotamus or about three cars. It will operate 12.5 hours a day, seven days a week – with scans lasting between 10-60 minutes. All scans are prioritised with urgent cases often receiving the results on the same day.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director at the Trust commented: “This is great news for the people of Chesterfield and shows that as a Trust we are investing in modern care and facilities – this being alongside the £27m Urgent and Emergency Care Development and the £2m Paediatric Assessment Unit.”

An MRI is typically used to diagnose a variety of pathologies including stroke, tumours, vascular anomalies and many musculo-skeletal problems.

Rebecca Ward, MRICT lead at the Trust, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing in such an advanced piece of equipment into the hospital. The new technology will offer far greater quality and speed over our previous scanner. We know that it will improve our performance and mean we diagnose more people as well as providing a better experience for patients.”

Kevin Sargen, added: “I’d take this opportunity to flag that people need to access the right care by contacting their GP, 111 or pharmacies before coming to our Emergency Department – allowing us to ensure we can prioritise more serious conditions and those requiring access to diagnostics such as this new MRI.”

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

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

Chesterfield Champions getting into the festive spirit with eye-catching Christmas trees

A number of Chesterfield Champions have been getting involved with one of Chesterfield’s favourite festive events this year, after unveiling their designs for this year’s Festival of Christmas Trees.

The annual display, which takes place in the historic Crooked Spire Church brings together businesses, charities, community groups and other local organisations to show off their trees for the whole community and visitors to the town to enjoy.

The trees are on display from 17th-27th November, with the church also open for people to view the displays on the day of the Christmas lights switch-on and market.

Scroll down to see some of the fantastic trees donated by Chesterfield Champion businesses for this year’s event, and to find out more about the fun gifts, food & drink and activities you can find in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Find out more about how your business can support the marketing of the town through Chesterfield Champions at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Start Financial Planning

Start Financial Planning are using their tree to launch a fun charity competition for visitors at the festival.

Chartered Financial Planner, Steve Taylor commented: “Our tree this year is made from fake bank notes, and we’re asking people to guess the value of notes on the tree.

“The closest guess will get half the total value of the tree donated to their favourite local charity, and the other half will be donated to the wonderful folks at the Crooked Spire as a thank you for hosting the event.

“We’re delighted to be part of this year’s festival – it’s always a fantastic community event and we can’t wait to use our entry to give a little bit back.”

Rosewood Wealth Management

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Independent Financial Adviser at Rosewood Wealth Management commented: “Rosewood are proud to be participating in the festival of Christmas trees in the crooked spire church this year amongst our local businesses in the Chesterfield community.

“Our tree has been designed using recycled wood and a local business for lasering of the decorations, demonstrating our commitment to lowering our environmental impact and supporting sustainability. Within our decorations we wanted to showcase our team, services offered and our sense of humour by playing on words related to the financial industry within well loved Christmas songs.”

Jones & Co. Independent Financial Advice

This tree from Jones & Co. Independent Financial Advice is inspired by the sector the firm operates in, with newspaper clippings from the Financial Times and other relevant publications.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Wishing all of the wonderful people of Chesterfield a very merry Christmas from all of us at Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice”

Northern Tea Merchants

Did you know Northern Tea Merchants recently scooped two accolades at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards?

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “Our tree is to celebrate the things our customers love about our business. Our leaf teas, our freshly roasted coffees and our fine quality tea bags are all featured as decorations. We are always busy at Christmas time thanks to our loyal and discerning customers and we simply could not exist without them.

“Chesterfield is a very traditional town at Christmas and many people come here, even in bad weather, to visit the Festival of Christmas Trees and to enjoy our lovely, bustling town centre and markets.”

Fairplay

Chesterfield charity Fairplay have set their tree up in front of the beautiful stained glass window backdrop this year… The charity supports children and young people with disabilities and their families across North Derbyshire. Fairplay offers support to children aged 0-25 with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities.

 

Sparky Ink Studio

Jane Marie Wright, owner of Sparky Ink Studio said: “Our Studio loves Christmas and we were delighted to get the chance to take part in the Christmas Tree Festival. Some of our students have worked really hard to create some decorations to reflect our Studio.  Our ‘Sparky mascot’ tree topper was created by trainee Dan and I think its finishes it off beautifully.

“The amount of effort that has gone into this year’s festival by all the businesses involved and the Crooked Spire is sparkly festive and amazing. Something needed during these darker days. A must see for anyone visiting Chesterfield.”

 

Junction Arts

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts said: “This tree was built with our volunteers as a celebration of the amazing lanterns made each year at the Bolsover Lantern Parade and last year at Chesterfield’s Lantern parade.

“The Crooked Spire tree festival is such a fantastic festive collaborative event which really celebrates the diversity of local businesses, charities, and community groups in the Chesterfield community!”

Elliot Mather LLP

The Chesterfield law firm has pulled off an innovative design using a bookshelf and some legal books, topped with a sparkling star.

Bethany Grisdale-Downs, Marketing Executive at Elliot Mather LLP said: “We really enjoy taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival each year, not only does it encourage us to get creative, but we get to see some brilliant trees from other businesses in Chesterfield.

“This event brings the local community together and you can really see the effort people put in.”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action

Derbyshire Voluntary Action has used this year’s Christmas tree to highlight it’s ‘Feeling Connected’ project, which aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation across our town.

Find out more about The Hub on Low Pavement, which is a safe space where people can go to join one of the activities the organisation runs. Activities include a singing group, mindful photography, board games group and more.

Wilkins Vardy

We love the subtle nod to Chesterfield Champions on this tree by Wilkins Vardy!

Company Secretary Paula Towndrow said: “We are thrilled to be participating in the Festival of Christmas Trees at the Crooked Spire again this year! It’s fantastic to see the local community come together for the occasion and spread some festive cheer at Chesterfield’s most iconic landmark.

“The trees all look amazing and seeing them in all their glory has certainly set us up for a very Merry Christmas here at Wilkins Vardy!”

Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice

Bluebell Wood’s Tree has been put up in the spire to highlight the charity’s winter fundraising campaign. You’ll be able to spot the charity taking part in bucket collections across the town this festive period, and will also be offering a Christmas Tree recycling scheme in exchange for donations from local residents.

Isobel Wells, Regional Fundraiser for Chesterfield and Derbyshire said: “With only fifteen per cent of its funding coming from government sources Bluebell Wood is reliant on its fantastic supporters, without you the charity couldn’t reach as many people who need is as possible.”

Roy Peters Estates

This tree from Chesterfield Estate Agent, Roy Peters is celebrating all things local this Christmas, with all the decorations on the tree being either bought or made in Chesterfield!

Shorts Accountants

Shorts have been taking part in the Chesterfield Festival of Christmas trees since it began in 2014, and we are proud to continue to support this increasingly popular event.

Shorts was founded by Samuel Edward Short, in 1890. Back then, Samuel Short was a prominent individual amongst the Chesterfield business community, a benefactor of many local charities, the Mayor of Chesterfield (in 1908) and Churchwarden of the Parish Church from 1903 until his death at the age of 45, in 1914.

The Christmas Tree Festival brings everyone together – local businesses, organisations, charities, and education alike, in joint celebration of the festive period. Continuing to take part in this community event is very important to us, sitting alongside the connection that we have through Samuel Short.

The festival organisers very kindly ensure that our tree is always positioned in front of a plaque near the alter, commemorating his life, which reads “An earnest Churchman and a faithful citizen, who served well his Church and his native town.”

Banner Jones Solicitors

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Banner Jones Solicitors said: “Banner Jones are one of the original supporters of the event and each year we have created something different, as we know how much it is enjoyed by thousands of local people.

“For many, it signifies the start of the Christmas season. Banner Jones has been part of Chesterfield for over 140 years and our tree this year will be adorned with photographs of how Christmas has changed over that time.

Mortgage 1st

Mortage 1st has put together a dazzling blue tree together for this year’s Festival of Christmas Trees, put together by their “very own Christmas fairy, Sarah Cave.”

The company said: “If you’re in or around Chesterfield over the next few weeks it’s definitely worth a visit!”

Adorn Jewellers

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers said: “We’re so happy to be taking part in the magical Festival of Christmas Trees again this year. It’s such a joyful event and we love how it brings the community together.”

Vines Legal

Matrimonial and family law specialists, Vines Legal have set up their tree in the Crooked Spire, which features branded baubles and bows, and includes some mini legal books too!

R.P Davisdson Cheese Factor

The Cheese Factor is dedicating this year’s tree to a beloved colleague who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Simon Davidson, Owner of The Cheese Factor commented: “We are dedicating the tree this year to Georgina who worked at the Cheese Factor, sadly passed away earlier this year through Cancer.

“She loved Christmas and was always so excited to do the Christmas tree at the church each year. She was a big part of the Cheese Factor family and will be greatly missed.”

Milestone Financial Planning

Craig Croft-Rayner, Independent Financial Planner at Milestone commented: “We are grateful to be involved for a second year in this wonderful event, spreading Christmas cheer across the Chesterfield community.”

Sicily Restaurant

The winner of Restauarant of the Year at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards has produced a special lemon-themed tree for this year’s event.

Sicily Co-owner, Monica Sardisco said: “We have been in Italy last week because had a little nephew born, and we bought decorations there… The tree smells of lemons too, so it’s very realistic!”

StraightCurves

This Chesterfield business are specialists in all things crafty, so it is no surprise to see some fantastic knitting, crochet and origami going into the decoration on StraightCurves’ tree!

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, 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 , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Central Technology celebrates 20 years of business

A Chesterfield company, which provides IT, telecoms and cyber security support has celebrated 20 successful years of trading in the town.

To celebrate the milestone and outline its vision for the future, Central Technology has announced a major rebrand, new website and a major offer to its customers.

The rebrand has given CT the opportunity to reflect the changing times, the firm’s growth, approach, achievements, and innovations over the past two decades and importantly demonstrate why it is different to other IT providers.

The company’s new website also reflects this and gives visitors more of an insight as to why people love to work for the company, and how its IT solutions are making a big difference to customers.

To celebrate this major milestone, CT is offering 20% off professional services until the end of November. Click here for further details.

Ian Snow, Managing Director of Central Technology said: “Continuing to succeed after 20 years in the IT Support/MSP industry is no mean feat.  Our success and growth is down to our committed and brilliant team who continue to provide the support our customers need.  Being in IT can be pressurised at times, but the culture that we have grown here at CT has created a relaxed, supportive and friendly working environment which we are very proud of and continues to drive the success of the company.

“With over 70 people based in our HQ here in Chesterfield, we are set to continue to grow over the next few years as we continue to expand our services nationwide.  To mark this milestone, we have re-branded to reflect how far we have come, our approach, achievements and innovations over the past two decades and importantly to demonstrate why we are different to other IT providers.”

Speaking on doing business in the town, Ian commented: “Being based in Chesterfield for 20 years is true testament to how much we value the town and are proud of how its developments past, present and future, which have continued to strengthen the economy, encourage more businesses to relocate and importantly drive more talent to the area.

“Importantly, its central location and transport network has allowed us to expand our services nationwide to support even more customers across the country.”

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

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

Chesterfield’s Custom Solar wins national award for innovative project

Custom Solar has recently been awarded ‘Commercial Solar Project of the Year’ at this year’s Solar and Storage LIVE, for its innovative work at Portsmouth International Ports.

The Solar PV Project, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council involved designing and developing a Solar PV carport canopy system, a 1.2Mw battery storage solution and a 600kWp rooftop solar system.

This project was unique due to challenges faced at foundation and surveying. Operations teams encountered a plague burial site on the planned locations for the carport canopies. After archeologists surveyed the site, the team were instructed to widen the site and ensure that the structures were less than 1m deep. Considering this, the foundations had to be redesigned completely by Customs design engineers to revert to a concrete pad foundation of 3m x 3m per post fixing.

This makes the 2,660 solar panel installation a landmark moment, worthy of its award, as it is one of the first carport canopies to sit at 5 meters high with only 1-meter depth for fixings. Portsmouth International Ports are also the first UK port to have solar canopies, which will contribute to generating 35% of the site’s power.

Custom Solar’s CEO, Gary Sucharewycz, Said: “We are delighted to have won the award for Commercial Solar and Storage project of the year. To have been recognised at the main industry awards for such a prestige project that the team have developed from concept, is a great reward for everyone involved.

“We have worked with a fantastic client in Portsmouth City Council to have successfully delivered the project through many challenges. We see this as a great case study for how solar and storage can be deployed in major operational environments, with solar car port canopy’s set to play a big role in clients generating their own power and assisting their Net zero ambitions to be realised.”

Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment at Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Kimberly Barrett, said: “It is the council’s priority to support clean growth. I’m delighted that we’ve met our target to begin generating clean energy at the port by the end of 2022, and when fully operational, it will reduce annual emissions by 239 tonnes at this busy site. We’re committed to take positive action to tackle climate change, and this cut in emissions will boost our ambitions to reduce carbon emissions across the city to net-zero by 2030″.

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK. The firm’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on our creativity, our expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety.

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

 

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

Chesterfield Champions provide support to the local community

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

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

Chesterfield Football Club launches ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paperclip takes part in ‘Wear it Pink’ day

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

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

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

Kids Planet Sheepbridge creates accessible indoor pumpkin patch

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

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

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

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

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

Ashgate Hospice’s ‘Light up a life’ returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chesterfield Football Club, Paperclip, Kids Planet and Ashgate Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Home, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Property & Construction group praises ongoing collaboration across Chesterfield

Members of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group have praised the ongoing collaboration between private and public sector organisations across the town, which is helping to drive forward several landmark regeneration schemes in the area.

The Chesterfield Investment Summit was delivered to packed room at the Casa Hotel on 28th September 2022. At the summit, the town’s property and construction sector and a handful Chesterfield Champions were invited to a lunch event, which enabled further networking and an opportunity to ask questions to Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, Tricia Gilby and Chief Executive, Huw Bowen.

After the event, Cllr Tricia Gilby commented: “Chesterfield is very resilient and has consistently come out of national crises stronger than it went into them. In the last recession we established Destination Chesterfield, and this has reaped rewards. We also resolved as a council and with all our partners, to come out of the pandemic fighting and as a result a number of developments came out of the ground, including One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“Chesterfield Brough Council and our partners will now work together with inward investors to ensure the next five years are as good as, if not better, than the last five years.”

Read the full round-up of the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/10/new-investment-sites-set-to-open-up-across-chesterfield/

The event left attendees impressed with the range of potential investment opportunities opening up across the town, along with optimism for the continuation of strong public/private partnership working across the sector to grow the town’s economy.

Jim Lomas, Director at DLP Planning Ltd:

“It was so pleasing to see such a large turnout for the Investment Summit. There is clearly a great deal of investor interest and enthusiasm from both within and outside the local area. Given our previous and current experience of assisting with the planning process, there is a willingness by the Council to help with business development, housing delivery and infrastructure enhancements, all of which will lead to longer term prosperity and hopefully a greener and more sustainable environment.

“Housing developers in particular are currently delivering the mix and range of property types which are meeting demand and addressing needs. It is clear that many adjoining Local Authority areas outside of Chesterfield are failing to deliver their housing needs and consequently the town is meeting not only its own local needs, but also attracting those from the wider area. The positive consequences for Chesterfield are significant, leading to greater spending power in the local economy, enhanced service provision, regeneration of urban areas and creating a vibrant community, something which can only be welcomed.”

Sarah Wills, Associate Director at Nineteen47 Ltd:

“It was great to be in the room for these discussions. I Really enjoyed hearing about priority projects and collaboration across sectors. It was lovely to hear how integral the Council see the private sector in terms of profile and delivery in the Chesterfield Borough, and we are proud to be a continued part of this conversation.”

Kriston Harvey, Director at Rodgers Leask:

“I think one of the biggest highlights would have to be the fact that following on from previous summits, where it has been great to hear about pipeline projects, we are now able to see these projects coming out of the ground and in some cases complete! Both the Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are fantastic examples of this and can hopefully be part of the catalyst to drive further regeneration and development.

“Having quality office space locally is clearly a benefit to the town also. This will help to retain businesses within Chesterfield and strengthen the local economy. It was also really good to hear that both the University of Derby and Chesterfield College have big plans – investing in the future generation is critical and it is great to see that there will be even more opportunities for people to stay in Chesterfield and develop new skills.”

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio:

“I always enjoy attending the Chesterfield Investment summit. It was great to see a full house of delegates in attendance, reflective of peoples’ interest in the future of the town. A range of engaging speakers provided a concise summary of all the present and future developments in the pipeline including good conversation around the recently completed office developments at the Waterside and Northern Gateway schemes.  Looking ahead, it appears a number of regeneration projects as part of the Staveley Masterplan are taking shape, adding the plethora of opportunity for local business like ourselves.”

Find out more about ongoing development taking place in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and ConstructionTagged in , , , , , , ,

Value boosting accountants thrive in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield accountancy business has announced remarkable financial growth of more than 300% in the last year.

BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax is a small but growing accountancy firm in Chesterfield. Having identified a growing need in the local marketplace for a business-strategy focused accountancy firm, owner Graham Nash launched the firm in 2020, with the initial objective to help turn businesses around and help them recover from the pandemic.

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, offering strategic business strategy and financial management advice for start-ups and long-established businesses predominantly in the engineering, property and manufacturing sectors.

Owner Graham comments: “In the last 12 months we have experienced a 300% growth financially and doubled the number of clients we work with to over 100. I have recruited a small team within the first 12 months, and this is targeted to expand further in early 2023.”

One example of the combined expertise and efforts at BusinessWise is how they have helped an East Midlands firm more than double its value to over £5m in the two most challenging years in recent economic history.

The Managing Director of the company said: “They took on everything from a detailed review of the financial processes and systems, to implementing new processes to provide accurate figures. They provided detailed monthly reporting, management accounts and forecasting so more informed strategic decisions could be made. They also managed negotiations and discussions with HMRC on our behalf.

“Graham is a highly motivated and professional individual and has become an integral advisor to my business. Without the team at BusinessWise, we would not be in the position we find ourselves today. I can highly recommend his services and he is a real asset to any business in need of support.”

In addition, BusinessWise has actively passed work and referrals valued at £400,000 of business to local suppliers and professional services in the last two years, once again adding value, proposition and strength to the local economy.

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

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

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

Less Than Zero Barbers partners with local football club to champion community activities

Chesterfield’s Less Than Zero Barbers has announced a joint-venture with “The Home Of Football” Sheffield FC, to work collaboratively on a range of local community projects.

The multi-award winning barbers based on Soresby Street in Chesterfield Town Centre, has partnered with the Dronfield-Based club to encourage kids to get involved in the game and also their local community.

Sheffield Club was formed in 1857 and were responsible for the original rules of the game, most of which are still applicable. The club is recognised by FIFA as the oldest in the world.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner at Less Than Zero Barbers commented: “Less Than Zero are proud to be working together with this amazing club as we share core values of being community focused, conducting ourselves with integrity and being respectful and inclusive.”

Dylan Ralph, Partnership Manger, Sheffield FC commented: “Working together we have some exciting plans which will become apparent over the coming months.”

As part of the plan, Less Than Zero will offer local school leavers the opportunity to get an NVQ Level 1 in barbering during the 6-week summer holidays. To provide the service, the business will be working with Realise, the U.Ks Apprentice Provider of the Year.

The company was recently recognised amongst the Top 50 Small Business Apprentice Employers in England, taking 36th spot on the list developed by government’s Department for Education.

Furthermore, Sheffield FC is working towards providing an innovative ‘pop up barbershop,’ focusing on improving mental wellbeing and self esteem. Details on all collaboration activities will be posted on social media (Instagram: _sheffieldfc and lessthanzerobarbers).

For anyone interested in a Level 1 Traineeship, Realise Training have a dedicated phone number – Tel: 0333 444 3973.

Less Than Zero Barbers 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 , , , , , ,

Bridge Help strengthens team with another new appointment

Tracey Vaughan is the latest appointment to Bridge Help’s Business Development Team.

Following her appointment, Chesterfield-based bridging loan provider, Bridge Help now boasts an all-female business development team, bucking the trend in the male-dominated financial services industry.

Tracey, who hails from the company’s base in Chesterfield, brings more than 20 years of sales experience to the role. Within the role, she will be offering guidance and support to help manage broker and lender relationships across England and Wales.

The company has continued to grow since its inception in 2017, filling a gap in the market for bespoke bridging loan products for complex deals.  Her appointment follows a successful first half of 2022 and comes hot on the heels of the appointment of Tina Panayi in April.

Tracey commented on her new role: “I just knew this is what I was looking for. It’s an inviting, helpful and professional team providing a bespoke service. There’s a strong focus on relationships and a really good team spirit – I wanted to be a part of it and grow with them.

“The whole team is lovely and I’m excited to see what the future holds and just can’t wait to get going, I think we’re going to be a great fit.”

Tracey joins from phs Group where she was a Field Account Manager. She brings extensive experience in relationship development to her new role at Bridge Help.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented on Tracey’s arrival: “We’re thrilled to welcome Tracey to the team – she’s local and really understands the importance of building relationships, which is what we’re all about at Bridge Help. With her strong sales background and extensive range of experience, I’m sure it’s going to be a great fit for all involved.”

Outside work, Tracey enjoys spending time with her family and taking her French Bulldog, Bonnie, out for walks.

To arrange a meeting with Tracey or to speak to a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help, contact the friendly team today on 033 3303 4681.

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

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

Stay informed

Keep up to date

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

Signup to our newsletter