chesterfield news

Spireites launch Chester’s Toy Appeal 2021

Chester’s Toy Appeal 2021 has been launched by Chesterfield FC, with a huge amount of donations coming in of the first day of the campaign.

Sponsored by CRS Accident Repair, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who receive free school meals.

Spireites marketing manager Bridget Ball said: “There was a fantastic response when we introduced Chester’s Toy Appeal last year, with many local businesses and individuals kindly donating toys.

“We are looking to provide even more toys this year for children who would otherwise go without at Christmas.

“Every child should have a present to open on Christmas Day and we are doing all we can to put smiles on faces.”

The donation of unwrapped new toys for children aged 0-18 years is requested, and the appeal has got off to a flying start, with over £3,000 worth of toy donations pledged by the end of the first day.

Bridget added: “I am overwhelmed with the response in such a short space of time.

“It shows just how caring people are in the local community and how the club and the Community Trust can make a real difference.”

The toys should be taken to Chester’s Den play centre at the Technique Stadium, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday (except on a matchday).

The club has also launched other initiatives recently to support local people and businesses in the area. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/11/chesterfield-fc-supports-businesses-and-residents-with-latest-initiatives/

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Christmas Charity Appeal Launched by Rosewood Wealth Management

The team at Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is once again hosting a Christmas charity appeal, with donations being collected by the firm in aid of Action For Children.

Action For Children helps disadvantaged young people, with support provided to 604,885 children, young people and families in 2020/21.

This year, Rosewood is putting together hampers for families who are struggling financially, as Independent Financial Adviser Donna Robertson explains:

“These hampers will help provide food for the festive period so families can look forward to Christmas and celebrate without the worry of putting food on the table. For the children involved it’s so exciting to receive some treats which they usually are not able to afford.

“The importance of providing support in the community has always been a part of our ethos at Rosewood from the beginning and this Christmas we could not pass up the opportunity to support a charity which can make such a difference to the lives of vulnerable children.

“More than four million children in the UK are locked in poverty. This is the equivalent of nine children in every school class of 30. Families are struggling to afford the basics, like food, clothes and services. The effects of Covid have only further compounded the situation for vulnerable families.

“We are asking our local community, people and business to come together this Christmas and help us to provide food for families who really need it and may go without this Christmas. It can be as simple as adding an extra tin of beans to your weekly shopping list.

“We will be collecting donations of tinned food, pasta, cereal, biscuits, cleaning products, crisps, toiletries, tea, coffee and any long shelf life items to make hampers ready for the families.”

Anyone who is able to donate to the appeal is asked to drop off donations at Rosewood Wealth Management’s offices on Brimington Road before Monday, 6th December ready to be delivered to the families later that week in time for Christmas.

Rosewood Wealth Management supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Remembrance service to be held in Chesterfield this weekend

Activities will be taking place in Chesterfield town centre this weekend to commemorate Remembrance Sunday (14th November).

A church service will begin at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) at 2.30pm on the day, followed by a procession through the town centre and a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial opposite the Town Hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend both the service and ceremony.

As we move towards Remembrance Day the remembrance poppy cascade, created by the community, has once again been installed on the Town Hall.

In 2018 it was decided there was a need for Chesterfield to mark the centenary of the ending of World War One and a team from the Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association (REA), in liaison with Town Hall staff, took on the task of organising poppy cascades to be draped on the Town Hall.

More than 40,000 Poppies were produced not only by residents but by volunteers as far away as Australia, New Zealand and USA. Volunteers then spent six weeks tying the poppies to netting to be hung on the Town Hall and around the town.

Since then, the poppy cascades have appeared each year. Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association have cared for the cascades and ensured they are maintained and installed each year.

Rob Nash, Deputy Chairman Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association, said: “We are proud to be the custodians of Chesterfield Town Hall poppy cascades. All those people who contributed by knitting the thousands of poppies or helping to make the cascades should be proud of the wonderful backdrop they have helped create for our community’s annual Remembrance Parade, we hope it will be a prominent feature during the Remembrance period for many more years.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s armed forces champion, said: “The poppy cascades have been an incredible backdrop to our Remembrance Parades since 2018. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the poppy cascades and to the Chesterfield and District Royal Engineers Association for their continued efforts to maintain and install the cascades each year.”

At the end of each Remembrance period the cascades are removed from the balcony of the Town Hall, taken to the vehicle sheds at Wallis Barracks where they are hung to dry and then taken down, inspected and any damage is repaired, ready to be displayed the following year.

You can see the poppy cascades at the Town Hall from now until 21 November.

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

MyFuture careers platform re-launched for 2021 Chesterfield and North Derbyshire school leavers

Following a hugely successful lockdown launch, the innovative employability and careers platform MyFuture, is here to stay for another year.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 LEP the My Future platform was dreamt up during lockdown when Year 11 and 13 young people were unable to access face-to-face careers information.

The platform, however, has been so successful, with thousands of young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire using it to find careers advice and apprenticeships, that funding has been extended for a further 12 months helping bridge the gap ahead of large scale in-person careers events returning. Derbyshire County Council is also supporting the relaunch of the MyFuture platform.

Over the last 12 months, more than 4,000 young people, teachers and parents have accessed the platform.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained: “MyFuture has been immensely popular since its launch. We were all very keen for it to continue beyond lockdown being lifted and I am delighted that the partners were able to provide funding to enable this. Together we are helping create a strong, skilled workforce which will support the continued inward investment in the town as well as ensure young people gain the best advice and support for their future career development in these challenging times.”

The funding has enabled a refresh of the MyFuture platform by Chesterfield-based creator and designer Oasis Studio. New features within the virtual careers fair include improved search functionality, easier navigation within the exhibition hall, TV screens within the pods which play live videos and immersive sound allowing the user to feel like they are actually attending a live careers fair.

New pods have also been added to MyFuture, including The Tickled Trout, Acorn Training, Edwards Employment Solutions, Superior Wellness, Staveley Town Deal and NLT Training Services. With around 100 pods on the platform, including one featuring The National Careers Service, MyFuture offers young people in the area unparalleled access to careers information.

The pods are set across 11 zones in the virtual careers fair, providing a wealth of information about different sectors, industries, individual businesses, apprentice positions and further education options available across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We originally launched MyFuture with our partners to ensure there was good quality careers advice available during the pandemic and we have seen fantastic levels of engagement. It’s proved to be such a successful support tool that we are keeping it in place and making it even better than before. There are new organisations featured on the platform and new features which mean it is more interactive and engaging. I’d encourage any young person thinking about their next steps to take a look at MyFuture for local opportunities and inspiration.”

Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 said: “Using innovative technology like MyFuture helps to raise aspirations for young people by bringing to life the opportunities available to them. It’s great to see this resource continuing and developing as bringing together the worlds of work and education is a vital part of our strategy to lead our region’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alex Dale added: “We are delighted to support the relaunch of MyFuture. The website is a great place for young people to explore different career opportunities, get advice and search for local opportunities including apprenticeships and further education courses.”

Young people, teachers and parents who now want to learn about the many opportunities available to future school leavers, can visit MyFuture at www.myfuture.org.uk.

Employers who wish to have their business featured on the MyFuture platform should contact Emily Williams at Emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

People encouraged to have their say on the future of Staveley Town Centre

Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on the Staveley Town Centre Draft Vision Master Plan through a public consultation which launched today (Monday 8 November).

Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking the public’s view on draft proposals which set out a vision for the future development of Staveley’s town centre, including improvements to the look, feel and flow of Market Square and High Street, and are designed to harness the opportunities presented by wider investment in the town.

The draft plan has been brought forward as part of an ambitious regeneration package being delivered under the Staveley Town Deal programme, which has created a ‘golden opportunity’ to breathe new life into the former mining town for generations to come.

Members of the public will be able to participate in the consultation online until midnight on Sunday 12 December by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-masterplan

There will also be a public exhibition throughout the consultation at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley where people can view the draft proposals and submit their feedback. Council staff will be available to answer questions in person, by phone or a Teams appointment. More details of these sessions can be found on the consultation webpage.

There will also be the opportunity to view the exhibition and submit feedback at several events in Staveley including the Christmas Market at Staveley Hall on 4 December, and in Morrisons.

The purpose of the consultation is to get public, community and business feedback on the draft proposals, so they can then be amended to reflect community and business ambitions and ideas and finalised in order to secure the Towns Fund grant.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Staveley and the draft proposals, aim to enhance other local investments to transform the area for years to come – creating a place where people can start, stay and grow.
“Working closely with the strong community and many businesses in Staveley is key to unlocking the town’s potential and ensuring we create opportunities for everyone’s benefit.

“I’d urge everyone to take a look at our draft proposals and share their feedback as soon as possible, your opinions will help shape our final plans. By working together, we can do something remarkable and ensure that Staveley has a bright future.”

Just over £4.85m has been earmarked for town centre improvements to support the delivery of the vision for Staveley as part of the Staveley Town Deal programme – with funding subject to final approval by Government early next year.

Key proposals in the vision include:

  • Regenerating Market Square, including proposals for a new building called ‘The Market House’ which would create a commercial and community hub, with potential to host large indoor and outdoor events
  • Revitalising High Street, including plans to upgrade and improve landscaping, street furniture and cycle parking
  • Unlocking the development potential of underused or derelict sites which could be used to support a more vibrant evening economy, family facilities and leisure opportunities
  • Installing town centre Wi-Fi, to create a more digitally connected town centre for the benefit of businesses and shoppers
  • Improving signage, and adding new walkways which will link the canal with Staveley Hall and local shops / services – helping people to explore further and stay longer

The draft vision master plan has been put together following initial consultation with Staveley Town Council, local business representatives, community and key partners – with a view to gathering more detailed feedback as part of the six-week consultation period.

The updated draft master plan is designed to replace a previous version of the document which was drawn up in 2009 and now – due to changes in within the borough, as well as the national economic context – must be reviewed to ensure it provides a relevant and robust framework for the development of the town centre.
Discover more about the draft proposals and submit feedback by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-masterplan

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

New beauty salon to open in Chesterfield Town Centre

A new beauty salon is set to open in Chesterfield town centre, following a deal completed by commercial property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors.

Acting on behalf of Entain, NG Chartered Surveyors has leased the 861 sq ft 39 Low Pavement, which was previously a betting shop, to Brows, which will be opening in the town as part of a national expansion plan.

Brows is a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs, offering affordable, high-quality treatments. Services include Threading, Tinting, Waxing, Nails, and Lash treatments.

Luke Geddes from Brows said: “39 Low Pavement is a great location with lots and footfall and key retailers in close vicinity.

“Our new store will be a great addition to our current portfolio and we want to make it into the number one destination for brow and lash in Chesterfield. No appointments are required, just pop in and speak to one of our qualified beauticians who will help find the treatment that is perfect for you.”

Sunny Landa, of NG Chartered Surveyors commented: “This is another great outcome for our client, who we continue to work with across the Midlands and North.

“Chesterfield is on the up and I’m sure Luke and his team will be hugely successful in the town. We wish them all the best with their national expansion plans.”

Luke added: “We had a great time working with Sunny, who is very professional and proficient, to enable us to navigate our way through to completion of our new shop. We look forward to working with Sunny and the NG team on future projects.”

The announcement is the latest in a number of new openings across the town, including the Barkworthy Dog Emporium, The Lucky Magpie Salvage and Kids entertainment venue Kooka. 

Chesterfield town centre is soon set for a major revamp, after it was confirmed recently the town will recieve £20 million from the government’s levelling up fund.

To find out more about Chesterfield’s unique independent shopping experience, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Chesterfield company’s ‘X-Grid’ product is the first gravel grid to be awarded ‘Made In Britain’ mark

GCL Products Limited of Chesterfield has announced that X-Grid, which is used as a base for garden buildings, hot tubs and gravel driveways is the first gravel grid to be awarded the Made in Britain mark.

The prestigious mark certifies that the product has been UK-made and helps to solidify its eco-centric credentials.

Launched in 2015, X-Grid has established itself as one of the most well-respected and trusted products in the groundworks, construction and landscaping sectors, as well as proving highly popular in the domestic market.

Designed and manufactured locally from 100% recycled plastic, X-Grid has been used in dozens of ways by thousands of contractors on tens of thousands of projects, from the nuclear plant extention project at Sizewell B to being featured on BBC’s Garden Rescue show and even as an aesthetic product at the Grand Designs Live exhibition.

X-Grid demonstrates ant-like capabilities, weighing only 5kg per square metre and yet is independently proven capable of withstanding loads of over 420 tonnes per m², supporting 84,000 times its own weight.

The product is also eligible for recycling again at the end of its natural life and its low miles travelled factor makes X-Grid one of the most eco-conscious products available in the ground reinforcement sector.

It is often used in sustainable drainage (SuDS) solutions to help reduce surface water flooding, an issue which is more regularly seen in recent years due to the gradual but damaging effects of climate change.

The highly coveted Made in Britain mark is awarded to products which can demonstrate and evidence the origins of manufacture and helps to set domestically manufactured products apart, giving consumers peace of mind that goods carrying
the mark have been produced to high standards and are, indeed, made in Britain.

Guy Wall, head of marketing for GCL Products Limited said: “X-Grid has already enjoyed several years in the limelight thanks to its unrivalled strength, its eco-friendly credentials and its versatility. We have seen the UK market flooded with cheaply made imported products, some of which have even tried to copy our unqiue design. The “Made in Britain” marque will help to set us apart in the market and give our customers assurances to the quality and traceability of this incredible product.”

GCL Products supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Chesterfield’s SDE Group drives forward rapid electric vehicle charging points across the UK

Chesterfield-based SDE Group is pushing forward with ambitions to be greener and reduce the carbon footprint of the UK, with the installation of multiple rapid charging points for electronic vehicles.

The company has set out a long-term goal of having a better impact on the environment, with the growth of electric charging stations being something the firm is very passionate about.

Electric Vehicles are starting to become the car of choice for many drivers, as the most efficient and cheapest vehicles on the road because of lower running costs, along with a host of other benefits such as priority lanes, free parking and charging, incentive schemes and a generally improved driving experience.

SDE Group is working alongside Gridserve to help grow the electric highway, installing new Rapid Charging Stations up and down the country from John o’ Groats to Lands End, in lots of public locations and destinations.

One of the company’s latest jobs was at IKEA in Sheffield, where two new stations were added to the parking area. All the necessary civil works are undertaken by SDE’s site teams, ensuring the bases are formed to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Once completed, the new units are delivered from SDE’s Chesterfield Warehouse and installed, tested and commissioned by trained and qualified Electric Highway installers.

Ian Buckton, Contracts Director at SDE Group said: “Initially we were asked by one of our existing clients if we would be interested in working with Gridserve in upgrading the electric highway, with the initial trial in the midlands. Now the rollout has taken us from Land’s End to John O’Groats. On average we are doing five sites per week.

“SDE have been looking at the carbon footprint of the business for the last few years, so when we were approached by our clients to work alongside Gridserve on the renewable energy scheme, it is something that excited us as this falls into our business plan.

“If you would like any more information about SDE’s EV charging programme, please contact us on our website.”

In addition, SDE has recently invested in electric vehicles for staff to use when travelling between sites, and installed charging stations in the office car park, to allow the team who own their own electric vehicles to charge their cars during the workday. The firm found this has been a great benefit to team members who head to sites regularly.

With the new legislation the government has signed coming into effect in 2022, this is to become the standard for all new offices and homes across England, so if your business will be in need of Electric Car Charging Stations, SDE can help you move forward into a greener future.

SDE Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Investment Summit to put town’s £45m grant funding under the spotlight

Chesterfield’s success in securing more than £45million in grant funding in this year’s March and October budgets will take centre stage at the fifth Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The free-to-attend event is returning in-person once more and will be held at the Casa Hotel on Wednesday 24 November from 8:30am – 12:00pm.

Christian Neilsen, Urban Design Associate at BDP which developed the Staveley Town Centre Masterplan, in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council, will be amongst the speaker line-up.

This is one of the eleven projects that are receiving funding through the £25.2 million Staveley Town Deal.  The grant for Staveley was one of the largest given to 45 towns in England in March earlier this year as part of the government’s £1billion Town’s Fund.

In the recent budget, Chesterfield was once again put under the spotlight by Chancellor Rishi Sunak after securing a £19.98 million grant from the national Levelling Up Fund.

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who is also speaking at the event will reveal how the government funding will be used to continue to create a better future for our market traders, retailers, residents, and businesses.

Around 150 people are expected to attend the popular event which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The event will also hear from Rupert Carr, director of Birchall Properties, the company developing Chesterfield’s £400million all year leisure, education, wellness and entertainment destination PEAK, is to headline. He will update delegates on the progress and plans for the ambitious multi-phase leisure development which capitalises on the town’s proximity to Peak District National Park.

Additional speakers also include Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chris Henning, Executive Director Place at Derbyshire County Council and Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc the company developing the town’s £340million regeneration scheme Chesterfield Waterside.

Peter Swallow commented: “We’re delighted to bring back the Investment Summit in person, after hosting it virtually last year. Chesterfield has continued to move forward and made significant progression on developments within the town in spite of the pandemic, so there is lots to talk about at the Summit. It’s going to be another great event.”

Organisers anticipate high demand for this year’s in-person event. To find out more about the event and book your free place, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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

Chesterfield’s fireworks extravaganza returns this bonfire night

Chesterfield Borough Council’s fireworks extravaganza returns later this week, and everyone is welcome to come along.

The council have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the entertainment at this year’s event.

The fireworks event takes place at Stand Road Park on Friday 5 November, the gates will open at 4.30pm and close at 9pm.

Presenters James Summers and Elliot Holman from Chesterfield’s 1866 Sport Radio will be hosting the stage show and getting everyone ready for the fireworks display.

There will also be entertainment at the event provided by local band The Rosadocs and Norskov, who previously appeared on TV show The Voice.

Chester the Fieldmouse will also be making an appearance on stage too.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The fireworks extravaganza is one of the most popular local events with thousands of people enjoying the display and entertainment each year.

“This year, we have partnered with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the event and they have organised the great evening of entertainment for everyone to enjoy too.

“Please wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and come along to join in the fun and see the display.”

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, said: “The excitement is building as we get closer to the event and we can’t wait to deliver the entertainment and help to make it a night to remember!”

The fireworks display will begin at 7pm and there will also be a selection of fairground rides and food vendors. There will be live entertainment for those attending to enjoy both before and after the fireworks.

Entry to the event is £2 per person – free for children under five. Visitors are asked to have the exact money ready as change cannot be given.

Parking for the event will be available at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium for a donation of £3 per car, which will help cover the cost of stewards with any excess being given to charity.

There is also a bus stop on Sheffield Road which is less than a two-minute walk from the park, find more details about bus services that stop here on the Stagecoach website.

Visitors are reminded that they should not attend this event if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, a new or continuous cough or a loss of their sense of smell or taste. There will also be plenty of space at Stand Road to ensure visitors can maintain social distancing.

The fireworks extravaganza is one of a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

More information about entertainment being organised in Chesterfield for Christmas this year can be found here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas

Chesterfield Events - Stand Road Firework Display

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

Peer Networks programme gives SME leaders a ‘back-pocket board’ to take businesses forward

Senior leaders in SMEs across Derbyshire can benefit from a “board in their back pocket” by joining a peer-to-peer networking programme that launches this month.

The D2N2 Growth Hub Peer Networks scheme, delivered by East Midlands Chamber, brings together like-minded directors and senior managers to develop their organisation for future success.

They can share common business challenges and objectives to solve in regular sessions, which are facilitated by experts in their field and supported by specialist guest speakers.

Sector-based networks such as manufacturing, visitor economy, medtech and life sciences, and creative – as well as specialist groups for high-growth and female-owned businesses – will begin over the coming weeks, with the first one on Thursday 4 November.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford, who heads up the Peer Networks delivery, said: “There are so many directors running a business without the support network behind them to bounce ideas off and discuss problems with – either they don’t have the time to involve other people or don’t want to discuss business problems with junior members of staff.

“With the Peer Networks programme, the group almost becomes their senior leadership team, with more than 100 years of experience in one room able to help participants solve a particular challenge within their business.

“Some people from previous cohorts have even described it as having their own ‘back-pocket board’.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals across the management spectrum to learn from their peers and develop both themselves and their organisations. We’d encourage anyone who feels they would benefit to get involved.”

Peer Networks, which is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), is eligible for any SME that has operated for at least one year, employs at least five people and records a turnover exceeding £100,000.

It must also have an aspiration to improve and the potential to scale up or export – or is exporting already.

Up to 11 individuals are involved in each cohort and are required to give a time commitment of about 18 hours across the entire duration of the free programme, which lasts several months.

They can also gain three-and-a-half hours of one-to-one bespoke support from an expert, meaning they benefit from a package worth thousands of pounds.

How Peer Networks programme has supported SMEs

William Sutherland, director at Original Recipes, a Chesterfield-based family business with 1920s roots, attended a previous cohort of the food and drink peer network.

The company supplies potted meats and pâtés to restaurants, hotels and caterers across the UK and into major retailers, but William asked his peers for support on identifying new sales channels when the pandemic forced the closure of the hospitality industry.

“I really enjoyed being part of a small proactive network of like-minded people,” said William, who was also given new contacts via the group. “I felt my contribution was valued and suggestions were taken on board.

“People’s positive perception of myself, and my business, provided me with a real confidence boost to move forward and make important decisions based on our discussions.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Peer Networks should fill out an express of interest form at www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/grow/peer-networks

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