chesterfield news

Chesterfield drinks business ‘in good spirits’ after move to new Vicar Lane store

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has announced the opening of independent Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit following its impressive growth in the town.

Previously Ginspired, which was based in Chesterfield’s Market Hall, Street Spirit has now expanded to a unit at Vicar Lane.

The store celebrated its opening with a complimentary rum, gin and tequila tasting event which saw over 300 visitors visiting the store.

The store stocks over a thousand different bottles including Gin, Whisky, Rum, Craft beer, local real ale, cider, and more. There are also local products from Derbyshire producers.

Street Spirit will be running a range of free tasting events on the dates below;

• Thursday 7th December 4pm-8pm – festive Tomatin Distillery whisky tasting and mince pies
• Thursday 14th December 1pm-4pm – gin & Whisky tasting with Forest Distillery
• Friday 15th December 1pm-4pm – spirits tasting with Mavericks Drinks.

The store is located on 10 Steeplegate next to Vintage Tea Rooms and will be open every day. For opening times and more information, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/stores/street-spirit/.

Matt Darken, Owner of Street Spirit says: “The impact of moving my business to Vicar Lane has been hugely positive, with a large increase in visitors to the shop and great interest in the products we offer, we’re on course for a record Christmas. I hope Street Spirit compliments the other high quality independent business we have here, it’s clearly an attractive area for shoppers from Chesterfield and further afield. The move here has been smooth and I’ve had great backing from the staff, management and support team at Vicar Lane.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to be able to support yet another local business in the heart of Chesterfield. This is the perfect place for shoppers to get Christmas gifts for loved ones and we hope everyone enjoys browsing the fantastic range of products in store.”

Chesterfield is home to a wide range of independent shops and national retailers, providing a unique shopping experience alongside plenty of food, drink and fun. Find out more about visiting our town. 

To find out more about the benefits of setting up your new business in Chesterfield, head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

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

Street Spirit Vicar Lane

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New community forest in North Derbyshire set to flourish

Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest has officially set down roots with the first tree being planted as part of the Government-funded initiative to improve access to nature by providing more green space in areas of the county with fewer woodlands.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, planted an oak tree on a countryside site on former colliery land in Glapwell, to mark the start of the forest’s creation along the eastern and southern fringes of the county.

It follows the council’s successful bid to develop one of two new Community Forests – the other being created in Tees Valley – to join the existing network of 13 England’s Community Forests.

England’s Community Forests are located in and around large towns and cities, providing urban, economic and social regeneration, championing green infrastructure and creating high-quality environments for millions of people.

So-called because of its location at the heart of England, Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will occupy a central position between the National Forest to the south and the Greenwood Community Forest in Nottinghamshire, providing the missing link to join up these two woodland areas.

Trees will be planted on pockets of available land stretching over a geographic area of approximately 289 square miles within communities along the eastern border of the county and areas in the south of the county including:

  • Amber Valley – Alfreton, Somercotes, Heanor, Ripley, Codnor.
  • North East Derbyshire – Aston, Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh, Sutton, Wingerworth, Shirland.
  • Bolsover – Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover, Shirebrook, Pleasley, South Normanton, Pinxton, Tibshelf, Glapwell.
  • Chesterfield – Birdholme, Boythorpe, Brampton, Brimington, Chesterfield, Loundsley Green and Newbold, Staveley, Whittington.
  • Erewash – Breadsall, West Hallam, Breaston, Horsley, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre.
  • South Derbyshire – Etwall and Repton, Hilton, Melbourne, Sawley.
  • Derby.

The project aims to plant 300,000 trees on publicly accessible land by March 2025, supporting Derbyshire County Council’s ambition to help facilitate the planting of a million trees by 2030.

Councillor Renwick said: “Derbyshire is well-known for being home to the rural villages and rolling hills of the Peak District, but our county is also characterised by communities in former coalfields and industrial heartlands.

“Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will bring together these urban areas, where more than three-quarters of the county’s population of 797,000 people live, helping to provide more green space for residents on their doorstep, boosting biodiversity, improving air quality and access to nature – which we know boosts people’s health and wellbeing.

“We’re very pleased that Derbyshire has been chosen to create a Community Forest, which will also add value to Derbyshire’s tourism and visitor economy and bring the potential for the growth of new businesses and jobs in the area through nature-led regeneration of industrial landscapes.

“The next stage is to link up with local landowners to look at where we can start planting and encourage groups and individuals to take ownership and get involved in creating woodland havens in their communities to create a positive legacy for generations to come.”

 

Tree planting in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will be supported by the England’s Community Forests Trees for Climate fund, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate programme. £50,000 has been awarded to fund initial development work for the new Community Forest.

The forest will be established in three phases with the third phase centred around establishing a new Community Forest Charitable Trust from April 2025 onwards to manage and maintain the Community Forest in the future.

Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest promises to be a tremendous community asset for the county. Woodlands and trees are the beating heart of so many communities – absolutely essential to supporting our health and wellbeing, alongside being home to some our most unique wildlife.

“The nation’s network of Community Forests play a really important role in contributing to our ambitions to increase tree planting across the country to meeting net zero ambitions, as well as increasing biodiversity. I look forward to seeing the progress as Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest starts to take shape and become a woodland for generations to enjoy long into the future.”

 

Paul Nolan, Chair, England’s Community Forests, says:  “It’s fantastic that we have two new Community Forests joining our growing partnership, bringing the total number of Community Forests up to 15. Both Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest and Trees on Tees will receive key support from the Government’s Nature for Climate fund through the Trees for Climate programme, helping to introduce more trees to areas most in need.

“Communities in both areas will be both part of the transformation and benefit from the creation of the forests, improving the local environment and connecting more people to nature.”

 

If you are a local landowner with land available to plant trees in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest area then the county council would like to hear from you, email heartwood@derbyshire.gov.uk for more information.

Heartwood community forest

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Junction Arts celebrates 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

Junction Arts has celebrated hosting the 30th Bolsover Lantern Parade, an event that continues to bring light, people, and a strong community spirit to the town.

Hundreds of people joined the parade last weekend with their lanterns and thousands more lined the streets to see one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions.

Following a month of lantern-making workshops in the community and local schools, just under 400 lanterns were made for the parade.

Among the hundreds of creations, there was a giant gingerbread man, Buddy the Elf, an astronaut, Father Christmas, a dragon, an aeroplane, and a huge Buzz Lightyear.

Several smaller lanterns reflected the history of the parade, with traditional miner’s lamps and stars, that were used in the very first parade.

The parade marked the finale of the Bolsover Winter Festival, a weekend of festive fun, which included a new light show at Bolsover Castle and a traditional Christmas market, that contained 130 stalls.

The event is organised by Chesterfield-based charity, Junction Arts, in partnership with Old Bolsover Town Council, English Heritage and other community partners.  It has become a much-loved, cultural tradition for generations of people.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Lantern Parades are a symbol of creativity, celebration, and community. Reaching 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade is a wonderful achievement for the town.

“This year’s parade did feel extra special as we reflected on the last three decades and the positive impact that it has had on the town. Thank you to everyone who made a lantern, or came along on the night to watch, in freezing temperatures, you are what makes this event so special, see you next year!”

Find out more about the festive fun taking place across Chesterfield this Christmas.

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

Junction Arts Bolsover Lantern Parade

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Chesterfield-based addictions charity to offer new services to residents

A Chesterfield charity which has supported local people for almost three decades has expanded its offer.

Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service (DAAS) has been a primary source of alcohol support in Derbyshire for almost 30 years.  It began life as North Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service, operating from a single room in Chesterfield with 3 part time counsellors.  It is now a county wide organisation with 30 staff and volunteers providing alcohol, drug and gambling support as well as running projects for our military veteran community.

The organisation has developed so dramatically over the last few years that the name is no longer fully representative of the work that they do.  Therefore, on 12th October 2023 they officially changed the name to Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS).

Chair of Trustees John Ydlibi said: “When people hear our previous name, they assume alcohol support is all we offer, however, our scope is now so much more than that”.

DAAS, for the last 8 years been a key provider within Derbyshire Recovery Partnership, the commissioned drug and alcohol support service for adults in the county.  This service provides support for anyone affected by their own or someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use.

The organisation has been proud of its role in helping people get the support they require when they are struggling with their drug and alcohol use, supporting people to achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive future.

More recently, DAAS has begun offering support for those affected by other people’s gambling behaviour.  For every person whose gambling is a problem, there can be between 6 and 10 other people who are negatively affected… friends, children, family, colleagues.

GamCHAT will provide counselling and education to help friends and family to understand better what is happening, how they can best support the person experiencing problematic gambling and while protecting their own health and wellbeing.

To make people aware of the new name change and how the various projects offered by DAAS can support the residents of Derbyshire, the charity is holding several roadshow events across the County.

In North Derbyshire, these are in Shirebrook, Buxton and here in Chesterfield. These drop-in style events will provide the opportunity for employers, statutory and voluntary organisations, and members of the public to talk directly to staff involved and learn how we can support people struggling with drugs, alcohol or gambling as well as members of our veteran community.

John added: “We are proud to have our roots in Chesterfield and how our success here has allowed us to spread our services throughout Derbyshire.”

Roadshows

  • 12th December Shirebrook – Adult Education Centre, NG20 8PE 1.30 – 3.00pm
  • 14th December Buxton – Kents Bank Road, SK17 9HR 10.00 – 11.30am

To learn more, go to daas.uk.com/roadshows.

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

DAAS Team Dec 2023

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East Midlands can ‘lead the way’ in energy transition, Midlands Energy Summit hears

The East Midlands has the potential to “lead the way” in the energy transition to net zero by holding some of the key ingredients – but businesses need more support to make changes right now.

These were two of the headline messages at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber at the University of Nottingham’s Trent Building yesterday (Thursday 30 November).

Speakers from major organisations including Toyota, Uniper, National Grid and the East Midlands Freeport gave an insight into some of the clean energy activities happening in the region, including in hydrogen, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

A new East Midlands zero-carbon innovation centre, which aims to transform cutting-edge green research at the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University into commercial products, was announced by the Freeport’s chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor at the event – with the Freeport contributing £5m over funding towards the initiative.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “With three of the big bases for future energy provision – hydrogen, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission – being developed here in the East Midlands, across a range of nationally-critical projects and research that is backed by public and private sector investment, we are leading the way in the energy transition.

“It was fascinating to hear more about some of these plans from the major players in these areas, and the new East Midlands zero-carbon innovation centre is an exciting initiative that taps into these strengths while developing new sectors that will deliver further investment and high-quality jobs for our communities.

“But while the future holds plenty of promise, we mustn’t forget about what we can do here and now to make gains in the green agenda. Toyota is a great example of a company making small adjustments to save lots of energy and while some of these learnings can be passed down through the supply chain, there is plenty more we can do.

“Small businesses tell us they want to make the necessary changes to decarbonise their operations, and many are already taking huge strides forward, but require more support.

“Our Sustainable East Midlands initiative can signpost businesses to funded programmes, events and best practice. More broadly, it’s crucial for businesses, the public sector and universities to work closer together to develop research and roll out new technologies that will help the East Midlands and UK to become a world leader in the net zero economy.”

Midlands Energy Summit - Scott Knowles

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Learning Curve Group extends offer with new courses in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield training provider which helps learners gain skills to build careers in the beauty industry has extended its offer with several new courses.

Learning Curve Group, formerly known as White Rose Beauty Colleges, has already provided courses for thousands of learners in Chesterfield since 1996. Now, the organisation has expanded, adding hairdressing and barbering courses at its Chesterfield academy.

Helen Bradshaw, Learner Recruitment Officer at Learning Curve Group commented: “With accredited courses available from January and delivered by industry-trained staff, learners can expect an excellent, professional experience in our fabulous town centre college.

“With smaller class sizes and a warm, friendly environment, we strive for excellence in both preparing and enabling our learners the opportunity to work in the industry. Our salons are designed to replicate a high street salon and we regularly invite members of the public to enjoy a treatment at a discounted price.”

  • Level 1 Diploma course in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy is aimed at learners who are under 19 years of age and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the basic skills required to become a stylist or therapist.
  • The Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing offers a nature progression or and is also offered to learners over 19. This course builds and develops skills such as cutting and colouring and we encourage learners to gain work experience in a salon to give them a true insight into the business.
  • Level 3 and Level 4 is most suited to those who already work in a salon who would like to build on their existing knowledge with units such as creative colouring, colour correction, and advanced cutting skills to name but a few.

Helen added: “Barbering is an exciting new addition; we feel confident that a new generation of learners will be eager to bring their new skills to our town and offer an excellent service to the local community.

“We aim to support local salons with our wonderful Apprenticeship programme, which offers a great opportunity for learners to work in a salon with the support and encouragement from our experienced staff. Trends in hairdressing are as changeable as the fashion industry and we aim to offer our learners the most current up-to-date skills in our state of the art, modern college, consistently providing a stream of skilled stylists into the workforce.”

To find out more about our courses and to arrange a college tour, please contact the academy on 01246 588773 or email Helen.bradshaw@learningcurvegroup.co.uk

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

learning curve group

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Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses

Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.

Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.

The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.

Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.

Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp, which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.

As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.

Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.

“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”

All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.

To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:

  • Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)
  • Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)
  • Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale
  • Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years.
  • Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.

Create Growth was launched in 2022 by DCMS, in partnership with Innovate UK. It is designed to support the development of creative industries with high-growth potential across England, outside of London.

The East Midlands programme is led by East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²), which aims to help creative businesses get investment ready. Its members include local authorities, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and many other organisations in the private, public and voluntary sector.

EMC² aims to support 100 creative businesses across three years through four cohort groups. The coalition came together through its successful £1.2m bid for the Government’s Create Growth Programme, led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Applications for the second cohort are now open – any eligible businesses interested in applying can find out more here.

CentralTechnology office

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Chesterfield Champions to support those in need this Christmas

Several organisations in Chesterfield are playing their part in supporting our community this Christmas.

Businesses in the town will be helping those in need, with a number of different initiatives being offered which people can support.

If you’re looking to help and support those less fortunate in our area over the festive period, check out how you can get involved by viewing some of the initiatives below from our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions.

Rosewood Wealth Management supports Lifehouse Church Appeal

Rosewood Wealth Management One Waterside Place

Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is supporting an appeal hosted by Lifehouse Church, and is inviting people across the area to donate food items to help those less fortunate.

The church is building food hampers for vulnerable people in the community, and is asking for people to donate specific food and drink items, as displayed below.

Those wishing to donate can drop off products at Rosewood Wealth Management’s new office on the 4th floor at One Waterside Place, Basin Square, Brimington Road, Chesterfield, S41 7FH.

Chester’s Toy Appeal returns at Chesterfield FC

cfc toy appeal 23

 

 

Chester’s Toy Appeal, sponsored by Brett Martin Ltd, is now underway. New, unwrapped toys, donated as part of the appeal, will be handed out to families in need so that children who would otherwise go without receive a present on Christmas Day.

Donations can be taken to the main reception at John Pye Ltd on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, every Wednesday and Thursday, until December 13 (between 11am and 3pm).

Donations can also be taken to the main reception at the SMH Group Stadium, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except on matchdays).

Paperclip supports Christmas lunch for vulnerable people in Chesterfield

Anne - paperclip Brochure - Landscape

Chesterfield-based Paperclip Ltd. is supporting an appeal to provide a Christmas Lunch for disadvantaged people across Chesterfield.

The lunch will be held at Whittington Moor Methodist Church, Scarsdale Road, S41 8NA on Christmas Day from 1pm-5:30pm.

Those wishing to volunteer or donate to the event can ring the Paperclip Christmas Dinner Hotline on 01246 948 401. A full list of donations being accepted can be found on the Paperclip Linkedin page

Leverton UK to support Chesterfield FC Community Trust Food Box Appeal

Molly Jowitt, Leverton UK

Chesterfield property and construction company, Leverton UK has set up a Just Giving page to support a food box appeal being supported by Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The fundraiser will also give the chance for a deserving family to win the Harrods bear, Ethan. They will also invite the winners to the Leverton UK Hospitality box at Chesterfield Football Club for a match.

Every £1 raised will enter a child into the draw, with the winner being announced 20th December by official Chesterfield FC mascot, Chester The Field Mouse.

Snowflakes appear on Chesterfield building to support The Children’s Hospital Charity

sheff childrens snowflakes

Several snowflakes have been lit up on the prominent Homes by Holmes building on Saltergate in Chesterfield, to support the charity’s annual appeal.

Each snowflake has been sponsored by a local resident or business, helping the hospital to continue its vital work in funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world.

Find out more about the 2023 Snowflakes appeal. 

Greatest Hits Radio supports Mission Christmas Appeal

Greatest Hits Radio is supporting the Mission Christmas fundraiser by the Cash For Kids Charity. Presenter, Ken Bruce explained how people can get involved:

Rosewood Wealth Management, Chesterfield FC, Leverton UK, Paperclip, The Children’s Hospital Charity, and Greatest Hits Radio 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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Funding scheme for green innovation scoops national award

A programme that supports organisations to develop green energy and carbon reduction schemes in Derbyshire has won a category at this year’s Innovation Awards.

The Green Entrepreneurs Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby and Derbyshire County Council, is a £2 million grant fund open to individuals and organisations based in the county looking to invest in and develop projects that support the drive towards the UK’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.

The programme team picked up the Sustainability Innovation Champion – Organisation category at the Innovation Awards, organised by the Technology Supply Chain, a membership organisation that connects UK innovative manufacturing, engineering and technology companies to grants, funded support and new opportunities. The awards recognise, reward and celebrate the companies, individuals and organisations dedicated to innovation. The national awards ceremonies attract thousands of entries from across the UK and beyond in four main categories: innovators, individual innovators, innovation champions and innovation thought leaders.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery, Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to win this award in recognition of our partnership with Derbyshire County Council that supports so many innovative projects in the county as we move towards net zero carbon. It is inspiring to see the resourcefulness and creativity of individuals and organisations here in Derbyshire, and it is rewarding to be able to contribute towards initiatives that are making a real difference to our sustainable future.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We recognise the contribution our business community can make towards meeting our target of becoming a net zero county by 2050.

“We’re proud that through the Green Entrepreneurs Programme and our partnership with the University of Derby, we’ve been able to support local firms to develop green energy and cut carbon emissions as part of our net-zero ambitions.”

Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain, added: “The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward innovation across the UK and internationally. Our winners are considered best-in-class and it is a pleasure to celebrate their achievements. This is a great win for the work done by the University of Derby in supporting SMEs in their region with much needed green innovation.”

Find out more about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme. To find out about the latest support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

eco busines green recycle suatinability

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Taste Restaurant at Chesterfield College undergoes dramatic refurbishment

Chesterfield College’s Taste Restaurant has undergone a dramatic transformation after its extensive refurbishment this Autumn. The renovation includes new flooring throughout, an updated bar, cocktail station and Art Deco design features.

Taste Restaurant is operated by college students under the watchful eye of their tutors, all of which hold a wealth of industry experience. It’s a fully licensed restaurant offering themed, as well as à la Carte menus.

Running these facilities gives learners experience of working in a commercial environment, delivering high quality food and service to paying customers, to gain the knowledge required for a successful career in the catering and hospitality industry.

A hidden gem in Chesterfield, Taste is open, during term time, not just to college students and staff but also to the public. Businesses are also encouraged to hold meetings and lunches in the restaurant and a pop-up workspace offer also includes unlimited hot drinks and Wi-Fi for those looking for a comfortable and relaxing space to work from or take meetings.

Bookings are recommended. For all bookings and enquires please email taste@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 01246 500500 ext. 1964. Alternatively, message their Facebook page.

Caleb Wilkes, Vocational Lead of Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College, explains: “We are a learner-led restaurant offering our students valuable hands-on experience to help them succeed. Our learners prepare and cook all the food, prepare and serve all the drinks and plan our events.

We have just finished refurbishment and we are back better than ever! Due to our brand-new bar, our learners gain experience using the latest industry-standard equipment, giving themselves the skills and knowledge they need to be successful out in industry. This also means our drinks offering has been further extended to give customers a fantastic array to choose from.

“We already welcome in the local community on a regular basis, but we would love to see more of you! We will be holding an open day for the community to come down and experience what we have on offer on Wednesday 24th January, 12pm – 2pm. We hope to see you there!”

Find out more about eating out in Chesterfield.

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

Taste restaurant refurbishment

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New hires and promotions announced for Chesterfield Champions

Three Chesterfield businesses have announced new hires and promotions in recent weeks.

Banner Jones Solicitors, Shorts Accountants and Pinelog Ltd. have all bolstered their teams, showcasing further growth of their respective organisations.

Read more about the new team members from across the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions below.

Pinelog welcomes new Production Manager

Steve Betts - Pinelog

Steve Betts has joined Chesterfield-based timber lodge manufacturer Pinelog Limited as Production Manager.

He brings a wealth of experience in manufacturing, engineering and fabrication to his role at Pinelog, one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury timber lodges and buildings.

Within his new role, Steve will support Pinelog’s detail driven process, from design conception, manufacture, delivery, installation, and customer handover.

Steve commented: “I’m a process driven person, with years of experience in fine tuning production and developing teams’ skillsets. I’m excited to see how I can support Pinelog’s vision.”

Steve’s employment background spans a number of blue-chip companies, including Toyota in both Derby and Japan for 17 years. Most recently, Steve worked in a consultancy role for a modular building manufacturer in the north of the UK.

He explained: “I first became aware of Pinelog when I visited Mercia Marina holiday park in Derby in my previous role and saw one of the company’s timber lodges. I was impressed by Pinelog’s quality.

“I am delighted to now be working for a company with such high standards of design and production. The attention to detail is unrivalled. Pinelog’s products stand apart in the timber lodge market.”

As well as the production of complete timber holiday lodges, in his new role Steve will also be overseeing the production of the commercial buildings designed and built by Pinelog which are also manufactured at the company’s Chesterfield site.

Steve’s appointment is just one of a number of new management appointments Pinelog has created following its move to a new, larger site in Chesterfield in 2023. Earlier this year Pinelog appointed Judy Barwell to the position of Sales Account Manager.

Welcoming Steve to the role, Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, said: “Steve’s comprehensive background in production and management within a number of industries provides us with a springboard for further developing our own best in class processes.”

New recruit bolsters Business Legal Services team at Banner Jones

Tim Barley Banner Jones

Regional law firm Banner Jones has welcomed back Property Executive Tim Barley who returned to the firm in August.

Tim has commenced a 2-year Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship with Banner Jones and begins studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), following which he will be a fully qualified solicitor.

Originally joining Banner Jones in 2018, Tim will now work alongside Head of Business Legal Services, Andrew Fielder, to support with both commercial property and corporate work.

Having previously specialised in residential property matters including leasehold enfranchisement claims for landlords and tenants, his return to the firm will see him further his expert knowledge in a range of Business Legal Services.

Andrew Fielder, Head of Business Legal Services at Banner Jones, said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Tim back to the firm, and to be supporting him with his apprenticeship.

“He is an extremely passionate and capable trainee, and we know he will be a huge asset to both the team and our clients.”

Further commenting on Tim’s return to Banner Jones to complete his Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship, Andrew said it was ‘indicative of the firm’s commitment to investing in talent’, adding: “As a firm, we see the huge value in company-funded training to enable our employees to achieve their ambitions.

“This is evidenced in the fact that we currently have nine Trainee Solicitors on the 2-year LPC route based across our offices in Chesterfield, Mansfield and Sheffield, as well as 2 Chesterfield-based Trainee Solicitor apprentices and various others undertaking CILEx and Licensed Conveyancing qualifications.

“We are delighted that not only are we helping our staff reach their potential, but also providing our clients with a high quality of service.”

Tim Barley added: “It feels great to be returning to such a great firm and to be assisting Andrew Fielder.

“The firm as a whole has an unrivalled reputation for delivering accessible, customer service-led legal services and that’s something I am equally passionate about.”

Shorts promotes Kirstie Wilson to Audit and Accounts Director

Shorts Kirstie

Shorts has announced the promotion of Kirstie Wilson to the position of Audit and Accounts Director with immediate effect.

Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an Audit and Accounts Senior, Kirstie has demonstrated exceptional dedication and aptitude, earning promotions to Manager in 2018 and then Senior Manager in 2021.

Her progression to Director is testament to her exemplary skills and continued commitment to excellence, and to the active role she has played in the development of our corporate team during that time.

On confirming her promotion, Audit and Accounts Partner Howard Freeman said: “Kirstie’s promotion is very much deserved, and she has worked hard to achieve it.

“As Director, Kirstie will take on the role of Engagement Leader on a portfolio of our clients, will hold Responsible Individual (RI) status, and in due course will be able to sign audit reports on behalf of the firm, in addition to leading non-audit work.

“A fantastic achievement, as Kirstie will be the first non-partner to hold this position in Shorts. She will also take on the role of engagement leader for most of our charity clients, having obtained the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting earlier this year.”

Kirstie said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Audit and Accounts Director at Shorts, and I’m proud to take the next step on my professional journey.

“Shorts provide an excellent environment for learning and development, and my promotion demonstrates the genuine commitment within the firm to support the team with structured career paths.

“I am very much looking forward to working with existing and future clients and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.”

Kirstie is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a Diploma in Charity Accounting. She is a Xero certified adviser, proficient in many cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and Sage and has experience working with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses.

In December 2022 Kirstie was also appointed the youngest ever Trustee at Ashgate Hospice. She can be contacted by calling 0114 2671617 / 01244 559955 and more information can be found at shorts.uk.com.

Find out more about why Chesterfield is the ideal location to base your business here.

Pinelog, Banner Jones Solicitors and Shorts 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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