Chesterfield

“A perfect location to live, work and play” – Chesterfield property firms highlight advantages of Derbyshire’s largest town

Property firms are shining a light on why Chesterfield is an excellent location to live and work, with the launch of a compelling new promotional film.

The new Why Chesterfield, Why Now? film, featuring insights from key figures in the local property industry, showcases the numerous advantages and opportunities Derbyshire’s largest town offers residents and investors alike.

Major housing schemes and development opportunities

A digger and construction worker on a Stancliffe Homes development

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director of The Devonshire Group, kicks off the video at the Mastin Moor investment on the northeast side of Chesterfield. The ambitious project includes 650 new homes, later living facilities, a new local centre, and approximately 50 acres of parkland. Byrne says Chesterfield is a great place to invest and closes the film by praising the town as a great environment in which “to live and to work and to play.”

Andrew comments: “Chesterfield is a great place to invest. The population of Chesterfield is estimated to grow by about 9,000 between now and 2035. Those people are going to require homes. So it’s important that we start that process as early as we can.

“It is a thriving market town, it’s a good sized town, it’s got good education, and it’s got that playground of the Peak District National Park on its doorstep.”

Waterside Quarter development proves Chesterfield’s appeal

Avant homes Waterside Quarter

During the video, Jack Staples from Avant Homes shares progress from the Waterside Quarter development, launched in 2020. Avant has successfully sold all 170 new properties on the development, proving Chesterfield’s appeal. Staples highlights Chesterfield’s abundance of amenities and excellent transport links.

Speaking on-site at Waterside, Jack said: “We’ve got just over 170 new properties. We’ve just sold our final homes on the development. In terms of amenities, transport links, Chesterfield offers a lot, but without that city price tag.”

Historic market town attracts families and commuters from London

Birdseye view of Chesterfield market place with stalls and people

Emma Liversidge, Land and New Homes Manager at Redbrik, emphasises the charm of Chesterfield as a historic market town with a village atmosphere. She notes the community’s friendliness, making it an attractive family destination.

“Every corner you turn in Chesterfield, there’s a new development popping up. It is a historic market town, but I think it does have that sort of village atmosphere. Everyone’s very friendly, everyone knows each other, which attracts families to the area. There’s quite a lot of commuters that are settling in Chesterfield, because it’s got the good schools, it’s on the edge of the Peak District, but mainly it has really good transport links.

Attracting hybrid workers with superb quality of life

Blue Puffin Billy train driving past at Queen's Park

Queen’s Park, Chesterfield town centre

Tom Ward, Sales and Marketing Consultant at Redbrik, sheds light on the influx of hybrid workers relocating to Chesterfield from London for the town’s affordable housing. He commented: “With Chesterfield having a train to London we’ve had a lot more people moving from London, maybe they only need to be in the office for one day a week. So it’s easy to come up here, we’ve got housing that’s more affordable, but you can still have that connection.”

Jamie Wajs, Managing Director of LimeLiving Estate Agents, echoes Ward’s sentiments when talking about Chesterfield’s growing appeal with the rise of hybrid working and flexibility. Wajs notes that many people who previously moved away have returned, recognising Chesterfield’s proximity to major cities and its convenient Peak District National Park access.

Jamie said: “We’ve seen relocation being at the forefront really of the majority of buyers coming in. We are finding also that, since the pandemic, hybrid working has come to be a lot more popular now and flexibility, and that people have come back to Chesterfield as well that have previously moved away. I think when you look at what’s around us here, we’re not too far from any of the major cities, but then you’re only minutes drive from the Peak National Park.”

The film paints a compelling picture of Chesterfield, showcasing its growth, community spirit, and investment potential. As Chesterfield continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the balance the town offers, making it a welcoming and increasingly attractive location for families, investors, and remote workers.

For more information on living in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

To discover why Chesterfield is an excellent location to invest and grow your business, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

5 ways to beat the winter blues and support your wellbeing in Chesterfield

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

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

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

Get outdoors and explore our glorious green spaces

Family enjoying nature and supporting their wellbeing in queens park

Queen’s Park, Chesterfield

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

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

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

Burn off those Christmas calories

Queen Park Sport Centre gym exercise wellbeing class

Queen’s Park Sports Centre

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

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

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

Indulge in a relaxing spa day

Couple enjoying the spa at ringwood hall

Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa

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

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

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

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

Sian Spencer-Bray Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic

Sian Spencer-Bray, Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic Chesterfield

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

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

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

Make memories with family and friends

Crowds enjoying food at colourful market in Chesterfield

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

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

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

East Midlands Chamber secures £8.9m funding to deliver new generation of business support

Businesses in the region are to receive a significant boost to their operations with a helping hand from East Midlands Chamber’s new generation of business support.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has secured £8.9m of public funding until March 2025 to deliver its Accelerator project, which aims to provide one seamless point of entry for relevant business support.

It comprises key activities under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance, with the aim of helping companies at all stages of their development to start, sustain, grow and innovate.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator project brings together a number of publicly-funded contracts including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda to enhance communities, businesses and skills; Innovate UK EDGE, which helps innovative SMEs to grow and achieve scale; and Made Smarter East Midlands, which assists manufacturers in switching to advanced and automated technologies.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme has been carefully designed to provide businesses across the district with the right support, at the right time.

“At the heart of the project is a team of locally-based advisers and specialists, employed by the Chamber, who will offer high-intensity support to businesses seeking to grow, create new jobs or exploit technology to improve performance.

“Working with an adviser or specialist will be a key ingredient for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support and a diagnostics report will show them where best to point their energies.”

Key activities will be delivered under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance to help businesses achieve the following:

  • Develop new-to-the-firm technologies
  • Improve productivity
  • Safeguard and create jobs
  • Adopt new digital technologies and processes
  • Engage in new markets
  • Improve productivity
  • Introduce new products and services
  • Increase revenue
  • Make progress on their journey to net zero.

The Net Zero Accelerator will build on the success of the Sustainable East Midlands campaign to deliver events, workshops, and the opportunity for an energy-saving and improvement opportunities audit.

Other investment themes include increasing investment in research and development at local level, with a focus on commercialising ideas and accelerating the path to market; improving training hubs, incubators and accelerators to support entrepreneurs and start-ups through the early stages of development and growth; and taking a whole systems approach to infrastructure investment that delivers effective decarbonisation across energy, buildings and transport.

While the Accelerator programme is open to participation from all sectors, there is recognition that manufacturing, visitor economy, retail and services businesses are critically important sectors that warrant targeted support.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme will build on the success of the Growth Hub service via a range of fully-funded action-planning workshops delivered locally on topics such as finance, carbon efficiency, HR and digital marketing.

Working with a locally-based business adviser or specialist will be the first port of call for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support. Diagnostics will be assessed, and a business action plan produced through the Balanced Scorecard strategic management system model.

Growth vouchers worth up to £2,000 – covering 100% intervention – will be available for specialist or sector-specific training or consultancy advice, in addition to support for identifying and accessing grant funding.

Businesses employing more than five people and with a turnover of £100,000 are invited to apply for a Chamber subsidy covering the £750 cost of joining the Help to Grow: Management course being delivered by the region’s universities, with the remaining cost of attendance covered by a Government subsidy.

The course provides an excellent opportunity for senior managers and leaders to engage with and learn from their peers.

Collaboration is very much the theme too for the Chamber’s East Midlands Manufacturing Network, in which manufacturers have the opportunity to share best practice and seek advice during local forums that take place every six weeks.

Businesses interested in benefitting from this next generation of business support are invited to contact the Chamber’s Information team on 0333 320 0333, info@emc-dnl.co.uk to arrange an exploratory meeting with a business adviser.

Upcoming events delivered as part of the Accelerator programme include:

  • 2 November: Building a high-performance team
  • 7 November: WordPress masterclass
  • 14 November: Negotiating sales through excellent customer care
  • 15 November: Getting started with paid advertising
  • 21 November: Managing finance

Workshops will be held in person at various locations across the districts.

For a full list of East Midlands Accelerator events, visit bit.ly/AcceleratorEvents

Find out more about support available to businesses based in Chesterfield.

Commerce House, East Midlands Chamber

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

Regional leaders urge government to upgrade Midland Main Line rail infrastructure

Rishi Sunak has been urged to ‘switch on’ the East Midlands rail network as fast as possible by accelerating work to electrify the region’s main link to London.

The Midland Main Line carries 3.75 million passenger journeys a year between Chesterfield, Derby, Leicester and London, but trains still have to travel on diesel power for part of the journey – impacting emissions, reliability and the time it takes to travel.

While the Midland Main Line section between London and Bedford was switched to electric power in the 1980s, the final section into the heart of the East Midlands still hasn’t been upgraded 40 years on.

Now, the region’s local authorities have come together under the banner of East Midlands Councils to call on government to name the date when work will start on a project that has been planned for years and was highlighted as a transport priority two years ago in government’s Integrated Rail Plan.

Sir Peter Soulsby, the elected Mayor of Leicester who also chairs Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) said: “In the wake of the decision to cancel HS2, our message to the Government is simple and unequivocal – name the date for Midland Mainline electrification, sign the project off and switch on the East Midlands rail network.

“If we’re not proceeding with high-speed rail then we must upgrade our existing infrastructure as a matter of urgency. Midland Main Line will be able to offer a better service for more people on upgraded trains if the final stretch into the East Midlands is at last electrified.”

Sir Peter added: “We need to change Westminster’s attitude towards transport investment in the East Midlands. We receive too little, it takes too long, and the huge potential of our businesses and communities is not being fulfilled. This has to change if we’re to power up our future.”

As it stands, 80% of the environmental benefits of travelling by train instead of car can be lost due to the emissions from locomotives moving under diesel power. Diesel trains are also noisier, and impact air quality along the line and in stations.

East Midlands Councils has set out the case for Midland Mainline electrification in a new report called ‘The Future is Electric’. Produced by expert transport analysts, the report shows that:

  • Midland Main Line adds £450m a year to the economy
  • Passenger numbers on the line have more than doubled since the 1990s
  • Midland Main Line’s catchment is more densely populated than either West Coast or East Coast mainlines
  • But while they are fully electrified, Midland Main Line is not
  • Fully electric trains will be cheaper to operate, faster and more reliable
  • Midland Main Line’s diesel operations emit 48,000 tonnes of CO2 a year
  • Experience shows an electrification programme will benefit local jobs and businesses first

The push to speed up electrification of the Midland Main Line is being supported by East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands of firms across the region and is the biggest organisation of its type in the UK.

Its director of policy, Chris Hobson, said: “We cannot cancel our way to economic growth and we want to see government end years of uncertainty by committing to electrify the last leg of the Midland Main Line now. In the space of the last seven years, this project has been paused, cancelled and then revived. It needs to be delivered.

“We already have teams of engineers working to electrify the line as far as South Wigston in Leicestershire. At a time when government is concerned about funding, it would make absolute sense to electrify the next stage as soon as this work is completed so that we avoid the costs and delays involved in having to remobilise a specialist workforce.

“The decision to cancel HS2 has been a bitter blow for a region that has both rail engineering expertise and huge potential for expansion. Given the growth challenges our economy faces, we cannot afford to wait any longer for an investment that is long overdue – Midland Main Line electrification must happen now.”

Electrification of the final section of the Midland Main Line would also become part of a much wider electrically-powered rail corridor, joining up with government’s Network North plan for electrification of the Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield, the line between Leeds and Sheffield, and enhancements between Nottingham and Newark.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This isn’t just about the Midland Main Line finally receiving the investment it needs. It also makes strategic sense to upgrade the line so that it becomes part of a regional and national electrified rail network.”

Chesterfield rail train station

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

Why build a career in Property and Construction?

Are you interested in a practical or professional career? Something that would make the most of your problem-solving skills and your eye for detail? Then why not consider getting into the property and construction sector with an apprenticeship in Chesterfield? With 17,500 extra workers needed in the East Midlands by 2027 and 10 local development sites being monitored across the borough, now is an exciting time to get involved.

But where to start on your job hunt – with so many options to choose from? Careers Made in Chesterfield showcases the wide range of opportunities available through workshops and placements with local businesses.

Man in a fleece which says 'Stepnell'

Careers Made in Chesterfield workshop – Stepnell

Lauren, a trainee preconstruction estimator who works for Henry Boot Construction, was one of the individuals involved – check out her video below:


Lauren, Henry Boot Construction

We spoke to Lauren and three other apprentices across the sector: a joiner, a roofer, and an assistant property manager. They gave us three strong reasons why they love their jobs. Which was exactly what we needed to help answer your question: Why build a career in property and construction?

1. Every day is different

Not only can you choose from a variety of jobs in property and construction, but within each role there is a range of responsibilities to be undertaken. Dale, an apprentice joiner at Stepnell, might find himself erecting stud walls one day and hanging doors the next. Working on different sites means taking on different roles, and each location presents different challenges:

“I like the variety of work with no two sites being the same. I can be working on any of Stepnell’s sites in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire and all of them are very different. I’ve worked on several school sites recently. This has included doing some traditional work on the roof at Anthony Gell School. Usually, roof trusses would be made off-site and brought in but we couldn’t do that there. So, we repaired the timbers on-site.”

Man in hard hat and high vis vest drilling into wooden wall

Dale, Stepnell

Plus, you’ll be working with lots of different people. Whether it’s a new team, residents of an estate or owners of a business premises. This adds further diversity to your role. George is an apprentice in property management at Roy Peters Estates and finds this one of the most enjoyable elements of his job:

“I enjoy meeting new people and growing my knowledge of the industry. No two days are the same. I get to think on my feet and use my initiative to ensure our management clients and tenants get the best service I can offer. Being able to travel to see interesting property and to meet interesting people adds a lot of variety to the work.”

Man in shirt and tie sitting at a computer desk on the phone

George, Roy Peters Estates

2. You’ll always find new challenges

For many of us, doing the same thing every day can get boring. But the pace of jobs in the property and construction sector means plenty of new things to learn. That means you will always be growing and developing your skillset. Lots of apprentices find the practical nature of their roles, as well as the need to be able to use their initiative, helps keep things interesting in their working day. This is important for William, who is Dalton Roofing‘s apprentice roofer:

“I enjoy the roofing maintenance side of my job the most. It is a problem-solving exercise to ensure you get to the bottom of an issue, which is interesting. I also enjoy being active in my work and being hands on. Plus, there are so many different roof types, so each day has new things to tackle.”

Dalton Roofing apprentice

William, Dalton Roofing

This applies to other areas of the industry too. As a trainee preconstruction estimator, Lauren’s job involves planning for projects and thinking about materials, costs and staffing:

“It is a very high paced industry, but I love the different type of work we receive. It keeps me on my toes with all the different projects I’m working on. I enjoy coming to work and learning new things every single day. Having an apprenticeship encourages me to thrive and develop my skills at work and at college. I get site experience and an amazing team in the office to work with, who are supportive and drive me on to do my best.”

Woman sitting at a computer desk

Lauren, Henry Boot

3. Skills for life

You’ve probably heard it said, “Get a trade under your belt, you’ll have skills for life”. The reason this is such a common phrase is because it’s true! By taking on an apprenticeship in property and construction, you’ll not only build a career, but you’ll develop abilities which you can use in your personal life, too.

There’s also good job security within the industry, as the practical skills are useful in lots of ways and to lots of people. Lauren tells us it’s a big part of why she thinks a job in the sector is a good choice for anyone:

“Just do it. It is an industry that will never die. Society will always need properties and construction, there will always be jobs in this industry. There are a wide range of jobs in the industry too, including ones you wouldn’t think of.”

Dale agrees, saying:

“I wanted to have a trade that would stay with me for the rest of my life. There are endless opportunities and, if you are prepared to work hard and learn, you will succeed.”

Still wondering whether a career in property and construction could be for you? There are many reasons to give it a go, and the ones we’ve talked about are just the beginning. Start your journey by checking out the apprenticeships available in Chesterfield today.

Need some support? The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have several platforms that can support careers in construction, along with funding for apprenticeships and work experience. Check out the links below:

Employers can also explore the Into Work grant webpage, which offers financial support to those who offer an initial work experience placement through to employment.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , , , , ,

Leading industrial automation and electrical engineering firm opens new headquarters in Chesterfield

One of Ireland’s leading industrial automation and electrical engineering companies has opened its UK headquarters in the centre of Chesterfield today.

NeoDyne’s newly recruited team, based at the company’s state-of-the-art Spire Walk office, was joined at the launch by Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education; local councillors Jenny Flood and Keith Miles, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council Amanda Serjeant; and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield.

Referring to Chesterfield’s long history of engineering excellence, Matt Close, UK Business Lead, said NeoDyne was harnessing the area’s potential and local talent to guarantee the success of the office. “Chesterfield was the ideal location to base our UK headquarters, with its accessibility to the midlands and the north,” he said. “We are proud to invest in and support the local economy and to work closely with Destination Chesterfield to champion the area.”

Matt Close joined NeoDyne at the start of the year, bringing over 25 years’ experience of working with leading UK automation and engineering companies. He will head up the Chesterfield team.

2_NeoDyne team with Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant Dep Leader Chesterfield Borough Council

Introducing Matt, Martin Farrell, NeoDyne MD, said, “With his industrial background, knowledge of our sectors and business connections, Matt brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the team. Matt has already grown our UK operation to 15 engineers with plans for significant further expansion. I am confident our UK office will go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

The launch was also attended by representatives from local universities, including Sam Trafford, Andrea Huidan and Greg Stewart, University of Sheffield; and Joe Hockney and John Sorsby, Sheffield Hallam University.

Thanking them for attending, Matt said, “Working with local institutions like Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield has helped us build a talented and skilled UK-based team. This talent pipeline is another key factor behind our decision to base ourselves in Chesterfield. We are committed to partnering with local universities to help develop future engineering talent through placement and graduate recruitment programmes.”

Toby Perkins MP said: “I am delighted to be joining NeoDyne for the opening ceremony of their new premises in Chesterfield. It is a real show of confidence in our town that NeoDyne has chosen to open here, bringing with them new jobs, and helping to boost the local economy. The company is bringing in highly-skilled jobs and will be a welcome addition to the strong engineering and manufacturing base we have here in Chesterfield.

“Manufacturing in Chesterfield has changed from the days when thousands turned up at factory gates every morning, but still there are products across the world, that are ‘Made in Chesterfield’. “I look forward to formally welcoming NeoDyne to our town and discussing their plans for the future.”

NeoDyne has enjoyed continued growth since its launch in 1998 and employs more than 170 automation, electrical, and IT engineers in six offices across the UK and Ireland.

As a leading industrial automation and electrical engineering solutions and services provider, the company has more than 300 customers, including large multinationals in pharma, high-end food and beverage manufacturing and energy.

Looking to expand or relocate your organisation? Find out why Chesterfield is the perfect location to base your business here.

NeoDyne team with Toby Perkins MP

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

Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s maternity services rated ‘good’ by inspectors

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been rated as ‘Good’ in maternity services, following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which happened in May.

The inspection, carried out by the CQCs national maternity services inspection programme, aims to provide an up-to-date view of the quality of hospital maternity care across the country and a better understanding of what is working well to support learning and improvement at a local and national level. This latest inspection covered the ‘safe’ and ‘well-led’ areas of the CQC questions.

The Trust’s overall Maternity Services have also been rated as ‘good’ – which remains the case since May 2020.

Krishna Kallianpur, Chief Nurse, said: “This is great news for the Trust and something we are very proud to announce. It is incredibly challenging for Trusts to reach this standard of care in maternity services and is testament to a lot of hard work by colleagues at all levels.

“I am particularly pleased that the CQC recognised and highlighted such a positive culture where colleagues feel respected, supported and valued. It’s important to all of us across the Trust to be able to raise concerns without fear and this, too, was raised as a positive with leaders being visible and approachable.

“Our goal is for continuous improvement and development, so working with organisations such as Derbyshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership and directly with our communities, I feel we can continue to learn and develop and continue to strive as well as celebrate this achievement together.”

The inspectors also recognised the leadership team’s skills and abilities of colleagues managing the service.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, said: “I very much welcome this report and the findings of this inspection. It’s great to see that the CQC saw the service was there for people when they needed us and all colleagues were committed to improving to ensure people receive a high standard of care. This highlights again that we continue to do more and more to ensure we are recommended as a place to not only work but receive great care. It is a huge positive for Chesterfield Royal Hospital especially against the challenges maternity care is facing nationally.”

Inspectors found the following during this inspection:

  • Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work.
  • Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent.
  • Staff worked well together for the benefit of people using the service, and understood how to protect people from abuse.
  • The service controlled infection risk well.
  • Staff assessed risks to people using the service, acted on them and kept good care records.
  • Safety incidents were managed well and lessons learned from them.
  • The service engaged well with people and the community to plan and manage services.
  • Staff were focused on the needs of those receiving care.

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.

royal hospital aerial shot

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

Derbyshire tourism attractions win prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

Five tourism businesses from across the Peak District and Derbyshire are celebrating success after winning coveted accolades – including two prestigious Gold awards – at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

The finalists competed against hundreds of tourism businesses from across the country to reach the awards ceremony which was hosted by TV presenter Alex Polizzi at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter on Wednesday 7 June.

Top spots were taken by the Blind Bull at Little Hucklow near Buxton, who won the Gold Pub of the Year award, and Peak District-based outdoor activity provider Pure Outdoor, winners of the Gold Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.

National recognition was also received by Great British Car Journey in Ambergate, who won the Bronze New Tourism Business of the Year award; Wildhive Callow Hall near Ashbourne, winners of the Bronze Small Hotel of the Year award; and myGuidedWalks, who won the Bronze Experience of the Year award for their Peak District Walking Experience.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence champion quality, innovation and best practice across the tourism industry, recognising businesses and individuals who raise the bar of England’s tourism offer.

This year’s awards aligned with 16 local competitions from across England, including the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence represent the highest accolades in English tourism and so we’re incredibly proud that the Peak District and Derbyshire has received national recognition with not one but five prestigious awards.

“These awards are a timely reminder of the value and quality of our world-class tourism offer, and of the commitment and dedication of the talented businesses and individuals who work so hard to provide visitors with experiences to remember.

“Winning at an aligned local competition is the only way to qualify for these national awards, so we encourage businesses to look out for applications opening for the 2024 awards in the coming weeks.”

Raab Dykstra-McCarthy, Owner and Manager of The Blind Bull, Gold winners in the Pub of the Year category, said: “We are over the moon to win Gold in the Pub of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. For a small, independently owned pub in a tiny village in the heart of the glorious Peak District, to be recognised nationally, after being open for less than three years, is just such an incredible feeling and rather unbelievable. Full credit goes to our wonderful team who really are the heart and soul of The Blind Bull. Finally, a huge thank you to our customers for continuing to support us!”

Guy Wilson, Founder of Pure Outdoor, Gold winners in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism category, said: “We’re so pleased to receive the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Gold Award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. We’re passionate about being a better business and look to continue developing in this area over the coming years. I’d like to thank all staff involved in growing our business not just for profit, but for people and the planet too.”

Richard Usher, Founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey, Bronze winners in the New Tourism Business of the Year category, said: “What a phenomenal journey the last two years have been for Great British Car Journey. To be recognised in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence has just blown us all away. We knew we had something special when we opened the museum in May 2021, but to have it confirmed is wonderful.
“It’s onwards and upwards for Great British Car Journey. We have many exciting plans in the pipeline which will ensure we continue to stand out in both the classic car and visitor attraction market.”

Paul Smith, Founder and Guide at myGuidedWalks, Bronze winners in the Experience of the Year category, said: “MyGuidedWalks are thrilled to have won Bronze for Experience of the Year at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. This is a huge honour for us, and we are so grateful to our customers, family, friends and other Peak District and Derbyshire businesses for their support. A big special thanks also to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire team for their support and training over the last 5 years.
“At myGuidedWalks, we are committed to providing unforgettable walking and nature based experiences in the Peak District National Park for our guests, and we will continue to work hard to make www.myGuidedWalks.co.uk the best it can be.”

Ed Burrows D.L., Co-Founder of Wildhive Callow Hall, Bronze winners in the Small Hotel of the Year category, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received an award for Wildhive Callow Hall at this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. The team are so proud to receive such recognition from the panel of judges as one of the top hotels in the country. Everyone involved with Wildhive has worked so hard to open the hotel and ensure amazing experiences for our guests and now as we approach our two year anniversary this September, we have lots to celebrate!”

Great British Car Journey - Bronze Winners in the New Tourism Business of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

Great British Car Journey – Bronze Winners in the New Tourism Business of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023. Image by VisitBritain, Daniela Luquini

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

Mortgage 1st acquires Peak Mortgages

Chesterfield mortgage brokerage, Mortgage 1st recently announced the acquisition of Peak Mortgages & Protection.

Formed in 2008 the family-run company has grown exponentially.  During that time they placed over 10,000 mortgages in arranging £1.67 billion of lending.  They have also recently been recognised for their achievements winning a national industry award.

The move will see Mortgage 1st increase to over 70 staff and follows the launch of their insurance brand, Protection 1st.

Mortgage 1st Directors Jon Stones said: “The opportunity to bring Peak into Mortgage 1st is a unique and ideal scenario.  One that will see us continue to grow but also maintain our culture.  We’re excited to welcome everyone from Peak into our team.  We can’t wait to see how both brands continue to grow alongside one another.”

Rhys Schofield founder of Peak Mortgages & Protection says: “We are extremely proud and privileged to be a part of Mortgage 1st.  Working alongside like-minded people who share the same drive and dedication was an absolute must for me. Jon and Lisa have built a wonderful brand.  Visiting their head office I knew this was the perfect home for Peak.”

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mortgage First team receive an award

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Young people help create ‘Garden of Imagination’ for new Festival

Children from Spire Junior School, Sharley Park Community Primary School, and New Bolsover Primary School have been working with artists to create an immersive art piece called The Garden of Imagination.

Junction Arts have commissioned the  ‘Garden of Imagination’ for the Chesterfield Children’s Festival. Theatre practitioner Monika Johnson, musician Phil Pearson and visual artist Rachel Scanlon are creating the immersive art piece.

Taking the form of a children’s bedroom at the festival for children to enjoy and engage with. There will be elements to play with, including sound sensors and fantasy characters.

The artists spoke to local primary schools to share ideas with the children about childhood and play. Collecting stories from the children to create a performance that will run alongside the “Garden of Imagination”.

Artist Monika Johnson said: “We are excited to work with Junction Arts to create a new immersive children’s theatre piece.

“We are creating a bedroom outside! It’s a bit of a tipsy topsy dream-like setting with some strange items in unusual places. We hope that families will enjoy interacting and playing with our set.   They will be able to change the music and sound effects themselves and become part of the performance.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place at Queen’s Park on the 29th and 30th of July, from 10 am – 4 pm daily.

The festival is free to attend and will have family-friendly acts and activities taking place over the weekend. These will include a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, circus skills, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face painting, and live music.

Music and live theatre will also take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend.

For more information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK

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.

Garden of Imagination workshop at Spire Junior

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Chesterfield bids for businesses with over a million sq ft of new commercial property

A new and ambitious growth strategy for Chesterfield, the largest town in Derbyshire best known for its industrial heritage, historic architecture and proximity to the Peak District, has today been shared with potential investors at UKREiiF, a major real estate and infrastructure investment event, as well as details of commercial property projects that will deliver more than a million square feet of new high-quality office and industrial space over the next two years.

Speaking at the event, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said that Chesterfield was delivering consistent and sustainable business growth, and had seen interest in its commercial space increase from both local startups and companies considering relocation to the town since the pandemic lockdowns.

DR Huw Bowen UKREiiF Harworth Panel

Dr. Huw Bowen speaks on Harworth panel at UKREiiF

Data shared in Chesterfield’s growth strategy reveal that the town’s business population has grown by more than a fifth (21 per cent) in the last decade and created 2,000 new jobs, including 1,800 high-value roles in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and professional services. Chesterfield aims to attract a further 400 businesses and 2,000 more jobs to the town by 2030.

Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting, either through direct investment or public-private partnerships, a series of projects to provide high-quality commercial space for businesses. It has helped bring to market almost 300,000 square feet of modern office, industrial, manufacturing and logistics space since the start of 2022, and expects further new premises totalling more than one million square feet to become available by the middle of 2025.

Key commercial developments in the town include:

  • One Waterside Place: 35,000 square feet of Grade A office accommodation located within five minutes’ walk of Chesterfield’s mainline train station. The building provides high quality office space for larger businesses looking to relocate or expand. Opened in January 2023, two of the building’s six floors have already been taken by tenants.
  • Hartington Industrial Estate: a major industrial development in Staveley, an area of Chesterfield next to the M1 motorway. This project will create 800,000 square feet of new commercial floorspace, with multiple modern industrial and warehouse units measuring 20,000 square feet and more expected to become available in 2023.
  • Prospect Park: located just off the A61, the main road between Chesterfield and Sheffield, Prospect Park provides high-quality office space and plots for new advanced manufacturing, warehousing and distribution units ranging from 7,000 – 50,000 square feet.

Chesterfield has also earmarked several prime locations for new residential development as part of plans to build more than 4,000 new homes by 2035. The number of new homes built in the town has exceeded targets in the last three years, and data from Home.co.uk shows that residential properties in Chesterfield sell faster, on average, than in Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield is delivering consistent and sustainable growth, and becoming a destination of choice for entrepreneurs, knowledge workers and investors seeking a compelling work-life alternative to big cities. Our investments in assets, infrastructure, and partnerships are fuelling the transition to a higher-skilled, higher-wage economy. Our indigenous business base is growing, and we’ve seen enquiries from companies considering relocation to Chesterfield rocket since the pandemic.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Chesterfield is a great place to live, and now, an even better place to do business. We’re investing in high-quality commercial spaces, opening up opportunities for more high-quality homes, and creating an environment that nurtures both residents and entrepreneurs. With our strategic location, culture of invention and competitive cost base, Chesterfield is the perfect location for startups, scaleups, innovators and investors.”

Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

View the latest details around commercial property projects in Chesterfield in the latest Chesterfield Investment Prospectus here.

Chesterfield commercial property to be showcased

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