Hardwick Hall

Chesterfield Champions highlight talent development on National Careers Week

Across Chesterfield, businesses are stepping up, offering training, mentoring, and hands-on experiences to help individuals develop key skills and build successful careers.

National Careers Week (NCW) 2025 is a celebration of careers guidance, supporting young people as they explore future pathways.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town, showcasing its dedication to nurturing young talent, supporting career growth, and strengthening the local economy. By retaining and developing skilled professionals, the town aims to attract more employers and drive long-term investment.

Support is also available now for firms in the area to upskill their teams or take on new employees to tackle recruitment challenges across our key sectors.

Here’s how our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions is setting the example for future talent development.

Businesses build strong links with training providers to support careers

Dawn Brown, Owner of DogLand UK

Many local businesses are working closely with training providers to give young people real-world experience. DogLand, in partnership with Juniper Training, is supporting student development. Owner Dawn Brown expressed her enthusiasm for her young learner, William, stating: “He brings fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to learning. We’re proud to be supporting him in achieving his goals and aspirations.”

Juniper’s Jordan Mitchell reinforced the importance of such initiatives, ensuring that our young people are supported. He added: “Our core mission is supporting young people in our community. We offer a supportive, academic environment where students can thrive and are encouraged to exceed expectations, contributing to their success and the success of the community.”

Jordan Juniper training

Jordan Mitchell, Juniper Training

Companies like DBC Training are also supporting skills growth by offering flexible short courses that enhance employability. One learner who completed the Work In: Warehousing course, praised their tutor’s engaging approach, saying: “The content was detailed and motivational, and the experience has been invaluable.”

Nurturing talent in Chesterfield’s legal sector

Lauren Pickard – CMP Legal

In the legal sector, CMP Legal and Banner Jones Solicitors are both paving the way for aspiring solicitors. Trainee Solicitor Harrison Easley at CMP Legal shared his experience, highlighting the firm’s hands-on approach, which has accelerated his professional development: “Unlike larger firms, CMP Legal has provided a more tailored and supportive environment, offering dedicated one-on-one guidance that has been instrumental in my professional growth as well as providing access to numerous resources to develop my skills. Because of the small size of the firm, I have also felt that my ideas and opinions have been heard, especially ideas surrounding the improvement of existing processes and utilisation of technology to meet the increasing client demand of ‘more for less’ in the industry.”

Lauren Pickard, Executive Director at CMP Legal, emphasised: “By investing in young professionals, we contribute to both individual career development and the long-term success of our industry.”

Claudia Risorto, Banner Jones Solicitors

Similarly, Claudia Risorto, an apprentice solicitor at Banner Jones, praised the firm’s supportive environment in helping her gain practical experience while training: “I’m currently in the second year of a six-year solicitor apprenticeship. I believe it is a fantastic alternative to university because it provides real-world experience in a professional setting. Banner Jones has been incredibly supportive, allowing me to work across different departments and learn from experienced colleagues. This well-rounded approach is helping me build a strong foundation for my legal career.”

Hands-On Experience in Traditional and Emerging Industries

teddy stonemason hardwick

Teddy – Stonemason at Hardwick

Skills development in Chesterfield is helping to keep traditional industries alive and support our rich heritage. National Trust Hardwick Hall is training young stonemasons, with apprentice Teddy stating: “Learning from experienced professionals and knowing my work will stand the test of time is incredibly rewarding.”

Meanwhile on the other end of the spectrum, Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions is helping to develop the next digital innovators. Owner, Kevin Walker explained: “I’m working with the British Computer Society as an associate endpoint assessor, helping apprentices pass their qualifications and gain full-time employment.”

Kevin Walker Black Swan

Kevin Walker, Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions

Global Brands has also embraced key digital roles to gain a competitive advantage,  with Ryan Arnold, a Level 4 Data Analyst apprentice, sharing: “I was initially nervous about starting a role in which I had no experience, however the recruitment team and the onboarding process quickly settled my nerves.

“Over the first few months my team trained me on the technical and specific aspects of the job whilst giving me the opportunities to practice and apply my learnings in real time.” Read Ryan’s full case study.

Ryan Arnold, Global Brands Ltd

Ryan Arnold, Global Brands Ltd.

Encouraging Careers in Engineering and Construction

Carrie Booth stood in front of office entrance

Carrie Booth, BSP Consulting

Businesses such as BSP Consulting, Stepnell, and Ecotech Engineers are promoting careers in construction and engineering.

BSP Consulting has celebrated the success of apprentices like Josh Plumridge, who recently graduated with first-class honors in civil engineering. Carrie Booth, Business Development Manager said: “We are passionate about supporting the future workforce. In addition, we’ve provided work experience opportunities over the summer months for several students. We want to help and support the next generation.”

Stepnell, currently working on the Staveley 21 high street regeneration project, has dedicated 20% of its workforce to young professionals, offering multiple work experience placements to Chesterfield students. Stepnell’s Business Development Manager, Fay Paterson added: “Young people are crucial to our future, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm. We’ve also provided work experience to seven Chesterfield students and are committed to offering more opportunities through our projects.”

Fay Paterson, Stepnell

Fay Paterson, Stepnell

Ecotech Engineers is working with local schools to highlight careers in construction. Managing Director, Laura Holland said: “We’re starting a new initiative which supports schools, hoping to promote careers in our industry. By doing this, we’re also trying to remove some of the myths and stigma around women working in engineering.”

Woman stood in front of light wall smiling

Laura Holland, Ecotech engineers

Inspire Design & Development also prioritises professional development, with Gemma Feek, Commercial Executive, recently completing a Business Management degree apprenticeship while working for the company. Gemma comments: “Investing in young talent is vital for the future, and we’re proud to provide opportunities that help individuals develop and grow.”

Gemma Feek, Inspire Design & Development

Providing Workplace Insights and Career Guidance

louise bellwood

Louise Bellwood, Paperclip

Paperclip regularly hosts school pupils for work experience, helping them understand business operations. Director Louise Bellwood said: “As we grow, we continue to invest in training programs to upskill our team and provide shadowing opportunities for new employees.”

Anna Melton, In the Works PR

Anna Melton, In the Works PR

In The Works PR has seen several work experience students return as full-time employees, with some even going on to work in national media organisations. Director, Anna Melton reflected: “The company is 13 years old so now we are seeing some of our original work experience students establish themselves in their careers, I was watching the BBC news recently, and a presenter popped up who had previously joined us on work experience from Tupton Hall School. That was a proud moment!”

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Derbyshire’s Shine A Light festival marks another successful year

Shine A Light has been hailed a success for the second year running, with the after-dark spectacular attracting more than 6,000 visitors to Derbyshire attractions.

Crowds were dazzled by stunning large-scale audio-visual displays featuring awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in the season finale at Hardwick Hall on Friday and Saturday last week (17th and 18th February)

The weekend marked the end of an 8-date run at 4 iconic Derbyshire venues, which included Barrow Hill Roundhouse and most recently Hardwick Hall.

Delivered by internationally renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light was commissioned to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “The return of Shine A Light in 2022/23 promised to be even bigger and better – and it didn’t disappoint.

“We’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which provide excellent family entertainment for tourists and residents alike and I’m pleased to say we’ve had some fantastic feedback.

“Illuminos really are masters of their craft and we look forward to building on the success of the last 2 seasons of Shine A Light for a third run later this year – so watch this space!”

The cutting-edge animations ran at regular intervals throughout the events, with each display incorporating a live performance from a brass quartet featuring trumpeters and trombonists brought together by the Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership.

Matt Dillon, Visitor Experience and Operations Manager at Hardwick Hall, said: “We’re delighted to host Shine a Light in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, and for this wonderful opportunity to highlight the fascinating history of Hardwick and it’s proud former owner Bess.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Shine A Light has entertained thousands of people with magical displays at some of Derbyshire’s most iconic heritage venues. As well as bringing local history to life, these special events have provided a great opportunity for communities to come together and appreciate some of the brilliant attractions on our doorstep.

“Shine A Light has also played a key role in supporting the recovery of local visitor economy businesses whilst encouraging off-peak visits to the area, and we can’t wait to see what the third season has in store.”

shine a light barrow hill

Shine a Light Festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

 

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Spectacular ‘Shine a Light’ displays to wow visitors at Hardwick Hall

The National Trust’s Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield will host two nights of stunning after-dark displays for the final instalment of Derbyshire’s Shine A Light spectacular on Friday 17th & Saturday 18th February 2023.

Tickets for the magical events are selling fast as visitors prepare to watch Hardwick’s remarkable history unfold in a breath-taking display of light and sound projected against the dramatic backdrop of Bess of Hardwick’s Elizabethan masterpiece.

The displays will combine cutting-edge projections, moving animations, special effects, and live music to tell the story of the jewel in Bess’s crown. Witness tapestries come to life, landscapes re-form, and buildings rise and fall.

Plus, with live entertainment throughout each evening, and food and drink vendors selling treats from pancakes to Indian street food, Shine A Light promises fun for the whole family.

The displays at Hardwick Hall are the final instalment in a four-part programme of Shine A Light events that began at Cromford Mills in October 2022. The events have since thrilled hundreds of visitors at Elvaston Castle and Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

The displays are unique to each venue and visitors who watch all four chapters – and successfully spot the ‘hidden animal’ at each – have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a hamper of local produce.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and cultural heritage, boost the visitor economy and extend the tourism season during the traditionally quieter autumn and winter months.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council which commissioned Shine A Light, says: “Our second season of Shine A Light has been even bigger and better and the fourth and final instalment looks set to wow audiences once more.

“What better way to spend an evening than to see our local history and heritage brought to life with a modern-day twist. An event not to be missed!”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Shine A Light has already delighted hundreds of people with magical displays that shine the spotlight on Derbyshire’s rich cultural heritage.

“Each venue is unique, with its own story to tell, and not only do these events bring local history to life, they also support the recovery of local visitor economy businesses and offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment with live music, food and drink. Get your tickets whilst you can!”

Shine A Light takes place at Hardwick Hall on 17th & 18th February 2023. Entry is from 17:30, with large-scale projections every 20 minutes throughout each evening. Tickets are £9 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-16 inclusive, free for 3 and under).

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light

'Shine A Light' hardwick

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Tickets now on sale for spectacular ‘Shine a Light’ events in Chesterfield

Summer may just be getting into full swing but people are urged to book ahead for a series of spectacular large-scale projections that will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound this autumn/winter.

Tickets are now on sale for a series of magical night-time displays that will be projected on to four heritage venues when Shine A Light returns for the second year from September 2022 to February 2023.

The large-scale projections taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include Barrow Hill Roundhouse and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall.

Events will also take place at Cromford Mills in Matlock and Derby’s Elvaston Castle.

Providing an after-dark experience for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in stunning audio-visual displays centred around the themes of climate change and water.

The cutting-edge projections are unique to each venue and visitors who watch all four displays – and successfully spot the ‘hidden animal’ at each – will have the fantastic opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a hamper of local produce.

In addition to the large-scale projections, visitors will also be able to enjoy entertainment and food and drink throughout each evening for a fun-filled experience to remember.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the pandemic.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Each event culminates in a large-scale projection every 20 minutes throughout each evening at:

  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December from 17:00
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February from 17:30
  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October from 18:30
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 November and Sunday 20 November from 17:30

Tickets for the large-scale projections are £9 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-16 inclusive, free for 3 and under).

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light

Follow #ShineALightDerbyshire on social media.

Shine A Light projections in February 2023

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year and looking forward to a bigger and better programme this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this spectacular ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after-effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Derbyshire is fortunate to have some of the world’s most significant heritage attractions and this year’s Shine A Light programme promises to be even bigger and better, providing magical after-dark entertainment for both visitors and residents alike.

“Each venue has its own story to tell and not only do these large-scale projections bring local history and their communities to life, they also offer the perfect opportunity to do something different with friends and family as the nights draw in.

“We urge people to book their tickets as soon as possible and to enjoy not just one, but multiple shows for an unforgettable experience to remember. Events like this are so important as they help to protect and preserve historical and cultural sites – and will continue to stimulate community initiatives in the future.”

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

barrowhill shine a light on derbyshire 2022

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Barrow Hill Roundhouse to be lit up with large-scale projections as part of Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign

Chesterfield’s iconic Barrow Hill Roundhouse will be lit up with spectacular light projections later this year, as it has been selected as one of the venues in the annual Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign.

Large-scale projections will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound when ‘Shine A Light’ returns this autumn/winter.

Visitors will be able to watch Derbyshire’s history unfold in magical night-time shows projected on to four heritage venues across the county as part of the new Shine A Light programme, which will run from September 2022 to February 2023.

Alongside Barrow Hill Roundhouse, The large-scale projections will take place for the first time at Elvaston Castle and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, whilst Cromford Mills will return to host the unique outdoor events for a second year.

In addition, the towns of New Mills and Bolsover will be working with the Shine A Light team to build exciting new additions for their annual community lantern processions and parades.

Providing fun for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring illuminations and projections in a visually stunning display that is unique to each venue and centred around the themes of climate change and water.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is inspired by Voices From The Peak – a celebration of the county in sound created by local poet and performer Mark Gwynne Jones to celebrate the Peak District National Park’s 70th birthday last year.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the next instalments of Shine A Light aim to build on last year’s success with more awe-inspiring events.

Confirmed dates and venues are:

  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November
  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February

Exciting new works will be displayed at New Mills Lantern Procession & Community Event on Saturday 24 September and Bolsover Lantern Parade on Saturday 26 November.

Tickets and more information will be available soon at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year but that was just the beginning.

“We’re coming back bigger and better this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Last year’s Shine A Light displays provided magical entertainment for visitors and residents alike, and we’re delighted that this year’s programme has expanded to include three great new heritage venues and two community-based celebrations.

“These events provide an excellent opportunity to see Derbyshire’s rich history brought to life whilst enjoying the area’s great visitor offer in the typically quieter months, supporting the recovery of local businesses in the process.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Barrow Hill Ltd. supports 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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Junction Arts links up with Hardwick Hall to deliver ‘This Girl Codes Curiosity Academy’

Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts has linked up with the historic North Derbyshire landmark, Hardwick Hall to deliver a project aimed at inspiring and empowering local people.

‘This Girl Codes’ is a Junction Arts project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and The People’s Postcode Lottery. The project uniquely uses arts, science, technology and maths to give new interpretation and relevance to the rich heritage in and around Chesterfield.

This Girl Codes aims to empower and inspire people of all ages and genders through the stories of strong women in history such as Bess of Hardwick and Florence Nightingale. Taking inspiration from their work, lives and homes to inspire creative outcomes that build science, maths and technology skills in playful ways.

It is an aim of This Girl Codes to work with different heritage partners each year; in 2020 the project worked with English Heritage at Bolsover Castle. Junction Arts have built a good relationship with Hardwick Hall through working together on previous projects.

The partnership this year has drawn on the themes of light, data science and conservation. Hardwick Hall has a significant textiles collection to conserve including The Noble Women embroideries which are around 450 years old. Both organisations wanted to convey the importance of this work to the public and how The National Trust monitor and control light within a property locally known as ‘Hardwick Hall more glass than wall’.

During 2021 Junction Arts have worked with home educators, Tibshelf School, Rhubarb Farm, Forest schools, families and individuals collecting light data, creating ‘Data Selfies’ and more.

In July they held the first ‘Curiosity Academy’ at Hardwick Hall for participants to delve deeper into the history on site and explore steganography – the practice of concealing messages. Over three days they welcomed over 40 people to the Academy, from ages 6-83! Lead artist Cora Glasser and technologist Claire Garside guided participants through creative activities inspired by hidden messages in Tudor times right up to NASA’s Mars Rover landing.

The Curiosity Academy encouraged all ages to be inquisitive, think creatively and decode messages in historic and contemporary images. All participants experienced Hardwick Hall in new and exciting ways, learned about binary code and how to create images using UV light.

Participants said “The history is really playful, relevant and inspiring. The same code can be translated so many ways. The behind the scenes tour and insider information has made us want to plan another visit.”

The project has been working towards a co-created, collaborative art piece which will be designed and made by artist Cora Glasser using participant’s artwork. The piece will be exhibited at Hardwick Hall later this year.

Jemma Burton, Project Co-ordinator said: “We’re so pleased to be engaging a diverse range of ages and backgrounds with this fantastic heritage and bringing the stories to new audiences in exciting ways.”

This Girl Codes will continue into 2022 working with a new heritage partner and there will be another Curiosity Academy next summer. Anyone can get involved with the project including schools and community groups. If you are interested in hearing about the upcoming activities email info@junctionarts.org to be added to the mailing list or call 01246 209219.

Junction Arts’ work across Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield supports communities, improves well-being and provides access and opportunity in the arts for everyone.

The group also 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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