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Solar panel interest soars in Chesterfield as residents and businesses choose sustainability

Chesterfield has been named as one of the top 10 towns in the UK for interest in solar panels.

The number of residents showing interest in the products through internet searches is well above national levels, with an average of 3,860 monthly searches.

The research was compiled by The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which examined the numbers to find out which places in the UK have seen the highest growth in interest in solar panels.

Across the UK, the average number of residents seeking to learn about solar panels sits at 2.8%, but in Chesterfield the monthly figure sits at 4.3% – the ninth best figure in the country.

Energy Saving Expert Hannah Holway at FMB, stresses how valuable solar panels can be to the average homeowner: “While the UK might not have many long, sunny days, that’s no reason not to install solar panels on your home.

“According to our own research, for the typical UK home, the cost of a solar panel system without will be around £7,000 and can amount to an average annual saving of almost £1,100. That means that in seven years, consumers will have paid their investment back in the savings made on energy.

“Not only that, the full 30-year lifespan of those panels will net approximately £33,000 in savings, or £26,000 after the initial investment is subtracted.

“It’s no surprise that many places in the UK are showing increased interest in solar panels!”

It isn’t just homeowners showing interest in Solar Panels. Many businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have recently made the switch to improve their sustainability credentials.

Claire Wilks, Business Operations Manager at FWD Motion said: “Solar panels power our facilities, with plans for further expansion. This approach underscores our dedication to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability.”

Ally Snee, Key Account Manager for SDE Group said: “We recently installed solar panels on our offices which has allowed us to remove gas from the building.”

Gareth Paradise, Health & Safety and Facilities Manager at Global Brands Ltd said: “We’ve recently invested in solar panels to take the bulk of our power demands. We constantly monitor power use and look to install devices and practices to reduce consumption.”

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Impressive growth for Vines Legal results in move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

A niche law firm has announced a move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, following impressive growth in the town.

Vines Legal specialises exclusively in family law, and has been operating since 2009, originally moving into its first Chesterfield premises in 2012. Since then the team has grown organically, resulting in a move to one of the town’s flagship office developments.

Commenting on the move, Catherine Wenborn, Managing Director at Vines Legal said: “We have found moving our premises to Chesterfield a very positive experience.

“The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre ticks all the boxes for this business. We wanted modern, professional office space in the centre of Chesterfield. The Enterprise Centre allows opportunities for the team to expand in the future and provides great opportunities to network with other local businesses who are tenants here.

“Chesterfield is a great place to live and work. It has great transport links to all parts of the country and the business and economic growth within the town is very positive.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “We’re delighted to see Vines Legal growing and investing in Chesterfield, culminating in their move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“The success of the centre has been there for all to see, with dozens of thriving organisations now operating from it.

“Our town is an excellent place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location and supportive business community. With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential.”

Is your organisation looking for quality, affordable office space in a vibrant community of businesses? Get in touch today to find out about the range of spaces available in Chesterfield.

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

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

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We Are Spaces Ltd expands commercial property portfolio with acquisition of high street property

A prominent building in the heart of Chesterfield’s retail centre is set to undergo extensive refurbishment after its acquisition by the Commercial Interior Design and Build company We Are Spaces.

The three-storey property, located alongside the old Marks & Spencer building, spans an impressive 3,355 sq ft and features independent pedestrian access to the upper two floors.

Having acquired the Grade II listed building for an undisclosed sum via auction earlier this year, We Are Spaces is committed to maintaining it as a commercial space with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.

The deal was completed with legal advice and support from leading regional law firm Banner Jones’ commercial property team, and the property was purchased through the auction house Mark Jenkinson.

Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces, stated: “As a business, we are committed to projects that reinvigorate the high street, particularly those that bring derelict buildings back into commercial use. Having acquired the site earlier this year, we are now in the early stages of the planning process, with refurbishment works expected to start within a few months.”

amy revell wearespaces

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

We Are Spaces, which specialises in commercial transformation and interior design, added that plans to sympathetically refurbish the High Street building will factor in its heritage and history, whilst also incorporating state-of-the-art technology to ensure it meets the latest sustainability and environmental standards.

Ben Couch from Banner Jones’ commercial property team, who advised We Are Spaces on the acquisition, said: “We are delighted to have worked alongside the team at We Are Spaces to support their latest acquisition.

“As a fellow Chesterfield Champion it’s great to have been involved in yet another project that will fundamentally improve the High Street’s commercial offering, benefiting not only local businesses and the local community, but also the local economy.”

Ben Couch, Banner Jones Solicitors

The acquisition bolsters We Are Spaces’ existing portfolio and, upon completion, will complement Chesterfield Council’s ongoing commitment to reinvigorating the high street through its Vitality and Viability of Centres plan, which includes the revitalisation of the town centre and the new Waterside scheme.

Amy Revell added, “We are dedicated to maintaining this unit as a vibrant commercial space that will help drive footfall, attract more out of town visitors, and bolster the local economy by contributing to Chesterfield’s dynamic business environment.”

Banner Jones is a leading law firm in Chesterfield, offering expert legal advice to businesses in commercial property, business acquisitions and mergers, employment, lease agreements, and other services. As Chesterfield Champions, they support local businesses and contribute to community growth.

We Are Spaces and Banner Jones support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Exterior of shop unit in Chesterfield Town Centre

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Soak up the sunshine at these Chesterfield summer events

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to get outdoors and soak up the great British sunshine.

In 2024, Chesterfield has plenty of experiences to share so you can make some lasting memories with your loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Get these dates saved in your calendar ready for a summer of excitement in our picturesque town!

BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Drone shot from above of the cricket pitch at Queens Park

 

Get ready for the big Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire game at the stunning Queen’s Park on July 7th.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club will also be hosting an 80s Bash on June 28th during the BRM Festival of Cricket, a brilliant opportunity to get your dancing shoes on.

Chesterfield Pride

Don’t miss out on Chesterfield Pride – it’s one of the biggest events of its kind around here and has yet another packed line-up of pop, dance and of course some of the UK’s best drag acts. Chart-toppers Liberty X and the Cheeky Girls will take the stage at Stand Road Park on July 21st.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (20 of 100)

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be back after providing fun and entertainment for more than 8,000 people last year. Highlights of the July 27th-28th event include an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set.

Chesterfield Market

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

Chesterfield Market will have plenty of special days, catering to foodies, craft lovers and music fans to name just a few. The Craft and Makers Market is returning on June 8th, July 20th, and August 10th, while you can enjoy a feast of street food at Peddler Market once again on July 19th.

Enjoy Chesterfield’s stunning scenery and landmarks

John Varley ll Chesterfield Canal Cruise

You’ll also have a chance to explore our most famous landmark, with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on selected dates.

If you’re looking to unwind, why not take a trip through our glorious countryside? Bookings are now being taken for the summer on Chesterfield Canal Trust’s iconic trip boats, as are paddlesports sessions for those who are feeling a bit more adventurous.

For those who love getting active, the Chesterfield Cycling Festival is a wonderful way to blow off the cobwebs. The event lasts for a whole week from June 7th-16th and includes rides for all abilities. There is even a pub trail route in Holymoorside – After all, you’ll need to quench your thirst after all that pedaling!

Sample fabulous food and drink

Friends enjoying a cocktails in the sun at Dirty Habit in Chesterfield

 

And let’s not forget our local food and drink scene. Wander down the ‘Brampton Mile,’ Whittington Moor or into town on a weekend, and you’ll see our pubs, bars, and restaurants full of activity. With the European Championships and the Olympics coming up, make sure you book a seat at your favourite venue to soak up the atmosphere.

Many of our pubs and bars have spacious and comfortable beer gardens and outdoor spaces too, meaning you can make the most of the sunshine.

We hope to see you at one of our town’s fabulous events this summer! Don’t forget to head over to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer so you can truly experience the best of our wonderful area.

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Chesterfield business brings more glamour to the Eurovision Song Contest

A Chesterfield business known for creating immersive event technology and social media content was recently mixing with the stars at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden.

Noonah took its Glamdroid product to the event last month, providing artists with the chance to step in front of the camera and create shareable content for social media.

From established celebrities like Rylan Clark to rising talents like Lithuania’s Silvester Belt, everyone wanted a chance to step in front of the Glamdroid. By creating shareable content for social media platforms, Noonah not only enhanced the onsite experience for attendees but also extended the reach of Eurovision online.

Glamdroid utilises industry-leading super-fast robotic technology, ensuring seamless movements that capture the essence of glamour and athleticism on the red carpet.

By combining state-of-the-art technology with seamless functionality, Glamdroid ensured that every moment was captured with precision, style, and glamour. As the industry’s leading robotic camera arm, Glamdroid continues to set the standard for capturing unforgettable moments at awards ceremonies, ensuring that your event stands out from the rest.

Vanessa Holmes, Senior Account Manager at Noonah commented: “We’re constantly exploring new technologies and fresh ideas to enhance the experience for attendees around the world. The passion within our team drives us to deliver excellence, making each project a true testament to our innovation and dedication within the events industry, and our latest work at Eurovision is a great example of this!”

The product has also been used at major national events such as the 70th BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, which saw presenters Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding striking poses for the camera. Furthermore, pop superstar Kylie Minogue stepped in front of the Glamdroid camera at the 2024 BRIT Awards.

Find out more about Glamdroid on Noonah’s website.

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

Photo booth with people stood posing for robotic photo arm

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Record-breaking year for the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Local arts charity, Junction Arts is celebrating this month after staging their most successful Chesterfield Postcard to date.

The fundraising art exhibition, which invites mini-sized art submissions from amateur and established artists is now in its third year and has raised over £3,000, since 2022 to fund community arts projects in the region.

This year, organisers saw record entries, with 472 submissions. 92 individuals entered postcard-size artworks and 47 of them were from professional artists. Over 200 people visited the art exhibition over 10 days and £1,088 was raised through postcard sales and donations.

The Chesterfield Postcard Show is organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom from Sombrero Printmaking to allow creatives, communities, and up-and-coming artists to show their work in a professional exhibition.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts said: “The Chesterfield Postcard Show has grown year on year, in 2022 we had just over 100 entries and only two years later we had almost 500! Visitors to the exhibition commented that the quality and range of the artwork were high this year, which is so great to hear.

“The event showcases artists of all levels and provides a place where people can buy original art, for just £10 and know that they’re helping to fund community art projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who submitted work, visited the show or bought a postcard, we really do appreciate it. Also, a special thank you to Sue Woollett from Stepnell Construction East Midlands, who volunteered to help us set up the show – which is no mean feat when you have 472 pieces of artwork to hang!

“The event has proved popular and so we want it to continue to grow and we are looking for a sponsor for 2025 to help us take the show to the next level.”

For those that didn’t make it to the exhibition, don’t worry, the postcard-size artworks are still available to buy, via the Junction Arts Etsy page.

Find out more about events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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.

Two people pointing at postcards on a white wall

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Champions show support for Chesterfield community with latest initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield continue to get involved in supporting the local community with a range of initiatives to support people across the area.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “Chesterfield Champions are proud to support our vibrant community, and it is great to see businesses playing their part to help others through a wide range of initiatives.

“Our town is a great place to work and live, and one of the main things that makes Chesterfield unique is the closeness of its community.

“It is great to see Champions continuing this trend by supporting local people and charities, alongside raising the profile of our area.”

Find out more about how our organisations are working to improve the lives of our residents and strengthen ties with our charities, voluntary organisations and wider community in our latest roundup below.

Spire Radio relaunches ‘Chesterfield Chat’ show to celebrate the town

Spire Radio Jordan and Eva

Spire Radio has announced the relaunch of its community centred local show, Chesterfield Chat. The program returns now hosted by Jordan Hartshorne and produced by Eva Charkiewicz who are both passionate about celebrating the heart and soul of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Chat provides a platform for local businesses, community groups, charities, and artists to connect with listeners and share their stories.

The relaunched show promises to build on this tradition while offering a fresh perspective and engaging format. Listeners can also expect lively discussions on local news and upcoming events that matter most to the people of Chesterfield.

Each week, Chesterfield Chat will feature a dynamic mix of guests, including:

  • Local business owners discussing their latest ventures and experiences of trading in Chesterfield.
  • Representatives from community groups and charities sharing their important work and fundraising efforts.
  • Local artists, musicians, and performers showcasing their talents, with some liver performances.
  • A roundup of the mustn’t-miss events around Chesterfield in the week ahead.

Spire Radio welcomes all members of the community to tune in to Chesterfield Chat every Tuesday evening at 6pm. Listen live on spire-radio.com, on the TuneIn Apps for iPhone, Android and Smart TV or Ask Alexa to Play Spire Radio from TuneIn.

Whether you’re a local business owner, a charity worker, or simply a resident who loves your town, Chesterfield Chat is a platform for your voice to be heard. For more information about Chesterfield Chat or if you’d like to feature on the show, email eva@spire-radio.com or message the station on Instagram.

DBCP to sponsor popular Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival promotional photo - three people holding up banner

DBCP is sponsoring this year’s Chesterfield Children’s Festival –a free family event organised by local charity Junction Arts.

The Junction Arts event is funded by Arts Council England and was launched in 2023, attracting over 8,000 visitors.  The two-day festival celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play and features free cultural activities and entertainment for children of all ages to enjoy.

This year, the event will be held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of July in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.  New acts for 2024 include an immersive live movie set experience, an interactive family catwalk show, virtual reality swings, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!   There’ll also be art workshops, circus skills, storytelling, live music, face painting, theatre, and dance.

Chesterfield-based DBCP, which is the recommended provider of building control services in Derbyshire, Is the headline sponsor at the event, donating £4,000 to the charity.  The extra funds will go towards an arts commission that will see musicians and storytellers work with local young people to create a new piece of music that will be performed at the festival.

Junction Arts Coordinator Jemma Burton said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to DBCP and welcome them as sponsors of this year’s Children’s Festival.  Junction Arts is a charity, we rely on corporate donations and sponsorship to ensure that our events and festivals are free and accessible to as many people as possible, this generous support from DBCP helps us to widen our reach and allows the festival to have much more impact in the community.”

Looking forward to the event David Pratt, DBCP’s Building Control Manager, said: “We are delighted to sponsor Chesterfield Children’s Festival this year. Many of the DBCP team and their families live in and around the area, so for us to be involved with this fantastic event in our community gives us all a real feeling of pride.”

For more information about the Chesterfield Children’s Festival visit: junctionarts.org.

Popular TV and comedy star launches new series of Ashgate Hospice grief podcast

ED BYRNE image stood against a wall smiling

Image by Roslyn Gaunt

Television and comedy star Ed Byrne recently appeared in the newest series of Ashgate Hospice’s podcast, which explores frank and honest conversations about life, death and grief.

Ed, known for appearing on panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and his stand-up comedy, was interviewed for the first episode of The Life and Death Podcast.

It comes amidst the world tour of his show Tragedy Plus Time, inspired by the bereavement he faced following the death of his younger brother.

Ed sat down with podcast host Stephen Rumford ahead of his show in Buxton to discuss his career, his brother’s life and the success of the critically acclaimed show.

The first episode of the fifth series, featuring Ed, launched on 6th May as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week.

Episodes featuring other death and grief experts and commentators will go live every fortnight.

Stephen Rumford, host of The Life and Death Podcast and Senior Physiotherapist at Ashgate Hospice, said: “I don’t think we could have imagined that when we started back in 2020, we’d go on to launch five series of the podcast.

“This time, we’ve expanded our range topics and guests, and our six latest guests are a wonderful addition to the growing resource that the podcast represents.

“From a candid conversation with Ed Byrne to an insightful discussion with TikTok’s ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’, we have a wide range of guests offering differing expertise. You’re sure to learn something new with each episode.

“We hope the podcast provides a useful resource to anyone who is bereaved and people who might be curious about the subject.

“I hope all of our listeners enjoy the considered opinions of our guests as they share their unique experiences with us.”

In the podcast seasons so far, Stephen speaks with writers, doctors and people who have experienced end of life care to discuss their unique relationships, hospice life, and how death affects the living.

In the latest series, Dr. Katie Lawlor, an animal bereavement expert and pet loss psychologist based in San Francisco, California, joins as one of the guests.

She was training to be a clinical psychologist before she realised there was very little, if any, support networks for people suffering following the death of a pet.

Others include Dr Julie McFadden, known to millions on social media as ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’; she cares for palliative and end of life patients and uses TikTok to address some of death’s biggest misconceptions.

The Natural Death Centre’s Josefine Speyer, author of Modern Loss, Rebeca Soffer, and renowned philosopher Simon Critchley will also feature in the new season.

Episodes will be released on Mondays every fortnight from 6th May! You can listen to episodes from all five series of The Life and Death Podcast online or by searching for ‘Ashgate Hospice’ on all streaming platforms.

Veezu supports Cash for Kids charity

eezu supports Cash for Kids’ Holiday Hunger appeal - group of people holding large cheque

Veezu, a private hire operator covering Chesterfield and South Yorkshire, has donated £500 to the local arm of Cash for Kids in support of Cash for Kids Day on 2 May.

The donation was made through Funded by Veezu, an initiative in which local charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness, and those with additional needs. Based across 22 areas in the UK, Cash for Kids is a grant giving charity that helps community groups, charitable organisations, schools and individual cases. The latest figures from the End Child Poverty Coalition show that 1 in 3 local children are living in poverty and, in some areas, it is as high as 36%.

2 May marked Cash for Kids Day, where organisations came together to raise as much as possible for the cause, with a particular focus on combating holiday hunger to make sure all children have access to a hot meal during the holidays.

Veezu has donated £500 from its regional areas of Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Portsmouth, bringing the total donation to £3000. According to statistics given by Cash for Kids, it’s predicted that £3000 will help 60 children in need.

Lisa Sullivan, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids North, West and South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, said: “We are so grateful to Veezu for supporting us across the UK in six regions for Cash for Kids Day. For the passengers of Veezu, they can feel confident in their choice, as they will be helping disadvantaged children access activities and food during the school holidays. For many children it will be their only daily meal. The generosity of companies like Veezu, as well as donations from the general public, help us help children that need it the most.”

Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Cash for Kids once again. All children deserve access to a hot meal, whether it’s the holidays or not, and we are glad to donate what we can and make a difference to children living in poverty.”

BusinessWise Accountancy & Tax welcomes Brookfield School pupil for work experience

oliver businesswise work experience

A Chesterfield business has continued its commitment towards supporting our young people with careers, by hosting a pupil for a week of work experience.

BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax welcomed Oliver to their organisation for a week of hands-on learning about what a career in Chesterfield’s financial sector would look like.

Looking for skills support in Chesterfield for your business? Go to our Skills and Training page to find out more.

The businesses featured in this article 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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Peak Sightseer open-top bus tours expand to cover two routes

The Peak Sightseer open-top tour bus tours are now up and running for 2024, with operator Stagecoach announcing an expanded service.

Peak Sightseer was launched last year, and is back again with a more extensive service this Summer, giving visitors the chance to explore some of Derbyshire’s best-loved attractions.

There are two routes, both based on Chatsworth House. The blue route serves Baslow, Calver, Grindleford, the National Trust Longshaw Estate, Surprise View, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope, Castleton and the spectacular Winnat’s Pass to Blue John Cavern.

The red route links Pilsley, Hassop Station (for the Monsal Trail), Bakewell and the village of Ashford-in-the-Water.

There are linking trips from Chesterfield Rail Station at the start and end of day, ensuring visitors and residents in our town can access the Peak Sightseer buses easily.

Partially funded by DfT BSIP funding, the tours have been made possible thanks to partnership working between Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire County Council and Visit Peak District and Derbyshire as well as many others.

John Young, Commercial Director for Stagecoach in Chesterfield said: “We are delighted to have expanded the Peak Sightseer service to cover two routes.

“It has been fantastic to see the popularity of the new services since launching, which showcases the best of Derbyshire’s local attractions and beauty spots.

“Having the connectivity of Chesterfield Rail Station in such close proximity to the Peak District National Park makes the whole area much more accessible as a destination for visitors, and we can’t wait to welcome more people to North Derbyshire over the coming months.”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “We strongly welcome this initiative from Stagecoach, providing an innovative and sustainable way for people to enjoy Chesterfield and the surrounding area.

“Our town is a great base for exploring the Peak District, and the Peak Sightseer service adds another valuable link for those wishing to make the most of their visit.”

For more information on the service, including routes and timetables, go to: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/yorkshire/peak-sightseer

Chesterfield is ideally located in the centre of the UK, and is easy to reach via road and rail. Find out more about visiting Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Looking for things to do in Chesterfield this summer? Head over to our Summer in Chesterfield page for some great ideas.

View from open top bus travelling through Winnats Pass

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Support leads to unique Chesterfield wedding business winning major awards

A unique Chesterfield wedding content creator, which received support from a business start-up scheme has gone on to scoop a prestigious award.

The Relaxed Bride is a modern content creator service, which provides a contemporary approach towards capturing weddings and other promotional events.

Owner, Chloe Ryans-Docherty spotted a potential niche in the wedding market, and decided to launch her business with the support of the Vision Derbyshire business start-up support initiative.

She explained how the decision to launch her own business came about: “It all began when I first noticed a trend emerging in the US and Australia on TIKTOK, which sparked an idea: why not bring this concept to the UK? After further research, I discovered that while the trend was in its infancy here, there were already a few established brands offering this.

“Attending my first wedding alongside the photographer who had captured my own special day, Jo Greenfield I realized the potential to carve out a niche in the market. Since then, my journey has been nothing short of remarkable, surpassing my expectations in terms of growth and impact.

“What sets me apart from other wedding content creators is my subtle approach. While many rely heavily on social media trends and transitions, I much prefer to remain behind the scenes, capturing the raw, authentic moments that unfold between the scripted ones on my iPhone.

Chloe said the support she received from Vision Derbyshire played a key role in launching and growing the business: “The support and guidance I’ve received from Vision Derbyshire over the past six months have been invaluable. Initially recommended to me by a friend and fellow wedding supplier, the program has been instrumental in helping me navigate the journey of starting my own business.

“With no prior experience in entrepreneurship, I needed direction, and Sara Martin from Vision Derbyshire has been amazing. Patiently guiding me through essential aspects and breaking down complex concepts, Sara helped me create a cash-flow plan that I could comprehend and follow for future — considering maths was never my forte in school!”

Since going from strength-to-strength, The Relaxed Bride has recieved a videography award from the Hitched Wedding Awards. The business had been on the Hitched directory, and the organisation recognised Chloe’s business following a long list of positive reviews.

Chloe added: “Little did I know that these reviews were being closely monitored by Hitched themselves. It came as a complete surprise when, in February, I was honoured with an award from them. This award has reaffirmed my commitment to providing exceptional service and fuelled my passion even further!”

The Relaxed Bride has also been recognised with a ‘Best International Innovator’ award for the inaugural 2024 Loverly List – another scheme aimed at recognising top businesses in the wedding sector.

Speaking about running her business in Chesterfield, Chloe commented: “Chesterfield is a small town but holds a unique advantage with access to nearby cities like Derby, Sheffield, and Nottingham, all within an hour’s reach. Despite its size, Chesterfield has always been my home, and I can’t imagine ever leaving. I’ve always been a homebody at heart.

“I have worked with so many talented wedding suppliers right here in Chesterfield, what’s even more exciting has been the hidden gems of wedding venues that I never knew existed around me!

“To anyone considering starting a business in the area, my advice is simple: just go for it! Chesterfield has seen significant development recently, with numerous new office spaces springing up in the town centre. It’s about taking that leap of faith and trusting in your vision!

Find out more about The Relaxed Bride on the Hitched website here or at https://www.the-relaxedbride.com/

Find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield here, and for more information on support available to local organisations, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Photo of female content creator taking photo of bride on smartphone

 

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New Chesterfield play areas open in time for summer

As part of the council’s more than £1 million investment in its parks, four new play areas have opened across the borough of Chesterfield.

The Mayor of Chesterfield and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire officially opened a new play area on Cottage Close in Poolsbrook on Wednesday 15 May.

New play areas have also been installed in Tapton Park, Thirlmere Road and Devonshire Avenue North. All three replace existing play areas that were no longer fit for purpose.

The new play areas all include a range of equipment and have been created in consultation with children from local schools. In Poolsbrook equipment has been installed to suit every age including larger adventure style items such as a zip line and giant climbing frame.

Funding for the new play areas has been secured through a combination of funding, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Valencia Communities Fund and the Community Infrastructure Levy which is a charge on certain developments in the borough.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic to see our planned investment in play areas across the borough being delivered. We are proud of the fantastic green spaces we have throughout the area and our commitment to further investment in these spaces aims to ensure our parks are a feature that our residents will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

“We’ll be continuing to deliver our Parks and Play strategy over the next three years, and this will see even more investment in play spaces across the borough.”

Cottage Close play area in Poolsbrook was officially opened by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Jenny Flood and Colonel John Wilson OBE DL, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire.

people playing on new equipment at Cottage Close Play Area

Councillor Jenny Flood said: “It was wonderful to be able to open this new play area and meet the children who will benefit from it. It will be fantastic for the children to see the fruit trees grow in the park and eventually be able to harvest the communal fruit. This was a great way to start my Mayoral year, both me and Heather have been involved in Youth Work for many years and we understand the importance of providing spaces like this that the whole community can benefit from.”

Originally hailing from Poolsbrook, Colonel John Wilson OBE DL and his brothers and sisters have provided for the planting of thirteen trees in the play area, to represent his parents and their eleven children.

John said: “It was very special for my family to have these trees and a new picnic bench in Poolsbrook; all eleven of us went to the primary school next to this play area and to create a living memorial is something we are very pleased to have been able to do.”

The new play areas have been partially funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Valencia Communities Fund, and the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded £2.693 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The money will be spent over the next three financial years (running until 2024/25) on a range of projects which will benefit local residents and businesses.

The Valencia Communities Fund provides funding from the landfill tax credits and is used to provide funding to community projects across the country.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy that local planning authorities can charge on certain types of new development in their area. The money is used to support necessary development by funding infrastructure that the Council local community and neighbourhoods have identified through the Local Plan, such as new road schemes, park improvements or new primary schools.

Did you know residents in Chesterfield have better access to green spaces than anywhere else in the country? Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

The Mayor and Vice Lord Lieutenant opening Cottage Close play area

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New Chesterfield Town Board launched to drive almost £20m investment in the town

Plans to invest almost £20m in Chesterfield over the next decade have taken a major step forward, with the launch of a new independent board which will oversee how and where the funding is spent.

Local business leader Dominic Staniforth has been appointed to chair the new Chesterfield Town Board – sitting alongside representatives from other local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and the public sector, including representation from Chesterfield Borough Council.

It follows the Government’s ‘Long-Term Plan for Towns’ announcement in October last year, which named Chesterfield as one of 55 UK towns to benefit from the new funding initiative – which aims to give local communities a greater voice in shaping improvements across the town.

Board members have now held their first formal meeting where it was agreed to run a public consultation exercise in June, giving local people the chance to have their say on how the money should be invested.

In line with Government guidance, a representative of Chesterfield Borough Council sits on the board, and the authority will also act as the board’s accountable body.  However, all decisions about how the £19.5m worth of endowment-style funding is invested will be made by the Chesterfield Town Board, in consultation with local people.

Dominic Staniforth is a Partner at BHP LLP Chartered Accountants – which has a base at One Waterside Place – and has been an active part of Chesterfield’s business community for many years. Speaking in his role as Chair of the Board, he said: “Chesterfield is already a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – and this funding will further bolster our ability to deliver on that collective ambition.

Dominic Staniforth BHP

Dominic Staniforth, BHP LLP Chartered Accountants

“I am honoured to have been invited to become Chair of the new Chesterfield Town Board and it’s fantastic that leaders from across the town, and the council, have already begun work to identify how and where this funding could make the greatest impact for local residents and businesses.

“Listening to the views of local people and understanding where they think this investment could make the biggest difference is at the heart of this work and we will be sharing more information about how to get involved in the coming weeks.”

Working closely with the council, the Board will now oversee the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan – to be developed following consultation with local people, and based on what they see as priority areas for investment. This must be submitted to the Government for approval later this summer.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “We have really strong and innovative business and community networks here in Chesterfield and this is again another great opportunity to bring people together – backed by millions of pounds worth of funding – to deliver projects which will make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives over the next 10 years.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dominic to the role of Chair, as a local business leader with extensive experience of the area, and a shared passion and commitment to make the town of Chesterfield thrive for generations to come.”

In line with Government guidance, the funding must be spent across three key themes, which include:

  • Safety and security – to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
  • High streets, heritage, and regeneration – making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses, and visitors.
  • Transport and connectivity – improving access to the town centre, supporting greener modes of travel and enhancing public transport options.

More information about the Chesterfield Town Board and how people can get involved in shaping its future plans will be shared soon.

View of the Crooked Spire from above

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

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