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Spectacular new light show announced to mark 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

The Bolsover Lantern Parade is set to return for its 30th year, and a new light show is coming to Bolsover Castle to mark the milestone this December.

Bright Winter Nights is an immersive light experience that will take place within the castle’s walls on Friday 1st December, the day before the lantern parade. Light projections, images and sounds from the last three decades will bring the castle walls to life, featuring the stories of local people and their lantern parade experiences.

Visitors can also view a newly commissioned community film as part of the magical evening, which has been created using stories and memories from local people.

The event is being organised in partnership with local Bolsover-based charity, the Freedom Project and English Heritage.

There will be 750 tickets available, costing £2 per child and £3 for adults.

Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts said: “Bolsover is very close to our hearts and so we’re delighted to be bringing another exciting event to the town, to mark the 30th year of the lantern parade.

“Bright Winter Nights promises to shine a light on the amazing community spirit and creativity that exists in Bolsover, telling the story of the last three decades within the walls of the famous Bolsover Castle.”

Mark North, Freedom Founder and CEO said: “The Lantern Parade has been an important part of our community for the last 30 years. It has given us a sense of togetherness and excitement and we look forward to Bright Winter Nights and taking in the memories of other members of the Bolsover Community and beyond”.

A spokesperson for Bolsover Castle said: “We always love playing a part in the Lantern Parade so when Junction Arts asked us to work with them to celebrate its 30th anniversary, we jumped at the chance. We want the Castle to be at the centre of the community in Bolsover, for residents to really connect with their heritage and to use the space to celebrate the amazing talent we have in the town.

“It will be a night to remember as the Castle comes to life not only with our fantastic illuminations but the creativity and passion of the Bolsover community.”

The first Bolsover Lantern Parade took place on Saturday 26th November 1994 as part of the Bolsover Victorian Festival. Organised by Junction Arts in partnership with community partners, the event has become a cultural tradition for generations of people. Growing year-on-year, the Bolsover Lantern Parade is now one of the UK’s biggest and oldest light parades.

Bright Winter Nights, The Bolsover Christmas Market and the Bolsover Lantern Parade are all part of the NEW Bolsover Winter Festival – a weekend of festive fun that marks the start of the winter season. More information about all the events taking place can be found on the Visit Bolsover website: https://www.visitbolsover.co.uk/events/bwf/

You can view the light show event listing here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/bright-winter-nights-light-show/ and the lantern parade here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-lantern-parade-2021/

To book tickets for the event: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-bright-winter-nights-1-dec-23/

Find out more about the wide range of local events for all ages and interests taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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.

bolsover lantern parade junction arts

 

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CarMats.co.uk unveils 7,500 sq ft warehouse in Chesterfield

CarMats.co.uk, a business specialising in UK-manufactured tailored car mats to fit every make and model, has announced the grand opening of its 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility located on Chesterfield Trading Estate.

This new facility is set to play a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing expansion. The spacious facility grants the business the much-needed capacity to diversify its product offerings and creates job opportunities for local talent.

Ash Young, Founder of CarMats.co.uk, shared his thoughts on their new warehouse, the company’s growth journey, the significance of Chesterfield, and their commitment to local job creation.

He commented: “I launched CarMats.co.uk during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, I was also running a digital agency in Sheffield. I set an ambitious goal of achieving £1 million in revenue within the first year. I took the leap to document my progress on social media, and gained lots of followers interested in my journey with this start-up. We actually reached the £1 million mark just nine months after launching and, as of 2023, our revenue has reached £5 million.

“Our new warehouse on Chesterfield Trading Estate is a game-changer for us in terms of expanding our business. It brings our remote team together, enabling a more collaborative work environment. Having stock, order processing, customer support, and marketing all under one roof streamlines our operations. Plus, it provides the much-needed space to stock a wider range of products, which is essential for our growth.”

Speaking on how Chesterfield’s strategic location will benefit his business, Ash added: “Chesterfield is the perfect location for our growth plans. It’s got excellent transport connections across the country, which is essential for our distribution network.

“It also provides cost-effective warehouse space and access to a highly skilled local workforce. As we expand, we plan to create more job opportunities in the local area. We’re looking to add another five roles over the next year, with the first hire planned for November. We’re excited about contributing to local employment.

“Personally, this move is significant for me. It brings our team together in a physical location, which is great for collaboration, but as a Chesterfield resident, it also allows me to balance my work with family life. I still want to be able to do the school run every day!”

Looking to locate your business in an area with superb transport links and affordable premises? Look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about investment opportunities in the town.

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

car mats chesterfield trading estate

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Banner Jones Solicitors secures place in prestigious Legal 500 directory

Chesterfield law firm Banner Jones has secured a place in the prestigious Legal 500 directory for the 11th year, with both the firm’s Family Law and Personal Injury teams maintaining their Tier 2 rankings.

Led by head of practice, Kelly Parks, with input and support from children law senior solicitor, Shetal Gudgeon, this year’s directory recognised the family team for its work dealing with complex divorce and financial cases.

The firm was also referred to as being ‘highly experienced representing children in care proceedings’, naming solicitor and head of care Vince Beckworth alongside senior associate, Jason Burnett, who both act on behalf of parents and individuals intervening in care proceedings, and in disputes concerning residence, contact arrangements for children, adoption and prohibited steps.

Banner Jones’ award-winning personal injury department, headed up by Sarah Sadler, also retained its position, with the directory describing the team as ‘vastly experienced and capable’, with particular expertise in employers and public liability, road traffic, disease and serious injuries or loss of life.

Work highlights cited by the Legal 500 included acting for the joiner who fell down an open stairwell resulting in catastrophic, life changing injuries. As well as a representing a client in a complicated clinical negligence matter, where the negligence caused prolonged psychological trauma.

Assessing the strengths of law firms across the world, the continued inclusion of Banner Jones in the directory is indicative of the team’s hard work over the last 12 months, and its continued commitment to providing high quality, customer- focused legal services to clients.

Commenting on the rankings Banner Jones’ Chief Executive, Simon Wright, said: “We are of course incredibly proud to have once again been recognised as a firm for the work that we do, particular in relation to family law and care proceedings, and personal injury.

“As ever, this continued recognition is testament to the efforts of our legal teams who are supported day-to-day by all of our dedicated and hard-working staff.”

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

Banner Jones Solicitors

 

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Chesterfield’s ‘off-grid’ households set for energy efficient boost

Homeowners in Chesterfield that have no mains gas supply to their property could benefit from financial support to help make energy efficient improvements to their homes and reduce their bills.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Marches Energy Agency (MEA), and E.ON Energy Solutions have joined forces to help residents to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient – after the council successfully secured over £440,000 through the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2).

Grant funding will be used to help to improve the energy efficiency of at least 22 homes in the borough. Improvement measures will be dependent on the outcome of a technical survey but could include the introduction of a range of improvements from insulation and solar panels to air source heat pumps and smart heating controls. These measures can save residents money on their energy bills whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The funding will be available to homeowners who do not have a mains gas heating system and where their property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D,E,F or G and will only be eligible if one of the following statements apply:

  • Homeowner lives in one of the eligible postcode areas set by the Government
  • A permanent member of the household receives a means tested benefit
  • The combined household income is below £31,000 before tax

Further details on eligibility criteria can be found on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/hug2

Residents living in private rented accommodation may also be eligible for support, however the landlord will be required to contribute a minimum of a third of the total cost.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise. With funding secured through this scheme we can support homeowners in making improvements to their home to help to increase the warmth and comfort of their homes, whilst also reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

“Despite facing significant financial pressures now and in future years, the council is committed to supporting those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis, and is doing all it can to maximise external funding opportunities like this, to help households across the borough.

“The funding will help to improve the energy performance and heating systems of off gas grid private sector homes and we will be carrying out technical surveys to make sure the most appropriate and efficient improvements can be made at each home.”

The council has already identified a number of households who are eligible for funding and MEA will be writing to them directly to advise them of the help available. Any other residents who think they may be eligible can contact MEA’s local team (Warmer Derby & Derbyshire) by emailing HUGD@mea.org.uk, calling 0800 677 1332 and selecting option 2 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or by completing the online application form.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “The energy we use to heat and power buildings is one of the largest factors in terms of carbon emissions, if we can make buildings more efficient and reduce energy loss, we will see carbon emissions reduce also. Supporting and promoting schemes like these grants which will help homeowners to improve thermal efficiency is vital to achieving our target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.”

Chesterfield Town Hall

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Redbrik shortlisted for flurry of top estate agency awards

Redbrik Estate Agents has been shortlisted for a number of top industry awards as the firm celebrates further growth and success.

The company has been shortlisted for Best Large Estate Agent at the Yorkshire Residential Real Estate Awards, as well as nominated in four categories at The Negotiator Awards.

The categories include Employer of the Year; Property Management Department of the Year and New Homes Specialists, with Land and New Homes Manager Emma Liversidge shortlisted as Rising Star of the Year.

It comes after Redbrik introduced their revolutionary new service, SecureMove™, at the end of last year.

SecureMove™ is an industry-leading process designed to minimise fall-throughs, speed up sales and provide more certainty to both buyers and sellers by legally preparing properties for sale before they go on the market.

Managing Director at Redbrik, Mark Ross, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for so many incredible awards and I would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and dedication.

“This is our tenth year in business and we have achieved so much in that time. Since introducing Securemove™ last November, we have seen some fantastic results. We have successfully cut down completion times from the industry’s average of 150-180 days to an impressive 69 days, and on average, we are contract-ready in just 59 days. We have also seen our fall-through rates plummet to just 11 per cent, bucking the national trend.

“It is amazing to be recognised for the innovative and dynamic processes that set us apart from other agents, as well as the outstanding level of talent we have cultivated within the company.”

This year has seen Redbrik complete its 9,000th sale, make two new appointments to its board of Directors and grow to more than 60 employees across four offices operating in Sheffield and Chesterfield, as well as working hard to make changes which revolutionise the industry.

To find out more about Redbrik, visit www.redbrik.co.uk

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

Redbrik directors

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Learning Curve Group announces acquisition of White Rose Beauty Colleges

Learning Curve Group (LCG) has acquired White Rose Beauty Colleges, which has an education and training centre in Chesterfield.

White Rose was founded in 1996 and has helped thousands of learners gain the skills and experience they need for successful careers in the beauty industry. It delivers a wide range of Beauty Therapy, Holistic Therapy, Sports Massage and Make Up Artistry courses.

LCG, which already had hair and beauty academies across the North East of England and London, saw the addition of a further 3,500 learners each year in nine new locations and 170 employees as part of the transaction, confirming its position as one of the largest providers of high quality beauty training in the country.

Amber Massey, Director of Hair and Beauty Academies at LCG said: “We saw the acquisition of White Rose as a huge growth opportunity, which would also cement our position as one of the country’s largest, most diverse and fastest growing training providers. The acquisition allowed us to also expand geographically, hitting a region that we didn’t previously have a huge presence in. But we now have over 60 locations across England, adding to our apprenticeship, community and adult education offerings.

“Our Learning Curve Group Hair and Beauty Academies were awarded Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the 2021 AAC Awards, and Training Provider of the Year at the 2023 VTCT Awards. We want to leverage our expertise in the industry, with White Rose’s expertise in beauty therapy and makeup artistry to establish ourselves as the UK’s leading Hair and Beauty provider.

“We have now successfully rebranded White Rose Beauty Colleges to come under our umbrella brand of Learning Curve Group Hair and Beauty Academies. So, our academies have now had a makeover of their own with their names and branding completely changed.”

At its Chesterfield academy, LCG offers a wide variety of courses with daytime, evening and weekend options to suit most learners’ needs.  Accredited qualifications include Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing, Levels 2, 3 and 4 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, Levels 3 and 4 Diploma in Sports Massage, Levels 2 and 3 Diploma in Nail Technology, Levels 2 and 3 Diploma in Makeup Artistry, Levels 2 and 3 in Complementary Therapies and Level 3 Diploma in Massage Therapies.  The company also offers a full range of accredited one-day courses which enable learners to gain another qualification whilst they are studying.

Amber added: “Our academies give young people and adults across Chesterfield access to free, high-quality training to prepare them for a successful career. As part of keeping learners at the centre of everything we do, our experienced tutors are dedicated to supporting our learners not just during their course, but also within their chosen fields when they graduate.

“The beauty of the academies is that the courses are funded through government money set aside for education, which means individuals don’t need to pay to start or change their career, all they need is a passion for the industry. Learners are taught by experienced tutors who have previously worked in the industry.”

“Our academies are designed to replicate real-life salons, where our students can gain the skills and knowledge they need in an engaging environment that will match their future workplaces.”

“Not only do the academies create jobs for local people, but as the learners graduate and enter the workforce, they will create a demand for hair and beauty professionals in the local area, leading to job opportunities in salons and spas.

“As local young people and adults gain access to our quality training, their skills and expertise will improve, making them more competitive in the job market, hopefully boosting the earning potential and overall economic wellbeing of the area.

“Our employer relationships also help to retain talent within Chesterfield, and allows us to support local businesses for supplies, equipment, and services. Our academies may also attract learners from outside the local area, which will again contribute to Chesterfield’s local economy.”

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

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Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st named as one of the best mortgage companies to work for in the UK

Chesterfield-based Mortgage 1st has been named as a Top Mortgage Employer and ‘one of the best mortgage companies to work for in the UK.’

The results come from an anonymous survey taken by all their employees evaluating key areas of the business such as culture, innovation, reputation and diversity.

To qualify, employers had to meet a minimum number of employee survey responses based on the overall size of the organisation. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top three companies in each category based on overall employee satisfaction. Alongside Mortgage 1st, only 8 other Mortgage Broker firms across the UK made the final list.

Mortgage 1st were listed as one of the top three companies across 4 key areas achieving Gold for Innovation, Silver for Reputation and Bronze for both Advancement and culture.

Operations Director Lisa Stones said: “Winning an award and being recognised for the work we do at Mortgage 1st is such an amazing feeling but this one tops them all as it was decided by our team. Knowing our team are happy, motivated and feel supported is what we constantly strive for and for them to score us so highly that we make the Top Mortgage Employers list is an incredible feeling.”

The Top Mortgage Employer list has been officially announced this week and shared across the intermediary sector, celebrating mortgage companies that have their team and customers at the heart of everything they do.

Mortgage 1st was founded in 2008 and now along with its sister brand Protection 1st and recent acquisition Peak Mortgages & Protection has a current total staff head count of 70. Senior team members, Advisers and Administrators work out of its Chesterfield & Belper head offices along with remote workers all over the UK, together serving customers for their mortgage and protection needs both locally and nationwide.

Chesterfield has a diverse business community and offers an excellent quality of life, sat on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park. Find out more about working in Chesterfield.

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.

 

 

Lewis Atkins Mortgage 1st

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High-growth businesses in Chesterfield achieve new ambitions through Digital Upscaler

More than 1,000 ambitious businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have received valuable support to embrace new technologies courtesy of an East Midlands Chamber-led programme.

The Digital Upscaler project, which part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ran from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2023, provided SMEs with knowledge, investment and capacity to scale-up.

It achieved this via intensive digital adviser support and specialist consultancy, capital grants to support technology investment, dedicated peer networks and a comprehensive programme of strategic action-planning workshops.

Technology grants valued at £1.6m in total, delivered as part of the project, have supported companies across a range of sectors to acquire and integrate new enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP) systems, new access and entry systems, as well as install high-performance servers and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Digital technology support has been a core service of East Midlands Chamber for many years now. A significant part of that offer was Digital Upscaler, the impact of which can be seen both in the project’s deliverables and in the subsequent growth of the businesses supported.

“ERDF support may well have ended but the Chamber’s innovation and technology specialists continue to be on hand to guide scaling businesses on tapping into support from the Chamber’s new East Midlands Accelerator projects and through national programmes such as Made Smarter and Innovate UK EDGE.”

Digital Upscaler has supported several Chesterfield firms, including Images Costumes, a family-run business which supplies custom-made dancewear, uniforms and active wear to dance schools, individual performers, theatres and production companies.

These outfits have taken centre stage in a number of shows, from The BRIT Awards to that of Irish-American dance sensation, Michael Flatley.

Michelle Webb, Owner and Managing Director at Images Costumes Ltd. commented: “Technology really is ever-changing and, no matter how we try, we are never up to date! So the triage of support we’ve received; D2N2 Business Adviser support, workshops, and digital consultancy, has been hugely important to our business.”

North Derbyshire-based manufacturer, Penny Hydraulics also received the support. The Digital Upscaler project funded bespoke training on CAD Autodesk, which has helped automate the business’s goods lift design process, in turn reducing the wasted time and material caused by manual errors.

Find out more about Chesterfield’s vibrant business community, and the support available to firms in our area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/

computer laptop digital

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Government confirms Barrow Hill line to reopen for passengers in Chesterfield

The government has confirmed it will fund the reopening of the Barrow Hill Line to passengers after being used as a freight-only line for the last six decades.

The line was closed to the public as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s, but local officials have been campaigning to reopen it to passengers, in order to improve sustainable public transport for the region.

Prior to its closure to the public, the Barrow Hill Line line ran between Chesterfield and Rotherham. Trains stopped at Clay Cross, Whittington, Barrow Hill, Staveley, Renishaw, and Killamarsh.

Its re-opening is part of a number of local infrastructure projects announced by the government across the north and midlands.

The ‘Network North’ scheme was revealed at the same time as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak announced that the second phase of HS2, which would have seen high-speed trains picking up passengers from Chesterfield, had been cancelled.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We have been working with our partners for the last few years to establish a strong business case for the reopening of the Barrow Hill Line and we are pleased that the government can now provide certainty on the future of this project.

“It complements ongoing investment in Staveley through the Town Deal and by the council and private sector partners – together these investments will help ensure Staveley residents have access to more employment opportunities and that the local economy can thrive.

“We were very disappointed with the Government’s announcement to cancel HS2 north of Birmingham, and we are still seeking clarity on what alternative investment may be coming to the Chesterfield borough area.”

In addition, Network North promises a number of infrastrcture improvements for our region:

  • Ensuring the delivery of 10 road schemes in the Midlands.
  • Supporting the incoming East Midlands Mayor with a new transport devolution settlement of £1.5 billion.
  • Extending the £2 bus fare through to the end of 2024.
  • Funding for hundreds of new local bus routes through Bus Service Improvement Plans.
  • Commitment to an additional £2.2 billion to tackle potholes.

It also comes just days after the announcement that a further £20 million has been allocated to improvements in Chesterfield, with a town board expected to be formed in order to formulate a long-term plan for the borough.

Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield – a town with an excellent strategic location, affordable business premises and a wide-ranging network of support.

Chesterfield Rail Train

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Government announces £20 million boost for Chesterfield

Chesterfield is set to benefit from £20 million over the next 10 years, as part of further government levelling up investment being provided to 55 towns across the UK.

Under the new approach, local people will be put in charge, and given the tools to change their town’s long-term future. They will:

  • Receive a ten-year endowment-style fund to be spent on local people’s priorities, like regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety.
  • Set up a Town Board to bring together community leaders, employers and local authorities to deliver the Long-Term Plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation.

The funding follows a £25 million investment awarded to Chesterfield by the government’s levelling-up fund to revitalise Chesterfield town centre and the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “This is good news for Chesterfield, which builds on our success in securing Levelling Up Fund funding for the restoration of Stephenson Memorial Hall and for revitalising our historic market grounds and high streets.

“The announcement also reflects the positive work that we have been engaged in over the past 12 months with the Government’s High Streets Task Force.

“Our aspiration is to strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres. Whilst we await the detail, the availability of additional funding and powers to make it easier for residents and visitors to visit Chesterfield town centre, to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to make our town centre more attractive and accessible are to be welcomed.

“As the Government’s lead delivery partner, we will also be able to draw on our experience of bringing community leaders, businesspeople and representatives of other local bodies together to establish a new Towns Board, which would mirror that which the council has already established to oversee delivery of the £25.2m Staveley Town Deal.

“We must and will take advantage of all such opportunities. We want our town centres to be competitive, sustainable, safe, and dynamic places that create new openings for local people and support employment and housing growth, and from which visitors can explore the borough and surrounding areas.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “This extra funding for our high streets is extremely welcome, and will help to continue the ongoing work already taking place to regenerate our town centre.

“In Chesterfield, we’re already looking forward to several major improvements in the next few years, including a revitalised market, a refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall and improvements to the connections between key points of interest across the heart of the town.

“Whilst celebrating the magnificent history and heritage of our town centre, we must also be aware that high streets must constantly adapt to changes to ensure their relevance today, and in the future.

“Destination Chesterfield is committed to working alongside partners and businesses in championing our town as an excellent location to work, live, visit and invest.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s promising to see a renewed focus on driving forward towns, which are inhabited by a large portion of our population and have a significant role to play in a successful and thriving economy.

“The changing face of towns, much like in cities, has created challenges in how we ensure they are fit for purpose as places for living, working and spending leisure time.

“A Long-Term Plan for Towns therefore feels like a vision our country has lacked for a long time in order to deliver on their economic potential.

“Local decision-making by those who know the area is crucial to this and gives us the best opportunity to create good jobs for local people, breathe new life into neglected places and unlock wider economic growth that benefits everyone.”

Located in the centre of the UK and sat on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Chesterfield is a great strategic location for your business. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Market at Christmas

 

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Community and charity efforts highlighted across Chesterfield

People and businesses in Chesterfield continue to show their support for our local communities.

Recently, a Chesterfield firm raised over £7,000 by hosting a charity golf day in the town. In addition, a local manufacturing firm donated life-saving equipment to one of the town’s walking football teams.

Meanwhile, a teenager from North Derbyshire has picked up a national award after raising more than £10,000 for various causes.

Read more about the latest fundraising initiatives below:

SMH Group’s charity golf day raises £7,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association

SMH Group - MNDA - Golf Day

SMH Group, a local firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, has raised over £7,000 for the company’s charity of the year, the South Yorkshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The money was raised at the firm’s annual charity golf day, which took place at Chesterfield Golf Club in September.

The MNDA is a charity close to many people at the SMH Group, as it supports individuals and families battling the devastating impact of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). With no known cure, the MNDA plays a pivotal role in providing essential care, support, and research funding to improve the lives of those affected by MND.

Ross Jordan, Partner at SMH Group comments: “As a progressive company by nature, we wanted to make this year’s charity golf day bigger and better than ever. After the success of our first two events, we had a big target to aim at and we’re absolutely thrilled to have smashed it, raising more than three times the amount we did last year.

“This was achieved by opening the event up to more sponsors, who we can’t thank enough for their kind donations of tee sponsorship, competition sponsorship, raffle and auction prize donations, as well as all 29 teams who donated to take part – we couldn’t have done this without you!

“We had a lot of keen, and competitive, golfers take part, which made for a very entertaining day with the individual on-course competitions, as well the overall team competition for first, second and third place.”

Spireites Walking Football Club receives a life-saving donation from United Cast Bar

united cast bar defibrillator donation

Local engineering company, United Cast Bar Ltd. have donated two CellAEDs (Defibrillators) to the Senior Spireites Walking Football Club following one of their players suffering a Cardiac Arrest during a recent match.

Thanks to the knowledge and quick action taken by another player, CPR was administered and their closest AED was used to revive the player (Mel) suffering Cardiac Arrest. Mel is now recovering at home following a short hospital stay.

Malc Perks, Chair of the Senior Spireites, says the experience made him realise that the club needed better access to defibrillators (AEDs) for away matches in other locations, and social trips that are attended.

He said: “seeing first hand how vital the AED was in saving Mel’s life made me realise that we needed other units for use at all our events and matches. James from UCB and the CellAED supplier CorMed-DX have been very quick to respond to my request which means that our members will be better protected at future matches and events that the club attends.

“Our experience shows that we were lucky to have someone who knew how to do CPR. To make sure that others can do the same thing in future we are having several of our members enrol on CPR courses in the next few weeks. As a result, I would urge all sporting clubs to make sure that they have access to a defibrillator, know how to use it, and have people in the club who are CPR trained.”

Ashgate Hospice launches ‘Go Pink’ fundraiser

Ashgate Fundraising team

Local charity Ashgate Hospice, which provides patients with end-of-life care is urging people to ‘Go Pink’ to help raise funds and awareness.

The hospice will host its second Go Pink for Ashgate week fundraiser between 9th and 15th October this year.

Families, schools and organisations are encouraged to organise their own pink-themed fundraising event or initiative to help Ashgate raise funds so it can be there for patients and their loved ones.

Seven schools, including Arkwright Primary School, Old Hall Junior School, Walton Holymoorside Primary School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School will be supporting Go Pink for Ashgate by holding non-uniform days and urging pupils to wear pink.

Rachel Broughton, Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “It’s time to get your pink on! Can you wear something pink or hold a pink themed event and show your support in return for a donation to the hospice?

“Why not dress as a pink flamingo or wear pink bunny ears to work – do whatever you wish!

“Please reach out to us if you’d be interested in being involved; your support will help raise the £9 million needed to provide our care each year.”

To find out more about how you join in with the Go Pink for Ashgate week celebrations go to https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/go-pink.

North Derbyshire teenager wins 2023 British Youth Award for fundraising efforts

Hayden Hudson

A teenager from North Derbyshire has been honoured with a prestigious national award after showing selflessness, kindness and commitment for a number of causes.

Hayden Hudson, aged 13 will be one of only 24 people nationally to be presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour, in a special ceremony taking place at The Palace of Westminster on 12 October 2023.

Hayden has raised in excess of £10,000 for multiple charities during the past five years. After learning about how the cancer unit at his local hospital helps people who are unwell and suffering, he decided he wanted to do something to help. Although Hayden has ADHD, ASD and learning difficulties, he decided to physically challenge himself to raise funds for charity.

Each year Hayden undertakes two fundraisers. He selects the charity he would like to help and then thinks of bigger and better ways to raise funds. His fundraisers are usually endurance challenges and require extensive physical effort.

Hayden is passionate about swimming, with aspirations to one day represent Team GB at the Olympics. Many of his fundraising activities are sponsored swims, one of which saw him swim 44 miles over the course of two weeks. He also undertook a triathlon with a bike ride over 18 miles, to raise money for Bluebell Wood, a hospice for children.

During lockdown, when the swimming pools were closed, Hayden embarked on a 100-mile sponsored bike ride, raising much needed funds for the local food bank and Parish church. Hayden continues to challenge himself for the benefit of others in the community.

SMH Group, United Cast Bar and Ashgate Hospice 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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