Love Chesterfield

‘Substantial’ public support for regional devolution plans

There is substantial support for regional devolution plans in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, according to the results of a recent consultation on the proposals.

Local leaders are backing devolution to promote economic growth, secure more investment in our area, for more and better jobs, and for better transport, skills training, housing, and an enhanced greener environment. It would also mean more power in local hands.

Thousands of people took part in the consultation, which took place from November 2022 to January 2023. It was open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other employers in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.

There were 4,869 responses to the consultation overall, from members of the public and people answering on behalf of an organisation. The number of responses was higher than similar consultations on devolution in other areas.

The majority backed the proposals:

  • 53% agreed with the proposals for transport, compared to 35% disagreeing.
  • 52% agreed with the proposals for skills, compared to 32% disagreeing.
  • 51% agreed with the proposals for reducing carbon and improving the environment, compared to 33% disagreeing.
  • 51% agreed with the proposals for public health, compared to 33% disagreeing
  • 46% agreed with the proposals for homes, compared to 39% disagreeing

The only area which was more balanced was in terms of the proposals for governance, with 42% agreeing and 45% disagreeing. Comments tended to centre around the need for a regional mayor. Having a regional mayor is a condition set by the government for a level 3 deal, which offers the most powers and highest funding.

The government has offered new powers to Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham, along with at least £1.14 billion of funding, through the proposed creation of an East Midlands Combined County Authority. A formal proposal was developed, outlining how devolution would work in the area, which was the focus of the consultation.

Historically, the East Midlands has often been an area of low government funding, compared to many other areas of the UK. If the proposals for devolution go ahead, a guaranteed funding stream of £38 million a year for 30 years could help to reverse this trend.

Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “It’s very encouraging to see the broad support for these plans to bring in £38 million a year and move major decision-making to the people who best know our communities, rather than Westminster.

“I’m pleased that so many residents and organisations came forward to give their views about the East Midlands devolution proposal, and I’d like to thank everyone who took part.

“Clearly there was less support for an elected mayor which I fully acknowledge. The reality is, to obtain the greatest powers and highest levels of funding from the government to benefit local people, an elected mayor is a condition of that deal.

“I firmly believe that by working together across traditional boundaries – and an elected mayor would play a key part in that – this devolution deal will help us attract more investment to our region, better support businesses, upskill our workforce, develop our infrastructure and improve public health.

“The councils involved are now working together on a final devolution proposal. I can assure everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation that their views will be central to shaping our thoughts to the government.

“At the heart of this devolution deal is a desire to seize every opportunity to improve people’s lives across our region by making sure we get a fair share of government funding.”

The leaders of Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, and Nottingham City Council all signed up to work on a devolution deal in August 2022 at Rolls-Royce in Derby, following an announcement from the Government that a package of new powers and funding, worth £1.14 billion, were available for the 2 counties and 2 cities.

The 4 councils then worked on a more detailed proposal, including more information about how devolution would work in our area, which was the focus of the consultation.

Many local organisations support devolution for the area. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Our region is home to a wide range of fantastic businesses, from industrial powerhouses with household names to university spin-outs that boast vast potential, and everything in between.

“What they now need is the political apparatus that removes any obstacles to national and local decision-making, enhances our ability to attract investment and ultimately creates a more business-friendly environment.

“This would help them to take strides forward in productivity and innovation, enabling firms to drive the economic growth that creates jobs and wealth locally.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that the authorities within the East Midlands are working to secure a deal for a combined authority. This should provide an opportunity to present a compelling case to central government for more levelling up funding that can be spent strategically to improve productivity and the number of highly skilled jobs across the region.

”It will also enable universities, and other providers of skills, innovation, and business support, to work collaboratively with a single group ensuring spend on regional development delivers the best value for money.”

If all 4 councils vote to accept the results of the consultation, and move forward with the process, a final version of the devolution proposal could then be sent to the government.

Legislation to make the new form of Combined County Authority legal could go through Parliament later this year, which would then need to be approved and receive Royal Assent. This could happen in early 2024.

A new East Midlands Combined County Authority could then officially come into existence in spring 2024, with the first ever election for a regional mayor,  covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham, taking place in May 2024.

A future mayor would be held to account by elected representatives from county and city councils in the East Midlands, as well as a scrutiny committee. The mayor would be directly elected by residents in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.

 

Chesterfield town centre views outdoors

 

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

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre welcomes digital transformation company as new tenant

Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre has welcomed another new tenant, with Konektio relocating to the town from nearby Clay Cross.

The company, which specialises in digital transformation solutions for the industrial and manufacturing industries has chosen the centre due to it’s ideal location and connectivity.

Commenting on the move, Peter Stephens, CEO at Konektio said: “We are delighted to announce the relocation of Konektio’s global headquarters to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“As a leading provider of Industrial IoT and Energy Monitoring applications, we are enabling the digital transformation for the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Konektio creates significant value for our clients across the UK, Europe, and the US with turn-key solutions for asset condition-based monitoring and energy usage solutions. We help our customers tangibly reduce their operating and energy costs, improving their profitability whilst reducing their impact on the environment.

“The decision to select the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was a strategic one, as the Centre offers an outstanding business environment and top-notch facilities that align with Konektio’s vision and support our customers and rapid organisational growth.”

Since opening in Summer 2022, the Enterprise Centre has gone from strength-to-strength, with more than 60% of the space already occupied, and less than a dozen of the 32 office spaces now remaining.

The Grade ‘A’ Office space is offered on easy in and out letting terms and tenants also benefit from access to a range of other council services and venues, including business support and corporate rates for leisure passes, parking permits and conferencing facilities.

With its town centre location, the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is easily accessible by car, train, bus and cycle users. It’s situated opposite the new Saltergate multi-story car park and close to all major bus routes and Chesterfield Railway station.

Th centre is also an exemplar of sustainable development, having been designed to a BREEAM Excellent standard. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability rating scheme and focuses on building design, construction and use. It helps measure and reduce the environmental impacts of buildings.

Find out more about locating your business at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/

Konektio

 

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

Superior Wellness products achieve impressive sustainability standard

Chesterfield hot tub manufacturer, Superior Wellness has revealed its new range of products has received an impressive sustainability certification.

The firm’s Platinum Spas Deluxe hot tubs, which were launched in Janaury, have been CEC tested, showing the company’s commitment to being more energy efficient.

The CEC – or California Energy Commission is the only third-party accreditation organisation recognised by the spa and hot tub industry.

With five models in the range all now boasting premium features and upgrades – introducing the Tahiti, Refresh, Happy, Palma and the brand new all seater Seville.

Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “We are delighted that the new range is CEC certified. The Deluxe range now includes the award-winning energy efficient insulation Platinum Premium Shield. This is designed by the Superior Heatlock Insulation Process which provides a considerable difference in the heat retained in the hot tub as well as a reduction in energy costs.

“With a focus on innovation, the latest technology and an abundance of features, the new range includes a number of improvements.”

The hot tub cover is now fabric instead of vinyl. The overall thickness of the cover has been increased providing greater insulation and creating energy savings. The circulation pump has also been upgraded to a much quieter and more energy efficient version, which again shows the company’s commitment to improving the overall efficiency for customers.

Gareth Ward added: “We are very excited about the launch of the new Deluxe range. We always listen to feedback from our customers and partner network to help inform our decisions on innovation.”

Chesterfield Borough Council recently approved it’s new Climate Strategy for the town, which reaffirms its ambitions to become a net-zero borough by 2050. The new strategy will direct how the council works with industry in the future, ensuring sustainability and climate change a central theme of everything it does.

Read more about the strategy here. 

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

Superior Wellness

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

Property & construction firms shout louder about investment opportunities in Chesterfield

There’s so much to be shouting about across our town. A range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield are now available, with a pipeline of regeneration worth approximately £2 billion on the way.

That message was conveyed to Chesterfield’s business community at the recent Celebrate Chesterfield business conference at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

At the event, business leaders encouraged delegates to help shout about the success of Chesterfield as a collective.

Find out more in the video below, which includes Chesterfield Property and Construction Group member, Andrew Byrne – Property Development Director at The Devonshire Group.

To that end, we’ve been taking a look at how businesses in Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group are working in collaboration to promote our area externally.

The group has already created strong links between private and public sector organisations in the town. This collaboration encourages further growth and collaboration in areas such as skills, sustainability and investment opportunities.

Find out from our group members how they have been flying the flag for Chesterfield across their sector and beyond:

Lomas and Mitchell Architects

KI yard from above lomas and mitchell

Chesterfield’s Lomas & Mitchell Architects co-founded the successful Property and Construction Group. Additionally, the company is a champion of sustainable development in the town.

Jillian Mitchell, co-owner of Lomas & Mitchell commented:

“Being involved with the Construction and Property Forum enables me to keep in touch with our industry at a local level.

“By working closely with the steering group, I keep up with local developments and find out about companies in our region who, like us, are passionate about sustainability and quality.

“The airing of one of our projects on Channel 4’s Grand Designs gave us an opportunity to market our practice. As part of this, we were able to include Chesterfield and the Forum in our promotions.”

Whittam Cox Architects

Andrew Dabbs

Whittam Cox Architects plays a crucial role in promoting Chesterfield externally and putting the town on the map as a great place to invest.

The company has helped to showcase investment opportunities in Chesterfield by supporting the establishment of the Property and Construction Group.

By encouraging a collective understanding of the significant opportunities in Chesterfield, Whittam Cox raises awareness within the group through social media and in-person events.

Andrew Dabbs chairs the Property and Construction Group in addition to his role as board director at Whittam Cox. Working alongside colleagues, he invests a significant amount of personal time in coordinating group activities.

As a result, there is an increasing interest from companies within and outside the town. The group’s efforts have led to the establishment of some well-received  events. Examples of this include local netWalking and Women in Property events, which provide a platform for networking and collaboration.

Whittam Cox Architects also uses its investment in events such as MIPIM and UKREiiF to promote the town externally. By participating in these industry events, the company can showcase the value of Chesterfield’s location to a broader audience.

Andrew commented:

“As a nationally recognised practice, the company’s HQ in the town draws the spotlight to this great location.

“Whittam Cox Architects believes that promoting the town is a collective responsibility for all companies where possible. By doing so, the company is helping to put Chesterfield on the map as a great place to invest.”

BSP Consulting

elder way public realm bsp

BSP joined Chesterfield Champions to support the town a key public realm project in the town alongside partners.

The project involved improvement works to the whole length of Elder Way. Enhancements to the junctions with Saltergate and Knifesmithgate have also been made, as part of the Northern Gateway regeneration scheme.

BSP worked alongside Danaher & Walsh, which was appointed by Chesterfield Borough Council to carry out the works.

BSP’s business development manager Carrie Booth said:

“Having attended an event in Chesterfield recently and learnt more about the exciting developments and opportunities in the town, we are delighted to be joining Chesterfield Champions.

“It will give BSP the chance to support developments in Chesterfield and the surrounding area and be a part of the future of the town.”

FI Real Estate Management

The HQ Chesterfield

FI Real Estate Management has invested significantly in Chesterfield since 2019. The company has upgraded Rowland Hill House (The HQ) to Grade A office space with a £2m refurbishment programme.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“The HQ presents businesses with an opportunity to benefit from bespoke office facilities for their teams, suited to their specific needs and requirements.

“It reflects the work we are doing to progress Chesterfield’s business offering in line with nearby cities, without compromising on the down-to-earth business style the market town is known for.

“Opportunities like The HQ attract more businesses and further investment to the area. This enriches the working lives of the local community.”

Bolsterstone Group PLC

Chesterfield Waterside office development

Bolsterstone Group is working hard with Chesterfield Borough Council to bring forward the Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme, which is a 40-acre scheme that will deliver £350m of investment to the town.

The current phases include 174 new houses, nearing completion. At Basin Square, the firm has just completed the 36,000 sq. ft Grade A office building. This development has already seen major success, with two of the floors already let.

Tom Swallow, Development Manager at Bolsterstone Group, commented:

“The aim of this high-quality building is to provide larger floor plates to attract inward investment. Additionally, it will take advantage of the proximity of both Chesterfield Train Station and Chesterfield town centre.

“The next phase will see a hotel, multi-storey car park and urban housing in the form of build-to-rent apartments.

“All of these seek to provide a quality offer which puts Chesterfield on the map. This draws new residents and businesses into the town and will create a new, sustainable high-quality community”

To find out more about the range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield, along with the benefits of locating your business in the town, view our investment map here.

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

Chesterfield Football Club kicks off mental health partnership

Chesterfield Football Club is working closely with Derbyshire County Council to promote mental health and wellbeing.

The club is working with the council’s mental health team to share a wide variety of support to fans and visitors.

This includes information across the stadium around suicide prevention, mental health and a wide variety of other health and wellbeing support.

Staff from Derbyshire County Council’s public health team have also been on hand to provide healthy lifestyles advice and support to fans.

Mike Goodwin, Chairman of Chesterfield Football Club, said: “It is vital that people in the community who need help with their mental health are provided with the necessary support.

“We are proud of our excellent relationship with Derbyshire County Council, and we will do everything we can to support their efforts to help those in the community who are struggling with their mental health.”

Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “Mental health is vital to us all and getting the right support and help early can make a big difference.

“Sadly, long term statistics show that men are more likely to take their own lives, and it is most common between the ages of 30 and 59. That’s why we are taking mental health support out to the places that they are likely to be.

“As well as working with Chesterfield Football Club we also offer free mental health training to barbers and other personal care professionals, offering support in environments where people feel safe and comfortable enough to share their thoughts.”

The council’s Live Life Better Derbyshire team is also offering support to fans during match days.

They’re carrying out body MOTs and talking about the free healthy lifestyles service that the council offers, including help around stop smoking, weight management and how to get more active.

Find mental health and wellbeing support.

cfc technique stadium

Posted in Business, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Recognition for JP Fire Safety Solutions with prestigious safety certification

JP Fire Safety Solutions Ltd. has been awarded highly sought-after certification for the firm’s Life Fire Risk Assessment services.

To achieve BAFE SP205 certification, BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) certified companies must demonstrate high quality standards and best working practice in the fire safety industry.

For the building owner, or the responsible person for fire safety within a building, there is a significant amount of legislation to be aware of and associated responsibilities to meet.

These safeguards are in place to protect the users and occupants of buildings. By choosing a BAFE certified company, the responsible person can satisfy themselves that they are choosing a quality assured service in terms of industry knowledge, skills and expertise, and help stop them from falling foul of fire safety laws, which can lead to large fines and even imprisonment.

The BAFE Register provides reassurance to businesses and property owners when selecting a competent fire protection company to assist them with their fire risk assessment needs.

John Priest, Director said: “We have been working towards this certification for the past 12 months and are delighted that we have been recognised by BAFE as the only provider in Chesterfield, and one of just 178 nationally, to meet their standards for Fire Risk Assessment services. We have always strived to provide the best service we can for our customers, and this recognition is the icing on the cake”.

Under the BAFE scheme, JP Fire Safety will be regularly audited by the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) who are the leading certification body for organisations to ensure they maintain their high-quality fire risk assessment services.

For more information on Fire Risk Assessments contact JP Fire Safety at info@jpfiresafety.co.uk or on 01246 556699.

JP Fire Safety Solutions Ltd. supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

JP Fire Safety

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

Town Deal funding aims to support businesses in Staveley town centre

A new scheme to support businesses in Staveley Town Centre has been launched by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Businesses and charities are being invited to apply for funds to help improve their premises, as part of plans to support the wider regeneration of Staveley town centre.

The Staveley 21 Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme can provide funding for business owners or landlords who want to make improvements such as new signage, window replacements, repairs to brickwork, improving lighting or the addition of new security measures. The scheme is funded through the Staveley Town Deal and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

It is one element of the nearly £5 million investment that will be made in Staveley town centre over the next three years. This package of works also includes the refurbishment of the Market Place, rejuvenation of the High Street and improving connections across the town centre including with the historic Chesterfield Canal.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This grant scheme is a key element of our plans to improve Staveley town centre and make it a more inviting place to visit, to shop and to socialise. We want to work with local businesses to provide the support they need to increase footfall and make their businesses thrive.

“We’ve made sure that this grant scheme is one of the most generous in the country and I’d encourage any business owner or landlord in Staveley to speak with our team to find out how this initiative could help them.”

A small business or charity can claim 80% of the costs of improvements made through the scheme. The grants will be provided on a first come first served basis and applications must be made before April 2025.

The appropriate works will be unique for each eligible business and prior to any application the project team are able to discuss your needs and eligibility but also advise on works that would be covered under the grant scheme and any permissions (e.g. planning consent) that are required.

A set of principles to guide improvements and support the design process have also been developed.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This scheme is just one element of the improvements planned for Staveley town centre using Town Deal funding. Together these ambitious proposals will help provide a boost for local businesses and create a more attractive place to visit which will help ensure Staveley is the place to start, stay and grow.”

Staveley 21 includes the renovation of Market Square with new paving, seating, lighting and planting. There is also an ambition to create a new landmark building for use by either businesses or public sector services where the currently disused toilet block stands.

Rejuvenation of the High Street will enhance improvements made through the Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme and complement the heritage conservation area.

Improving connections and wayfinding signage across the town centre will help visitors to explore the canal and other local points of interest. A new lighting strategy will help ensure visibility across the area is improved whilst also supporting the night time economy by making the centre a more attractive place to visit at all hours.

For more details about the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme, including guidance notes and the application form, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-shop-front-grants

You can also find out more about the planned improvements for Staveley town centre by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-21

Cllr Gilby and Cllr Sarvent Staveley Town Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Success for Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and Matlock Farm Park at Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023

North Derbyshire businesses Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and Matlock Farm Park are all celebrating, after picking up ‘gold’ accolades at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023.

The awards culminated in a glittering awards ceremony attended by 180 people at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March.

Some of the area’s finest visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers were amongst those recognised at the awards, designed to showcase excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, this year’s awards celebrated the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s valuable contribution to the local economy.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023 were hotly contested and finalists progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts.

Finalists, guests and partners enjoyed a drinks reception sponsored by Global Brands followed by a three-course formal dinner in the stunning surroundings of Casa Hotel’s Barcelona Suite.

Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt, Chair of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, opened proceedings saying: “I am delighted to be here to celebrate with you all and to help the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire team champion the very best of the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses.

“I have learnt through my involvement with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire that we each have our own businesses, our own challenges and our own opportunities for growth but when we work together, we can, and we do achieve so much more.”

Host Andy Miller compered the event as Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners were revealed. Gold winners were each presented with hand-crafted awards, designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners each received a certificate identifying them as one of the finest tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will now progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of all that’s great about the tourism industry locally, and recognise its vital importance to the economy as well as the hard work, talent and dedication of those who work in this important sector.

“The quality and diversity of our tourism offer is immense and, in light of the many difficulties faced by the industry over the past three years, we should be tremendously proud of not only our award-winners, but of all our finalists. They have shown adaptability, innovation, and commitment to delivering world-class experiences to visitors day in, day out and help make the Peak District and Derbyshire such a fantastic place to live, work and visit. Congratulations everyone!”

Full list of finalists and winners at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2023:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • GOLD: Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Silver: Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • Bronze: LEVEL Centre, Rowsley

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • GOLD: Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Silver: Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • GOLD: Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington
  • Silver: Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Bronze: Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • GOLD: Pure Outdoor
  • Silver: myGuidedWalks
  • Bronze: Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock

Experience of the Year

  • GOLD: myGuidedWalks
  • Silver: Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Bronze: Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • GOLD: Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne
  • Silver: Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Bronze: The Maynard, Grindleford

New Tourism Business Award

  • GOLD: Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Silver: Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Bronze: The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • GOLD: The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • Silver: The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage
  • Bronze: The George, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • GOLD: Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Silver: Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • GOLD: The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Silver: Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale
  • Bronze: Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • GOLD: Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Silver: The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Bronze: The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell

Team of the Year

  • GOLD: The Maynard Team
  • Silver: Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Bronze: Hattersley Wines

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • GOLD: Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Silver: Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Bronze: Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • GOLD: Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Silver: Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor
  • Bronze: Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • GOLD: Matlock Farm Park
  • Silver: Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Bronze: Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Gold winners at the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

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

ChargedEV announces move to The HQ in Chesterfield

An award-winning EV charging infrastructure specialist has moved into a grade A office development in Chesterfield, as it strives to become the UK’s largest EV charging service provider.

ChargedEV works with a range of market-leading key partners in the lease, fleet, and property sectors to support them with the rollout of charging infrastructure.

The firm has installed over 35,000 domestic and 2000 commercial EV charge points nationwide and continues to win new flagship partnerships that drive the business forward.

Mark Pymm, Founder and Managing Director at ChargedEV commented: “We have been trading in Chesterfield for 9 years but have seen significant growth over the last 18 months and the new office space at The HQ will give us a solid foundation to continue our growth, recruit and develop local people, and ultimately take our business to the next level allowing us the space to create over 100 positions across a range of roles over the next two years.

“Chesterfield has been a great location for ChargedEV as a central hub for our Nationwide operations, with great connectivity and transport links.

“I personally look forward to becoming more integrated into Chesterfield’s business community which appears to be thriving and lend my support and experience to ensure Chesterfield can be a pioneering town in the electric revolution.”

Last year, The HQ underwent a £1.25 million refurbishment to modernise the office space and create an inspiring place for local businesses to thrive.

Rowland Hill House, formerly the Royal Mail offices on Boythorpe Road is now a vibrant, efficient and high-quality facility used and enjoyed by a number of businesses. FI Real Estate Management upgraded the existing building to Grade A office space, with the option to split the space to accommodate tenants’ requirements and the demand for new ways of working.

The HQ has been specifically designed as a solution to modern ways of working, offering flexible spaces from 400 sq ft up to 60,331 sq ft across four floors.

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management commented: “We’re looking forward to welcoming ChargedEV and introducing them to the diverse range of businesses working at The HQ.

“We provide bespoke packages so local and regional businesses can benefit from first-class office environments tailored to meet their specific needs and requirements, without compromising on efficiency.

“Offering tenants the opportunity to network with other businesses in the building creates a sense of community that we are extremely proud of and this is only growing with further demand for The HQ.”

“Chesterfield is an up-and-coming Northern business hub with many fantastic local businesses thriving in the area. It is a privilege to sit amongst other investments such as Waterside, Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and the Glass Yard, bringing a new standard of living and working to the town.

“We enjoy working and doing business in Chesterfield as we can appreciate first-hand the benefit it provides to the local community.”

Further details, images and a downloadable brochure of the HQ can be found here.

Looking to grow your business? There are now several modern, flexible and affordable office options available across Chesterfield. Find your perfect office at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

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

The HQ Chesterfield

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

Proposals submitted for new Staveley Waterside Development

Proposals for the first phase of a new waterside development in Staveley have been submitted for planning approval by Derbyshire County Council.

Plans for the Staveley Waterside Development at Staveley Basin have been drawn-up as part of the Staveley Town Deal – a £25m Government-funded regeneration programme for the area.

Planning permission is being sought from Chesterfield Borough Council to construct a two-storey building, offering flexible space for new and existing small businesses, some retail use, and a food and beverage opportunity, with indoor and outdoor dining space, along with an access road, and mooring space.

£2.664m has been earmarked from the Staveley Town Deal fund, subject to planning approval, for the first phase of the development on the Staveley Basin site, which forms part of the Markham Vale estate – the county council’s flagship regeneration site with HBD (formerly Henry Boot Developments) off M1 junction 29a.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, spoke about the development taking place across Staveley as part of a panel discussion at the Celebrate Chesterfield 2023 business conference.

The event encouraged organisations across the area to support Destination Chesterfield to market the town as a destination to invest, work, live and visit. Read more about the conference here.

Ivan said: “Staveley Waterside represents a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into the area around the canal basin by creating facilities for businesses, residents and visitors.

“Enhancing the visitor experience around the canal with make it even more attractive to walkers and cyclists. The regeneration of this area will leave a lasting legacy for future generations and ensure that Staveley is a place where people can start, stay and grow.”

Ivan Fomin speaking at Celebrate Chesterfield 2023

Ivan Fomin speaking at Celebrate Chesterfield 2023

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We’ve put together proposals for an exciting new development which will help to bring jobs to the area and boost the visitor economy.

“Derbyshire County Council has been working alongside partners over a number of years to improve the Staveley Basin area and the Staveley Town Deal has given us a great opportunity to turn our ideas into reality, using our expertise from Markham Vale to create high-quality business accommodation as well as a visitor destination that people from near and far can enjoy.”

Staveley Waterside is one of three projects the county council is leading as part of the Staveley Town Deal which includes 11 projects in total.

Wheels to Work is a project the county council is leading to help people in Staveley access job and training opportunities by providing bicycles and e-scooters for those with limited transport options. And the county council is also heading up a project to reinstate a railway station in Barrow Hill and create better public transport connections between Staveley, Chesterfield and Sheffield for jobs and training opportunities.

For more information about the Staveley Town Deal projects visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Staveley waterside 2023

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Get involved, collaborate and make change happen conference tells Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield businesses have been urged to take action if they want to make a difference to the town’s future.

Speaking at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield Conference on Thursday 2 March, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco IT, Peter Swallow, Chair of the town’s inward investment marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, called on businesses to ‘get involved,’ ‘collaborate’ and ‘make change happen’ to ensure the town achieves its transformational growth strategy by 2030.

He said: “We have a network of more than 200 businesses, charities and education providers in Chesterfield, known as Chesterfield Champions, and the people in these organisations do so much to support Destination Chesterfield to market the town as a destination to invest, work, live and visit. But if we want to see the town thrive in an increasingly competitive market, we need to do even more collectively. We must collaborate and buy from each other and we must champion Chesterfield outside the area in order to help us bring investment into the borough and create highly skilled jobs.”

Launched on 23 February by Chesterfield Borough Council, key headline targets of the Chesterfield Growth Strategy include:

  • Increasing the number of employee jobs in the borough by 4% (2,000 jobs).
  • Increasing the number of businesses by 12% (400 businesses).
  • Increasing the number of higher value businesses by 15% (100 businesses).
  • Increasing the share of Chesterfield residents in knowledge-based occupations by 15% (baseline Census 21 – 18,000).
  • Increasing the value of the visitor economy by 20% (baseline £163m).

Speaking about the ambitious strategy at the conference, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “Bringing together the public, private and community sectors to champion our borough is key to achieving our ambitions and strengthening the local economy. As a council we have continued to bring investment into the area from central government and elsewhere.

“Earlier this year we announced our success in bringing almost £2.7 million of UK Shared Prosperity Funding into the borough, a comprehensive spending plan is in place that will provide training support, grant programmes for businesses and charities, as well as helping to make further improvements to green spaces, sports and play facilities across our borough.

“We have secured more than £45 million from the government, this will be used to invest in the future of Staveley but also to improve Chesterfield town centre and enhance our appeal to visitors.

“Looking to the future there is more than £2 billion of investment across our borough and this will help ensure that we have a bright future ahead of us but there is still more we can do and working with the Chesterfield Champions we look forward to promoting our borough as the place to live, work, visit and invest.”

As well as being Chair of Destination Chesterfield, Mr Swallow is also Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, the company leading the private/public £340million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Growth Strategy will see further investors like Bolsterstone Group and Devonshire Group attracted to the borough which currently has more than £2 billion of regeneration in the pipeline.

The Devonshire Group is behind the future residential development and regeneration of 150 hectares of former industrial land in the Staveley and is also partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College and the University of Derby in delivering the Construction Skills Hub. This is funded through the Staveley Town Deal and will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners on a live construction site over 10 years.

In addition to site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation the Hub will also provide training in green technologies.

The annual Celebrate Chesterfield conference, which was attended by more than 250 members of the town’s businesses community, also saw the launch of the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which will position the borough as a desirable and contemporary destination for visitors, investors and residents.

The new plan places the town’s network of Champions at the forefront, having been recently praised by the UK’s leading place branding, place marketing and place making specialist Thinking Place, as a ‘sales force’ for the town.

Celebrate Chesterfield was sponsored by Chesterfield Champions Addooco IT, University of Derby, Choice Utility and Markham Vale.

Peter Swallow added: “The financial support of the town’s Champions is incredibly important to ensure events such as Celebrate happen. For people to be onboard and contributing actively to the town’s growth and development, then they also must be informed and involved with plans. The lasting and far reaching change we are striving for in Chesterfield cannot be done by one organisation alone; it must be a collaborative effort.”

Nigel Mallender, Head of Sales and Marketing at Addooco IT Ltd, the event’s headline sponsor said: “Addooco are a proud Chesterfield based business and the majority of our Team live in the town. We’re delighted to support the many Destination Chesterfield events and to promote their initiatives wherever possible. They do an excellent job of increasing awareness of our town and in spreading the word on what a great place Chesterfield is to live, work, meet and to run a business. Addooco are committed to Chesterfield and continue to use local suppliers, services and hire local people wherever we can.”

Dan Molloy, Managing Director of Choice Utility added: “I believe that Chesterfield is one of the best places to do business out of. It’s important that the businesses based here support the town and each other, whether it’s through attending and sponsoring events like Celebrate Chesterfield or shopping local. Having a thriving local economy is key to developing conversations with national investors and ensuring Chesterfield continues to grow and develop.”

Adam Doyle, Head of Business Engagement and Employability at the University of Derby which is supporting the Festival of Business Exhibition said: “We were proud to be the partner of the Derbyshire Festival of Business exhibition at Celebrate Chesterfield. The festival plays a key role in continuing to support the business community to innovate and grow, aligned to our aim of raising skills and aspirations across our region. Working with businesses, we are helping to position our county internationally as a place to do business as well as a place to study, live and work.”

A spokesperson for HBD, the developer behind Chesterfield’s hugely successful Markham Vale and a sponsor of Celebrate Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a fantastic place to do business, as demonstrated by the phenomenal growth we’ve seen at Markham Vale and the creation of more than 2,700 new jobs.”

To discover more about the investment opportunities available in Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

tricia gilby and peter swallow celebrate 2023

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