Love Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s Central Technology celebrates 20 years of business

A Chesterfield company, which provides IT, telecoms and cyber security support has celebrated 20 successful years of trading in the town.

To celebrate the milestone and outline its vision for the future, Central Technology has announced a major rebrand, new website and a major offer to its customers.

The rebrand has given CT the opportunity to reflect the changing times, the firm’s growth, approach, achievements, and innovations over the past two decades and importantly demonstrate why it is different to other IT providers.

The company’s new website also reflects this and gives visitors more of an insight as to why people love to work for the company, and how its IT solutions are making a big difference to customers.

To celebrate this major milestone, CT is offering 20% off professional services until the end of November. Click here for further details.

Ian Snow, Managing Director of Central Technology said: “Continuing to succeed after 20 years in the IT Support/MSP industry is no mean feat.  Our success and growth is down to our committed and brilliant team who continue to provide the support our customers need.  Being in IT can be pressurised at times, but the culture that we have grown here at CT has created a relaxed, supportive and friendly working environment which we are very proud of and continues to drive the success of the company.

“With over 70 people based in our HQ here in Chesterfield, we are set to continue to grow over the next few years as we continue to expand our services nationwide.  To mark this milestone, we have re-branded to reflect how far we have come, our approach, achievements and innovations over the past two decades and importantly to demonstrate why we are different to other IT providers.”

Speaking on doing business in the town, Ian commented: “Being based in Chesterfield for 20 years is true testament to how much we value the town and are proud of how its developments past, present and future, which have continued to strengthen the economy, encourage more businesses to relocate and importantly drive more talent to the area.

“Importantly, its central location and transport network has allowed us to expand our services nationwide to support even more customers across the country.”

Central Technology 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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Derbyshire strikes gold in national visitor attraction accolades

Derbyshire has struck gold in the national accolades designed to showcase visitor attractions that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.

Three local tourism businesses have received recognition in the VisitEngland 2021-2022 Visitor Attraction Accolades which celebrate the quality and diversity of visitor experiences across the country – with Derbyshire taking home two of three Gold accolades for the East Midlands.

Chatsworth and The Heights of Abraham each received a prestigious Gold accolade, whilst Denby Pottery Village won the coveted accolade for Best Told Story.

The winning attractions have gained the accolades based on scores received following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments. Marks were allocated for the outstanding experiences they provide to visitors across categories including Welcome, Best Told Story, Quality Food & Drink, Hidden Gem and Gold for overall winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “It’s fantastic to see three of Derbyshire’s brilliant attractions flying the flag for our outstanding visitor offer in these prestigious VisitEngland accolades.

“Derbyshire has so many unmissable attractions that deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike, and this is a timely reminder of the value, variety and sheer quality of the area’s tourism industry.”

Pamela Pearson, Visitor Experience Development Manager at Chatsworth added: “We are delighted to receive this award from VisitEngland, which recognises the hard work of our teams and our commitment to going the extra mile to deliver an excellent visitor experience. This year, we celebrated creativity with a free exhibition of monumental sculpture, ‘Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth’, in the parkland. It’s wonderful to be one of the 97 award-winning attractions in England, congratulations to all the winners.”

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

Burning Man Chatsworth

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Chesterfield residents and visitors can visit Santa in his Grotto this winter

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall are now open.

Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto from 20 November and tickets must be booked in advance either online or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great news the grotto is back in town for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are hosting the grotto on the balcony of the Market Hall, for the first time in three years and I know it has been missed by many local people.

“You will need to book in advance, so you don’t miss out on visiting Santa in the Market Hall.”

Visitors are asked to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes prior to their time slot, so we can try to keep queues to a minimum. Families will be able to meet Santa on a first come first served basis within their slot time.

There will also be three relaxed sessions that will be bookable on 3 December, 11 December and 18 December 2022.

The relaxed sessions are specifically adapted for children with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders. There will be no flashing lights and the sessions are extended to reduce anxiety and allow everyone to enjoy a visit to Santa.

The cost will be £6.50 per child, which includes a present.

This is the first time you have been able meet Santa in person for 3 years, and it promises to be a special event for everyone to enjoy.

Bookings can be made in person at the Visitor Information Centre (Rykneld Square, Chesterfield S40 1SB), over the phone (01246 345777) or by visiting the booking website.

More information about the dates and times Santa’s Grotto is open can be found here and more details about what is happening around Chesterfield over the festive season can be viewed at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

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Innovative community events launched to support local projects

Chesterfield community interest organisation, Kakou is set to launch a brand-new initiative, aimed at helping local projects gain funding.

Chesterfield SOUP is a project that invites artists, social enterprises, charitable organisations and everyone in-between to attend an evening meal with likeminded people where they will be given the time and platform to pitch their ideas and projects that will benefit and improve their local communities- and the voted ‘best pitch’ among the attendees will get the opportunity to be granted funding for their pitch.

This concept has been inspired by countless other SOUP projects worldwide, from Detroit and Perth to Oslo and Dundee- the SOUP event format has spread like wildfire across the world as hundreds of participants around the globe have seized the opportunity to share their ideas to better the hometowns and cities they love the most, all in a wholesome and familiar environment with people who share their passion for change and their love of a homecooked meal.

There is very little as inspiring, powerful and important as the support of a community. This, the team at Kakou quickly came to understand and respect in their work as a Social Enterprise and certified B-Corporation, and the organisation has consistently aimed to bring projects to smaller and younger communities to provide more diverse means by which those voices can enact and be a part of the social change they want to see.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Kakou Co-Founder commented: “It’s a fantastic way for local people to support local community projects directly.”

It is this incredibly potent sense of community that has led Kakou to the launching of the SOUP project, which the organisation believes will channel every ounce of love, ambition and care that we see in spades all around Chesterfield for years to come.

Kakou couldn’t be prouder of how dense a population of social enterprises and community charities that hang their hats in Chesterfield, and of how many people truly care about reaching out, offering a hand and being a part of the movement to make Chesterfield an even more diverse, green, safe and accessible town of opportunity for all in our little corner of Derbyshire.

The first Chesterfield SOUP event will be held on November 11th, from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Monkey Park Community Café on Chester Street, Chesterfield, S40 1DN. Find out more info about Chesterfield SOUP, and to register your place as an attendee, on our website at soup.socialfuse.org.uk.

Kakou 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 personal training company crowned as best personal training provider in Derbyshire.

Chesterfield-based personal training company ‘UP Strength’ has won ‘Best Personal Training Provider’ in Derbyshire, at a recent ceremony hosted by SME News.

The Midlands Enterprise programme, now running for five consecutive years, is created to acknowledge and award businesses of all different sizes covering a range of industries that are based within the Midlands.

The award symbolises the hard work and dedication companies have displayed compared to others throughout the midland’s region. UP Strength was crowned Best Personal Training Provider in Derbyshire after just three years in business.

UP Strength was launched in 2019 by owner and Personal trainer Alfie Spencer from Chesterfield.

Alfie Spencer, 24, said being recognised with such a prestigious award is truly amazing.

“We have created an effective personal training model that delivers the same outstanding results whether you can access our studio or not, putting focus into 1-1 personal training but also our ToneUP at home program. Our focus from day one is to deliver a life-changing experience, world-class results and a true real return on investment for every single client that comes on board with UP Strength’

“We hold ourselves accountable to the highest of standards, demanding excellence from ourselves. To be recognised for all our hard work is absolutely amazing”

UP Strength has recently launched their new at home program called ToneUP, which allows you to progress your health and fitness at home with little or no equipment. Their catchy slogan of ‘home sweat home’ hints at what can be expected!

Alfie mentioned that the motivation behind ToneUP is to help people who suffer with “gymtimidation”. “Sadly the hardest part for a lot of people isn’t the workout, it’s actually walking through the doors. We’re trying our best to become a company that helps as many people as possible, who face real challenges when it comes to their own health and fitness.”

“The world needs to know you don’t need a gym to become the best, healthiest version of yourself.”

UP Strength know all about your worries and concerns when wanting to start the gym which is why they operate from a 1-1 private exclusive studio in the heart of Chesterfield. This is just you and your coach.

Alfie went on to say ‘what makes UP Strength so great isn’t about what we sell, it’s not even the fact we’re highly qualified & experienced personal trainers, it’s the fact that we care. We will go the extra mile for you. We care about you, your fitness and your mind. We will invest everything we can in to helping you reach your goals.’

Alfie finally added, ‘I’m just a normal young man from Chesterfield with a dream of owning my own business, whilst helping others transform their lives and becoming the best version of themselves. I’m now proud to say that our small personal training company based in Chesterfield has now become the best provider in Derbyshire. This is just the start for UP Strength.”

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Whittam Cox retains place in UK’s top 50 architects list

Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox Architects has secured a place in the Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings for the seventh consecutive year.

Over 300 firms took part in the annual consultant survey by leading industry publication ‘Building Magazine’. The publication has ranked the practice as 80 out of all the firms who made the top 150, which includes Architects, Surveyors, Project Managers, and Engineers.

The firm has also secured a spot at number 40 in the UK’s Top Architects, reinforcing the fact that Whittam Cox Architects is one of UK’s largest practices, servicing clients and projects nationwide.

Whilst the report raises concerns about key issues such as the impact of Brexit, Ukraine and recruitment and what this could mean for the industry, the company remains positive as it continues to work with high profile clients on significant urban residential schemes, particularly Build-to-Rent projects across the UK as well as continued growth with retail frameworks and in the logistics sector.

Commenting on the milestone Board Director Nick Riley said: “We are delighted to be recognised again by Building for the seventh consecutive year; we see this as an endorsement of our employees’ commitment to delivering tangible value and the very best outcomes for our clients.

Looking ahead we know we can’t be complacent; it’s essential we remain progressive by being ambitious, agile and responsive through continued times of political and market uncertainty.”

Whittam Cox Architects is also involved with Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, which brings together businesses working across the sector in our town.

Board Director Andy Dabbs currently chairs the group, working alongside Destination Chesterfield to host networking events, forums and drive forward further investment in the area.

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

Whittam Cox Architect of the Year

 

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Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k enjoys another successful year

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has been hailed a great success by organisers, event partners and participants after more than 1000 runners took part in the event on Sunday 16 October.

Robert Byers was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 32:56, with Hayley Gill the first female to finish in a time of 37:45 both setting new course records.

The oldest participant in the event was John Menary aged 78, and Jayden Peace was the youngest at 15 years old.

Max Taylor was the winner of the City Taxi’s Fun Run, which took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

Around 12 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K’s events.

The event also helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, with circa £30,000 pledged for charities including main charity partners – Redbrik Foundation, Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, along with many other charities selected by the runners from across the region.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k said: “It’s been fantastic to see another successful Redbrik Chesterfield 10k.

“When we launched the event in 2020, we wanted a fantastic experience for participants that benefited the local community as well as to generate much-needed funds for our partner charities. Seeing the number of people who turned out to cheer on the runners all around the race route was amazing to see and makes such a difference to the participants.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped ensure that the event came together, including our event partners, sponsors and each and every runner on the day.

“In particular we would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteer marshals who gave up their free time on a Sunday morning to keep everything running smoothly, from assisting the runners and helping the general public.

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.

“The money raised by this event will help good causes like the Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and other charities to continue their fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Foundation and a participant in the 10k said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the Chesterfield 10k team, giving something back to Chesterfield who have always been supportive of our estate agency Redbrik, now approaching its 10th year in business.

“Seeing the number of spectators lining the streets of the town centre was wonderful, it really showed how much support the people of Chesterfield have to give.
“You can’t ask for a more picturesque running route, starting and ending in beautiful Queens Park and seeing the town at its best, with everyone in the community cheering you on.

“Events such as the Chesterfield 10k help to showcase the town on a large scale, with huge numbers of people coming from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. Bring on 2023!”

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Chesterfield 1940s market to take place this half term

Chesterfield’s 1940s Market returns during half term with entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Taking place on Thursday 27 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve put together a great package of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Our 1940s Market gets bigger every year and I hope lots of you will come along this half term to support the event and our fantastic market traders.”

Activities

New for 2022 is a Home Guard encampment in the Crooked Spire Churchyard with reenactors ready to talk about the role of the Home Guard and demonstrate the equipment they used. At 11am and 2pm they will be putting on Drill sessions for children where kids can learn marching moves.

Chesterfield Museum will be taking over one of the units in the Pavements Centre where they will be running an activity about rationing and letting visitors engage with history using their handling objects.

They will be joined by Wessex Archaeology who will be running a workshop all day where you can design and print 1940s inspired tiles. Up an’ at ‘em History will also be here running an activity where you can learn about historic bomb disposal and have a go using some dummy World War Two bombs.

Around the Market Place there will be displays about the Land Army, historic mining, and Post Offices through the years. A selection of vintage vehicles including an historic fire engine will be on display too.

The weekly Flea Market will take place across both Market Square and New Square, with traders encouraged to get into the 40s spirit by donning period costumes. There will be prizes for the best dressed trader.

Entertainment

The ever-popular Kalamazoo Dance Band will be performing in New Square at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm – there will be plenty of space for you to dance along.

Singing trio, The Daisy Belles will be wowing crowds Outside Etienne Curtains and Blinds at 10.15am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm.

In Rykneld Square next to the Visitor Information Centre, singer Johnny Victory will be performing at 10.45am, 1.10pm and 3pm. Singer Jayne Darling will be performing at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm.

Outside Santander singer Natasha Harper will be performing at 10.30am, 12.10pm and 1.30pm. Kyle Evans will also be singing at 11.20am, 1pm and 2.10pm.

An escape artist will perform in the Market Place at 10.45am, 1pm and 3pm.

Tours of the Crooked Spire will be taking place at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tours cost £8 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

There is lots of parking available in Chesterfield during the event, full details of both council owned and private car parks on the car parks page.

Visitors are also being encouraged to use public transport to attend the event, options available include trains and busses.

1940s-Mining-Exhibit

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East Midlands Chamber named UK Chamber of the Year in national awards

East Midlands Chamber has secured one of the most significant accolades in business after being named the UK Chamber of the Year.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire was recognised for supporting businesses to engage with the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda as it took the top prize at the British of Chamber of Commerce’s (BCC) annual Chamber Business Awards, sponsored by Quest. There are 53 accredited chambers of commerce in the UK.

Judges said East Midlands Chamber succeeded in striking a good geographical balance across its membership base, serving more than 4,000 businesses across the three counties. Its strength in the areas of diversity and environmental sustainability also stood out as particularly impressive.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are delighted to receive such recognition and this award is testament to the hard work of the whole Chamber team over the past few years in supporting businesses through one of the most challenging periods in memory.

“We have always sought to provide a comprehensive offer in supporting our members through whatever the world throws at us. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we pivoted our service online with a focus on business resilience and took advantage of opportunities such as the Kickstart Scheme to become the UK’s biggest gateway provider.

“This approach has continued to evolve within a hybrid delivery model as we seek to help guide members through the important business issues of today and tomorrow – including the rapidly-growing ESG agenda, which comprises a commitment to net zero, a diverse and inclusive workforce, and building relationships with communities.

“As new opportunities come forward, we will continue to be at the forefront in ensuring our members are at the leading edge of new business trends, while flying the flag for the East Midlands in order to help attract new investment and grow our region’s economy.”

The Chamber’s achievements in recent years have included:

  • Providing a £100,000 membership relief fund during the pandemic and helping 982 businesses to access Covid-19 funds valued at £1.4m
  • Supporting 902 businesses to fill 2,093 placements in the Kickstart Scheme, which created work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds, with 81% of participants securing a job, or returning to further or higher education
  • Leading a Digital High Street project supporting 322 retailers to improve their digital offering
  • Supporting 700 exporters and 200 importers annually via the international trade service
  • Establishing a Sustainable East Midlands initiative to collate practical advice that supports members on their net zero journey, holding 26 events that attracted more than 1,000 delegates in 2021/22
  • Launching a free ESG toolkit in partnership with RSM UK for members
  • Being an exemplar to businesses in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce by achieving Disability Confident Leader status, leading a prison employment advisory board, signing a menopause workplace pledge and “Time to Change” pledge, and supporting the Midlands Mental Health Productivity Pilot.

The Chamber Business Awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role that chambers of commerce play in assisting firms to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Chamber Network, and the vital support chambers provide to businesses.

Sarah Howard, chair of the BCC, said: “The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is an extremely worthy winner of this award.

“The Chamber’s commitment to sustainability and net zero ambitions is paving the way for other chambers to follow in the fight against the climate crisis.

“Running a successful and vibrant chamber of commerce, with its members’ interests at the core, is no easy task and I want to congratulate all members of the East Midlands Chamber team for their hard work and dedication.”

Steve Charles, head of business partnerships at Quest added: “Congratulations to East Midlands Chamber, a worthy winner of the Chamber of the Year award.

“A strong financial performance enabled it to offer a wide range of support to members including Kickstart, in particular during the pandemic.

“It has led the way on helping members build a diverse and inclusive workforce, as well as meeting their net zero targets. It also has an exciting investment strategy to help it offer even more support to members in the future. Well done.”

To find out about how East Midlands Chamber can support businesses, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/about-us/key-chamber-services or call 0333 320 0333.

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Independent businesses dominate at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

First-time finalists and brand new independent high street businesses have dominated the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Of the 15 award categories,10 of the winners were first-time finalists and five of the winning businesses have only opened in the past two years.

A total of 34 businesses, individuals and developments were shortlisted across the 15 categories in the annual awards, but it was Master Debonair, Sicily Restaurant and Great2Grow – part of Great2, that took the headline awards this year – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.

All three businesses were established in Chesterfield less than 30 months ago.

Last year Sicily Restaurant scooped the title of Best New Hospitality Business with owner Giuseppe Barone stealing the show when he proposed on stage to his partner Monica Sardisco.

Founded in 2019, Sicily Restaurant, which is based on Sheffield Road, is rated as the number one restaurant in Chesterfield on TripAdvisor. Commenting on this year’s award win co-owner ­­Monica Sardisco said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards, and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”

Winner of the Retailer of the Year Award, menswear store Master Debonair opened its Chatsworth Road branch in 2019. Although the third store for the company, it is the first outside the North East where it also has stores in Sunderland and East Boldon.

Delighted to win the award Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”

Brand new business Great2Grow – part of the Great2 Group, a provider of co-working space and business support services, secured this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year title. The award recognises the achievement, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

In addition to the prestigious title, Great2Grow also received 10 hours free mentoring with the award’s sponsor, Banner Jones Solicitors. Great2Grow will receive a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.

Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow, said­­: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”

EastEnders icon and household name Shaun Williamson hosted the sell-out black-tie event at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

Speaking at the awards Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said:

“The finalists and winners of this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards are testament that our hard work is paying off. The awards were a true celebration of independent businesses.

“Since 2013, Destination Chesterfield has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of businesses in our town. Between April 2021 and May 2022, more than 35 independent businesses invested in the town centre. Their confidence in Chesterfield, together with ongoing investment, is helping to ensure that we have a town centre that meets the needs of a new generation of shopper and visitor. It is wonderful to see so many small businesses thriving in Chesterfield.”

More than 250 people attended the celebration which was organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.

Winners of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:

Best New High Street Business – Sponsored by SMH Group

MD Hair

Michelle Dalman, owner, MD Hair: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. I am so proud of my team and myself. The team have been key to winning the award. They make sure everyone has an amazing experience when they come into the salon.”

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Peak Pharmacy

Il Mondo Travel

Jo Bunting, owner of Il Mondo Travel, said: “It’s been a tough few years for us and the travel industry, so this is a great award for us to win.”

Independent High Street Business

Blanc and Blanc Occasions

Anne-Marie White, owner, Blanc and Blanc Occasions, said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be voted for by our customers for the Independent High Street Business award. Being an independent means we can source the best brands from around the world and offer a very personal service.”

Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Master Debonair

Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, who presented the award said: “The market is the beating heart of our town. Ibbotson’s is a second-generation market trader, so it is wonderful they have won this award for the second year running. There are so many good traders on the market so to win this award is testament to Nick Ibbotson and his team for their customer service.”

Best New Hospitality Business

Host Coffee

Christian O’Connell, owner, Host Coffee said: “We had a vision for the business in Clay Cross when we established it, so to pull it off and win this award is a great feeling. The team, our customer service and consistency of product brings people back to us. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management

Sicily Restaurant

Monica Sardisco, owner, Sicily Restaurant, said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”

Café of the Year

Koo

Gemma Taylor-Murdoch, owner, Koo, said: “I feel on top of the world to win Café of the Year. The team put blood, sweat and tears into delivering the best service to our customers and making sure they all have a lovely experience with us.”

Pub/Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Shorts Accountants

Junction Bar

Michael Walker, owner, Junction Bar, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to win the award. We’ve been in Chesterfield for six years and we’ve absolutely smashed it – this award proves it. We have an amazing team and they keep customers coming back.”

Accessibility Award – Sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Café at Northern Tea Merchants

Kim Lamin, Owner, The Café at Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I’m really proud to win the award. We are very keen to make the café as accessible as possible to all our customers to ensure they have the best experience and a warm welcome when they visit us.”

Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by MSE Hiller

Resting Devil Brewery

Josh Clarke, owner and brewer, Resting Devil Brewery, said: “To win the award feels fantastic as we’ve only been going seven months. Quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do. We now want to slowly expand and get our beer into shops and stores.”

Regeneration Award – Sponsored by BHP Accountants

Badger Croft (Led by Henry Boot Construction)

Graham Johnson, Site Manager, Badger Croft, said: “Henry Boot does a lot of projects around the borough, but Badger Croft has been something special. We have given people new sustainable and energy efficient homes to live in for many years to come.”

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by DBC Training

Will Brooks (Superior Wellness)

Will Brooks, Apprentice at Superior Wellness, said: “I’m very proud to win the award. One of the things that made me choose an apprenticeship was the experience and freedom you get compared to university. It’s the best choice I made.”

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing, Superior Wellness, added: “Will really impressed us when he covered the role of two marketing executives who left the company. Senior managers and colleagues all noticed how he stepped up to the role and took it in his stride. Because of Will’s success in the business, we’ve recruited two further apprentices. It’s a great way for young people to start their career.”

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Great2Grow – part of Great 2 Group

Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow said: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”

Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Northern Tea Merchants

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to win the award. We have put so much effort into our journey to becoming sustainable, so to be recognised for it is wonderful. Since committing to becoming more sustainable we have already offset over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide created just from the cultivation of the tea, coffee and cocoa that we sell. This award is the first step of our ongoing sustainability journey.”

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Business Wise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and SMH Group.

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Chesterfield community groups launch ‘Feeling connected fortnight’ to bring people together

A number of Chesterfield groups and organisations are launching activities and initiatives this October, to bring the community together and help people create local connections.

‘Feeling Connected Fortnight’ is almost here and will run from 17th October until 28th October. The community initiative is the brainchild of the ‘Feeling Connected’ team, part of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, based at their welcoming Hub on Lower Pavement in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Project Manager James Starky explained: “We are planning an exciting fortnight of championing local groups and individuals who bring their community together. This will include a ‘thank you’ event on the 19th October at our Hub. We have produced 3000 copies of our fantastic free newspaper called ’Nurturing Neighbourliness’, offering 50 great ideas for people to use in their neighbourhood. We’d love it if people would get in touch to let us know about any events they plan to host or any groups already happening.”

Feeling Connected has played a vital part in the creation and continuation of many valuable community initiatives in recent months.  Here are some great examples of funding proposals which have recently been awarded a grand total of £30,672.30.

  • The Grassland Hasmoor Big Local Senior Citizens Group and Friends of Eastwood Park applied together for funds for their ‘Let’s Chat’ benches and ‘Let’s Chat’ friendship and IT Group.  They have added ‘Let’s Chat’ plaques to two benches in Eastwood Park to encourage people to do just that. The funding has enabled them to begin a new weekly drop in session in Hasland offering people a chance to chat with others and develop internet skills and surf the web. Sessions take place every Friday morning at Hasland Club from 10am-12noon. Contact: chrisnewton62@yahoo.com for more information.
  • Derbyshire LGBT+ are being supported to set up 3 new social groups for LGBT+ over 18s at the LGBT+ Centre on Rutland Road in Chesterfield. The funds will go towards staffing, materials for activities, and promotion. It is expected that these groups will reach out to around 60 people in the community. Visit www.derbyshirelgbt.org.uk to see their calendar of events.
  • Barrow Hill Community Trust applied for funds to restart New Haven Rest Centre, an amazing community facility which sadly closed in 2020. Following a Feeling Connected grant, the Trust is now able to reopen the centre, initially as a community venue. Spokesperson Ann Lucas said “A small group of wonderful volunteers will manage the room on a day-to-day basis and plan to provide a safe, WARM and friendly space this coming winter. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, social activity, information and advice and the company of other people.” For more information contact Ann Lucas by email: annpickard@hotmail.co.uk.
  • East Peak Countryside Associates will be working with members of the community in Chesterfield to support people to be healthy using the outdoors. Outdoor space from Staveley to Stonegravels / Whittington Moor will be utilised. To find out more about this project follow them on Facebook: East Peak Countryside Associates CIC.
  • Compassionate Voices received funding to provide 4 wellbeing and empowerment workshops entitled ‘The Power of You’. It is intended that the workshops will support up to 50 women by offering them twice monthly meetings to stay connected and encourage them to reconnect with others socially. You can find Compassionate Voices at the Feeling Connected Hub, Lower Pavement, Chesterfield on the third Thursday of each month from 6pm-7.30pm or visit acompassionatevoice.co.uk.
  • Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre were recently awarded funding for a monthly peer support recovery group for 20-30 people living with a chronic exhaustive condition. These include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Post Viral Fatigue (including Long Covid) and Fybromyalgia. The free support group will take place monthly at Lifehouse Church, 90 Chatsworth Road or you can join them via Zoom. To find out more visit their Facebook page: Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre.
  • B:friend is a face-to-face befriending project. Its Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Group have recently received funding to support new work in our area, where volunteer befrienders pledge to visit an isolated older neighbour once a week for an hour. Find more information on their website: letsbfriend.org.uk.

If you would like to find out more about Feeling Connected, contact James Starky, Project Manager on 07743 514934 or message FeelingConnected via Facebook.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action 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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