Love Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s top sustainable businesses set to be named in annual awards

Four Chesterfield businesses are in the running to be named as the winner of the Sustainability Award in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Astra Designs UK, Bridge Help, Northern Tea Merchants and Robinsons PLC have all been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award which is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Sustainability Award was introduced to the Love Chesterfield Awards and recognises organisations that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable business practices and are working towards becoming carbon neutral.

The four finalists not only measure and report their progress but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during the past five years.

Donna Swift-Moore, Designer and Company Director at Astra Designs explained: “With the fashion industry being the second worst industry for polluting water from dyeing textiles and over a third of all clothing being sent to landfill, it is vital for us to create fashion that has the least impact possible.

Donna Swift-Moore, Astra Designs

“I’m absolutely over the moon that our company has been recognised as a finalist for the Sustainability Award. Our entire business is built around creating sustainable fashion and accessories, so being acknowledged for this is truly amazing.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “At the start of this year, we were delighted to become carbon neutral. To be recognised by the Love Chesterfield Awards for the work we’ve done in achieving this is fantastic. Sustainability is incredibly important to us; it is something the whole team is passionate about.”

Chris Sellars, Bridge Help

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We put a great deal of time and focus into understanding the impact of the work we do. From the food miles right down to the packaging, we’re always striving to make the operation as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve made some significant positive steps over the last five years and it’s wonderful to get this recognition.”

James Pogson, Northern Tea Merchants

Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson PLC commented: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do as a business here at Robinson and we are working on a wide range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as enhance the experience of our employees and local communities in which we operate.

“We are delighted to be selected as a finalist for the sustainability award; the team at our Rigid Box site in Chesterfield is proud that our products are not only 100% recyclable and made from 95% recycled materials, but also promote consumers to reuse the beautiful presentation and gift boxes in the home.”

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO of Robinson PLC

Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since committed to the Council and borough becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Sustainability Award. We all need to work together to tackle the climate crisis and reduce our emissions. It’s important that we celebrate and learn from those businesses that are leading the way and changing their business practices to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of recognising sustainability: “Having forward-thinking businesses and individuals is something that Chesterfield prides itself on and the four businesses shortlisted for the Sustainability Award are no exception, helping the town achieve its ambitions of becoming carbon neutral.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

The Sustainability Award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and Chesterfield Borough Council, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, BusinessWise Accounting and Tax, 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 Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

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

SDE Group to offer customers a ‘zero-carbon pathway’ with new business unit

Chesterfield’s SDE Group is set to provide customers with advice and solutions on cutting their costs and carbon footprint.

SDE Energy Solutions will be able to offer customers (domestic & commercial) a suite of services from Solar, Battery, Wind & Heat solutions for home or estate management at work place locations.

The company has made significant investment into this new business unit by recruiting industry experts & the relevant accreditations to operate in the market place.

Jonathan Bennett, Managing Director at SDE Group commented: “At SDE Group, we are always looking for ways to keep up with current trends and increase our sustainability efforts. Our business strategy for the last 12 months – ‘A Pathway to Become Carbon Neutral’ – has been to offer renewable energy to other companies to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.

“Given the increasingly high energy costs, we feel extremely fortunate to be able to offer businesses a solution that will not only have a huge impact on their internal costs, but also environmental factors too. This is complimented by our EV Solutions business – SDE Electrical which helps support the reduction in high energy costs for consumer and workplace. This allows SDE Group to provide a complete end-to-end solution for renewable and creating ways to reduce costs for customers.

Jonathan also explained how the company is leading by example on reducing its carbon emissions: “Using renewable energy provides a reliable power source whilst helping reduce many environmental implications we are currently facing. In order for us to become a more sustainable company, we have recently invested in Solar Panels at our head office which provides us with an opportunity to cut energy bills which will affect us for years to come.

“Providing services such as wind turbines also contribute to fewer global warming emissions as well as improving your community image by showcasing your efforts to become a more sustainable company. Investing in renewable technologies will also help businesses to improve on their public relations in becoming more environmentally friendly, which could be the difference between them been chose over competitors.”

To find out more about SDE Energy Solutions, go to: info@sde-group.co.uk or call 01246 827722.

SDE 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 Community provides diamond anniversary to remember for local couple

A Chesterfield Care Home and the wider community came together recently, in order to provide a diamond anniversary to remember for  local couple.

Valerie and Harry Holloway celebrated their 60th anniversary on 11 August 2022, with help from Crown Care Group’s Belvedere House Care Home, local councillors and residents.

The idea to treat the coupe to a big celebration came about a few days before the anniversary, when County Councillor Lisa Blakemore introduced Valerie to Belvedere House and County Councillor Jenny Flood took the initiative to accompany her to a pamper day.

This was a significant change as Valerie had not left the house to socialise or participate in activities for quite some time.

With so much collective support and care, the team at Belvedere House worked meticulously over several days to make sure that the Holloway family would have a wonderful time. A special meal accompanied by champagne, flowers, and a beautiful anniversary card marked the celebration and warmly complimented the day.

Claire Adsetts, Customer Relations Manager at Crown Care Group said: “We are so humbled and overjoyed to be able to play a part in such a significant event, to share responsibility within our community. We would like to thank our county councillors for their great work and trust in us.”

Shiva Sheikholeslami, Belvedere House Home Manager, said: “our ethos is to raise awareness about good practice in Care and set an example by providing the best service to the elderly in our care home. In turn, we are rewarded by the satisfaction and pride expressed by our residents. We achieve this by continuously collaborating with the fantastic Chesterfield community on projects that can make a difference.”

Crown Care 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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Things are brewing up nicely for new North Derbyshire craft fair event

A new local craft fair will be going all out to ‘roll out the barrel’ when it launches this September.

The Craft and Gift Fair at Drone Valley Brewery in Unstone, Derbyshire, takes place on 11th September and is not just offering crafters a new stage for their wares, but a fun day out for all with live music also on the menu as well as the chance for visitors to sample the brewery’s own selection of award-winning real ales.

The new event will be featuring everything from unusual crystal gifts and felted woodland animals to beautiful wood-burnt carvings; quirky plant pots; sparkling arrays of handcrafted jewellery; scented candles; knitwear and gift sets of every description.

For Fair organiser Caroline Thompson from Dronfield, who also initiated the idea, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work designed to give local businesses, creative talent, the local economy and lovers of arts and crafts, a big post-Pandemic boost.

“As a craft person myself, I love visiting these sort of events but there aren’t many in our corner of Derbyshire,” she said.

“So I thought, why not start one? Since then, I’ve been amazed at the response from local creative businesses. For visitors, we’ll be adding some extra fun to the event with live music. It’s also a great opportunity to raise the profile of Drone Valley Brewery as an amazing community enterprise and venue in its own right.”

Now into its seventh year, the brewery was conceived, built and continues to be run, entirely by volunteers. All profits are ploughed back into local causes with additional support given by playing host to charities for their fund-raising events.

“Supporting our local community is very much at the core of the brewery’s philosophy.” said Caroline, who is a volunteer there herself. “But we also believe in having fun while we’re doing it, so a craft fair with live music, certainly fitted the bill.”

There are still a few stalls left to book at the amazing introductory offer of just £10. “Obviously, we’re hoping it will be such a big success, it will become part of our regular calendar of events, which has got to be a win-win situation for everyone.”

The event takes place on Sunday 11th September and runs from 10am-3pm.

To book a stall contact Caroline on: dvdcraft22@gmail.com.  For visitor information, visit: www.dronevalleybrewery.com

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Chesterfield Estate Agent completes move to The Glassyard

A Chesterfield estate agent has announced a move to The Glassyard, building on a successful 12 years of trading in the town.

Lime Living has moved into the new development on Sheffield Road, which provides the company with a modern and accessible environment for staff and customers.

Jamie Wajs, Managing Director at Lime Living explained how the move came about: “Following the pandemic and the changes in the day to day working & social habits, we started to look around the town for new premises that combined a modern & vibrant, accessible work / social environment.

“From initially viewing the units during the build phase and working out the viability of such a move, every time we popped down to the Glass Yard we got a great feeling about the development and that this was ticking the boxes, not just for us as a business but also for our staff and clients.

“We are surrounded by an array of independent businesses, professional services and a fantastic food & drink hall, all of which receive a good level of footfall and along with the ample parking, provides further exposure for our business.

Jamie went on to explain how being located in Chesterfield has enabled the company to go from strength-to-strength: “Recent growth is very much helped by Chesterfield currently going through the biggest new home building scheme for many years and this is not just good for our business and our industry, but for the town as a whole.

“We are seeing an upward curve in demand to live in and around the town, with many buyers either moving back to the area, or drawn in by the connectivity to other towns & cities, property prices although increasing remain lower than desirable areas of the cities; easy access to the Peak District also is a big draw.”

Find out more about the many benefits of investing in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Barlow Carnival to take place this weekend

The popular Barlow Carnival returns this weekend, and hundreds of people are expected to visit the picturesque North Derbyshire village for the event.

The celebrations get underway on Wednesday as the village’s three Well Dressings are opened to the public with a blessing taking place at St Lawrence Church from 6.30pm, followed by a procession through the village.

St Lawrence Church will also be open from Wednesday with their popular flower festival this year on theme of ‘Name That Tune’ with cream teas available. A funfair will be open from the Wednesday evening through until Sunday opposite the Village Hall.

The fun continues throughout the week including the Open Air Cinema on Friday 19 August, with Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again being screened.

The main Carnival Day take place on Saturday, 20th August with the Carnival Parade setting off from Springfield Road at 2pm, with road closures around the village. The parade includes a display of decorated floats and fancy dress followed by celebrations on the Carnival Field.

Entertainment on the Carnival Field includes Mighty Smith (Strong Man), Barlow Red Barrows, Birds of Prey, Derby Ambassadors Show Band, live music, vintage cars and much much more.

There will be plenty of stalls including food outlets, local independent crafters and a tombola on offer too.

On Saturday evening the Carnival Field hosts Rock the Carnival with live music from local bands Lunarca, Pearl Heart and Escape Plan.

The fun continues on the Sunday with Chesterfield Guide Dogs presenting their popular dog show from 11am (registration from 10am) accompanied by children’s entertainment and competitions, Heeley City Farm followed by Tug of War competition and inflatable challenge from 1pm.

Terry Allison, Barlow Carnival Committee Chairman said: “We’re so excited to be hosting Barlow Carnival this weekend. Unfortunately we couldn’t hold the event in 2020, we returned in 2021 and the event is going from strength to strength.

“It’s the highlight of the year for many local people, with hundreds of people flocking to the village to join the celebrations we’re getting set for a fantastic weekend. There is something for all the family to enjoy.”

For more information about all the fun planned for Barlow Carnival 2022 see www.barlowcarnival.co.uk

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£47 million confirmed to improve bus services in Derbyshire

£47 million has been awarded to Derbyshire County Council to improve bus services over the next two and a half years.

Last year the Government published a new National Bus Strategy which set out a vision for future improvements across England and how bus services can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy placed a requirement on the County Council and bus companies in the area to work together to create a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Working with bus operators, district and borough councils, bus passenger groups, disability groups, and other special interest organisations a consultation was held last year, which asked the public what they wanted to see to improve bus services. The results helped to inform the BSIP which was submitted to the Government last year and asked for money to improve services across the county.

Derbyshire’s success in gaining £47 million provides the money which will help pay for:

  • More frequent buses and extended hours for vital services
  • Improved bus punctuality and reliability
  • Better value bus fares, especially for young people and those looking for work
  • Expansion of the ‘tap on and tap off’ system for paying for tickets
  • New transport hubs with Real Time Information to help connect bus services to other bus and train services
  • More demand-responsive services for rural and semi-rural areas
  • A new website and app which will cover all services to make planning a journey much easier

It is expected that work will start on delivering these improvements from October 2022.

Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said: “To have the money finally confirmed is great news for everyone in the county.

“Bus services will become so much more attractive to more people and will mean less traffic on our roads. This will make a positive contribution to our approach to tackling climate change.

“We will build on the positive work to date and continue to work in partnership with all the bus companies on a wide range of projects to improve bus travel.”

A partnership board, the BSIP Enhanced Partnership Board, has been set up to deliver the actions in the BSIP. It is chaired by Professor Margaret Bell, with Jeff Counsell, Managing Director of Trentbarton the vice chair.

Professor Margaret Bell CBE said: “This funding is the outcome of a lot of hard work and commitment of council officers and public transport operators who will continue to work together to make public transport a realistic alternative to the use of private cars in the future delivering substantial benefits to health.”

Jeff Counsell added: “The allocation of this funding just goes to show what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for a common cause. I know that we, and all bus operators, are looking forward to delivering the BSIP outcomes in continued partnership with the county.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent transport networks and connectivity at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/getting-here/

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Top tips for outdoor dining and drinking in Chesterfield

With the Great British Summer now in full swing, it would be rude for you not to enjoy a few evenings out with friends and family, soaking up some of that glorious sunshine.

Luckily here in Chesterfield, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying food & drink outdoors; from al fresco dining, to brilliant beer gardens and cocktails on the terrace!

So whether you’re looking for great food, beautiful scenery or just a nice coffee and cake whilst watching the world go by, our town has the perfect places for you.

To find out more about all the great activities you could be getting up to in the local area this summer, check out our Summer In Chesterfield page! And don’t forget to share the love on social media by telling us what you’ve been up to, using the hashtags #SummerInChesterfield and #LoveChesterfield!

Fox and Goose Inn

Steeped in history and set in the glorious North Derbyshire countryside, Fox & Goose Inn has everything you need for a memorable summer evening.

Enjoy great food and drink while the sun is setting over Chesterfield, with views all the way across town from the splendidly-named Pudding Pie Hill! For families, there’s also a fabulous play area to keep the youngsters entertained.

The venue even has an outdoor grill for guests to enjoy barbecues, hog roasts and more.

Find out more on the website: https://www.thefoxandgooseinn.com/

Casa Hotel

The newly renovated Barca Bar is a relaxing space built on the ethos of the Mediterranean Barcelona city. Booths adorned in teal and shaded by foliage provide guests with secluded seating to enjoy premium beers, lagers, and hand-crafted cocktails. Across the bar, marine tiles illuminated by warm lighting create a relaxed yet vibrant space. This atmosphere extends to the terrace outside, where guests can unwind surrounded by flower boxes and shelter.

Kick back and relax, by joining Casa on Fridays between 5-7pm for 2 for 1 across all of their hand-selected and expertly created cocktails.

Authentic tapas, light salads, and sandwiches are now served from 12pm every day, so you can sample a taste of Spain alongside artisan cocktails, fine wine, and fresh, whole bean coffee.

Find out more at: https://www.casahotels.co.uk/eat/

Peak Edge Hotel

The Red Lion at Peak Edge has the ultimate terrace for relaxing and taking in stunning views of the surrounding Peak District.

The outdoor area, equipped with rattan seating, heaters, and a bar with premium draught beverages and drinks, provides the perfect vantage point over Peak Edge’s lake, lakeside pagoda, and herd of highland cows. Just past the highland cattle are rolling fields and the serene expanse of the Peaks.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light bite in the Derbyshire sun, or refreshments after a day of exploring the countryside, the Red Lion’s terrace is an ideal space to sit-back and unwind.

Find out more at: https://www.peakedgehotel.co.uk/eat/red-lion/

Salute Prosecco and Pizza Pi at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Big Screen

Vicar Lane has returned this Summer with its fantastic movie nights, enabling visitors to enjoy the best films on the big screen in St. James Square!

Sit back and relax with a glass of fizz from Salute’s mobile prosecco van and a delicious pizza from the recently-opened Pizza Pi restaurant, providing the perfect evening out for everyone.

Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/outdoor-movie-night-at-vicar-lane/

Tickled Trout, Barlow

Another great restaurant set amongst the gorgeous North Derbyshire scenery The Tickled Trout, Barlow has a small but perfectly formed terrace, ideal for alfresco dining.

The terrace holds the sun all day, perfect for soaking up some rays with a nice cold beer or refreshing gin & tonic, all the outdoor terrace benches have parasols to keep you cool and shaded when the heat gets too much!

The full menu is served 12-2:30pm  & 5-9pm Tuesday-Saturday, then on Sundays The Tickled Trout serves its popular Sunday roast & pizza menu 12-4pm.

Booking is recommended –  Call 01142 891111 for reservations or book via the website: www.tickledtroutbarlow.com

Dronfield Hall Barn

This historical community hub in Dronfield is a perfect place to stop off and enjoy a bit of coffee and cake on your travels, providing a scenic and welcoming backdrop to meet with family and friends.

Whether it is for a coffee, a scone baked fresh on the premises each morning, a light lunch or even a decadent afternoon tea, the barn have a range of great products to enjoy while sitting in the fabulous outdoor gardens.

Don’t forget to check out Dronfield Hall Barn’s special events, such as their popular Artisan and Makers Market where you can pick up some treats to take home with you too!

Find out more at: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/coffee-shop/

Chesterfield Canal Trust

Hollingwood Hub

Those who have been for a walk or bike ride along Chesterfield Canal will know just what a gorgeous location it is! A great stop-off point is the Hollingwood Hub, where you’ll find Katey’s Coffee Shop.

Enjoy a range of fabulous homemade products and gorgeous scenery while out on your sunny stroll, including drinks, sandwiches, light meals, ice creams and a selection of cakes.

Perfect to replenish and refresh after all that exercise! Find out more at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/off-the-water/hollingwood-hub-2/

The Bulls Head Holymoorside

Enjoy a taste of luxury while soaking up the sun at this renowned pub, based in one of our area’s most picturesque villages.

You’re guarenteed to be served something special, with head chef Mark Aisthorpe recently appearing alongside some of the nation’s best cooks on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

The outdoor Summer Tapas Menu is available Wednesday 5pm – 6.30pm , Thursday to Saturday 12 noon – 6.30pm and Sunday 12 noon – 4pm.

This can be enjoyed with a range of summer cocktails, wine or champagne. The Bulls Head even have a Sommelier on hand if you would like to pair with the perfect wine.

Find out more: https://www.bullsheadholymoorside.co.uk/

Sicily Restaurant

If you’re looking for a taste of Italy, why not head to Sicily Restaurant on Sheffield Road? The restaurant features a small outdoor terrace so you can get that authentic Italian experience Al Fresco!

Enjoy your favourite pizza or pasta with a glass of wine in the sunshine and experience a warm welcome from owners Giuseppe and Monica, who provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for everyone who visits.

Find out more: https://sicilyrestaurantchesterfield.co.uk/

Empire Bar

Looking for somewhere in town to escape the hustle and bustle?

Empire bar Bar is a new addition to Chesterfield Town Centre, serving a range of beers, fresh cocktails, freshly ground barista coffee, iced coffee and more.

Vegan and vegetarian friendly Hot Chocolate is also available, with live entertainment also taking place from Wednesday through to Sunday evenings.

The bar has a comfortable upstairs area with an outdoor terrace, and is child and dog friendly until 6pm each day. The team also uses British Sigh Language to communicate with the deaf community.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/Empirebarchesterfield/

Cibo

Cibo is a relaxed bistro kitchen that provides a warm welcome and quality food. The bistro shares a private courtyard to the rear which is a fantastic sun trap, but also provides shaded areas with sun umbrellas and covered decking.

It is a peaceful area set in the town centre, perfect for chilling out with a coffee or even a cheeky glass of wine or a cold beer.

The menu offers yummy light bites to snack on such as queen olives, bruschetta, mango & chilli prawns, Parmesan & truffle oil fries to name a few. The main menu has options for vegans such as soups with bread and butter, vegan full English breakfast and gluten free options such as king prawn and chicken paella.

Look out for some of the offers available weekly too! Cibo’s Summer coolers are a popular favourite- the dragon fruit and mango syrup covered with ice is so summery with its bright pink appearance and fruity aroma.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/CiboChesterfield/

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Local businesses commended for work in bringing Knife Angel to Chesterfield

Local businesses and organisations in Chesterfield were commended for their efforts in bringing the poigniant ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture to the town.

The sculpture, made out of discarded blades was created to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime. The monument went on display in Chesterfield, near the famous Crooked Spire church in October/ November 2021.

Now, the businesses and organisations which enabled the visit to happen have been awarded with commendations by Derbyshire Constabulary’s North Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett.

The organisations commended included Leverton UK, Pinewood Properties, Ava Print,  Chesterfield Borough Council, The Community Safety Partnership and The Crooked Spire.

Marcus Leverton, Director of Leverton UK explained their vital role in bringing the sculpture to the town. He commented: “Inspector Mathew Winterbottom is a close friend and he asked me prior to the event if we could help with the secure fencing that was to be erected and dismantled on a daily basis to prevent any potential problems with people mistreating the sculpture at night-time.

“We as a company provided this service free-of-charge for the duration of time that the sculpture was in chesterfield. It was important to us as a business to be involved with this scheme, as with most people I have spoken to the sculpture is quite a powerful statement and very moving when you understand that each knife used was from real life crime, some cases were even fatal.

“It was an important message for the Police to get out there, to raise local awareness and to call for a knife amnesty to prevent any further unnecessary deaths or injury through knife crime.

“We were very proud to be involved and it was great work from the full team who contributed to this project’s success.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Knife Angel brought a very powerful and moving message about the horrific reality of knife crime – one which thousands of people had chance to reflect on when they visited the sculpture in Chesterfield town centre.

“Chesterfield is a safe place to live, and we want to keep it that way, by working with our partners to lead hard-hitting and difficult conversations with our young people. Through a variety of engagement and awareness sessions, the Knife Angel’s visit has prompted these discussions, which is a really positive result.”

During the monument’s visit, Derbyshire Police and Chesterfield Borough Council gave people the opportunity to surrender any unwanted knives, and as a result more than 100 knives and bladed articles were taken into safe keeping and off the streets.

Leverton UK, Pinewood Properties and Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Knife Angel Chesterfield

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Chesterfield Digital High Street project equips 127 businesses for the future

More than 120 businesses in the Chesterfield borough are now up to speed with the online revolution after receiving expert digital support via an innovative scheme.

Since being launched in June last year, the Chesterfield Digital High Street project has engaged 127 small and microbusinesses reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into the digital world by building their online offering for customers and improving their social media profile.

Of this cohort, 81 businesses worked with a digital high street adviser, 56 companies developed a digital action plan and 50 firms accessed grants worth £2,200.

Some 38 new websites are now either live or in development – many of these equipped with the latest payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber and its strategic partners Purpose Media and Destination Chesterfield, the year-long project aimed to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which were hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project among businesses, which are now well-placed to embrace current and future digital trends.

“This will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

Among the businesses that have benefited from support is Café Nellie, a recently-opened independent coffee shop in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Owner Tracey Wallis said she was aware the business needed a marketing strategy to quickly become visible to a wide and varied audience.

But as none of the six-strong team had much experience of using social media, the Chamber’s support came at “exactly the right time”, with digital high street advisers Steve Phillips and Alex Gardner helping to build a website and Facebook page.

“Since our Facebook page went ‘live’, we have seen a marked increase in in table bookings,” said Tracey. “Despite the recent heatwave, our sales have increased by about 30%, which our own research suggests is a direct result of our social media presence.

“Having a website is just as important in enabling non-social media users to access attractive, up-to-date information about Café Nellie. In the future, we hope to develop the site to enable our customers to purchase gift vouchers, our own brand of coffee and to make table bookings online.”

While Ibrahim Assaf was literate in using Facebook to promote his business Ibzy Salon, located in Chesterfield’s Jawbones Hill, he noticed it couldn’t be found very easily on Google – with the barbershop, tattoo studio and shisha bar’s location on Google Maps in the wrong place.

“I struggled with the process of updating Google but after experiencing frustration, I left it,” he said.

He signed up to the Chesterfield Digital High Street project and received one-to-one support from Steve, who talked him through the problems he had encountered and came up with a digital action plan.

Ibrahim, who also took up the offer of creating a website, added: “I didn’t have a Google Business Profile at the time, which meant we weren’t listed and new customers couldn’t find me. Steve helped me to set up my page and download the app, so I can easily make changes to opening times and prices.

“I have noticed an increase in new customers who have come to us by finding us on Google and through our new website. In one week last month, we had a 300% increase in visitors to the shop compared to the previous week.

“The website has given me credibility and with setting up the Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, which will help boost my visibility and attract new customers.

“With the bigger customer base, I have now recruited another two barbers so we can offer more services and shorter waiting times. We are very much looking forward to the future – with the help from my advisor Steve, we have the tools to grow the business.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The Digital High Street project has been very successful in helping many organisations that were affected by the pandemic to get online and increase their interaction with customers in a new way.

“We have been able to review current marketing and social media activities, and support businesses on any recommended actions, set up Google listings if needed and offer each organisation a one-year membership to East Midlands Chamber.

“We have received excellent feedback from those who have taken part in the project, with many increasing their online profile so they can expand their business presence.”

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project has now ended but the Chamber continues to offer support to businesses across the region via a digital high street adviser. To find out what support is available, email information@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.

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Apprenticeships in Chesterfield now even easier to find online

Young people looking for an apprenticeship in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been given a helping hand.

A new online search tool has been launched by Apprentice Town making it quicker and easier than ever before to search for apprenticeship vacancies.

The new search function, which is hosted on the Destination Chesterfield website, enables people to browse the wide range of Level 2 – 7 apprenticeship roles within a 15-mile radius of Chesterfield.

People can search for apprenticeship vacancies based on both subject area and Level, with hundreds of opportunities currently available in the local area.

With thousands of young people set to pick up their GCSE and A Level exam results next month; the Apprentice Town website has been praised by business and education leaders in the town.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller, Destination Chesterfield board member and an apprentice employer, commented: “The practical benefits of the Apprentice Town initiative are invaluable both to young people and businesses based in Chesterfield. I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships; they are an intrinsic part of both Chesterfield’s and MSE Hiller’s growth ambitions.”

Chesterfield College Group Principal and CEO, Julie Richards explains: “We’re proud to have supported so many generations of workforce to Chesterfield employers through apprenticeship programmes. Post-pandemic, it’s pleasing to see that the appetite for recruiting young talent into a business via earning whilst learning is still as great as ever. There are so many fantastic opportunities out there from Level 2 right through to degree equivalent apprenticeships and I strongly encourage those considering their options when leaving school, or even mature learners, to consider an apprenticeship route to achieve the career they want.”

In 2017, Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

Chesterfield Borough Council leads the Apprentice Town initiative, which aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher level apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the area.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be the first Apprentice Town in the UK, an apprenticeship is much more than just a job. They allow people to develop their skills and set them along a career path which leads to higher paying jobs – improving their quality of life and helping our borough’s economy to grow.

“We’re committed to making it easier for our residents to find the right apprenticeship opportunity for them, so that everyone has the chance to build a great career in our borough.”

To access the search tool, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/

Or, for more information on the Apprentice Town initiative, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/what-is-apprentice-town/

 

Apprentice Town - Find Your Apprenticeship - Social Media Landscape2

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