Love Chesterfield

Comic-Con returns to Chesterfield this October

Chesterfield Comic-Con is back at Queens Park Sports Centre this October, with organisers promising yet another geeky, fun-filled event.

The Dark Lord, Darth Vader aka Spencer Wilding will be available for guests to meet on the day and he is sure to entice you over to the Dark Side of the comic-con galaxy. This will be Spencer’s first convention appearance in nearly two years.

Spencer is an actor, special creature performer and a martial artist. Although, he is well known for his role as Darth Vader in Star Wars Rogue One, Spencer has also appeared in so many other great movies and TV programs such as Doctor Who, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Men in Black: International, Guardians of the Galaxy, Green Street 3: Never Back Down, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Game of Thrones andbBatman Begins.

Joining Spencer will be Phill Martin and Billy Mansell. Phill Martin is a giant of an actor, standing at 7ft tall, and he has used this to his advantage gaining roles as a ‘Ghost Engineer’ for Ridley Scott in Prometheus, he then quickly went on to secure roles in Jack the Giant Slayer and Joe Wright’s Pan. Phill has also worked in TV playing ‘Thomas Garlic’ in ITV Encore production The Frankenstein Chronicles and also ‘Lanky John’ in the BBC comedy production Mountain Goats. His other experience has included short films ‘Joe Wilkinson & David Earles Summer : Giddy up Gunty’ for the Sky comedy shorts summer season and also competition winning short ‘The Confession’.

Billy Mansell started his acting career after attending comic-cons as a cosplayer. Billy is a huge fan of Alien and had a dream come true when he secured a role on set playing an iconic engineer. Billy’s film roles didn’t stop there and he landed parts in big films such as Jurassic World 2, Fantastic Beasts 2 (Crimes of Grindelwald) Detective Pikachu and king of Thieves Mission Impossible Fallout, plus had roles in some major TV programmes like Eastenders, League of Gentlemen and most recently Outlander S5. All three actors are available to meet as well as to sign photos or memorabilia as well as offer advice to any budding Chesterfield actors.

Other displays on offer for visitors include a photo opportunity inside the mouth of Jaws from Steven Spielberg’s classic movie series, or even the Gremlins cinema set. There’s also the massive Transformers Bumblebee, the Superheroes Cosplay Group, The Mos Eisley Misfits in their Star Wars costumes and even Daleks for any timelords in the town.

As well as guests and attractions there are comic creators, authors and loads of geeky traders with tons of geeky toys, comics, collectables, art, jewellery, VR gaming and more…

Attendees are also encouraged to dress-up as a TV, movie, game or anime character and entering the cosplay competition with a chance to win prizes on the day.

Sharon Hall of Unleashed Events said: “Our previous events in Chesterfield have always been so popular and it is great to be back!

“As usual there is loads of geeky stuff going on for you to see and do as well as geeky traders where you can purchase items that you simply won’t find on the high street. Our events are not just for the ‘geeky’ they are for people of all ages who want to come along and enjoy a great day out, something that all the family can enjoy with loads of photo opportunities to be had!”

Find out more about the event here: Chesterfield Unleashed comic-con – Destination Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield

 

Posted in Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Recent Strictly star set to host town’s sell-out Love Chesterfield Awards 2021

Strictly star and breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell will be heading to Chesterfield on Wednesday 20 October.

A familiar face on weekday and Saturday morning breakfast TV, sports presenter Mike will host the town’s brand-new Love Chesterfield Awards at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

As well as presenting, Mike also holds the record for trying 560 different sports and activities, including ballroom dancing.

In 2019, he traded the TV newsroom for the ballroom and participated in Series 17 of Strictly Come Dancing where he was the seventh contestant to be eliminated.

He’ll be taking to the stage once again at the Winding Wheel Theatre later this month to announce the winners of the Love Chesterfield Awards. A total of 48 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted across 16 categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, the sell-out Love Chesterfield Awards will celebrate the best of the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

Prior to moving into broadcasting in 1990, Mike was a journalist on the Derby Evening Telegraph so is familiar with Chesterfield.

Looking forward to hosting the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, Mike Bushell commented: “I’ve always loved coming to Chesterfield and the beautiful Derbyshire Dales and countryside around. The Spire, the old market town charm and the football club which I came to for a live BBC Breakfast broadcast in 2020 as football was trying to cope with the pandemic. I worked on the Derby Evening Telegraph in my early journalism days and so got to know the area well and am very excited about celebrating the success and champions in this gem of a town.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Mike to Chesterfield. We’re all delighted to have been able to secure such a high profile presenter for the awards. It only adds to the excitement of holding our first in person awards in two years.”

Peter Currey, Managing Director at Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management added: “It’s been great to be involved with the run up to the Love Chesterfield Awards. It will be brilliant to see so many local businesses getting recognition for their hard work and effort that is put into delivering their products and services.”

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, CMP Legal, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Evoluted, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Reflections Magazine, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

For all the information on the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, please visit here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/

Love Chesterfield Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre to host spooktacular Halloween

Visitors to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield should prepare themselves for a right howl this Halloween as the Centre is set to celebrate the spookiest night of the year.

Families are encouraged to head to Vicar Lane’s pumpkin patch from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 23rd October, where they’ll be able to take their pick of a great collection of pumpkins and get a menacing makeover from the face painter. All completely free.

Vicar Lane has also teamed up with fellow Chesterfield Champion, Salute Prosecco to offer customers the chance to celebrate with a special outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on the big screen on Saturday 23rd October at 6:30pm.

Spaces are limited and are expected to go fast, so anyone interested in the event is being advised to book early to avoid disappointment: https://www.salute-prosecco.com/open-air-cinema-packages.

Food and drink packages are also available to purchase from Salute, including pizzas and cheeseboards.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us celebrate Halloween. We’re sure it will be a spooktacular day of fun!’’

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is  home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. It is also the home to popular independent cafes, such as The Vintage Tearooms and Qoozies.

There’s plenty happening across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire throughout the October half-term and during Halloween. Find out more about what’s on in the town on our half-term page here: Half Term in Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield

For more activities taking place across Chesterfield, head over to our events page: Chesterfield Events | Destination Chesterfield

Salute and Vicar Lane support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield wins Gold in East Midlands In Bloom

Chesterfield has won Gold in the small city category at the East Midlands In Bloom Awards.

Representatives from the Chesterfield In Bloom committee and Chesterfield Borough Council were presented with the award at a ceremony on Wednesday 22 September.

They were also presented with a Judge’s Award for the development of Edinburgh Road Pocket Park and received commendations in the Least Littered and the Wildlife and Conservation Area categories.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic to receive this recognition for our marvellous floral displays. It is a real testament to the hard work of both local volunteers and our officers in ensuring our borough is a bright and beautiful place to live, with lots of fantastic green spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

Chris Turner, chair of the Chesterfield In Bloom committee, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been recognised for all our hard work over the last year. It takes a lot of effort from many different community groups and the council to ensure the borough is looking its best in time for judging. In Chesterfield we have lots of great green spaces and the work done helps ensure these are looking their best.”

Judging for East Midlands In Bloom took place in July and the judges were taken on a tour of the borough, starting in Queen’s Park, they visited the town centre, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, the Britannia Inn, Hunloke Allotments, Brimington Circle and the new pocket park on Edinburgh Road Park.

Edinburgh Road Pocket Park was completed earlier this year and features a number of raised beds that have been planted with wildflowers and plants to support pollinators like bees, new paving and local urban artist Peter Barber has created a wall mural that celebrates nature behind the raised beds.

Chesterfield is also competing in Britain In Bloom and will find out the results later this year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Furniture and lighting firm chooses Markham Vale for its northern base.

Aver Property has confirmed a 224,000 sq ft deal with one of the UK’s biggest furniture companies at Markham Vale.

The deal will see Gallery Direct take the Orion 1 unit on Seymour Link Road as its packing, warehousing, and distribution hub for the North.  This newly built facility owned by Aver property, comprises an eaves height of 15 metres, 21 docking doors and spaces for 39 trailers. It boasts over 224,000 sq. ft. of space, enough to house 35,000 pallets.

This distribution facility sits prominently fronting onto the M1 Motorway and will serve as Gallery’s northern packing, warehousing, and distribution hub, with enough space to accommodate the ongoing expansion of the business. The property is also planned to accommodate a new 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art showroom over three floors.

Established in 1973 as a small family run business, Gallery Direct has grown to become the leading British based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of furniture, home decor and accessories, committed to offering the complete home furnishings solution.

Peter Delaney, managing director at The Gallery Direct Group, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this prestigious facility in an amazing northern location. The fact is that this new property, combined with our southern warehouse and head office, improves further our distribution and operational capacity. We will be able to serve 96% of our clients’ requirements with one day delivery times, utilising our own home distribution fleet.

“We are excited to be expanding Gallery’s established home interiors categories, including furniture, lighting, wall décor and textiles, as well as the newer developments in outdoor living, home accessories and Christmas. Our strategy to be the leading supplier of the complete home and outdoor solution continues at pace. OrionOne is another significant milestone for our business and we look forward to welcoming clients to our grand opening early in 2022.”

Rob Whatmuff, from Colliers, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Aver Property on this transaction. Agreeing the deal in advance of practical completion is testament to both the quality of the building and the Markham Vale location.”

 

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

Popular 1940s market set to return in Chesterfield

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy themselves during half term as the annual 1940s market returns for 2021.

Taking place on Thursday 28 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: “The 1940s Market is one of the most popular events in our calendar and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to bring it back this year.

“I hope lots of people will come along and support our local businesses and traders, there will be lots to see and it will be fun for all ages.”

Kalamazoo dance band will make their return to Chesterfield and will be performing throughout the day in New Square.

A replica Spitfire will be on display outside the Visitor Information Centre and visitors can learn more about the role of these planes in World War Two.

There will also be a display of vintage vehicles including cars, military vehicles, and a classic fire engine.

The weekly flea market will take place in the market place with traders in 1940s costume. There will be a competition for the best dressed trader and visitors are encouraged to get into the 40s spirit by dressing in period costumes.

Chesterfield Museum will also be open as usual from 10am to 4pm where visitors can learn more about the town’s history, including a final chance to visit the Put That Light Out exhibition, which finishes on 30 October.

The exhibition looks at life in Chesterfield during World War Two, featuring displays and objects that will help visitors learn more about rationing, holidays at home, the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Home Guard. Entry to the Museum is free but donations are welcome.

More activities and entertainers are still being confirmed, find out more about the event by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/40s

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chatsworth House to celebrate 20 years of iconic festive exhibitions

Chatsworth is set to celebrate The Magic of Christmas with a look back over the 20 years since the house first opened for the festive season in 2001, to help revive Derbyshire’s tourism industry which was badly affected by foot and mouth disease that year.

Visitors will see nods to a variety of themes that have featured in the house over the past two decades, as they enjoy decorations designed to capture the magic of the festive season.

With the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in February 2001, the countryside was effectively closed to visitors until the summer, which had a huge impact on the whole visitor economy. At that time, Chatsworth normally closed from October to Easter but in 2001, the 11th Duke of Devonshire decided to keep the house open in the hope that it would encourage visitors to come into the area and help the local economy.

What was originally intended as a one-off Christmas season proved an instant hit, attracting thousands of visitors, and has become the biggest event in the calendar for the Derbyshire estate.

The return of the festive season this year following the restrictions on businesses due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 brings the story full circle, as hopes are high for a Christmas full of reflection, reminiscence and positivity, as the country continues on a path to recovery.

Since 2001, Christmas at Chatsworth has grown in size and scale, with displays becoming more elaborate each season making it a much anticipated and popular activity for thousands of people who return year after year keen to see what’s in store. With a different theme each year, Christmas at Chatsworth has become increasingly grand and more ambitious, involving dozens of specially grown Christmas trees, yards of great garlands, and copious amounts of fairy lights.

This year’s standout feature looks set to be the snow installation in the Inner Court. A newly installed lamppost will bring to mind the snowy scenes from Narnia, while other rooms on the Christmas route will evoke seasons past from the traditions of the Victorian era and the world of Charles Dickens to the imaginary worlds of Mr Toad and Alice in Wonderland.

Following its successful introduction last year, there will once again be a festive light installation in the garden to make a Christmas visit last even longer. Visitors can enjoy an illuminated walk round the garden, with atmospheric lighting bringing a festive sparkle on a route past the Emperor Fountain, Rock Garden and the Cascade surrounded by hundreds of glowing lights.

Tickets are on sale now with the timed slots still in place to help manage the flow of visitors at all times. This year will also see the return of the famous Chatsworth Christmas market, with over 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations taking place on Lodge Hill next to the house from 6-24 November 2021.

Over in the farmyard, there will be a variety of festive activities, with more details to follow. Early booking is recommended.

For information and advance booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New apprentice software engineer bolsters the Weightron Bilanciai team

Weightron Bilanciai has announced a further addition to its apprenticeship program with the hiring of new Software Engineer, Reece Berry.

The move follows on from the successful completion of a Graduate Apprenticeship scheme at Sheffield Hallam University of an existing Software Developer.

Reece, 18, said: “Before I joined Weightron I studied A-Levels at St Mary’s Sixth Form in Chesterfield where I did the subjects ICT, English Literature and Drama.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways.

Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.

“I would highly recommend doing an apprenticeship to those who are searching for a job.”

Instead of taking the ‘traditional’ university route, an apprenticeship enables young people to learn and work whilst receiving an income, and have the determination to progress further.

Reece added: “Weightron Bilanciai have also given me the option to obtain a degree qualification at Sheffield Hallam University whilst working, this would also enable me to have a recognized qualification without the burden of university fees.”

There are many opportunities for young people across Chesterfield to get onto the career ladder via an apprenticeship. The innovative ‘My Future’ platform gives learners the option to:

• Meet local employers and explore apprenticeship opportunities
• Work with training providers to learn about and access courses that are available
• Virtually visit post 16 institutions including colleges and universities
• Learn about the employment opportunities in your town

Chesterfield was also 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.

Weightron Bilanciai supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Mortgage 1st strengthens Senior Team due to continued success and growth

Throughout the past 18 months, whilst they navigated the challenges the pandemic forced upon them and all other businesses across the country, Mortgage 1st has continued its impressive growth.

The firm says conditions were tough in 2020, with service levels affected whilst lenders, solicitors, estate agents and mortgage brokers were all adjusting to the changes.

However, the determination and hard work of the Mortgage 1st team and the understanding and loyalty from their customers has ensured the company reached the half way point in 2021 with a record set of results.

As the majority of their Mortgage Advisers already worked remotely all over the country they could continue to operate throughout even the restrictive lockdowns. The head office team which includes senior members and the Mortgage Processing Department were having to adapt almost daily, but took all the changes in their stride and their focus firmly remained on their customers and colleagues alike.

Even throughout 2020, Mortgage 1st continued with recruitment plans and the team has grown at a similar rate to previous years. All departments increased with new team members including Administrators, Processors, Mortgage Advisers and an Apprentice Administrator.

With a team of almost 40 it was time to expand the Senior Management Team and Mortgage 1st has announced an internal promotion, along with the appointment of a new senior manager.

Carly Montisci first joined the Mortgage 1st family 5 years ago in 2016 as a mortgage administrator, with no industry experience. With her drive and passion she very quickly established herself as a key member in the team and stepped up to a mortgage processor role and then Head of Processing within her first two years, followed by a third promotion to Senior manager shortly after.

Carly’s new role is Head of Service, which encapsulates her skills and passions perfectly as even from day one her focus has always been on the team and the service their customers receive.

On the 1st of August, John Wileman joined the senior team as Head of Development to work alongside Carly and the Directors Jon & Lisa Stones. John has over 20 years’ industry experience and will be offering support to all their mortgage advisers as well as managing the on-boarding, training and ongoing support for all new advisers who join the team.

Lisa Stones – Operations Director at Mortgage 1st said: “Jon are I, along with the whole team congratulates Carly for her well-deserved promotion and we’re delighted to officially welcome John to the Mortgage 1st family. By strengthening our senior team we are now equipped more than ever before to push forward with our ambitions future growth plans. There are lots happening behind the scenes at Mortgage 1st at the moment so as they say…. Watch this space!”

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Citizens Advice chair of trustees to step down after 12 years of service

The Chair of Chesterfield’s Citizens Advice Bureau has announced she is stepping down from the role next year, after dedicating 12 years of  service to the organisation.

Linda Moore said: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair; I’ve found it challenging, diverse, interesting & rewarding. The team is amazing, but after 12 years it’s time for a new leader with new & refreshing ideas.

“I’m sure I will find a different role in order to continue my support of this vital, local charity.”

Citizens Advice supports people across the town with free, confidential, impartial, independent advice and information for the problems they face and works to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

The Chesterfield group is now looking for someone to  join the board, possibly as vice-chair in readiness to take over at the AGM in November 2022.

They are hoping to find someone who is passionate about making a difference in the local community, excited to support a leading local advice charity, and is a natural leader.

Applications for the voluntary role close on Friday, 22nd October 2021 at 5pm. Anyone interested in taking on the role is asked to get in touch with Julie Astell via email: julie.astell@chesterfieldcab.co.uk for an application pack.

Recently it was announced that Phoebe Sellars who works for fellow Chesterfield Champion, Bridge Help was appointed to the board as the youngest ever trustee at the age of just 22.

Phoebe explained why she decided to join the board: “I live and work in Chesterfield and feel passionately about strengthening the community that I live in, work in and love. Citizens Advice Chesterfield does such good work for so many people in my home town.”

Citizens Advice Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

champion of the week

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

New Chesterfield store can provide portraits of your pooch

A new shop has opened in Chesterfield catering to every need of our canine companions, providing portraits, natural treats and remedies, handmade collars, personalised dog-themed gifts, luxury toys and much more.

Barkworthy Dog Emporium can be found in the Theatre Yard area of Chesterfield Town Centre, after owners Anthony and Carole Foster decided to relocate to the town from Manchester.

Anthony said: “We moved to Chesterfield from Manchester in July this year with the intention of escaping the congestion and overcrowding of city life. We had heard about Chesterfield and its historic roots but were unprepared for how clean and unspoilt it really was.

“It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do. Set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

Anthony says the shop was almost exclusively online, with the new store being the couple’s first bricks-and-mortar venture. Anthony explained that one of the things that drew them to the town was the efforts to drive more visitors into the town as part of the #LoveChesterfield campaign:

“We were heartened to see stilt-walkers in flowing robes, flower displays and colourful entertainment designed to entice shoppers back to the area. We understood this was undoubtedly part of a concerted campaign, and such efforts could only be beneficial for anybody wanting to set up business here.

“It seemed that people liked to shop local, to see and feel the products they were buying and the wealth of small businesses prospering cheek-by-jowl with the usual retail giants bore that out. We spoke to stallholders and small business owners, who naturally bemoaned the tribulations of a difficult year, but were generally satisfied and optimistic for the future. This gave us hope and confidence.

“When we saw the empty shop on Theatre Yard in the Low Pavement area, with its high vaulted windows and niche appeal in a creative little space, it immediately felt as though our vision had found its natural home.”

Following that, Anthony was quickly in touch with Chesterfield Borough Council’s commercial property team, to explore the possibility of moving into the new store.

He explained: “We set about pursuing a lease from the council for this property, which in addition to being perfect for our new venture, serendipitously housed a huge statue of a dog outside!

“Claire and Hannah from the council were incredibly helpful, answering our questions and taking the time to keep us apprised at every stage. Claire even responded to one email inquiry on a Sunday evening, when I imagine most people would much rather be relaxing in front of the TV with a glass of wine!

“Knowing we were dealing with real people who were just as invested as ourselves made all the difference in coming to a decision to choose Chesterfield for our business.”

The store is now open to visitors, and Anthony explained why the store will provide a unique experience for dog-lovers in Chesterfield and beyond:

“Carole is the trustee of a charity which rescues and rehomes unwanted Sled Dogs and Northern breeds, while I am an artist specialising in pastel portraits of wildlife and pets.

“Dedicating part of the shop as a studio and sitting in the window at my easel seemed a good way to attract visitors, while Carole’s contacts with various artisan pet suppliers through her charity work stood us in good stead to bring products and services to the area that are a little different to the standard fayre purveyed through the chain pet stores.

“As well as artisan treats, dog deli style birthday cakes and gift boxes, we have a wealth of handmade items, collars and leads and also personalised mugs, bags, cushions and photo gifts upon which patrons can have their favourite pet pictures imprinted.

“We treat our dogs like family, spoiling and pampering them, always looking for that one gift or treat that makes their tails wag that bit harder. Our overarching ambition for Barkworthy Dog Emporium is to embrace with the community of Chesterfield a shared love of pets and create a local, friendly, accessible port of call for all their dog’s needs.”

You can find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,