Peak Edge Hotel

Accessibility improvements made at Peak Edge Hotel and Red Lion Restaurant

The Peak Edge Hotel and Red Lion Restaurant has undergone recent improvements to improve accessibility at the venue.

With the building originally developed in the 18th century but still thriving in the 21st century, the hotel ownership and staff have developed the venue to meet modern accessibility standards.

The works will enable more people to enjoy the food, drink and hospitality offer at Peak Edge.

Improvements to the property over recent years include dedicated parking, accessible rooms, wide corridors, lifts and access ramps to the rear of the property. However the hotel found integrating the restaurant with the rest of the building a challenge.

In response to this, the hotel’s owner, Steve Perez, reached out to Access Lifts in late 2023, with the main obstacle being the tight constraints of the stone built corridors leading up to the restaurant, with no space for a conventional platform lift.

Therefore, the only viable solution was a Hidden Platform Lift. This new Hidden Platform Lift allows the corridor and steps leading up to the entrance to be used as normal when the lift is in its resting position, but the lift features an on-platform handrail with controls to allow the restaurant and hotel guests to move between the two levels.

The lift has been supplied with remote control key fobs for use by members of staff too, if any guests require assistance. The lift has been neatly finished with wooden floorboards to match the surrounding floor and steps, and is already in use.

Steve was committed to this investment to improve accessibility for guests. He commented: “We knew we needed a better solution to provide easier access, particularly between the hotel and the bar and restaurant and it took some time to find the right solution and it is part of an ongoing journey.”

Steve added: “A coaching inn in 1788 was never designed for modern usage or to modern standards and we continue to invest to improve accessibility whilst maintaining the character and history of the place. Visitors will have seen the original stone with 1788 engraved in it in the bar and they love the original features.

“We need to keep modernising and providing the best quality and standards for all our guests,” added Steve, “but the history is definitely part of our charm. When you are next in, take a look at our photo wall with all the old images on it. There’s a great shot of what the Walton Suite used to look like and we’ve recently discovered some bills from the 1970’s which really show how times have changed.”

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

Peak Edge Hotel

 

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Chesterfield Champions announce new hires, promotions and award wins

Several Chesterfield businesses have taken on new team members, announced promotions, and even scooped awards for tourism recently.

Read the latest news from our town’s community of Chesterfield Champions below.

Silver awards for Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel

Mum and son feeding a goat at Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park took home three silver awards for Visitor Attraction of the Year, Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and Team of the year at the recent Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

Chesterfield’s Peak Edge Hotel was also amongst the businesses recognised at the event, with a silver award for Hotel of the Year.

The winners of the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were announced at a special awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby

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

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), this year’s awards celebrated the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s valuable contribution to the local economy.

The awards were hotly contested, and finalists progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s ceremony.

Finalists, guests and partners enjoyed a drinks reception sponsored by White Peak Distillery followed by a three-course formal dinner in the historic surroundings of the Museum of Making, which is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory, at the heart of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Host Andy Miller compered the event as Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners were revealed in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of tourism in the local area.

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

“Tourism is worth £2.59 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire, supporting thousands of jobs, and a strong, sustainable visitor economy is vital for the future success of our communities. The quality and diversity of our tourism offer is inspiring, and it has been an immense privilege to bring together such a wide range of tourism-related businesses to pay tribute to their hard work. It’s only fitting that many of our winners could now go on to represent the area nationally at this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. Congratulations everyone!”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants welcomes new Senior Tax Specialist to bolster expert team

Mitchells group shot Liz Tim Jane B LR

Mitchells has announced the addition of Jane Falconer-White to its growing team in Chesterfield. She joins Chartered Tax Advisers Tim Leeman & Liz Fisher at the firm.

Jane brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the company, further strengthening its commitment to delivering exceptional tax advice to clients of all sizes.

Jane is a seasoned tax adviser and former management consultant, with a proven track record of success working with a diverse range of clients, from blue-chip organisations to individual sole traders. She also boasts a unique background in IT and project management, bringing valuable technical expertise and a collaborative approach.

But Jane’s strengths extend beyond qualifications and experience. She is passionate about simplifying the complex world of tax and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions. Driven by a desire to help people understand and improve, Jane excels at bridging the gap between technical jargon and everyday language. Mitchells believes that this, coupled with a flexible and fast-learning nature, makes her a perfect fit for the organisation.

“I’m excited to join Mitchells Chartered Accountants and contribute my skills to their already impressive team,” says Jane. “I’m particularly drawn to the firm’s focus on technology-driven solutions and client-centric approach, which aligns perfectly with my own values and working style.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants Partner, Andrew McDaid adds, “We’re delighted to welcome Jane Falconer-White to the team. Her diverse experience, technical expertise, and passion for communication make her a valuable asset. We’re confident that Jane will play a key role in helping our clients navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape and achieve their financial goals.”

Banner Jones announces plans to bolster Residential Property team amidst continued growth in demand

Richard Joy and Kate Skelton

Banner Jones has announced plans to build on the existing expertise and capacity of its Residential Property team amidst continued demand for its services, having handled over 13,500 new residential property related matters over the last three years.

The announcement coincides with news that Shareholding Director and Solicitor Richard Joy will become the sole Head of Residential Property across the firm following the recent retirement of Mark Bilton, a well-known and highly regarded property solicitor in the Mansfield area, who stepped down from his role as Executive Director in November last year.

Richard will now work closely with Kate Skelton, a property law expert who deals with property sales and purchases, transfers of equity and re-mortgages, who has been promoted to Shareholding Director and who is stepping up as operational lead of the firm’s Sheffield and Dronfield-based residential property teams.

Looking to the future the duo say they are hoping to build on the existing expertise and capacity of the team, which has invested heavily in its IT infrastructure in recent years in order to best meet the evolving needs of clients.

The developments have included the launch of the firms online ‘Flying Start’ client portal which allows for much of the conveyancing transaction to be completed online, typically saving up to four weeks throughout the conveyancing process. The ability to deal with the transaction securely and electronically has significantly speeded up the onboarding and transaction times and allows clients to undertake the steps required at a convenient time without the need to attend our offices.

The firm’s Project Management System now also includes an integration to enable property searches to be ordered automatically, allowing for artificial intelligence to assist the expert legal advisors to produce reports for clients based on search reports received.

This year, the firm has also developed a compliance support service for estate agents designed to underpin their increasingly stringent regulatory requirements surrounding ID verification for anti-money laundering and material information disclosure.

Commenting on his role and the department’s continued growth ambitions, Richard Joy said: “I am delighted to be continuing in my role as Head of Residential Property, working alongside Kate to deliver on our growth ambitions which will further strengthen our existing client service offering.

“The conveyancing market in particular has been very active in recent years, and we are confident that the investments that we have made in our IT infrastructure means that we are well equipped to keep up with increased demand and to better meet the needs of clients who increasingly want to work in a more fluid and dynamic way.

“We’re committed to continuing to challenge the way that we do things moving forward to further enhance what we do and how we do it, and I am looking forward to leading the team throughout that process.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Mark the best of luck as he moves to the next chapter in his life.”

Find out more about our award-winning legal services for businesses and individuals at www.bannerjones.co.uk

Long-serving Head of Charities at BHP to retire

Jane Marshall BHP

Jane Marshall, Partner and Head of Charities and Not-for-Profit at BHP, is to retire from her role at the end of March after 37 years at the firm.

As one of the leading independent accountancy firms in the North, Jane has helped grow the firm’s charities and not-for-profit expertise, leading it to be repeatedly recognised, at a national level, by Charity Finance Magazine in its annual audit survey. Most recently, in December 2023, BHP was named in the top 12 Charity Audit firms in the UK.

The recognition is based on feedback from clients and saw the firm top the national table for client service, scoring 97% for charity expertise and marking the 12th consecutive year of high scores for the firm. Following Jane’s retirement, Audit and Charities’ Partner, Laura Masheder will take on the role as Head of Charities and Not-for-Profit.

Jane founded BHP’s successful annual Charity Conference in 2005, after realising there was no provision for such high calibre events outside of London. Over the intervening 18 years, 15 conferences have been held, with the 2023 event attracting over 100 delegates from charities across the region to hear about the latest developments in the charity sector. During her time with the firm, Jane has also been a member of the ICAEW Charity Committee and was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire in 2017.

Jane began her work with charities and not-for-profits in the 1990s, before becoming Head of Charities in 2005 and Partner in 2008. She has overseen the team’s growth to be 65-strong, with professionals from across BHP’s five offices currently supporting over 250 charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Laura Masheder will be supported by three partners and three Director Responsible Individuals (RI). Laura is an accomplished Partner and has specialised in the charity and not-for-profit sector for over a decade. She has been working alongside Jane since joining BHP’s charity team in October 2022 and has a wide range of experience providing audit, compliance, technical accounting and compliance services to many charities and owner managed businesses.

Jane said: “I’ve enjoyed many happy years with BHP and have seen the firm grow from one office in Sheffield in the 1980s to be represented now by five offices, covering the whole of Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and serving an enviable client base. I’m enormously proud of the Charities and Not for Profit team we’ve developed, and I know it will flourish and grow further under Laura’s leadership.

“I wish the firm every success in what’s to come and will continue to champion the expert work and values of everyone involved in the firm.”

BHP Joint CEO Lisa Leighton said: “Jane will be greatly missed by her colleagues, clients and so many of her friends and associates across the firm and the industry. She has shared her vast knowledge and experience with countless team members over the last 37 years and leaves a lasting legacy within our Charities team.

I’d like to thank Jane for her commitment and dedication to BHP and the not-for-profit sector and wish her a very happy retirement.”

Laura added: “Jane has played a key role in establishing BHP as a Northern powerhouse within the third sector and I look forward, along with the rest of the team, to continuing to support our clients as they navigate what can only be described as a challenging economic period.
Personally, I wish Jane all the best for her retirement and can’t thank her enough for sharing her expertise and guidance with me since I joined the firm.”

The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Champions among the shortlist for Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

Chesterfield Champions, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel have been nominated as finalists for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

The full shortlist has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.

Matlock Farm Park has been shortlisted for a total of three awards, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Team of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Chesterfield’s Peak Edge Hotel has been nominated for the coveted Hotel of the Year award.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby on Thursday 7th March 2024.

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the 2024 awards celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism experiences to visitors from across the country, but they also serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in making the destination such a great place to live, work and visit.

“We’ve received a record number of applications this year and reaching this impressive lift of finalists is an achievement in itself. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2024.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2024 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • The Coach House, Derby
  • Sheldon House, Monyash
  • Underleigh House B&B, Hope

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock
  • Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, nr Buxton
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Bakewell
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Experience of the Year

  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne

New Tourism Business of the Year

  • The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn, nr Buxton
  • Muse Escapes Ltd, Buxton
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Great Longstone
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Stainsborough Hall Ltd, Carsington
  • Waterside Barn, Bradbourne

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Award

  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • The Patternmakers, Duffield

Team of the Year

  • The George, Hathersage
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Muse Escapes, Buxton

Tourism Young Achiever

  • Helena Smith Parucker, The Museum of Making
  • Steph Taylor, Atlantik Inns
  • Emma West, Longbow Bars and Restaurants

Unsung Hero

  • Adrian Gagea, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Alan Hobson, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Jane Redfern, Wildhive Callow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • The Museum of Making, Derby

For more details see: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDDTourismAwards.

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

Matlock Farm Park

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Peak Edge Hotel crowned in prestigious National Pub & Bar Awards

Peak Edge Hotel has been awarded Derbyshire’s Pub of the Year in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023.

The National Pub & Bar Awards aims to put exceptional on-trade businesses across the UK in the national spotlight, showcasing the hospitality industry’s diversity, creativity, and vital importance to the UK economy.

Peak Edge Hotel, which has been selected on overall best practice across several operational categories, will be officially crowned with the accolade at a glittering celebration on the 28th June.

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Peak Edge Hotel is an independently owned hotel and restaurant, which provides guests with a luxurious place to unwind and indulge.

Steve Perez, Chairman and Founder of Global Brands & Casa Hotels Group said: “Myself and the team at Red Lion at Peak Edge are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Pub in the East Midlands.

“We’ve been working tirelessly at the venue, through difficult times for hospitality renovating and expanding the premises over the past five years, honouring the heritage of the building while providing a fantastic space to serve locally sourced food.

“Being shortlisted for this award really recognises how hard the staff have been working – from our brilliant Executive Chef Ben who’s always working on new seasonal menus, to Craig, the Farm Manger at our Walton Lodge Farm Estate, who supplies the high quality Dorset lamb, Belted Galloway Beef, Black Berkshires pigs, egg from our hens, honey from our bees and herbs from the garden just 1.3 miles away from the restaurant, for a true taste of the Peak District.”

Tristan O’Hana, Editor of Pub and Bar Magazine, which runs the awards, commented: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”

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

The Garden Room at Peak Edge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

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

B&B and Guest House of the Year

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

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

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

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

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

Experience of the Year

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

Hotel of the Year

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

New Tourism Business Award

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

Pub of the Year

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

Resilience & Innovation Award

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

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

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

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

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

Team of the Year

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

Tourism Young Achiever Award

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

Unsung Hero

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

Visitor Attraction of the Year

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

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

Gold winners at the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

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Derbyshire Tourism Conference highlights ‘positive future’ for the visitor economy

“Despite unprecedented challenges, the future of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire remains positive” – that’s the overriding message from the annual Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference which took place on Thursday 6th October at Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield.

Hosted by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the event welcomed over 120 attendees from across the tourism and hospitality sectors for the first ‘in person’ conference since the pandemic.

It brought together leading industry figures and expert speakers to deliver insights, advice and inspiration covering major topics including the cost-of-living crisis, recruitment challenges, emerging tourism trends and new opportunities for growth.

The keynote speech was delivered by Patricia Yates, CEO of national tourist body VisitBritain/VisitEngland, who visited local businesses including The Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth and Treak Cliff Cavern ahead of the conference to shine a spotlight on the area’s outstanding tourism offer and discuss how the sector can work together to drive economic growth.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: “It’s been fantastic to be in beautiful Derbyshire and the Peak District, visiting tourism businesses and attractions and seeing first-hand the wonderful experiences on offer. It has been invaluable to listen and talk to local businesses about how we can work together to drive economic growth, and to have the opportunity to highlight our work to support the industry’s recovery.

“Tourism is an industry that can deliver growth like no other and it’s been great to see the activity Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is delivering, working with businesses and key stakeholders to attract domestic and overseas visits, driving the visitor economy.”

Opening the conference, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sector’s recovery and its work to secure the long-term future of the industry by increasing overnight stays, extending the traditional tourism season and boosting visitor spend.

In line with its ambition to position the area as a world-class visitor destination, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire announced it will be launching a new marketing campaign later this year – promoting the area’s ‘distinctive and diverse visitor offer’ – together with an innovative new website for www.visitpeakdistrict.com that will help visitors plan and book trips according to accessibility and sustainability requirements.

Updates from Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire also focused on recent successes, including:

  • The value of tourism to the area’s economy – £1.96 billion in 2021, achieving 79% of 2019 levels against a target of 70% (2021 STEAM data)
  • The creation of a Sustainable Tourism Plan, produced in partnership with the Peak District National Park Authority and The National Forest, which aims to position the destination as a beacon for sustainable tourism and active travel
  • The success of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Accessibility Champions programme, which has so far helped over 30 tourism businesses achieve ‘Accessibility Champion’ status
  • The achievements of the European Regional Development Fund supported Growing and Developing the Visitor Economy within Derbyshire project, which has helped over 800 visitor economy business to boost their growth, skills and profitability since 2017
  • Ever-increasing visits to www.visitpeakdistrict.com (2.7 million sessions and 2.1 million users between September 2021 and September 2022) and a combined social media following of more than 200,000
  • Against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, the event covered the challenges facing the area’s visitor economy as well as the support available for local businesses. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), revealed that ‘inflation’ and ‘access to skilled labour’ are currently the biggest concerns for businesses in the region.

Looking to the future, Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, discussed the East Midlands devolution deal which will see Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham come together to pioneer a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority. The deal will see £1.14 billion come to the region over 30 years – creating ‘more and better jobs through greater investment in the area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training and an enhanced greener environment’.

Delegates also heard from Jenny Lowthrop about the vital work of the Peak District National Park Foundation in protecting and safeguarding Britain’s original National Park, which attracts thousands of visits to the area each year; whilst Miles Watkins of the Institute of Quarrying shared their exciting vision to create an internationally significant visitor experience and Centre of Excellence for the quarrying industry at the National Stone Centre in Wirksworth.

Emerging trends – and how tourism businesses can harness them – were a key focus of the conference and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd gave delegates a valuable insight into how best to use short videos on social media platforms such as TikTok to help their businesses stand out from the crowd.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference was funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project.

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Peak Edge Hotel receives go-ahead for hotel expansion and luxury spa

Derbyshire’s premium, four-star Peak Edge Hotel, has just been granted planning permission to expand the existing hotel and build a luxury spa.

The application for planning was approved on March 22nd, which will see an additional 27 bedrooms, in addition to a large spa facility featuring a range of experiences including a heated, indoor-outdoor hydro pool, sauna, steam rooms, several treatment rooms, and its own dedicated café bar.

The development follows huge efforts over the last 18 months to renovate and expand the hotel and adjoining 2 AA rosette awarded restaurant, Red Lion. Works already completed include an expansion of the existing Orangery Suite into the new Oak Room; additional restoration works to the property’s second function suite, The Walton; an expansion of the Red Lion restaurant and additional back of house and office space.

Owner Steve Perez said: “This is the exciting next phase in building a stunning destination for visitors to Derbyshire and for the local community. The extended hotel and luxury spa facility will be built to blend into the existing countryside and will be designed to the most exacting standards. We’re hoping to build a hotel and spa that exceeds expectations of all our guests, present and future”.

With planning permission now approved, updates on the plans, designs, and timings will be shared throughout the process.  Building work is likely to start in late Autumn, ideally in October, with completion expected by November 2023.

To find out more about Peak Edge Hotel visit www.peakedgehotel.co.uk

Recently, the hotel was commended as the best wedding venue in Derbyshire, after scooping the accolade at the 2022 Hitched Wedding Awards.

The Peak Edge Hotel 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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Peak Edge Hotel wins prestigious wedding award

Chesterfield’s four-star hotel, Peak Edge, has been awarded the best wedding venue in Derbyshire courtesy of the ‘2022 Hitched Wedding Awards’.

Hitched, the online wedding planning platform, celebrate the UKs most spectacular wedding venues and suppliers, honouring vendors for their professionalism, quality of work, flexibility, and customer service. As one of Derbyshire’s leading wedding venues, Peak Edge was recognised for its unrivalled location on the edge of the Peak District alongside the recent developments to refurbish their event spaces.

Boasting panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the renovation works completed have transformed the existing orangery suite, into the new Oak Room, which can accommodate over 200 wedding guests, featuring a grand fireplace, open sky lights with vaulted chandeliers and outdoor private terrace area and pagoda. The award also recognised the service provided by the dedicated wedding team and the 2 AA rosette food served featuring produce direct from the local area.

Senior Wedding & Events Coordinator, Michelle Bartle, said ‘We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded best venue in Derbyshire. We’ve been working incredibly hard to deliver the most special of days to each of our couples, despite the ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions over the past year. With business returning to usual, this award has given us the best motivation to head into 2022 ready to create another year full of wonderful experiences.’

Developments continue to evolve at Peak Edge, including ongoing refurbishments to renovate adjoining function suite, The Ashover, with a new bespoke bar, private toilet facilities and outdoor terrace space.

The hotels sister property, Casa Hotel, located in Chesterfield’s town centre, also hosts two fully licensed ceremony suites for up to 200 guests along with 100 bedrooms, including four balcony hot tub and sauna suites.

For all enquiries and further information regarding weddings at Peak Edge, visit www.peakedgehotel.co.uk or email weddings@peakedgehotel.co.uk

The Peak Edge Hotel 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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Peak Edge Hotel opens new ‘orangery’

The Peak Edge Hotel, a family owned 4-star, modern boutique hotel nestled on the edge of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park is set to open its new orangery extension in Spring 2021.

Renowned as one of the region’s leading wedding venues, The Peak Edge Hotel will be able to accommodate larger weddings, as well as providing more flexibility for all events. It enjoys its own dedicated bar area and boasts breath taking views over the hotel lake and Peak District National Park.

Combining historic style with modern facilities, including air conditioning, acoustically lined walls and disabled access, this purpose-built space can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, events, and celebrations.

Steve Perez, owner and chairman of Casa Hotel, The Peak Edge Hotel and Global Brands said: “Despite the global pandemic the government’s restrictions causing devastating effects on this industry and people’s livelihoods, we continue to strive and invest in The Peak Edge Hotel.

“We believe it is important to continuously improve our property to ensure we continue to offer the best venue, and award-winning experience.

“We cannot wait to welcome brides, grooms, guests, diners and residents back to The Peak Edge Hotel in the very near future.”

Boasting floor to ceiling windows, contrasting with stunning oak beams giving a wide view over the hotel’s lawns, the Orangery is especially opulent with leather upholstery, oak beam bar and open fireplace enhancing the period features and superb light quality of the room.

The popular luxury boutique hotel offers 27 bedrooms, and all boast stunning views over the Derbyshire Countryside, yet you are only a few miles from all major road networks. Historic Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, the market towns of Chesterfield, Bakewell & Matlock are all on the hotel’s doorstep.

The Peak Edge Hotel supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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