retail

‘Tis the season for job vacancies! Chesterfield businesses recruiting ahead of the festive period

With the festive season just around the corner, Chesterfield businesses are turning their attention to recruiting new talent ahead of the busy period.

We have put together a guide to help you explore the career opportunities available right here in Chesterfield and know where to search for those festive job vacancies.

Retail and Hospitality

As retail businesses are stocking the shelves ahead of the Christmas shopping boom and hospitality venues putting the finishing touches to the festive menu ready for the Christmas party season, these businesses are looking to hire an extra pair of hands for the busy period.

These roles are the perfect way to gain valuable work experience and enhance your skills. Lucy Bacon, Assistant Marketing Manager of the Casa Hotel Group, demonstrates how working in hospitality helped her gain transferable skills which can be applied to other career opportunities.

Cocina Restaurant (002)

Lucy explained: “I started at Casa Hotel working part-time, alongside my school studies, in the Cocina Restaurant. This gave me a great base of transferable skills to grow on! My journey in Cocina then quickly moved from part-time to full-time, and from Food and Beverage Attendant to Restaurant Supervisor.

After some time developing my food and beverage knowledge further, I began to take interest in the Marketing of our products and services both for the Restaurant and the Hotel as a whole. The Management team here at Casa gave me the opportunity and support to gain my qualification in Marketing as well as move over fully into the Marketing of both Casa and Peak Edge. I am now the proud Assistant Marketing Manager of the Casa Hotel Group and am grateful for the opportunities I have been given whilst working in the Hospitality Industry.”

Browse the job vacancies available at Casa Hotel here and Peake Edge here.

Marks and Spencer’s in Chesterfield are currently advertising some fantastic career options across many roles.

Glow with us M&S

Matt Corker, Store Manager at Chesterfield said: “You could be part of something special. Our brand new M&S store in Chesterfield is coming soon and you could be coming with us.

Whoever you are, whatever your background, build a career to be proud of here – we’re with you all the way.

We’re looking to recruit up to 100 remarkable colleagues to be part of one amazing team. Plus with flexible career options, opportunities to progress and great benefits, including 20% colleague discount, why not take a look and apply today!”

Search the job opportunities available at Marks and Spencer’s Chesterfield here.

You can use the Job Centre Plus service to search for job vacancies in the local area. Give @JCPInStaffDerby a follow on social media as they regularly post the latest vacancies, alternatively, you browse through the listings on their website here.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire have a dedicated webpage for job vacancies in the hospitality industry across Derbyshire and the Peak District. Search the current vacancies here.

Chesterfield Market Recruitment Event

Market Recruitment event

Are you searching for work in Chesterfield? Visit the Chesterfield Market Recruitment Event on Wednesday 12th October 10 am – 12 pm, where you can meet employers and find out more about local job vacancies and training schemes that lead to employment.

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment.

There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including, retail, hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport, and many more.

Derbyshire Careers Service will also be attending the event to promote training courses but also advise job seekers on how they can get support with their CV and interview techniques.

Find an Apprenticeship in Chesterfield

Find Your Apprenticeship button

Currently, there are over 100 apprenticeship vacancies available across a variety of sectors and apprenticeships can be a great stepping stone for your career, allowing you to earn and learn on the job.

Tom Fearn, Recruitment Manager at Apprentice Team said: “Gaining employment during the festive period can lead to some exciting opportunities and gives you a chance to kickstart your career within your desired sector.

Apprenticeships are also available within a wide range of sectors. This can be a vital time of year to gain experience that you can use for future employment and interviews. In most cases, workplaces during the festive period are busier than usual which also allows candidates to gain a wide range of skills working in a fast-paced environment.”

Use our search tool to browse the hundreds of apprenticeship vacancies available in and around Chesterfield. You can simply scroll through the vacancies or filter by sector and apprenticeship level to find the right apprenticeship for you. Access the search tool here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/

 

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Start an exciting and fulfilling career in Hospitality and Retail

Hospitality and Retail businesses are a significant part of Chesterfield’s employment sector, partially due to the town centre being considered the 7th largest retail destination in the East Midlands. You can find out more about the sector on the My Future careers platform.

Although the sector has taken a devastating blow during the pandemic and has faced much disruption, this has also opened many avenues to new career opportunities. Chris Mapp, the Managing Director of the Tickled Trout explains: “We really need people to join our beloved industry, it can be an excellent career, we need the next generation to Choose Hospitality.” You can read more from Chris here.

Apprenticeships are one example of these up-and-coming avenues into an exciting and fulfilling career in Hospitality and Retail, offering many benefits and opportunities to learn and earn on the job.

Upskill existing employees

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa have taken the opportunity to try and get society motivated to enjoy working in the industry. The business realised there are many benefits to the apprenticeship route including supporting current employees to develop skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their job roles, which can help motivate the workforce and help the business to retain highly skilled personnel.

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has enrolled 3 of its current employees onto the Hospitality Team Member Level 2 course, in conjunction with Chesterfield College. Leo Baxter, employee at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa will be studying to enhance his knowledge and skills in the Conference & Events Operations area.

Leo Baxter said: “I didn’t want to carry on with formal education, but I know I have to because of my age. I recently joined the hotel working in events on weddings and I really enjoy it and earning money to spend on me is great, so I was really pleased when I was told I was able to become an apprentice at the hotel and hopefully become an ambassador for future employees”.

Tim Cadman, General Manager at Ringwood Hall, says: “It saddens me that the industry has suffered so much as it is an industry that will always be needed, but it excites me that we have employees who want to enhance their skills and become the best that they can be in their job roles. We have some fantastic support within the hotels management team who will be great mentors for these employees and with the support of our Human Resources function hopefully we will attract new employees to the business who also wish to make a career for themselves with our support”.

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa are also on the lookout for an apprentice chef and painter and decorator. Anyone who is interested in these positions should contact the hotel directly to discuss.

Gain on the job experience

Lucy is a Guest Services Assistant at Van Dyk by Wildes, her apprenticeship involves her working in the main department of the hotel dealing with check ins, reservations and enquiries for the bedrooms, restaurant, and events.

She said: “Every day is different, and every day I learn something new. I always wanted to work in hospitality, and was presented with this amazing opportunity with a great company. I enjoy being a smiley, well dressed and presented person and the apprenticeship suited me perfectly. I enjoy working to a high standard as well as being myself when greeting guests – it is a job I take a lot of pride in doing well as well as the presentation of the hotel and its lobby. Its everything I enjoy.”

Lucy undertook an apprenticeship to gain on the job experience to benefit her future career. She said: “I think for a job like this, it’s really good to get the experience. I have learnt the skills I need for the job whilst also getting the experience I need for my CV. If I was to study this job in education, I would be learning the knowledge I would need, but not the skills I need on the job.”

When I first started my apprenticeship, I was not as confident as I am now, I am happy to talk to our guests and can usually deal with any problems, or questions guests have as I now have that experience.”

Lucy has ambitions to pursue a career as a manager. She said: “The main reason I wanted an apprenticeship was because of the career I want; I enjoy it so much that I want to be a Reception Manager or Front Office Manager. I want to use what I have learned to be able to progress to a higher position.”

There is no better way to hear about the benefits of apprenticeships than from current apprentices. Click here to learn more. 

You can learn more about the industry and the opportunities available by accessing the My Future careers platform.

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Surprise marriage proposal takes centre stage at 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

Love really was in the air at last night’s 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards. Taking centre stage at the sell-out award ceremony was a marriage proposal by Giuseppe Barone, co-owner of Sicily Restaurant which won Best New Hospitality Business.

Walking up on stage to collect the award, Giuseppe dropped to one knee and proposed to his business partner Monica Sardisco in front of a shocked and delighted crowd.

Giuseppe explained: “The proposal was all planned for if we won but if we didn’t win it wasn’t going to happen. I am very happy – for the award and for Monica saying ‘yes’.”

Sicily Restaurant was just one of 16 businesses and individuals celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards – the first in-person event held in 19 months by Destination Chesterfield.

Almost 50 businesses, individuals and projects were shortlisted across 16 categories, but it was Adorn Jewellers, Chesters Restaurant & Takeaway and CarMats.co.uk that clinched the three headline awards – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.

Recent Strictly star and breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell announced the winners of the awards at a sell-out black tie event held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 20 October.

More than 250 people attended the celebration. Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “This year the awards were a celebration on so many levels – recognising entrepreneurial and community spirit, achievement, survival and a marriage proposal – the first in our awards history. I am delighted that the business community was once again able to come together in person, connect with each other and share in each other’s success. It was a brilliant event.”

New business CarMats.co.uk, owned by Ash Young, is the first ever recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Chesterfield-based ecommerce business, which sells car mats, was founded during the first lockdown in 2020 and achieved £1 million in revenue in just nine months. Capitalising on his success, he has since established a second digital business selling car seat covers this year.

Delighted to win the award, Ash said: “During lockdown I wanted to set up a business to support local jobs. Car mats is a bit of a strange business, but everyone uses car mats and they wear out. We are now looking to expand across Europe going into Ireland first and then onto France and all from Chesterfield.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done with Carmats.co.uk and it’s really nice to get the recognition locally.”

CarMats.co.uk was just one of 761 new businesses registered in Chesterfield during 2020 – an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.

Long established businesses, town centre-based Adorn Jewellers, and Chesters based on Sheffield Road are previous multiple award winners in the Chesterfield High Street and Food and Drink awards.

Chesters is investing £1 million opening a second restaurant at Markham Vale. Chris Ioanides, Owner of Chesters, which next year celebrates its 10th anniversary, said: “It means so much to us to be recognised locally. Even though we’ve been in the top 10 in the UK this award means more to us because it’s Chesterfield people that have got us where we are today. It fills our hearts to know that we are up there with the top restaurants in the town.”

Capitalising on the success of Adorn, which opened in The Shambles in 2010, owners Laura-Jo and Adam Owen opened a second shop, Acorn Jewellers, in Bakewell in 2017. An emotional Laura Jo said: “We’re thrilled to win this award. Our success is our customers – 100%. We have a wonderful community of customers and this award is for them.”

The Love Chesterfield Awards replace and combine the town’s popular Food and Drink and High Street Awards. Three new categories have also been added to the Love Chesterfield awards line-up – Sustainability, Community Contribution and Entrepreneur of the Year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM, categories in the new Love Chesterfield Awards reflect the challenges which local businesses, people and projects have faced over the last 18 months as well as the business landscape post pandemic.

Speaking at the awards, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The last 19 months have been a turbulent time for all of us. But our local businesses have shown such resilience; adapting and supporting each other to keep moving forward. They have all achieved so much and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. It is an honour to be able to recognise so many at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”

Love Chesterfield Awards

Winners of the 16 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:

Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM

Chesters

“It means so much to us to be recognised locally. Even though we’ve been in the top 10 in the UK this award means more to us because it’s Chesterfield people that have got us where we are today. It fills our hearts to know that we are up there with the top restaurants in the town.” Chris Ioanides, owner, Chesters

Café of the Year – sponsored by CMP Legal

The Café at Libby’s

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bits to win. We make what people want to eat and our customers keep coming back. It’s a pleasure to come to work and keep serving them.” Ann Truscott and Julie Legdon, The Café at Libbys

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Addooco IT

The Tickled Trout

“It’s been a really difficult 18 months at The Tickled Trout and the team have been brilliant. Pulling together throughout the pandemic and adapting the business and supporting the community.” Rachel Cutting, The Tickled Trout

Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Sicily Restaurant

“Sicily Restaurant is a family business and when people visit us, we want them to feel welcome and like they are in our home. We are not standing still; there is still room for improvement. We now plan to do fresh pasta to add to all our home made, authentic Sicilian menu.” Giuseppe Barone, Sicily Restaurant

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

Monkey Park Café

“It feels amazing to win the award. It’s important to us to ensure people are connected and that involved delivering new services during the pandemic, like providing take away services from the café and supplying tablets and mobile phones to members of the community to help them get online and develop new skills. It means such a lot to us that Monkey Park and our services are accessible to everybody and this award is recognition of that.” Sarah Clarke, Monkey Park Community Hub

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

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

“We’re thrilled to win this award. Our success is our customers – 100%. We have a wonderful community of customers and this award is for them.” – Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group

Lottie’s Sandwich Bar

“We weren’t expecting to win the award. We came to the Love Chesterfield Awards thinking that it would be an amazing experience so to win is absolutely amazing. Without our customers and community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We work so hard for them so to get something back is just amazing. We’ll keep listening to our customers and do our best for them.”

Independent High Street Business – sponsored by Evoluted

Fred’s Haberdashery

“It feels fantastic to win the award. Fred’s is an institution in Chesterfield and we feel proud to have developed the business further using technology.  We have really enjoyed being on Twitter during The Great British Sewing Bee. It’s really made a difference to the business as more people are getting into dressmaking and coming into the shop for fabric and patterns.” Emily Lord, Fred’s Haberdashery

Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Superior Wellness

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this inaugural award. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Superior Wellness and it became even more important when we moved into our new 130,000 square foot warehouse and office in March.

“Within the last few months, we have reviewed our waste strategy, purchased electric forklift trucks, installed solar panels and have electric charging points.

“This is just the start as we seek to become more sustainable as a business.  Our ten-year vision is to become carbon neutral.” Mark Needham, Head of Operations, Superior Wellness

Community Contribution – sponsored by Van Dyk by Wildes

Peak Pharmacy

“It’s really exciting to win the award. It’s been great to help Chesterfield get back to normal by delivering 30,000 vaccinations. It’s been a real team and family effort and we’re all so proud.” Tara Brown, Peak Pharmacy

Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

CarMats.co.uk

“During lockdown I wanted to set up a business to support local jobs. Car mats is a bit of a strange business, but everyone uses car mats and they wear out. We are now looking to expand across Europe going into Ireland first and then onto France, and all from Chesterfield.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve done with Carmats.co.uk and it’s really nice to get the recognition locally.” Ash Young, CarMats.co.uk

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by DBC Training

Ellie Gibson – Heathcotes Group

“I am so shocked to win the award. I love working at Heathcotes and loved doing my apprenticeship. I would say to anyone who wants to do an apprenticeship just do it. I’ve really enjoyed it.” Ellie Gibson

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Crooked Pickle Co

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Peak Pharmacy

The Therapy Lounge

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants

The Glass Yard

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

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Peak District and Derbyshire Christmas Market returns for 2021

A popular virtual Christmas market showcasing some of Derbyshire’s best creatives, artisans and producers will return from this November.

Following the success of the first virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market last year, traders will once again be given the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to thousands of potential customers.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is inviting stallholders to apply for a place at the virtual market, which aims to support the recovery of local businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by boosting online sales whilst celebrating the range of quality gifts available in the area.

The free opportunity is open to small-to-medium-sized businesses based in Derby and Derbyshire – ranging from food and drink producers to artists and craftspeople – and is part-funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project.

The virtual market is also open to members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire who offer vouchers for afternoon teas, meals, short stays, annual passes, workshops and experiences, with a focus on products that make great Christmas presents.

Categories include Accessories & Jewellery; Art, Ceramics & Glass; Experiences & Annual Passes; Local Food & Drink; Homeware & Books; Landscape Calendars & Prints; Short Breaks & Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.

Successful applicants will be featured on the virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market webpage at visitpeakdistrict.com, where hyperlinks and imagery will lead to the stallholder’s own selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease.

Businesses can apply for a place using the following link: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VPDDXmasMarket21

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 12 October 2021. Successful applicants will be notified via email and the market will go live on Monday 1 November 2021.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season and, at a time when shopping local is more important than ever, we’re delighted to offer a platform to promote the very best Derbyshire gifts, produce and experiences.

“Over 100 stallholders exhibited at last year’s virtual Christmas Market and we hope this year will be even bigger, giving visitors and residents alike a chance to throw their support behind local businesses following another challenging year of Covid-19 restrictions.

“We have so many talented producers and craftspeople in Derbyshire and we’re encouraging businesses to apply for a place and join us in celebrating the best of what the area has to offer.”

Chesterfield retail, leisure and food & drink businesses are also encouraged to find out more about the benefits of the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, where support and grants are being offered to help firms improve their digital footprint and overall resilience.

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

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Chesterfield Businesses encouraged to apply for Peak District & Derbyshire tourism awards

Applications are now open for the 2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, offering tourism and hospitality businesses the fantastic opportunity to achieve local and national recognition.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in the area’s tourism sector, shining a spotlight on deserving businesses and individuals across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

There are 15 categories in total covering different aspects of the visitor economy, from B&Bs, hotels and campsites to attractions, experiences and delicious local food and drink.

Applications for the 2022 awards are open until 19th September 2021 and finalists will be named in October. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2022, with Gold winners in the 13 core categories progressing on to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the chance to achieve national glory.

2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Award Categories:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Resilience and Innovation Award
  • Team of the Year Award (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever Award (Local Award)

Details of all categories and how to apply are available at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

In recognition of the exceptional work undertaken by the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for the 2022 awards: the Unsung Hero Award and the Resilience and Innovation Award.

Two new local categories – Team of the Year and Tourism Young Achiever – have also been introduced to celebrate the thousands of people employed by the tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are run by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the European Regional Development Fund and C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After a difficult year for the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards offer a timely opportunity to recognise the area’s many innovative and resilient tourism businesses, and the passionate people behind them.

“These awards are a celebration of the tourism sector and the huge contribution it makes to the Peak District & Derbyshire’s economy. They are also a fantastic chance for businesses to recognise the hard work of their teams, and entering these local awards is the only way to qualify for the national VisitEngland awards. We urge everyone to get their applications in as soon as possible!”

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

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

Vicar Lane and its independent businesses support local work experience programme

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is once again proud to be working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), to develop a work experience programme, this time with the support of the centre’s independent retailers.

The programme, put together by Shaun Brown, Centre Manager of Vicar Lane, will see five learners from Shirebrook and Clay Cross working in independent shops, as well as the Centre Management office, at Vicar Lane.

The aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between education and the real world of work, with the learners receiving meaningful interactions with employers.

Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms are all getting involved in the programme.

The work experience programme is scheduled to start in May, with the learners working one day per week across ten weeks. The learners are currently studying a Customer Service qualification, and will be assessed whilst on their placements at the shopping centre.

Vicar Lane’s partnership with DACES began in 2019, and continues to grow, with Shaun Brown also planned to take part in the learners’ upcoming mock interviews, to help them overcome the nerves and build confidence.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “It is such a privilege to once again be working with a team of young people from the Chesterfield community. Previous initiatives produced some really positive results, and we’re really looking forward to having the learners as part of the Vicar Lane team over the next couple of months.

“A big thank you goes out to our wonderful indies, Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms for supporting this programme.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s diverse high street and retail scene over on our shopping page.

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New owner sees a bright future for Peak Shopping Village

Situated in the village of Rowsley, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the Peak Shopping Village has been bought by the Devonshire Property Group Ltd (DPG) which says the outlet centre has “exciting potential”.

The company has acquired the site for an undisclosed sum with the intention of growing customers and jobs through a fresh approach based on its local expertise. The Devonshire Property Group is a part of the Devonshire Group of companies that represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and includes nearby Chatsworth, as well as Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire and Lismore Castle in Ireland.

Located in the Derbyshire Dales, just three miles from Chatsworth, DPG approached the previous site owner, a significant property investor in multiple countries, and completed the sale today (11 January 2021) following several months of negotiations.

DPG will work with the existing management team to improve the site, with immediate actions to include some essential repairs and redecoration. By revitalising the customer experience at Peak Shopping Village, with more units occupied and stronger marketing, DPG aims to boost footfall for the benefit of all occupants. There are no current plans to expand the site or create a discount Chatsworth Gift Shop or Farm Shop.

More than 30 shops currently operate at Peak Shopping Village, which employs between 80 and 100 people. National names such as Pavers Shoes, Leading Labels, The Gift Company and Regatta operate alongside independents such as The Woolroom. The site hosts events year round, including regular Makers Markets showcasing the talent of local artisans, and its biggest event, the ‘Peak Festive Spectacular’ at Christmas.

The Devonshire Group believes Peak Shopping Village is perfectly located as a gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.  It views the purchase as a long term investment and an opportunity to create both a local retail outlet for the community and an exciting retail leisure destination for visitors to the Derbyshire Dales.

The Devonshire Group has strong experience in retail through its existing operations at Chatsworth (the estate farm shop and gift shops) and at Bolton Abbey and is a landlord to many retail outlets across its estates.

Lord Burlington, the Duke of Devonshire’s son, and Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group have been heavily involved in the planning and negotiation of the purchase.

Stephen Vickers: “We believe Peak Shopping Village has exciting potential and we see a bright future for jobs and growth. Our ultimate aim is for the site to realise its full potential as an important contributor to the fabric of the local economy, and we will be developing our plans for achieving this in the coming months.”

Lord Burlington: “Our team has the experience and expertise to help to reinvigorate Peak Shopping Village so that it’s a better experience for shop owners and those who use the office space. We are determined to make it the best it can be, both for our local communities and for the experience of visitors to the area. For us, it’s an exciting, long-term investment in Derbyshire, at the gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.”

This investment is unrelated to any of the visitor facing businesses at either the Chatsworth or the Bolton Abbey Estates. The purchase is a capital transaction funded from the sale of commercial assets in Eastbourne.

The nearby conservation area and nature trail managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is part of the sale and the Devonshire Group aims to support it in future with a renewed education focus and experience for visitors to the shopping village. The nearby allotments are not part of the sale.

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

All images supplied by the Chatsworth House Trust

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