Using social media to show what Chesterfield has to offer

In a political climate where Brexit seems to be dominating the headlines and creating economic uncertainty, I am pleased to report that Chesterfield continues to buck the trend.

And nowhere was this more evident than at the recent Chesterfield Investment Summit held at Casa Hotel.

We’re boasting some of the biggest developments in the region, including Markham Vale, HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort, and this feels the tip of the iceberg. There is huge opportunity for Chesterfield’s high street.

In a room packed with members of the business community, we heard how the regeneration of our high street is taking shape. Excitingly, footfall at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has increased by 36% over the last six months thanks to their use of social media.

I was stunned to hear that we are spending an average of 136 minutes a day scrolling through 300 feet of content on our phones. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. While I don’t think I fall into this category, my adult children definitely do.

There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years which has been driven by our use of social media. But, as always, Chesterfield is ahead of the game. The town and its retailers are using their social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage with people and draw them not just to their business but to the town in general.

Partnership and collaboration have been at the heart of the town’s marketing campaign since we launched Destination Chesterfield in 2010. It’s reaping rewards for everyone – investors, residents, businesses and visitors. But there is still room for improvement.

If you are active on social media, then consider using it to help Chesterfield grow further. The next time you’re visiting Chesterfield town centre, ‘check in’ online to the businesses you visit. If you’ve had good service, leave them a review on their social media pages or on TripAdvisor. Share pictures of the many town centre events, food and drinks and tag Chesterfield in your post.

With a smart phone and a social media account at your fingertips, you can become an unofficial but valued member of the Chesterfield marketing campaign.

Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and the more people that know this will drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to help our high street to not only survive but thrive.

If you want to keep up-to-date with all the developments, news and events in Chesterfield on social media, then you can on Twitter (@chesterfielduk), Instagram (@chesterfielduk) and Facebook.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield