Author: Dom Stevens

Annual Celebrate Chesterfield event to update town on Vicar Lane transformation

22nd February 2019

The latest developments at Chesterfield’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will be unveiled at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Wednesday 20 March 2019 by the centre’s new owner ALTERIS.

Bert Broadhead, Director at ALTERIS is one of the confirmed speakers at the event which is being held at the Winding Wheel.

The town’s shopping centre, which attracts more than three million visitors every year, is set to be transformed and revitalised following its recent sale to property fund ALTERIS.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Chesterfield Borough Council, will also be speaking at the event, which is expected to attract nearly 300 delegates. Mr Bowen will be updating on the progress the town is making with multi-million pound commercial and residential developments, including Northern Gateway, which recently got the go-ahead for construction to begin on a new enterprise centre.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its ninth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest and most hotly anticipated business events in the area.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s been a great start to the year for Chesterfield and we’ve got some exciting things ahead. The recent announcement of the transformation of Vicar Lane is just one of the things we are going to be talking about at the event, as well as the town’s other major developments, including Chesterfield Waterside and Northern Gateway.”

“Celebrate Chesterfield is a great opportunity for the town’s business community to come together, not only to celebrate the town’s success, but to look forward to future plans. We have a lot to look forward to in 2019 and we are eager to share our plans with the town at the Winding Wheel.”

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale – Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, as associate sponsors.

Julie Stone – Associate Pro Vice Chancellor External Affairs, University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be working with Destination Chesterfield and supporting the Celebrate Chesterfield event again this year.”

“As Derbyshire’s only university we look to use our academic expertise, research and innovation to foster talent and create impactful partnerships with businesses. The Celebrate Chesterfield event provides a great opportunity for us to have valuable conversations that enable us to understand more about the challenges local businesses face. Our priority remains to understand and effectively service the needs of businesses and to create opportunities for individuals, employers and communities to develop and flourish.”

Ian Snow, Managing Director at Central Technology, added: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us at Central Technology. Having been established and working in Chesterfield with year on year growth for over 16 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection. 2019 is a big year for Central Technology. We have recently moved to a new 11,000 sq ft office to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.”

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we now have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect. The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Henry Boot Developments (HBD), development partner for the Markham Vale site, will also be attending the event. Vivienne Clements, Director at HBD Sheffield, added: “We are now in our tenth year of development at Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, Markham Vale, and our partnership with Derbyshire County Council has brought about continued economic growth to the Chesterfield area and beyond.

“2018 saw us maintain 1,600 jobs at Markham Vale, along with securing 164,500sq ft of new commercial space for three global businesses: Protec International, Sterigenics and Grangers International. Our goals for 2019 are to continue to attract both local, national and international companies to the scheme.”

“Business development and employment creation within this region has always been a key focus for the partnership and we are set to achieve another successful year. The Celebrate Chesterfield event is a chance for us to develop our business relationships in the local area and explore exciting opportunities with those looking for high-quality, purpose-built premises.”

Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11:00am, and includes an exhibition with 28 businesses, are available to book now.

To book your ticket at the event, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Chesterfield Town WI to welcome new members

22nd February 2019

Chesterfield Town WI is now accepting new members for 2019.

Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at Chesterfield Studios on Rose Hill. The next meeting will be held on the 5th of March and the speaker for the night will be Helen from Jetsam Yoga who will be demonstrating some gentle exercise and mindfulness techniques.

Chesterfield Town WI welcomes all women from the age of 18 from all walks of life. Visitors are encouraged to come along to try a meeting before joining as a member. Visitors are asked for £5 donation.

Chesterfield Town WI opened in April 2014 and quickly grew to nearly 55 members. Now as it nears its 5^th birthday, many of the founding members are still involved and the group has proved to be a popular WI with a varied schedule of events.

Bex Atkinson (27), President of Chesterfield Town WI says “Joining the WI has kick-started my social life after moving back from University. I’ve made new friends locally and its given me lots of new opportunities, experiences and skills – from camping to wine tasting, bingo to public speaking and joining the Processions march in London to celebrate the centenary of some women getting the vote!”

Member, Clodagh Cahill (28) says of the WI “Having moved to Chesterfield when my daughter was 6 months old, I struggled to get to know people in the area and to settle here. Joining the WI changed that, I suddenly had one night a month that was mine, and I was Clodagh, not mummy. I also joined the committee fairly soon after and credit the WI with changing my outlook on Chesterfield.”

Anyone wishing to find out more should email chesterfieldtownwi@gmail.com or visit their Chesterfield Town WI Facebook page and send a message.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Ringwood Suite receives transformation refurbishment

22nd February 2019

The Ringwood Suite at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Chesterfield held its first large event last week after being closed during January for a full refurbishment.

The Ringwood Suite part of the Grade II listed Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa is the main Ball Room, located in the original building. Although the exact year cannot be stated when the hall was originally built, documentary evidence exists to prove that Ringwood Hall stood from 1809, even then the Ringwood Suite served to be the Ball Room for the family of the house.

During January, the Suite has been lovingly restored with original ceiling detail being highlighted within the new paintwork, new carpets, flooring, patio heaters, chairs, new statement mirrors and a stunning draped domed feature with creates the perfect ambiance. The suite has many uses including, weddings, birthday celebrations and conferences and can cater for up to 250 guests. Find out more.

Rona Davies, General Manager said “We are thrilled to have been able to restore and revive the Ringwood Suite. It has been 9 years since its last refurbishment and it’s fantastic to be able to add the modern touches to this traditional room. The team and I are loving our guest’s reactions to the changes”

For further information on Ringwood Suite please call the hotel on 01246 280077.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire schools to receive Japanese Sakura cherry trees

21st February 2019

Schools across the county are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to apply to receive a free Sakura Cherry Tree to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.

Cherry Trees for Schools is coordinated by The Japan Society as part of a large nationwide project which aims to donate and plant more than 4,000 Cherry Trees in parks and public spaces in 2020 to mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture between 2019 and 2020.

Last year Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and South Derbyshire District Council celebrated their 20-year twinning partnership with Toyota City in Japan.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to be backing the Sakura Cherry Tree Planting Project and we hope Derbyshire schools apply for their own planting.”

“We’ve built a strong relationship with Japan over the years and we’ll be strengthening our relationship further in the years ahead by improving our educational, environmental, economic and sporting links.”

Schools interested in applying for a Cherry Tree planting can apply on the Japan Society website.

The preliminary closing date for applications is Thursday 28 February 2019. Schools unable to apply by this date are advised to email education@japansociety.org.uk to confirm eligibility. The trees are being funded through donations from the Japanese private sector.

The Japan-UK Season of Culture, with activity in both Japan and the UK, celebrates the friendship of the two countries, and will provide an opportunity for people in both countries to explore each other’s cultures and technologies between the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For further information, please contact the Japan Society on education@japansociety.org.uk or call 020 7935 0475.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Casa Hotels both receive prestigious Silver Stars AA Award

21st February 2019

Casa Hotels in Chesterfield are delighted to announce that both Casa Hotel and their sister hotel Peak Edge have achieved the coveted silver star status from the AA. Both the hotels were unknowingly visited by a member of the AA inspector team recently who stayed overnight at each hotel. They were subsequently marked on the various standards that make up the renowned AA star rating.

For Casa Hotel, this is the third consecutive year that they have reached silver star status, an indicator that their high standards are indeed consistent. For Peak Edge Hotel, who were taken over by Casa just over a year ago, this is the first time they have achieved the silver status and is a reflection of the hard work that has gone into Peak Edge over the last year to ensure that they too offer the highest of standards in both customer care and of course the facilities on offer. In her summary, the inspector’s report on Casa Hotel stated ‘The team are to be commended for a consistent performance delivery’. Commenting on their visit to Peak Edge, the inspector said ‘So much to commend here……A delightful stay’.

The six critical areas that the hotels are marked on are: cleanliness, hospitality, service, bedrooms, bathrooms and food. Both hotels received an overall merit score of 83%.

Casa Hotels Managing Director, Stuart Downham said: “We are absolutely delighted at both hotels achieving the prestigious silver status, we all work tirelessly to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience when they stay at our hotels and to have this recognised by the AA is indeed an honour.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik Half Marathon makes waves with Peak FM partnership

21st February 2019

North Derbyshire’s most listened-to commercial radio station, Peak FM, has partnered with the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

The leading media organisation will return as sponsor of the event’s Five Mile Run after a successful first two years for the revamped Redbrik Half Marathon, which has already seen a record number of Early Bird sign-ups.

The Peak FM Five Mile Run will form part of the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, along with a 1km Fun Run and a Wellbeing Challenge, geared to groups, businesses and families.

As with 2018, the 2019 Peak FM Five Mile Run – which last year saw more than 250 entries – will start at 9:30 along with the Redbrik Half Marathon, from Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.

The route for the beginner to intermediate-focused event will head out of Queen’s Park, east onto Chatsworth Road, and north towards Ashgate Road and the Half Marathon’s main charity partner, Ashgate Hospice, via Old Hall Road and Barker Lane.

It will then loop southwards and back onto Chatsworth Road towards Queen’s Park to finish.

Early bird entries are now available into the Peak FM Five Mile Run with a 10% discount using the code PEAKFM19.

Tim Smith, Content Controller at Peak FM, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon for a third year.

“It’s a fantastic community event and great to see it so well received with 1,500 signed up last time and £100,000 raised for important charities like Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood.

“Once again Ricky and Becky from our Breakfast Show are expected to do the Peak FM 5 Mile Run and we’ll be hoping to get more people than ever running it this year!”

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “Last year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – including the Peak FM Five Mile Run – was a huge success, with so many people turning out not just to take part but to cheer the runners on.”

“The profile this partnership gives the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon in the town and the surrounding areas is great for the event and we’re delighted to see that continue.”

“It’s been fantastic to see the response of the people of Chesterfield to the Redbrik Half Marathon. We’re aiming to beat last year’s sign-up total this time around to keep the growth going, and the success of the Peak FM Five Mile Run is a big part of that.”

For more information on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and Peak FM Five Mile Run or to enter, visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Local apprentices set to meet MP at the House of Commons

20th February 2019

Five employees from independent drinks company and Chesterfield Champion Global Brands will join circa 200 apprentices who are set to impress their local MP’s in the 3^rd annual Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase during National Apprenticeship Week (4^th – 8^th March).

Oliva Harbor, Hannah Batty, Lauren Greaves, Barrie Sly and Liam Baker will meet MP Mr Toby Perkins (below) at the House of Commons on Wednesday 6^th March 2019 to talk about their career development and have a bit of fun in challenging their MP to participate in a number of interactive challenges, from pulling the perfect pint to climbing the career ladder.

The team work across sales, marketing and communications within hospitality based business, a sector that offers a huge range of careers, supports 2.9m jobs, represents 10% of UK employment, 6% of businesses and 5% of GDP.

Hospitality is the third largest private sector employer and double the size of financial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined.

Global Brands was founded by Steve Perez (right) in 1997 and has grown to an international business selling drinks in more than 55 countries around the world. Steve comments: “The world of hospitality, and drinks in particular, is so fast-paced. You need to be able to stay ahead of what people want and keep innovating. Being in the thick of the action is a great starting point for understanding this. It helps people learn first-hand about the sector and what’s needed to succeed. Apprenticeships are invaluable in this sense. They provide people with a solid grounding to grow and create their own opportunities. As we continue to grow as a company, our aspiration is for our apprentices to grow with us and fuel innovative ways of thinking, creating and working.”

Chairman of the Perceptions hospitality industry group (involved with organising the event), and CEO of the multi-award winning Beds & Bars business Keith Knowles said: “Showcasing our industry to government and demonstrating that we have opportunities that range from the kitchen to the bar; from brewing to casual dining, from hostels to hotels as well as those in professional business support roles such as marketing, property and finance; highlight the many diverse roles the industry can offer. This is an industry where it is not unusual to start at grass roots on minimum wage and progress to senior management positions. For young people, career progression in this sector can be rapid, with many progressing to a management role within 3 years.”

The event takes place on Wednesday 6th March within the House of Commons, with Ministers and over 80 MPs from across the country currently signed up to meet local apprentices, including representatives from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Youth Employment; APPG for Skills and Employment; APP Beer Group; APPG for Apprentices; APPG for Pubs; APPG for Tourism and Leisure planned to meet the apprentices and young learners.

The sector creates 1 in 8 of all new jobs and given the right economic circumstances the sector is forecast to continue to grow.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Green light for Chesterfield’s Enterprise Centre

19th February 2019

The transformation of Chesterfield town centre has taken another significant step forward as plans for a new enterprise centre have been given the go ahead.

The proposals, developed by Whittam Cox Architects on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, will see the new centre built on part of the site of Holywell Cross car park and form a vital part of the Northern Gateway.

The new centre will help meet demand for office space to house start up and growing small business and support the council’s existing innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton Park.

When complete, the three-storey building will comprise 32 offices to suit a range of start-up and small companies; two meeting rooms; a reception and shared lobby area; facilities for staff working in the building including kitchenettes, break out spaces, showers and a bicycle store.

Andrew Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented, “We are delighted that the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre will soon be breaking ground bringing a contemporary commercial offer to Chesterfield. This development is a great example of how a forward-thinking Local Authority can take hold of its own direction and positively influence change and investment in our town centres. I have no doubt this development will act as a catalyst for further development and opportunities for the town.”

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “These plans are a vital piece of the jigsaw in the Northern Gateway scheme and we know from the enquiries we get from start-up businesses how much this type of office space is needed in a town centre location.”

Works are due to start next month and will take a year to complete.

Local businesses looking for space at the new enterprise centre should contact Chesterfield Borough Council’s economic development team by calling (01246) 345255.

The Northern Gateway project is funded by a Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant of £5.83 million with Chesterfield Borough Council contributing £6.5 million.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Spireites to stage ‘Women at the Game’ event

18th February 2019

The Spireites will stage a Women at the Game event at the fixture against Eastleigh on Saturday, March 9.

Women at the Game is a national initiative which looks to provide a supportive environment for females to get together and watch live football.

Chesterfield FC Associate Director Alison Richardson, who has organised the event, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to host this event and really looking forward to welcoming female supporters to the Proact.”

“It’s a great opportunity for women who may not have felt comfortable attending games on their own previously to come along and watch the game as part of a like-minded and supportive community. I hope the initiative will encourage a new group of Spireites.”

Jacqui Oatley MBE, the first female commentator on Match of the Day, has given her backing to the event, saying: “I would support any initiative aimed at attracting new supporters through the turnstiles who may not otherwise attend. Once they’re in, they may just be gripped and will hopefully come back again and again.”

Derbyshire-born Stephanie Hill, who was crowned Miss World Europe in 2017 and recently appeared on The Voice, has accepted an invitation to attend. Funds will be raised to support a cause chosen by Stephanie, the funding of a new science lab at her old place of learning – Lady Manners School – and encourage more girls to get involved in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The Chesterfield Mayoress, Anne Brittain, will also be in attendance, along with other prominent women in the community, including representatives from local female charities and Chesterfield Ladies FC.

Women who wish to attend can take advantage of a special ticket offer: £5 for adults and £1 for concessions, which includes refreshments in the HUB at the stadium. Places are limited so early booking is essential. Please email alisonrichardson@chesterfield-fc.co.uk to reserve tickets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Same day craft beer delivery service launched in Chesterfield

18th February 2019

Chesterfield Craft now provides same day delivery of great craft beer to Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, including Eckington, Staveley, Dronfield and Holmesfield – a service previously unavailable in the region.

Craft beer fans in the wider Chesterfield area can now have a range of great craft beer delivered direct to their door in the evening. The town centre’s new craft beer shop – Chesterfield Craft, located on Saltergate – provides customers with a same day delivery service of its entire range of craft beer.

Stocking beers from local brewers such as Thornbridge, Buxton and Abbeydale, national craft brewers such as Magic Rock, Cloudwater and Loka Polly and from overseas brewers such as To-Ol, Lervig and Basqueland Brewing Project, Chesterfield Craft looks to provide a real alternative for the people of Chesterfield.

Customers can order their beer via Chesterfield Craft’s website, and orders placed before 4:30pm are eligible for same-day delivery. Orders will be delivered directly to customers after the shop closes each evening.

Owner Richard Young said “The big online beer shops deliver in the daytime when their customers are out at work, usually resulting in a trip to the courier’s depot to collect. We deliver in the evening, when our customers are at home. This allows customers who can’t get to our shop, to still enjoy our great range of craft beer.”

This same-day delivery service is believed to be something completely new to Chesterfield and the surrounding area. Chesterfield Craft believe it is a service not offered by any other craft beer retailer – neither a local retailer or a national retailer can provide same day delivery.

Richard Young added “We will even chill our customer’s beers, so they arrive cold and ready to drink!”

To find out more, or to place an order, customers should visit www.chesterfieldcraft.co.uk/home-deliveries

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

‘Low skilled’ image damaging care sector’s ability to recruit young people, says national care provider

16th February 2019

A major care provider group has spoken out against referring to care workers as ‘low skilled’ saying it is damaging the sector’s ability to attract young people.

Speaking at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, Brendan Kelly, Managing Director of Heathcotes Group said: “It annoys me that care workers are constantly referred to by the government and media as being ‘low skilled’. They are not.”

“Care workers require a wide range of skills, including medical knowledge, finance and budgeting, dynamic risk assessment, positive behaviour support and food hygiene to name just a few. Calling them low skilled is impacting on recruitment in the sector and turning off school leavers from entering the profession.”

The company, which is headquartered in Chesterfield, has plans in place to double employees from 2200 to 4500 over the next four years.

At the conference, which was organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, Placing Futures, D2N2 Enterprise Advisor Network and Destination Chesterfield, Mr Kelly also revealed that the Apprentice Levy had driven a culture change in apprenticeships within Heathcotes Group.

He explained: “We are using the Levy as a tool to develop the workforce rather than viewing it as a tax. Older workers are using apprenticeships to upskill which is enabling us to plug skills gaps. However, our priority remains to recruit young people to the care sector.”

Young people aged under 19 account for only a quarter of all apprenticeship starts in the UK. With more than 14,000 young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire alone set to leave school over the next five years, the conference brought together business leaders and representatives from the education sector to address barriers to apprenticeships.

Heathcotes Group is leading the residential care sector in apprenticeship training. It has partnered with national apprenticeship training provider Learning Unlimited Group to jointly introduce sector-based work academies offering short courses, including Health & Social Care qualifications and employability skills.

The partnership has produced some exceptional results for Heathcotes with an 82 per cent increase in apprenticeship starts between 2013/14 and 2017/18. Heathcotes’ achievement rates are also well above national average: 74 per cent for Health & Social Care roles, compared to 66.9 per cent nationally, and 68.8 per cent for Care Leadership & Management compared to 63.8 per cent nationally. In Business & Administration Heathcotes’ rate is 100% compared to a 71 per cent national average.

Commenting on the company’s strategy to attract young people to the sector, Mr Kelly said: “In recent years we have promoted an accessible and inspirational message, based on the fact that our work is enormously fulfilling because it makes a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. It has certainly proved to be more effective than more traditional and formulaic approaches to recruitment.”

“Attracting the next generation of talented and dedicated care professionals requires us to connect and engage on an emotional level, rather than get preoccupied with technical detail and lose the essence of who we are and what we do.”

Since 2013, the Heathcotes Group has recruited nearly 600 apprentices. In an effort to further increase local apprenticeship participation, Heathcotes Group has recently joined Chesterfield Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, which is part of the Apprentice town initiative.

In 2017 Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’. Led by Chesterfield Borough Council the Apprentice Town initiative aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and promote cooperative working across the education, business and learning community.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “Heathcotes is a great of example of the success of the Apprentice Town initiative. By working together, the council, local businesses and education providers are able to manage the future workforce needs and provide development opportunities for local people.”

“This year’s conference has helped to do just that, by bringing together our business and education communities to challenge misconceptions and provide opportunity for more people to understand and take advantage of the breath of career development opportunities available in the sector.”

Mr Kelly added: “Heathcotes is fully committed to supporting the Apprentice Town initiative to develop Chesterfield as a leading apprenticeship destination. We enjoyed being part of the North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference and we are looking forward to leading and participating in various other events in 2019.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business