Author: Dom Stevens

New festive event launched for Chesterfield

The Street Food and Craft Market is a brand new event taking place in the market square in Chesterfield this Christmas.

The Event has been curated by Edge Events who are also the organisers of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival and Street Food and Grooves Festival.

A spokesperson for Edge Events said “We are passionate about supporting local traders and celebrating the wide range of food, drink and craft producers that Chesterfield has to offer. By organising the Street Food and Craft Market the Edge Events Team hope to bring the public back to Chesterfield’s town centre therefore increasing the revenue for not only the traders that have a stall at the market but for other companies and shops in the surrounding area.”

“The Edge Events Team would really like to welcome people from far and wide to celebrate at this festive event. We really hope that by you supporting this event it can grow into a fantastic annual festive celebration that everyone can enjoy!”

The market place will be in full swing with local traders selling a variety of crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, furniture, books, toys and many other items for that unique gift for Christmas!

There will also be a choice of hot and cold street food such as gourmet turkey sandwiches, venison arancini, beef bourguignon and Neopolitan pizza which you can wash down with a festive mulled wine, cider or even an artisan gin.

The event will run across four days from the 14th until the 17th Dec and will be open from 9am until 4pm on all four days.

Discover more about events happening in Chesterfield this Christmas.

Street Food and Craft Market

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Visiting

Celebrity Chef Chesterfield-bound for town’s Food and Drink Awards

The celebrity chef Lesley Waters will be arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday 31 October to host the town’s sixth annual Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley Waters will announce the winners of 15 categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero at the sell-out event.

Lesley said: “I am delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Once again, the awards ceremony, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building, will be used as a learning experience for Chesterfield College’s catering and hospitality students, who both cook and serve a two-course meal on the night to more than 250 people.

Lesley commented: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

35 businesses and individuals are shortlisted in the 2018 awards, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time and 13 hoping to retain their titles from 2017. This year, the awards also see the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in the Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Bottle & Thyme

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Qoozies

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

The Fox & Goose Inn

The Market Pub

The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms

Junction Bar

Rose & Crown, Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri

The Crafty Dog

Pump & Grind


Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Junction Bar

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House


Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith

Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross

The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross

The Tickled Trout, Barlow


International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41

Einstein’s

Nonnas


Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Mason’s Coffee Lounge

The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year – presented by the Mayor of Chesterfield 

Casa Hotel

Proact Stadium

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

 

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Cup and Saucer

Original Recipes

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Ashley-Darrah Pienaar

Callum Taylor

Kye Homiak

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Rectory

Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House

Van Dyk

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group, Peak FM, and Reflections.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

From Kenya to Chesterfield: Charlie returns to defend half marathon title

A Sheffield-based physiotherapist who ‘got the running bug’ after a half marathon in Kenya is up for the challenge of defending his Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon title when the event returns for its second outing this Sunday (21 October).  Read our event guide including everything you need to know about the route, road closures and the event.

Totley Athletics Club’s Charlie Baker, who was born in Devon but moved to Sheffield three years ago, will join more than 1,400 others at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Last year’s Redbrik Half Marathon was Charlie’s first victory over the 13.1-mile distance – and though he would love to successfully defend his title, the physiotherapist is ‘fully expecting’ fast runners to turn out after the event’s huge growth over the past 12 months.

Charlie said: “I would love to win again and I’m up for the challenge, but I fully expect some faster runners to turn up.”

“I imagine a few will have seen the winning time from last year and fancy a bit of the glory so I’d be happy with a PB.”

“I’ve been getting out more on the fells after joining Totley AC this year, I’ve been running more miles a week than ever and my legs haven’t fallen off – so who knows!”

Charlie, who works for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and was born and raised in Brixham, Devon, started running seriously while at Sheffield Hallam University. However, after a couple of years away from running, he was then invited by a friend to train in Kenya.

“I was more interested in football as a child but always liked cross country,” said Charlie.

“My dad enjoyed jogging and I went to support him after he ran a half marathon just months after a quadruple heart bypass.

“Chesterfield was my seventh half marathon, having run the Sheffield Half Marathon four times, plus the Torbay Half and Exeter Half Marathon.

“But I properly started getting the running bug when a friend of mine invited me to train out in Kenya and I ran the Lewa Safari Park Marathon. After surviving the half marathon and the lions, I’ve trained almost daily and fitting it in around my work whenever I can.

“I enjoyed Chesterfield mainly because I’ve never had a timing car and an encouraging steward in front of me, telling me I’m far out in the lead. There were enough twists and turns in the course to stop it getting monotonous and it was unique to run out on the A-road.

“My main memory of winning was a feeling of surprise because I never expected to win a half marathon. I half expected to trip up and twist my ankle on my way into Queens Park instead of crossing the line!”

Charlie will be hitting Chesterfield’s streets along with more than 1,400 runners this Sunday. To get involved with marshalling the event, which is set to become one of the region’s largest mass-participation events.

Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New retailer on the way to Chesterfield town centre

The Entertainer has announced it will be opening a store in Chesterfield.

The ambitious toy retailer has a vision that every childhood should be filled with wonder and its mission is to be the best-loved toy shop.

The grand opening of The Entertainer’s Chesterfield store, which will be on Packers Row, is expected to take place on the 10th November at 9.00.

The opening day event is going to have character visits, live demos and lots of toys! There will also be a competition with the first twenty families through the door having the chance to pick a gift card at random where they could win up to £100.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great that The Entertainer will be opening a new store in Chesterfield.

“It joins Chesterfield’s existing mix of independent and high street retailers, bars, restaurants and historic market, which are key reasons why so many people, locally and nationally, visit the town each year.”

This latest investment follows the recent opening of Sorbo Lounge in the former Post Office and the redevelopment of the Co-op store, which will include a new Premier Inn.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Town Centre

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

UKATA’s COO shortlisted for Business Person of the Year Award

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) marked a decade of excellence in 2018, with another success story announced in October.

Craig Evans, who was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association in July 2018, has been announced as a finalist for Business Person of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

Craig is no stranger to business awards, in 2016 as General Manager for UKATA, Craig was shortlisted for The Derbyshire Times Business Awards and went on to win Business Person of the Year. Winning the award, gave Craig further encouragement and even more determination to push himself and the association forward to where it stands today.

Craig Evans said: “I was delighted to win the award in 2016 and it is a great privilege to be shortlisted again as a finalist just 2 years on in my new role as Chief Operating Officer. I have been very fortunate to have an extremely driven and passionate team behind me who embody the values of our organisation and strengthen our aims and objectives. This nomination is my first in my new position and to be up against such a high calibre of local candidates is an honour.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce. The prestigious awards ceremony takes place on Thursday 15th November at Chesterfield College.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

The Van Yard extends stand sponsorship

The Van Yard’s sponsorship of the West Stand at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium has been extended for another year.

Spireites commercial manager Jim Brown said: “I’d like to thank The Van Yard for their continued support. It is great to see all four stands sponsored and the support we receive from The Van Yard and other sponsors is very much appreciated.”

The Van Yard has been established for just over five years and can be found on Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield.

They have over 100 vans available, covering all types, from drop-siders, tippers, panel vans and car-based vans. From time to time they also have a few used cars for sale. All their vehicles are thoroughly checked over before being offered for sale and come with appropriate warranties and MOTs where required.

The Van Yard can also offer a range of finance packages that can be tailored to your specific circumstances to assist with the purchase of your van. They are also happy to discuss part-exchange deals.

The Van Yard sponsorship proact

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Grandad glows with pride as grandchildren get set to run for their local hospice

Brother and sister duo, Oliver, age 9, and Willow, age 5, from Chesterfield are set to run the Blachford UK Ltd 1km Fun Run at this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon for their grandad who is currently receiving care from Ashgate Hospicecare.

The Fun Run, which takes place on Sunday 21st October, is a 1km route around Queens Park suitable for all ages and abilities.

Oliver and Willow can’t wait for the event and are enjoying raising money for their local hospice. Oliver, said: “I’m doing the Fun Run for my grandad because grandad’s a poorly man and he deserves the treatment.”

Oliver is also looking for donations towards his children’s tombola that he will be holding at the Brownies’ Halloween get together. All the proceeds will go into his bucket for Ashgate Hospicecare to help towards his fundraising for the 1km Fun Run. Oliver wants to keep up the fundraising and the next thing he does will also be for Ashgate Hospicecare and his grandad Mick.

Mick Pollard, Oliver and Willow’s grandad, is currently receiving care from the Hospice, said: “I’m very, very, very proud of Oliver and Willow. I didn’t think they’d do it, I didn’t even know they were doing it. ”

“The care I have received at the Hospice has been brilliant, I’ve never known care like it. I was in a black hole before I came here, I was really depressed. Now I am so much better and the kids are helping me, they keep coming round to see me.”

The Fun Run is accompanying the 5-Mile Challenge, the Wellbeing Challenge and the Half Marathon itself, taking in the sights of Chesterfield over 13.1 miles.

For more information including the route and road closures for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield College to hold Apprenticeship Advice Evening

A free advice evening at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 24 October aims to dispel the myths around apprenticeships and unveil the hundreds of local opportunities out there.

Learning Unlimited’s team will be on hand at the college on Infirmary Road for the Apprentice Advice Evening between 5:30pm and 7:30pm to provide guidance about careers and apprenticeships. There will be the chance to see what apprenticeships are available, hear about success stories and find out how to apply for apprenticeships.

Potential apprentices will hear how Chesterfield – as the UK’s very first ‘Apprentice Town’ – offers a wide variety of options to help people develop their career. The Apprentice Town initiative, which is led by Chesterfield Borough Council, aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and works with organisations such as Learning Unlimited to develop apprenticeship opportunities.

Leah Shortt, Operations Manager at Learning Unlimited, said: “There are a lot of myths surrounding apprenticeships and the benefits and yet there are so many opportunities available at the moment. Apprenticeships are a great way of making that first step towards a dream career. Apprentices can earn a wage, while learning skills and gaining experience.”

During the evening, potential apprentices will be able to see that apprenticeships cover a wide range of subjects from business, IT and accountancy to customer service and are not restricted to traditional, manual jobs previously associated with apprenticeships. What’s more, apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Leah added: “We also want to show people that contrary to popular belief, apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers but for people at all ages. It’s a great way for people midway through their working life to learn new skills and boost qualifications and take careers in a new direction.”

“Our Apprenticeship Advice Evening will provide the ideal chance for people to come and have a chat with us and see what options are right on their doorstep.”

Potential apprentices, as well as parents and teachers, are invited to come along at any time during the evening for an informal chat with the team. They will be able to view apprenticeship vacancies, find out more about the individual apprenticeships and apply.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, added: “It’s really important that local residents benefit from the jobs and training opportunities created by the £1 billion of investment taking place within the borough. That is why we launched the Apprentice Town initiative. This advice evening is an excellent opportunity for young people, employers, parents and teachers to find out more about the wide range of apprenticeships available in Chesterfield.”

Read more about Apprentice Town here.

Apprenticeship Advice Evening

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Whittam Cox Architects retains Gold Standard IIP Accreditation

Chesterfield Champions Whittam Cox Architects is delighted to announce that it has retained its Gold standard Investors in People (IiP) Accreditation.

The award places the practice, which has over 130 employees, amongst the top 16% of all IiP-accredited businesses internationally.

Whittam Cox Architects initially gained IiP Gold status in 2015 following the recognition of employee investment and recruitment initiatives. The second accolade, which has been measured against the new IiP version 6 (v6) standard, reflects the successful development and implementation of the company’s latest values and innovation strategies.

Dave Savage, Board Director commented, “Confirmation we have once again been awarded Investors in People Gold further strengthens the Practice’s credibility and reinforces how much we value the individual and collective contribution of all of our employees.”

“I am proud that the Whittam Cox Architects team has once again demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement and equally delighted that we have been awarded the Investors in People Gold accreditation in recognition of this. “

The announcement follows a successful period which has seen the Practice deliver a number of noteworthy and high profile projects including a new 3500 home development in East London and a 2500 unit Build to Rent scheme in Greater Manchester as well as being identified as one of the ‘Top 1000 Business’ to Inspire Britain’ and ranking as one of the ‘Top 50 UK Architects’ by industry leading publication ‘Building’ Magazine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Training course for construction mental health launched

A leading Chesterfield training provider, which specialises in construction, has announced the launch of its first course centred around the mental health and well-being of workers operating within the industry.

Delivered by Construction Skills People, and designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first-aid basis, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course. Construction Skills People, who deliver a wide range of vocational qualifications and commercial training courses specially for the construction sector, are keen to see a change in the stigma that surrounds mental health, especially in the workplace.

According to the latest figures from The Health and Safety Executive, an estimated 12.5 million working days were lost and 526,000 workers suffered due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2016/17 across the country. Evidence from the Mental Health Foundation further suggests that nearly 13% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions, and that better mental health support in the workplace could save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year.

In a bid to drive those numbers down, Construction Skills People says MHFA will provide the skills and knowledge of construction workers to be able to identify poor mental health, as well as empowering both individuals in the work place and communities to understand the signs and symptoms and how best to support themselves and those around them in recovery.

It’s official launch comes during the week of World Mental Health Awareness Day – an annual event designed to promote worldwide mental health education, awareness and advocacy, particularly against the social stigma that many people with mental health issues face.

Kevin Hithersay, the Mental Health Training Provider at Construction Skills People who is delivering this course, said: “Mental health affects most of us in some way, and it’s important that we work to eliminate the stigma around mental health and encourage people to reach out if they are struggling.”

“This training course not only will help workers assess and support colleagues who struggle with poor mental health, as well as their family members and friends; but it is also designed to help to reduce the impact of absenteeism caused by such struggles on construction businesses.”

“The course is proving exceptionally popular to date which we hope is indicative of the recognition that this very important and very prevalent issue is now receiving.”

On completion, trainees will gain a qualification in Adult Mental Health First Aid, with the certificate issued by Mental Health First Aid (England). The MHFA standard course is split into four parts, including topics such as depression, suicide, substance misuse, anxiety disorders, self-harm, eating disorders, personality disorders and psychosis.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Working together to achieve world-class results for Peak District & Derbyshire

The overarching message to delegates at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday was that working together is vital to secure the future success and prosperity of the Peak District and Derbyshire together to continue to create a world-class destination and five-star visitor experience.

Keynote speaker, Television Presenter and Peak District and Derbyshire champion Julia Bradbury, tourist board Managing Director Jo Dilley and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council all reinforced the rallying call as the visitor economy gears up for further success in the future.

Julia, the first-ever female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club told around 150 delegates that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire was listening to what businesses feel they need and responding to it.

“The key is communication, and working together in a collaborative effort is much more successful. When we lived in Sheffield and my family ran a fashion couture shop, we shared clients with local businesses – a win-win for all and very happy customers. Helping and working with and for each other is important. We shouldn’t always think of neighbours as competition.”

“Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire needs businesses to support it through membership. This doesn’t just allow it to bid for funding to deliver workshops and support. The more members it has, the more marketing campaigns it can deliver, both nationally and internationally, to raise the profile of the area and drive visitors here. As co-founders of The Outdoor Guide, my sister Gina and I are proud to be part of this.”

Jo Dilley emphasized the continuing need for close teamwork between the public and private sectors, the tourist board and its Patrons and members, the University of Derby, D2N2, Visit England and VisitBritain.

“By coming together, we are far more powerful,” she said. “Our mission is to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.”

“We want to offer a world class experience, encouraging visitors to share and recommend the area as a great place to take a holiday. The visitor economy is currently in very robust shape, and we are confident that next year will be equally, if not more, successful.”

“The income we receive from our public and private partners through grants, patronage and membership is extremely important in our ongoing quest to secure other funding from sources such as the Discover England Fund and the European Development Fund. Since 2016, we have attracted an extra £2.5 million to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor Barry Lewis underlined the key role that the visitor economy plays in Derbyshire County Council’s plans to drive economic growth for both residents and businesses.

“We recognise the fundamental role the tourist board plays in marketing tourism both domestically and internationally – but it is more than this. It is the focal point for business support to the visitor economy sector, and we are delighted to work alongside the team, always striving to help our businesses grow and offer even more excellent services and products to our visitors.”

Councillor Lewis welcomed the formation of the new Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, chaired by former VisitEngland Chief Executive and Derbyshire-born James Berresford.

The Board has been created to maximise the economic potential of Derbyshire’s unique and distinctive cultural and environmental assets to create an exceptional and thriving destination where people can live, work, visit and invest.

Councillor Lewis also underscored the importance of strategic regional initiatives such as the Midlands Engine and a new East Midlands Strategic Alliance to keep the visitor economy at the heart of Government policy and investment.

The tourist board team also looked forward to its forthcoming Food & Drink Campaign, set to be launched next spring to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire’s diverse and delicious culinary offer, plus a new initiative to develop business tourism, also scheduled to launch in 2019.

This will focus on bringing in new business at traditionally quiet times of year and also midweek, tapping into the potential of the wellbeing and health market and capitalising on the area’s assets as an accessible place where people can work, rest and invest.

Pictured (left to right) are: Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Deputy Director Lindsay Rae; its Managing Director Jo Dilley; Councillor Barry Lewis, Television Presenter  Julia Bradbury, tourist board Chairman Paul Jones and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd.

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