Author: Dom Stevens

Robinson wins Silver Award in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

4th July 2023

Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has become a Silver Award Winner in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Kirsty Lawrence, Deputy Employer Engagement Director, East Midlands, says: “‘Working with Robinsons PLC toward Silver Defence Employer Recognition Status has been a genuine joy. It is clear that Robinson’s is committed to making good on military connections of the past by supporting Defence people, in their employ, present and future. Through numerous conversations, it was clear that this commitment is important and pivotal to HR and recruitment practice going forward, as part of the ethos and culture of the company. Well done, Robinsons!

Robinson has taken part in the scheme, designed to help recruit former defence employees in a variety of roles, over the past two years. The company will now take part in an awards ceremony at The National Space Centre in Leicester in September.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO, says: “We are delighted and proud to have been recognised by the Defence Employer recognition Scheme. Robinson Plc was started in 1839 and throughout its long history has many associations with the armed forces, through its people and in the development of innovative medical products. These were critical in wartime situations for example the crepe bandage that was used by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War”.

Robinson was also recently awarded FSC ® certification (Licence code: FSC-C186000) for its Paperbox division.

FSC certificati0n ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating widely recyclable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

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

Posted in Business, Home

More than 3,100 light up streets of Chesterfield for record-breaking fundraiser

3rd July 2023

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s popular Sparkle Night Walk fundraiser over the weekend.

Donning pink outfits and flashing bunny ears, more than 3,100 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by Technique, on Saturday 1st July.

More than £150,000 has already been raised to help fund end-of-life care and support – with the charity hoping to see the figure rise to more than £200,000 in the coming weeks.

The 10k walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s stadium, with walkers setting off at 10 pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7.30 pm.

Amongst those taking part was Malcolm Green, 80, who walked in memory of his daughter Vicky after she died at the hospice in January this year, aged just 50.

Vicky, from Dronfield, had been diagnosed with breast cancer five years before and received “first-class” care at home and in the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Malcolm, who was joined by his son-in-law Russ and grandsons, Ben and Toby among other family and friends, said: “Events [like the Sparkle Night Walk] just show how much the hospice means to so many people.

“I must admit the treatment and support Vicky received was absolutely first-class. She only went into the hospice for the last week of her life, but she received care at home for the last three to four months, which helped her with pain relief and other things. It was just so wonderful.

“I’m a member of a walking club so friends have been saying the walk will be a breeze for me, but at 80 years of age, I’m not so sure! There’s about another 12 of us – this is the largest number of participants there’s ever been which is remarkable.”

Elaine Darwent, from Bolsover, took on the walk with family and friends, who collectively raised more than £1,000 for the hospice in memory of her husband, Paul Darwent.

She said: “There’s seven of us here and we’ve raised nearly £1,000 in memory of my husband who was cared for by the community nurses at the end of his life.

“The atmosphere here has been so great and we’ve loved taking part. We’re all so proud to be here in Paul’s memory and hopefully, he’s been looking down on us.”

Paul, who had glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer, was cared for at home by the hospice’s nurses until his death in December 2022, aged 65.

Elaine added: “They looked after Paul and also made sure I was okay; they gave me a bit of free time as I was caring for him 24/7.

“When the hospice started caring for Paul it meant I could become his wife again and not just his carer, so we could focus on making lots of memories together. We were together eight years – it was the happiest time of my life.”

Lex Crossett and her eldest son Finn Crossett, from Wingerworth, were joined by family at the walk.

Finn, who uses a wheelchair, has been receiving support at the hospice’s Day Services and signed up for the fundraiser to give something back.

Lex said: “My friend Dawn and I have done the Sparkle Night Walk for the last three years together; last year Ashgate cared for my neighbour before she died and this year our eldest child makes the most of our Day Services.

“It’s so much fun, there’s such a great atmosphere at the Sparkle Night Walk and it’s for such a wonderful cause. We go to the hospice with Finn for a bit of time together – they’re always so friendly and so warm whenever we need a bit of help.”

This year, the event smashed the previous record of 3,052 participants in 2019 as a total of 3,114 supporters turned out on Saturday evening.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Charlotte Gratton, Events and Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk on Saturday evening.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to our supporters and volunteers who made it such a huge success.

“It’s always incredible to see the North Derbyshire community come together to help us fund our care, but to see more than 3,000 walkers there on this occasion was extra special.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.

“Thank you to our main sponsors Technique, other generous sponsors and many local businesses for their generosity and support.

“I would also like to thank everyone behind the scenes, including an army of incredible volunteers – without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to organise such a big and exciting event for all of our supporters to enjoy. We hope to see everyone back again next year!

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and will be available at a reduced rate until 13th August, with the walk set to take place on Saturday 22nd June 2024.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register for the super early bird price of £8 go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

Images taken by Tom Hodgson Photography

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 Tom Hodgson Photographyby

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 by Tom Hodgson Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

£2m Health and Wellbeing Hub to open on 75th Birthday of the NHS

3rd July 2023

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation will open a brand new £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub on Wednesday (5 July) – the same day the NHS celebrates its 75^th birthday.

An opening ceremony featuring an NHS75 baton relay across the hospital site, which the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield will be taking part in, will mark the opening celebrations.

The Health and Wellbeing Hub was almost entirely funded by an appeal led by the Chesterfield Royal Charity, with the ongoing annual costs for running the facility now to be managed by the Trust.

Atul Patel, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity and Non-Executive Director of the Trust, said: “The Hub was built after colleagues fed back how the impact of Covid changed them, their families and their working lives.

“We knew we needed to ‘care for the carers’ and this is just one of the very visible ways we are doing just that. The Hub will provide respite, relief and an easily accessible space and facility for colleagues.

“We would especially like to thank our main sponsors: NHS Charities Together, DSFS and Westfield Health. Thank you to everybody who held a cake sale, a sponsored run, a raffle – it all contributes to allowing us as the charity to give the gift of extraordinary.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, commented: “Firstly, a huge well done to everybody involved in this incredible project and an even bigger thank you to the donors too.

“Here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, we want to be recommended as a place to come to work and for the clinical care we provide. I truly believe that the Health and Wellbeing Hub is the greatest asset and cornerstone cited in those recommendations! Colleagues will be able to utilise:

Counselling rooms, ensuring support for the mental health & well-being of our colleagues; complimentary therapies
A fully equipped gym, with equipment specially selected by our Health and Well-being Team
Areas for group or individual reflections after traumatic incidents.

“This really is one of a kind and something I am so proud of us opening on the NHS75. Along with our ED, Paediatric Assessment Unit, Community Diagnostic Centres and much more, we are redefining the role and abilities of this fantastic hospital. I hope the whole community continue to support the Chesterfield Royal Charity so that even more can be done to support and keep developing.”

Hannah Peate, Health and Wellbeing Lead for the Trust added ‘’This Health and Wellbeing Hub will grow and develop to support the colleagues who every day work so hard to deliver care to our patients. Colleagues from across the organisation have worked tirelessly to make this a reality, it’s been a true collaboration across numerous departments. This will provide a holistic space for colleagues to come and decompress through to undertaking a Health and Wellbeing workshop or participating in a class or accessing the gym.

“I’m excited to welcome our new Health Improvement Advisors – who will be driving the classes and making sure we get the very most out of the Hub. I would also like to recognise and thank our wonderful Wellbeing Champions and Mental Health First Aiders for the work they do to support our colleagues on a daily basis across the Trust.’’

There will be no charge for use for Chesterfield Royal Hospital employed colleagues. The Trust will be looking to open facilities in the Hub 24/7 in the future.

The gym equipment – including functional fitness, studio, cardio and strength training machines and free weights – has been sourced through competitive tender and is the best in the business for the best value. Accessibility issues have been considered we have included easy-to-operate machines with accessible seats including having adjustments for colleagues with additional/other needs – such as those who are partially sighted etc.

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust, concludes: “The NHS’ 75^th birthday is a perfect occasion to express how truly proud we are of the people who work here and across our system. This brand-new, purpose-built, Health and Wellbeing Hub is the perfect way to mark this momentous day. The Hub will provide support, facilities, and a moment away from the hustle and bustle of a busy acute hospital. It’s been incredible to see the support Chesterfield Royal Charity received in their fundraising – from members of the public to local businesses and colleagues of the Trust. A special thank you to those people who contributed and continue to help us to deliver initiatives as exciting as this one!”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

New scheme launched in Chesterfield to improve night-time safety

3rd July 2023

More than 30 local businesses have signed up for a national scheme which aims to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder – helping create a safer night out in Chesterfield.

The Best Bar None accreditation scheme – supported by the Home Office and drinks industry – has been rolled out in the town to help provide a safer night out and reduce crime and disorder.

The scheme, which has been launched by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Best Bar None, Chesterfield Pubwatch and Derbyshire Constabulary, is open to all licensed premises in the town centre.

It is designed to build positive relationships between the licensed trade, police and local authorities and also aims to champion improvements in the way venues are managed and encourage best practices to be shared.

Businesses that are not already signed up can contact Chesterfield Borough Council’s licencing department to register their venue under the scheme. The team can be contacted by emailing licensing@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 936354.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield has many great pubs, restaurants, bars and clubs. It is a great place to enjoy an evening out.

“Chesterfield is also a very safe place to live, socialise and visit. However, like towns and cities around the country, alcohol-related crime and disorder can sometimes be an issue.

“We want to ensure Chesterfield is even safer, and even more welcoming at night. That’s why we are really pleased to launch Best Bar None here.

“The scheme will strengthen relationships between the licenced trade, council and police to reduce alcohol-related disruption. It’s also a great opportunity for the many fantastic licenced businesses to showcase where their work is helping keep people safe.

“Over 85% of pubs and clubs in the town centre are already signed up to the scheme, in addition to others across the borough – including several in Hasland, Brampton and on Sheffield Road.

“I am looking forward to seeing Best Bar None make Chesterfield even better for residents, visitors and people working in the night-time economy.”

If successful, the scheme will be expanded into other areas of the town in 2024. More information can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/best-bar-none

Roger Butler, the Chair of Chesterfield Pubwatch, said: “We at Pubwatch are very happy and excited to be rolling out the Best Bar None scheme. It is a fabulous opportunity for the bars in Chesterfield to come together to improve standards and safety through better training.

“The take up for the scheme has been very high and will give a good selection of accredited bars giving a warm welcome to their customers.”

As well as introducing the Best Bar None scheme, a new digital radio network has been launched in the town centre to help improve communication between businesses in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

The new radios will be used by licenced trade businesses to share information that will help to prevent anti-social behaviour across the town.

The new radios and digital system have been bought using UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding and contributions from Derbyshire Constabulary and Chesterfield Pubwatch.

The new digital radio network is just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government fund.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure

Tell us how you and your customers use our high streets and town centres.

3rd July 2023

Chesterfield residents and local business owners are once again being encouraged to complete our quarterly consumer and business surveys to help us to learn more about how you / your customers use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick surveys will ask you questions about your business performance and any changes you have noticed in the last three months (April 2023-June 2023) if you are a business owner.

The consumer survey will ask you to update us on what events or venues you have attended and services you have used recently in our communities.

Please spend a few minutes completing the relevant questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 15 August 2023.

At the end of the consumer questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two complimentary tickets to see Alice in Wonderland at The Winding Wheel on Monday 30 October or Tuesday 31 October 2023.

Businesses who complete the survey, will have the chance to enter a prize draw to win advertising for your business in the Destination Chesterfield business or leisure e-shot (worth £100). To qualify for the prize draw, you must have filled out the previous survey in May 2023 as well as this survey and the planned ones in October 2023, and January. A winner will be drawn in Spring 2024.

Complete the surveys here:

Business: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/olw8je

Consumer: https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/dmyky

Shop Indie, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

‘Overwhelming’ case for HS2 to be delivered to East Midlands launched

3rd July 2023

At an event today (3rd July) the region’s business and political leaders will come together in Derby to launch Full speed ahead: bringing high-speed rail to the East Midlands report which lays out the ‘overwhelming’ case to deliver high-speed rail to the East Midlands.

HS2 and Rail Minister Huw Merriman MP will be making a keynote speech and joined by business chiefs and senior politicians including Sir Peter Soulsby, Toby Perkins MP and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council Cllr. Trica Gilby.

The report outlines the benefits of bringing HS2 to the East Midlands and Sheffield as proposed in the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands (IRP). The arrival of HS2 in the East Midlands, integrated with other projects such as Midlands Rail Hub and Midland Main Line electrification will bring cities and towns in the East Midlands closer to each other and to centres such as London and Birmingham.

When HS2 is delivered in full, the number of people within a 90-minute rail journey of Derby will increase by more than 500,000; an additional 600,000 people will be within 90 minutes of Chesterfield.

This agglomeration will lead to an increase in job opportunities for East Midlands residents and more trade for local businesses. Nottingham, Derby and Chesterfield can access an economy of around £250 million within 90 mins by rail. With HS2 in place, this figure will increase to over £550 million.

Analysis in the report shows that HS2 will nearly double the number of jobs in high-value, rail-linked sectors within an hour of Nottingham by rail, and nearly quadruple the number of jobs within two hours.

In total, journeys from 74 stations across the East Midlands are set to benefit from improved journey times to and from London and Birmingham.

The quicker journey times resulting from HS2 will ‘shift’ the location of major urban areas closer to the East Midlands. London will ‘move’ 60 miles north to Northamptonshire (relative to Derby, Chesterfield & Nottingham). Birmingham will ‘move’ 30 miles northeast to between Derby and Loughborough (relative to Nottingham) meaning residents can get to the capital far quicker for work, business or leisure.

The event is being jointly hosted by Midlands Connect and Transport for the East Midlands.

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect commented:

“It’s great to be here in Derby today, highlighting the importance of high-speed rail for this region. The East Midlands is an area so poorly served by rail at the moment; with these proposals in place connections from North to South, and East to West, will be quicker and easier.

“The case for delivering HS2 from Birmingham to the East Midlands is overwhelming.”

Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of Transport for East Midlands added:

“The East Midlands boasts a resilient and thriving economy which is well placed to reap the benefits of significant rail investment.

“HS2 to the East Midlands is a key priority for TfEM and will transform links to Birmingham and London.

“With direct HS2 services to Nottingham, Derby and Chesterfield stations, coupled with the electrification of the Midland Main Line, travel times across the region will be significantly reduced and capacity enhanced.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s Station Master Plan and the benefits it will bring to Chesterfield.

Posted in Business, Development, Property and Construction

East Midlands Chamber urges businesses to adopt new thinking in recruiting and retaining people amid skills gaps

12th June 2023

From supporting out-of-work people to find sustainable jobs to creating workplaces where employees feel they “belong”, new thinking is needed from businesses to plug major skills gaps, says East Midlands Chamber.

The business support and representation network for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire is embarking on a strategy to support firms with their people needs by gathering intelligence from employers, facilitating the sharing of best practices and creating new toolkits.

A key milestone in this work was the East Midlands People and Skills Summit, held in partnership with Loughborough University at its West Park Teaching Hub.

More than 200 delegates heard from speakers including Baroness Nicky Morgan, the former Education Secretary who now chairs The Careers and Enterprise Company, a national organisation that helps to bring employers closer together with educators in developing careers education.

Naomi Clayton, director of the Learning and Work Institute, also discussed research into why the UK has a shortfall of about one million workers compared to pre-pandemic trends because of rising economic inactivity levels – in which people have left the labour market for reasons such as long-term sickness, caring duties, studying and early retirement.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “People are a critical ingredient to businesses realising their growth ambitions, yet many have faced major challenges in finding the skills they need from one of the tightest labour markets we have ever seen.

“In 2023, we are in a position where a multitude of changes are unfolding – whether it’s in technology, ways of working or the make-up of our society and workforce – which means we must adopt new thinking to how we recruit and retain our people for business needs.

“The Chamber has a key role to play in helping firms navigate these areas, and the East Midlands People and Skills Summit was a major milestone in this body of work, with the insights we learned helping us to determine the practical business support tools we can create.

“These cover how they can tap into the young talent coming out of our schools, colleges and universities, but also includes how we engage those people who have left employment since the beginning of the pandemic.

“We must also consider how to create a sense of belonging within workplaces, which engages a more diverse workforce with the ability to bring new ideas, perspectives and skills to an organisation – ultimately benefitting the bottom line.”

East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey showed that while six in 10 East Midlands businesses attempted to recruit in the first three months of 2023, almost three-quarters (73%) of those struggled to fill roles.

Other key activity within its people and skills focus includes dedicated research into inclusive workplace policies across East Midlands employers, a roundtable about how to support more businesses in this area, and the launch of a Collective Skills Intelligence Observatory that provides a data-led approach to help companies and educators understand skills needs and delivery in local areas.

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Property and Construction

Peak Resort exceeds nature recovery targets

12th June 2023

The 300-acre PEAK Resort site has exceeded the nature recovery targets in support of its revised, post-pandemic first phase.

On-going surveys of the Birchall Estate show a spectacular recovery in biodiversity in areas outside of the principle permitted development areas. A mixture of passive re-wilding, and limited land management in the principle permitted development areas have achieved this. The increased biodiversity balance across the whole estate is already well beyond what will be the mandatory target of a 10% Net Gain set by the Environment Act 2021.

Once PEAK Resort is fully implemented, approximately 70% of the estate ownership will be given over to a nature reserve, equivalent to an area of 1.4 times the size of the National Arboretum.

The first phase of PEAK is proposed on 10% of the Estate and will generate 1,000 jobs. Further details of this development will be published this summer.

Achieving a balance between nature’s needs and people’s wants is at the core of the PEAK’s Regenerative Enterprise manifesto.

From the Middle Ages areas within the Birchall Estate were continuously exploited for quarrying, coal mining, opencast, timber extraction, munitions testing, and building demolition landfill.

The current landowners acquired an interest in the Birchall Estate in the late 1980’s over 35 years ago when large areas of the Estate were ecologically barren following extensive open-cast activity.

They saw an opportunity to regenerate the Estate as a place where both people and nature could flourish.

Over two miles of new public access greenways and woodland trails, adopted as Public Rights of Way, have already been created on the Estate. These include a spectacular river walk and areas of native mixed species hedgerows full of bird song.

The landowners have entered into a joint venture with Milligan, a mixed-use real estate and destination developer for the first phase regeneration programme.

John Milligan, Executive Chairman of Milligan said “It was fundamental to our involvement that the land itself supported a continuity of purpose. The Gateway at PEAK will be a world-class tourist and leisure destination, achieving a balance between the interests of nature and people are critical to its success. Birchall have got this off to a cracking start with the achievements in biodiversity gains to date”.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said “It is fantastic to see formerly open cast land being regenerated for a purpose which balances both human and natural interests. The council is fully behind this regenerative enterprise which is entirely consistent with our climate change and economic growth ambitions.”

The Landowner, Birchall Properties said, “Good news to be getting underway again in the wake of so many challenges – the banking crisis, BREXIT, and COVID have not been able to distract us from our mission – onwards!”

If you would like to know more or visit the Estate at the end of the current ecology season please visit https://www.peakliaison.co.uk/

Peak is one of over £2 billion of regeneration projects in progress or planned in Chesterfield find out more about some of the developments here and discover why Chesterfield is the perfect place to invest.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Celebrate the life of George Stephenson in Chesterfield

8th June 2023

An event in Chesterfield will allow visitors to learn more about the life of George Stephenson and celebrate his local connections.

Chesterfield Museum and Holy Trinity Church have partnered together to deliver this free event. A reenactor will bring Georges’s story to life. It takes place on Saturday 17 June from 10am to 4pm.

Holy Trinity Church is George Stephenson’s final resting place. You will be able to see his memorial and the stunning stained-glass window, a commission by his son Robert. There will be talks, children’s activities, and the chance to explore objects such as a model of the famous rocket and a replica cucumber straightener. There will be handling objects and Victorian costumes to try. Refreshments and other activities will also be available.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “After partnering successfully with the church last year to host this event, I’m delighted that we are able to work with them again to help local people learn more about Stephenson and his time in Chesterfield. This is a fantastic event for the whole family to come along and enjoy.”

Reverend Jill Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said: “It’s great to help local people connect with our town’s heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase George Stephenson and to see both his final resting place and the incredible stained-glass window. I hope lots of people come along because there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy.”

The event is free to enter with donations requested for Chesterfield Foodbank.

Summer in Chesterfield

There are lots of ways to make memories in Chesterfield this summer. To discover more events, festivals, and ideas of things to do visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Summer, Visiting

Mortgage 1st acquires Peak Mortgages

8th June 2023

Chesterfield mortgage brokerage, Mortgage 1st recently announced the acquisition of Peak Mortgages & Protection.

Formed in 2008 the family-run company has grown exponentially. During that time they placed over 10,000 mortgages in arranging £1.67 billion of lending. They have also recently been recognised for their achievements winning a national industry award.

The move will see Mortgage 1st increase to over 70 staff and follows the launch of their insurance brand, Protection 1st.

Mortgage 1st Directors Jon Stones said: “The opportunity to bring Peak into Mortgage 1st is a unique and ideal scenario. One that will see us continue to grow but also maintain our culture. We’re excited to welcome everyone from Peak into our team. We can’t wait to see how both brands continue to grow alongside one another.”

Rhys Schofield founder of Peak Mortgages & Protection says: “We are extremely proud and privileged to be a part of Mortgage 1st. Working alongside like-minded people who share the same drive and dedication was an absolute must for me. Jon and Lisa have built a wonderful brand. Visiting their head office I knew this was the perfect home for Peak.”

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, HomeTagged in Business, business news, Chesterfield, mortgage 1st, professional services

Young people help create ‘Garden of Imagination’ for new Festival

8th June 2023

Children from Spire Junior School, Sharley Park Community Primary School, and New Bolsover Primary School have been working with artists to create an immersive art piece called The Garden of Imagination.

Junction Arts have commissioned the ‘Garden of Imagination’ for the Chesterfield Children’s Festival. Theatre practitioner Monika Johnson, musician Phil Pearson and visual artist Rachel Scanlon are creating the immersive art piece.

Taking the form of a children’s bedroom at the festival for children to enjoy and engage with. There will be elements to play with, including sound sensors and fantasy characters.

The artists spoke to local primary schools to share ideas with the children about childhood and play. Collecting stories from the children to create a performance that will run alongside the “Garden of Imagination”.

Artist Monika Johnson said: “We are excited to work with Junction Arts to create a new immersive children’s theatre piece.

“We are creating a bedroom outside! It’s a bit of a tipsy topsy dream-like setting with some strange items in unusual places. We hope that families will enjoy interacting and playing with our set. They will be able to change the music and sound effects themselves and become part of the performance.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place at Queen’s Park on the 29^th and 30^th of July, from 10 am – 4 pm daily.

The festival is free to attend and will have family-friendly acts and activities taking place over the weekend. These will include a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, circus skills, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face painting, and live music.

Music and live theatre will also take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend.

For more information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, VisitingTagged in Chesterfield, chesterfield events, Summer in Chesterfield, things to do in Chesterfield