Author: Dom Stevens

Chesterfield Retail Awards 2016 Finalists Revealed

Eight retailers are set to defend nine titles at this year’s 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards. They join a total of 36 of the town’s retailers who have been shortlisted across 17 categories in the prestigious awards organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Last year’s winner of the coveted Retailer of the Year title, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been shortlisted for the second year running in the Market Trader of the Year category, which it also won last year. Fellow double award winner last year, Adorn Jewellers, which is based in The Shambles, is also hoping to retain its titles of Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service in 2016.

As well as the eight returning finalists, 18  retailers have been shortlisted for the first time ever in their Retail Awards categories. The Awards return for the third year running and recognise the very best independent and high street retailers and market traders in Chesterfield. Three businesses have been shortlisted in each category but only one can win.

Organised in association with Chesterfield College, the winners will be announced on Wednesday 25 May by the new Peak FM breakfast duo Stu and Cat at a special award ceremony held at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel.

The breakfast duo commented: “It’s a real honour for us to present the awards. We love the fact that all the shortlisted businesses have been nominated by shoppers. We’re both really new to the area and are working and living in Chesterfield so have seen for ourselves what a great retail scene the town has and a supportive community behind it.”

The winners of each category will also fight it out for the prestigious Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber. A further two award winners will also be announced at the ceremony; winners of The Pavements Shopping Centre and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year Awards.

Discover the full list of finalists for the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2016

Chesterfield Retail Awards Ceremony

 

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

Hosts for Chesterfield Retail Awards 2016 Announced

Peak FM breakfast show presenters, Stu Haycock and Catherine Kilvington have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

The  pair will host the glittering award ceremony, which will honour the town’s very best jewellers, independent stores, food and drink retailers, and multiple retailers at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel on Wednesday 25th May 2016.

The awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group.

More than 170 businesses have been nominated across 14 award categories, and the shortlist will be announced by the pair on the Peak FM Breakfast Show on Wednesday 20th April 2016.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “We’re delighted Stu and Cat have agreed to host the awards ceremony and I’m sure they will make the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony a memorable event.”

For more information about the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or follow on Twitter using the hashtag #retailawards16.

peak fm

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Tale of Mortimer Mouse to Raise Money for Macmillan Cancer Centre

Two sisters recovering from serious illnesses have written and illustrated a children’s book, with all profits going to support the appeal to build the new Macmillan Cancer Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Cynthia Evanson, 68, from Duckmanton, Chesterfield, was given a terminal cancer diagnosis in March 2013. Her only chance of survival was a six-month course of chemotherapy which thankfully proved to be successful.

Her sister Maggie Fielding, 51, from Hady, Chesterfield, is also making an excellent recovery from a serious blood disorder, diagnosed in August 2012.

Cynthia said: “The medical care we received was excellent, along with the very important love and care of our family and friends.”

She continues, “I  was worried that I may never see the birth of any of my niece’s and nephew’s babies, but when my great-nephew, Oliver arrived, I felt inspired to put pen to paper, create some felt animals and a rhyming story to go with it…and the story of ‘Mortimer Mouse Messes Up’ was born.”

The book is aimed at children from birth to six years, and it tells the story of Mortimer and his friends’ adventure which leads to a serious telling-off from his Mother.

After reading the story, her sister Maggie, encouraged Cynthia to get the Tale of Mortimer Mouse published, and agreed to do the illustrations.

Margaret added, “We are two sisters who are so grateful for the amazing care we have received through the acute stages of our illnesses and during the most difficult time of our lives. To think that we have contributed in some small way would give us great pleasure and satisfaction.”

Cynthia is funding the book herself, and both the sisters will be promoting it by giving talks at mother and toddler groups, primary schools and various other community groups with all profits going to help build The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Rob Turner, fundraising manager for Macmillan in Chesterfield said: “We really appreciate all the effort these truly inspirational ladies have put in to create this lovely book. We need to raise £2.5 million to help build the new cancer centre, and with the support of local people like Cynthia and Maggie – we can do it!”

The book is published by Bannister Publications and costs £6.99. To buy a copy, or to invite them in for a talk at your local group, call 07518 134 186.

Article written by Andrew Dempsey

Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Historic Hotel in Chesterfield Sold

Ringwood Hall Hotel, a 19th century grade 11 listed Georgian Manor House in Brimington, Chesterfield is now under new ownership.

The management team and the day to day operations under Rona Davies, General Manager for 18 years, will remain the same, providing and maintaining outstanding facilities and service to all Ringwood Hall Hotel`s customers.

The property has undergone significant refurbishment over the last 20 years under the stewardship of Lyric Hotels Ltd, and now provides 74 bedrooms, bar facilities, conference and banqueting suites, as well as the onsite Parklands Health & Fitness Club, with indoor pool, sauna, steamroom and well equipped gymnasium.

David Seton, owner of Lyric Hotels, took over Ringwood in 1999 when it was a partly derelict 21 bedroom hotel. Since then some £4.5m has been invested in the venue and the workforce has increased from 16 to 180.

Seton added “ You never actually own a place like Ringwood, you just look after it until the next person comes along. It has been an honour to have been custodian of Ringwood Hall for such a short time in its history, and I`m delighted to be leaving the hotel in a much better state than we found it in.

Rona Davies commented “Following the retirement of the previous owners, the whole team at Ringwood are looking forward to a new era in the hotel`s history, and I am delighted to reassure our customers that its business as usual going forward.”

Ringwood Hall

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Free workshop for first-time employers

Entrepreneurs in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire who are ready to grow their business are invited to attend a free workshop for advice on first-time employment.

The free workshop – Becoming An Employer For The First Time – is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project and is being delivered by BRM Solicitors.

The workshop is being held on Thursday 5 May at BRM Solicitors based on Saltergate in Chesterfield. The free workshop is one of a number organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield to provide advice and practical help to businesses.

As well as gaining advice on how to find the best candidates, businesses will also learn what to consider when taking on new employees, hiring and recruitment, basic employment law, writing job adverts, holding job interviews and financial considerations when taking on employees.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager explained: “It can be a big step for a business to start employing people as it represents a step change in processes and procedures. The workshop will help employers to show them that they are the ones in control and have nothing to fear.”

The workshop is open for any businesses in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, however there is a maximum of one delegate per organisation as places are limited.

Book a place on the workshop

Business Support - FWD Motion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Summer of Cycling for Derbyshire and the Peak District

Cycling fans can look forward to a midsummer feast of festival fun in the Peak District and Derbyshire – whether they prefer to take to the saddle themselves or watch world-class racing from the sidelines.

The area will once again play host to the stylish three-day Eroica Britannia event from Friday June 17 to Sunday June 19 – and this year will also welcome stages three and four of the Aviva Women’s Tour for the very first time, on June 17 and 18.

Tourism bosses are encouraging as many people as possible to make the most of the forthcoming cycle fest by booking a holiday so that they can enjoy both – and maybe extend their stay to try out some safe cycling themselves on the area’s extensive network of traffic-free trails.

“We’re delighted that Eroica Britannia and the Aviva Women’s Tour will be in the Peak District and Derbyshire over the same weekend,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“Both offer a great opportunity to come and stay in the area to experience two very different, but complementary, events, which are sure to have great appeal to both cycling enthusiasts and people who prefer to relax and watch the action.

“There’s also the chance to take to two wheels to discover our superb countryside on a wide variety of off-road trails, suitable for all ages and abilities – and there are plenty of centres where visitors can hire a bike if they haven’t brought their own.

“It’s the perfect excuse to book a few days away, taking advantage of a range of accommodation options, from ‘glamping’ and friendly B&Bs to welcoming pubs and both country house and boutique hotels.”

The third Eroica Britannia festival will again celebrate the ‘Best of British’ with a three-day celebration of live music, vintage, shopping, food, drink, camping and cycling at Bakewell Showground. This year’s irresistible mix will also include a Swing Night of music and dance and a Last Day of the Proms event to welcome riders back from their 2016 Great British Adventure.

This year’s routes – featuring regular local food and drink stops along the way – will attract cyclists from all over the world keen to explore the UK’s first National Park in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s peerless scenery on pre-1987 bikes and in vintage or traditional clothing. Three options – 30 miles, 55 miles and 100 miles – are available, featuring a selection of new locations as well as even more gruelling climbs on the long route.

Around 100 international riders representing 16 teams will take to the road for stage three of the Aviva Women’s Tour from Ashbourne to Chesterfield on June 17 – passing through some of the area’s key towns and villages, including Buxton, Matlock and the Chatsworth estate, and featuring breathtaking sprint sections along the way.

There’ll be a second chance to see the cyclists in action during stage four from Nottingham to Stoke-on-Trent on June 18, when the race will skirt Derby, between Long Eaton and Swadlincote.

For more information about Eroica Britannia, the Aviva Women’s Tour and cycling opportunities in the Peak District and Derbyshire, visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/cyclingfestivals. To find out more about Derbyshire’s long-term ambition to become a world-class cycling destination for people of all ages and abilities and to encourage everyone to cycle more by 2030, visit www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan.

Aviva Womans Tour

Posted in Leisure, Summer, Visiting

New Shirt Sponsor for Chesterfield FC

A major new sponsorship deal has been announced which will see the logo of construction firm G F Tomlinson appear on Chesterfield’s shirts from next season.

A three-year deal has been agreed with the Derbyshire-based company, which will see their logo included on all home and away shirts, with an option for a three-year extension.

It represents the most lucrative commercial deal in the history of the club with G F Tomlinson becoming the club’s most prominent commercial partner.

Kevin Fitzgerald, the club’s head of commercial & marketing, said: “We are delighted to have G F Tomlinson on board. They are a thriving family-run construction firm with a love of football, too. We are excited to introduce a new large Derbyshire-based company to the club at a time when we are moving forward as a commercial team.

“We have seen the introduction of the video screen at the stadium and next season the digital LED advertising boards will also be in place, taking the club to the next level in commercial advertising. I would personally like to thank Andy Hughes, director and general manager, and all at G F Tomlinson for the support that they have given and are still giving to the club.”

Chesterfield director Ashley Carson added: “I am delighted that G F Tomlinson have agreed to be our official shirt sponsor. They have already been very supportive with the sponsoring of the scoreboard and we look forward to working with them over the next three years.”

Barry Sewards, chairman for G F Tomlinson, said: “Being supportive of the local community and engaging with Derbyshire sports clubs is something that G F Tomlinson Group is passionate about.

“Having realised the benefits of sponsoring Chesterfield FC’s score board this season, we have chosen to extend this backing to include the players’ home and away kits.

“As a well-loved and reputable club celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, we’re looking forward to supporting the club’s fundraising activity on behalf of local charities in Chesterfield.”

From offices in Derby and Lincoln, The Tomlinson Group works across the Midlands and nationally dealing with a multitude of different types and sizes of projects up to major multi-million pound developments.

The company was formed in 1892 by George F Tomlinson. From its early beginnings the Tomlinson Group has grown into a leading, well-respected construction firm with an enviable reputation.

Chesterfield FC New Kit 2016/17

Posted in About Chesterfield

New Development at Markham Vale to Create 400 Jobs

Another major deal bringing up to 400 new jobs at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship regeneration site has been signed with car industry giants Ferdinand Bilstein UK.

Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be moving its current distribution operations in Kent and Pontefract to a new purpose-built distribution centre to benefit from better transport links to the site located just off junction 29A of the M1.

Established in Germany in 1844, the company operates worldwide producing, marketing and distributing car parts for a range of vehicle makes and models including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Land Rover and Ford.

Paul Dodgson, Operations Director at Ferdinand Bilstein UK said: “We made the decision to move to Markham Vale as the development offers excellent transport links to the main motorway network, which was a key requirement of ours.

“We also required a bespoke and high-quality building to fit with the company brand and ethos, and we were confident Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council could deliver this.

“Our relocation to Markham Vale was mainly due to how close we can be to some of our biggest UK customers. We are excited to become a part of this high-profile development.”

The building of the firm’s new 224,966 square feet distribution centre is set to be completed by December this year creating around 150 jobs initially and a further 250 to follow.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget Councillor Anne Western said: “This is more fantastic news for Markham especially following the announcement of Great Bear Distribution’s move to the site, which is also set to create up to 400 new jobs.

“We’re committed to building a strong economy in Derbyshire and Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s move to Markham will bring more business into the county.

“Markham is one of the jewels in our crown and we’re proud of its success and how it continues to grow.”

The firm’s new base will be built by the county council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: “We are extremely pleased that a deal has been agreed with Ferdinand Bilstein UK. The company has a fantastic track record and is a world leader in the automotive parts industry.

“We will be developing a high specification, bespoke distribution centre to fit with the company’s profile.

“This is the first deal we have agreed on Markham Vale North, which has a further 55 acres of land available for immediate development. We also have remaining plots available on the West and East sites.”

A series of drop-in events have been organised to update residents on the latest developments at Markham Vale – especially on the north site – which is currently being developed and where the new distribution operation for Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be.

Residents will be able to speak to representatives from the firm about the jobs available and staff from the county council and from Henry Boot will also be on hand at the events being held on:

  • Wednesday 13 April, 3pm-7pm at the Albert Inn, Woodthorpe Road, Woodthorpe
  • Wednesday 20 April, 3pm-7pm at Duckmanton Methodist Church, Duckmanton Road, Duckmanton
  • Wednesday 27 April, 1.30pm-5.30pm at Poolsbrook Miners Welfare, Cottage Close, Poolsbrook

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Growing Chesterfield Company to Hold Recruitment Day

One of Chesterfield’s fastest growing companies, Evolution Funding, is holding a recruitment open day on Thursday 21st April, from 10am until 2pm, at its headquarters on Thompson Close.

Evolution Funding boasts multiple arms to its operation, including a motor finance brokerage, vehicle rentals, vehicle loans, and a car dealership and body shop.

There are currently vacancies for various roles across the business, including sales, sales support, finance underwriters, administrators, customer service, IT, developers, car technicians and mechanics.

The open day will be an informal opportunity for attendees to meet some of the Evolution team, chat with reps from the various departments about the roles on offer, ask any questions and find out where to submit their CV.

This is an exciting time to be joining a company that consistently gains both industry and wider recognition, being named ‘F&I Broker of the Year 2015’, listed in the Investec Mid-Market 100, a ranking of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies, and identified as one of London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ in both 2015 and 2016.

The firm recently caught the eye of Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins when it was recognised as the tenth best performing SME in Chesterfield by the Derbyshire Times in their recent listing of top local firms.

Mr Perkins commended Evolution Funding on their success. He said: “Firms like Evolution create the jobs and growth that are vital to Chesterfield’s economy.

“It is great news that Evolution are looking to employ more people here and that some of the current workforce have been promoted from apprenticeships and junior positions to managerial roles.”

For further information or an informal chat, contact Carrie Rowlandson, HR Officer, on 07785 619 985 or email carrierowlandson@evolutionfunding.com.

Evolution Funding

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Spireites invited to 150th Gala Ball at Chatsworth

To mark Chesterfield FC’s 150th anniversary, a series of events are planned to celebrate such a historic milestone, the first of which is a Gala Ball at Chatsworth House on Saturday, October 22.

Kindly sponsored by G F Tomlinson, this Black Tie event will start at the Proact Stadium, with guests transported to Chatsworth House in vintage buses, arriving at the North Entrance of the famous house. There they will be treated to a champagne and canapé reception in the Painted Hall, with entertainment from Alexandra, a classically trained electric violinist.

Guests will be then invited to tour the North Wing of the house before arrival and seating at the Carriage House Restaurant for dinner and a full evening of entertainment which includes ‘Rat Pack’ singers.

Kevin Fitzgerald, the club’s head of commercial & marketing, said: “We are very pleased to have secured this prestigious venue for such a magnificent occasion and we are hoping to announce one or two special guests for the evening in the coming weeks. There is a limit of 150 tickets and they are available on a first come, first served basis.”

Tickets for the event cost £150 per person and can be booked by phoning Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or via email: janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Spireites Gala Ball at Chatsworth

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Town’s manufacturing businesses called on to make their voice heard at free event

Representatives from manufacturing and engineering businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being invited to have their voice heard at the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum on 28 April.

The free event, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield with support from United Cast Bar and NatWest, is being held at the Casa Hotel from 12.30 – 2.30pm. It is designed to give companies currently operating in the sector the opportunity to learn about the latest news and developments.

Sheffield’s 377th Master Cutler Craig McKay, who himself is CEO of Sheffield engineering firm Evenort Ltd, is speaking at the Forum. Mr KcKay will also be joined by Andy Tuscher from EEF Ltd, an organisation that supports and champions manufacturing and engineering in the UK and Europe.

The Forum, which was established by Destination Chesterfield in 2012, brings together key representatives in the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector and feeds into Growth, Skills and Funding plans in Sheffield City Region and D2N2 LEPs. The Forum has also led a programme of activity of awareness raising of jobs and careers within the sector amongst young people,

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar and Chair of the Forum said: “We want to ensure that the views of Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector are properly presented at a regional level and the Forum plays an important role in this. The more businesses that get involved, then the louder voice we have.

“The Forum is a great opportunity for firms to get together, share success and access information and advice to grow and prosper further.”

There will be a two course lunch as well as a chance to discuss business with colleagues in the sector.

Places are strictly limited and are only available to manufacturing and engineering businesses. To reserve your place visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chesterfield-manufacturing-forum-tickets-23084479299

Posted in Business, Manufacturing