Author: Dom Stevens

Chesterfield’s Peak FM turns 21

7th October 2019

Chesterfield’s Peak FM are today celebrating 21 years since the launch of the commercial radio station on 7th October 1998. 21 years and a few format changes on, the station looks back at 21 years of local radio, still in exactly the same building.

To mark the special occasion, during the breakfast show Peak FM played special music features from its birth year alongside a few surprises – including an on-air appearance from its first ever presenter, Mark Burrows. Mark shared anecdotes of the early days with current presenters Richie Pearson and Becky Hayes, including how at one stage during launch the station was housed in the back of a chinese restaurant. The original 8am launch was recreated when Mark introduced the first song ever played on Peak FM – “Alive and Kicking” by Simple Minds, exactly as he did back in 1998.

Tim Smith, Content Controller at Peak FM said: “It’s just fantastic Peak FM has had so much impact on people’s lives across North Derbyshire this last 21 years and continues to do so. Our team love the area so much; we’ve seen that reflected in RAJAR growth and the engagement we get every day so we’ve planned a really exciting day to thank our listeners for being with us!”

Staff at the station dug out their best (and worst) 1998 clothes, gave away an original PlayStation 1 and are distributing birthday cakes across the region throughout the day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Support on offer for World Mental Health Day

3rd October 2019

Derbyshire County Council have organised a Samaritans Wellbeing event in Chesterfield on 10 October 2019 to support World Mental Health Day.

This year, the annual campaign is focusing on preventing suicide, with a number of events taking place across the county, hoping to raise awareness of the scale of the issue and the role everyone can have in helping to tackle it.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor, Carol Hart, said: “People’s mental health is as important as their physical health – and very often, the two go hand-in-hand.”

“It’s vital that anyone experiencing mental health difficulties knows the help and support that’s available and most importantly – that they’re not alone.”

“Events like these are designed to get everyone talking about their mental health and wellbeing and taking away any stigma or awkwardness around the subject.”

The Samaritans Wellbeing event will take place at Chesterfield Market on Thursday 10 October 2019 between 10am and 4pm, where people can find out more about how to get the right support.

Derbyshire County Council worked closely with partners to organise awareness-raising events on World Suicide Prevention Day in September. More than 30,000 people were reached after volunteers were present at 5 local football matches, handing out information leaflets and encouraging people to begin a conversation about their mental health.

In addition, around 5,000 Derbyshire organisations have been contacted with ideas and resources about how they could support people with their mental health.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Home Instead recognised as a 5 Star Employer

3rd October 2019

Home Instead Senior Care has been recognised as a 5 Star Employer by WorkBuzz, as a result of positive feedback from their employees.

In June 2019, WorkBuzz invited all Home Instead’s CAREGivers and Key Players to provide confidential feedback about their experience working for Home Instead, including the training and development on offer; the relationship with their manager and day-to-day responsibilities. As independent employee engagement specialists, WorkBuzz then verified the results.

Home Instead was awarded the WorkBuzz 5 Star Employer award in September, based on positive feedback from their employees. This demonstrates Home Instead Senior Care’s high levels of employee engagement, compared to other businesses of a similar size.

Stephanie Metham (right), Care Director at Home Instead said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as a 5 Star Employer by WorkBuzz. This means so much as it is awarded based on feedback from our fantastic CAREGiver’s and support team.”

Steven Frost, CEO of WorkBuzz said “The biggest challenge facing many organisations is recruiting and retaining the best talent. We would like to congratulate Home Instead for its high levels of employee engagement. Its positive culture means that most employees are proud to work there, would choose to stay even if they were offered a similar job elsewhere, and are highly motivated.”

Home Instead is one of the UK’s leading at-home care providers. Their service is tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, medication reminders, shopping and errands to personal care, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Just last month, Home Instead was named as one of the 20 most recommended providers in the Home Care Awards 2019. In June 2019, the company received an Outstanding Rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which only three per cent of home care providers inspected by the CQC have been awarded.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Half Marathon Road Closures and Parking Restrictions announced

3rd October 2019

This year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 20 October 2019, starting at 9.30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. All the Chesterfield Half Marathon road closures and parking restrictions have now been announced.

More information about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

View the routes of the Chesterfield Half Marathon and 5 mile Run

In accordance with traffic authority regulations for Derbyshire County Council, an order has been made prohibiting and restricting the use of certain roads and road junctions by vehicles in order to facilitate the safe holding of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

The event will require the closure of roads and road junctions, car parking restrictions as well as the suspension of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders between 04:00 until 16:00 on Sunday 20^th October 2019.

A full list of closures, including approximate times, is provided below.

The organisers would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your support of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE CHESTERFIELD HALF MARATHON 2019

PARKING RESTRICTIONS FOR THE CHESTERFIELD HALF MARATHON 2019

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is pleased to be working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the 3^rd annual Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones’ Executive Director appointed as President of The Notaries Society of England and Wales

2nd October 2019

Executive Director at Banner Jones Solicitors, Stephen Gordon, has recently been appointed as President of The Notaries Society, the representative society for the 775 Notaries practising in England and Wales.

Founded in 1882, The Notaries Society plays a major part in the lives of Notaries offering training, continuing professional development as well as international representation. Notaries represent the oldest and smallest branch of the legal profession in England and Wales and so the work of the Society is crucial in ensuring their interests are best represented.

Stephen, who heads up the Business Legal Services team at Banner Jones Solicitors, has been a qualified Notary Public dealing with international matters for both private and commercial clients for over 25 years, and is now the only remaining Notary Public in Chesterfield.

Having been appointed as Vice President in January 2019 (below), Stephen was elected to the Presidents role on 19th September 2019. Stephen will run the society and continue its work on the development of professional standards.

Commenting on his appointment Stephen said: “I’m extremely proud to have been appointed as President of the Society and am delighted to further my involvement in supporting the work of fellow Notary Publics across England and Wales.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Whittam Cox Architects ranked in UK’s Top 50 Architects

2nd October 2019

Whittam Cox Architects have secured a place in the Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings for the fifth consecutive year.

The annual Top 150 Consultants league table, produced by leading industry publication ‘Building Magazine’, has ranked the practice as 79 out of all the firms who made the top 150, which includes Architects, QS’s, Project Managers, and Engineers.

The practice has also secured spot at number 42 in the top UK Architects alongside other top practices such as Foster and Partners, BDP, Sheppard Robson, Allies and Morrison & others. The ranking reinforces the fact that Whittam Cox Architects are one of UK’s largest architects’ practices, servicing clients and projects nationwide.

Commenting on the milestone Board Director Nick Riley commented; “We are delighted to be recognised by Building again; we see this as an endorsement of our focussed efforts in delivering tangible value to our diverse range of clients and projects. Looking ahead we know we can’t be complacent; it’s essential we remain ambitious, agile and responsive to continued times of political and market uncertainty.”

See the Building article and league tables by clicking here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Stacy set to swap running for rowing to raise funds for Ashgate

2nd October 2019

A determined injured runner is set to compete in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon but instead of running the course she will be rowing!

Stacy Kirton, from Hollingwood, has suffered an achilles injury during her training for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, however she is determined to row all 13.1 miles in Queens Park in order to raise money for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Since entering the half marathon in January, Stacy (42), has struggled with multiple injuries but recent damage to her achillies has left her to withdraw from the upcoming event. Stacy contacted the race organisers with her idea to row the course, so she is still able to fundraise for Ashgate Hospice.

With the help of her local gym, who are supplying the rowing machine, she will be positioned close to the finish line with the event starts.

Stacy said: “I was really disappointed I’ve previously done numerous events for Ashgate and there is a real buzz to this race, both in the town and with everyone taking part. I sat thinking what I could do to still raise money and avoid hurting my leg further.”

“I go to a CrossFit gym called The Project and on New Year’s Day every year we do an event called Marathon Row where in teams of three we complete a full rowing marathon, so the idea stemmed from that.”

“I asked if on Sunday 20th October, I could plonk myself on a rower for a few hours so I could cover the whole distance in the gym. It was actually the gym manager who suggested I actually take a rower down to Queen’s Park and once I have rowed 13.1 miles, I could walk across the finishing line and pick up my medal.”

The annual Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has already raised over a £100,000 for charities over the past two years and with participants like Stacy, going above and beyond in raising money for charities including Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Having already raised £3,000 for Ashgate in 2012 by running the London Marathon, Stacy is inspiring those around her to do the same.

She added: “I have found a willing friend to do the challenge with me. Jess is also a keen fundraiser for Ashgate Hospicecare and we are hoping to top how much we earnt in London.”

“The hospice is one of those places you hope you never need, but one of my best friend’s father fell ill last year and spent a considerable amount of time there. They are a fantastic local charity, which local people benefit from and I am delighted to be supporting them once again.”

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “Stacy is a real inspiration and it’s fantastic how she has changed an injury into something positive.”

“It will be great to see Stacy rowing the length of the course on the day and we wish her all the best.”

The 2019 Redbrik Half Marathon will take place on Sunday the 20th of October, starting 9:30am in Queen’s Park, followed by a Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford Fun Run. For more information or to enter, click here.

Photo courtesy of Charles Whitton Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield

Two elements of A61 Corridor Scheme secure D2N2 funding

1st October 2019

Two projects to improve transport links through the A61 Growth Corridor Scheme will now benefit from D2N2 funding.

The Sustainable Transport project has been awarded £1.69 million from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund of the total £2.12 million cost whilst 21st Century Transport’s £3.75 million total cost will benefit from £3 million Local Growth Fund injection.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan said of the news: “Creating strong and faster transport links across the north of our region are key to helping the economy of our region grow, particularly with work on the nearby North-Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone continuing at pace.”

“D2N2 has a strong commitment to clean growth and maintaining our natural assets, therefore I’m delighted that the projects we’ve funded as part of the A61 Growth Corridor will make it easier for local people to cycle to work as well and help make the air they breathe cleaner.”

With a number of significant residential and employment developments proposed within the corridor including Peak Resort and the Avenue, both projects form part of the larger Transport Mitigation Strategy for the area and aim to improve the resilience of the local transport network.

A more resilient transport network will lead to additional investment in the area including more employment opportunities and a greater number of homes, allowing the area to become more productive, more prosperous, and more inclusive.

This package of measures will provide infrastructure improvements and reduce commuter journey times, provide sustainable transport routes, and also ‘unlock’ further opportunities for major housing and employment growth along the A61 corridor through Chesterfield and into north-east Derbyshire.

Furthermore, as part of D2N2s commitment to clean growth, the improvements to the transport network will prioritise active travel, cycling, and pedestrianisation through new and upgraded paths and cycle routes.

Once works are complete in 2021, residents and local businesses will also benefit from a technology package which will include bus real-time information for bus passengers, car parking guidance and information, and CCTV.

The ‘A61 corridor’ into and through Chesterfield was among the first of D2N2’s named Growth Deal projects.

In addition to The Sustainable Transport and 21st Century Transport projects, the A61 Corridor scheme also includes 3 additional elements: The Chesterfield Station Masterplan, The Avenue Southern Access, and Clowne North projects.

Each element of the plan will be accessed by the D2N2 Investment Board ahead of any final decision on funding allocation.

D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It has been allocated more than £250m in LGF funding from the Government, to part-fund infrastructure projects which directly help its area’s economy and create jobs.

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. By 2021 Government will have invested over £12billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing Local Enterprise Partnerships to use their local knowledge to stimulate economic growth across the country.

Local Growth Minister Jake Berry said of the project securing funding: “This Government is committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and throughout the UK as we leave the EU on October 31.

“Supporting the development of a more resilient transport network is just one of the ways that the Government helps local communities to thrive. The Local Growth Fund’s £4.69 million investment will drive economic development within the area – tackling traffic congestion, improving air quality and enabling greener transport choices”.

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

University of Derby wins three awards in national student accommodation survey

30th September 2019

The University of Derby is celebrating after winning three major awards in this year’s National Student Housing Survey. The University won the Best Customer Service, Best Student Wellbeing and Best Environmental Management awards.

The annual survey, conducted by independent market research agency Red Brick Research, is based on a comprehensive look at all aspects of the student accommodation experience, and the awards are given to the accommodation providers achieving the highest levels of satisfaction with their students. This year the survey attracted 40,000 responses from students across 200 universities and colleges.

The University of Derby was a finalist for three other awards; Best Booking Experience, Best Moving in Experience and Best University Halls, and gained a quality mark of recognition for its accommodation for international students for the third year running.

Steve Ward, Customer Services Manager at Student Living Derby, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the University of Derby and for Student Living; which once again demonstrates that the pastoral services our staff are providing to students in our accommodation is the best in the country.”

“To achieve Best Customer Service for the second year running and the inaugural Best Student Wellbeing means we can proudly say that our students rate the support they receive in those areas higher than any other students across the UK do!”

Every year Student Living takes the feedback from the National Student Housing Survey to improve its offer to students. This process of continual improvement and refinement ensures it commits to best practice, creating a great living environment for students to thrive.

University of Derby Accommodation staff outside Sir Peter Hilton Court

Posted in About Chesterfield

New phase of rooms completed at GoStore Self Storage Chesterfield

30th September 2019

GoStore Self Storage Chesterfield are pleased to announce the completion of a further phase of self storage rooms at their Grassmoor facility.

The new rooms vary in size, from 25 sq ft up to 100 sq ft, meaning there are now over 150 rooms in total at the Chesterfield site. All rooms are located on the ground floor and are inside an insulated building, covered by 24/7 CCTV and alarm systems to ensure items will be safe and secure. Customers are provided with £1000 of free insurance cover that can be upgraded if necessary. The premises are open 6 days a week however 24/7 access is available.

Stephen Molyneux, MD at GoStore Self Storage Chesterfield, said: “We now have over 150 internal self storage rooms of various sizes, up to 150 sq ft. Further expansion is planned in the near future with more rooms at the Grassmoor and Hope Valley sites to be announced shortly”.

He added: “We understand that everyone’s storage needs are different and we work very hard to make sure we offer the most cost effective solution to our customers.”

The minimum term for storage is just 1 month, however to celebrate their recent expansion, their team can offer you up to 2 months at half price if you store at their facility for 6 months, or, 4 months at half price if you store at their facility for 12 months.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Internet grows the high street star

26th September 2019

Social media plays an important role in supporting retailers by driving footfall and ultimately increasing sales.

It isn’t a case of the internet destroying retail; the businesses that use it effectively can create interest and build a relationship with customers.

Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business.

At the Chesterfield Investment Summit, Polly Barnfield OBE from tech company Maybe* said: “Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business. It’s not a question of a business being online or offline anymore – they must be both. There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years driven by social media. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV.”

Social Media from businesses shouldn’t just be me, me me!

As someone who encourages people to promote their place, it was great to hear Polly reinforce the view that activity on social media from businesses shouldn’t just be me, me, me!

Polly urged retailers not to focus on selling themselves on social media. “Engagement with the community around you is key. You can’t just sell your own product on social media if you want to be successful. Retailers should post on social media every day and talk to their audience not just about what is happening in their business, but what is happening around them.”

Since Maybe* has been working with Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield, footfall has increased by 29%. Through social media, the centre is interacting with its customers, asking them what they want and developing new events and facilities based on feedback. It is not surprising that giving customers more of what they want keeps them coming back.

As a marketeer who has worked with social media for many years, I find it amazing how many people forget where these sites came from. The clue is in the title! They are all about social engagement and for conversations, not for shouting views or asking customers to buy. It’s about engaging, listening, building relationships and creating a community.

Social media is the modern form of word of mouth and with everyone’s support, we can all play a role to engage with local businesses and share Chesterfield’s story far and wide.

Case Studies from Chesterfield business

We have some excellent case studies of businesses in Chesterfield, which are using social media to grow:

Geeks Headquarters

Alberto Naso

“We use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitch live streaming to showcase our products and tournaments. This has led to us increase our national and international sales. We have recently sent our 3D printed miniatures across Europe, China, and the USA.”

Ingmans

Andy Ingman,
“By posting on social media it’s a constant reminder to customers that we are here and keeps the business in the front of their minds. The more independent retailers within the town that use social media to promote local activities, the more it benefits all the other companies and shops. We are big on supporting each other.”

Adorn Jewellers

Laura Jo Owen

“We’re active on most major social platforms, but customers prefer to contact us via Facebook and Instagram. Jewellery lends itself to image-based platforms and our customers can browse, ask questions, buy jewellery and have it delivered all from the comfort of their mobile phone. Join us @adornchesterfield”

H&F

Louise Peel

“As a town centre furniture retailer we have found that using social media campaigns have been vital in successfully promoting our business. It is also a great opportunity for our customers to visit Chesterfield, supporting the town centre by creating awareness and driving footfall, which helps increase both local and visitor spend.”

Etienne Curtains & Blinds

Stephen Holland

“I only recently started using social media to promote my business, but already I can see it is a great way to reach out to customers and potential new customers by getting them to follow you, and it’s absolutely free. My advice – grow your audience to grow your business.”

Please do give the Destination Chesterfield social media channels a follow and engage with us.