Author: Dom Stevens

College students battle it out to be named Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year for 2019

25th July 2019

Three Chesterfield College students are in the running for the prestigious 2019 Young Chef of the Year Award, following a Master Chef style competition judged by food industry professionals.

Part of the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, the award, which is sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons, recognises Chesterfield College’s most promising Level 2 Cookery student.

In a specially organised cook-off, Jake Parkin (18) from Swanwick, Sophia Johnson (18) from Dronfield and Callum Fitzpatrick (18) from Bramley Vale, each prepared a two course meal for judges Chris Mapp owner of the Tickled Trout, Andrew Wilson, Head Chef at Casa Hotel and Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Owen Taylor & Sons.

Jake’s seasonal menu included duck breast with celeriac puree, fondant potato and a five spice jus followed by fresh strawberry cheesecake, sorbet, strawberry salad and Swiss meringue.

Commenting on the competition, Jake said: “I started cooking at around five years old with my grandma – making cakes and doing some other baking. I quickly learned I had a passion for it and I know it’s something I definitely want to pursue. Who knows, maybe one day I could be the next Gordon Ramsey!”

Sophia chose to cook lamb rack and croquette, pickled courgetti, mint salsa verde and confit potatoes followed by hedgerow chocolate brownie, crumble, Italian meringue and yoghurt sauce.

Sophia commented on the cook-off: “I felt really pleased with how it went, I’d done plenty of practice runs so felt really prepared and calm. The timings went really well so I had time to think about the presentation. Being a finalist is an exciting achievement and my aim was just that the food I served on the day was a success – and it was!”

Callum prepared roast duck with celeriac, peach, duck spring roll and a red wine jus followed by vanilla poached Asian pear with caramel and cinnamon biscuit for the judges.

He added: “I was surprised to be a finalist but it is really exciting and just goes to show that hard work pays off. I did a lot of online research in preparation for my menu and decided to cook duck and pear as these were things I’d never used before. I absolutely loved plating up the dishes as it is so good seeing the creation come together.”

Commenting on Jake, Sophia and Callum’s performance, Andrew Wilson, Head Chef at Casa Hotel enthused: “All three young chefs were competent in presentation and dealt well with the pressure of cooking two dishes from scratch whilst being observed and questioned about the dishes they were preparing. They had all obviously researched, planned and practised to be able to achieve the high standard of cooking that they presented to the judges.”

Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Owen Taylor & Sons,added: “It was a very good effort from all three students today. The food was delivered with acceptable presentation, but one shone and I look forward to seeing that person on the awards night.”

Fellow judge Chris Mapp said: “The students worked really hard and produced some well-presented, nice food. You could tell that a lot of thought went into the dishes with how they’d pieced them together, which is great for people of such a young age.”

Ian Matthews, Hospitality and Catering Tutor at Chesterfield College, commented: “I am actually incredibly proud of all of the students, to be doing what they have just done, under pressure at Level 2 is extremely impressive. The balance and composition of the dishes were just fantastic. It’s been an amazing experience for them and all of these experiences of a real working environment, including our Taste Restaurant, will help them to stand out to future employers.”

Following the cook-off, the winner of the 2019 Young Chef of the Year Award will be announced by celebrity chef, Brian Turner at the glittering Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards which is organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College and will be held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 23 October.

A former winner of the prestigious Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year title includes James Greatorex, who went on to work in Michelin-starred restaurants, The Fat Duck and L’Ortolan.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the awards include Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd), Shorts Chartered Accountants and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Chesterfield Young Chef finalists 2019 pictured below (L-R) Jake Parkin, Sophia Johnson, Callum Fitzpatrick.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Manufacturing

First-ever university-wide Inclusion award presented

24th July 2019

The first-ever university-wide Inclusion award was presented to a final-year student at graduation last week.

The Paul McMullen University Award for Inclusion has been created to highlight and celebrate some of the most incredible inclusive achievements, which students demonstrate while studying at the University of Derby.

Sarah Barley-McMullen, Academic Lead for Inclusion for the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing team (EDIW) and sister of Paul, created the award for her late brother – honouring the way in which he shaped her views, values and the way she lives her life.

Elanore Ward, a Biomedical Health student at the University of Derby, was awarded the prize for her dedication, outstanding inclusive practice and impact on the LGBTQ community.

Elanore’s voluntary work has helped to promote transgender healthcare among the medical community, as well as support the needs of transgender patients, and avoid the negative labelling of transgender healthcare issues.

Her work started during an access course in Kings Lynn, where she was invited to speak to health and social care and nursing students about the sociological aspects of healthcare for transgender people.

Having established herself as a guest speaker in this area, Elanore has been invited to speak to trainee GPs on rotation in Cambridge about transgender healthcare and strategies for interacting meaningfully with transgender women and men.

Elanore said: “Being awarded the Paul McMullen University Award for Inclusion is a great honour. The work I do in transgender healthcare is not done for recognition, but because it’s an area of healthcare and medicine that is overlooked. As a transgender female scientist, I can relate to similar situations and convey the right messages.

“What I’ve achieved would not have been possible without my supervisor, Dr Elizabeth Marsh, who always encourages me and has been incredibly supportive.”

The award recognises acts of inclusion that are demonstrated through the values, behaviours and practices of an individual towards their peers in one or both of the following ways:

1) Participation as a role model or ally to their peers, in order to support and demonstrate solidarity with others in an attempt to normalise diversity.

2) Engaging with inclusivity through research, professional practice or volunteering in order to promote inclusion within pedagogy, work-place practice or social action.

Sarah said: “Paul taught me everything I know about being kind, fierce and fair in life. It is wonderful that Elanore has won this award. She embodies the courage and passion that are needed to be inclusive and to make real change happen in this world. Paul would have loved everything that Elanore stands for.”

Elanore added: “I’ve wanted to remain at the University of Derby to continue my studies for a while, but after receiving this recognition, it has made it certain I want to carry on building my career here.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Home Instead reaches new heights

24th July 2019

Fiona Clark, head of operations at Home Instead Senior Care Chesterfield, raised an amazing £554 for the charity Mind, by trekking 5,895 metres up the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Fiona, 30, who lives in Chesterfield, decided to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity that offers advice and supports people experiencing mental health problems. Mind also campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health.

As well as celebrating reaching the summit, Fiona also celebrated Home Instead’s recent Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), England’s independent care sector regulator. Only three percent of home care providers have been awarded this rating, making this a truly impressive achievement.

Fiona said: “I am always up for a challenge and have always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro, so when they opportunity arose, I just couldn’t say no. The climb wasn’t easy and took 7 days from top to bottom, but it was totally worth it. Reaching the summit and also receiving an Outstanding from the CQC was the icing on the cake.”

Stephanie Metham, co-owner of Home Instead Chesterfield said: “The team and I are incredibly proud of Fiona and the unbelievable accomplishment she has achieved. At Home Instead, we see how mental health affects our elderly clients every day and we know how important good mental wellbeing is. The money Fiona has raised will help Mind significantly.“

Home Instead Senior Care provides tailored support for older people that typically comprises companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, medication reminders, shopping and errands. The focus is on matching clients with their caregivers that share similar interests.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Speaker line-up announced for 2019 Chesterfield Investment summit

24th July 2019

One of the 100 most influential women in technology, Polly Barnfield OBE, is headlining the speaker line-up at the third Chesterfield Investment Summit which is being held on Wednesday 11 September.

Founder and CEO of Maybe*, Polly is part of the UK Government’s High Street Task Force which was launched by High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP on 2 July to support local leaders to revitalise high streets and town centres.

As part of her presentation, Polly will address how Chesterfield businesses can use social media analysis to attract shoppers and revitalise the modern high street.

The free to attend business event, which is being held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield from 8.30am – 12 noon, will give delegates a detailed overview of investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The event is organised by Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Destination Chesterfield and Marketing Derby joint partners in the EU funded Invest in D2N2 project with a focus on promoting Derbyshire both nationally and globally as the place to invest for growth and quality of life. The event is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

In addition to Polly Barnfield, speakers at the event will also include by Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale at Derbyshire County Council who will update on the 200-acre business park considered to be Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme and Dr. Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be a networking breakfast, exhibition and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the event, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town is renowned for bucking the trend, from retail figures to tourism, but we must not rest on our laurels. The annual Investment Summit is an excellent opportunity for the business community to come together and understand the investment potential of the town, be enthused for the future and work with each other to ensure we achieve Chesterfield’s potential.”

Places at the free business event are limited and booking is essential. To secure your place, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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

CT celebrates that a third of workforce are now women

23rd July 2019

Managed IT and Data Security Specialists, CT, now have 15 women in a range of senior and supporting tech roles, finance and sales, accounting for just over a third of their workforce, way above the national average.

Across the technology industry women are still massively under-represented, a mere 16% of employees in the tech industry are women. This has a knock-on effect within the industry.

Ian Snow, MD of CT remarks, ‘We are extremely proud of this balance and of the support and flexibility we provide many of the working mums here at CT. There is a massive need for more IT talent to continue to provide exceptional customer service to organisations. By tapping into the potential female talent out there, demonstrating through our own role models the opportunities for a rewarding career, coupled with providing the opportunity to work around busy work life/home life, we may just meet the huge demands of businesses across all sectors.’

There is a big challenge to help raise the profile of women in tech. It is widely acknowledged that attracting women into technology is a challenge. Boys are more than twice as likely to be encouraged to work in tech at school.

Ian Snow, MD of CT remarks ‘The way we talk about technology needs to change to help bring about change and perceptions of the IT industry. Technology is an industry enabling remarkable advancements from business processes to consumer experiences to helping automate processes that can help a business rocket or even save the environment! You also don’t have to be technical to have a successful career in the technology industry. Technology companies need every type of role, whether it be technical superstars, sales leaders, HR staff or digital marketing gurus. By promoting the diverse job functions required to do all these things, there is a real opportunity to attract a more diverse pool of people to the table.’

CT will be showcasing their inspiring role models across all areas of IT, from sales, through to finance, team leaders and technical support specialists. They are also looking at hosting women in tech events at their CT offices later in the year, where stories can be shared and people can be inspired.

Posted in Business

East Midlands Chamber congratulates Boris Johnson

23rd July 2019

East Midland Chamber* has today written to Boris Johnson to congratulate him on his appointment as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.

In the letter, the Chamber urges him to resolve Brexit as quickly as possible so that businesses can move forward, free from the doubt and uncertainty created by repeated delays and constant bickering in Parliament and with the EU.

Scott Knowles, the award-winning Chamber’s Chief Executive, said: “It is essential that the Brexit issue is now resolved. Business wants to invest, it wants to plan for three, five and ten years ahead, it wants to know that it will have access to skilled workers, it needs to know what future trading relations will be, both with the EU and the rest of the world, and it needs to know what costs it will face.

“Given a clear direction, business will go back to excelling at what it does best, which is to drive economic growth through the creation of jobs and wealth, something that it has found hard to do while mired in the doubt and uncertainty of Brexit.”

The letter calls for a more business-led focus on domestic issues, as set out in the manifesto the Chamber delivered to Westminster in November with the support of many regional MPs, officials and business leaders.

The manifesto – Delivering a Great Future – sets out four clear goals:

Connect Us – make sure we have the infrastructure business needs to succeed
Get the Basics Right – give us education reform that aligns to the needs of business, fix the broken business rates system that discourages investment in property, plant and people and encourage more equitable public procurement practices
Realise our International Ambitions – minimise tariffs, place business needs at the heart of trade agreements, fund expanded trade missions, remove Air Passenger Duty and maximise the potential of regional airports, and
Boost Our Competitiveness – Recognise the importance of diversification and innovation in current funding structures, support supply chains from the bottom up and the top down, increase R&D incentives, provide funding for leadership and management training and align the Shared Prosperity Fund with Industrial Strategy priorities.

Scott said: “Brexit has proved to be major planning challenge for business, but it’s not the only one. There are many domestic issues that need to be delivered and we are calling on Mr Johnson to look at those issues with new eyes and create a domestic environment that shouts to the world that UK plc is most definitely open for business.

“Mr Johnson has a brief window of opportunity to initiate change. Focus solely on Brexit to the detriment of domestic issues and the opportunity will quickly disappear, resulting in years more of the same, which is something we don’t want to see happen.”

Posted in Business

New executive directors appointed at Chesterfield Borough Council

22nd July 2019

Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed two new executive directors, Ade McCormick and Christine Durrant.

Ade joins the council from Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council where he was chief officer for corporate services and transformation.

On joining Chesterfield Borough Council, he said: “When I spotted the advert for the executive director role I thought it looked really interesting, exciting and challenging.

“While Chesterfield will want to benefit from my experience of delivering major change programmes, the role also gives me the chance to broaden my horizons and develop new skills through exposure to fresh opportunities.”

Christine joins the council from Derby City Council where she was strategic director for communities and place and deputy chief executive.

Christine said: “Chesterfield Borough Council already has a great reputation in Derbyshire and the East Midlands as a local authority that delivers for its communities.

“I am especially attracted by the borough’s ambitious regeneration plans. It is clearly a town and borough that is moving in the right direction.”

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Chief Executive, welcomed the two appointments: “I am delighted that the council has again been able to attract people of the calibre of Ade and Christine.

“We need senior officers with the wealth of skills, knowledge and experience that they will bring to provide the officer leadership that Chesterfield Borough Council needs to deliver on its vision and priorities.”

The new directors replace Michael Rich who left the authority in December to take up a new role as chief executive of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and James Drury who left in March for a new position as executive director – commercial at Lincolnshire County Council.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Five Chesterfield parks keep their Green Flags

19th July 2019

Five of Chesterfield’s parks maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council have once again received Green Flag awards.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the recognition from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy after inspections held last month.

The Green Flags were awarded to:

Eastwood Park, Hasland
Holmebrook Valley Park
Poolsbrook Country Park
Queen’s Park
The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m really proud of the quality of the parks and open spaces we have here in Chesterfield.”

“They are appreciated by our residents and visitors and are a credit to the staff and volunteers who work hard year-round to maintain them to the highest standards which have once again been recognised by the Green Flag award.”

This international award is a sign to the public that the green spaces space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

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

Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services appoints new Managing Director

18th July 2019

Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services (DSFS) – the subsidiary company launched by Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust at the end of March 2019 – has appointed a new Managing Director to lead the company’s strategy and with responsibility for ensuring a positive experience for patients and staff, service improvement and developing business opportunities for the future.

With more than 20 years commercial experience at Director level – both in the UK and in Europe,
Dennis Kentrop (right) has a strong facilities industry background and is well-versed in delivering a range of these support services to hospitals. His knowledge of healthcare, pharmaceutical and other industries – along with business plan development, large-scale change programmes and creating service excellence – will enable him to grow the new company, through innovative approaches, new quality standards and a more dynamic business model.

Speaking about the appointment, Lee Outhwaite, the Royal’s Director of Finance & Contracting comments: “We are delighted that Dennis will join our subsidiary company. As a wholly-owned entity of the Trust we were looking for a Managing Director who could bring a wealth of experience and a new dimension to our venture. With a successful track-record in a number of commercial organisations Dennis will offer the Trust a different perspective from which to provide high-quality support services, at the same time as realising value for money and business potential.”

Dennis will join DSFS this month (July 2019) and is looking forward to leading and developing the company’s strategic direction. “It’s exciting to become part of a subsidiary company that’s owned by the NHS. With greater demand on clinical services than ever-before our support services play an enormous part in patient care and treatment, from electronic appointment systems, to well-maintained clinical equipment and buildings, clean wards and clinics, plus everything else in-between. I want to make sure DSFS offers responsive, high-performing and best value services that underpin patient experience and the Trust’s reputation as a good hospital with first-class services. I am also looking forward to working with DSFS Director colleagues, our Employee Associate Directors and all our staff to create a company that also offers a great place to work, where everyone has an opportunity to develop their career and to contribute to our future plans and proposals.’

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Upgrades to Chesterfield Railway Station included in new rail plan

18th July 2019

An ambitious new plan for the future of the Sheffield City Region’s rail network has been launched by Mayor Dan Jarvis.

The Integrated Rail Plan, has been welcomed by the Department for Transport. It was produced by Sheffield City Region and its local authority partners, supported by organisations including Transport for the North (TfN).

It sets out a vision for how the region will be better connected by both high speed and conventional rail networks into the future – regionally, across the North, and nationally.

The plan recognises that, while the benefits of national investment in HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), should be maximised, there needs to be ongoing, complementary investment in the local and regional rail and road networks. By doing this, the plan can best improve capacity, reliability, affordability, and journey times for communities and businesses across the Sheffield City Region.

Key elements of the plan include a proposed new Barnsley Dearne Valley railway station, with the preferred location on a site in Goldthorpe; the creation of a new Midland Main Line station in Rotherham; an East Coast Main Line railway station at Doncaster Sheffield Airport; extension of the Tram-Train, the upgrade of the Hope Valley Line; and significant upgrades of the railway stations at both Sheffield and Chesterfield, to accommodate HS2 services.

Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “This is a landmark moment for our region. For the first time, Government, regional partners and our local authorities have come together to welcome a vision for the future of our rail services, creating a Plan that will revolutionise rail travel for our communities.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I welcome the integration and improvements plans of routes between Chesterfield and other locations in the north of the country.

“The arrival of HS2 in Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity to improve transport links at our railway station and we are confident that our residents will benefit from these changes.

“This also opens great opportunities for local people in terms of our growing economy, new jobs and the improvement of journey times.

“The plan continues to emphasise the importance of delivering the HS2 Station Master Plan, but there are some other initiatives linked to the Northern Powerhouse investment decision that will help to achieve objectives including further track investment and the proposal of services stopping twice per hour in the borough.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield Borough Council declares a climate change emergency

18th July 2019

A motion was agreed at Chesterfield Borough Council’s full council meeting last night (17 July) to declare a climate change emergency in the borough.

Deputy Leader Councillor Amanda Serjeant proposed the motion in front of councillors, school children and members of the public, emphasising this is an issue the council needs to provide leadership on across the borough.

Twenty students from both Brookfield Community School and Parkside Community School were invited to attend the meeting after voicing their concern about the impact of climate change on our environment.

Councillor Serjeant also responded to questions from members of the public which had been submitted in advance of the meeting.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader Councillor Amanda Serjeant said: “I am delighted that the motion was accepted by my fellow councillors. By declaring a climate emergency in the full council meeting we as a council hope to show leadership in this important issue for our community.

“A working group will be set up including representatives from the council, community and business to establish how we can work together to make a real difference in our community.

“Tackling the effects of climate change is a key priority for the council. Therefore, I proposed the motion which will guide the future direction of the council to reduce its carbon footprint and to help others in Chesterfield work towards reducing their carbon use. I’d like to thank all the members of the public who came to hear the debate.

“Tackling this is very much about everyone making a difference. We can all do our bit as individuals, employees, within local businesses and in the voluntary sector. This way we can have the maximum impact and protect our environment together.”

Posted in About Chesterfield