Author: Dom Stevens

‘Step Up’ programme a huge success at Vicar Lane

29th July 2019

This month, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield has been working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education (DACES), who work on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, to run an education programme for young adults in Chesterfield.

The programme called ‘Step Up’ is aimed at 16 year olds with no fixed destination for further education, such as a college place or apprenticeship.

Vicar Lane has been working with organisers on an ‘employer challenge’ within the programme, whereby the young people were set the task of developing creative solutions for the utilisation of vacant units within the centre. An initial briefing was held at the centre on 4th July, when the young people visited the centre, explored the empty units, began work on their initial ideas and met with existing retailers to gain insight into life at the centre.

On Wednesday 24^th July the young people presented their proposals to organisers and the team at Vicar Lane, with huge success. All presentations given on the day were of an incredibly high standard, with participants having carried out market research and SWOT analysis for them to develop their proposals and reach their conclusions.

Three standout presentations included a proposal for a bespoke made to measure underwear retailer, an American 50s style diner and a vegan café / restaurant / store.

All participants were really excited about undertaking the project and this shone through in the presentation. This also helped with self-confidence, speaking and explaining their ideas to an unfamiliar adult. With this they demonstrated increased self-belief and passion for their ideas.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled at the success of this programme and the positive impact that it’s had on the young people involved. We’re proud to support such worthwhile initiatives in the Chesterfield community that help young people and broaden their prospects and improve their self-belief.”

Each participant was given a £20 River Island gift card by Vicar Lane for taking part.

Following the success of this programme, Vicar Lane has been asked to get involved with another 2 groups, so watch this space for further details.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Manufacturing

New car park to open to the public

29th July 2019

A new multi-storey car park has been developed in the heart of Chesterfield and will be open and ready to be used by residents and visitors to the town tomorrow (30 July 2019).

The Saltergate car park is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and is located on Saltergate close to local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

With 526 spaces, the new car park is open 24 hours and has wider spaces than the previous car park it replaces.

It also has six electric vehicle charging points initially installed but there will be the capacity for an additional 10 as required if demand increases (16 in total).

There are also 32 disabled spaces and 15 parent and child spaces available.

Access to the new multi storey car park is controlled by barriers at both the entrance and exits, with drivers collecting a ticket on their way in to the car park. This ticket will then be needed to come through the pedestrian entrances.

The car park is un-manned but has CCTV running throughout and an attendant can be contacted by pressing the call button on the payment machine if users lose their ticket for example.

Works on the car park have been carried out in a timely fashion and on budget, with this development being part of the Northern Gateway development which includes the privately-led Elder Way scheme, home to the new Premier Inn hotel, the Council’s new enterprise centre and street improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate.

Councillor (Cllr) Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “I am delighted that the car park is now open and ready for people to use. This secure car park is open 24 hours a day, all year round so I am sure it will serve shoppers, those staying at the new Premier Inn hotel on Elder Way and commuters.”

“Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to serving and supporting communities by investing in new facilities such as this to make the town a great place to live and visit. It’s a priority to make Chesterfield a thriving borough. This is the latest regeneration project that is helping to develop the town centre and I’m confident it will be well-used for years to come.”

“With the number of electric vehicles on our roads rising, we made it a priority to have six charging points available at Saltergate, with this number rising to 16 depending on the demand”.

The Northern Gateway Scheme has been funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Giving a boost to Barrow Hill Bikes

29th July 2019

Bikes that might have been destined for landfill are back on the road with help from one of Derbyshire County Council’s Action Grants.

The Barrow Hill Community Trust was awarded £9,855 to help set up Barrow Hill Bikes, a cycle workshop where unwanted bikes are rebuilt by volunteers and sold at an affordable price. There was an ideal venue for the workshop – the local Memorial Hall – which had fallen into disrepair and the trust is gradually building it back up into a multi-use community space.

The cycle workshop opened in early 2019 with 2 trained cycle mechanics and a youth worker employed to work with young people. At least 12 youngsters get involved in the weekly sessions learning the skills to repair bikes. Sometimes they are fixing their own bikes and at other times they mend bikes that have been donated to the project by local residents, rather than being thrown out.

Jonathan Symons, lead project co-ordinator for Barrow Hill Bikes, said:

“The bike workshop is a real success. The youngsters thrive on learning to fix bikes and every week we see their confidence grow.

“It’s great practical experience and we’re teaching them business skills as well. Some of them are hoping to go on and do further training in mechanics – including at degree level. I am very proud of what we’re achieving.

“The Action Grant has been crucial in this project as it has funded experienced teachers and some of the materials needed. Applying for the money was straightforward and we got a decision within a few weeks.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said:

“I have seen this project in action and it’s inspiring – an excellent use of their Action Grant.

“Our enterprising approach with these grants is empowering local communities to set up projects like these with our support. I wish the group every success and hope their story encourages other groups to set up similar projects.”

The Action Grants scheme supports community groups across Derbyshire with their activities. There are 2,000 grants of up to £500 to help groups fund projects and events which will benefit their local communities. There are also some larger grants of £5,000 and £10,000 for new projects which offer long-term benefits for local people and promote two or more of the Action Grant themes. Derbyshire County Council have awarded Action Grants totalling £375,000 to 462 groups across Derbyshire in the first 4 rounds of the scheme since it launched in May 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Life’s a Beach at Vicar Lane

26th July 2019

Summer may mean sun, sea and sand for some, but for the many that are not going to make it to the coast to feel the sand between their toes this summer, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has got the perfect solution.

Once again, the centre will be making their very own beach, so that customers can come and enjoy some seaside fun – with 20% of all proceeds going to charity.

From 7th – 17th August 2019, customers are invited to kit the kids out with a bucket and spade and sink their toes into the centre’s giant sandpit, while the little ones create the monster of all sandcastles. There will be the chance to treat them to a ride on the teacups, challenge them to a game of hook-a-duck and spoil them with mouth-watering sweet treats – because we all do like to be beside the seaside!

Ashgate Hospicecare is Vicar Lane’s chosen charity this summer and 20% of all proceeds of your summer fun at the Vicar Lane beach, will go towards helping those affected by life-limiting illness, to live a more comfortable life through hospice care and a range of therapy and support services.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “It can be quite a challenge for parents and carers of young children, to keep them entertained for the entire 6 week break, so we wanted to provide something to give them a little helping hand with the added bonus of giving a little something to such a worthwhile cause.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Reserved Matters planning approval granted for office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

25th July 2019

Only weeks after the green light was given for the construction of 173 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside, permission has been granted to deliver 32,000 sq ft of high quality, grade ‘A’ office accommodation together with ground floor retail space of 5,286 sq ft at the £340million development.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building which represents the first step in delivering Phase 1 of the Basin Square neighbourhood at Chesterfield Waterside.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the new office building is the first grade A office building to be delivered in Chesterfield for some time and will provide much needed ‘grade A’ office accommodation for the towns businesses. The sites location adjacent to Chesterfield town centre will enable occupiers to benefit from the full range of services that the Town can offer. The site is also situated adjacent to Chesterfield train station and benefits from excellent access to the A61, providing an attractive location to businesses throughout the region.

Developer of the Waterside site, Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc, is already engaged in commercial negotiations with occupiers for the majority of the space within the new building.

When complete, the first phase of the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of residential apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the newly constructed canal basin. Bolsterstone reports significant interest from both investors and occupiers in all aspects of Phase 1 of Basin Square and hopes to be in a position to make further exciting announcements shortly.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Waterside continues to move forward apace. The granting of reserved matters planning approval for the office building at Basin Square is another major milestone for the development and also Chesterfield’s business community, as the local property market is currently lacking in the supply of high quality, large floorplate office space. It is an exciting stage in the development’s timeline.”

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside is a substantial development for the borough with business, retail and resident elements.”

“I’m really pleased to see the development move a step forward with the reserved matters approved for the high-quality office accommodation at Basin Square and look forward to work beginning on site.”

“With its central location and excellent transport links, Chesterfield is a great location for business and we have a proven track record of growing local businesses and for existing businesses locating here and this will complement the current business accommodation in the borough.”

The scheme is making significant progress in 2019 with Avant Homes beginning the construction of 173 two, three and four-bedroom homes at the site. Named Waterside Quarter, Avant Homes’ £36 million development will form part of The Park character area of Chesterfield Waterside and will be the company’s largest site in the Chesterfield area to date.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

For further information about office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside visit www.chesterfieldwaterside.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Vicar Lane’s Doggy Day Was a Bone-a-fide Hit!

25th July 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is like a dog with two tails following the success of their event, which was dedicated to the furry four-legged friends in our lives, from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 20^th July.

Vicar Lane invited customers to come along with their canine friends to enjoy a variety of activities plus free treats (for the good girls and boys).

During ‘Yappy Hour’ our furry friends enjoyed free dog treats and bottomless water from the drinking stations, while their humans enjoyed a free mocktail* (*while stocks lasted).

There was also the opportunity for customers to ‘strut their mutt’ around the centre’s mini agility course, which included a series of play jumps, seesaws, tunnels and slaloms. With rosettes for star performers and dog treats in abundance for all!

The centre’s pawfect event assistants were on hand to ensure that all four and two-legged guests had a wag-tastic time – and that, they did!

The event saw a steady stream of visitors with their four legged friends pop in to enjoy the day with customer feedback including:

“We heard about this event through Facebook and stayed all day, it was excellent!”

‘’We spent a good few hours at the event, watching all the dogs and taking part, there was nothing they could have done better.”

“We saw this as we were waking past and only stayed for ten minutes, it was great and there were some really funny dogs.”

“Loved the day, we saw our dog Princess included and liked seeing all the other dogs.’’

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re absolutely thrilled at the success and popularity of this event. We’ve become increasingly aware of the number of dog-lovers throughout the town, so it was great to host an event, especially for them!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

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