About Chesterfield

Chesters shortlisted for ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’ award

Chesters, based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, is among the 20 finalists shortlisted for the coveted Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award, as part of the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards.

The 20 shortlisted restaurants will now compete for a place in the final and the chance to take home the enviable title of the ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’. Judges will now make visits to each of the restaurants for mystery dining assessments, which will whittle down the shortlist to decide the placing of the Top 5 and the overall national winner.

Chrisoulla from Chesters told Destination Chesterfield: “It means everything to us. Here at Chesters, we all try so hard as a team to have an establishment to be proud of. It’s equally as important to win local awards, and we have been shortlisted in the Family Friendly Award at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards later this month.”

“This means so much to us because it makes us feel proud to be a part of Chesterfield and thank it’s great people. We will use this as an initial step, and with the backing of our town, we can try to win awards nationally and put Chesterfield on the map.”

Award sponsor Alan Pearce, Field Sales Manager at Goldensheaf, added: “This category rewards businesses committed to providing the highest standard of fish and chip dining experience, coupled what a drive to constantly improve standards and diversify their offering. We congratulate the 20 restaurants in reaching the semi-final and wish them the best of luck in the rest of the competition.”

The winner of the Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 31st anniversary ceremony in London on 24 January 2019.

The winners of the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards will be announced in a glittering awards ceremony Chesterfield College on the 31st October 2018. To see all finalists click here.

Chesters

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Businesses ‘now able to transfer’ apprenticeship levy funds to other organisations and charities

As of April 2018, levy-paying employers are now able to transfer up to 10% of their levy funds to other organisations – giving them extra flexibility in how they use it to help close skills gaps.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency said that employers wishing to transfer a proportion of their annual levy funds will be able to choose who they want to give it to – providing their designated recipient wants to receive it and both parties are registered on the apprenticeship system.

Ashgate Hospicecare is an example of how local charities could benefit hugely as a result. Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides vital hospice care and support to patients and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the Hospice and in the community.

Ali Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This is just one of the amazing ways you or your company can support the Hospice and make a huge difference to the lives of local people in North Derbyshire. If you would like to get in touch just call on 01246 568801 or email: Alison.ward-foster@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.”

Barbara-Anne Walker (right) was appointed as Chief Executive in January 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

CPP secures sale of 90,000 sq ft Chesterfield site

Leading property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has facilitated the off-market sale of an 90,000 sq ft property in Chesterfield on behalf of investment company MCR Property, with Chesterfield Champions Banner Jones Solicitors providing advice on the acquisition.

Situated on a prominent site in Chesterfield Town Centre and home to a myriad of businesses including retailers, a Kwik-Fit, the central Job Centre and 20,000 sq ft of offices, Markham House was acquired by local Chesterfield-based Property Investment Company Lodge Farm Estates for an undisclosed sum in September, representing the single largest transaction in Chesterfield Town Centre for many years.

Plans are now afoot for a full refurbishment of the mixed-use site, which has an annual investment net initial yield of 11.75%, with the new owners looking to bring the building ‘back up to a modern standard’.

Rob Darrington, Partner at CPP, said: “Markham House is situated in a very prominent position in Chesterfield, which is a significant factor in its success attracting such a unique mix of tenants – from retailers, through to office-based businesses and service providers.”

“I’m sure this will be a great addition Lodge Farm Estate’s portfolio due to its size and potential for future development – providing the much needed town centre office accommodation and retail space, which is high in demand – and we were delighted to have facilitated its sale off-market.”

Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor at Banner Jones, commented: “I’m pleased to have advised Lodge Farm Estates on the acquisition of these premises which, once refurbished, will add to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield which is making it an increasingly desirable area for businesses to expand into.”

Commenting on the site acquisition David Tate, Lodge Farm Estates Director, said: “Markham House offers a significant opportunity to Chesterfield Town Centre.”

“It is our intention to refurbish the property and bring it back up to a modern standard to offer good quality, functional space for a variety of uses, well needed by business in the region. The property will offer a variety of accommodation from traditional office suites between 1,000 sq ft – 10,000 sq ft, to self contained small studios suitable for private gym uses, medical purposes or similar.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Shorts launch new website

Chesterfield Champion Shorts is pleased to announce the launch of its brand-new website and updated logo. Over the last 4 years its business has seen growth of 20% pa each and every year.  It is now over twice the size it was in 2014 and it was considered time to update its online presence.

Andy Irvine (right), Shorts’ Managing Partner, who has driven the rebrand process from conception commented: “We are not your average accountancy firm. We wanted our new website to enable visitors not only to find out about our services; but to learn what makes us different, who we are and what really makes us tick.”

“Undertaking a project of this scale has been an extremely challenging yet rewarding process. Working with local brand agency Vivid Creative, we are all delighted and very excited by the results and I am sure that anyone who visits our new website will agree that it offers a great insight into who we are and how we work.”

Shorts was recently selected as a finalist at this year’s British Accountancy awards for Mid-Tier Firm Innovation of the Year.

2018 has already proved to be a successful year for Shorts following a win at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards where Shorts was awarded Advisory Team of the Year and picking up three awards at the Insider Media Dealmaker awards in summer for Emerging Dealmaker of the year, Deal of the Year (up to £2.5m) and National / International Deal of the Year.

Shorts launch new website

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Knight Frank appointed to market 102,515 sq ft unit at Markham Vale

Commercial property agent Knight Frank has been appointed to secure a new occupier for 102,515 sq ft of industrial and distribution facility at Markham Vale, the popular 200-acre industrial park in North Derbyshire.

Knight Frank’s industrial and logistics team are seeking a tenant for the unit which fronts directly onto the M1 motorway at Junction 29a.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank and head of the Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Given the strategic location, immediately adjacent to Junction 29a, the site is easily accessible from the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, with direct connectivity to the M1 and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.

“The location and quality of build has previously attracted major players to this flagship development.”

“This type and size of facility proves popular in the Sheffield City Region and we anticipate good levels of interest in the available unit as the area continues to maintain its position as a distribution hub for the UK.”

Features at the unit include a two bay industrial/distribution facility with 12m clear internal eaves height, LED warehouse lighting, 10 dock level loading doors, four ground level loading doors, sprinkler system, heating to part of the warehouse, fitted office/amenity block including canteen and locker room, and a good sized external yard area and car parking.

The premises also have the benefit of being partly racked and have a multi-tier mezzanine extending to approx 40,953 sq ft (3,805 sq m) arranged over three levels which can be removed if not required.

Markham Vale has proved a success with occupiers including Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilstein, Gist, Meter Provida and Holdsworth Food.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Perez Lifts Carrera Cup ProAm Title

Amigos Team Parker Racing driver Seb Perez rounded off a magnificent debut year in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB by securing the ProAm title at the season finale’ at Brands Hatch last weekend (29th/30th September).

The Chesterfield based race ace chalked up the result on Sunday whilst celebrating his 19th birthday at the Kent race circuit, he took third ProAm in the opener on Sunday morning. His twelfth podium of the season was enough to clinch the title with a race in hand.

Perez overcame a difficult start to the year to take six category victories from the 16 rounds of the series but would need to ensure he retained that form if he was to take the title as the season drew to a close.

Seb’s weekend began with a great qualifying session on Saturday where he would land second ProAm behind his nearest championship rival. However, technical checks revealed an anomaly with the lead Porsche 911 GT3, handing Perez the P1 slot for Sunday’s opening race.

The Carrera Cup drivers were greeted by a bright but chilly morning for the first race of the day on Sunday and Perez knew that he would need to keep as cool if he was to firm up his title chances in race one.

Seventeen laps lay ahead, and a measured approach would be required from Perez, who would drop two places on the opening tour to complete lap one in third ProAm place.

Perez as confident as ever knew that it would be all that was required and with rival Dan Vaughan out of the race in the first handful of laps, he would just need to bring the Amigos Porsche home in a rostrum position.

A mid-race Safety Car didn’t alarm him, taking the chequered flag in third ProAm, sealing the title.

Race two saw Seb placed tenth on the grid, the race was a non entity as the job had been done and he was champion but still in his usual style gave the race all he had got to get a finish.

The season has had its highs and lows for Perez, firstly getting used to a new car was a complete learning curve after his last few years in Ginetta Juniors and last year in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship.

“What an amazing feeling,” said an elated Perez.

“It’s been a really tough season and there were times when I thought it really wasn’t going to be our year, but I worked really hard in turning it around. The results, podiums and wins just kept coming and as long as I kept consistent, I knew I had a decent chance.”

Perez cites the team around him as the vital part in his championship efforts.

“I really do acknowledge how much of an achievement it is to do well in the Carrera Cup. It’s such a tough championship and can be very unpredictable, so to come here in my debut year and be first ProAm and second Rookie to George, well it doesn’t get much better than that. I’m so happy for the team and the guys at Team Parker racing who have been superb all year long and have been a really important part of my progress. A huge thanks must go to my sponsors Amigos who have been behind me all the way. What a year”.

Team-mate George Gamble would also enjoy a successful end to the year by securing sixth place in the in the Pro championship, having already wrapped up the Rookie category at Silverstone earlier this month.

Thanks to the efforts of Perez and Gamble, Amigos Team Parker Racing sealed second place in the Entrants Championship.

Editorial by Paul Horton Motorsport Media and Photography

Images by Paul Horton and Carrera Cup GB/Dan Bathie

Posted in About Chesterfield

Annie aims to inspire with Half Marathon efforts

A keen runner from Derbyshire who has used exercise to ‘push physical and mental boundaries’ following her recovery from mental health issues will be taking on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon in October.

Annie Windley, from Woolley Moor, was diagnosed with a severe eating disorder in 2012, but after five years of hospital admissions, professional treatment and intensive care, decided to take up running to aid her recovery to ‘overcome the demon holding her down’.

And now, six months into training for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon on 21 October – which will be Annie’s first-ever endurance event – she is looking to inspire others while also raising money for local charity Ashgate Hospicecare, the Half Marathon’s main charity partner, after being told of the charity’s work by a neighbour.

Annie said: “I’ve always had a passion for running and I like to say that my running shoes are really ‘erasers’ – every step erases some past failure. Every mile brings us closer to a new slate.”

“Each foot striking the ground runs away a word, a look or even an event which led us to falsely believe that success was beyond our grasp.”

The 21-year-old has dedicated up to four hours a day training for the 13.1-mile event – running up to 20km at times and regularly visiting the gym – and has also refused to let a niggling knee injury rule her out.

“It’s important that when you feel like you cannot go another step, that’s when you give it everything you’ve got,” said Annie.

“I believe that everyone has the ability to turn their pain into power, and for some extra motivation to try a new challenge.”

“My boyfriend Steve has been extremely supportive of me and encourages me to pursue my dreams while also motivating me, lifting my spirits and believing in my strength to reach new heights.”

Beth Cole, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “What Annie is doing is simply inspirational.”

“It’s well documented these days that running and exercise can have such a positive impact on a person’s mental health as well as physical fitness, and Annie’s story further underlines the important role physical activity plays on improving a person’s wellbeing.”

“It’s also fantastic to hear that Annie is fundraising for Ashgate Hospicecare. We’re proud to be the main charity partner of the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, providing care to patients across North Derbyshire at our hospice and in the community.”

The deadline to sign up for any of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon races is midnight on Sunday 7th October. For more information and to sign up please click here.

Annie windley Chesterfield Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s BRM Solicitors advise in £110m development

Chesterfield law firm BRM Solicitors has acted in a £110m mixed use shopping centre and 174 residential unit development built in Acton, London.

Acton town centre is currently undergoing a wholescale regeneration, with the development due for completion in 2019 including the creation of 11 new retail units, a gym and 174 residential apartments.

BRM having previously secured retail pre-lets with M&S Simply Food, Wilko, Iceland, The Gym Limited and Lidl and the 2016 £69.5m residential development sale to a charitable housing association, this month completed the £41.5m retail shopping centre sale.

BRM advised land owner and developer over the course of site preparation, redevelopment, marketing, funding and sale.

Piers Slater of developer Reef Group stated:

“We are excited to see the mixed use regeneration taking shape with completion due next year, providing retail and leisure facilities for Acton.”

“BRM gave clear and pro-active legal advice in this complex transaction, innovatively reacting to and blending the requirements of multiple funders, and driving the transaction throughout.”

The deal saw BRM continuing to compete at a national level based on its level of service, and the high standards of staff and resources found locally.

BRM continues to advise as the development concludes over the next six months.

Adrian Sheehan led the legal team, supported by Sanjeev Batra, Alastair Reid (all Commercial Property) and Sarah Rowland (Corporate).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield athletes celebrated at Derbyshire Institute of Sport dinner

Celebrate the success of athletes from Chesterfield and across the rest of Derbyshire with the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) at their Annual Celebration Dinner.

Toni Minichieollo, coach of Jess Ennis-Hill and Chesterfield’s DIS alumni Alicia Barrett, will be the guest speaker. The dinner will be hosted by Craig Heap – Commonwealth Games gymnast.

20 year-old hurdler Alicia Barrett is from Newbold and is part of Chesterfield and District Athletic Club and will be attending the event. Alicia won gold in the 100m hurdles at the England Athletics U20 / U23 Championships. She was then selected to represent GB Juniors at the World Junior Championships in Poland where she reached the final and came close to breaking the British Record. Since then, Alicia has competed in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the IAAF World Championships 2017 and was a finalist in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Chesterfield’s Liam Pitchford is also a member of Derbyshire Institute of Sport, despite often being abroad for training or competing. Liam has represented Team GB at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 and  Olympic Games. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he picked up team and mixed doubles silver and men’s singles bronze, having won silver and bronze four years previously in Delhi. Gold Coast 2018 was Liam Pitchford’s third Commonwealth Games. He won gold in the men’s doubles, silver in the mixed doubles and bronze in the men’s team. As of September 2018, Liam is ranked number 31 worldwide.

The Annual Celebration and Fundraising Dinner is the main event of the year for Derbyshire Institute of Sport and aims to raise funds for the programme that supports talented athletes from Derbyshire to achieve their sporting dreams on the global stage at World Class level. As a Community Interest Company the Derbyshire Institute of Sport needs to generate income in order to fund the services, which are free to athletes. During the dinner there will be a raffle, sports quiz, photo booth and other surprises to make for an entertaining evening.

The dinner will be held at The Wardwick (formerly the Central Library) in Derby on Thursday 26 October 2018 from 6.45pm to 11.30pm.  This will be the first event held at this new venue.

For tickets or more information regarding the event including sponsorship and corporate packages please contact Adi Fawcett, Head of Fundraising & Partnerships on adifawcett@derbyshireis.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Expansion for Banner Jones’ Chesterfield Family Law team

Leading Derbyshire law firm and Chesterfield Champion Banner Jones has expanded its Family Law team with the appointment of Solicitor, Adam Kidd, to its Chesterfield office.

Adam joins the team having completed his LPC at the University of Law in 2014 after which he entered into a training contract at Whitby-based Colin Brown & Kidson, before being appointed to the role of Associate Solicitor at the firm where he was based for four years.

Joining Banner Jones’ growing Family Law division, he specialises in supporting families following the breakdown of relationships, as well as overseeing the care proceedings for children.

Adam has a demonstrated history of working in both civil litigation and all aspects of private family work, undertaking advocacy in both county court and magistrates.

Kelly Parks, Head of Family Law at Banner Jones, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Adam on-board and have no doubt that, as a result of his experience dealing with divorce and judicial separation as well as dissolution of civil partnerships, he will be a great asset to the team.

“His appointment is indicative of our ongoing commitment to deliver an outstanding service to our clients as demand continues to grow across all of our divisions.”

Commenting on his appointment, Adam added: “Joining the firm is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing family team in an award winning, ambitious and progressive law firm”.

Banner Jones

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

More than 10,000 turn out for Derbyshire’s largest careers event

More than 10,000 people visited the Derbyshire Skills Festival – the largest careers event in the county. The event is organised by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council and is aimed at students aged 13 to 19, particularly those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school.

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People attended the festival and said: “It has been a fantastic festival again this year and it was great to meet so many enthusiastic young people eager to learn more about their career options.”

“More than 10,000 visitors attended the festival over three very busy days in Chesterfield and Derby.”

“Deciding which path to take after school is a really big decision and the festival is a place where young people can explore lots of different routes and get all the information they need under one roof.”

This year’s Derbyshire Skills Festival included three events, two of which were held in Derby at the Pride Park Stadium and the other event was held in Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium.

Councillor Dale added: “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who attended and to the exhibitors, staff and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication to making the events such a success.”

YOUTHINC careers advisors were on hand to speak to young people about the options open to them. There were also a number of ‘have-a-go’ sessions to try out a new skill in engineering, media, hair and beauty and much more.

Students can find out more about what their options are after leaving school by visiting the national careers service website.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town