About Chesterfield

Funds raised for Alzheimer’s Society on Ernie Moss Day

15th August 2017

Valuable funds will be raised for the Alzheimer’s Society at Saturday’s game between Chesterfield and Port Vale when the Spireites stage a second ‘Ernie Moss Day’ to honour the legendary former striker, who is suffering from a form of dementia.

Ernie, who also played for Port Vale in a career which saw him score 245 goals in 749 league appearances, will be introduced to the crowd before kick-off and fans will be encouraged to applaud after eight minutes in recognition of his old shirt number.

Hospitality guests in the SBK Computers Spires Restaurant – including Ernie and members of his family – will be treated to a menu of Ernie’s favourite food while Brampton Brewery’s special ‘Ernie 8’ ale will be on sale on the day. The matchday programme will include a number of tributes to Ernie, together with a photo montage on the cover.

T-shirts featuring a ‘Badly Drawn Spires’ image of Ernie on the front and ‘8’ on the back will be available to buy from the Club Superstore, priced at £10. Fans will also be able to buy limited edition blue and white wristbands inscribed with ‘Ernie Moss Day 2017’, again sold in the Club Superstore, for a minimum donation of £1. Money raised from the sales, together with a collection on the day, will go to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Ashley Carson, Director & company secretary at Chesterfield Football Club, said:-

“Ernie’s goalscoring exploits have quite rightly made him one of the most popular players in the history of the club. Fans talk fondly of watching him in action and he is fully deserving of his legendary status.

“Dementia is a cruel disease and it is heartbreaking to see someone like Ernie suffer in this way. Our staff have received training to learn how to deal with people who are affected by dementia and we will do all that we can to help promote awareness of the disease and raise funds for charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society.”

Now 67, Ernie is Chesterfield’s record goalscorer, scoring a total of 191 goals over three spells with the club. He netted 23 times for Port Vale in 74 appearances.

After his playing career came to an end, he managed various non-league clubs including Gainsborough Trinity, Leek Town and Matlock Town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

City region’s Growth Hub smashes business support targets

15th August 2017

Figures released today show that in its first year the Growth Hub team at Sheffield City Region smashed its own targets for business support many times over.

By the end of April this year the Growth Hub – the region’s central point for all business support – and its spokes of specialist advisors had worked with 4122 businesses. The target was 500.

And the region’s businesses are pleased: the feedback is that they are getting ‘excellent’ support and the Growth Hub has been awarded a satisfaction rating of 89% across the three different levels of help – light, medium and high.

The bulk of inquiries over the year have been about help to grow businesses and finance, while help with skills training, starting a new business, and innovation were roughly equally in demand.

David Grimes, Head of the Growth Hub, said:-

“This is a very pleasing set of figures. The Growth Hub and its partners have been working extremely hard to help create growth and jobs across the region, and I am delighted that so many people have taken advantage of our services.

“This demonstrates that there is a huge appetite for businesses to grow and create jobs and prosperity across the region.

“Enterprise has always been at the heart of what we do in this region. It’s a tribute to the hard work ethos here which is helping to attract, retain and develop skills in the region which are so important for sustainable growth.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

‘Find Your 10 Minutes’ with the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge this September

15th August 2017

Throughout September the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge will be encouraging workplaces across the county to kick-start their autumn by getting active.

The summer break can be a time when good habits slip, and so the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge will be supporting people to get back into activity with its new campaign ‘Find Your 10 Minutes’.

Public Health England recommend that adults should aim for 10 minute (or more) bouts of activity to help build up to the overall goal of 150 minutes each week.

September is a month to make the most of the last of the year’s better weather, and so we are encouraging people to get up and about before, during and after work – wherever they can find ten minutes throughout the day.

Rachael Dyer, Sport Development Officer at Derbyshire Sport, which runs the challenge, said:-

“For many people, finding the time to be active can seem difficult. But building ten-minute blocks of activity into their day, whenever they can, can start to build up and really make a difference -whether it be a ten-minute walk to work, a lunch time jog or swim or a quick bike ride after work.”

The challenge will work in much the same way as previous challenges, with participants logging activity to earn points and work their way up the leaderboard – with a host of prizes on offer. Various activities can be logged to gain points, including walking (10 minutes = 35 points), cycling (10 minutes = 80 points) and gardening (10 minutes = 20 points).

Participants are also encouraged to share their photos of how they are getting active by using the hashtag #FindYour10Mins

New participants can sign up for the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge for free by visiting www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

The ‘Find Your 10 Minutes’ challenge will run from Friday, September 1 to Saturday, September 30, with a number of prizes on offer throughout. All participants need to do to be in with a chance of winning is log their activity a minimum of three times during the month.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Heritage Lottery Fund Chairman to lead Barrow Hill Roundhouse re-launch celebrations

14th August 2017

Sir Peter Luff, Chairman to the Board of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund will visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse on Thursday 21^st September 2017 to view the comprehensive National Lottery-funded restoration and officially open the new entrance building at the unique Midland Railway roundhouse.

The celebrations to mark the completion of the £1.2 million restoration, made possible by National Lottery players, will continue as the Grand Reopening Gala commences on Friday 22^nd September, continuing on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th September.

The gala will star two icons of steam, the National Railway Museum’s A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman” and A1 60163 “Tornado”. This will be the first visit to the Roundhouse by “Flying Scotsman” since a Barrow Hill Roundhouse Open Day in 1974.

It will also be the first opportunity for many to get up close to the locomotive alongside her sister East Coast racehorse, the 100mph “Tornado” – recently the subject of a BBC4 documentary – against the unique and authentic backdrop of the Roundhouse.

Tickets are now also on sale for “Down the Line”, a professionally produced play commissioned as part of the celebratory events to mark the reopening of Barrow Hill Roundhouse and supported by The Arts Council.

The show will involve a cast of professional actors and hundreds of local people, including a community choir and Ireland Colliery Chesterfield Brass Band. The audience will be an integral part of the play as they follow the drama in and around the Roundhouse building. The Roundhouse team is delighted to announce that the play will include a guest appearance by “Flying Scotsman”.

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said:-

“We are very honoured that Sir Peter Luff has agreed to open the new extension building and lead our celebrations. We are looking forward to welcoming him to our unique Roundhouse and showing much we appreciate the financial assistance the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us.”

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:-

“As the last surviving operational roundhouse, Barrow Hill has a unique role in telling the evocative story of the UK’s dazzling railway heritage. There’s no better way to learn about this history than getting up close to the buildings and locomotives that survive from that time, and that combination is what makes this place so special. That’s why I’m really excited to open the new extension, and see the finished restoration, all made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Familiar face returns to Conference & Banqueting department at the Proact

10th August 2017

Another familiar face is returning to the conference & banqueting department at the Proact Stadium with Jack Winfield rejoining the club as duty manager.

The lifelong Spireites fan will also be involved in business development as part of his new role.

The restructuring of the conference & banqueting department will also see the return of Paul Watts on a part-time basis.

Winfield, who will take up his new position next Monday, said:- “I’m thrilled to be coming back as the football club is in my blood.

“I worked well with Paul Watts during my previous time here and I’m looking forward to being part of a new team.”

The Proact have recently been announced as a finalist in Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards in the Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year category sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Have your say on skills shortages to help shape skills training budgets going forward

10th August 2017

As employers everywhere worry about finding skilled staff, a ground-breaking initiative by the Sheffield City Region (SCR) is being launched to find out exactly what business needs.

In one of the most in-depth surveys into skills gaps and hard-to-fill vacancies, hundreds of business leaders across the region’s key industrial sectors are being approached to complete a brief survey. It will take less than 5 minutes to provide the details the region needs to provide the right skills, and help employers to fill jobs. Anyone else in business who is interested is encouraged to complete the survey at http://bit.ly/SCRskills.

The survey will be open to business leaders from the construction, manufacturing, business, professional, financial and digital sectors. Running alongside it will be a series of round table discussions throughout the region with key influencers and decision makers.

The findings, which will be known by September, will allow the SCR to make well-informed decisions about adult education and skills training to help boost growth and jobs across the economy.

Nigel Brewster, Vice Chair of the SCR’s Local Enterprise Partnership, said:-

“We know we in the Sheffield City Region, along with many areas of the UK, face a skills shortage. Here in this region we are already tackling those issues. We also provide funding for business training which can be designed by the employer.

“However, we need much more detailed information from employers so that we can really provide first class access to skills training. We want to know if there is a link between certain missing skills – perhaps technical and social skills for example.

“We just need a few minutes of employers’ time to fill in the survey – job hunters and unsuccessful applicants are also being asked what holds them back.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield College invite local organisations to say a ‘big hello’ to new students

9th August 2017

Chesterfield College are inviting local organisations to say a ‘ big hello ’ at a special event taking place on Monday 18th September.

Designed to highlight the opportunities available to young people in the area, the entire Infirmary Road campus will be transformed into a festival venue for the afternoon and will feature live music, free food, entertainment and competitions for students to get involved in.

Faye Ellis, Events Officer at Chesterfield College, said:-

“There will be around 3,000 new students joining us in September and our Big Hello festival is designed to welcome them in style, giving them a taste of what is on offer for them as a student in college and around the local area. It is a great opportunity to promote the products and services your business or organisation offers. So if you run a club students may be interested in joining, a place for students to eat or hang out, or even an organisation looking for student volunteers, we’d love to hear from you.

“Both local independent businesses and national chains based in and around Chesterfield are welcome to be part of the festival. You can book a free stand for the afternoon or if you offer prizes, freebies or vouchers.”

Local businesses and organisations that want to be part of the festival can contact Faye Ellis on 01246 500500 ext 1580 or ellisf@chesterfield.ac.uk for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s first botanical gin room to feature in new Italian restaurant

8th August 2017

Chesterfield’s first botanical gin room is set to feature in a new Italian restaurant for the town, Cipollini Ristorante Italiano.

The new restaurant, which specialises in homely traditional Italian cuisine, is set to offer a new experience in the already booming Chesterfield Food and Drink scene.

The restaurant will be situated on the mezzanine above the The All Saints Tap – a new food, drink and live sports venue, specialising in craft beers, cocktails, artisan burgers and pizzas which opened its doors last weekend.

A spokesperson from Cipollini said:-

“Our concept is simple, we’re not messing about with the classic recipes and ingredients that’s been served in Italy for century’s – no twists, nothing but fine Italian food done right by our chef Fabrizio.

“We pride ourselves on staying true to our Italian roots and recipes, and serving them with a smile.

“Our Gin room will be open at weekends for pre meal drinks and available to hire out for celebrations with your own bar tender and music of your choice.”

With a focus on the Italian tradition of families dining together, the restaurant are offering all children under 12 to dine for free at all times. Every Sunday they will also be offering half price pizza and pasta between 12pm-8pm.

The prominent building on St Mary Gate now home to The All Saints Tap was previously occupied by York House, in the buzzing and vibrant Real Ale Quarter just 50 yards away from the famous Crooked Spire.

The restaurant joins an number of new businesses that have recently opened in the town over the last year – including Odyssey, Spire by Stephenson’s and Bottle and Thyme – who are nominated in the Best Newcomer category at this years Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Free help and support available for small businesses in Derbyshire

7th August 2017

Small businesses looking to expand are being offered help and assistance through a free business health check from the D2 Business Advisory Growth Service.

Derbyshire County Council have contributed £36,000 towards the project to help small Derbyshire-based businesses to reach their full potential and a further £36,000 has also been contributed from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The free business health check will:

look at where your business is now and where you want it to be
identify the areas where your business could benefit from additional help and support
identify what you need to do to achieve your goals
help you apply for grants that are available to businesses across Derbyshire

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

“We’re pleased to help fund projects that give small Derbyshire businesses the step-up they need to grow and develop.

“Small businesses play a vital role in boosting Derbyshire’s economy through supplying to other local, national and international companies, bringing in business to the county and employing local people.

“If you’re a small business looking to expand or have just started trading and want to progress to the next stage, don’t miss out on your business health check − it could be a great benefit to you and your company and it’s free.”

The D2 Business Advisory Growth Service is run on behalf of D2N2 − the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

For more information about business support for Chesterfield business please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

More space at Markham for small businesses

7th August 2017

Thirteen new modern units for small to medium-sized businesses have been built at the Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Development’s flagship regeneration site Markham Vale.

The units, ranging in size from 1,200 to 3,050 sq. ft, are available to purchase or lease and have been built by Barnsley-based property developer Priority Space in partnership with the Hunt Group.

An online campaign was launched by the company to name the new development and the winning entry was Wilson Business Park in memory of Johnny Wilson who lost his life while working on site as a miner in the former Markham Colliery in 1987.

The name was submitted by local Derbyshire resident Andy Carroll − Johnny’s friend and colleague.

Lee Buchanan, Director at Priority Space, said:

“We are delighted to have brought forward a new modern industrial scheme at Markham Vale and are extremely happy with the level of enquires that we are receiving. There will be an open day on the morning of the 5 and 6 September for people who would like to view the new units.”

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

“We’re delighted to welcome these new units to Markham Vale. They offer a great space for small to medium-sized businesses looking to either expand or start-up and have fantastic transport links being located just off junction 29A of the M1 motorway.

He added:-

“It’s an exciting time at Markham Vale − the site is now home to 42 businesses and more than 1,000 new jobs have been created so far. And we look forward to welcoming even more businesses over the next few months to join Markham’s thriving business community.”

Businesses interested in the new units can contact Stuart Waite from CPP Commercial Property Partners for more information by emailing stuart@cppartners.co.uk or by calling 0115 8966611.

Anthony Clitheroe from Henry Boot Developments − Derbyshire County Councils’ private sector property partner – said:-

“We are delighted to see the Wilson Business Park open for business and look forward to welcoming new businesses to Markham Vale in the near future.”

Scunthorpe-based construction firm Britcon (UK) Limited built the units on behalf of Priority Space and the Hunt Group.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Craft beer and sports bar to open in Chesterfield

3rd August 2017

A new food, drink and live sports venue, specialising in craft beers, cocktails, artisan burgers and pizzas, is set to open in Chesterfield this weekend.

The All Saints Tap, based on St Mary’s Gate will open officially at 7.00pm on Friday 4th August.

A spokesperson from the All Saints Tap said: “Our concept has already proven to be extremely popular in some of most innovative cities across the UK, and we’re pleased to bring it to Chesterfield.

“Our vision is simple. We want to create somewhere that has a leading selection of the top craft beers the world has to offer, great food and exceptional service.”

“We will combine a number of the world’s most popular beers and carefully created cocktails with artisan burgers and pizzas. As well as all of this, we want to give you somewhere to watch your favourite live sports events on the big screen in a lively, social and laidback atmosphere.

“Plain and simple, we want to give you and your friends an unrivalled experience that you can shout about. No nonsense, just great food, drink and sport.”

The prominent building on St Mary Gate now home to The All Saints Tap was previously occupied by York House.

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