About Chesterfield

Chesterfield is the perfect blend for Ringtons tea

Ringtons tea is moving to Chesterfield following its purchase of two industrial units on Dunston Trading Estate, Sheepbridge.

The move signifies the merging of two of the company’s existing regional sales offices – Nottingham andSouth Yorkshire– to create one centralised 2,400 sq ft base.  The new site will be home to 24 employees and will contain modern office space, storage solutions, loading areas, meeting rooms and training facilities.  In addition the move will create four new jobs.

Ringtons is a British tea and coffee merchant which was established in 1907 by Samuel Smith who sold tea door to door via horse and cart.  Today the family business still offers a traditional doorstep delivery service to over 260,000 customers throughout the UK albeit via vans instead of horse and cart.

Ringtons’ new Chesterfield office is one of the company’s 20 sales offices based throughout the UK from which its doorstep delivery service is operated.  Sales offices are as far north as Edinburgh and as far south as East Anglia. The relocation to Chesterfield will allow Ringtons Salespeople to bring its selection of quality tea, coffee, biscuits, edibles and seasonal specials to the doorsteps of a greater number of customers from this key location.

Stephen Killinger Ringtons Operations Manager who oversaw the Ringtons move said: “We chose Chesterfield as it is a great central location which is close to the M1, allowing us to continue to offer first class service to our existing customers and reach an even wider area including Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham, Rotherham, and Burton on Trent.  Merging the two Sales Offices allows us to operate more efficiently from one single site and upgrade from the two former sites which were in need of substantial repair.

“The units themselves on Dunston Trading estate are currently undergoing a refurb and we look forward to merging both our offices there at the end of March.  The site itself is going to allow for greater access to the surrounding area, make incoming deliveries easier and we also hope to bring business to our neighbours which include local caterers, car garages and maintenance providers.  It’s an exciting move for Ringtons and we look forward to filling our four vacancies from our new hub.

The Council’s Economic Development Unit assisted the company to find the right business premises.  CouncillorJohn Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “We are always pleased to see new businesses opening in the borough. I am pleased that Ringtons Tea has chosen Chesterfield for their new base – they could not have chosen better,Chesterfield is on the up and our transport links both regionally and nationally are second to none.”

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Top of the shops for Chesterfield as inaugural Retail Awards launched

Chesterfield’s shoppers are being called on to get behind the town’s first ever retail awards and nominate their favourite high street chain stores and independent retailers.

Launched by Destination Chesterfield, the inaugural awards capitalise on the town’s success as one of the UK’s top 10 best performing centres with the least vacant shops. The awards aim to seek out, recognise, celebrate and promote Chesterfield’s retailers, as well as highlighting their commitment and importance to the town and the local economy.

Nominations for Chesterfield’s best loved shops and stores are open until the 30th April. Nominated retailers will then be shortlisted and judged by an expert panel, with the winners being announced at the Chesterfield Retail Awards being held at the Assembly Rooms on 18th June.

The awards are open to all retailers within the Chesterfield borough and there are 15 categories in total recognising everything that is great about the town’s shops and stores – from great customer service to disabled access.

Andrew Everitt of Jumble Design, who has sponsored the Independent of the Year category, said:

“Chesterfield has a thriving retail economy which is envied nationally. Where other town centres are faced with high vacancy rates, Chesterfield is bucking the trend and attracting high street names as well as independent retailers giving us an excellent mix of shops, helping us attract visitors to our town and investors to the area who are keen to capitalise on our retail success.

“The Chesterfield Retail Awards now give everyone the chance to recognise good service and retail and business practise in our town and Jumble Design is delighted to be associated with them.”

Making a nomination is free and forms are available from 1st April at retailers throughout the town. Nomination can also be made online now atwww.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards and you can keep up to date on Twitter with the hashtag #retailawards14

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available. If you wish to get involved and sponsor a category or the awards event, please contact Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield on 01246 207207.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield

Route confirmed for Chesterfield Marathon

Organisers have officially confirmed the 26-mile route for the Chesterfield Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, September 14, in aid of children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK, along with other local charities and good causes.

The Chesterfield Marathon, which is set to be one Chesterfield’s biggest mass participation events in more than 30 years, will begin and finish at Queen’s Park in the town centre, while taking in most of Chesterfield and surrounding area.

Runners will head through the town centre onto the A617, before looping around Williamthorpe Ponds on to the B6039, towards the A632 and then the A61 heading for The Casa Hotel towards Sheffield Road where the half marathon will finish.

From there the route heads towards Whittington Moor and near to Cobnar Wood before turning around towards Newbold and the B6150, through Ashgate onto the Old Road and back into Queens Park.

Runners can take part in a full marathon, half marathon and a relay race, where four competitors take a share of the course.  There will also be a fun run for parents, children and anyone wanting to take part in shorter distances up to two miles around the town centre. Fancy dress is welcome!

More than 1,000 people are expected to take part with entries now open for all events.

In addition to the running events there will be a fun fair, Blackpool Children’s Circus, human statues, children’s entertainers and street entertainment, plus market stalls, food and beer tents, live music and a firework display in Queen’s Park for all members of the public to enjoy.

Mike Hyman from Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK is one of the race founders. He said:

“We want the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon to be open to all ages and abilities. This is why we have arranged a series of races at varying distances to accommodate as many people as possible.

“The event will stimulate the economy in Chesterfield and will be an annual event where we are able to generate the foundations to support the growth of Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK – helping more children and their families plus local charities and good causes.”

Chesterfield based children’s cancer charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK was founded by Mike and June Hyman.  The charity has helped more than 65 families in three years, specialising in securing Proton Therapy treatment for children with different forms of cancer and at the same time helping and funding living and accommodation for patients who receive government funding for their treatment.

Proton Therapy is currently unavailable in the UK, but plans are now in place to establish new facilities in London and Manchester within the next six years to provide the treatment.

Sponsors and supporters of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon 2014 include Utopia Tableware, Casa Hotel, Natwest, BRM Solicitors, Stopfords Accountants, Spire Marquees, Forever Living, Peak FM, Modiri Chartered Accountants, Caldic, One Health Sharks, Red Butterfly, Klasse Spa, Holywell Healthcare, MLS, Traffic Management Services (Retford) Limited and MK.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Police, Destination Chesterfieldand Derbyshire and Nottingham Chamber of Commerce have all given the race their backing.

To sign-up for the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon visitwww.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Follow the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon on Twitter @CDMarathon2014 and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ChesterfieldDerbyshireMarathon.

(Pictured (left to right): Andrea Hooley from Chesterfield Marathon, Alison Bridge of MLS and Bill Wilson, June Hyman and Mike Hyman from Chesterfield Marathon.)

Source:On behalf of Kids ‘N’ Cancer by HR Media Ltd

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

UEFA HEAP PRAISE ON SPIREITES

Chesterfield FC officials have received a glowing endorsement from UEFA following the European Women’s Under-17 Championship, which featured four games staged at the Proact Stadium.

The club hosted the final of the tournament, which saw Germany beat Spain in a penalty shoot-out after the two sides were tied at 1-1 at the end of normal time.

Tournament director Adrian Bevington praised the club’s handling of the matches. He said: “Chesterfield FC have been fantastic hosts of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship and provided us with a great stadium for a final of this level.

“We have been really impressed with the modern facilities. The staff worked really hard to provide a great service to UEFA, The FA, the players and the fans who attended the matches.

“The final was a wonderful occasion and Chesterfield FC and their partners should be proud of the grand event they staged.”

The stadium previously hosted men’s England Under-21 and Under-19 matches.

Source:Chesterfield FC

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Free workshop aims to help Chesterfield businesses shine

Chesterfield-based businesses are being given the opportunity to shine by local award writing specialist and Chesterfield Champion, Pure Events. Lucinda White, Director of Pure Events is hosting a free Business Awards workshop on Wednesday 27th November at Tapton Innovation Centre.

The workshop, which is organised in partnership between Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project, will give people the skills, information and top tips they need to submit creative and well-written award entries.

The workshop itself has been shortlisted for the ‘Business Idea of the Year’ Award in the 2013 Derbyshire Times Business Awards.

As a follow-up to the workshop, all delegates will also receive a free critique of next award entry, worth £175.

Dominic Stevens Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “The town has many great business success stories that aren’t being told or recognised. By organising this free workshop we hope to give business the skills and know-how they need to get valuable recognition for their business.  They may have missed out on this year’s local business awards, but after attending this workshop there will be no excuse for missing out on next year’s.”

To reserve a place on the Business Awards Workshop visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/awards.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Public’s favourite design chosen for Hornsbridge Roundabout in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet has approved plans for a key entrance into the town, as chosen by the public and local businesses.

At their meeting on Tuesday 22 October, cabinet members approved plans for work by a local artist, guided by the outcome of a public consultation, to be installed at Hornsbridge roundabout, the main gateway into Chesterfield from the M1.

£300,000 in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Barratt Homes, who is currently building 68 homes on the site of the former Chesterfield Football Club on Saltergate, has been provided to improve the area.

This funding can only be used for public artwork and work to improve the look and feel of the roundabout.

The aim of the project is to provide a talking point and to attract inward investment into the town centre.

Members of the public and business leaders in Chesterfield have chosen a design by Derbyshire-based artist Melanie Jackson for the site.

The public were given the opportunity to choose between four shortlisted designs during a consultation held during August and September, 507 members of the public commented online and in person during an event at the Pavements Shopping Centre.

The design was also chosen by the Chesterfield Champions, a network of local business leaders.

The chosen artwork, entitled Growth, features a wheel or cog, integrated into the landscape, symbolising Chesterfield’s strong industrial heritage with an opening bud or flower rising out of the centre.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration said: “At the junction of the A61 and A617 and next to the Midland Main Line, the area’s rail link to London, Hornsbridge is the most important entrance to Chesterfield, it is, therefore, only right that we take any opportunity to improve this area.

“The funding for this has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund and Barratt Homes and can only be used for this purpose with the aim of attracting more economic development in the town centre.”

A further £190,000 in funding will be spent on the pedestrian approach from Chesterfield Railway Station to the town centre.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Markham Vale jobs boost as work on £8m development begins

Work has started on a new £8m manufacturing facility which will bring another 50 jobs to Derbyshire’s flagship regenerate site.

Northern Ireland’s biggest egg processor, Ready Egg Products has selected Markham Vale site for its new manufacturing facility – creating 50 jobs for local people over the next two years.

The company chose the site, next to the purpose built junction 29A of the M1, for its excellent transport links, saying it will help provide a more efficient service to its clients, 80% of which are based in the UK mainland.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Ready Egg Products to Markham Vale for the development of its new base which will bring 50 new job opportunities.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting Markham Vale to the stage it is during extremely tough economic times and there have been some very positive recent developments with more in the pipeline.

“Everything we have done at Markham is geared towards long-term job creation and strong foundations are in place. During the last year alone over 500 new jobs have been announced and we will continue to work hard to attract more companies with the aim of bringing 5,000 jobs for local people.”

Work is underway on a state-of-the-art 34,700 sq ft warehouse on nearly three acres of land, which is expected to be ready for business by June 2014.

Ready Egg, which was set up as a family operation in 2004, currently employs around 80 people at its Northern Ireland headquarters near Enniskillen.

It processes over 1.4m eggs per day for a number of high profile clients to use in food-making including cakes, pastries, pies, mayonnaise and meringues.

Charles Crawford, Managing Director of Ready Egg Products, said:

“This is an exciting development for Ready Egg Products and we’re pleased to be bringing 50 jobs for local people to Markham Vale.

“Our new processing site will give our customers – the vast majority of which are in the mainland UK – a better service at a better price.

“Markham Vale is the ideal fit for us because of how close it is to the motorway network, meaning significant savings on transport. Having a purpose-built facility to exact specifications will also streamline operations meaning a more efficient service.”
We are working with development partner Henry Boot Developments Ltd which is managing and marketing Markham Vale.

Ben Ward, Senior Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments Ltd, said:

“This is more great news for Markham Vale. Ready Egg is the latest business to choose Markham Vale as a location due to its excellent transport links to the M1. We are currently finalising discussions with several other occupiers and hope to be able to release further details soon.”

Henry Boot Construction won the contract to construct the building which will accommodate Ready Egg’s operational needs and take 34 weeks to complete.

Markham Vale has been granted Enterprise Zone status by the Government, meaning firms moving to some areas of the site can apply for Enhanced Capital Allowances – offering tax relief for major investment in plant and machinery.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Revamped Market Hall prepares to open its doors

The finishing touches are currently being added to Chesterfield’s Market Hall, which opens later this month after a £4 million redevelopment.  Click here for photographs.

The new Market Hall, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, opens on Monday 28 October after the work, which has taken 12 months to complete.

The main retail hall has been transformed with a glazed atrium above first floor level providing natural light and the 1970s extension on New Square has been redesigned to be more in keeping with the original Market Hall whilst providing high quality offices at first floor level.

The majority of existing traders who were trading in the Market Hall were offered space in the new one and are currently fitting out their premises.

The new Market Hall will offer an improved shopping mix for the town centre with a wide variety of stalls including: perfume, mobile phone repairs, sweets, footwear, wools, butchery and seafood.

A new central café area is at the heart of the ground floor operated by Market Plaza Café, managed by mother and daughter team, Lynne and Shannon Benison.

Market Plaza Café is owned by SLIC Training.  The company will offer opportunities for new apprentices to train on the job in the new café.

The new Market Hall will open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.  The butchers and café will open from 8am.

The shopping offer will be further improved as new external units prepare to open.  Fred’s Haberdashery has expanded and will be moving to the bigger former Douglas Turner unit on 28 October.  Further external pitches will be opening during December.

The upper storeys contain rented office accommodation for businesses.

The Assembly Rooms have been restored to their former glory.  They will host the CAMRA beer festival, sponsored by G F Tomlinson, which takes place on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November.

The Assembly Rooms, based right in the heart of Chesterfield, will also available to hire for parties, weddings, business meetings from December.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration said: “I am proud that at a time of cuts, when many councils have been forced to scale down their markets, we have been able to invest in the Market Hall and the traders who offer a wide range of choice to shoppers in Chesterfield.

“I’d like to thank the traders for their patience while the work has been carried out and I hope they are as excited as I am to see the jewel of the market place restored to its full glory.”

£2.1 million for the project was provided by the European Regional Development fund and Lottery grant with the remainder by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The work has been overseen by the council’s asset management partner estate management partner, Kier with G F Tomlinson as main contractor.  Project management has been carried out by Mace with IBI Taylor Young as architects and Ramboll as engineers.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Visiting

Ainsley Harriott to host Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

TV chef and presenter Ainsley Harriott has been confirmed as the host of Chesterfield’s inaugural Food and Drink Awards ceremony.

Ainsley will host the glittering award ceremony, which will honour the town’s very best eateries, pubs, bars, food producers, established and up and coming chefs at Chesterfield College’s Heartspace on Wednesday 30th October 2013.

The Awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.  More than 50 nominations were received across 12 award categories.  Sixteen businesses and eight individuals have been shortlisted for the awards, the winners of which will be announced at the sell-out awards ceremony.

Amongst the award winners set to be announced on the night include the Food Producer of the Year, which is sponsored by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.

The local food producers, growers and manufacturers within 10 miles of Chesterfield who have been shortlisted for the award include:

·         The Gingerbread Boy

·         Teresa Lambarelli’s

·         Vintage Rose Catering

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “We’re delighted Ainsley has agreed to host the awards ceremony.  He’s a big personality; the perfect person to make the first Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony a memorable event for not only the town but everyone involved.”

For more information about the 2013 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards or follow on Twitter using the hashtag #CFDA13.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards shortlist announced

Seventeen businesses have been shortlisted across eight categories in the inaugural Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, organised in association with Chesterfield College.

The shortlisted food and drink establishments were selected from hundreds of nominations received by the competition organisers Destination Chesterfield. More than 50 businesses were nominated in and around Chesterfield.

A secret panel of judges is now set to visit the shortlisted businesses in order to decide the winner of each category. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Chesterfield College on the 30th October.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “We were overwhelmed with nominations. It has been a fantastic start for Chesterfield first Food and Drink Awards, showing a very diverse mix of establishments that the town has to offer.  The Awards are recognition of the contribution Chesterfield thriving hospitality industry makes to the local economy.”

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Mr Sparkles

  • Calabria
  • Nonsolovino
  • Cocina @Casa Hotel

Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by NatWest

  • Stephensons Coffee and Tea House
  • Blu Bistro
  • Koo Coffee and Bistro

Gastro Pub – sponsored by Jumble Design

  • Barca Bar at Casa Hotel
  • The Market
  • Coco Bar Bistro

Pub/bar of the Year – sponsored by In the Works PR

  • Barca Bar at Casa Hotel
  • Tramway Tavern
  • The Market

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

  • Raaz Indian Grill
  • Delhi 41
  • The Andalusian

Customer Service – sponsored by Franke

  • Cocina @ Casa Hotel
  • Calabria
  • Stephensons Coffee and Tea House

Best Out of Town – sponsor Northern Tea Merchants

  • Peak Edge Hotel
  • Fox & Goose Inn, Pudding Pie Hill
  • Kathmandu, Clay Cross

To follow Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards on Twitter use the hashtag #CFDA13.

For more information about Destination Chesterfield’s inaugural Food and Drink awards visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/

 

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield

First sponsors announced for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

ChesterfieldCollege has been announced as the headline sponsor of the town’s first ever Food and Drink Awards.  The College is also joined by Mr Sparkles, Jumble Design, Franke , Redbrik, Nothern Tea Merchants, Banner Jones and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce as category sponsors.

Officially launched by organisers Destination Chesterfield in July earlier this year, there are ten categories in the awards, which are designed to celebrate the wealth of eateries, pubs, bars and food producers that have established themselves in the town. As well as being headline sponsor,Chesterfield College will also host the awards ceremony at its Heartspace building later this year.

Trevor Clay, Principal of Chesterfield College, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Food and Drink awards, celebrating the amazing culinary achievements of the region. Our Catering and Hospitality department link closely with a large number of employers across the area and our students are continuing to gain opportunities in the industry, be it on either a work placement, part-time work, an Apprenticeship or full-time position. This being said, we’re proud to be hosting the awards ceremony in our Heartspace building in recognition of the superb Food and Drink businesses across Derbyshire.”

A panel of judges will ‘mystery shop’ establishments put forward by the general public and rate them against a set criteria. Entries open on the 19thAugust for the ten categories:

•          Restaurant of the Year

•          Café of the Year

•          Gastro Pub of the Year

•          Customer Service Award

•          Chesterfield producer of the Year

•          Pub of the Year

•          Best Newcomer

•          Best out of Town

•          Young Chef of the Year

•          Chef of the Year

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield explained: “We wanted the Food and Drink awards to be a true reflection of everything culinary the town has to offer. The ten award categories cover everything from great customer service and emerging talent to, of course, fantastic tasting food and drink. Whether it’s a business lunch or night out with friends and family, supporting the awards is an excellent way for businesses to recognise the valuable roleChesterfield’s food and drink industry plays in our personal and professional life.”

If you are interested in sponsoring an award category or entering the 2013 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, visithttp://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/  or contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield