About Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s manufacturing festival inspires next generation of engineers and innovators

Chesterfield recognises its manufacturers and engineers over the next month through the return of an annual celebratory campaign. Taking place from 25 September until the end of October, the Made in Chesterfield festival aims to change perceptions of the manufacturing industry by connecting Chesterfield’s students with real-world experiences in local advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership in association with Chesterfield College, the initiative supports businesses in showcasing the sector and creating a pipeline of talent while giving students access to cutting-edge technologies, from precision engineering to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Board Member at Destination Chesterfield, said: “Modern manufacturing is full of innovation and opportunity, right here in Chesterfield. But do our young people know about the businesses and careers open to them locally? Perhaps only if they have parents working in the sector. Made in Chesterfield helps our young people see what’s possible. It also shows employers like us at MSE the future talent being nurtured right here.”

To celebrate National Manufacturing Day, the 2025 festival introduces the Innovation Challenge, where students team up with local manufacturers to solve real-world problems.  They’ll visit workplaces, collaborate on ideas, and present their solutions at a showcase event at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Ltd, said: “The Innovation Challenge is an exciting way to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. It connects the classroom to real careers and gives young people a genuine opportunity to develop ideas and confidence.”

The festival showcases the links between the education sector and business, aiming to inspire a pipeline of future talent to consider a career in manufacturing.

Claire Godfrey, Deputy Principal at Chesterfield College Group, the headline sponsor of the festival, added: “Our new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre will equip students with the latest industry skills, including green technologies and digital innovation. Supporting the Made in Chesterfield Festival allows us to showcase these skills and facilities to both young people and employers as we continually help to supply a future-ready workforce locally. This fantastic festival engages students at an earlier age, providing a real-world insight and enthusiasm about the fantastic career paths that are available in and around Chesterfield, so we’re delighted to be headline sponsor once again.”

Other highlights in the festival include the Made in Chesterfield Business Event on the 8th October at Chesterfield College.  Businesses, head teachers and careers leads will have the opportunity to network and discover more about the College’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre.

Businesses taking part in this year’s festival include United Cast Bar Ltd, MSE Hiller, Weightron Bilanciai, Penny Engineering, Fast Signs, Superior Wellness, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, Fast Signs and CBE+

Also supporting this year’s festival are Chesterfield Borough Council, the EMCCA Career Hub, Workwise, Barrow Hill Roundhouse and North East Derbyshire District Council.

For more information, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Chesterfield artist’s mural brings colourful connections to life

Chesterfield artist Elle Koziupa has created a new 14-metre-high mural called ‘The Embrace’, in Leeds.

“I want to bring colour to the world,” is the belief inspiring the striking work of local mural artist, Elle.

22-year-old, Elle has been creating memorable murals for the past four years as part of the artist community at Europe’s leading producer of hand-painted murals, Global Street Art.

With so much content evolving from the digital world, Elle feels passionate about how landmark murals can touch people and deliver broad appeal. “When people first see a large mural artwork, I hope they appreciate it has an artist who stands behind it and that it comes from the vision and creativity of a human being. This is important in a world increasingly dominated by the online space,” she says.

‘The Embrace’ – produced for CrossCountry – draws inspiration from the way transport helps connect people to places and memories in an inclusive way.

Elle continues: “I wanted to ensure the mural has an emotional and visual impact on those who see it. The central idea features a captivating moment with train travel at its heart. The scene of the train platform with two people greeting each other as they are about to embark on an amazing journey or sharing a joyful reunited moment, is the foundation for many possibilities as people meet and connect.”

As part of the Global Street Art team, Elle intends to continue to create murals that touch communities and are a joy to see.  She wants to stretch her capabilities and work on ever larger artworks.  “I am inspired to see how far we can take the mural concept, and in the future, I want to embark on larger-scale mural projects that make a statement.  I am keen to continue my development as an artist and am excited about where we can take mural creation next,” she concludes.

Chesterfield is full of hidden gems when it comes to art and culture, some of which you may have never noticed before.
Explore the culture of Chesterfield on foot and discover the unique artworks around the town with our Chesterfield Art Trail walking routes.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield Market Place transformation welcomes shoppers

Chesterfield Market traders are celebrating the completion of major regeneration work to revitalise the main square.

The transformation has delivered a vibrant and welcoming space, featuring new feature paving, restored historic cobbles, bespoke market stalls with traditional coverings, upgraded facilities, and stylish street furniture. These improvements create an inviting environment where visitors can shop, relax, and enjoy the heart of Chesterfield.

The redesigned layout offers wider, more open avenues for shoppers to explore, along with a new central flexible space designed to host a variety of events throughout the year.

It is the first major area to be completed as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project.

The first full day of trading in Market Place took place today. (Thursday 18 September.)

People browsing market stalls at Chesterfield Market

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is the start of a new chapter for our town centre, with the historic market at its heart. The improvements we’ve made will ensure we can attract great traders and more customers to Chesterfield for many years to come.

“We have one of the finest and oldest markets in the country and some of the most reasonable stall prices too. This coupled with a range of town centre events and activities will help draw to crowds in.

“There is still more work to be done across the town centre and the next phase of works in New Square will see that area completely transformed to create a flexible events space that can support markets on busy days like during our flea market but can also be used to support community events, festivals and much more.”

Wendy Bailey, who sells Antiques on Chesterfield’s Thursday Flea Market, said: “The new stalls are fantastic, they provide a great space which we can trade from in all weathers, are built to a really high standard and we’ve had lots of great compliments from customers about them. With the upgrades across the square the Market is looking the best it has for many years, and it creates a really welcoming environment for both traders and customers.”

People exploring Chesterfields' Thursday Flea Market

The works have been carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to have completed phase two of this important project for Chesterfield. It has been a privilege to work collaboratively alongside the council and local traders to help create a space that the whole community can be proud of whilst maintaining access to the key area of the town. In addition to our work in the market place we have made a positive impact in the local communities through our social value programme alongside this scheme. We look forward to continuing this successful project into phase three.”

The next major phase of the market squares transformation is now underway, with contractor working on the lower half of New Square behind the Market Hall. All businesses and properties based on New Square will be accessible throughout the works.

This will see New Square transformed into a flexible events space that can support traditional markets on busy trading days but also host community events, festivals and much more.

Work in New Square is set to fully completed in Spring 2026.

View 01 - New Square (Ground) copy

Regeneration work is also ongoing in Rykneld Square where a greener space is being created that will provide views of the iconic Crooked Spire.

A future phase of the town centre regeneration project will focus on the transformation of Corporation Street to provide an enhanced welcome to the town centre for visitors and complement the ongoing refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum. This work is expected to be completed in time for the building reopening in 2026.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

View 04 - Corporation Street stephenson memorial hall 1746

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Find out more about upcoming markets and events in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Half term, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Visiting

East Midlands unveils plan to put people at the heart of growth

A game-changing inclusive growth plan to transform the lives and livelihoods of people across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has been unveiled.

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) have launched the Inclusive Growth Commission report, the first of its kind in the UK.

The publication of the Commission’s final, ground-breaking recommendations is a major moment for the East Midlands. It is a chance for partners to work together to improve lives and jobs across one of the UK’s largest regions and to set an example others can follow.

The final report brings together new ideas for skills, health, housing and transport. It is designed to help people across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire access good jobs, better opportunities, and develop stronger communities.

The report shows there’s a big chance for the East Midlands to grow. If the region attracts more investment, it could bring in £200 billion by 2035. Supporting the 18 most promising new industrial sites could help 30,000 low-paid workers earn around £6,700 more each year. Helping people build stronger networks and connections could add £1.4 billion in extra income for the poorest households over the next ten years. And if worker health problems are reduced, it could save up to £10 billion every year.

This is a plan built with and for the people of the East Midlands. It is also the first regional model of its kind in the UK – practical, scalable, and designed to influence national debates on growth, levelling up, and the future economy, leading to:

  • A healthier, better-paid, more skilled workforce
  • Better access to affordable housing and transport
  • Stronger, more connected communities.
  • A distinctive East Midlands identity that attracts talent and investment.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is a region of huge pride and ambition. We’ve always been a place that builds, creates and leads, from our world-class manufacturers to our thriving new industries in green energy, life sciences and the creative economy. However, too often the opportunities our people deserve aren’t spread fairly. That’s why I asked the Inclusive Growth Commission to look hard at the barriers and the solutions.

“The Commission’s final report makes clear the challenge is not aspiration as we have that in abundance, but the pathways that turn ambition into achievement. Too many young people face broken steps on the journey to a secure job, a decent home or affordable transport.”

At the heart of the plan is the UK’s first “Opportunity Escalator”, setting out clear pathways for people to access opportunities and progress in work and life.

  • Get on: It is about removing barriers that hold people back: improving transport links within and beyond the region, ensuring affordable homes are available where the jobs are, and creating healthy neighbourhoods where care, community and opportunity come together.
  • Get up: This is about matching local skills with better paying jobs and showing clear next steps, the Escalator helps authorities, education establishments, employers and local people take action to support fair and inclusive growth. It helps people to “get up” the Escalator.

To make the Opportunity Escalator work, the Commission has set out flagship priorities to ensure every community benefits. These include:

  • Providing every young person access to career guidance, work experience, and wellbeing support — with a clear path into work, training, or further education.
  • Boost school performance and making sure adults can retrain for jobs that are needed locally like green energy and digital skills.
  • Tackle poor health as a barrier for people working, by integrating healthcare and employment services, and promote fair, flexible workplaces through a Good Employers Charter.
  • Strengthen community ties by supporting local enterprises and delivering services through trusted venues like schools, libraries, and community hubs.
  • Attract investment into the region to boost the economy.

The Commission is also calling for the UK’s first regional plan to strengthen social connections as well as economic ones, including more support for grassroots leaders and community groups, and investment which delivers not just profit, but greener, fairer, healthier places across the East Midlands.

Mayor Claire added: “The Commission’s concept of an ‘opportunity escalator’ captures perfectly what we must build: a fair system of visible, achievable steps that works for everyone, wherever they start.

“This is a call to action for all of us – government, business, communities – to invest in our people and places. As Mayor, I am determined to lead that change. Together we must remove the barriers that hold people back, and make sure the East Midlands is a region where every young person has the chance not just to dream, but to thrive.”

The East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission was set up in November 2024 by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and council leaders across the region, who appointed the RSA to run the high-profile commission.

Andy Haldane, the Chair of the Commission, said: “When the Mayor asked the RSA to lead this Commission, the ambition was to end a cycle of underinvestment in the East Midlands and redesign growth from the ground up.

“By developing an ambitious new engine for growth, the Opportunity Escalator, and through the Commission’s recommendations, we’re equipping not just the region, but the whole country with a blueprint for people-centred inclusive growth.”

Tom Stratton, Chief of Staff at the RSA, said:  “This Commission set out to shape a new approach to economic growth in the East Midlands, one that unlocks opportunity for everyone, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances. The Opportunity Escalator and recommendations published today do exactly that.”

“EMCCA now has the tools to align the Government’s top-down Industrial Strategy with a bottom-up, East Midlands-specific model of growth- starting with people’s existing skills and setting out the steps needed to move into better paid, higher-skilled jobs.

“As devolution gathers pace and demand for fresh growth models grows, we hope this report marks the start of an ongoing conversation.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

CRIT! brings Comic-Con energy to Chesterfield with grand opening and mini-con event

Chesterfield’s town centre is about to get a major pop culture upgrade as independent retailer Critical Hit rebrands to CRIT! and opens the doors to its new flagship store on Saturday 20th September. The launch event promises a full Comic-Con experience, complete with celebrity guests, giveaways, and immersive displays.

Located at 26 Burlington Street (formerly GAME), CRIT! is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Nathan and John, who have built a loyal following since opening their original store on Knifesmithgate in May 2024. The new space is bigger, bolder, and packed with collectibles, gaming merchandise, anime, horror figures, and exclusive pop culture products.

To mark the occasion, CRIT! is hosting a Grand (Re)Opening and Mini-Con, featuring a special appearance by Hollywood actor Tommy Flanagan, known for roles in Sons of Anarchy, Peaky Blinders, Gladiator, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Fans will have the chance to meet Tommy for signings and photos throughout the day.

The event kicks off at 9am and includes a cosplay competition with prizes for both adults and children, judged by a professional photographer. One lucky visitor will win a Nintendo Switch 2, while runners-up will share £500 in store credit.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this new space,” said Nathan Russell, co-owner of CRIT!. “The support from Chesterfield and surrounding areas has been incredible. CRIT! is more than a shop, it’s a place where fans can connect, celebrate their passions, and experience something truly special.”

Highlights of the new store include a 5-metre Pokewall, an expanded Funko Pop! wall, Loungefly bags, Gundam kits, Studio Ghibli merchandise, horror collectibles, Hot Toys, blind boxes, and more. The team’s vision is to bring the Comic-Con experience to Chesterfield, making it a destination for fans across the region.

This is the latest in a range of investments announced in Chesterfield town centre, these include:

Discover more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Breathe Pilates launches Chesterfield’s first LED x Hot studio

Breathe Pilates has officially opened on Chatsworth Road, bringing the UK’s first LED x Hot Pilates studio to Chesterfield.

Located at 131 Chatsworth Road, Breathe Pilates introduces a fresh concept to the town’s thriving fitness scene.

The brand new studio combines reformer Pilates with hot air and LED light therapy, creating a wellness experience unlike anything else in the UK.  This innovative approach offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, recovery, and overall well-being.

“I am passionate about health and wellbeing and have enjoyed reformer Pilates for many years,” said Grace Jones, co-founder of Breathe Pilates”. I believe there is an opportunity to share my passion and raise awareness of reformer Pilates in Chesterfield for both men and women of all abilities and age groups.”

She added, “We wanted to create a welcoming space where people can move, feel stronger, and take time for themselves. Pilates has such a powerful way of building both the mind and the body, and we wanted to share that with our community.”

Breathe Pilates aims to collaborate with numerous local businesses to enhance the offerings for people in Chesterfield. Through run clubs, coffee mornings, and wellness workshops, they aim to provide a wide range of options to suit everyone’s interests and promote physical wellbeing for our community.

Explaining why Chesterfield was the perfect fit, Grace said: “We chose Chatsworth Road as it’s a vibrant community full of independent shops and studios as well as bars and cafes, and we thought Breathe would be a perfect addition.”

Breathe Pilates is open seven days a week, offering morning, evening, and select weekend classes.

Visitors can book through the Breathe Pilates UK app, the studio’s website at www.breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk, or by contacting the team at info@breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk.

Breathe Pilates shop front

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Raw4All brings natural pet nutrition to Brimington

An independent business in Brimington is helping Chesterfield’s pet owners give their animals the healthiest start in life. Raw4All, a family-run pet food shop, has reopened its doors to offer high-quality raw and natural pet food at prices that make healthy diets accessible to all.

Founded with a clear mission to support pet wellbeing, Raw4All specialises in raw food for dogs, cats, ferrets, birds of prey and exotic pets. The team is passionate about educating owners on the benefits of raw feeding, which many report leads to improved behaviour, better dental hygiene and fewer skin conditions.

“Raw4All was started to provide pet owners the option of a natural diet at price points that made it accessible to everyone,” said Owner, Paul Tingle. “As a family-run business, it’s important to us to not only offer great products, but also help owners understand how to make the best choices for their pets.”

In addition to raw food, the shop stocks a range of dried treats and accessories, and has plans to build a local network of pet industry professionals to support other businesses and help customers discover complementary services.

Chesterfield was a natural choice for the business, thanks to its friendly community, strong pet ownership and proximity to the Peak District, a haven for dog walkers and nature lovers. The town’s supportive environment for small businesses also played a key role in the decision to launch here.

“Chesterfield is well situated for small businesses to get a foothold and find their purpose,” Paul added.

The business also plans to expand its delivery service to reach customers who can’t visit the shop in person, with long-term ambitions to open more stores based on the successful Brimington model.

To celebrate its relaunch, Raw4All is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 13th September from 10 am to 3 pm, inviting pet owners to explore the shop, ask questions about pet nutrition, and meet the team.

Raw4All is the latest independent business that has made our high streets its home or expanded to larger premises, these include:

If you are interested in opening a business in Chesterfield.  Discover more about available commercial property at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure

Thousands celebrate creativity and community at Tapton Lock Festival 2025

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival returned bigger and better than ever on 6–7 September 2025, drawing thousands of visitors to the Chesterfield Canal for a vibrant weekend of outdoor adventure, creative exploration and community spirit.

Organised by local arts charity Junction Arts, this year’s festival marked its largest edition to date, thanks to a new partnership with Arts Derbyshire and their touring programme, Festivity. The expanded line-up offered a diverse programme from live music and storytelling to hands-on workshops and outdoor activities, all celebrating the natural beauty of Tapton Lock and the region’s rich creative talent.

Visitors enjoyed free canal boat rides, “have-a-go” canoeing and climbing wall sessions, circus skills workshops, and a wide range of art activities, including acrylic pouring and printmaking.

As part of Festivity, the festival showcased:

  • Live performances from Derbyshire singer-songwriters Michael Vickers and Sarah Hinds
  • A digital gallery featuring eleven visual artists from across the county
  • A spoken word programme curated by the Derby Poetry Festival, highlighting diverse regional voices

Families were captivated by interactive storytelling sessions from Adverse Camber, while Arts Derbyshire hosted drop-in nature-inspired workshops. On Saturday, printmaker Nicki Dennett led creative print sessions, followed by artist Paola DeGio on Sunday, who introduced visitors to marbling techniques.

A standout feature was Junction Arts’ collaboration with VERBA – the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, who brought an eco-conscious art trail to the festival. Eco-Path – A Living Journey invited families to explore six interactive stations themed around sustainability, including climate awareness, recycling, biodiversity, textile waste and microplastics. Participants collected stamps in their Eco Passport while engaging in activities such as:

  • Making instruments from recycled materials
  • Creating seed bombs
  • Junk modelling and textile art

Festival favourites returned too, with the Vintage Fairground and Bubbleologist delighting younger visitors.

“It has been an amazing weekend where friends and families have come together to appreciate this beautiful location,” said Jane Wells, Project Manager at Junction Arts. “Whether it’s listening to live music, getting active or creating your own masterpiece, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Launched in 2013, the Tapton Lock Festival is a free, inclusive celebration designed to promote health, wellbeing and creativity. For over a decade, it has offered opportunities for people to try new skills, connect with nature and take part in cultural experiences right in the heart of Chesterfield.

Discover what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Champions driving growth, recognition, and safety

Chesterfield Champions are marking achievements in branding, national recognition, and skills development.

Addooco launches its next phase with a new brand

Addooco, specialists in private cloud, connectivity, and managed IT solutions, has unveiled a new brand identity. They developed the rebrand in collaboration with fellow Chesterfield Champion, Defeye Creative.

The rebrand represents a step in Addooco’s growth from a regional IT partner to a nationally recognised provider of infrastructure and digital transformation services. Addooco has reorganised its services into six categories: Complete, Grid, Clear Skies, Works, Secure, and Tech Team. A redesigned website is now live at Addooco — Make IT Happen

The project introduced messaging such as “Make It Happen” and “Engineers of Change” to reflect Addooco’s practical approach to IT solutions.

“This wasn’t just a design refresh; it’s a statement of who we’ve become,” said Richard Walters, CEO at Addooco. “We’ve grown with our clients and evolved with the market, and now we have a brand that reflects our ambition without losing our approachability.”

Defeye’s Director, Matt Pritchard, added: “Helping Addooco evolve visually and strategically was a privilege. We’ve worked with them for years and saw this as a chance to tell a bigger story, one of growth, ambition, and local excellence.”

Both Addooco and Defeye are proud members of Destination Chesterfield’s Chesterfield Champions network. Their collaboration highlights how local businesses can raise regional and national profiles.

ADDOOCO logo

 

East Midlands Chamber shortlisted for National Chamber of the Year

The British Chambers of Commerce has shortlisted East Midlands Chamber as a finalist for the “Chamber of the Year” award 2025. This is the highest recognition available to accredited chambers across the UK.

The Chamber, which supports businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire, has delivered a wide-ranging programme in recent years. This includes the £4.6m UKSPF-funded Accelerator project, which since 2023 has:

  • Supported more than 13,600 firms
  • Secured £9.7m in funding, grants, and loans
  • Helped safeguard or create 1,101 jobs
  • Produced decarbonisation plans for 1,093 businesses
  • Assisted 2,607 companies in improving productivity
  • Supported 196 exporters and 143 start-ups
  • Helped 400 SMEs adopt new technologies

“UK Chamber of the Year is the highest level of recognition a chamber of commerce in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland can get, so to be announced as a finalist is tremendous,” said Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber.

“Being shortlisted is a testament to the sheer dedication and hard work of the East Midlands Chamber team, underlining their commitment to championing the business community every day and leading growth across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire.”

The British Chambers of Commerce will announce the winner in October.

Scott Knowles - East Midlands Chamber

DBCP strengthens building safety with new inspector

DBCP is the leading provider of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. It has appointed Registered Building Inspector Luke Merrey to its team.

Luke’s background in property sales and lettings adds sector-wide insight. He holds 2A Registered Status with the Building Safety Competence Foundation, and has a Distinction in the CIOB Level 4 Diploma in Building Control Surveying. He is close to completing his Level 5 Diploma and is working towards 2F status.

His responsibilities will include plan checking, site inspections, advising applicants, and maintaining detailed records to ensure developments comply with building regulations.

“I’m thrilled to start my new role and continue my journey in Building Control. I wish I’d found out about Building Control when I was at school,” said Luke. “I am genuinely passionate about all areas of the sector. Seeing my knowledge grow through the LABC Academy Scheme has been amazing, and I am delighted to bring my learning and experience to architects, builders, and property owners throughout High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands.”

David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, added: “We are delighted to have Luke on board. He has a deep understanding of the sector from both an inspector and a property manager perspective.”

Luke’s appointment highlights DBCP’s ongoing investment in qualified professionals. The industry is facing a national skills shortage following stricter regulations being introduced after the Grenfell tragedy.

Luke Merrey - DBCP smiling

For more information on how to become one of our Chesterfield Champions click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, Skills

Highlight Crafts joins Hobbycraft TV

Highlight Crafts has announced its inclusion in the launch of Hobbycraft TV, a brand-new platform dedicated to daily, demonstration-led content from expert crafters across the UK. The channel officially launched on Thursday 4th September, with Highlight Crafts making its debut at 10:30am.

As a Derbyshire-based business rooted in creativity and community, Highlight Crafts is thrilled to be part of this exciting new chapter in the crafting industry. Hobbycraft TV brings together leading brands and makers to deliver inspiring, accessible content to crafters of all levels and Highlight Crafts is at the heart of it.

“At Highlight Crafts, community is at the heart of everything we do it’s what inspires us, drives us, and connects us,” said Diane Peternel, Sales and Marketing Director at Highlight Crafts. “We are thrilled to be part of a channel that also puts community first, creating a space where inspiration and creativity can be shared every single day.”

The partnership will see Highlight Crafts deliver regular shows on Hobbycraft TV, showcasing innovative products, expert techniques, and creative projects designed to spark imagination and build confidence. The team will continue to run their popular LiveShopping Shows as usual, ensuring their loyal audience can still enjoy the same trusted content alongside this exciting new venture.

Steven Hubbard, Board Advisor for Hobbycraft, added: “It’s such an exciting time to be in the crafting industry. Hobbycraft TV enhances our customer experience and builds our community with an array of experts and brands bringing daily innovation to all our makers. We are extremely excited to be partnering with Stephanie Weightman and all of her inspirational team at Highlight Crafts.”

You can watch Hobbycraft TV on:

Enjoy Highlight Crafts LiveShopping shows at:

Highlight Crafts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Italian restaurant Giorgio’s relaunches as il Forno

A much-loved Chesterfield restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. Giorgio’s, located on Whittington Moor, will relaunch this September as il Forno.

The name that pays tribute to its Italian roots and the wood-fired oven that has long been the heart of its kitchen. While the name and interiors are evolving, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged. The same talented chef and dedicated team who’ve built Giorgio’s reputation over the past decade will continue to serve the dishes locals know and love.

“We as a family are incredibly proud of what we’ve built as Giorgio’s over the past 10+ years,” said owner Fran Montero. “But il Forno feels like the perfect new chapter, a name that honours our history while reflecting what makes us truly special: our wood pizza oven. We can’t wait to welcome both our loyal customers and new diners.”

Inside, diners can expect a refreshed, modern look while retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a community favourite. The front of the restaurant will undergo further improvements in the coming weeks, completing the transformation.

The menu will continue to feature Giorgio’s most popular dishes, especially its celebrated pizzas. A few new additions will enhance the dining experience, but the popular half-price pizza and pasta offer will remain unchanged.

“After so many wonderful years, we’re simply refreshing and modernising, while keeping everything that’s made us a favourite with our community,” Fran added.

il Forno will continue to serve as a vibrant hub for residents, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting.

The rebrand marks a new era for the restaurant, reinforcing its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. The restaurant will reopen to the public on Saturday, 13th September.

Looking for more ideas of places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, check out https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/07/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting