As the General Election nears, golfers at a North Derbyshire golf course are being given a unique opportunity to indicate how they might vote.

Tapton Golf Course, at Chesterfield, operated by SIV, have installed voting target boards at the driving range representing the political parties – Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Other.

Golfers can take aim for the party they will be voting for ahead of the General Election on Thursday 8 June.

Matthew Orwin, golf manager at Tapton Golf Course, said:-

“The General Election is the most talked about topic on everyone’s lips at the moment so we thought this would be a great way to drum up some healthy competition.

“We wanted to give golfers something to aim at on the driving range and the political party boards give them a clearly visible goal.

“It’s really taken off, though it’s too close to call the overall winner!”

The driving range at Tapton Golf Course is open daily from 7am.

Businesses have only a week left to take part in a survey that will offer a pre-election look at their main concerns.

The results of the East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey will provide a snapshot of confidence levels in the fourth quarter since the EU-Referendum last June and set a benchmark against which the success of the new Government can be judged.

The survey for the second three months of 2017 asks businesses how they have fared in recent months and expect to fare in the months ahead, including whether they expect prices to rise and are considering increasing wages.

There are additional questions this quarter to determine relationships between growth and recruitment, planned investment in staff training and what factors might influence investment in training.

Whether employers believe they will get good value from the apprenticeship levy also features.

Data collated from the East Midlands Chamber QES will update the regional State of the Economy Index – which last quarter was at its highest since Q2 2105 – and is fed into the British Chambers of Commerce QES, which builds a national picture of business confidence and shapes the BCC’s interactions with Government.

Chris Hobson, the Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“It takes only a few minutes to complete the survey and the information it gives us is vital to driving our policies and the issues on which we will campaign on behalf of businesses.

“You don’t have to be a Chamber member to take part, the important thing is that we get as many businesses as possible to complete the survey so that we build the most accurate picture possible and can make sure our lobbying activities properly reflect the concerns of regional businesses.”

To take part in the survey, click here. The closing date is Monday 12 June. There will be a draw from among those responding for a chance to win a meal for two at the new Whisk and Ladle Bar and Kitchen, Hilton, East Midlands Airport.

National Windscreens have agreed a deal to become the new sponsor of the Vice Presidents Suite at the Proact Stadium for the forthcoming season.

The National Windscreens logo is now on display in the suite, which is used extensively on matchdays and for various functions.

Jim Brown, Commercial Manager at Chesterfield FC, after agreeing the deal said:-

“I would like to thank Rob and Lynn from National Windscreens for their continued support. They have provided the club with valuable sponsorship for many years, which is very much appreciated.”

Rob Pearson, Managing Director of National Windscreens (Chesterfield), said:-

“We have sponsored the club since the formation of the company 31 years ago and we are pleased to continue backing the Spireites. I am a passionate Chesterfield supporter and I would like to wish the management and players all the very best for the new season.”

Based at Stand Park, Sheffield Road, National Windscreens has developed through unrivalled personal service, its deep-seated local connections and meticulous attention to detail.

Matchday hospitality is offered in the National Windscreens Vice Presidents Suite to members and their guests. There is a dress code in force on matchdays. Collar and tie for gents is preferable, although smart casual is acceptable, including a collar. Strictly no jeans, trainers or T-shirts are accepted. The dress code will be strictly enforced and failing to adhere to the rules will mean refusal of entry.

Businesses in Derbyshire are already benefiting from a grant scheme designed to help them save money by becoming more energy efficient.

This month Chesterfield based Global Brands, have launched a dynamic range of craft Alcoholic Sodas – aptly named the Crooked Beverage Co –  created to shake up the ‘Ready To Drink’ market with an exciting new innovation.

Crafted in the shadows of the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield, the drinks are a blend of its creators Yorkshire and Derbyshire heritage. The range makes references to niche Sheffield bands and artists through the names and designs, further grounding it in the locale. Crooked is available in 330ml cans with surreal character illustrations to bring the brand to life and catch consumer’s attention, created by local Sheffield artist Lisa O’Hara.

Global Brands have identified a sweet spot in a market calling for innovation that lies between RTD, fruit cider and craft beer. Aimed at 20-30 year olds, Crooked Beverage Co features a malted base to give an interesting flavoursome alcohol taste that underpins the liquid. The all natural fruity body of the liquid provides a sweet, but not sickly, alternative to cater for the growing demand from millennials for drinks that aren’t hugely sugary and synthetic, whilst the slightly hoppy notes also appeal to beer drinkers.

Charlie Leaver, Innovation Manager at Global Brands said:-

“Crooked Beverage Co is something completely and truly different and with that it opens up a new realm of possibility. We plan to drive value into the RTD category by innovating and premiumising. We’ve taken a combination of the best from different categories to make a drink that is the first of its kind. We saw that the target demographic of consumers were tiring of overly sweet drinks with questionable ingredients, and so have created a product that tastes great, looks great, and is essentially natural”.

Available in three different flavours Dayglo Skies (Raspberry & Lime) Mother Moon (Pomegranate & Peach) and Midnight Stage (Blood Orange & Passionfruit), Crooked offers an intriguingly developed and complex taste compared to existing RTDs. Lightly carbonated, each delivers a refreshing fruity flavour with a low sugar content (as little as 4.6g per 100ml), sourced from natural ingredients. The taste and aroma of the fruits burst through, without being masked by artificial flavours or sweeteners.

Charlie adds:-

“We’re excited to be bringing this to the market and introducing a whole new category of Alcoholic Soda to the UK. The dimensions that Crooked creates both in its artwork and taste is what make it a stand out product. We’ve crafted this brand by listening to the consumer and with that we’ve made something that’s going to completely change the market”.

Chesterfield FC have agreed a new three-year deal with local firm Jacksons The Bakers Ltd for them to remain as the pie suppliers to the club.

Ashley Carson, Chesterfield director & company secretary – after shaking hands on the agreement with managing director Trevor Jackson – said:-

“I am delighted that we are continuing our relationship with Jacksons, who have supplied the pies to the club since we have been at the Proact.

“The pies they supply are excellent and very popular with our supporters. It is also good to be able to support a local company. I would like to thank the two supporters – Phil Marsden and Alan Barnett – who volunteered to look at the pie deal, speak to Trevor and provide an independent view. They will both be treated to hospitality this coming season as a gesture of thanks.”

Trevor Jackson, whose great uncle founded the company, said:-

“As a lifelong fan, I am proud of our association with the Spireites and we are delighted to be continuing to supply the club.”

Jacksons The Bakers was formed in 1944 and now operates from purpose-built premises in Danesmoor. All their products are made using their own unique recipes, some of which have been handed down through generations, each having been developed and refined to give that contemporary twist to fit into today’s modern living.

Chatsworth Road’s Northern Tea Merchants has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco.

The awards recognise the very best shops, stores and market stalls in and around Chesterfield and the winners are nominated by shoppers. More than 800 people nominated in the awards this year.

Retailer of the Year was just one of 17 awards presented to 14 businesses at the fourth annual Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Cat and Ricky.

James Pogson, managing director of Northern Tea Merchants, was presented with the accolade at the sell-out award ceremony which was held at the Winding Wheel and attended by more than 200 people on Wednesday 24 May.

As well as having a shop and café on Chatsworth Road Northern Tea Merchants, which has been trading in the town since 1936, produces 100 million tea and sources, packs and supplies 200 tonnes of coffee each year as well as training many front line staff in prestigious hotels in London.

In addition to scooping the top title, Northern Tea Merchants was also named as Food and Drink Retailer of the Year. Other multiple award winners at the awards included Adorn Jewellers and Marks and Spencer.

Adorn Jewellers, which is based in The Shambles in the town centre, retained its title of Excellence in Customer Service for the third consecutive year, while fellow multiple award winner Marks and Spencer, was a first time nominee in the annual awards.

James Pogson said:-

“I am absolutely delighted to win the awards. They recognise the hard work and dedication of the staff and business partners. To receive these awards after the brilliant year we have had is absolutely amazing.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, added:-

“It’s fair to say that this year’s Retail Awards were the best ever. From the sheer number of nominations we received, to the breadth of businesses nominated, it showed the strength of support in the town for the retail sector.

“It was wonderful to see so many businesses – old and new, recognised and celebrated once again. They are an integral and important part to Chesterfield’s economy and play a very important role and should continue to be supported.”

As well as Northern Tea Merchants, the winning businesses in the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards. A full list of winners from the evening can be found here.

As well as Addooco and category sponsors, other supporters of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards include Temple Safety, City Taxis, R.A. Information Systems, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.