Business

A ‘mixed picture’ for East Midlands economy Chamber survey finds

Sky-high inflation, energy price hikes and the war in Ukraine are creating “new unknowns” for businesses and creating a mixed picture for the East Midlands economy, new research reveals.

East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which gauges the health of the region’s economy, reported improvements across most indicators in Q1 2022 compared to the final quarter of last year when there was a drop in business confidence due to the Omicron surge.

Despite this, growth remains weak and there are warning signs for what may lie ahead as cashflow dropped into negative territory for the first time in more than a year and investment intentions are restrained.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The latest QES presents a mixed picture for our region’s economy, as the wave of optimism that encountered the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions has been diluted somewhat by other factors that are weighing down on businesses’ ability to trade effectively.

“After spending much of 2021 trying to figure out two major ‘unknowns’ – the impact of both the pandemic and the UK leaving the EU – it had felt at the start of this year that we were now equipped to plan for and deal with these.

“Unfortunately, just as we were getting into the swing of 2022, new unknowns have arrived in the form of the terrible events in Ukraine, which has thrown a spanner in the works when it comes to understanding where inflationary pressures and energy prices will top out – not to mention the supply chain disruption this causes across Europe, which is felt in the East Midlands.”

More than 350 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the Q1 2022 survey between 14 February and 9 March.

Key findings from the survey for the East Midlands* included:

  • No movement in UK sales between Q4 2021 and Q1 2022, with a net 27% of businesses reporting these increased in both periods, although there was an 8% rise in advanced orders between the quarters
  • Overseas sales and orders were up by 7% and 10% respectively
  • A net 20% of businesses increased their workforce in Q1 and a net 36% expect to do so in the next three months, representing a 3% and 1% growth respectively on the previous quarter’s findings
  • More than six in 10 (63%) of businesses attempted to recruit but, of this cohort, four in five (80%) encountered problems with filling vacancies
  • 30% of firms reported cashflow fell, compared to it improving for 27% – marking the first time it has fallen into negative territory for more than a year
  • Two-thirds (66%) of businesses expect prices to rise in the next three months, a 4% increase on the previous quarter
  • A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions in machinery are down by 2% compared to the end of last year, while there is only a 1% increase in intentions for investing in training between the two quarters
  • Despite this, there was a 4% improvement in the proportion of businesses expecting turnover to increase (a net 62% of Q1 2022 respondents believe it will, versus a net 58% in Q4 2021) and a 3% rise for profitability (a net 31% of organisations now believe it will improve)

Chris said the figures were “encouraging” at first glance but, with many QES indicators relative to what has come before, must be viewed in comparison to a weak final quarter in 2021. At the time, there was uncertainty around the Omicron variant and inflation began to creep up.

The biggest concerns for businesses right now are declining access to cash and margins being squeezed by galloping inflation, the survey found.

“Net cashflow movement is down into negative territory again, suggesting the squeeze is coming on once more with inflationary pressures from all directions,” Chris said.

“Price increases are up on already almost sky-high levels and investment in machinery is down, limiting one of the tools that businesses have to respond to increases in demand and the need to introduce efficiencies.

“We have a heated economy in which demand is still high, but 37% of our region’s businesses are at full capacity and struggling to meet this because they can’t recruit enough staff or don’t have the confidence to invest. Ultimately, our economy isn’t able to grow as fast as it needs to.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q1 2022, click here.

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

David Robinson promoted to Tax Partner at Shorts

Shorts are delighted to announce the promotion of David Robinson to the position of Tax Partner, with effect from 1 April 2022.

Responding to a decade of sustained growth, David will join Chris Chambers and Scott Burkinshaw in leading the firm’s tax offering and will divide his time working across both the firm’s Sheffield and Chesterfield offices.

An experienced Chartered Tax Adviser with national firm experience, David joined Shorts in 2015 as Senior Tax Manager and was promoted to Director in 2018. The promotion to Partner recognises David’s continued commitment to growing the department and underpins the firm’s continued development and strength.

David will continue to advise his clients on all areas of UK taxation with a particular focus on transactional work, including acquisitions & disposals, corporate reconstructions, and advising international businesses on their expansion into the UK (through the firm’s membership of The Praxity Alliance). Going forward, his role will transition progressively in taking a more active role in the leadership and strategy of the firm.

David said “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be promoted to Tax Partner at Shorts, joining a partnership that has been in existence since 1890.  The promotion is the culmination of years of hard work, and I’m proud to take the next step on my professional journey.  I am very much looking forward to working with existing and future clients, as well as the rest of the partners, to help drive forward the continued success of the firm”.

Chris Chambers, Senior Tax Partner at Shorts, said “Since joining us in 2015, David has played a key part in the growth and success of the business, and this promotion is just reward for his hard work and effort.  He’ll be a fantastic addition to our partner group, and I am confident that with David on board, the firm will continue to go from strength to strength”.

Scott Burkinshaw, Tax Partner at Shorts, added “I am delighted that David has agreed to join us in the Partnership.  We have enjoyed significant growth over the last few years, and this appointment further strengthens our position as we head into the next chapter of our long history.  We reward talent and effort here at Shorts, and we had no hesitation in asking David to join us to continue to drive the business forward”.

Shorts are a nationally recognised award-winning firm with a long-standing heritage of over 130 years.  They can be contacted on info@shorts.uk.com or by calling 0114 2671617 or 01246 559955.

Shorts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Staveley Town Deal funding confirmed

Over £25m worth of projects which will benefit Staveley residents for generations to come have been given the official go ahead, after Government approved the package of all eleven projects within the Staveley Town Deal Programme.

It is a significant milestone for the range of projects that will receive funding through the Towns Fund, which are being delivered by a variety of organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Staveley Town Council, Barrow Hill Community Trust, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and Tawnywood Ltd.

Together the projects offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents, create new employment opportunities with higher level skills, ensure it is a place where everyone can be proud to live and guarantee that the town and its residents have a bright future ahead – supporting Staveley as a place to start, stay and grow.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board and Managing Director of Staveley based MSE Hiller, said: “The projects that are being funded through the Town Deal are designed to complement one another and have been developed in response to the challenges and opportunities in Staveley. The project sponsors have worked hard to get to this point but we are now moving into delivering these projects and ensuring that they can benefit everyone in Staveley.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is the accountable programme lead but will also be delivering three projects using Town Deal funding.

A round up of the key projects being led by each partner is included below.

Chesterfield Borough Council

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) is a rail innovation and training centre located in Barrow Hill. It is being developed by the Council in partnership with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, Newcastle University and Talgo.

Staveley 21 aims to regenerate and revitalise Staveley town centre. It is based around the masterplan developed last year and includes Wi-Fi connectivity and environmental improvements to ensure the town centre is attractive, with a good retail and leisure offering that residents can enjoy.

The final project delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council is the Construction Skills Hub which is a movable construction training centre initially based on a live construction site in Mastin Moor. It is being developed with a training provider and construction sector businesses to ensure people can develop the skills they need for a successful career and be ready to embrace future modern and sustainable construction methods.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Town Deal Board said: “The Town Deal represents a once in lifetime opportunity for Staveley and its residents. Each project is fantastic in its own right, but together they are truly transformative for the entire area. We want everyone to benefit from this investment and to understand how each of these projects can enhance Staveley and the local community.”

champions event

Derbyshire County Council

Staveley Waterside is the first phase of a mixed-use development centred around the Staveley Canal Basin. This will include the creation of an access road, pontoons to create moorings, a café and flexible office and workshop space for small businesses.

Wheels to Work is focussed on ensuring everyone can access employment and training opportunities by providing bicycles and e-scooters for those who don’t have access to a private vehicle and have limited transport options.  There will also be real time passenger information and EV charge points.

Derbyshire County Council is also leading on the reinstatement of Staveley Railway Station but this is subject to confirmation of funding from the Government to restore the Barrow Hill Line. A decision on this is expected in the near future.

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration and Member of the Town Deal Board, said: “This is a great opportunity to work together to benefit Staveley and the wider community.

“We’re looking forward to building on the success of our flagship regeneration site Markham Vale to open up the canal basin as a base for business and a visitor attraction.

“And we’re pleased to be widening out our Wheels to Work scheme to improve employment and training opportunities in the area as well as continuing to press the case for a train station in the town which will broaden opportunities for commuting for work and connectivity for business further still.”

Works road and canal basin

Staveley Town Council

Staveley Town Council is using the funding it has secured to extend the historic Staveley Hall and create a modern events space with an extension to the café and the creation of two flexible events spaces that can be used for informal community events and also business led events.

Councillor Paul Mann, Leader of Staveley Town Council, said: We are very excited about the proposed project to build a new conference and events centre at Staveley Hall. I believe that it fits well with the wider strategic plans for developing Staveley and it will provide a modern, energy efficient facility for the community and businesses that will add economic value and jobs to the Staveley area.”

Chesterfield events

Barrow Hill Community Trust

Barrow Hill Community Trust is the community development charity for the village of Barrow Hill and surrounding neighbourhoods. It is leading on the refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall to create a modern community hub where local residents can access support services and socialise together.

Simon Redding, Chair of Trustees said: “The community trust and people of Barrow Hill are overjoyed that we will finally have the services which other communities take for granted.

The Memorial Hall will be a community hub for all, with the facilities which local people have asked for – all thanks to the Town Deal.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust

Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring the Chesterfield Canal to the borough boundary. Works include the reconstruction of 850m of canal channel, a new aqueduct over the river Doe Lea, bridges, a new lock and 3km of footpath improvements along the towpath and connecting routes to multiuser trails, it complements other works the Trust is undertaking in Renishaw.

Peter Hardy, Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “Our scheme will bring enormous benefits to the residents of Staveley and surrounding areas with the extension of the canal from Staveley Waterside almost to the river Doe Lea. Together with the other projects awarded money from the Towns Fund, it will enhance the environment, health and wellbeing of all who live in the area.

“We are indebted to the local company Suon Ltd. which has donated the clay to be used in this project; without this generosity the scheme would not have been possible.

“This project is the catalyst for the Chesterfield Canal Trust to complete the restoration of the canal.”

Hartington Industrial Park

Hartington Industrial Park is a 20-hectare site that has outline planning permission for industrial and warehouse development that will create more local jobs near to the successful Markham Vale site. The funding will support the development of infrastructure and enabling works to bring forward the development.

Simon White, Property Director at Tawnywood Ltd, said: “At Hartington Industrial Park we are delighted that the Town Deal has given us the opportunity to move this site from a relatively low grade secondary industrial location to one able to offer new businesses excellent access and infrastructure and so become an attractive location to companies seeking high quality modern manufacturing and warehouse accommodation providing numerous jobs across a wide range of opportunities. The proposal is to emulate the success of Markham Vale on a smaller scale and create quality buildings attracting a wide range of employment types boosting the scale and quality of the local environment and job offers in Staveley itself.”

Hartington Industrial Park

Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club

Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club is using funding to create an academy where young people earn BTECs or similar qualifications in sport. It includes the creation of two classrooms above the club house and will also use some funding to improve the car park near to the Chantry Playing Fields.

Terry Damms, Chairman of Staveley MWFC, said: “I’m really excited by the prospect of further facilities for the Staveley community and creating closer links for 16 to18-year-olds to develop their skills and complete their education. The purpose-built education facility will not only support local education it can also be used by other bodies like the Derbyshire FA to provide training and courses. Together with the Town Deal Accelerator Funding, the club will receive around £0.5 million of investment through the town deal and this supports funding provided through Viridor credits.

“The youngsters of Staveley have the best possible opportunities. We would like to thank the Staveley Town Deal Board for their commitment to us and support through the funding. The Trojans are here to serve the community and this is yet another clear example of us understanding and delivering the ethos required to suit this wide range of people within the Staveley community.”

You can find out more about the Town Deal and keep up to date with the latest developments here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

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Spireites launch Easter Egg Appeal to bring joy to youngsters across North Derbyshire

Chester’s 2022 Easter Egg Appeal has been launched by Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield FC.

The appeal is sponsored by John Pye Auctions. Easter Eggs will be accepted in the HUB and by the club until Tuesday, April 5.

The eggs will be donated to The Life House Church, which will have four pop-up shops, open on Easter Sunday (April 17) in Whittington Moor, Boythorpe, Hasland and Newbold.

We are looking for people and businesses in North Derbyshire to donate any Easter Eggs for the children of North Derbyshire.

Pastor Paul Hollingworth of Life House Church is taking the lead with the appeal, and Spireites player Luke Croll will be providing his support.

Paul said: “In a world surrounded by fear, the simple act of ‘bringing a smile’ to someone is powerful.

“An appeal like this gives people the opportunity to invest something back into the community that can make such a huge difference.

“The partnership with Chesterfield Football Club is a great model of how we can all work together for the greater good. Over the years we have been able to make a significant community impact in many different ways.

“The support of Luke Croll with this appeal says a lot about him as an individual. He has been a great ambassador for the club. His enthusiasm is undoubtedly an indicator of the positive culture within the football club currently.”

The launch of the Spireites’ Easter Egg Appeal comes off the back of the hugely successful Christmas toy appeal hosted by the club. The appeal ensured that more than 120 less fortunate families in our area were able to open presents on Christmas Day.

The appeal has already been supported by a number of Chesterfield Champions, with businesses including Mortgage 1st making a dontation.

Meanwhile, The Trust has also been raising funds for people affected by the crisis in Ukraine, with collections at the recent Maidenhead United match and the academy game at Matlock Town raising around £1,000 for relief efforts. This was supplemented by some Spire Lotto winners, meaning £1,200 has been sent to the EFDN Foundation.

The European Football Development Network is supporting humanitarian work by Shakhtar Donetsk in Lviv. This campaign is facilitated by Legia Warsaw in Poland, where their stadium has become a distribution centre for much needed supplies.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Vintage Tea Rooms completes purchase of renowned local business

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield has announced that Vintage Tea Rooms has purchased fellow local business, Liza Bakes.

The Vintage Tea Rooms has announced the move after going from strength-to-strength since it joined the shopping centre in February 2021.

Despite opening its doors during the midst of the pandemic, the business has grown significantly, and Sharon Hilton (owner) has now had the confidence to take a new leap and purchase another renowned local business in Liza Bakes.

Liza Bakes has long been a provider of high-quality cakes and treats available at Vintage Tea Rooms, and when the opportunity arose to purchase the business and turn it into an in-house bakery, Sharon had no hesitation.

The bakery has already been moved to Vintage Tea Rooms, and Sharon has big plans for the new acquisition, with hopes to further expand the customer base, offer more takeaway options, and sell an array of celebration cakes.

Sharon Hilton, owner of Vintage Tea Rooms, says: ‘’We definitely made the right decision moving our business to Vicar Lane back in 2021. Without the move, we probably wouldn’t have been in a strong enough position to acquire Liza Bakes. So, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Vicar Lane team and our lovely customers (old and new)!’’

Find Vintage Tea Rooms on Steeplegate at Vicar Lane, next to CEX. Vicar Lane is also home to several independent businesses, such as Shop Indie, Qoozies, Clarissa’s Interiors, Nana B Baby and Childrenswear Boutique, Pizza Pi and Precious Memories by Anne Marie.

Alongside the independent offer, shoppers can also find a plethora of nationally recognised brands, such as Iceland, Holland & Barrett, Superdrug, Waterstones, New Look and JD Sports.

Find out more about the fantastic shopping experiences on offer in Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Marks and Spencer confirms expansion into larger Chesterfield store

Retail giant Marks and Spencer has committed further to its future in Chesterfield, by announcing plans to expand into a larger premises in the town.

The company has officially announced it will be moving to the former Debenhams store on the Ravenside Retail Park, which is a purpose built unit. It means M&S will be expanding its range of food, clothing and homeware to shoppers in Chesterfield.

Craig Baldock, Regional Manager for M&S said: “We’re excited to announce our plans to open a brand new, larger M&S store at Ravenside Retail Park, which will offer local customers in Chesterfield a much bigger range of M&S products across our Foodhall and Clothing & Home departments. The new store will be finished and open to customers later this year.

“We believe this is the right decision to ensure we can deliver the very best M&S offer for customers in Chesterfield and the wider local area. We will keep the community updated as the works progress.

“Shopping habits are changing, so we’re rotating our store estate and this investment in Chesterfield is part of our work to ensure we have the right stores to offer our customers a brilliant shopping experience.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Marks and Spencer moving to Ravenside Retail Park represents a significant investment in our borough, creating more jobs and demonstrating confidence in the growth of the local economy. A new, expanded M&S store will mean they can offer a wider range of products and have a modern store that is fit for the future.

“Whilst the move is disappointing for our high street, we are making significant investments in this area to ensure we can create a modern, vibrant visitor destination which builds confidence in the town – including our ambitious town centre regeneration plans which are moving forward after we secured nearly £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund.

“The council does not own the building currently occupied by Marks and Spencer but we will work with them and the landlord to explore alternative uses for this key town centre building.”

The move is the latest in a line of new openings and expansions into the town, such as Rebel Menswear, Boba Shack and Pizza Pi.

To find out more about the fantastic range of independent retailers and nationally recognised brands in our town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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Manufacturing Growth Programme boosts 150 jobs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, has delivered more than eighty strategic reviews to firms in the region – despite being in the midst of the pandemic.

Specialist assistance from dedicated Manufacturing Growth Managers has helped companies to improve quality performance, access new markets, develop new products and address environmental concerns.

In a deal agreed with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, more than £130,000 of grants have been given out and this has been matched with £260,000 of private sector investment as manufacturing SMEs begin to bounce back from the effects of Covid-19.

Encouragingly, management teams still have until December 2022 to tap into MGP and make the most of a further £360,000 of support.

“Derbyshire and Nottingham manufacturers are extremely resilient, especially with what has been thrown at them over the last two years,” explained David Caddle, Regional Manager of the Manufacturing Growth Programme.

“Despite the pandemic, companies are still looking to grow sales and achieve competitive advantage and that’s where our team come in, using the GROWTHMapper benchmarking tool to identify pain points within the business.

“We can then use this to inform the specialist support they need, delivering grants that can help with a third of the total cost of an improvement project up to a maximum of £10,000.”

He went on to add: “There are still grants available to support the industrial bounce back and to help companies overcome the widespread supply chain and inflationary pressures we are seeing.”

More than 4,000 people in Chesterfield are currently employed by manufacturing businesses. Find out more about our town’s quality workforce, excellent location and vibrant business community at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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The Goldsmith Clinic announces growth with new treatment rooms

A Chesterfield clinic offering a wide range of medical skincare and aesthetic treatments to support peoples’ wellbeing has expanded it’s premises, enabling more capacity and availability of treatments.

The Goldsmith Clinic was founded by respected registered nurse practitioner Theresa Goldsmith in 2015, before moving to Lordsmill Street in Chesterfield Town Centre in 2019.

Now, following three years of continued success, the clinic has opened two new treatment rooms, and Theresa says she’s delighted to see the growth of the business, despite the recent challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A short time after moving into this building, we went into lockdown so there were times we had to adapt the way we were working. predominantly, I moved back into general practice to work as an Advanced Nurse Practicioner.

“But since we’ve come back after lockdown, we’ve been really busy, the business has grown. We’ve had the renovation, we’ve taken on a new therapist and introduced a lot of new treatments such as skin remodeling; something which Judy Murray had done earlier on in the year!”

Theresa also reiterated the importance of continuing to support local, independent businesses across Chesterfield: “Please continue to do what you’re doing. The support we have had has been phenomenal. I’m very grateful to our client group because they’ve come back bigger and stronger than they were before.

“Spread the word about local businesses, word of mouth works really well. What we want to see in Chesterfield is ongoing growth. We want to see the high street thriving so anything you can do to support local businesses is really helpful.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s wide range of fabulous, independent town centre businesses at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

The Goldsmith Clinic supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shoe Zone to open new store in Chesterfield this April

UK footwear retailer Shoe Zone, is set to open a new store in Chesterfield on 1st April.

Located on the popular Packers Row, in the heart of Chesterfield town centre, the brand-new location will be offering a wide selection of footwear and accessories for men, women and children.

The new store will, for the first time ever, be stocking popular brands such as Lotus, Heavenly Feet, Jana Softline, S’Oliver and Gola, as well as Shoe Zone’s signature affordable shoe and accessory range.

Shoe Zone’s new Chesterfield store will give shoppers easy access to some of the most in-demand shoes of the season. From walking boots to canvas shoes to cosy slippers, it will feature something for everyone, for every occasion and for every budget.

Lisa Carline will continue her role as store manager. Opening Monday to Saturday 9am – 5:00pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm, the newest addition to Shoe Zone’s growing portfolio of stores will provide more choice for shoppers in the local area.

Anthony Smith, Chief Executive at Shoe Zone, said: “We’re excited to launch the new store in Chesterfield and offer customers access to our popular range of trendy and affordable shoes and accessories.

“We’ll be offering shoppers a fantastic selection of offers and styles, from brands such as Heavenly Feet and S’Oliver, perfect for the spring season. We can’t wait to welcome customers, old and new, into the store!”

Shoe Zone’s new Chesterfield store opens on 1st April. Shoppers are reminded that the UK retailer offers both a student discount and a public sector discount, in-store and online.

Packer’s Row recently welcomed another new store, with Rebel Menswear expanding into the former Greggs bakery unit after trading for many years at their former Burlington Street premises. Find out more.

Chesterfield Town Centre is home to many retailers, from nationally recognised brands to dozens of quirky, independent shops. Find out more about shopping in our historic town centre and market at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

 

 

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Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay wins national Tourism Superstar award

Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay is celebrating after being announced as VisitEngland’s 2022 Tourism Superstar.

22-year-old farm supervisor George saw off tough competition from nine other finalists across England to be crowned the winner, receiving 29% of the public vote and becoming the competition’s youngest winner to date.

The Tourism Superstar award was launched by national tourism agency VisitEngland and The Mirror 10 years ago to recognise the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.

George was nominated for his enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and dedication – attributes that win him regular praise in visitor reviews. His responsibilities include looking after the health and welfare of animals, interacting with visitors and running informative animal-based activities such as wallaby encounters and meerkat talks.

George is particularly passionate about the mental health benefits of animals and when Matlock Farm Park was closed during Covid restrictions, he was the driving force behind the creation of weekly Facebook Live broadcasts to entertain visitors with uplifting content.

In addition, George actively seeks to encourage younger visitors to have a love for animals and with his beaming smile and friendly approach, he goes out of his way to ensure people of all ages and abilities have a memorable day.

The announcement comes after George won Silver in the Tourism Young Achiever category at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards earlier this month.

Reacting to news of his win, George said: “I am over the moon to have won the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award. I feel so lucky to work in a job where I can share my passion for animals with visitors of all ages and winning this national award, which is voted for by members of the public, is a huge honour.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire is an incredible destination, with so much to offer visitors, and I’m delighted that I get to play a small role in helping people to have memorable experiences. Thank you to everyone who voted!”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “At just 22 years old, George is a fantastic ambassador for our vibrant tourism sector and we’re delighted to see him win this prestigious national award.

“George embodies all that is great about working in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism industry – he is friendly, helpful and engages with people of all ages with a view to making their trip special. A huge well done to George and thank you to everyone who voted.”

Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, said: “Tourism Superstar recognises the people who go the extra mile to create standout visitor experiences, and each finalist has gone above and beyond for tourists. George has clinched the title thanks to his tireless work in ensuring visitors to Matlock Farm Park gave the best time whilst making sure the animals have all they need.

“During Covid, he also extended the healing reach of the animals into people’s homes with his live streams, from lambing to feeding, supporting people to feel connected. Many thanks to all our finalists and to everyone who took the time to take part in the voting.”

Matlock Farm Park and Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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BRM Solicitors continues to support Ashgate Hospice with ‘Make a Will Month’ initiative

With national will-making month around the corner, local palliative care hospice Ashgate are offering the chance to support their vital work – and make a will.

People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will next month as part of Ashgate Hospice’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during April and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to help fund Ashgate’s care.

People are being encouraged to book an appointment for April now; with each booking there is a suggested donation of £75 for a single will, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

Last year, BRM Solicitors helped to raise a staggering £17,888.80 towards vital end of life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for once again supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“This April, our Make a Will Month with BRM Solicitors gives you a chance to do this for free while helping us support families at a difficult time in their lives.”

Ashgate Hospice is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Ashgate Hospice again this year to raise funds for a charity that plays such a key role in the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire community. We hope to build on last year’s success and raise even more money for the hospice in 2022.”

Furthermore, the community can support Ashgate by leaving the charity a gift in their will. Every gift, no matter how large or small, will make a huge difference to the care the hospice will be able to provide in the future. In fact, one in five patients are currently cared for thanks to money left to the charity in wills.

Each year, demand for their services increases as the number of people living with a life-limiting illness continues to grow. This year, Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding to provide their care.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy gift once their loved ones have been taken care of. Even 1% of someone’s estate can go a long way.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book their appointment between 1st April and 30th April to take advantage of this offer.

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, go to: brm.law/ashgate or call 01246 555 111

BRM Solicitors and Ashgate Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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