Business

Vicar Lane to bring the Magic of Christmas with Santa’s Grotto and Post Office

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield Town Centre is once again doing its bit to ensure local people can get into the festive spirit this Christmas.

Customers are being invited to experience the magic of Christmas, with a visit to Santa’s Grotto and Post Office.

Families can enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Post Office, where little ones can meet the elves, before writing their letter to Santa, posting it in the magical post box and watching as it is sent to the North Pole.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager at Vicar Lane said: ‘’We really wanted to help our shoppers experience the magic of Christmas this year (especially after last year!), and what better way to do it than to bring back Santa’s Grotto and Post Office.”

Autism friendly sessions are available to book via Centre Management on enquiries@vicarlane.com or 01246 234630.

Santa’s Post Office is open 11am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays from 20th Nov to 19th Dec, then every day from 20th to 23rd Dec.

Families wishing to visit the Grotto can then make their way through the magical winter wonderland, where they’ll find Santa surrounded by all the toys for the good girls and boys. Every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

The Grotto is £8.50 per child (this includes a gift, official ‘Nice List’ certificate and reindeer food). Photographs are £3.50, or £10 for three.

Santa’s Grotto and Post Office are located on Steeplegate, opposite F. Hinds.

Santa will be in his Grotto on the following dates and times:

November

  • Sat 20th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 21st, 11am – 4pm
  • Sat 27th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 28th, 11am – 4pm

December

  • Fri 3rd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 4th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 5th, 11am – 4pm
  • Thurs 9th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 10th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 11th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sun 12th, 11am – 4pm
  • Thurs 16th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 17th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 18th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sun 19th, 11am – 4pm
  • Mon 20th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Tues 21st, 12pm – 5pm
  • Wed 22nd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Thurs 23rd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 24th, 10am – 2pm

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Christmas shopping in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Bridge Help launches Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank

With an ambitious new target, Bridge Help has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank, and is calling on Chesterfield Champions to help.

Last year, the bridging loan company donated £1500 worth of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank.  This year the company wants to do even better and is hoping to donate at least £2021 of goods to the local food bank.

Bridge Help is now appealing to the local business community to donate money or drop off donations of tinned goods, toiletries, nappies and luxuries, including biscuits, chocolates, crisps, and Christmas cakes and puddings at its offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.

Bridge Help will match all donations before delivering to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the company’s office until Wednesday 15 December. All monetary donations will be used to purchase goods before the drop off at the Foodbank.

The annual charity fundraising campaign is organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe explained: “Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am aware of the financial hardship many people experience. Working for Bridge Help I am in a position to do something practical that will help people in need over the Christmas period.

“Last year Chesterfield’s business community was incredibly generous, enabling us to donate a total of £1500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank. We want to do even better this year and ensure that more people can enjoy Christmas.”

Roisin O’Gorman, Deputy Project Coordinator at Chesterfield Foodbank, explained the importance of supporting the Foodbank, saying: “Since the start of the pandemic the Foodbank has provided food to over 9000 people, with a third of those sadly being children. With the end of the universal credit uplift, increased heating costs and the government furlough scheme ending, we anticipate that even more people will have to turn to foodbanks. We need donations now more than ever, so please consider donating to the foodbank. Your kind donations will enable us to keep supporting local people in crisis who cannot afford the basic essentials. No one should have to go hungry.”

Phoebe added: “The team and I will be working around tins, cartons of long-life milk, toothpaste and boxes of biscuits in the office for a few weeks, but it’s something we are all happy to do knowing what a difference the donation will make to so many people in the area this Christmas. I love this project, and we are incredibly proud as a team to do this for our local community.”

Chesterfield Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks. Last December Chesterfield Foodbank fed 488 people in crisis.

To make a donation to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Christmas appeal, contact Phoebe Sellars on 033 3303 4681 or email phoebe@bridgehelp.co.uk.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield firms named amongst region’s best businesses by East Midlands Chamber

A number of Chesterfield Champions were recognised with awards at the Derbyshire Business Awards recently.

UK Asbestos Training Association, Dronfield Heritage Trust, Peak Indicators and Fortem Solutions all scooped awards at the prestigious ceremony last week.

The Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised winners across 13 categories, ranging from Business Improvement Through Technology and Environmental Impact Award within an organisation to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. There were new categories this year for Collaboration Project of the Year and Excellence in Innovation.

Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by 350 people at Derbyshire County Cricket Club – marking a return for face-to-face celebrations after being held virtually last year.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “There has been so much to celebrate within our business community despite a challenging 18 months and these awards have showcased some of the incredible companies that call our region home.

“As the economic recovery continues, and new opportunities present themselves in a new era of global trade and sustainable business, these are just the kinds of organisations we should be highlighting when we’re shouting about everything the East Midlands has to offer. We know it’s a great place to do business and these are living proof.

“We received so many high-calibre applications, which demonstrated how the pandemic hasn’t been a period in which we have just stood still. Instead, the time afforded for reflection has led to many companies seeking out new opportunities, innovating and driving themselves forward.

“While last year offered us a different kind of experience in a virtual awards ceremony, it was great to be back holding such a landmark event for the Derbyshire business calendar in person once more. Once again, we are so thankful to our sponsors for making this event so successful.”

The Derbyshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, with others in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire to follow – were hosted by British-Gambian broadcast journalist Haddy Ndure and featured entertainment by Turner and McHugh, a female duo who joined forces after featuring on BBC singing competition The Voice.

A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Eileen Richards MBE’s three chosen charities this year – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice.

Commenting on the awards, Eileen added: “During my year as president, I’ve been privileged to witness some of the amazing success stories that don’t always receive the wider recognition they ought to, so I’m thrilled to see some of these come to the fore at the Chamber’s Business Awards.

“The Derbyshire Business Awards has shone the spotlight on some well-deserving winners but I’d also like to congratulate the finalists for their outstanding entries too as we had some really strong competition across many categories this year.

“SureScreen Diagnostics is a very worthy winner of the Derbyshire Business of the Year and I’ve been in awe of the growth it has experienced over the past 18 months while also playing a pivotal role in the fight against Covid-19 both in the UK and overseas.”

For more information on the Derbyshire Business Awards, visit https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards2021/derbyshire/.

Winners of Derbyshire Business Awards – headline sponsored by Mazars

Business Improvement Through Technology – Sponsored by Purpose Media

Winner

Futures Housing Group

Finalists

Healthy Stuff

Penny Hydraulics

Scenariio

Thompson Tree Services Midlands

 

Community Impact Award – Sponsored by University of Derby

Winner

Fortem Solutions

Finalists

Griffith Foods

Liniar

MVIS

Resilient World Solutions

 

Outstanding Growth Award – Sponsored by Amazon

Winner

SureScreen Diagnostics

Finalists

Fibre Tec Solutions

Professional Heating Solutions

Project D

Sky Recruitment Solutions

 

Environmental Impact Award – Sponsored by Futures Housing Group

Winner

Derby City Council – DE-Carbonise Project

Finalists

Devtank

Griffith Foods

Liniar

MVIS

 

Commitment to People Development Award – Sponsored by 2020 Training

Winner

Peak Indicators

Finalists

AIM Commercial Services

Aztec Oils

Nelsons

Purpose Media

 

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Derby College Group

Winner

Lisa Scarboro – Futures Housing Group

Finalists

Keenan Gregory – Futures Housing Group

Amelia Burton – Griffith Foods

Mia Cooper – Joined Up Careers Derbyshire

Tom Sharratt – Neuways

 

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Ryley Wealth Management

Winner

Max Vaughan – White Peak Distillery

Finalists

William Crooks – Cawarden

Adam Bamford – Colleague Box

Peter Ellse – Cosy Direct

Jillian Thomas – Future Life Wealth Management

 

Education and Business Partnership Award – Sponsored by RDS Global

Winner

Dronfield Heritage Trust

Finalists

Access Training (East Midlands)

Derby College Group

Embark Federation

REAL Education

 

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Aston Lark

Winner

UK Asbestos Training Association

Finalists

Anoki

MaryJanes Catering

Purpose Media

The Accountancy Recruitment Group

UK Asbestos Training Association

 

Excellence in International Trade – Sponsored by HSBC

Winner

SureScreen Diagnostics

Finalists

Atlas Copco Medical

Aztec Oils

Cathelco

Graphoidal Developments

 

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Begbies Traynor

Winner

Project D

Finalists

Peak Indicators

The Input Group

Think3

Thompson Tree Services Midlands

 

Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by Rolls-Royce

Winner

SureScreen Diagnostics

Finalists

HSG

Liniar

Scenariio

 

Excellence in Collaboration – Sponsored by HSBC

Winner

Derby Market Place

Finalists

Derbyshire Voluntary Action

Penguin PR with Colleague Box and Vibrant Accountancy

Safe and Sound

The Swap Shop

 

Business of the Year – Sponsored by Mazars

SureScreen Diagnostics

Posted in Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Oasis Studio creates eye catching virtual remembrance commemoration

Oasis Studio, which includes EyeSiteView and Seymour and Lerhn, have brought their own creative style to this Year’s Armistice.

If you pass by the Studio on Dunston Road Chesterfield, you would have most likely seen the poignant image of a loan soldier as poppies fall around him projected in the studio.

The virtual images have been created as a fitting tribute and a very visual reminder of the commemorations for Remembrance Day this year.

The display follows a highly successful, virtual Halloween display in October.

Over the last few years, Oasis Studio has gained recognition locally and further afield for producing eye catching virtual displays, using new technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio said “We are a forward-thinking Company, at the forefront of development in VR, AR and Immersive Media, we like to push the boundaries in innovation. The possibilities to use this technology are limitless, particularly for the creative team at Oasis.

“Following the success and interest from the Halloween display, we felt it only fitting to do a display for armistice this year. As a studio of mainly young staff why we have remembrance is becoming further away through time, but we say it doesn’t matter how we show remembrance, we simply need to add particular emphasis regarding the dangers of failing to remember.

“We will be pulling all the stops out for a Christmas display, so watch this space!”

Last year, the company produced an impressive animated fly-through showing plans for the town’s landmark Chesterfield Waterside development. You can see the video here.

The company will reveal its eagerly anticipated annual Christmas campaign on social media shortly. Be sure to pass by the studio to take a look.

Oasis Studio supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Have your say on Chesterfield’s Visitor Economy Strategy

Chesterfield residents and businesses can have their say on a new strategy to grow Chesterfield’s visitor economy.

The Chesterfield Visitor Economy Strategy sets out the role of Chesterfield Borough Council in accelerating the growth of the visitor economy over the next five years. It aims to attract more visitors by making Chesterfield a great place to be – a place that people enjoy visiting and spending time in. More visitors will generate additional visitor spend, supporting existing employment and creating new jobs in the local economy.

People can have their say on this strategy until Wednesday 8 December and their views will help develop the final strategy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This strategy sets out the core elements of our visitor offer and the exciting new opportunities we can build on, such as the successful £20m bid to transform Stephenson Memorial Hall and enhance public realm in the town centre, to encourage more people to come to Chesterfield. Not only do we want to attract more day visitors, but we also believe that Chesterfield makes a great base where people can stay to explore Derbyshire and the Peak District.”

“Your feedback will help ensure that this strategy is the right approach to marketing Chesterfield and encouraging more people to visit.”

The strategy is underpinned by a focus on quality place making, seeking to reinforce a distinctive Chesterfield identity that differentiates us from other visitor destinations.

It also identifies other priorities to attract visitors, which include:

  • Enhancing the ‘Crooked Spire’ experience to build a stronger unique selling point
  • The development of PEAK Resort as a major driver of visitors
  • Speciality markets, festivals, and events to capitalise on investment in the town centre
  • Developing our cultural and heritage offer including work to enhance Stephenson Memorial Hall and the development of an interpretation plan to bring our heritage stories to life
  • Increasing hotel capacity to provide space for both leisure and business visitors
  • A new ‘inspired’ marketing approach to raise awareness of the area as a place to visit.

The online consultation is open until Wednesday 8 December and people can find out more and submit their feedback by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/visitor-economy-strategy-consultation

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Spireites submit planning application for new sports bar

A planning application has been submitted by Chesterfield FC for the construction of a sports bar in the car park at the Technique Stadium.

The plan is for Bar 1866 to open on matchdays and from 4.30pm to 12am on other days. Fully accessible, it would be used by Chesterfield FC Community Trust as an educational space during the day.

Featuring an open kitchen and a 10m video screen, with a capacity of around 320, the design shows fully-glazed doors at the front of the building with doors opening to an amphitheatre facing south-west.

Spireites chairman Mike Goodwin said: “We feel that this venue, behind the Motan Colortronic (South) Stand, would be a welcome addition to the current facilities at the stadium.

“A privately-financed initiative has been devised for this project and others and the financial projections for Bar 1866 Sport are very encouraging.

“There will be a public exhibition of the proposals during the consultation period and people are welcome to contact Chesterfield Borough Council to offer their support for the project.”

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped that Bar 1866 will open during the summer. Further details will be announced in due course.

The Spireites have recently launched a number of charity initiatives off the pitch. This week, Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal was launched, with more than £3,000 worth of toys donated on the first day alone. Read more here.

This Saturday, ahead of Chesterfield’s fixture at home to Weymouth in the National League, the club will be collecting donations for the Pathways charity, asking fans and people across the town to donate any suitable clothing or footwear.

The appeal comes as part of manager James Rowe’s ambassadorial role with the charity, which provides support for homeless people in our area. The Community Hub at the Technique Stadium will be open from 10am on Saturday, 13th November to receive the donations.

Chesterfield FC  supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Families to be treated to a magical Christmas in Chesterfield this year

Christmas in Chesterfield is set to be a magical experience for all – with new Christmas themed experiences and festive favourites returning.

Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, has launched its signature Christmas in Chesterfield campaign with lots of events and activities planned to encourage visitors to support local retailers this Christmas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Last year our Christmas celebrations looked a bit different because of the pandemic but this year we’ve taken the most popular experiences from last year and brought back some of the festive favourites to create a magical Christmas experience for all visitors.

“Christmas is a fantastic time of year that everyone can enjoy and we not only want to create experiences that will create memories we also want to encourage visitors to shop local and support our town centre retailers and market traders.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “I am delighted that in person events can resume this year. It is a great boost to the town’s businesses based in and around the town centre. The Christmas festivities and events are a key part of town centre life and why so many people choose to visit at this time of year. With the great events programme and the town’s wealth of independent retailers and food and drink businesses, there are even more reason for all the family to Love Chesterfield this Christmas.”

After being cancelled last year the Christmas Lights Switch on event will return on Sunday 21 November. There will also be a market on this day from 12pm.

The Amazing Magical Santa House, which proved to be very popular last year, will be open for families to visit for free in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021. Booking opens at 9am on Monday 15 November at: https://chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk/

Families will be able to follow the Christmas Elf Trail from Monday 22 November until Tuesday 4 January. This experience will guide visitors around the town centre whilst they hunt for the magical elves.

The Christmas Tree Festival will take place at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) between 18 – 28 November. It features a variety of Christmas trees decorated by community groups and individuals.

Following on from successful walkabout entertainment over the summer, a series of entertainers including stilt walkers and tap-dancing turkeys will be wowing crowds during market days.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will be hosting trips with Santa along the canal across December, find out more about this event on the trust’s website: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/santa-specials

Revolution House in Old Whittington will be open for a traditional Christmas celebration from Thursday 9 December to Friday 24 December between 11am and 3pm. Holymoorside Brass Band will be hosting a carol concert in the garden from 6.30pm on Thursday 9 December.

The Pomegranate Theatre will be hosting its popular pantomime again. This year visitors will be able to see Beauty and the Beast between 3 December and 2 January. Stars include west end star Suzanne Shaw, Britain’s Got Talent winner Thomas Redgrave, Andrew Fleming also of Britain’s Got Talent and Derbyshire’s own Rosanne Priest. Tickets are available on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

There will also be a selection of market events including the Record Fair and Artisan Market on Sunday 19 December.

Councillor Kate Sarvent added: “Our Christmas programme is packed and we’ve tried to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. I hope lots of visitors will come along to celebrate Christmas in Chesterfield with us.”

Full details on everything happening this Christmas, including gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/Christmas with further details on council services at Christmas at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Christmas.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane launches new ‘pop up shop’ initiative

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield has announced plans for its brand-new initiative to support start-up and small independent retailers, the ‘Vicar Lane Pop Up Shop’.

Run by retail property consultants, Barker Proudlove, the initiative will see an empty unit turn in to a flexible hub for dynamic independents in the local area.

The space can be rented at an all-inclusive weekly cost which will include bills, rates and furniture.

Local businesses or start-ups who are interested in having their very own pop up shop should DM the team via Instagram @vicarlanepopup.

Jessica Swain, from Barker Proudlove, says: “As the high street continues to face pressures from the rise of online shopping, it’s imperative that we offer our customers a unique and high-quality shopping offer. Bringing in a cohesive range of independent start-ups allows us to do that.”

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, says “This new initiative will present an ever-changing range of operators, allowing Steeplegate to continue to thrive. We can’t wait to see it come to life in the coming weeks.”

The Shopping Centre is already host to a number of thriving retailers and cafes, including Shop Indie, Clarissa’s Interiors, Qoozies, Nana B Baby and Childrenswear Boutique, Gorilla Garms and The Vintage Tea Rooms.

Opportunities for leisure activities are also available, including sporting events and outdoor cinema, with pop-up food and drink vendors under the big screen.

There are also several nationally-known retailers located at Vicar Lane… Find out more about what’s on offer there and around Chesterfield Town Centre 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 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Christmas Charity Appeal Launched by Rosewood Wealth Management

The team at Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is once again hosting a Christmas charity appeal, with donations being collected by the firm in aid of Action For Children.

Action For Children helps disadvantaged young people, with support provided to 604,885 children, young people and families in 2020/21.

This year, Rosewood is putting together hampers for families who are struggling financially, as Independent Financial Adviser Donna Robertson explains:

“These hampers will help provide food for the festive period so families can look forward to Christmas and celebrate without the worry of putting food on the table. For the children involved it’s so exciting to receive some treats which they usually are not able to afford.

“The importance of providing support in the community has always been a part of our ethos at Rosewood from the beginning and this Christmas we could not pass up the opportunity to support a charity which can make such a difference to the lives of vulnerable children.

“More than four million children in the UK are locked in poverty. This is the equivalent of nine children in every school class of 30. Families are struggling to afford the basics, like food, clothes and services. The effects of Covid have only further compounded the situation for vulnerable families.

“We are asking our local community, people and business to come together this Christmas and help us to provide food for families who really need it and may go without this Christmas. It can be as simple as adding an extra tin of beans to your weekly shopping list.

“We will be collecting donations of tinned food, pasta, cereal, biscuits, cleaning products, crisps, toiletries, tea, coffee and any long shelf life items to make hampers ready for the families.”

Anyone who is able to donate to the appeal is asked to drop off donations at Rosewood Wealth Management’s offices on Brimington Road before Monday, 6th December ready to be delivered to the families later that week in time for Christmas.

Rosewood Wealth Management supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter launches to promote sector and boost recruitment

A new hospitality charter, designed to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and promote the sector as a career of choice, has been launched by business leaders in the Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the area’s official destination management organisation.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter has been created to help dispel beliefs that those working in hospitality suffer ‘long hours for little pay’ and instead highlight the benefits of being part of such a vibrant industry.

Over 30 businesses in the Peak District & Derbyshire have already pledged their support for the initiative, with businesses of all sizes across the county urged to sign up and form a collective voice for the sector.

The charter has been founded by two local hospitality leaders – Richard Palmer, Managing Director of the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group, and Neil Fischer, owner of the Fischer’s Group – to promote best practice in the industry, with pledges to offer employees opportunity, respect, quality training, a good-work life balance and the chance to grow and develop their career.

Inspired by similar industry initiatives such as the People 1st Hospitality Commitment and the 2020 Hoteliers’ Charter, the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter forms the basis of a long-term strategy to combat the hospitality recruitment crisis whilst also paving the way for better education and training across the industry.

Signing up to the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter means businesses will make a series of commitments to their employees, which include providing a positive work environment, supporting training and development, offering competitive salaries and safeguarding employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

Collaboration is at the heart of the initiative and the charter also aims to improve training and apprenticeship opportunities in the sector by strengthening links between hospitality businesses and education providers.

Signatories will pledge to work with local universities, colleges, schools and careers advisors to create refreshed qualification pathways that better meet the needs of the sector – whilst also lobbying Government to improve and attract more funding to support education and training across the industry.

Businesses can find out more and sign up to the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter using the following link: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/hospitality-charter

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter aims to combat the misconceptions surrounding working in hospitality and instead promote this diverse sector as a rewarding career choice.

“By strengthening links between the hospitality industry and education providers, the charter will not only help to build better training and education pathways, but it will also help businesses to reach young adults at the point when they choose their careers, highlighting the many benefits of working within the sector.

“This is by no means a quick fix, but the launch of this charter marks the start of a long-term strategy to support the hospitality industry, to ease recruitment problems and to ensure local businesses can offer fulfilling careers now – and in the future.”

Neil Fischer, owner of the Fischer’s Group, says: “Hospitality is one of those unique sectors where you get to both learn life skills and pull upon your educational background, while continuing to develop. Whether it’s a passion for food and drink, or purely a business and marketing acumen you are looking to develop, the hospitality industry has it all.

“Notably there has been a stigma associated with the UK hospitality sector for many years. What’s frustrating is that this stems from only 20% of the industry. The other 80% of operations are viable, vibrant and successful businesses, where individuals can succeed.

“While hospitality in many respects is about delivering great experiences, this charter is about so much more; from food education in schools, so individuals grow up healthier and fitter, to delivering great opportunities to those that want to learn, whether as a stepping stone to something else or as a long-term career.”

Richard Palmer, Managing Director of Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group, says: “There has never been a better time to join the hospitality industry, learn new skills and to seek more fulfilment from our working lives. Roles in hospitality are an invitation to gain invaluable life skills which open up a wealth of opportunities for those who are looking to develop, whether in the hospitality industry or beyond.

“I relate to this with personal experience, having started my own career as a bar attendant at The Devonshire Brasserie, before travelling to learn from other parts of the world. By age 21, I was managing a £1m turnover business and 25 staff, and by my mid 30’s I became the Group’s MD.

“We’re working hard to challenge the perception of the industry as having long hours, low pay and limited career progression. We began with the introduction of a four-day week for chefs, partnering with local colleges and creating our in-house training program, The Devonshire Hospitality Academy. Now, working with our partners at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has allowed us to pull together this charter to showcase all of the great opportunities the sector offers, to give others the benefit of our experience and share our passion.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

MyFuture careers platform re-launched for 2021 Chesterfield and North Derbyshire school leavers

Following a hugely successful lockdown launch, the innovative employability and careers platform MyFuture, is here to stay for another year.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 LEP the My Future platform was dreamt up during lockdown when Year 11 and 13 young people were unable to access face-to-face careers information.

The platform, however, has been so successful, with thousands of young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire using it to find careers advice and apprenticeships, that funding has been extended for a further 12 months helping bridge the gap ahead of large scale in-person careers events returning. Derbyshire County Council is also supporting the relaunch of the MyFuture platform.

Over the last 12 months, more than 4,000 young people, teachers and parents have accessed the platform.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained: “MyFuture has been immensely popular since its launch. We were all very keen for it to continue beyond lockdown being lifted and I am delighted that the partners were able to provide funding to enable this. Together we are helping create a strong, skilled workforce which will support the continued inward investment in the town as well as ensure young people gain the best advice and support for their future career development in these challenging times.”

The funding has enabled a refresh of the MyFuture platform by Chesterfield-based creator and designer Oasis Studio. New features within the virtual careers fair include improved search functionality, easier navigation within the exhibition hall, TV screens within the pods which play live videos and immersive sound allowing the user to feel like they are actually attending a live careers fair.

New pods have also been added to MyFuture, including The Tickled Trout, Acorn Training, Edwards Employment Solutions, Superior Wellness, Staveley Town Deal and NLT Training Services. With around 100 pods on the platform, including one featuring The National Careers Service, MyFuture offers young people in the area unparalleled access to careers information.

The pods are set across 11 zones in the virtual careers fair, providing a wealth of information about different sectors, industries, individual businesses, apprentice positions and further education options available across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We originally launched MyFuture with our partners to ensure there was good quality careers advice available during the pandemic and we have seen fantastic levels of engagement. It’s proved to be such a successful support tool that we are keeping it in place and making it even better than before. There are new organisations featured on the platform and new features which mean it is more interactive and engaging. I’d encourage any young person thinking about their next steps to take a look at MyFuture for local opportunities and inspiration.”

Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 said: “Using innovative technology like MyFuture helps to raise aspirations for young people by bringing to life the opportunities available to them. It’s great to see this resource continuing and developing as bringing together the worlds of work and education is a vital part of our strategy to lead our region’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alex Dale added: “We are delighted to support the relaunch of MyFuture. The website is a great place for young people to explore different career opportunities, get advice and search for local opportunities including apprenticeships and further education courses.”

Young people, teachers and parents who now want to learn about the many opportunities available to future school leavers, can visit MyFuture at www.myfuture.org.uk.

Employers who wish to have their business featured on the MyFuture platform should contact Emily Williams at Emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,