Business

Vicar Lane partners with Derbyshire Adult Community Education in employer challenge for young people

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education (DACES), part of Derbyshire County Council, to run education programmes for young adults in Chesterfield.

The learners attend Full Time Study Programmes in Shirebrook and Clay Cross; the programmes are based around employment and enterprise and are aimed at young people aged 16-19 to help them gain the skills they need for the world of work.

Vicar Lane is working with organisers on an ‘Employer Challenge’ within the programme, whereby the learners are set a task within a real-life employment environment. Participants are required to visit the centre to familiarise themselves with the task at hand, meet the team and gather as much information as possible, before going away to work on their ideas. They then have to present their proposed solution back to the employer at the end of the programme.

On Wednesday 18th March and 29th April respectively, learners from Shirebrook and Clay Cross will visit Vicar Lane between 10:30am and 12:30pm. They’ll learn about the shopping centre and how it works from day to day, before being given an overview of the project, which will be a creative task.

Proposals will be presented by the learners, back to the centre management team on Wednesday 1st April and Wednesday 13th May. Their plans will be compared to the centre’s own thoughts to see how they align.

The work that young people complete during this task, forms part of their City and Guilds Level 1 and Level 2 Extended Certificate in Employability qualification which will prove beneficial to these young people in their quest for employment.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to once again be working with a team of young people from the Chesterfield community to help improve their career prospects. The initiative last year generated some really exciting results so we are looking forward to seeing what the latest group of learners come up with.”

Click here to find out more about Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Double celebration for local golf professional Fame Tate

Alongside celebrating the first anniversary of owning Stanedge Golf Club, Derbyshire golf professional Fame Tate has named PGA Midlands Professional of the Year.

The award completes a memorable year for the former Ladies European Tour player, which began when she rescued the club near Chesterfield from closure.

Since taking ownership of Stanedge Golf Club, Fame has breathed new life into the club, taking the membership from zero to over 140, overseeing the renovation of the facilities and upgrading the course, as well as picking up many awards along the way.

Fame marked the completion of her training to become a PGA Professional by being named the Association’s Female Assistant of the Year and won the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ category in the English Women’s Awards (North).

Tate was also named as one of Derbyshire’s Junior County Golf Coaches for 2019, an accolade reflected by her being demanded as a coach at Stanedge and at some of golf’s most prestigious events.

She has introduced coaching clinics for youngsters, women and beginners at Stanedge Golf Club and was on duty in the Swingzone during the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn and the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.

Reflecting on what has been a hectic year, Tate said: “It’s been a whirlwind but a very fulfilling one.”

“The 12 months have flown by and there have been so many highlights both at the club and away from it.”

“My initial projection for the club was quite conservative, so what has been achieved there has exceeded my expectations.”

“And winning awards and coaching at the Women’s Open and Solheim Cup have made it an unforgettable year.”

“Receiving the PGA Midlands Professional of the Year award in the same week that we celebrated the first anniversary of buying Stanedge was the perfect way to end it.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Tenth Celebrate Chesterfield Conference to update on Talgo Head Office and next decade of investment

Jon Veitch, Managing Director of Talgo UK Ltd, the Spanish train manufacturer that recently established its UK head office in Chesterfield, will reveal his company’s aspirations for the town at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event.

Over 250 people are expected to attend the free event and exhibition, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and is taking place on Wednesday 11 March at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Mr Veitch (far right) is one of number of key speakers at the free event. He will also be joined by Elizabeth Fagan CBE – Chair of D2N2 LEP, Dr. Paula Holt – Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean at the University of Derby and Huw Bowen – Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.

Sponsored by the University of Derby, Celebrate Chesterfield is one of the biggest and most hotly anticipated business events in the area.

The event is the tenth conference organised by Destination Chesterfield, the town’s inward investment marketing campaign, which is currently working with 180 local businesses, known as Chesterfield Champions, to raise the profile of the town.

Since the launch of Destination Chesterfield, the town has seen significant investment, with more than a billion pounds of investment currently underway. At the conference, delegates will hear updates on key development sites including Northern Gateway, Chesterfield Waterside, The Glass Yard and PEAK.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Celebrate Chesterfield 2020 is particularly significant, not least it recognises the tenth anniversary of Destination Chesterfield, but it is an opportunity to look back over the last decade and see all that the town has achieved in terms of investment.”

“It is something we all should be proud of given the climate of political and economic uncertainty, which has surrounded the town since Destination Chesterfield was established in 2010. A positive mindset coupled with a collaborative approach across the public and private sector has led to substantial investment and development in the Chesterfield. We have created an excellent foundation for further growth and investment.”

In addition to establishing a Head Office, Talgo also has ambitions to develop an ‘Innovation Centre’, co-located with Barrow Hill Roundhouse. In addition to HS2, Talgo is central to Chesterfield’s ambition to become a hub for rail technology and development.

At the event Mr Bowen will update delegates on the Council’s plans for the train station following the announcement that Chesterfield will get an HS2 stop.

Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, added: “We are delighted to be working with Destination Chesterfield and supporting the Celebrate Chesterfield event again this year.”

“As Derbyshire’s only university, we look to use our academic expertise, research and innovation to foster talent and create impactful partnerships with businesses.”

“The Celebrate Chesterfield event provides a great opportunity for us to have valuable conversations that enable us to understand more about the challenges local businesses face. Our priority remains to understand and effectively service the needs of businesses and to create opportunities for individuals, employers and communities to develop and flourish.”

Bridge Help, Central Technology and Markham Vale – Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, are also supporting the breakfast event as associate sponsors.

Anthony Clitheroe, Director at HBD, development partner for the Markham Vale site commented: “The past 10 years at Markham Vale has seen a transformation of this site. Alongside our partnership with Derbyshire County Council, we are proud of the changes, both locally and further afield, this development has made to the region.

“The scheme has seen continued growth as several developments completed towards the end of last year. We’re now looking forward to other opportunities that will see us bring some fantastic new occupiers to the Markham Vale site.”

Ian Snow, Managing Director at Central Technology said: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of great importance to us here at Central Technology. This event has always been the perfect place to meet and work with like-minded organisations and helps put Chesterfield on the map as a great location to both work and live.”

“To continue to provide the best IT support and Disaster Recovery Service and Solutions across all sectors of business, we work hard to actively seek local talented people. We have a comprehensive internal training and development platform to ensure continual training and improvement is maintained throughout our teams. We also have an apprenticeship programme in place, which works to build our teams from the ground up. Training and development is of paramount importance at CT, It is crucial not only for our customers but also the team here that they are able to learn, develop and achieve qualifications to reach their potential. We look forward to supporting Destination Chesterfield in 2020 and beyond.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help added: “We are delighted to support both Destination Chesterfield and the Celebrate Chesterfield event. Commercial developments can often take a significant amount of time to come to fruition and you can overlook the progress that has been made. this event is an excellent opportunity to both recap on what has been achieved over the last 10 years and learn about forthcoming developments and investment in the town.”

Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7:30am to 11:00am, and includes an exhibition with 30 businesses, are available to book now.

To book your ticket at the event or an exhibition stand, please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

#ChallengeDerbyshire initiative smashes through £1million mark in support of North Derbyshire hospices

The recent #ChallengeDerbyshire Charity Ball raised over £200,000 for three North Derbyshire hospices, bringing the total amount raised to over £1.1million.

#ChallengeDerbyshire, which first began in 2015, is a fundraising initiative, supported by local businesses, raising money for Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust and has managed to raise over £1million, thanks to a number of brilliant events and challenges.

David Hopkins, CEO of Markovitz, the driving force behind #ChallengeDerbyshire, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us reach this fantastic milestone so soon! I hoped we would hit the £1million on Saturday but to smash it raising well over £200k on the night taking us past £1.1million was amazing. Excellent end of life care should never be a ‘nice to have’ it should be an absolute right for everyone.

We must never take for granted the incredible work our three charities do for our patients and their families at the most difficult time in their lives. The support we have received from local businesses has been incredible, but the need doesn’t go away. Please keep giving as generously as you do and encourage others to join us in support of our three wonderful charities.”

The money raised so far by #ChallengeDerbyshire has made a significant difference to local people across North Derbyshire.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Since #ChallengeDerbyshire first began in 2015, this amazing initiative has made a significant contribution to Ashgate Hospicecare and an undoubtable difference to the care that patients and their families across North Derbyshire have been able to receive.

“The hospice would simply be unable to run without the amazing support and kindness from initiatives like #ChallengeDerbyshire and all the people associated with it. To have raised over a £1 million for all three charities and make a difference to thousands of people across North Derbyshire is incredible.

“It means a huge amount to everyone here at the hospice to know this will help us ensure we’re her for the future. On behalf of all our patients, their families and everyone associated at the Hospice, thank you so much!”

If your business links would like to lend their support to #ChallengeDerbyshire, to help them continue making a difference to the lives of local people, please contact Jennifer McBain on 01298 72021 or events@challengederbyshire.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Quarterly Economic Survey will establish direction of travel for region’s businesses

2019 was another year of political and economic uncertainty for businesses across the East Midlands and the UK, characterised largely by the ongoing negotiations to leave the EU – only resolved in the final month of the year – and the snap general election of the same month.

With the UK having now left the EU, and with a Government with a strong majority in place, are businesses preparing for more certainty and less turbulence moving forward, or are challenges and outstanding questions – not least what a UK/EU trade deal might look like – resulting in caution among businesses? Importantly, what are the region’s prospects like for 2020 in terms of job creation and growth?

The East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) seeks to answer these questions, asking businesses to respond to a series of questions on different economic indicators, including sales, orders, investments, international activity, cashflow, recruitment plus many more; including a focus in this survey on the low carbon economy.

Responses to this crucial survey, and the feedback received, will be used to help shape regional and national decision making on how to best support the local business community.

The QES is part of the UK’s biggest business survey run through the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) network and polls around 10,000 businesses each quarter to monitor business trends.

Commenting on the survey launch, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at the Chamber, said: “While for the most part 2019 generated more questions than answers, business across the East Midlands area remained relatively robust. However, in conversation with our members across the region there was definitely a sense of driving with the handbrake on, and for some the uncertainty of last year caused real problems.

“What the results of this survey will detail is how the region’s businesses have responded to the outcome of the General Election, the UK formally leaving the EU and the start of the transition period for us to agree trading arrangements leading up to the end of 2020.

“Whatever happens, there will be both challenges and opportunities – the Quarterly Economic Survey will give a sense of how businesses are responding to these as the year progresses, and a steer on the kind of support they need in order to succeed.”

The survey runs until 9 March. To take part, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HSS8Y8D.

Click here to find out more about the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Eckington School’s aspiring engineers discover career opportunities

With 14,000 students in north Derbyshire set to leave school in the next five years, aspiring engineers from Eckington School recently got to see first-hand the apprentice and employment opportunities open to them in the STEM sector.

Five Year 11 GCSE students from the school recently visited the award-winning Penny Hydraulics. The company design, manufacturers and installs hydraulic lifting equipment and is keen to attract the next generation of workers to its Clowne-based facility.

The visit was organised as part of the Made in Chesterfield initiative which is designed to introduce young people to careers opportunities in the town’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) sector.

Launched in 2015, Made in Chesterfield has already been instrumental in raising awareness of careers in the sector, reaching 3,000 students since the campaign began.

Having apprenticeship vacancies available at a range of levels Daniel Casey, Marketing Manager at Penny Hydraulics explained why building links with schools is important for the company, saying: “Supporting local initiatives like Made in Chesterfield helps Penny Hydraulics to inspire the next generation of workers from the local community.

“By bringing students from local schools to our premises we can give young people a valuable insight into a career in engineering or manufacturing – hopefully enough to inspire them to pursue a career with us and other STEM companies in the area.”

Sally-Anne Warren-Armes, Employer Engagement Manager at Eckington School echoed Daniel, saying: “Our specially selected students were already interested in a career in engineering and the visit to Penny Hydraulics strengthened these interests, giving them new avenues to think about.”

James Peters, one of the students who took part in the visit, commented: “The visit has definitely shown that there are both physical and academic sides to engineering.”

All primary and secondary schools throughout North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to the Made in Chesterfield campaign and discover the employment opportunities in the sector available to current and future school leavers. Employers in the sector are offering school leavers a variety of opportunities, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate training schemes.

The campaign is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield with support from the University of Derby, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest, Chesterfield Borough Council and Placing Futures.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and discover how your school or business can get involved, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Awards night celebrates those who are improving lives in Derbyshire

The efforts and achievements of individuals and groups who are using physical activity to help improve the lives of people across Derbyshire were recognised at the Towards an Active Derbyshire Awards last week.

The exciting awards were jointly presented by sports broadcaster Colin Hazelden and GEM Radio presenter Jo Russell, with 200 guests attending the celebration. Entertainment was provided by Sing for your Supper community choir, Team Unit 1 Martial Arts and Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club.

The night celebrated some of the amazing work happening in the Derbyshire communities and Active Derbyshire, who organised the event, want the opportunity to thank the volunteers, groups and staff who help to make physical activity the norm.

Active Derbyshire help support the inactive to become active, ensure people are supported and encouraged to engage in activity, they also address the inequalities that can sometimes occur for those in priority groups such as lower socio-economic groups and women and girls.

2020 Winners and finalists

Change4Life award

Winner – James Illsley

Finalists – Derry Cooper, Rita Wagstaff

This Girl Can award

Winner – Afsana Afsar

Finalists – Hannah Kendall, Caroline Hill

Active Place award

Winner – Hunloke Community Garden

Finalists – Adam Fretwell PT, Freedom Leisure ARC Leisure 

Community Coach of the year

Winner – Dave Cartawick

Finalists – Helen Thornhill, Jay Plimmer

Project/Initiative/Innovation award

Winner – Redwood Primary School

Finalists – #runwalktalk, Wiltsthorpe School

Inclusive Project, group or club of the year

Winner – Rhubarb Farm

Finalists – St Martins School Derby SHOUTaboutSEND, Ripley LC and William Gregg VC LC Dementia Friendly Swimming

Community Group/Association of the year

Winner – Ilkeston Cycling Club

Finalists – Alvaston Parkrun, Residents of Fairfield Association, Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club

Special Recognition award

Winner – Joe Mason

Finalists – Gillian Stallion, Libby Hawkins

Active Derbyshire also awarded a Community Contribution award to organisations who have made a unique contribution to local communities and who are worthy of special recognition. These were awarded to: Pingle Academy, Active Fostering work and Active4Life Petersham.

A special thanks also goes to the category sponsors of the event: Action Nation, Strategic Leisure, University of Derby, Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council.

A full list of winner and finalist stories from the night can be found here.

Click here to find out more about Active Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure

Pinewood Property Estates joins the FIA as exclusive members for Chesterfield and Mansfield

Graham Lock, Founder of the FIA, has revealed that Pinewood Property Estates has accepted his invitation to become the exclusive members for Chesterfield and Mansfield.

Graham Lock said: “I’m thrilled that Pinewood have joined our growing network of high calibre independent agents, they’re an award winning agency that puts the customer at the heart of everything they do, together with a fantastic internal culture. It’s not easy to gain FIA membership but this was a simple decision. Pinewood are clearly on top of their game and I can see a great future for them”.

Director Stacey Davies-Bowler said: “We’re delighted to have been asked to join the FIA, it’s a reflection of our continued progress as an award-winning, customer focused agency. The support, guidance, discounts, products suite and general feeling of being part of something special really appealed to me. The area exclusivity afforded to us will be a significant benefit to the team.”

Graham Lock continued “As soon as I spoke with Stacey I realised Pinewood were the right fit for the FIA. They will compliment our other members perfectly as we continue to build our eyecatching network of high calibre agents throughout the country. I’m really looking forward to seeing Pinewood continue to grow their business and we’re delighted to be a part of that story.”

In 2019, Pinewood Property Estates picked up 4 Golds and 1 Bronze at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards.

Click here to find out more about Pinewood Property Estates

Pinewood Property Estates wins awards at The ESTAS

Pinewood Property Estates wins at The ESTAS

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield Apprentice showcases hospitality sector at House of Commons

During National Apprenticeship Week last week, Kobi Hawes, an apprentice at Global Brands Ltd met the local MP of Bolsover, Mark Fletcher, during the fourth annual Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase held at the House of Commons.

Kobi who is an Apprentice in Accounts the Global Brands head office on Lockoford Lane in Chesterfield, took home a certificate, given to him by Mr Fletcher, to commend his contribution to hospitality and his part in changing the perception of the industry.

The event came at an important time, with attending businesses highlighting to MPs their current staff shortages, urging the government to do more to bridge the disconnect between job losses on flailing High Streets and the burgeoning hospitality industry.

The hospitality sector collectively invested £10bn in new business over the last year, which saw a further 4.3% growth in 2019, creating 19,000 new jobs. The sector is now responsible for creating 1 in 6 of all new employment positions in the UK.

The reception saw more than 200 representatives from the hospitality industry and MPs from across the UK come together to celebrate the burgeoning sector, lifted up by the dedication of the young apprentices thriving within the companies that they work.

The showcase welcomed Minister Helen Whately MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism), who addressed the apprentices and MPs on the importance of the hospitality sector on the UK’s tourism industry.

Minister Whatley said: “We want to give visitors to the UK a world class welcome and that depends on having a skilled hospitality workforce.”

“The Tourism Sector Deal is a bold commitment between Government and industry, and as part of this, our aim is for 30,000 apprenticeships to start each year to help strengthen the domestic workforce and support the future of the industry.”

Also speaking at the event was Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, who said: “Last year’s launch of the tourism sector deal demonstrated the government’s recognition of the vital contribution made by the leisure, hospitality and tourism industries. Post-Brexit however, the industry faces a very challenging period, as ending the free movement of people will invariably lead to skills shortages in certain areas.”

“To fill the gaps, one obvious solution is to recruit more young British workers. Apprenticeships offer the perfect opportunity across all entry levels.”

“The government’s commitment to introduce 10,000 new apprenticeships in the sector each year is welcome, as is the work that is being done collectively by our industry to support investment in skills and career progression in hospitality roles.”

All the apprentices work directly with the companies, as they launch their careers within hospitality, a sector that offers a varied range of roles and opportunities across the UK. The industry supports 3.2m jobs, represents 10% of the economy’s employment, 6% of businesses and 5% of GDP, making hospitality the third largest private sector employer, double the size of the financial services industry and bigger than the automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace sectors combined.

The Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase displays the vibrant pub, bar, brewing, hotel and casual dining sectors during National Apprenticeship Week. The event aims to shine a light on an exciting industry giving young people unique opportunities, as well as challenging the negative perception of careers in the Hospitality Industry and encouraging them to look at the sector as somewhere where they can pursue a rewarding career.

The hospitality industry collectively invested £10bn in new business over the last year, this saw the sector grow by a further 4.3% in 2019, creating 19,000 new jobs. The sector is now responsible for creating 1 in 6 of all new employment positions in the UK.

Click here to find out more about Global Brands

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home

Nominations now open for East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2020

The annual search to find, recognise and celebrate the region’s leading businesses – and the contribution they make across the thriving economy and communities – has begun.

The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Business Awards are unique, proudly led by business from start to finish and recognised as a true badge of honour for finalists and winners.

What’s more, winning a Chamber Business Award is a gateway to both the regional and national British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Awards, meaning a single application could result in outstanding local, regional and national recognition.

Organisations can enter as many awards categories as they like, with the application process honed in recent years to become fully online for enhanced user experience and ease.

The award categories are varied and wide ranging, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Categories for 2020 include Apprentice of the year; Business Improvement Through Technology; Commitment to People Development; Community Impact; Education and Business Partnership; Entrepreneur of the Year; Excellence in Customer Service; Excellence in International Trade; Manufacturer of the Year; Outstanding Growth and Small Business of the Year.

There is also a new category for 2020, the Environmental Impact Award, while one of the category winners will scoop the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Mazars, one of Europe’s largest accounting firms and headline sponsor of the Chamber’s awards programme.

Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, said: “Every year there is a real buzz as we launch our Business Awards. Our businesses work incredibly hard and as the region’s leading business representation organisation it is only right that we acknowledge and reward their efforts.”

“The benefits of entering awards are wide-ranging and profound; it’s win-win at every level. Our awards programme is among the most contested and prestigious around with all categories judged by business peers, ensuring a degree of validation and industry recognition difficult to find elsewhere.”

Jon Parker, Managing Director of ITP, a 2019 Business of the Year winner, added: “We entered the Chamber’s Business Awards because we’re proud of what we’re doing, and this was a great opportunity to showcase our work.”

“It was incredible to win. Every day we aim to make the world around us a better place, so to gain recognition through such a prestigious award is fantastic.”

The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 15 May. For further details and to download county-specific application forms visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards.

The Chamber will host gala dinners in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in the autumn at which the awards will be presented.

Winners of specific awards from each county will then go forward to the BCC regional awards for a chance to compete for a national accolade.

Bloc Digital won the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business of the Year Award 2019

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Derbyshire producers offered exciting opportunity to exhibit at Chatsworth Country Fair

Derbyshire producers will get a chance to showcase and sell their products to thousands of visitors at Chatsworth Country Fair this summer thanks to an exciting opportunity offered by the area’s official tourist board.

For the third year running, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) is inviting local artisans to apply for a place in the Inspired by the Peak District and Derbyshire Marketplace at the major annual event, which attracts over 70,000 people from across the UK.

Held in the magnificent Chatsworth parkland, Chatsworth Country Fair (4 – 6 September 2020) showcases the best in traditional, British country pursuits with spectacular showground entertainment, quality trade stands and fun for all the family.

The opportunity is open to small-to-medium-sized businesses ranging from food and drink producers to artists and craftspeople, and is part financially supported by the MPDD-led European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project ‘Growing & Developing the Visitor Economy Within Derbyshire (Phase II)’.

Derbyshire-based businesses can apply for a place using the following link: www.chatsworth-country-fair-marquee-2020.eventbrite.co.uk

Applications are open until Friday 1st May 2020. Successful applicants will be notified in early June 2020. Stalls provided to successful applicants will be subject to a charge of £100 plus VAT per business.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re excited to once again offer local businesses the fantastic opportunity to showcase their products and services at Chatsworth Country Fair via our ERDF project.”

“The event is the biggest and best of its kind in the country and our Inspired by the Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace offers a unique platform for businesses to reach a potential audience of thousands of people from across the UK.”

“Thanks to our funding support, it’s a great chance for businesses to assess – with little financial risk – the effectiveness of exhibiting at a show such as this, with the hope that they attend under their own steam in future years. Good luck to everyone who applies!”

Val and Nigel Hufton of The Tasty Cakery exhibited in the Inspired by the Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace last year. They said: “Attending Chatsworth Country Fair was a huge boost for our business. It was the best fair we had ever attended and we not only sold plenty of products, but we gained good exposure to the public and also valuable trade interest.”

“It provided us with a fantastic opportunity to sell our products at an event that we probably couldn’t have afforded to exhibit at in our own right. It was also great networking with other local producers and there was fantastic camaraderie!”

Click here to find out more about the Chatsworth Country Fair

Applications are open until Friday 1st May 2020

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

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