Business

What advice would you give to your younger self?

28th December 2018

While Christmas may be a time of giving, for many people it is also a time of financial worry, with thoughts of bills and debts looming in the New Year.

At some point in our life, we all need a little help and advice, Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is for many people their first point of call.

Highlighting the impact of advice on people’s lives, CAB has teamed up with Destination Chesterfield and asked its network of Champions what resolution, with the benefit of hindsight and experience, they would advise their younger selves to make this New Year.

Chesterfield Champions is a powerful network of individuals and organisations that support the development of the town’s economy, shape its future and showcase all that is good about Chesterfield.

Name: Phil Bramley

Job Title: Editor

Company: Derbyshire Times

“My advice to my younger self would be to not be afraid to take more risks and that there’s nothing wrong with daring to fail. Taking a leap into the unknown is the best way to break out of your comfort zone and we never really learn until we get things wrong.”

Name: Simon Paterson

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Organisation: Future Foundations

“I would tell my much younger self ‘stop working for someone’s else’s business and start your own!’ Whilst you are living at home, mortgage free with no kids, you have the opportunity to follow your passions and turn them into a profitable business with little to no risk!”

Name: Anna Melton

Job Title: Director

Company: In the Works PR

“If I could turn the clock back, I’d say to my younger self, don’t compare yourself to others and take every opportunity that comes your way. Plough your own furrow and where you encounter set-backs, focus on the solution and not the problem. And smile more.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Office

Organisation: UK Asbestos training Association (UKATA)

“Accept any funded training you are offered! If your employer offers to fund another NVQ, grab it with both hands. If you can take one piece of knowledge from a course that you retain and implement it has been worthwhile attending. You might feel at the time that you are not interested in another qualification, but these courses are a real path to a future career…. I speak from experience. I began my working career as an apprentice and now lead a national association!”

Name: Vicki Grove

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Company: ra Information Systems

“The New Year resolution I would advise my younger self to make would simply be ‘to live in the moment’. This is easy to say in hindsight of course but life would have been simpler if I had spent more time enjoying the present and less time trying to shape the future.”

Name: Rod Auton

Job Title: Trustee

Organisation: Chesterfield Canal Trust

“I would tell my younger self to build on the good things from last year to make the New Year even better. You will get satisfaction in your job, and your life in general, if you can see improvements. Remember the bad things as well. Analysing and learning from mistakes can be really positive, because that will spur you on to improve.”

Name: James Pogson

Job Title: Director

Company: Northern Tea Merchants

“To my younger self I would say ‘get out into the world and travel.’ I have been lucky to do this as part of my job where I search out new teas and coffees. Through this, I have been able to understand the business inside out – from our suppliers to the products and our customers, which has given me great confidence in doing business. Personally, I have found that travel really does enrich you and transform your outlook on life.”

Name: Leah Shortt

Job Title: Operations Manager

Organisation: Learning Unlimited

“I’d advise taking more self-care. Living in a society full of pressures as a young person can sometimes be overwhelming, whether that be from school, the media, family or friends. I remember regularly prioritising these over my own physical and mental health. As I’ve matured, now more than ever, I realise how crucial it is to look after myself and take the time out to focus on me. Looking back, I feel this would have really helped during those difficult and stressful times we all go through as teenagers.”

Name: Peter Swallow

Job Title: Chair

Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

“Be patient, and DO listen to those with more experience than yourself.”

Name: Pasquale Pollio

Job Title: Director

Company: Nonnas Chesterfield Ltd

“Make a plan, stay consistent and go after your dreams.”

Name: Tricia Gilby

Job Title: Leader of the Council

Organisation: Chesterfield Borough Council

“My advice is to not take life too seriously. There’s a line in a Bob Dylan song which I strongly identify with: ‘I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now…’(My Back Pages, 1964).”

Name: Neil Johnson

Job Title: Managing Director

Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

“Don’t let anyone, including yourself, limit your potential. Think about the things you can and want to achieve. Set a target 30% more than that; you will be surprised at how far you can go by aspiring higher, believing in yourself and putting the effort in to realise your ambition.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Chesterfield is part of a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems. To access help and support, please visit www.chesterfieldcab.co.uk.

More information about becoming a Chesterfield Champion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield: A review of the year

26th December 2018

In a year in which the UK experienced one of its hottest summers on record, Chesterfield’s investment potential also heated up.

The town was named as one of two locations shortlisted by the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo for investment. While we may have missed out on securing the factory, Talgo announced that Chesterfield will be the home of the company’s £9 million innovation centre.

The interest shown in Chesterfield by Talgo also brought the town to the attention of worldwide investors. And we didn’t have to wait long, at the end of 2018 it was announced that I-Grunwerg, an award-winning supplier of houseware and catering products, is moving its operations to the former Franke Sissons site at Sheepbridge, creating 60 jobs in the town.

Going into 2019, the town will also see the opening of the much-anticipated Premier Inn hotel in the former Co-op. The opening of the 92-bed hotel will put Chesterfield on track for further growth. It was revealed at the town’s annual investment summit organised by Destination Chesterfield earlier in the year, that converting an additional 5% of Chesterfield’s day visitors into overnight stays would transform the town’s visitor economy.

James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Board, who spoke at the summit said: “Chesterfield has its foot on the ladder of being world class and is on track to transform its visitor economy.”

2018 was a time of growth for the town and borough and it shows no sign of slowing in 2019. With this in mind, Destination Chesterfield asked the town’s business leaders what their highlights had been in 2018 and what they are looking forward to in 2019.

Name: Simon Paterson

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Company: Future Foundations

“It’s been a great 2018 for Future Foundations and the people we work with. We delivered the National Citizen Service (NCS) in no less than three regions of the UK. Chesterfield alone saw over 400 graduates which, between them, completed over 24,000 hours of social action. They generated thousands for our local charities, making a positive impact on Chesterfield and its local residents. Lives were changed and lives were saved.

“2019 will see us deliver NCS to over 650 young people across five regions in the UK. It’s a real privilege to help shape the future leaders of tomorrow and I look forward to building strong working relationships with even more local businesses and charities.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Company: UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

“2018 has been a formative year for UKATA. We celebrated 10 years of excellence which we recognised by hosting our own Awards, recognising the work of our members in helping to raise awareness of the risks associated with working with asbestos and providing recognised training. We were also delighted when our Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign won Campaign of the Year. We built on the campaign further by partnering with the Department for Work & Pensions, offering free asbestos awareness training to unemployed people.

“Raising asbestos awareness on a local and national level via social media and events across the country will continue to be a focus for us and 2019 will be a very busy year for the association with several large partnerships confirmed with Health & Safety Events, Contamination Expo and Department for Work & Pensions.”

Name: Chloe Maudsley

Job Title: Head of Operations

Company: Derbyshire Institute of Sport

“What a year 2018 was for us! Nineteen athletes from Derbyshire competed at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, two of whom were from Chesterfield; Liam Pitchford and Alicia Barrett. In 2019 we’re looking forward to more athletes from Chesterfield accessing our programme and new businesses in Chesterfield able to offer support to our programme.”

Name: Leah Shortt

Job Title: Operations Manager

Company: Learning Unlimited

“2018 has been a great year for us. We hosted our first ever National Apprenticeship Awards in November which bought together all of our employers, partners, apprentices and staff from right across the UK to celebrate all of the successes we had achieved together over the last year. We were also thrilled that employer engagement was described as ‘exemplary’ by Ofsted. And at a time when apprenticeship reforms have been very challenging, we are pleased to have seen significant growth compared to figures nationally.

“There are lots of exciting developments happening in and around Chesterfield in 2019. In particular, we’re looking forward to the development of Chesterfield Waterside and the HS2 station, which will bring significant growth and investment opportunities to the local and wider communities. This in turn will naturally allow us to increase participation of apprenticeships and work experience placements for the next generation of apprentices and students. Next year also promises to be a positive year for us here at Learning Unlimited as we head into our 10^th year and celebrate our very special milestone anniversary.”

Name: Pasquale Pollio
Job Title: Director
Company: Nonnas Chesterfield Ltd

“This year for the first time we were awarded Best International Restaurant in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. It was genuinely a touching moment that we could finally share with our team who have supported us the past nine years. Chesterfield is simply blossoming year in year out.

“Going into 2019, we want to keep growing, developing our team and creating menus that inspire, bring Italian culinary culture to the forefront and why not smash a few boundaries?! We are so proud to be part of the community and I can’t wait to see Chesterfield take its place on the culinary map.”

Name Councillor Tricia Gilby
Job Title: Leader of the Council
Organisation: Chesterfield Borough Council

“2018 seemed to be dominated by working hard on the bid for the Talgo train company bid. After we got down to the last two from an original list of 30 not winning the factory site was a big let down but it has really put Chesterfield on the map as a good place to locate a factory. Plus our plans for regenerating the Staveley Works corridor are now much further advanced. Whilst we didn’t get the factory we were successful in gaining the rail research hub at the unique Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Talgo are looking to base their UK HQ here. So, Chesterfield may once again be the home of a railway pioneer. As most Chesterfield primary school students know George Stephenson, the father of the railways, lived at Tapton House and is buried in Holy Trinity Church on Newbold Road.

“Looking to 2019, the 89 bed Premier Inn and the new 530 space, 24/7 safe and secure, multi-storey car park will open at the Northern Gateway. Plus the new all weather 3G multi use sports pitches, regenerating the former Queens Park Sports Centre site, will be ready for play. All of which show Chesterfield is a thriving and healthy place to live, work and play. These projects would not have come to fruition without the Council’s investment and leadership.”

Name: Phil Bramley
Job Title: Editor
Company: Derbyshire Times

“The 2018 highlight for our business was undoubtedly the successful buy-out of our parent company by JPIMedia which means that the Derbyshire Times can continue to loyally serve our local community, as we have done for over 160 years.

“While for Chesterfield, a key success has to be the arrival of the observation wheel in town was a huge success. It was enjoyed by a staggering number of people and brought thousands of visitors into the town centre. It’s also been great to see work starting on the new Saltergate multi-storey car park this year. There’s so much going on in Chesterfield, as we highlighted in our Billion Pound Town supplement earlier in the year, but it really brings it home when you see the skyline changing.

“For the Derbyshire Times, 2019 offers us some exciting opportunities to further develop the way we present and deliver news and stories to our readers on-line, alongside our traditional newspaper. 2019 will also be a huge year for Chesterfield, with so many of the major developments which have been planned for Chesterfield for so long, becoming a reality.”

Name: Neil Johnson
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

“2018 was our first full year in business after establishing it in 2017 and we have been welcomed with open arms into the business community. It’s been a fast-paced year for Derbyshire Building Control Partnership. We’ve marketed ourselves, introduced new processes and brought new people on board, which together has all helped drive the business forward. It was great to have this recognised at the end of the year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards when we shortlisted for the New business of The Year.

“For Chesterfield, the highlights are seeing the Northern Gateway project coming along so well, with the works to the former Co-Op building on Elder Way and the progress on the new multi storey car park. It’s also good to see the progress being made on skills in Chesterfield, particularly the closer links between schools and the business community.

“We’re in a very privileged position at DBCP to work closely with the council, architects and developers in Chesterfield and across Derbyshire. I feel that 2019 is the year that we will see buildings starting to come out of the ground for a number of key residential and commercial developments. There is a real sense of excitement amongst the DBCP team for both developments in the town and the business going into the New Year.”

Name: Peter Swallow
Job Title: Chair
Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

“Year after year Chesterfield never ceases to surprise me and 2018 has been no different. Highlights for me included both the Retail Awards and Food and Drink Awards, proving that these sectors are not only growing but thriving in Chesterfield. We’ve also made significant progress on key residential and commercial developments in this town in 2018, including the transformation of the former Co-op, Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, all of which leave us well-positioned to respond to the needs of both workers and residents that further investment in the town will bring.

“I believe that the interest shown in the town by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has further put us on the map for investment from both the rail sector and overseas companies. As a result more exciting investment opportunities will present themselves in 2019. Chesterfield may be the final resting place of the father of the railways George Stephenson, but Talgo’s and HS2’s investment all point to the town becoming recognised as a pioneer of rail travel. 2019 is a year I am very much looking forward to.”

Name: Anna Melton
Job Title: Director
Company: In the Works PR

“2018 was challenging and exciting in equal measure which has enabled the team and business to develop and grow. A real highlight was working with so many local businesses from a diverse range of sectors. I never cease to be amazed at the wealth and variety of businesses that are in Chesterfield – many of whom lead the way in what they do. I feel honoured that we are involved with so many of them.

“Next year I will personally celebrate living and working in Chesterfield for 20 years. It’s delivered on every level for me since I moved here in 1999 – homes, jobs, great schools for my children and a fantastic destination to establish and grow my business. If 2019 continues in the same vein as every other year (and I see no reason for it not to) I have lived here, then it’s another year I look forward to welcoming.”

Name: James Pogson

Job Title: Director
Company: Northern Tea Merchants

“Like Chesterfield attracting interest from Spanish train manufacturer Talgo, we also successfully took the Northern Tea Merchants brand overseas in 2018. A highlight for me was visiting Peru in August, courtesy of PromPeru (the Peruvian Chamber of Commerce). A definite standout of the trip was being invited to attend the huge exhibition that is Expo Amazonica as a VIP guest and I was even able to shake the President’s hand.

“It is wonderful to see the work now well underway at the Northern Gateway – the work being undertaken here will make such a difference to the look and feel of the town. Seeing the new Saltergate Multi-Storey Car Park shell being built is an exciting development.

“Some developments in town have been a long time coming however we are seeing work now underway and it will be great to see these projects develop further next year. Onwards and upwards for us all in 2019!”

Over 180 organisations have become Chesterfield Champions to support the development of our economy, shape our future and showcase all that is good about the town. Joining the scheme is a direct statement of belief from organisations about their commitment to Chesterfield and its successful future.

For information on how you can become a Chesterfield Champion, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

150 new jobs to be created by national auctioneer in Chesterfield

21st December 2018

A hundred and fifty new jobs will be created in Chesterfield when national auctioneer John Pye opens its first auction site in the town.

The 233,000 sq ft site was acquired by John Pye Property – a division of the wider John Pye Auctions group – to support the business’ continued growth and expansion.

The new site will be the second largest in the John Pye portfolio and comes as a result of an increase in stock volumes from the company’s high street retail clients including DFS, John Lewis, Made.com and many more.

Richard Reed, head of property at John Pye, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the wider John Pye group with the acquisition of our new Chesterfield site. To be able to complete such a complex transaction in just four weeks speaks volumes about the great team we have here, and everyone at the company is very excited for the opening of the new facility.

“The property is prominently located on the A61, adjacent to Tesco Extra and Chesterfield Football Club. It has superb access to close by Sheffield and surrounding towns, and is very close to Junction 29 of the M1 Motorway. We expect it will be a very busy auction facility.”

Adam Pye, managing director of John Pye said: “This expansion is a perfect example of our continued growth and ambition. Over the last five years, we have gone from strength to strength, and this new site takes our UK salesroom space to nearly one million sq ft nationwide.

“We are always on the lookout for opportunities to expand our auction house network, and we are continuing to look for further sites in high-demand areas such as the north west. The launch of our new premises in Chesterfield is the perfect way to kick off 2019, which we hope will be another recording breaking year for John Pye.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Spireites spread festive cheer

21st December 2018

Chesterfield FC Community Trust recently arranged for Spireites players and management staff to visit Ashgate Hospicecare and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, spreading some festive cheer.

Manager Martin Allen confessed afterwards to having experienced mixed emotions, praising the positivity of those at the hospice facing terminal illness.

He said: “Some of them may not make Christmas, but they’re happy and enjoying themselves and they made us so welcome. I think we can all learn from people who are so happy, with their bright outlook on life.”

The players and management chatted to patients and staff at Ashgate and a buffet lunch was laid on, which was paid for by the players.

To add to the festive mood, a few Christmas carols were sung. “We had a sing-off against the staff and patients,” said Martin. “I was the judge and we beat them so it was great to get another win under our belts.”

Sue Whitfield, who attends the Day Hospice, thanked the club for the visit. She said: “It was such a wonderful surprise to meet everyone. They were all so friendly and it was really fantastic to have them over.

“It was really lovely to know that we’re thought about – especially at this time of year – and supported as well.”

The next stop was Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where the Spireites party handed out presents to children on the wards and posed for photos with patients and their families.”

Martin said: “It was good to walk along the corridors, meet people of all ages and see the happiness it brings to the children and families.”

“It is such an honour and a privilege to do it and bring some happiness into people’s lives. This again reinforces the responsibilities we’ve all got with our community to try and build our club and bring happiness to the town.”

spireites chesterfield fc ashgate hospital visit

Photos by: Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas

Brand new Apprenticeship Hub opens in Chesterfield

20th December 2018

Learning Unlimited’s brand new Apprenticeship Hub in the heart of Chesterfield College is now open.

The information hub – in the heart of the college on Infirmary Road in Chesterfield – will be open daily from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Fridays, to give individuals the chance to get one to one advice and find out more about apprenticeships.

“We’re here to offer advice and guidance to anyone considering an apprenticeship,” said Learning Unlimited’s Operations Manager, Leah Shortt. “There are so many apprentice opportunities available at the moment and we’re here to make it easier for people to find the right job role for them and help them find the right route to their dream career.”

“Apprenticeships are a great way to get quality training and valuable work experience. Apprentices are employed, earn a wage and get the opportunity to study at the same time. All apprentices – no matter what their age, their role or level – gain real industry experience, benefit from on-the-job and off-the-job training and receive support throughout their apprenticeship.”

The hub is equipped with all the information needed about a wide variety of apprenticeship opportunities from engineering and construction, hairdressing and beauty to catering, business administration, IT and marketing. There’s the opportunity to pick up information about new opportunities and the different training available. The team will be on hand to offer support and guidance through the entire application process.

Leah added: “There’s no need to make an appointment. People are very welcome to just stop by and say hello. We’re a friendly bunch and we look forward to welcoming people to our new space and offering the advice and help that they may need.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Ryan Duckett named Derbyshire Chief Executive

19th December 2018

Interim Chief Executive Ryan Duckett will officially take over as Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Cricket Club from 1 January 2019.

He replaces Simon Storey, who leaves to take up the role of CEO at Kent County Cricket Club.

Duckett, who moves from his position as Commercial Director, has worked alongside Storey for the past six years and has overseen record growth in cricket and non-cricket revenue.

The Club has established itself as a 365-day-a-year venue at the heart of the Derby community, hosting major events including concerts for over 15,000 people, as well as the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup and an annual Fireworks Night & Fun Fair event.

Duckett has overseen the major development in commercial activity, with consistent growth across ticketing, hospitality and events, as well as securing key sponsorship deals contributing to a record commercial turnover in 2017.

Chairman Ian Morgan said: “The Supervisory Board considered very carefully the appointment of a new Chief Executive and having listened closely to Ryan’s vision on the development of the Club, we recognised that he is an exceptional candidate and decided not to look externally.”

“Ryan, who has over 21 years of experience in professional sport, is the right person for the role and his skills and ability are recognised and well respected by Members, sponsors, partners and stakeholders, as well as our players and staff. ”

“We had no hesitation in offering him the position and we are confident that he will lead our Club forward both on and off-the-field by building on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses.”

Duckett added: “It’s a pleasure to take on this role at a great Club like Derbyshire which is built around a rich history, strong infrastructure and a desire to keep developing.”

“I look forward to working with our experienced Supervisory Board, as well as our Members, supporters and partners as we take the Club forward in what is an exciting time for the sport.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Craft beer shop opens in Chesterfield

18th December 2018

With its official opening day on Wednesday 19th December, Chesterfield Craft aims to become the biggest source of craft beer and ales in Chesterfield town centre.

Stocking beers from local brewers such as Thornbridge, Buxton and Abbeydale, national craft brewers such as Magic Rock, Cloudwater and Loka Polly and from overseas brewers such as To-Ol, Lervig and Basqueland Brewing Project, Chesterfield Craft looks to provide a real alternative for the people of Chesterfield.

Open until 6pm Monday to Saturday, customers can call in after work to pick up a craft beer or two to enjoy in the evening. Located at 12a Saltergate, in between Lime Living and the Spire Frier, it is within a few steps of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, and the Cavendish Street bus stops.

The new shop will offer take-out sales only, allowing customers to buy beers and ales to be enjoyed at home. There will also be a home delivery service for customers who cannot make it to the shop, with same day delivery available for orders completed before 4pm.

Richard Young, Owner and Director of Chesterfield Craft, said: “If there’s a brewery whose beers you’d like to see us stock, just let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you are a local brewery, please get in touch if you’d like to see your products in our shop – we’d love to have you!”

Chesterfield Craft is open now! To find out more visit www.chesterfieldcraft.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Deadline looms for Enterprising Women nominations

17th December 2018

The annual quest to find the region’s most successful and inspirational businesswomen will end soon after Christmas.

The final deadline for nominations for the 2019 East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Enterprising Women Awards is Friday 4 January.

Winners will be announced at a glittering, ‘little black dress’ dinner on 8 March –International Women’s Day.

Eileen Richards, Founder of ER Recruitment, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and one of the Co-Chairs of Enterprising Women, said: “If any enterprising women have time over the Christmas break – between balancing work and family through the holidays – then it would be an ideal time to nominate themselves or someone else for an award.”

“Enterprising Women is all about finding and recognising women who make a serious contribution to the regional economy, often successfully balancing work, keeping home and motherhood but not always being acknowledged for what they achieve.”

There are seven awards to be won this year: Business Woman of the Year, Social Commitment, Apprentice of the Year, Female Employee of the Year, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

Co-Chair Jean Mountain, a Past President at East Midlands Chamber, said: “By highlighting their contribution and telling their stories, hopefully we can inspire other women to pursue their business dream, which is why I would urge as many people as possible to send in nominations for the 2019 awards.”

Chamber membership is a requirement for nominees, however anyone can nominate. For more information click here. For an application pack email ew@emc-dnl.co.uk or call the Chamber’s events team on 0333 320 0333 and select ‘option 2’ when prompted.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Spireites appoint new Chief Executive

14th December 2018

Graham Bean been named as Chesterfield’s new Chief Executive. He will take up the role with immediate effect.

Club owner Dave Allen is delighted that Graham has accepted the role. He said: “Graham has a wealth of experience in the running of football clubs and is no stranger to Chesterfield, having been involved with the investigation of former chairman Darren Brown in 2000.”

Graham said: “I am delighted to be joining Chesterfield FC in such an important role. I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the club progress and working for the good of all, including the supporters. This is a good club and hopefully together we can move it forward.”

“I believe that I have some unique credentials because not only have I worked in senior roles within professional clubs and understand the workings of a club, but I have also had a spell as national chairman of the Football Supporters Association.”

“During that time I was involved in supporter-led campaigns and so I can fully understand and resonate with the frustrations that supporters of the club are currently experiencing. Indeed, I owe my time in the supporter representation world to my progression in the game and so will always look to embrace the views of supporters.”

“I do intend to look to improve the communication between the fans and the club but directors, staff and supporters can also be assured that I will use my best endeavours to improve all aspects of club life.”

“As many supporters will know, I have had a number of dealings with Chesterfield FC over the years and take pride in the fact that my investigation into the Darren Brown era, whilst working at the FA, contributed towards the saving of the club and subsequent takeover by the supporters. It is somewhat ironic that I now find myself back here.”

“This is an exciting opportunity and I am grateful to the owner and directors for giving me the chance to serve the club.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

New Chief Executive Officer appointed by D2N2 LEP

13th December 2018

A new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

Sajeeda Rose, who has been Interim CEO at the D2N2 LEP since September (2018), becomes CEO with immediate effect, following a robust recruitment process.

As the LEP’s CEO, Sajeeda leads a small team supporting the D2N2 Board – a private sector-led Partnership of business, local authorities, higher and further education providers, and community and voluntary organisations – in promoting an economic growth plan for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; using resources of more than £500million in funding, derived from the UK Government and European Union.

Sajeeda joined the D2N2 LEP in November 2017, as Senior Manager for Growth Deals and Capital Programmes, and acted as Interim Deputy CEO before taking on the Interim CEO role in September 2018.

Prior to joining D2N2, Sajeeda was Chief Operating Officer for the Northamptonshire LEP, where she was responsible for strategy development and delivery of all investment programmes by that LEP. She also worked for the former East Midlands Development Agency, supporting the delivery of sub-regional investment programmes.

Sajeeda has a BA (Hons) degree in Politics & Economic History from the University of Leicester. She is married with two children.

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am confident that in Sajeeda we have found a CEO who will continue to lead D2N2 in delivering economic growth for all our communities, using the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP); currently in the final stages of being updated to meet the area’s changing needs up to 2030.

“Sajeeda is taking on the role at a time when the D2N2 LEP has much to do; including the launch of its new SEP, developing a Local Industrial Strategy, delivering current and planned programmes, as well as consultation on and establishing new governance rules for the LEP’s Board Members and staff to make our operations even more publicly accountable. I’m confident that Sajeeda’s leadership will help deliver results for all our stakeholders.”

Sajeeda Rose, CEO for the D2N2 LEP, added: “I am delighted to be appointed as the D2N2 LEP’s new CEO, and to have the opportunity to build on the great work of its Board and staff to date.”

“The LEP has a lot to do in future. We have a new strategic plan to launch to take our economy into the next decade, a Local Industrial Strategy to develop to complement the work being done nationally, increasing access to skills and training, and ensuring we continue to attract private investment to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I look forward to the challenge.”

Further information about the work of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can be found on its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Home

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa wins 5 wedding accolades including England’s Top Wedding Venue

13th December 2018

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa swept the board at the WeddingDates Awards picking up 5 accolades, winning the coveted title of England’s Top Wedding Venue.

The venue has also been announced as winner of East Midlands Top Rated Wedding Venue, winner of Derbyshire’s Top Rated Wedding Venue and winner of Country House Wedding Venue of the Year.

The final award was given to Nicola Williams, Wedding Coordinator at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, for East Midlands Wedding Coordinator of the year.

In a year of notable achievements, Ringwood Hall Hotel has been awarded 4 Star Status by the AA, Conference Venue of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, a Gold Award in the East Midlands in Bloom awards, a 5 Bubble award for the Garden Secret Spa by the Good Spa Guide and a Bronze Green Tourism award.

Ringwood Hall has seen a transformation over the past two years since new owners purchased the property in 2016 and further plans are already in place to continue the investment into the Grade II listed building.

Rona Davies, General Manager at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said “I could not be more thrilled to have received these wedding awards. The whole team work so hard to ensure that every wedding is perfect for our couples.”

“These awards are based on customer feedback and therefore really do hold a special place for us. Winning the Country House Wedding Venue of the Year award, among the others, is just fabulous as the UK is home to so many beautiful properties. We truly feel honoured to be given such recognition.”

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