Celebrate Chesterfield

Green + Benz scoop coveted Chesterfield Retailer of the Year title

26th May 2016

Four retailers retain titles in 2016 awards

Only six months after opening its new flagship store, Green + Benz has scooped the coveted title of Retailer of the Year, Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber at the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Green + Benz was among 14 Chesterfield retailers to scoop one of 18 prestigious awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with The Chesterfield College Group.

The awards which returned for the third year running were the biggest yet and saw four retailers – Adorn Jewellers, R P Davidson Cheese Factor, Libby’s and Debenhams, retain their 2015 titles.

As well as Retailer of the Year, Green + Benz also took the title of Best New Store following the relocation of its Chesterfield store on Glumangate to 120sqm of premium retail space on South Street in December last year.

The increased space means Green + Benz can accommodate an open shop floor, a private viewing room and a workshop for bespoke commissions. Inside, the store boasts luxurious leather and velvet upholstery, glittering chandeliers and individual branded display bays which are framed by polished chrome edge details and numerous mirrors, which all adds to the overall sense of glamour of the store. Figures for Green + Benz showed a 68% overall growth in prior year sales results in December 2015 following the opening of the new store.

Manager of the Chesterfield store, Abi Noakes was presented with both awards at the sell-out award ceremony, which was held at the town’s Winding Wheel venue and hosted by Peak FM breakfast show presenters Cat and Stu.

Abi said: “We’re so overwhelmed and very proud and happy to receive the awards. It means so much that the awards have come from Chesterfield and everybody in Chesterfield. We really try and strive to make our clients ultra-happy and give them the best service that we can.”

Peter Swallow, Chairman of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the retail awards were a huge success and highlighted how strong Chesterfield’s retail scene is. The town has an excellent mix of independent and high street retailers as well as an historic market and a key reason why so many people, locally and nationally, visit each year. It’s a winning mix that consistently sees Chesterfield buck the trend for shop vacancy rates, contributing significantly to our growing economy.”

Discover all the winners of the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Spireites announce second summer signing

25th May 2016

Chesterfield have made their second summer signing, clinching the signature of midfielder Jon Nolan.

The 24-year-old was a free agent after coming to the end of his contract at Grimsby Town.

Nolan, who started his career with Stockport County before spells at Lincoln City and Wrexham, played a key role in Grimsby’s return to the Football League via the play-offs. The Mariners also enjoyed another trip to Wembley in last weekend’s FA Trophy final.

Nolan joins striker Kristian Dennis in signing for the Spireites since the end of the season.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Ringwood Hall Hotel named best wedding venue

24th May 2016

Ringwood Hall Hotel in Brimington was named Best Venue in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire at the I Do Magazine Wedding Awards this month.

Shortlisted alongside four local venues (Bentley Brook in Ashbourne, Hotel Van Dyk in Clowne, The Maynard in Grindleford and Best Western in Retford), Ringwood Hall Hotel scooped the accolade at a ceremony held at Sheffield City Hall on Tuesday 17th May.

Votes for the category were cast by bridal couples who had used the services of wedding suppliers and held their wedding receptions at participating venues.

A spokesperson for Ringwood Hall Hotel said “We are absolutely delighted and thrilled to have won this award. We have an exceptional wedding team, and our beautiful Georgian grade 11 listed Manor House with its six acres of award winning formal gardens and 23 acres of parklands, is the perfect location for bridal couples to enjoy their special day.

“What makes this award even more special is that the votes were cast by bridal couples who had held their wedding day at Ringwood Hall, and to have so many happy and satisfied brides is a testament to the service we provide in the planning towards the wedding day, and the operation of the wedding day itself.

Ringwood Hall Hotel is a unique and quirky venue that provides an exceptional wedding experience for our bridal couples, and I think the I Do Magazine Award is clear evidence of this.”

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Celebrity host of 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards confirmed

24th May 2016

Professional cake designer to the stars, Mich Turner MBE, has been confirmed as the celebrity host of this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Founder and director of London-based Little Venice Cake Company, Mich has created cakes for Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Gordon Ramsay, David Beckham and Pierce Brosnan. Her bespoke cakes start from £2500.

As well as her high profile cakes that have been featured in films, Mich has also presented and judged Britain’s Best Bakery, one of the top five performing daytime TV shows on ITV, as well as her own Mich Turner’s Couture Cakes for Sky. In addition to her TV credits, Mich also has five international best-selling books to her name.

Delighted to be hosting the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards Mich Turner said: “I am a firm believer in using quality ingredients whether you’re creating indulgent cakes or a memorable meal. A cake, like any food or drink, should be a feast for the eyes and a memory for the palate.

“Chesterfield has a thriving food and drink sector we all have our own personal favourites. It will be wonderful to see so many businesses and individuals within the sector recognised at the awards.”

Mich will be announcing the winners of 13 awards at a glittering award ceremony which will, once again, be held in Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building. The popular awards return for the fourth year running and are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

The winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards are decided following a public nomination. People can nominate cafes, bars, restaurants, pubs and food producers online across 10 categories in the awards until midnight on Monday 13 June at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

The 10 categories in which you can nominate in the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by arvato
Pub / Bar of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Accountants
Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
Best Out of Town (within 10 miles of Chesterfield) – presented by Chesterfield College
Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by Casa Hotel
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones, the Crooked Spire Church, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Central Technology Ltd, ra Information Systems, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Proact hosts world’s largest first aid lesson

23rd May 2016

A new world record for the largest first aid lesson was set at the Proact Stadium on Friday 20th May when 1,795 people learned essential lifesaving skills.

The event was organised by the Community Save a Life Scheme and Bolsover District Council, with support from Chesterfield FC, the British Heart Foundation, Rotary International and Inner Wheel.

Children from a number of local schools were joined on the pitch by residents of the town to beat the previous record figure of 1,700, set in Abu Dhabi three years ago.

The participants watched videos demonstrating key lifesaving skills before carrying out their newly-learned first aid methods on the pitch to hone them.

Dr Cheryle Berry, one of the organisers, expressed her delight at the achievement. She said: ”This is a dream come true for all of us and I’m particularly proud of all the children. It was like waiting for your exam results all over again and my knees were trembling as we waited for the numbers to be announced!

“As soon as the numbers were said there was huge euphoria and pride, because this will mean a lot. We wanted to give the football club a lovely birthday present for their 150th year.

“We also wanted to give Chesterfield a boost because it’s a town that deserves to be put on the map and we feel that in our little way we’ve done that.”

The attempt was overseen and verified by Glenn Pollard – an official Guinness World Records adjudicator – who gave his observations after confirming that a new record had been set.

He said: “I had been working with the organisation team leading up to the event and explaining what I would be looking for. Right from the very start, I got a real sense of the organisation that had gone into it.

“I was overwhelmed by the organisation and the hard work and I have to say that it is one of the best organised events I have been to.

“This is about a Guinness World Records title, but it’s also about training people in first aid. If one person is able to save a life on the street as a result of what they have learned, then it’s been worth it. The certificate is the icing on the cake for what they’ve achieved.”

Images courtesy of Tina Jenner.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

NLT Training Services achieves UK first

20th May 2016

Chesterfield Champion NLT Training Services has become the first training provider in the country to achieve the new matrix+ accreditation.

NLT, which provides apprenticeship training to young people throughout the region, was selected to be involved in the pilot of the brand new Government matrix+ standard earlier this year.

The new advanced standard is an extension of matrix, a unique quality standard for organisations to assess and measure their advice and support services, which ultimately supports individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals.

The higher level matrix+ quality standard has been introduced to meet demand from existing holders of the matrix standard who want to challenge themselves in the business critical areas of strategic positioning, leadership principles and people engagement.

NLT’s Chesterfield office, based on Station Road in Brimington, underwent the rigorous inspection at the end of last year and was successfully awarded the prestigious standard in April.

The government accreditation recognises excellence in leadership and management in training organisations that are funded by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA).

Following the successful attainment of Matrix+, the standard is now being rolled out to training organisations across the UK.

Delighted to be the first in the country to receive the advanced accreditation, Andy Sheppard, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services said: “We train, advise and support hundreds of young people every year so for our services to be recognised as exemplar is a wonderful achievement. I am very proud that NLT is the first in the country to achieve the matrix+ accolade. It is testament to our great team that we are leading in our field.”

Paul Bridle, Chairman of Assessment Services Ltd which is the sole provider for the matrix Standard, said: “We are delighted that NTL undertook the Matrix+ and congratulate them on their success. Organisations like NLT understand that ongoing success and improvement requires constantly challenging yourself. By embracing the matrix+ approach they have demonstrated their desire and commitment to discover the best of who they can be.”

NLT Training Services, which was established more than 40 years ago, has offices in both Chesterfield and Scunthorpe. It is renowned in the industry for delivering specialist engineering and manufacturing training as well as apprenticeships in business skills.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Banner Jones duo take on 40 miles for Dementia Awareness Week

20th May 2016

Directors Richard Barlow and Rob Stubbs from Banner Jones Solicitors each completed a 40 mile ultra marathon on Saturday 14th May to show their support and help raise money for the thousands of Derbyshire people affected by dementia.

The pair were inspired to run the Sherwood Forest Dukeries Ultra by Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield who also completed 30 miles on the day.

For Dom the event was number six in a series of sixteen team challenges designed to raise awareness locally for the Alzheimer’s Society and brings Dom’s current fundraising total to over £3000.

Explaining his reasons for joining the team, Richard Barlow, Head of Wills & Probate said:-

“I’ve always fancied having a go at the ultra. It was a great chance to support Dom, raise money for the Alzheimer’s society and complete a challenge of my own all in one go. It’s also national Dementia Awareness Week between the 15th- 21st May and so raising money for something that affects so many of my clients seemed like the right thing to do.”

Speaking about the challenge, Rob Stubs, Head of Dispute Resolution said:-

“The first few miles were quite tough going as part of the course had flooded, so we ran for some time in wet shoes. The scenery along the way helped to make up for it though. As a rather cruel twist the organisers gave us a ‘free mile’ so we actually ended running 41 miles, but we dug in and encouraged each other to the end. The finish line was a welcome sight and reaching it felt like a huge achievement. It was a great event and we’ve even suggested we might run the course again, but not for a while!”

Commending Richard and Rob, Marketing Manager, Ann-Marie Lowe commented:-

“Banner Jones Solicitors does a lot of charity work throughout the year and regularly enters teams into sporting events. The pair took this on with absolute determination and have helped Dom to reach his fundraising target of £3000 in the process, which is absolutely fantastic. We are very proud of our runners!”

To sponsor the team or to see the full list of challenges, search for Sixteen in 16 online.

Image (L-R): Richard Barlow and Rob Stubbs from Banner Jones Solicitors and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure

Nominations open early for Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

19th May 2016

With the lighter nights and warmer weather now upon us, people are being urged to nominate their favourite restaurants, food producers, bars, cafes, pubs and tearooms in the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the nominations have been opened earlier than usual to capitalise on the town’s recent warm weather, which is helping draw people into bars, restaurants and cafés in and around the town.

People can nominate eateries, hostelries and food producers based in Chesterfield as well as 10 miles out of town. Nominations are open now and can be made online across 10 categories in the popular awards, which return for the fourth year running. Nominations close at midnight on Monday 13 June 2016.

Everyone who nominates in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards will be entered into a free prize draw for two tickets to the glittering awards ceremony later this year, which will be hosted by founder of Little Venice Cake Company, Mich Turner MBE.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager is now urging people to get nominating. He said: “This year we have brought the nominations forward to make the most of summer socialising – whether it’s a tasty meal or buzzing beer garden, or something special produced locally for your barbecue or picnic, we want to know.

“The success of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards is all down to the general public and they haven’t let us down yet. Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. I hope people will get behind us once again and vote and help make the 2016 awards the best yet.”

Headline sponsor Chesterfield College, is once again hosting the glittering awards ceremony at its Heart Space Building. Its catering students will not only serve and prepare the two-course a la carte menu to more than 250 guests, but will also compete for the coveted Young Chef of the Year title in the awards. The winner of the title as well as those of all the awards will be crowned at the star-studded ceremony in October later this year.

Voting in the 10 categories is easy and can be done online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

The 10 categories in which you can nominate in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

• Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
• Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier
• Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by arvato
• Pub / Bar of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar
• Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
• Best Out of Town (within 10 miles of Chesterfield) – presented by Chesterfield College
• Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by Casa Hotel
• International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
• Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Holdsworth Foods, Banner Jones Solicitors, the Crooked Spire Church, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, Central Technology Ltd, ra Information Systems, Black Eyed Susan and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Employment trend remains positive

18th May 2016

The number of people in work in the East Midlands has increased by 66,000 over the past two years, while the number of people out of work has fallen by 44,000 in the same period, according to figures released this morning.

The latest regional employment bulletin from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that between January and March, there were 2.25 million people in jobs and 109,000 people unemployed across the region.

It means the unemployment rate in the region remains at 4.6%, well below the national average of 5.1%.

In terms of Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) claimants, there was a monthly decrease of 810, to 31,350 across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in April, and there were 5,665 fewer claimants across the three counties than there were in April 2015.

In Chesterfield there were 1,115 out of work claimants in April 2016, which is 25 fewer than the figure reported in March (1,140) and 210 lower than the same month last year (1,325). The current percentage of the population claiming the benefit in the the town now stands at 1.7% and is below the national average of 1.8%.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The latest employment figures for the region are once again positive and reflect what our members are telling us through our survey work about continued growth in the East Midlands.

“It’s particularly encouraging to note that the figures show there are now more people employed in manufacturing roles in the region than at any time since September 2008, which was shortly before the national economy crashed. This also bucks the national trend, where manufacturing has been subdued in many other parts of the country.

“The East Midlands’ key strength lies in the diversity of its business community and it’s good to see that growth is spread across businesses of different sizes and different sectors.

“While the labour market remains flexible and dynamic, this positive snapshot of employment must not lead to complacency. The economy faces significant challenges over the coming months, not least the uncertainties the EU Referendum brings, a softening in other key markets and the ongoing skills shortages our members encounter on a daily basis.

“Now is not the time for political paralysis while we wait to see what happens in the aftermath of the vote on 23 June. Policy focus must still be placed on the fundamental building blocks of doing business, including finance for investment, skills provision and the delivery of first class digital and transport infrastructure.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Proact plans world’s largest first aid lesson

17th May 2016

Organisers at the Proact Stadium are hoping to break a world record this Friday – for the number of people attending a first aid lesson.

The event, which will start at 10am, is backed by the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Heart Start’ campaign, in association with the Community Safe a Life Scheme and Bolsover District Council.

Anyone of any age can attend and join in the lesson at the Proact for FREE to learn the skills that one day could save someone’s life.

Commenting on the expected number of attendees, organiser Deborah Watson said: “We think we’ve got in the region of 1,800 school children alone and the current record is 1,700, which was set in Abu Dhabi.

“We’re fairly confident we’re going to beat that record. We’re hopeful other members of the public will come and we’ll have over 2,000 people on the day.”

Cheryle Berry, who is also part of the organising team, added: “When people come on Friday morning they can look forward to an exciting day but also one where they can learn skills which could help them save a life – we think that’s pretty unique.

“We want every single participant to feel proud of themselves because they could literally save a life from the things they learn here on Friday.”

Oldham Athletic fan Melvin Kenyon, whose life was saved after he collapsed while watching his team at the Proact last November, is expected to be in attendance.

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner.)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Rail Ale Festival celebrates 15th birthday

17th May 2016

The popular Rail Ale Festival at atmospheric Barrow Hill Roundhouse is set to celebrate its 15th birthday in style this weekend. Supported by CAMRA, this year’s festival takes place over three full days, with over 300 beers and ciders on offer, making it the biggest Rail Ale yet.

The of number of beers on the Craft & Continental Keg bar has also increased substantially to reflect the growing popularity of this way of serving beer. There will be a wide range of bottled beers from around the world, a comprehensive selection of fruit wines and several gluten-free beers too (subject to availability).

Classic steam and diesel locomotives will once again form the dramatic backdrops to the bars. Steam trains will run until 5pm on Friday and Saturday and there will, of course, be plenty of great live music and good food.

This year’s musical treats include New Orleans Heat Jazz Band, Shaun Byrne Open Mic, The Shaydes, Redwood, The Moode and Facsimile (Friday) and Ashover Brass Band, Shaun Byrne Open Mic, The Shaydes and Red Ruff, Flint, Moore & Byrne, Danny Smart and Doc Marten & The Ill Fitting Suits (Saturday).

Steam trains will run throughout the day on Friday and Saturday until 5.00pm and visitors can also take a ‘brake’ in one of the Roundhouse’s restored brake vans on the platform.

The Rail Ale Festival takes place at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield on Thursday 19th May, Friday 20th May and Saturday 21st May and will be open from 12 noon to 11pm on all three days.

Further information, including details of the free bus service from Chesterfield Railway Station can be found at http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/rail-ale-festival/.

(Images courtesy of Paul Bigland)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting