Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield company secures prestigious award

A Chesterfield-based business has won a major industry award for its refurbishment of the offices and reception of the Mining Information Centre in Mansfield.

Leverton UK, based in Wingerworth, has received the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Award for Collaborative Working following its £250,000 major structural refurbishment of the Coal Authority’s reception and offices on Lichfield Lane in Mansfield.

The company, a family business established in 1972 which specialises in commercial refurbishment and shopfitting contracts, was recommended for the award by Shirley Hurst-Cox, the Coal Authority Facilities Manager who submitted the award entry.

Shirley Hurst-Cox commented: “Leverton UK went beyond the brief.  They managed other contractors on site well, brought design flair to the project and recycled and reused existing materials to ensure the refurbishment of our offices and reception were delivered on time and on budget.

“All too often in construction we hear of projects going over budget and being delivered late.  Leverton UK’s collaborative approach to working at every stage just shows this can be avoided. This award is justly deserved.”

Selected from a shortlist of 40 other companies, Leverton UK was presented with the award at the recent East Midlands Committed to Construction Awards Dinner 2014 held in Nottingham – the most prestigious event in the region’s construction industry’s social calendar.

At the ceremony Leverton UK was praised by CIOB for the way, as principal contractor, it worked with other contractors on site and delivered the project ahead of schedule and on budget despite finding asbestos, which had to be removed, two weeks into the refurbishment. The company was also recognised for its value engineering measures, while working on the project, achieved through recycling a number of materials.

The new glass stepping stone bearing the Coal Authority Logo inset into the floor of the new reception was the brainchild of Marcus and uses recycled glass partitions that were removed from the original offices.

Leverton UK Directors, Marcus and Tony are both Fellows of the CIOB which is the highest professional qualification and recognises people who have worked at a senior level in the industry for at least five years.

Marcus Leverton said: “We were delighted to win the award. To be recognised by our peers and the CIOB is incredible.

“We approached the refurbishment of the Coal Authority’s offices like we do every project; with a professional team all sure of the end goal, aware of their own responsibilities, yet willing to go the extra mile to help each other out.

“But most of all, each member of the team, from the client to the guys working on site, know they are appreciated and are wholly included in the project which results in a superior end product. The award is definitely a highlight in the company’s 41 year history.”

The Awards were open to organisations, both public and private; and also individuals located in and around the East Midlands and whose business is related to construction. The categories were chosen to reflect sensitive and diverse issues and matters current in a modern construction industry.

Pictured left to right: Marcus Leverton, Mike Sheldon – Head of HSE and Facilities and Shirley Hurst-Cox – Facilities Manager both from The Coal Authority are presented with the Collaborative Working award by Chris Chivers Vice President of the CIOB (FCIOB).

Source:Leverton UK via In the Works PR

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s parks among the best in the country

Four parks, all maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, have retained the prestigious Green Flag award.

The national accolade, handed out by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises Britain’s top parks and open spaces.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Both Poolsbrook Country Park and the grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium were awarded the honour for the second time, after first receiving the award last year.

Holmebrook Valley Park received its fourth Green Flag, while Queen’s Park‘s award marks the tenth time it has been given Green Flag status.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment said: “One of our priorities as a council is to keep our parks and open spaces clean, tidy and well-managed.

“The fact that four of our parks have retained Green Flag status shows we are successful in this.

“I’d like to thank our staff and the many residents and volunteers of our friends of the park groups, without whom, this would not be possible.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

Photograph caption: Councillor Chris Ludlow (centre) celebrates the Green Flag awards for 2014 with Chesterfield Borough Council environmental services staff and friends of the parks.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

More than 1000 entries for Chesterfield Marathon

A 67-year-old man from Clay Cross has become the 1,000th person to sign up for the Chesterfield Marathon.

John Edward Bee, a former member of North Derbyshire Running Club, will take part in the 26-mile distance event on September 14.  While an experienced runner, it will be the first full marathon for John, who has taken part in a number of half marathons, 10km and 5km races in the past.

John said: “I’m hopeful I can finish the full distance, but whether I can run all the way is another matter!  It’s really all about taking part and showing support for charity.  I just really hope I can finish before everyone else has gone home!

“I was going to keep entering the Chesterfield Marathon a secret from the running club’s members, but I may need to rethink that now! It’s great to be the 1000th entry.”

Daniel Lane, Landlord of John’s local pub, the George and Dragon in Clay Cross, has already offered him a generous sponsorship amount, which John is aiming to at least match as his own sponsorship target.

Daniel added: “John has taken part in the pub’s own charity event – the ‘Dragon Run’ – a five-mile annual race in and around the Clay Cross area for a number of years.  John is yet to be beaten in that race, despite his humble attitude towards his own running ability. We have every confidence he will do very well in the Chesterfield Marathon.”

The Chesterfield Marathon is set to be one of the biggest participant events in the town for more than 30 years. It is in aid of children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer, along with other local charities.

Mike Hyman, founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer and the Chesterfield Marathon, says: “We are delighted to pass the 1,000th entry milestone for the race.  Interest in the event is really growing with entrants coming in daily.  It should be a fantastic day for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.”

Runners can take part in a full marathon, half marathon, fun run and a relay race, where four competitors take a share of the course.

In addition to the races, fun activities will be taking place at Queen’s Park throughout the day.  The Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon post-race celebrations kick off straight after the fun run finishes with entertainment and live bands managed by Red Butterfly, John Proctor fairground rides, an inflatable arena and sport fun with Premier Sports. The day will finish with a finale of fireworks by Pyrotex award winning professional firework displays.

Entry into the events costs £45 (full marathon) £35 (half marathon) £100 (relay) and £5 (fun run) and anyone raising £200 for Kids ‘n’ Cancer can gain free entry.

To sign-up for the Chesterfield Marathon visitwww.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Source:Released on behalf of Kids ‘N’ Cancer by HR Media Ltd

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Apprenticeships highlighted as being key to Chesterfield’s continued growth

Chesterfield has been highlighted as being on one of the fastest growing corridors in the UK. Speaking at the recent Celebrate Chesterfield event, organised by the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, George Cowcher, Chief Executive of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (DNCC), said:

“There is the capacity and opportunity for the town to expand and become important to the UK economy.”

With standing room only, more than 200 people attended Destination Chesterfield’s event at the Proact Stadium which reviewed the town’s successes during the last 12 months as well as announcing plans for the forthcoming year.

At the event Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Chesterfield Borough Council announced that Chesterfield is creating more jobs.  He said:

“The most recent figures that are available show in the period 2009 to 2012 employment in Chesterfield increased by 10 per cent. This has had a positive impact in helping to reduce unemployment to the current rate of 3.1%.

”And in December 2013, Chesterfield’s unemployment rate was at the national average – which was then 2.9 per cent – for the first time in 20 years, although that gap has increased slightly since then.”

Councillor John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“The manufacturing, retail and tourism sectors are all strong areas for Chesterfield and are key areas for employment growth.”

In particular the growth in employers taking on apprentices was highlighted as a major contributing factor in reducing unemployment levels in Chesterfield.

Trevor Clay, Principal of Chesterfield College, said:

“Apprenticeships are really important for the continued growth of Chesterfield. They are an important part of helping us narrow the skills gaps that are emerging in many of our industries, specifically manufacturing, engineering, construction and IT. Small to medium size businesses make up a large proportion of Chesterfield’s economy, and being able to train up and develop staff themselves benefits them hugely.”

Mr Clay warned however that the government’s failure to consult with small businesses on its proposed reforms for apprenticeships could lead to a significant reduction in apprentice numbers and harm the town’s continued growth.

Although still under consultation, one of the biggest changes for apprenticeships will be where funding is directed. Currently this goes to training providers and colleges who then deliver the training on behalf of an employer. Plans from the Government include directing funding to employers in the form of Tax Relief from HMRC which they would then be responsible for paying their provider of choice

Trevor Clay said:

“I have grave concerns that the responsibility and administrative burden of commissioning the training and funding will put many SMEs off taking on apprentices. Many of these businesses are owner managed, without an HR and finance team to support them. In many cases the administration has to be taken on by the owner personally who is probably on the shop floor actively running the business on a day-to-day basis.”

At the event Chesterfield College also announced it was opening a technical academy in the town for 14 to 19 year olds who do not want an academic career in order to create a supply chain of new talent for Chesterfield’s industries.

Huw Bowen also highlighted the town’s tourism pull saying: “Achieving the Coach Friendly Town of the Year award for 2013 should not be underestimated. We attract more than 500 coaches of tourists each year, who bring significant spend into our economy.”

He also highlighted that Chesterfield’s shop occupancy rate was one of the highest in the UK, currently standing at 94%.

To keep-up-to-date with events and developments in Chesterfield, visitwww.chesterfield.co.uk.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Local businesses celebrate Chesterfield

Over 200 delegates attended Destination Chesterfield’s Celebrate Chesterfield event at the Proact Stadium.

The event celebrated what had happened in the town over the past 12 months, updated on major regeneration schemes and launched new activity for Destination Chesterfield.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Businesses invited to celebrate the town’s success at free breakfast event

Local businesses are invited to share in the success of the town’s inward investment campaign, Destination Chesterfield, at the Proact Stadium on Wednesday 19th March from 7.30am – 10.30am.

Spaces are limited and businesses are being urged to register now after nearly 200 people attended last year’s event.

The free breakfast event, which is aptly named ‘Celebrate Chesterfield,’ will look back over the campaign’s success during the last 12 months as well as announce plans for the forthcoming year.

Speakers at the event include Cheryle Rolfe of Staveley-based family engineering firm, DC Rolfe, which recently secured a business growth grant to secure the future of the company for a third generation.  Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons, which is one of the latest business to sign up to the Chesterfield Champions scheme, will also present at the event.

There will also be a Question Time Panel including Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, George Cowcher, Group Chief Executive of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, Trevor Clay, Principal at Chesterfield College and Graeme Huston, Editor of the Derbyshire Times.

Destination Chesterfield was established in 2010 during which time it has engaged the business community as Chesterfield Champions, in actively supporting the marketing of the town and driving investment and bringing it to the attention of national investors.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The engagement of the local business community has been instrumental in the tremendous success of Destination Chesterfield during the last three and a half years. To ensure ongoing success it is important such businesses are aware of the difference they have made and share in the achievements of the town and its commerce. They will also receive important updates at the event on Destination Chesterfield’s plans and the regeneration sites across Chesterfield. I would urge as many local businesses to attend.”

The campaign, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has secured funding until 2015.  Peter Swallow added: “I am very much looking forward to the event. The town has achieved so much since Destination Chesterfield was launched, not least on-going investment, and the jobs it has brought with it. We have more than 140 Chesterfield Champions who are committed to making the area a great place to live, work and invest now and beyond 2015.”

Celebrate Chesterfield is free to attend however spaces are limited and places should be confirmed online by Friday 14th March atwww.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield Market Hall is UK’s best

The new market hall run by Chesterfield Borough Council has been officially named as the UK’s best small indoor market.

The market hall re-opened to customers in October last year following a year-long £4 million refurbishment which saw it transformed into a modern shopping area.

The cost of the redevelopment also included refurbishing the historic exterior and the Assembly Rooms, while creating a suite of offices for businesses on the upper floors.

Since re-opening market traders have reported doing good business and the offices will shortly be fully occupied. The council is also actively marketing promotional and retail space at the heart of the retail area near the cafe.

Now the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) has voted the market hall as the UK’s top small indoor market.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “This is great news for the town as the market hall is one of the iconic buildings in Chesterfield and a key part of our history.

“To secure its long-term future we needed to move with the times. The redevelopment enabled us to deliver the modern, light facilities today’s shoppers want and expect.

“At the same time we were able to keep and restore the historic core of the building, including the beautiful Assembly Rooms on the first floor which not all users may have seen yet.

“By adding offices for start-up and small businesses on the upper floors we have also increased the income being generated by the building while playing a part in creating new jobs and developing the local economy.”

The cost of the project was paid for by £2.1 million of grants from the European Regional Development Fund and the National Lottery, with the remainder coming from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Paul Hind, president of the Chesterfield branch of the National Market Traders’ Federation, said: “The traders have found the new market hall good. It is lighter and the public use it more often.

“The council has taken an old Victorian building and made it fit for purpose as a modern shopping area.”

The redevelopment project was overseen by the council’s asset management partner Kier under the Public Private Partnership with arvato.

Matt Sorby, head of Kier in Chesterfield, said: “Since opening the market hall has proved really successful with occupancy rates above predicted levels and traders reporting good business.

“Having a successful market hall is an important part of attracting both residents and visitors into Chesterfield to shop.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town has had an amazing start to the New Year with two awards under our belt recognising the hard work of so many people working together to make Chesterfield a come-to destination. The latest accolade for the market hall further cements our position as a contemporary and thriving town centre, earning us national recognition.“

The Assembly Rooms in the market hall are available for hire by the public, community groups or businesses. Further details can be seen athttp://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Chesterfield-Venue-Hire-1014.html

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield’s regeneration team scoops national award

Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration team has been named as Placemaking Team of the Year at the inaugural Placemaking Awards.

 

Organised by Planning and Regeneration and Renewal and held at the British Museum in London – the awards recognise the projects, plans and people that are making places better through planning, regeneration, urban design, economic development or community renewal.

The win not only recognised Chesterfield Borough Council but also the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, which is an integral part of the council’s regeneration strategy.

Together Destination Chesterfield and the council’s regeneration team have engaged with businesses through, amongst other things, the Chesterfield Champions Scheme, to attract inward investment and make things happen.

Judges at the awards said: “The visionary leadership and can-do attitude had resulted in an inspiring narrative of getting things done.”

Councillor John Burrows, Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This award is another national recognition of the fact that Chesterfield is a town going places.

“It recognises a real team effort between business and the public sector to make Chesterfield a better place. When devising and implementing regeneration plans or marketing the town to investors and visitors there is a lot of detailed work that happens which the public never hears about.

This award recognises that hard work and the benefits it brings to our town in terms of creating jobs, improving the local economy and ensuring we punch above our weight compared to others in the region and beyond.”

Delighted with the award, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “From the outset Destination Chesterfield has been a team effort involving not just the campaign’s marketing team and Chesterfield Borough Council but also the business community and the many champions who actively support the campaign.

“Without their commitment we would not have made the measurable impact we have in making Chesterfield a come-to destination for investors, businesses, visitors and residents. Our experience at Chesterfield Waterside is that the town’s increased profile is generating a lot of occupier interest. I am delighted that the award recognises everyone’s commitment and hard work.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on developments in and around Chesterfieldvisit www.chesterfield.co.uk and for information about Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration services visitwww.chesterfield.gov.uk and click on business.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield

CASA Hotel celebrated as Top 10 UK hotel by TripAdvisor

Casa Hotel, Chesterfield’s only independently operated 4 star hotel, has put Chesterfield on the map after being named as one of the UK’s Top 10 hotels by review site, TripAdvisor, for a second year running.

The Spanish influenced hotel, which boasts 100 luxury rooms, the award winning Cocina Restaurant, Barca Bar and state of the art conference and wedding facilities, has been named as the 9th best hotel in the UK, based on consumer reviews via the TripAdvisor holiday review website, which enables visitors to rate their stay based on sleep quality, service and more.

From those travelling to Chesterfield seeking a luxurious break away, to those simply visiting to enjoy a drink and dinner in the bar and restaurant, Casa Hotel prides itself on focusing on those small details that make a big difference.

Out of a total of 571 reviews on the site, 84% said that their stay was ‘excellent’, with 97.7% saying that their stay was ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. Many visitors praised the service from the hotel staff, the quality and comfort of their sleep and value for money.

Steven Garcia Perez, Owner of Casa Hotel said:

“To be recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the UK’s Top 10 hotels is a fantastic achievement and I am incredibly proud of each and every member of staff at Casa for their contribution towards this accolade. What really stands out in all of the comments on TripAdvisor, beyond great value for money and a comfortable night’s sleep, is the level of service visitors received during their stay with us.  There are countless anecdotes of the Casa team going the extra mile and this award is a great testament to their continued hard work.

“Being listed in the Top 10 really puts Chesterfield on the map as an up and coming place to visit and we hope that this will help drive tourism to the town and surrounding areas in 2014.”

Source:Casa Hotel

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Celebrations for two Chesterfield Champions at Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards

The county’s finest food and drink businesses were crowned last night at the prestigious Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards, including two Chesterfield Champions.  Italian town centre establishment, Calabria is the proud winner of Best International Restaurant and Peak Edge Hotel, situated on the outskirts of the town, once again scooped Gastro Pub of the Year.

Joint owners of Peak Edge Hotel, Jo and Damian Dugdale commented:-

“We have a great team at The Peak Edge Hotel at the Red Lion and are thrilled to be winners for a third year running.  Thank you to everyone involved.”

Celebrity chef Valentine Warner presented winners in a total of ten categories at the Derbyshire County Council run awards with their accolades at Chesterfield Football Club’s Proact Stadium.

The full list of winners are:

Restaurant of the Year
Darleys Restaurant, Darley Abbey

Best International Restaurant
Calabria Cucina, Chesterfield

Gastro Pub of the Year
Red Lion Bar and Bistro, Stonedge

Traditional Pub of the Year
The Dragon, Willington

Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year
No. 6 The Square Tearooms, Buxton

Café of the Year
Naughty and Nice, Bakewell

Best Derbyshire Breakfast
Fresh Basil, Belper

Best Family Friendly Venue
Scrumdiddlyumptious, Wirksworth
Foresters Bar and Restaurant, Darley Moor

Best Newcomer
Samuel Fox Country Inn, Bradwell

Local Food Hero
Steve Croot – Croots Farm Shop, Duffield

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:

“Derbyshire has so many fantastic food and drink businesses that it is getting harder each year to pick a winner.

They all play an important role in the Derbyshire’s economy and we are delighted that our awards give them all much deserved recognition.”

The Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards were sponsored by HSKS Greenhalgh Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors and Holdsworth.

Entries were judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink served, customer service, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus.

They are then judged by an independent panel of food specialists and each short-listed venue had a mystery shopper visit.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield

UEFA HEAP PRAISE ON SPIREITES

Chesterfield FC officials have received a glowing endorsement from UEFA following the European Women’s Under-17 Championship, which featured four games staged at the Proact Stadium.

The club hosted the final of the tournament, which saw Germany beat Spain in a penalty shoot-out after the two sides were tied at 1-1 at the end of normal time.

Tournament director Adrian Bevington praised the club’s handling of the matches. He said: “Chesterfield FC have been fantastic hosts of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship and provided us with a great stadium for a final of this level.

“We have been really impressed with the modern facilities. The staff worked really hard to provide a great service to UEFA, The FA, the players and the fans who attended the matches.

“The final was a wonderful occasion and Chesterfield FC and their partners should be proud of the grand event they staged.”

The stadium previously hosted men’s England Under-21 and Under-19 matches.

Source:Chesterfield FC

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

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