Celebrate Chesterfield

Relocation to Elder Way a recipe for success for Bottle &Thyme

24th May 2024

Chesterfield’s award-winning bar and restaurant, Bottle & Thyme, is expanding to bigger premises in the town centre later this year.

The family-owned and run business will relocate from its current premises on Knifesmithgate, where it has been based since 2017, to the flagship corner unit in the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

The owner of Elder Way, Jomast, has agreed a 10-year lease on the 3,153 sq ft unit which also boasts an outdoor courtyard. The lease signing follows hot on the heels of the opening of Hotpod Yoga in Unit 7 of the prominent Elder Way regeneration scheme last month (April).

Bottle & Thyme is expected to relocate to the new site in August which will be triple the size of its current premises directly opposite Elder Way. Additional jobs will also be created at the business following the move.

In addition to the Elder Way unit, Bottle & Thyme owners Gavin and Hannah Grainger will also be retaining the Knifesmithgate premises following the move and have plans to develop it later in the year.

Excited to make the move, Gavin and Hannah said: “The new unit hugely increases the amount of space we currently have and gives us the opportunity to have separate areas for the bar, restaurant, and private functions, as well as outdoor space for dining and drinking.

“Chesterfield town centre does not have the type of venue that we will be creating at Elder Way. It’s a very exciting time. Having been based opposite Elder Way for seven years, we already know the location works well so to be able to move across the road into larger premises is excellent for us. I see what we are creating at Elder Way as a first step in our vision of a new leisure quarter for the town.”

Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director said: “I am delighted that Bottle & Thyme will become part of Elder Way. Hannah and Gavin share our vision to create a premier leisure and hospitality quarter in the heart of Chesterfield. Alongside Hotpod Yoga and Premier Inn our vision is coming to life and we are talking to a number of future potential tenants for this prestigious site.”

Work is now underway to transform both the frontage and interior of the unit as well as festoon light the outdoor courtyard area. Gavin added: “Although much larger, it’s important to us that we keep the feel of a smaller venue at Elder Way. We have many longstanding customers and we’re delighted the additional space means we will now be able to offer them everything we want to, as well as be dog friendly.”

The new private function area, known as The Glass Room, will cater for functions of up to 30 guests, Hannah explained: “Being located a short walk from the town hall, there is high demand for micro weddings. Word has already spread that we will be able to offer event space in the new unit at Elder Way and we have had a number of bookings.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this family-run business go from strength to strength – building up a great following in the heart of Chesterfield, and now expanding into new, bigger premises on Elder Way, and expanding the size of their team. We wish Gavin and Hannah all the best in their new base – and also with their future plans for their existing building on Knifesmithgate.

“This is the second business to relocate to the redeveloped former Co-op building in recent months, and it’s great to see the momentum now building in this part of town. We look forward to welcoming more businesses to Elder Way in the future.

“It’s a fantastic and attractive town centre location, with the council’s recent investment elevating the space to create as key gateway into the heart of our historic town. This will link through to wider improvements across the town centre which are due to start in the summer, as part of our multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme which will create more welcoming and better connected to spaces in which to shop, socialise and enjoy local events.”

In addition to the transformation of the former Co-op department store into seven street-level units and a Premier Inn by Jomast, the area has been further boosted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s £1 million public realm improvement scheme.

In addition to the public realm improvements, Bottle & Thyme’s location on Knifesmithgate has enabled the business to benefit from the Premier Inn hotel located at Elder Way. Hannah added: “Some guests enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with us, with many returning to Bottle & Thyme every time they stay at the hotel. We’ve got to know many guests well over the years. The opening of Premier Inn on Elder Way in 2019 has and continues to make a positive impact on our business.”

Five units now remain available at Elder Way, with joint agents WSB Property and FHP reporting strong interest from a number of operators.

For enquiries or further information about the units, visit www.elderway.co.uk

For information and menus, visit www.bottleandthyme.co.uk

Planning to visit Chesterfield? Make the most of your trip by heading over to our visiting and events pages.

For more information on locating your business in Chesterfield Town Centre, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Hartington Business Park fully let as Capital Angling Limited agree on-site expansion

24th May 2024

Devonshire Property Group, part of the portfolio of Devonshire Group businesses, is celebrating full occupancy at its Hartington Business Park scheme in Staveley this week.

Capital Angling Limited, an existing tenant at the site, has agreed to take on a further 2,465 sq ft to support its expanding e-commerce operations.

The business, which provides a wide range of fishing tackle and equipment, has agreed a five-year lease on a second unit at site, taking its footprint at Hartington Business Park up to 7,364 sq ft.

Adam Mayfield, Property Development Manager at Devonshire Property Group, said: “Reaching fully let status at Hartington Business Park is indicative of the high level of demand for industrial warehousing in Derbyshire. We are really pleased to be able to help support Capital Angling’s expansion on site and to provide them with a platform to continue to grow their business. The strong tenant confidence in us and the scheme is a testament to our continued investment in the area and our commitment to ensuring that the unit sizes & specifications suit a broad range of occupiers and exceed energy efficiency standards.”

Jamie Jackson, Director at Capital Angling Limited said: “Hartington Business Park has proved to be an ideal location to grow our business, particularly given its proximity to both our customer base as well as some of their favourite fishing spots. Our success, and the support we’ve had from Devonshire Property Group, has been key to us being able to expand into our second unit at the site.”

Located on the northern edge of Staveley, five miles to the North East of Chesterfield, the 22,614 sq ft Hartington Business Park benefits from easy access to the M1 via J30 and J29A, located just 3.5 miles and 2.5 miles away respectively.

Ranging in size from 2,479 sq. ft up to 4,899 sq. ft, Hartington Business Park’s units have been built to a shell specification that allows occupiers flexibility to utilise the space for maximum business benefits. Built with a steel portal frame and steel profile cladding, the units also have secure concrete yards, EV charging points, full fibre broadband, ample parking spaces and boast a BREEM ‘Very Good’ rating.

100% occupancy at Hartington Business Park follows recent news that Devonshire Property Group has also fully let its 102,515 sq ft warehouse at the nearby Markham Vale. Beginning operations at the site later this Spring will be digital and information management specialists, Restore Records Management, who have let the warehouse on a long-term lease.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group, added: “Across Derbyshire and the East Midlands there is an acute need for quality industrial units to help support the region’s businesses in discovering new opportunities for growth. Achieving full occupancy at both Hartington Business Park and Markham Vale clearly demonstrates this. Fully letting both sites was only achieved through our continuous investment across our industrial portfolio and by ensuring that our sites provide the flexibility, facilities and specifications that our occupants need to grow and succeed.”

To find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Devonshire Property Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield regeneration, Devonshire Property Group, Hartington Business Park, Invest in Chesterfield, Investment in Chesterfield, Staveley, Staveley regeneration

Canal restoration gets underway in Staveley

23rd May 2024

The Chesterfield Canal Trust celebrated the start of its latest phase of restoration with a groundbreaking ceremony at Staveley.

Lee Rowley MP, Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Tricia Gilby, the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, were joined by Tony Mitchell, a director of O’Brien Construction Ltd. and Peter Hardy, the Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

O’Brien’s are carrying out the first phase of an 18 month long project. They will do major groundworks to clear the route of the canal and landscape the surrounding area. Next, the abutments for the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge will be built and, in September, this 38 metre long structure will be lowered into place.

Later a length of canal will be reinstated along with a new lock and another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane. There will also be a pumping system and a new Bellhouse Basin will be built. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, stretching all the way across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw.

Finally, the whole area will be planted with wildlife friendly vegetation and a seating area for people to enjoy the tranquillity of the newly restored canal will be installed. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.

This is one of ten projects funded through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million investment in Staveley through the Government’s Towns Fund. The total cost of the canal restoration is around £6 million, most of which will come from the Town Deal. The Trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former Chair of the Trust. To learn more, go to the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.

Peter Hardy welcomed everyone and said this was the culmination of three years of preparatory work. Toby Perkins said: “The canal is a huge asset to Chesterfield and the Trust’s volunteers are involved in something that genuinely matters and makes a difference to very many people”. Cllr Gilby was pleased that another of the Staveley Town Deal projects was getting underway and said, “This wonderful asset will boost the tourist economy and people can use it to walk and cycle, possibly even to get to work”.

Lee Rowley also praised the volunteers and said: “It’s just amazing to see that this has got going, it’s taken a number of years to do but we’re now seeing another example of Levelling Up in action”. Tony Mitchell said that O’Brien’s were very happy to have the opportunity to do the works which will bring joy to thousands of people for many years to come.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Chesterfield canal, Chesterfield canal restoration, chesterfield canal trust, chesterfield developments, chesterfield news, Chesterfield regeneration, Invest in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Staveley town deal

Chesterfield launches development blueprint at real estate investment forum

21st May 2024

A raft of opportunities to develop thousands of residential, industrial, and retail properties in and around Chesterfield, Derbyshire’s largest town, have been revealed at UKREiiF, a major event for UK and international real estate developers and investors.

Destination Chesterfield, which is responsible for promoting Chesterfield as a place to invest, published a map today highlighting new real estate and regeneration opportunities in the town. The map includes opportunities for new homes, light industrial, hospitality and leisure units around Chesterfield rail station, and retail, office and residential developments in Chesterfield’s historic town centre.

Land close to Chesterfield’s mainline rail station has been transformed in recent years through the Chesterfield Waterside project, one of Britain’s largest regeneration schemes. Hundreds of new homes on the development have been built and sold in the last three years alone, and all six floors of the One Waterside Place office development were let within a year of its launch in January 2023.

Chesterfield Borough Council is enhancing the appeal of investment opportunities in the heart of Chesterfield with a £20 million regeneration project centred on key public spaces in the town centre and their connections. Due for completion in 2025, this project includes investment in Chesterfield’s historic market squares to support a broader range of festivals and community events.

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

Chesterfield’s investment map also highlights opportunities for tourism-focused accommodation and retail developments at the PEAK Gateway Resort, a project to create a large-scale tourist and leisure destination on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, and multiple plots at Markham Vale, a 200-acre business and industrial park located next to the M1. Now one of the UK’s premier manufacturing and logistics locations, Markham Vale is home to over 70 companies.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Chesterfield’s place as a thriving town and a great place to live and work is being enhanced through public and private investment and ambitious developments that will benefit people, businesses and communities across the town.”

“Chesterfield is seeing a surge in investment. New build completions exceed targets, demand for property is robust, and we continue to be a place where people see high-quality home ownership as a realistic option. Chesterfield is open to investment, it is a cost-effective business location, and it is a place where people want to live and raise families. That is why we are growing as a town.”

To download a copy of Chesterfield investment map, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield business properties, Chesterfield business space, Chesterfield commercial property, chesterfield developments, Chesterfield investment opportunities, chesterfield news, Invest in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, UKREiiF

Chesterfield businesses highlight town’s investment potential at UK’s largest property event

20th May 2024

With a vibrant community of more than 3,000 businesses, and several multi-million pound regeneration projects taking place right now, there has never been a better time to invest in Chesterfield.

That is the message which property and construction businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire will be taking to the UK’s largest trade and investment forum, UKREiiF. The event is taking place in Leeds from Tuesday 21st-Thursday 23rd May 2024.

Organisations will speak to potential investors about the excellent strategic location of Chesterfield, alongside the unique opportunity presented to the area by the creation of an East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Businesses will be making attendees aware of the various projects which they are working on. Firms will also support Destination Chesterfield in spreading the message of the area’s exciting commercial opportunities.

This year, firms will officially launch the new Chesterfield Investment Map, which Destination Chesterfield has created in collaboration with partners across the public and private sector. Take a look at the map here.

The map also includes several key facts and figures on why Chesterfield is a superb location to base a business. Home to cost-effective property, a central location next to the M1 motorway and a large pool of talent within commutable distance, Chesterfield is a thriving hub where businesses are supported to grow.

Here’s how Champions in the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group will be supporting the promotion of our town:

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair and Managing Director – Bolsterstone Group

“I’m delighted to see several Chesterfield organisations showcasing the breadth of investment opportunities available in the borough at this year’s UKREiiF.

“Our town is an ideal location to base your business thanks to its transport links, proximity to major cities, airports and ports, and access to a skilled pool of talent.

“To have several organisations within the town’s property and construction sector taking that message to the UK’s largest trade show speaks volumes of the strength of our business community here in Chesterfield.

“I’m very much looking forward to having conversations with colleagues, whether they are local to Chesterfield or based further afield, to discuss the exciting regeneration taking place here.”

Andy Dabbs, Chair of Chesterfield Property and Construction Group and Director – Whittam Cox Architects

“I’m excited to partner with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to shine a spotlight on Chesterfield’s investment potential at UKREiiF.

“Such events play a vital role in promoting the town, highlighting its key strengths like its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and collaborative business culture.

“At this year’s UKREiiF, the town is proud to showcase a range of prime investment opportunities, ranging from restored historical landmarks, dynamic commercial and leisure developments to thriving industrial zones. These opportunities underscore Chesterfield’s appeal as a top investment destination.”

Kriston Harvey, Director – Rodgers Leask

“I’m really looking forward to attending UKREiiF for what will be my third visit. Once again there is a fantastic programme and fringe offering, and it’s a great opportunity to meet up with contacts from across the industry.

“It’s really good to see my home town of Chesterfield will be represented at UKREiiF by both ‘Destination Chesterfield’ and also members of the ‘Chesterfield Property and Construction Group’.

“For Chesterfield, the links to the strategic road and rail network along with easy access to all that the Peak District has to offer make it an ideal location for businesses and their workforce. The success of recent developments such as the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place in attracting new businesses to the town demonstrate that the demand is there for high quality office space, which is a strong asset when looking to attract new investment.”

Neil Beaumont, Business Development Director – Custom Solar

“I’m very excited to attend this year’s UKREiiF and helping to showcase the vibrant and welcoming business community we have here in Chesterfield.

“There is huge potential for growth across the town, with several exciting regeneration schemes continuing to move forward. In addition, I’ll be delighted to shine a light on some of the sustainable development projects that we have been working on here at Custom Solar, and how we’re playing our part in building a greener future.

“I look forward to having discussions will fellow Chesterfield Champions and colleagues across the UK property and construction sector, highlighting why the town is such a great base for us in terms of transport and connectivity, but also a fantastic place to live and work for our team.”

Joanne Neville, Regional Head of Planning – Harworth Group

“UKREiiF provides a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with partners, build new relationships and be part of the conversation on some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our industry today – from driving the delivery of new homes to attracting high-skilled jobs in the regions and decarbonising our economy.

“Our site at Staveley in Chesterfield is an important part of this conversation and we have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of Chesterfield, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating real collaboration between the public and private sector.

Simon White, Property Director – SUON

“I’m delighted to be attending UKREiiF this year on behalf of Tawnywood to promote our Hartington Commerce Park capable of accommodating approximately 65,000m2 of high quality employment space.

“Phase 1 restoration works are now largely completed and, backed by the Staveley Town Deal, in Q3 2024 we will be moving on to major infrastructure works to create a new access, development spine road and associated landscaping. Alongside those works new services infrastructure will commence with National Grid installing a new 5mW power supply.

“The timing of this year’s event is particularly useful both in terms of our own programme of works but also the creation of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield property and construction, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Invest in Chesterfield, UKREiiF

Chesterfield business leaders encourage firms to take advantage of local support

20th May 2024

Chesterfield business leaders are urging companies across the town to take advantage of a wide range of support being offered, to assist in their growth and innovation.

The recent Destination Chesterfield Round Table discussion, conducted in collaboration with the Derbyshire Times, brought together several organisations to celebrate the reasons why they love working, living and running businesses in the town.

Delegates highlighted how Chesterfield was a town full of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, with its vibrant community, strategic location, access to skill and talent, and robust support ecosystem.

Firms across the Borough of Chesterfield can currently access a wide range of support options. From improving sustainability to upskilling their teams and exploring innovation and growth, the Round Table panel were keen to encourage other businesses in the town to take advantage of the schemes available.

Abigail Phillips, Start-up Advisor at East Midlands Chamber explained more about the Chesterfield Accelerator Scheme, which was launched in late 2023: “The programme provides one-to-one business support. The key thing about it is that our advisors can highlight potential improvements which you may not know about or haven’t considered. A series of workshops are being hosted across our region too.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council commented: “As a council, we hold regular conversations with businesses across a diverse range of sectors, so we have a good overall vision of what is happening across the borough. The Manufacturing and Property & Construction Forums held under the Destination Chesterfield umbrella are a real strength. I am also very keen to highlight the Skills Brokerage Service which Chesterfield Borough Council has launched for businesses, which allows us to talk to a range of organisations about their skills gaps and identify what they need.”

Chesterfield boasts a bustling community of more than 5,000 businesses. Whether you’re starting up, or looking to grow, a supportive network of organisations are more than happy to share advice. From informal meetups to large exhibitions and major summit events, the sense of camaraderie in Chesterfield helps to reassure people when faced with the challenges of starting a business.

Catherine Wenborn, Managing Director at Vines Legal Ltd spoke of her experience of moving her organisation to the town: “We were shy at the beginning, very much newcomers. However, we got involved in networking with other businesses, attending BNI and the Chesterfield Business Expo at Casa Hotel. We soon found that it was great to meet local businesses. It is always hard setting up in a new place, but people are so friendly here, and people always welcome you. There are so many opportunities here, and now I certainly don’t want to go back down south!”

For established companies, being ingrained into Chesterfield’s community becomes a natural progression. Matt Killingley, Business Development Director of NT Killingley Ltd, which has been trading for more than half a century, explained how important it is for business owners to step away from their day-to-day tasks and collaborate with others.

He said: “One of the most useful things for me was being part of a Chamber initiative which saw a group of managing directors meeting semi-formally once every month. It was very useful because we were all non-competing businesses, and it enabled you to step out of your own business, share problems and then discuss possible solutions. Running a business is totally encompassing, and to step away just for a couple of hours and meet with other business leaders is a great idea.”

Abigail Phillips added: “Through adversity, businesses across Chesterfield have bonded together and it has been beautiful to see. People are being honest and helping each other, which provides a great environment for support and collaboration. The more we can have cross-sector conversations, the more we can continue to break down barriers.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby said: “It’s fantastic to see how businesses step forward when we ask them to – showing a real collective aspiration for our place and people. In terms of inward investment, businesses are always willing to come forward and support. We have seen a fantastic response to Destination Chesterfield’s call for new board members, and the appetite of businesses wanting to get involved in the new Chesterfield Town Board has been strong too.”

In addition, delegates at the Round Table explained how being located in Chesterfield, with its central location and proximity to several major cities, was helping to give them a strategic advantage.

Chesterfield Railway Station

Mel Archbould, Managing Director owner of Cloud-Busting, commented: “The location of our town is its greatest strength. We are in the centre of the UK, next to the M1. When the upcoming work has been carried out at the rail station to provide a great welcome to Chesterfield, I think it will be really exciting.”

Catherine Wenborn added: “You can get to up Scotland, or down as far as the south-west either on the train or by road. We’re pretty much bang in the centre, which I consider to be a huge advantage.”

The town’s location also enables businesses to tap into a wide talent pool, with an estimated 7 million people living within an hour’s commute of Chesterfield. Attendees at the Round Table pointed out how they were ensuring they made the most of local skills opportunities to help grow their organisations and create jobs.

Matt Killingley said: “We are working with local schools, trying to promote apprenticeships and we are looking to engage with the potential workforce in our area. Sometimes in business, it is easy to have aspirations you can’t actually enact, but stepping away and speaking to schools and universities helps to promote your business and engage with the next generation.”

Paul Chapman, Owner and Editor of S40 Local Magazine added: “The sense of community in Chesterfield is so different to anywhere else. Look at the links we have between businesses and educators, such as Chesterfield College and the University of Derby. If you’re looking for particular skills, they’ll speak to you and ask what you’re looking for. They’ll then train people up to help get people into jobs, which is excellent.”

Are you a Chesterfield business looking for support to grow or upskill your organisation? Find out more at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield business support, chesterfield champions, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champions highlight local wellbeing support ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week

10th May 2024

Chesterfield businesses are taking centre stage in championing mental health awareness.

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13th -19th May), we’re shining a light on the proactive measures undertaken by our local organisations to nurture the well-being of their employees and residents across our town.

Chesterfield boasts a number of assets to support mental and physical wellbeing, including award-winning parks and green spaces, the town’s proximity to the Peak District National Park, and of course the overall sense of community and togetherness amongst our people. Did you know Chesterfield was recently ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands?

In our conversations with Chesterfield Champions, we explore the diverse ways in which businesses, public sector organisations and our local charity and voluntary sectors are fostering mental health awareness and support within our community.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Karlie Thompson, Associate Director of Communications at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT commented: “Here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, we are an anchor institute for the town and employ more than 5,000 colleagues; we are therefore a key player in the wider health and care system and we are committed to supporting mental health across all our partners.

“We pride ourselves on prioritising the health and wellbeing of our colleagues and our wider community. This includes our commitment to colleagues through 24/7 support services and a £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub with gym and counselling facilities on the hospital site to signage in ED which research shows reduces anxiety and worry as it explains what each section of the department does, what might happen to you in that area and who may treat you. We also have unique, tailored, sections of the department which are specifically designed to support those in mental health crisis.

“Help is there when people are in need and it takes many forms from reaching out through NHS111 to speaking to your doctor. The best place for people suffering with mental health is probably not our Emergency Department, equally, we would encourage anybody feeling they need support to reach out.”

Junction Arts

Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts said: “Wellbeing underlines everything we do at Junction Arts, when planning our events, festivals and projects we always consider how we can improve people’s mental wellbeing, whether that’s building young people’s confidence and self-esteem with our Six Pillars and Next Gen projects or combatting loneliness and isolation with our successful warm space, Cosy Crafts initiative earlier this year. We know that being creative and connecting with people can benefit our mental health.

“But mental health is not isolated to the communities we work in, it’s an important issue that can impact our team and volunteers – without them we can’t do the great work we do. By talking more about our mental health we can dispel the stigma and misconceptions and encourage hope by sharing stories of recovery as well as the struggle. The more we do this, the more chance there is for positive change.”

Fairplay

In support of staff mental health wellbeing, Fairplay are working closely with local charity RELATE, and Derby university students to offer counselling sessions for it’s employees.

Fairplay work hard to promote staff wellbeing and offer support to staff through supervisions and 1:1 meetings. Fairplay have designated qualified Mental Health First Aiders who are available for support throughout the working week and also outside of working hours so that employees are able to reach out and talk to someone if they are struggling with their mental health wellbeing.

Fairplay’s HR Officer Nikki Lowe said: “supporting the wellbeing of our staff is very high on the agenda for Fairplay, and alongside internal support from qualified staff we are now working with local organisations to offer staff members additional support from external sources via RELATE counselling and level 5 trainee counsellor and psychotherapy students from Derby university.

“It is important that we all support one another, and to coincide with the counselling sessions being offered Fairplay have implemented a ‘mental health awareness process’ where all staff members have been given a badge with a green heart on which can be worn if they are having a particularly bad day or struggling with something, so that colleagues are aware that they are not feeling 100%.

“This visual aid will hopefully encourage staff members to be supportive of their colleagues and be a reminder to all that kindness costs nothing and a little ‘I’m here if you need me’ goes a long way.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust

One of Chesterfield’s most picturesque locations, the Chesterfield Canal is an excellent way to boost your wellbeing.

You can enjoy a scenic walk along the towpath, have a quick drink or bite to eat at Holloingwood Hub, or even head out onto the water via a tranquil canal cruise or paddle boarding session.

Rod Auton, Scretary of Chesterfield Canal Trust said: “The Chesterfield Canal is seen as a safe and calm space by many local residents. Many come to Hollingwood Hub to visit Katey’s Coffee Shop, to sit in the beautiful gardens tended by volunteers and to enjoy a boat trip.

“Successive Covid lockdowns brought home to many of the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s volunteers just how important the companionship of being in a team and working for a common cause can be to enhancing one’s mental wellbeing.”

The organisations included in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business, chesterfield business news, chesterfield champions, Chesterfield Mental Health, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, Mental Health Awareness Week

Save the dates – Peddler Market returns to Chesterfield this May and July

9th May 2024

Chesterfield town centre will be buzzing in May and July as Peddler Market returns for two more weekend events this summer.

The popular street food market will be in New Square on 17 to18 May and 19 to 20 July. These are the final events for 2024 as the multi-million pound regeneration of the town centre is expected to start over the summer.

Ben Smith, Director at Peddler Market, said: “We are looking forward to signing off the summer with a bang! Peddler offers a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends and family in the heart of the town centre; enjoy a drink, sample some of the UK’s most exciting street food talent and soak up the atmosphere from the live stage.

“With New Square being rejuvenated later this summer, we are happy to have provided a blueprint for how street food can play a pivotal role in transforming Chesterfield’s night-time economy in years to come.”

There will be a fantastic range of award-winning street food from around the world at the event in May.

Syiok-Lah will be serving up authentic Malyasian cuisine, Get Wurst will be offering German style Currywurst and Bratwurst, Cow Boys will be bringing brilliant burgers, The Spicy Biker will have a range of Indian street food, Brúm Mì will be dishing out East Asian street food, Luigi will be offering a taste of Italy with Arancini and Panzerotti, De Boeuf will be slicing up their mature beef, Madame Crêpe will have a range of fresh crepes and Vanilla Bean will be serving coffee and baked treats.

The weekend also features a strong line-up of live music with something for everyone to enjoy including, indie-rock band The N.S.O, folkie singer-songwriter Jack Weston, pop punk outfit 2x Fast, Viva La Vintage who performs a mixture of classic soul, swing and rock n roll, singer songwriter Masha Jana, and unique band Honey Trap, with some more acts still to be confirmed.

On Saturday Sunflower Dance will be providing family friendly entertainment with a dance workshop designed for children.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Peddler Market has been a unique event in our town, and I know lots of people have come out to support the three events so far. I hope to see lots of returning faces and new visitors come along in May and July to show their support for this fantastic event before we start work on the regeneration of the town centre.

“These events are a fantastic way to kickstart your summer in Chesterfield with your friends and families.”

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will see extensive works to key town centre areas to support a range of uses including markets, events, festivals and more. The work is due to start in summer 2024 in the Market Place.

Funding to help bring the event to Chesterfield has been provided through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Chesterfield Borough Council received £2.69m of UKSPF funding which will be invested across the borough. A portion of this will be invested into promoting the borough as a place to visit, and providing support for arts, culture, and heritage activities.

Planning on visiting Chesterfield on a Peddler Market weekend? Find out more about what’s on offer in the town here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Chesterfield Days out, chesterfield events, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield, Peddler Market, Summer in Chesterfield, things to do in Chesterfield, Visit Chesterfield

5 fabulous events taking place in Chesterfield this May

8th May 2024

As the warmth of summer draws near, it’s time to start planning some exciting adventures for your family here in Chesterfield.

Things are really heating up across our town, with excitement and adventure for families of all shapes and sizes.

So this May, mark your calendars, pack a picnic, and get ready to create unforgettable memories together at these fabulous events.

Peddler Market

This month sees the fourth instalment of the iconic Peddler Market in Chesterfield town centre on the 17^th and 18^th May.

This great event has made itself right at home in New Square, so if you’ve not been yet, make sure you head along and try some delicious food and drink whilst enjoying live music, entertainment and crafts.

Chesterfield Craft and Makers Market

The 18^th May will also see the Chesterfield Craft and Makers Market arriving back in town, with plenty of opportunities for you to pick up unique products and gifts from local independents.

Dine on seasonal food offerings and browse handmade gifts, whilst helping to support our brilliant local producers!

Chesterfield Canal Cruises

Chesterfield Canal

If you’re after a bit of relaxation, a leisurely journey along the picturesque Chesterfield Canal will be the perfect way to unwind – as the special Canal Cruises are back in full swing.

Gather the family and hop aboard for a relaxing cruise through stunning scenery. Look out for the Fish and Chips Special cruises too taking place on selected dates – a perfect setting for a meal with family or friends.

Rail Ale Festival

Rail Ale Festival – Image Credit: Paul Bigland sml

We can’t talk about the wonderful events happening this May without mentioning the fabulous Rail Ale Festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

The annual celebration will give you or a loved one the chance to discover a vast array of real ales, craft beers, and refreshing beverages to sample. The event always promises some fantastic entertainment, too.

Rock music fans will love pumping their fists and stamping their feet to a tribute to the world-famous AC/DC at the ‘Rail Ale Rock Night’ on Thursday, 16^th May.

Chesterfield Walking Festival

Our final pick for the month is one for families who love the great outdoors. Lace up your walking shoes and join in the fun at the Chesterfield Area Walking Festival.

Choose from a variety of guided walks from the 11^th-19^th May catering to all ages and abilities, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.

For more information on all the events happening locally, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield events, chesterfield news, Derbyshire events, Events in Chesterfield, Events in the Peak District, Love Chesterfield, things to do in Chesterfield, Things to do in Derbyshire, Things to do in the Peak District

730,000 sq ft development to create further jobs in Chesterfield

7th May 2024

A major new industrial development, situated next to Chesterfield’s successful Markham Vale Scheme has been announced.

Nova, based next to the M1 at Junction 29a in Chesterfield is set to be a thriving new base for businesses in the East Midlands.

Nova has been built on 20 years of work creating the neighbouring Markham Vale. Both have been created in partnership between HBD and Devonshire Estates, with a view of creating two well-connected units totalling 730,000 sq ft – spaces that will further boost local employment and the economy.

Nova will be sustainable, with buildings aiming for BREEAM Excellent with PV panels and EV charging. Environmental efforts include 10% biodiversity net gain and improving local habitats at other nearby sites in collaboration with Chesterfield Council.

Greenspace is an important element of the new scheme, with significant planting to include around 5,700 new trees, including more than 2ha of new woodland planting, almost 4ha of new grassland habitat and 2km of new native hedgerow to screen the development. Local residents can be assured that greenery will be a key focus as part of this development and public rights of way will remain.

Two new units are set to be developed at Nova. Unit A will comprise a 230,122 sq ft warehouse, 12,500 sq ft two storey offices, 163 parking spaces, 21 dock levellers, 4 level access doors and= 15m max eaves height.

Unit B will include a 466,766 sq ft warehouse, 25,000 sq ft two storey offices, 300 parking spaces, 42 dock levellers, 4 level access doors and 18m max eaves height.

Nova will build on the success of Markham Vale, which now employs 2,200 people across multiple units. The site also boasts a potential workforce of more than 300,000 people within 30 miles.

Being centrally located in Chesterfield, Nova is situated close to several major cities, along with convinient transport links to major ports and airports:

Sheffield – 21 miles
Nottingham – 26 miles
Derby – 28 miles
East Midlands Airport – 35 miles
Leeds – 50 miles
Port of Hull – 69 miles

For more information on investment opportunities available in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/ or email invest@chesterfield.co.uk

HBD and Devonshire Estates support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

United Cast Bar achieves King’s Award for Enterprise

7th May 2024

Chesterfield’s United Cast Bar (UK) has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The company, which is Europe’s largest manufacturer of continuously cast iron bar, is one of 252 organisations nationally to be recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise.

Considered the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise is a globally acknowledged royal seal of approval for UK companies.

United Cast Bar’s King’s Award recognises the company’s outstanding achievement in international trade. Established in 1998, United Cast Bar (UK) has risen to become a market leader in the production of continuously cast flake and nodular graphite iron.

More than 90% of the cast iron bar produced at the company’s foundry and worldwide headquarters in Chesterfield, is exported to Europe and further afield, including North America, South Africa, and multiple locations in the far east.

Delighted to be recognised, James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Foundries, said: “The team and I are over the moon. It is recognition for our continued product development and commitment to producing a high quality product that has enabled us to open new markets around the world and trade competitively internationally.”

Part of the United Cast Bar Group of companies. United Cast Bar (UK) is considered as a pioneer in the production of continuously cast iron bar. Since 2014 it has held the World Record for producing the largest continuously cast bar of iron.

Most recently the company has invested more than £5 million in new equipment at its Chesterfield site where it employs 100 people.

“Having a King’s Award for Enterprise gives us a further platform to develop and grow the business internationally. There are exciting times ahead for United Cast Bar,” added James.

Lucinda White, owner of Chesterfield-based Pure Awards who wrote and submitted United Cast Bar’s application to the King’s Award for Enterprise process last year, said: “It was a pleasure to work with James and the team at United Cast Bar preparing this very prestigious award entry. Whilst there is never a guarantee of success, we were confident the company had a strong story to share and that their achievements in the recent years expanding their international trade operations were worthy of this award.

“We are thrilled with the result, which is another achievement of our own in helping more Derbyshire businesses gain recognition as first time entrants. It’s a great effort and brilliant result for everyone involved.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are awarded to businesses for outstanding achievement in four categories: International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility). Entries to the annual awards

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

Applications for King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025 open on His Majesty The King’s Coronation, 6th May 2024. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.

United Cast Bar and Pure Awards support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

James Brand, United Cast Bar

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, King's Award, King's Award for Enterprise, Love Chesterfield, Pure Awards, United Cast Bar