Celebrate Chesterfield

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches virtual Christmas market to support local business

Delicious Derbyshire food and drink, locally-made products and exciting experience days are amongst the great gifts available at the virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, launched by the area’s official tourist board.

The free online market at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/christmas-market showcases the fantastic variety of quality items made and sold in the area, from arts and crafts to photography, homeware and locally-brewed beer, plus gift vouchers for overnight stays, dining and days out.

Over 100 independent local businesses are exhibiting at the market, where each ‘virtual stall’ leads to an online selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease during Covid-19 restrictions.

Stalls are arranged in eight categories including Accessories and Jewellery; Art, Ceramics and Glass; Experiences and Annual Passes; Local Food and Drink; Homeware and Books; Landscape Calendars and Prints; Short Breaks and Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.

The market is part funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project and aims to support local businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by boosting online sales whilst celebrating the range of unique products available in the area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season and, in the absence of many annual markets and craft fairs due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re delighted to launch our virtual market thanks to support from our ERDF project.

“The Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market offers a great chance for people to buy quality gifts online and get a head start on their Christmas shopping, whilst supporting independent local businesses and producers during this critical time.

“From fine food and drink to arts, crafts and amazing experience vouchers, the market has something to suit all tastes and we’re encouraging everyone to show their support, pay a virtual visit and discover unique local presents!”

Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Peak District & Derbyshire’s first virtual Christmas market.

“A lot of small businesses in Derbyshire rely on local markets to sell their goods and with many being cancelled or postponed this year it has never been more important to shop local and show our support.

“We have so many talented makers and designers in our county and you’ll be able to find truly unique gifts while at the same time supporting someone’s dream.

“We’re working hard to support businesses right now and we are doing all we can to help them through this difficult and challenging time.”

People are encouraged to get involved and spread the word using #PDDChristmasMarket.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

70th apprentice for Chesterfield e-commerce firm

Xbite’s 70th apprentice says the opportunity has changed his life around.

Kieran Taylor (21) from Clowne became the Derbyshire e-commerce firm’s latest apprentice to join the firm which operates retail brands including 365 Games.co.uk, Roov.co.uk, Maison & White, Pukkr and Shop4.

Xbite, which has a £42m turnover, has been running a successful apprenticeship programme for seven years with a proven track record of growing and developing people and offering career progression.

Its apprentices have graduated to become buyers, marketing experts, accountants, software developers, and even managers of departments at the company, which now employs 170 people at its HQ offices and warehouse at Barlborough.

Digital marketing apprentice Kieran said: “This apprenticeship has given my life direction. I was stuck in a rut and didn’t know what I wanted to do. It has changed my life around. Now my creativity is fuelled and I have found a new focus. I am learning so many skills and getting paid for what I love doing.

“This is such an amazing company. The management are friendly, supportive and so helpful. They are really forward thinking and adapt to staff needs constantly.

“I have found the first proper job I have ever wanted to do and take pride in. I have made a proper commitment to a job and have found a career. It is the best move I have ever made. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at Xbite.”

HR advisor Marcy White who was once an apprentice herself, oversees Xbite’s apprenticeship scheme which takes on employees between 16 – 25 in roles across the company. Xbite works with Chesterfield College, Sheffield College, Baltic Training, Yorkshire Training Provider and Chambers of Commerce to guide its apprentices who mainly come from Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Nick Whitehead, managing director at Xbite, said: “We are so proud to have Kieran as our 70th apprentice at Xbite.

“We are a growing company and it is difficult to be commercially successful whilst delivering a good, and relevant apprenticeship programme, but we have the right ingredients to do it including the best work environment and people at all levels supporting our Xbite rookies.

“Apprenticeship schemes are a really good source of talent. They can be ingrained in the fabric of the business. We have a lot of people in middle management roles that have come through that route and succeeded.

“There are so many success stories here across all ages, even people taking a step backward from their previous career path to be trained up and who now enjoy a better future.

“Xbite rookies have turned into buyers, marketing experts, accountants, software developers, and even managers of departments. Making 70 is such a proud moment for our history and its also really important to us to support local people. Our retention rate for apprentices is 95 percent – we put the effort in with staff and they give us commitment and loyalty back.”

Wade Harris, who joined Xbite as an apprentice in buying admin five years ago and is now Head of In-house Brand, said: “Going to university was not for me and a chance meeting at a family party brought me to Xbite. I started working and studying for an NVQ in digital marketing, then became junior buyer, product sourcing manager for three years and then from senior manager to Head of In-house Brand.

“The advantages of being on an apprenticeship is you gain experience from day one, train and get paid, have a guaranteed job at the end, and can take advantage of other opportunities in the company and pathways to different job roles in an environment you have already got to know really well. If you are driven here, the opportunities are yours to take. It’s a great business and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Xbite also operates a successful graduate recruitment programme with Sheffield City Region’s RISE and has taken on four graduates this year.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Manufacturing, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards winners named

Chesterfield has crowned its best high street businesses, individuals, market stall traders and events of 2020.

Independent womenswear retailer, Dotique has taken the top title of Retailer of the Year in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards. Judges described Dotique as ‘a fantastic business that always gives back to the community.’

In addition to the coveted Retailer of the Year title, Dotique was also named as the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year. Based on Chatsworth Road, the business was established in 2018 by Dorothy Robinson.

Delighted with the double win, Dorothy said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers who have spurred me on since opening the business. Thank you to everybody that has supported me and voted for me.”

Dotique was one of 15 winners named as Chesterfield’s very best shops, market stalls, events, apprentices, projects and businesses in the town.

Usually a black-tie awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, amidst the challenges of the pandemic this year’s awards ceremony was held online and hosted by street magician Steve Faulkner.

Previously known as the Chesterfield Retail Awards and now in its seventh year, this year’s High Street Awards saw a number of new names and faces in the winners’ line-up. Pinewood Properties, Curious Goods, Huckleberry Willow, Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Warhammer and Shop Indie were all first-time winners in the awards.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator and organiser of the annual awards said: “Despite the challenges that Covid presented to this year’s Chesterfield High Street Awards, they are certainly the most memorable.

“Never have high street businesses needed our support more. It was an honour and a privilege for the Destination Chesterfield team to be able to organise an event to celebrate this hard-working sector. Each and every business and individual on our high street deserves both recognition and support. Well done to everyone involved.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to join everyone virtually for the Chesterfield High Street Awards 2020. What a year it has been. Yet the people behind the town’s high street businesses have shown such resilience.

“It is crucial that we all get behind local businesses during this time of uncertainty and beyond. Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild the local economy. Without a doubt, further challenges will lay ahead. But we will continue to work closely with Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Champions to promote the town as a place to work, live, visit and invest. We will also continue to collaborate with local businesses, invest in our economy, showcase our successful businesses and everything that is great about Chesterfield.”

Dorothy added: “It was lovely to be part of the awards. Thank you everybody. It’s important that everybody supports each other.”

The winning businesses, individuals and events in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year and Retailer of the Year 2020
Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, owner of Dotique said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers who have spurred me on since opening the business. Customers are at the heart of everything that we do and we’re constantly striving to improve the customer experience. Thank you to everybody that has supported me and voted for Dotique.”

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie

Belle Vie scooped the award for the second year running. Alysha Bradley, owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels amazing to win the award for the second year in a row. Our clients have been so supportive this year. Thank you to them and the team.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery

Chris Radford, Managing Director of Brampton Brewery, said: “Although we’re operating in difficult times, we love working in the industry. All the team is passionate about what we do and I think that comes through when we’re serving customers.”

High Street Business of the Year
Pinewood Properties

The business really stood out to the judges for its speedy response on social media. Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Properties, said: “We are so pleased to win. The last three years have been incredible. We’ve won virtually every customer-service award in our industry. We do ordinary things exceptionally well. We are made up to win the Chesterfield High Street Award.”

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Huckleberry Willow

The store was commended by judges for having helpful and knowledgeable staff. Luke Shah, Managing Director of Huckleberry Willow said “We are delighted to win the award. It was very unexpected. We’re a family business and have been in Chesterfield since 1976. It is amazing to have the support of our customers.”

Market Trader of the Year
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Owner of the first zero waste stall on Chesterfield’s Saturday’s Market and monthly Artisan Market, Steph Mannion, said: “The award puts green shopping on the map in Chesterfield. It is awesome to be recognised for bringing zero waste shopping to Chesterfield. I am so proud of Chesterfield and the market. There is no need to go to a supermarket. From meat, veg and dry goods to toiletry and household refills and environmentally friendly products -Chesterfield’s market has it covered.”

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery

Judges praised the business’ use of technology to connect people online. Emily Lord, owner of Fred’s Haberdashery said: “We were really surprised and shocked to win. It feels great after so much hard work. Having taken over the business in February just before lockdown, we’ve had to work really hard to get the website and social media up and running but it has helped keep us connected to our customers and enabled them to keep crafting.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year
Warhammer

The friendly and knowledgeable service at Warhammer stood out for the judges. Andrew Ward, manager of the Warhammer store in Chesterfield, said: “I was really chuffed to win. We’re a unique store in the town with knowledgeable staff all committed to giving customers a really great experience when they visit us. We are really grateful to all our customers for their support.”

Retail Apprentice of the Year
Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato CRM Solutions UK commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year
Therapy Lounge

The beauty business, which is based in Hasland has employed apprentices for more than 10 years. Rebecca McNair, an apprentice beauty therapist at Therapy Lounge, said: “We were delighted and surprised to win the award. We’ve all been working so hard to do the best we can for our clients during Covid.”

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods

Owner Jonny Kudibal said: “It’s fabulous to win. We sell a lot of holistic and alternative therapy products so it’s important we give the right advice to help customers make the best decision. We have great staff who have been with us for a number of years and they really do try to make a difference to all our customers. Thank you to all our customers supporting us through Covid.”

Best Town Centre Event
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Organised by Edge Events, this is the second consecutive year the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival has won the Best Town Centre Event category. Richard Alsop, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “We are so proud to receive this award. We always put our heart and soul into the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival and it is so encouraging to have the support that we do from the public, the traders and the council.

“It has added an extra bit of specialness to the award receiving it during the tough times our industry is currently facing. We look forward to organising a great festival, hopefully in 2021.”

Future High Street Award
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Big Screen

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Coordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, said: “We’re over the moon to have won the Future High Street Award for our Big Screen.

“The installation of the screen is one of the latest improvements that Alterx, our owners, have made to the shopping centre since purchasing it in December 2018. With it we hope to create an animated focal point and lively meeting place for visitors and shoppers to socialise and spend time within the town centre. We’re also working with local partners to help promote businesses within the area and push out key messages about the town centre and all of the wonderful things happening around us.”

Best New Store
Shop Indie

Lisa Swift, partner at Shop Indie which opened in October last year, said: “We were really delighted when we heard our name called out at the awards. It’s lovely that the people of Chesterfield have really taken on board our shop and love our products. It’s nice to offer Chesterfield something different.”

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield celebrates as parks and green spaces win national award

Parks and green spaces across the country are raising their Green Flag Award with pride in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

Among them will be Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Chesterfield which are raising a Green Flag Award for the 14th time.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium are some of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that we have maintained our Green Flag Awards in these brilliant parks and green spaces. This recognition really means a lot to the team who work so hard to maintain our parks and greens spaces. This year has been a very difficult year for our team because of Covid-19 and the huge increase in the number of residents making use of their local green spaces. I hope that we can continue to provide high quality green spaces for all our residents to enjoy.”

Commenting on Chesterfield’s success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Chesterfield Borough Council has achieved the highest international standards in Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

 Hollingwood Hub on the Chesterfield Canal in Staveley has also been awarded a Green Flag for the third time. The Hub is the headquarters of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. 

Jim Bower, who leads the volunteer gardeners, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition. Lots of us work year-round to make Hollingwood Hub an oasis of peace. Awards are very welcome, but our real satisfaction comes from the many members of the public who tell us how much they love coming here.”

 

 

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Winners of 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards to be revealed

Amid the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic, the seventh annual Chesterfield High Street Awards is set to name the very best shops, market stalls, events, apprentices, projects and businesses in the town.

Street magician Steve Faulkner will host the virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October where 41 finalists will become 15 winners. One of the winners will claim the overall title of Retailer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

Although virtual, the awards ceremony will be live with everyone invited to tune in to watch on the night. The event will be streamed from Destination Chesterfield’s website from 7.30pm – 8.30pm.  And everyone registering to watch will receive a 20% discount for Casa Hotel’s new dining at home service.

During the evening guests will also be able to visit a virtual photo booth hosted by Chesterfield Champion, Noonah.  Selfies taken during the event will be brought together in the form of an online mosaic, which will be revealed at the end of the ceremony.

The High Street Awards have never been more relevant. Previously known as the Retail Awards, the Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects in the town centre, Chatsworth Road, Whittington Moor, Staveley and Hasland that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

The businesses, individuals and events shortlisted in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

High Street Business of the Year
Chatsworth Travel
Pinewood Properties
Strada Estate Agents

Future High Street Award
Flexible Leasing at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
Premier Inn, Elder Way
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Big Screen

Best Town Centre Event
1940s Chesterfield Flea Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Chesterfield Motorfest

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods
Crazy about Cakecraft
Tallbird Records

Best New Store
Nana B Baby & Children’s Wear
Shop Indie
The Wool Cabin

National / Multiple Retailer of the Year
Marks and Spencer
Warhammer
Waterstones

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery
Chesterfield Craft
Love Brewing

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Charles Hedley
Dotique
Ingmans

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie
50 Shades of Beauty
One Nine Three Hair and Beauty

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Huckleberry Willow
Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Market Trader of the Year
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Simon Harding’s Fruit and Veg
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery
H&F
Little White Dress

Apprentice of the Year
Abi Ashmore, Superior Spas
Grace Blant, Elliot Mather
Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Apprentice Employer of the Year
Superior Spas
Therapy Lounge

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator said: “Although organising the awards has been challenging this year, I am delighted that they are still able to go ahead albeit online. However, it does mean that more people than ever will be able to tune in and share in the success of every individual and business that has been shortlisted.

“Never have high street businesses needed our support more than in the current trading conditions. The ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to them and show all high street businesses our ongoing support.”

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe* The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

To register to watch the Chesterfield High Street Awards and receive your discount code for Casa Hotel’s dining at home service, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-high-street-awards/.

Chesterfield High Street Awards

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

Fiver Fest comes to Clay Cross

To show the importance of supporting our high streets, Clay Cross businesses are joining over 100 Independent High Streets across the UK, to put on very special £5 offers across two weeks in October, in the Totally Locally Fiver Fest.

Fiver Fest is a free to join campaign, devised and run by Totally Locally, a grass roots High Street organisation that has been helping businesses and High Streets to help themselves since 2010.

This Fiver Fest, Totally Locally is partnering with Visa to encourage even more small business owners to sign up to this celebration of independent high streets. Together, they are also calling on consumers to divert £5 of their weekly spend to support the small businesses in their communities.

Gail Hannan, owner of Cup & Saucer who voluntarily coordinates the campaign in Clay Cross, said “Fiver Fest is now a big part of our promotions for Clay Cross,. The independent shops and businesses are what makes our town special and unique. We appreciate it when our community support us, so these offers are to say thank you for that support, and to show just what great value our local businesses are.”

“If every adult in Clay Cross spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £2.4 million per year going directly into our local economy. Which can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy & a nicer place to live. Makes you think doesn’t it?!”

Fiver Fest has been running successfully in individual towns in the UK and abroad over the past 7 years, but in 2019 the team at Totally locally brought together towns across the country in on big Fiver Fest celebration. 43 towns joined in and he result was phenomenal with reports of new customers, people rediscovering shops they hadn’t been into in years and huge sales of £5 offers. Over then two consecutive Fiver Fests, the number of towns taking part has now reached over 100.

Fiver Fest takes place from the 10th – 24th October.  For further information about the Clay Cross event visit https://www.facebook.com/totallylocallyclaycross

Cup and Saucer

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

Three young people shortlisted for top high street apprentice title

Later this month, one young person will be named as the town’s top high street apprentice at the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Three apprentices working in high street businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

Despite challenging times for businesses in the town, the hard work and dedication of three young people has stood out for their employers who have nominated them for the prestigious award.

Abi Ashmore, an Apprentice Accounts Assistant from Superior Spas in Brimington, Grace Blant, an Apprentice Legal Billing Secretary from Elliot Mather at St Mary’s Gate and Molly Bradbury, a Rents Assistant from Arvato in Chesterfield Town Hall, are all in the running for the top award.

Abi, Grace and Molly now join a 36-strong shortlist of businesses and individuals working on the town’s high street who have been shortlisted across 15 award categories.

Former Netherthorpe School pupil, Abi Ashmore joined Superior Spas after seeing the progression opportunities within the company. Through the apprenticeship she hopes eventually to fulfil her dreams of becoming an accountant.

Delighted to be shortlisted, Abi (18) said: “It feels very rewarding that my colleagues would nominate me for such an award. It shows that all the hard work I’ve put in throughout my time here has been recognised by my peers.”

Chris Bigden, Finance Manager at Superior Spas added: “Abi is an extremely hard-working and important member of our finance department here at Superior Spas. Her communication is outstanding with customers, especially for her age, and she always goes above and beyond for the business.”

Grace Blant (19), started her apprenticeship after leaving Brookfield Community School sixth form. She commented: “I’m delighted to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year. To be recognised in such a strong pool of talent has made me extremely confident with my progress so far.”

Following the completion of her apprenticeship Grace plans to undertake further qualifications, including a CILEx course which is a non-graduate route to qualification in law.

Libby Wood, Solicitor and LLP Member/Partner at Elliot Mather added: “We decided to take on an apprentice in the summer of 2019. This was a first for my department. I am delighted to say that Grace slotted into the team from the outset and has proven to be a real asset to the department and the business.”

Former Brookfield Community School pupil, Molly Bradbury (22) is a Level 3 apprentice with Arvato. She commented on being shortlisted: “I feel very proud to be shortlisted for this award as it shows appreciation from my managers and that all my hard work has led to something.”

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Alongside the Apprentice of the Year title, the Chesterfield High Street Awards will also be honouring the town’s Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group).

Superior Spas has also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year award alongside The Therapy Lounge based in Hasland.

The apprentice and apprentice employer award categories were introduced to the awards line-up in 2018 in order to commend the valuable contribution apprentices and apprenticeships make to Chesterfield’s high street.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented on the importance of the apprentice awards: “Apprenticeships have always been and continue to be an integral part of Chesterfield’s success as a town. After facing Covid-19 head-on, it’s vital for the town to focus on the future and how we can create a thriving high street together in this new environment – apprentice opportunities should be at the forefront of our plans.”

Covid-19 has not only delayed this year’s High Street Awards, but also led organiser Destination Chesterfield, to move the award ceremony online. Now in its seventh year, this is the first time the awards has been held virtually.

Usually held in June, the winners of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced at an online awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, who has organised this year’s virtual ceremony with the team added: “A bonus of taking the awards ceremony online means that we don’t have to limit numbers, which enables more people to celebrate the success of all the nominees. Pre-Covid we had to observe a very strict limit on numbers due to venue capacity and demand for tickets always outstripped the numbers permitted.”

Supporters of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include: Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

For details of all shortlisted businesses and individuals in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/highstreetawards/.

Apprentice of the Year Finalists CHSA20

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

Robinson Packaging CEO highlighted in the ‘Women to Watch’ 2020

Dr Helene Roberts, Chief Executive of Robinson PLC – the custom manufacturer of plastic and paperboard packaging headquartered in Chesterfield, has been named in a national report as a ‘woman to watch’.

The Women to Watch 2020 supplement is produced by Cranfield University’s School of Management Gender, Leadership, and Inclusion Centre. Its aim is to highlight the impressive talent pool of female business leaders and board members of the future. The Women to Watch 2020 is launched alongside the Female FTSE Board Report, an annual analysis of women on boards.

Dr Patricia Pryce, Director, Beauwest Consultancy Ltd; Visiting Fellow, Cranfield School of Management says: “This year we have spotlighted 100 leading female professionals who are ideally suited for consideration as non-executive directors (NEDs) on the boards of FTSE350 companies, now or in the near future.”

“Over the last 20 years we have seen significant improvements in gender representation in the workplace, particularly at more senior levels and in many traditionally male-dominated industries – gender has been on the agenda! Our hope is that the impact of COVID-19 does not cause this progression to falter or regress. As businesses re-emerge after lockdown and organise themselves for a different kind of future, the business imperative for realising women’s potential (and that of other underrepresented groups) in the workplace remains.”

Dr Helene Roberts is delighted to be on the ‘Women to Watch’ list 2020: “I am very proud to be leading the team at Robinson in what is a challenging but exciting time to be in both plastic and paper board packaging. Robinson is a well-established business, built on strong social and environmental principles and working with key international brands. This provides a great foundation on which to take a holistic and all-encompassing approach to sustainability that will form the backbone of our growth going forward in both the UK and Europe.

“We are proud to be an inclusive employer and growing in diversity. Being a woman has never been a career issue for me and we make sure we work closely with our teams to ensure everyone is empowered to prosper and grow in their chosen field. I have to thank the Robinson board for appointing their first female CEO.”

Helene has extensive knowledge of sustainable materials technology, global sales, marketing and innovation, and people leadership. She has a degree in Materials Engineering and a PhD in Polymer Engineering.

Helene’s career started with M&S, initially as a materials technologist based in Hong Kong before spending seven years as food and drink Head of Packaging. She then spent two years with Sealed Air Corporation as European Executive Retail Director followed by three years at Benson Box, initially as Group Marketing Director before taking on the role of European Director of Marketing, Innovation and Design for Graphic Packaging International.

Helene was most recently Managing Director at Klockner Pentaplast, responsible for the UK, Ireland, and Australian business across four sites, a position she took over after a period as Director of Global Marketing and Innovation. Her key achievements have been leading and developing the business’ sustainable strategy, overseeing structural change to deliver improved results from all areas in the company.

When asked for her advice on what women should do when starting their careers Helene said, “spend time listening and talking to thought leaders in your business and your industry and always reach out and network.”

Robinson PLC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Local businesses invited to find out more about Talgo UK supply chain

Local businesses are being invited to take part in an event that will help them understand how to get involved in the Talgo UK supply chain.

The virtual event, focused on supply for train manufacturing and servicing, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 October.

Businesses must submit an expression of interest form by Monday 12 October in order to take part.

Last year Spanish train manufacturer Talgo established its UK Headquarters in Chesterfield and in January they announced plans to develop a training and innovation centre in Barrow Hill. This combined with its investment in a manufacturing plant in Scotland will help ensure the company can access the expertise and knowledge needed to build and export its state-of-the-art trains.

Jon Veitch, Managing Director of Talgo UK, said “I am absolutely thrilled with the interest shown by so many people, businesses and potential long term partners with Talgo establishing here in the UK and especially close to us from the Chesterfield area. I am particularly grateful to colleagues in Chesterfield Borough Council with their continued focussed support and I really looking forward to this next event.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Talgo UK, its investment in Chesterfield will bring much needed good quality jobs. Talgo’s ambition to work with our local businesses and bring them into their supply chain further shows how this investment will bring long term benefits for lots of local businesses.”

The virtual event will begin with a presentation from Jon Veitch, followed by one to one meetings where selected organisations can speak individually with Talgo UK and find out more about the supply chain and contracts available.

Find out more about the online event and how to register here.

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Please note: Images were taken in January 2020

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

D2N2 to provide funding to revitalise the heart of Chesterfield

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire has approved an investment of £650,000 towards the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project (RHOC).

The funding, provided by D2N2 via its Local Growth Fund allocation, will support the £3.25m upgrade of the improvement works to the outdoor market as well as an extension of the public space in the town’s Northern Gateway area.

The Local Growth Fund enables D2N2, to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The D2N2 funding will support the creation of 66 jobs as well as safeguarding 80 jobs on the outdoor market.

The upgrades to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway which includes Packers Row, a key pedestrian route into the town centre and Market, will re-balance the space available to the public in favour of pedestrians whilst also encouraging outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes.

The route will also feature a greater number of trees to help improve air quality for users of the street.

The new revitalised outdoor market will include better lighting and power; improved access and stall configuration; general paving repairs; and new flexible trading areas as well as the repair of all existing stall structures.

Overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council, the improvements to Packers Row will be complete by March next year with the redevelopment of the outdoor market due to be completed by November 2021.

D2N2 has provided funding for several infrastructure projects based in Chesterfield including the Hollis Lane Link Road, sites required the development of the HS2 station, improvements to the A61, and the Chesterfield Centre for Higher Level Skills.

D2N2 Interim Chair David Williams said: “D2N2 is pleased to be able to provide funding to revitalise the centre of Chesterfield which is an important step in the ambitious regeneration of the town.”

“Town centres will no doubt have an important role in our economic recovery from the pandemic and the firm commitment to maximising public space for pedestrians and local businesses should be a sign of how our urban centres will evolve in the years ahead.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will allow us to bring new life to our town centre and famous outdoor market, enabling us to attract more footfall and visitor spend, which will help support our local businesses and allow them to thrive.”

“This project will also ensure that the town centre, and the local economy, is well placed to recover as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We want to level-up towns across the country, ensuring they have the investment they need to continue to grow and thrive so that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone.”

“That is why we are investing £650,000 in the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Scheme which will improve the outdoor market, create new jobs, and make it easier for restaurants and cafes to set up outdoor seating.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Construction to start on office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

Construction of the seven-storey office building in the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme is due to start in October.

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured a forward funding agreement with the developer, Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, as a key strategic investment opportunity for the town.

Funding for the delivery of the high-quality office building, which already has planning consent in place, was approved as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious growth strategy. The investment is designed to kick-start the town’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and will spearhead major developments around the train station as part of the council’s HS2 Station Masterplan.

Tenants have already been secured for some of the Grade A office accommodation, enabling the developers to bring forward construction of the circa 35,000ft² building, which is being overseen by project delivery partner, Bolsterstone Group Plc.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, said: “Chesterfield Waterside continues apace. Since receiving planning approval for the office accommodation last year, I am delighted that we have been able to secure tenants and bring forward the delivery of high-quality office accommodation for Chesterfield in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council.

“It is an exciting time for Chesterfield Waterside with Avant Homes also building out new homes in the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood. Despite the pandemic, 2020 will be a formative year for the scheme with a significant amount of construction activity planned and more investment proposals in the pipeline, benefitting the local economy.”

The new office building, known as No.1 Waterside Place, will provide office accommodation of the highest specification. It represents the first step in delivering the commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside’s Basin Square neighbourhood.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward this state-of-the-art office building with Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, which will deliver supply chain opportunities for local companies during the construction phase and new jobs for local people with the companies that will be taking space at No.1 Waterside Place.

“These are uncertain times, but we must not stand still. We must continue to invest in this and other growth projects if we are to meet the council’s objectives of making Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of people’s lives. No.1 Waterside Place is just the start of what we believe will be a very special journey for the people of this great town and borough.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby and Peter Swallow

Construction of the offices is expected to be completed in August 2021. Britcon (UK) Ltd, a leading Civil Engineering, Building and Steel Frame Solutions company, has been appointed as the main contractor to construct the office building.

As part of the contract with Chesterfield Borough Council, Britcon will utilise local labour and local contractors across the whole build process and will also be working closely with Chesterfield College to provide opportunities for their students.

No.1 Waterside Place will boast two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers and cycle parking facilities onsite.

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm BHP Chartered Accountants, a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, will occupy an entire floor within the building. The firm will be relocating its Chesterfield office to No.1 Waterside Place to benefit from the high-quality specification and unparalleled location at Chesterfield Waterside.

Planning approval for the office building, which was designed by Bond Bryan Architects, was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council last year bringing forward commercial negotiations with BHP alongside other tenants who are also in advanced discussions.

As well as office accommodation, the building also offers ground floor retail space and Chesterfield Waterside Ltd. is already in discussions with a number of potential occupiers.

The new large-plate office accommodation is designed to complement the start-up and incubator units at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Enterprise Centre scheme, which is currently under construction at Saltergate.

It is also anticipated that the new offices will be highly sought after by organisations looking to move out of larger cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham and establish regional hubs around mainline train stations in an effort to COVID-19 proof their operations.

Basin Square is the first commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside. When complete, the  £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of 320 Built-to-Rent apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the already constructed canal basin.

This latest step forward for the project follows the announcement that Avant Homes has opened the showhomes at the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood where it is building 174 two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Avant reports strong interest in the development and has already taken a number of reservations.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

FHP Property Consultants and Knight Frank have been appointed as letting agents for the office space at Chesterfield Waterside.

For further information about Chesterfield Waterside, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting