Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s housing offer to take a leap forward in 2018

22nd March 2018

Chesterfield is experiencing a renaissance in house building. The announcement was made at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event held at the Winding Wheel on Thursday 22 March.

At the sell-out event Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council revealed that nearly 2000 homes are set to be built in the next five years. Speaking at the event he said: “For the first time in many years the Council is able to demonstrate a five-year housing supply while also protecting the borough’s green belt land.”

He revealed that housing developers in the borough, including Woodall, Avant and Miller Homes, were delivering the most new build completions since 2007, with many houses being sold off plan.

Progress is also being made on The Park, the 6-acre residential development on the site of the former Arnold Laver timber yard at the ambitious £340 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration project.

Speaking at the event, Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, the company leading the project, revealed that construction of up to 170 two, three and four bedroom homes, which will form ‘The Park’, is expected to get underway as early as the first quarter of 2019.

At the sell-out Celebrate Chesterfield event, Mr Swallow also announced that a collaboration agreement with an investment company to fund and deliver new residential apartments, has recently been put in place.

The agreement is the first stage of a process which will facilitate the construction of 310 Build to Rent apartments within Phase 1 of the Basin Square neighbourhood of Chesterfield Waterside. It follows the granting of outline planning consent for the layout, heights and massing of Phase 1 last year.

Speaking at the event Peter, who had recently returned from France, having attended the leading worldwide property event, MIPIM, where the Chesterfield Waterside project was showcased said: “I am delighted with the excellent progress being made at Chesterfield Waterside.

“We will now move forward with the ‘best bids’ process for the construction of the housing units at The Park and, subject to reserved matters planning consent being granted, expect work to start on site on this phase early next year.

“Demand is strong as developers see the massive potential of Chesterfield Waterside as a whole.”

The 16 hectare development is a 10-year project being led by Bolsterstone Group, working in partnership with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council. The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin and is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: The housing announcements made at Celebrate are growing physical proof that Chesterfield is a market town with a difference. We have grown and adapted to the changing needs of residents and businesses and, as a result, created a very attractive investment proposition. People want to live, work and do business here and our housing plans are further evidence of this.”

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year, is organised by Destination Chesterfield and is one of the biggest business events in the region.

The University of Derby is headline sponsor of the event alongside Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors of Celebrate Chesterfield.

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

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

Chesterfield’s investment potential showcased in new film

22nd March 2018

With £1 billion of investment opportunities underway, Chesterfield’s investment potential has been brought to life in a brand new series of films produced by Destination Chesterfield.

The series of films have been created to showcase the benefits of investing in Chesterfield.

They feature a number of businesses from the leisure and retail, manufacturing and logistics sectors, highlighting the key benefits of basing businesses in the Borough.

Ferdinand Bilstein, Northern Tea Merchants, United Cast Bars Ltd, Bottle and Thyme, and MSE Hiller are amongst a number of businesses featured in the films, highlighting the benefits of Chesterfield’s connectivity, productivity, lifestyle, proximity to the Peak District and skills and education offer.

The films, which have all been created by local film and production company Defeye Creative, have been commissioned by Destination Chesterfield, the town’s inward investment campaign.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager explained: “Chesterfield’s GVA has grown by 28% in the last five years outperforming South Yorkshire, East Midlands and England. These are facts that cannot be taken lightly by businesses looking to grow and invest.

“We have the commercial property, transport links and networks to support businesses and nowhere is this better evidenced that with the businesses that are established in Chesterfield, which is why it was important to showcase them in the films.”

Delighted to take part in the film James Pogson, Director of Chatsworth Road based retailer and manufacturer Northern Tea Merchants said: “Our business has its roots in Chesterfield and has been established here for nearly 70 years. It is an excellent location for us and the transport links have enabled us to grow and develop partnerships with national retailers and take the business from a local tea distributor to a national retailer and manufacturer.”

Dominic added: “The investment potential of Chesterfield is immense. Already we have the UK’s largest leisure development at Peak Resort, one of the largest regeneration projects at Chesterfield Waterside and an HS2 station in planning which will deliver a huge range of opportunities for people to live, work and invest here both now and in the future.”

To view all the films, visit https://youtu.be/cAcHXdi3YRM

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

Chesterfield’s ambitious £340 million regeneration scheme set to take shape in 2018

22nd March 2018

The ambitious £340 million regeneration project Chesterfield Waterside, is set to make significant progress in 2018.

The exciting news was revealed at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Thursday 22 March by Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc the company leading the project.

At the event he revealed that construction of up to 170 two, three and four bedroom homes, which will form ‘The Park’ neighbourhood, is expected to get underway as early as the first quarter of 2019.

Delivery of a further 310 residential apartments within Phase 1 of Basin Square has also taken a step forward following a recent collaboration agreement with an investment company as the funding and delivery partner for the proposed ‘Build to Rent’ accommodation. The conclusion of this agreement is the first stage of a process which will facilitate the construction of these one and two bedroom units at Basin Square

The recent progress follows the granting of outline planning consent last year for the layout, heights and massing of the apartments, hotel, offices, retail units and multi-storey car park which will be constructed in Phase 1 of Basin Square.

Further developments at Basin Square include the granting of planning permission to restore the link from the canal to the newly constructed basin within the scheme. A reserved matters planning application will also shortly be submitted for the 4000m² office building, 30% of which is already under offer. Construction of the office building is expected to start early next year.

Speaking at the event Peter, who has recently returned from France having attended the leading worldwide property event MIPIM where the Chesterfield Waterside project was showcased, said: “I am delighted with the excellent progress being made at Chesterfield Waterside.

“The next step in this process is that we will now move forward with the ‘best bids’ process for the construction of the family housing units at The Park and, subject to reserved matters planning consent being granted, expect work to start on site on this phase early next year.

“Demand is strong as developers see the massive potential of Chesterfield Waterside as a whole. The development’s prime location next to the town centre, great road networks and the train station which will have an HS2 stop by 2034, make it an attractive investment opportunity that is holding its own at a regional, national and international level.”

The 16 hectare development is a 10-year project being led by Bolsterstone Group working in partnership with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council. The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin and is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Waterside development.

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

Tickets now on sale for Under-17 European Championship matches in Chesterfield

19th March 2018

UEFA tournament ambassador Jack Butland is urging the nation to get behind the Young Lions as England prepares to host the Under-17 European Championship for the first time.

Tickets for the eagerly-awaited tournament, which will be staged across ten match days at six venues in the Midlands and South Yorkshire from Friday 4 May to Sunday 20 May, are now on public sale.

England’s group fixtures will be held at Chesterfield FC on Friday 4 May (KO 1900), Walsall FC on Monday 7 May (KO 1500) and Rotherham United on Thursday 10 May (KO 1900)*. Burton Albion, Loughborough University and St. George’s Park will also stage matches.

Stoke City goalkeeper Butland, a key member of the England side which won the tournament in 2010, believes home support could be key to propelling Steve Cooper’s current crop all the way to the final in Rotherham on Sunday 20 May.

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Gotze are just some of the famous names to have appeared at previous editions of the Under-17 European Championship.

And with tickets starting from just £2 for children and £4 for adults, fans of all ages can watch Europe’s future stars on their doorstep at affordable prices.

Butland, who was named in the 22-man team of the tournament in 2010, said: “The UEFA Under-17 European Championship is a great chance to go and see the stars of tomorrow.

“I have not been lucky enough to play in a home tournament for England so for these young England players to do that, it will be a massive experience and they can really show what they are about.

“With England playing at Walsall, Chesterfield and Rotherham, it is a great chance for fans to go out and support the Young Lions. We have a bright future in this country and these players are at the heart of that.

“There is also going to be plenty of European talent on show in the matches at Loughborough University, St. George’s Park and Burton.”

After the unprecedented success of England’s development teams in 2017 and interest in youth football at an all-time high, these are exciting times for the Young Lions.

England, who also won the title in 2014 and finished runners-up to Spain last year, have qualified automatically as hosts.

The Young Lions will discover their group opponents when the draw for the 16-nation tournament takes place at St. George’s Park on 5 April.

Butland, who was confirmed in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad yesterday for the forthcoming friendlies against Holland and Italy, added: “Winning the Under-17 European Championship eight years ago has been a massive part of my career. It is one of my favourite moments in football.

“We had a great set of talent that year – and we do this year too. For anyone to get to play in this major tournament will be very special.

“From a senior point of view, we want to follow that and show that we are leading the way. It is a great time for English football and it is great to see the young sides doing so well.”

See the stars of tomorrow in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, 4-20 May 2018. Visit www.TheFA.com/U17Euro for tickets and further information.

*NOTE – kick-off times are subject to change

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire showcases half billion of investment at MIPIM

15th March 2018

Derby and Derbyshire have been promoting the region at MIPIM, the international property conference, as part of the Midlands UK Pavilion.

Frank Horsley, Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council presented, alongside senior representatives from Birmingham and Coventry, as part of a ‘Living and Thriving’ panel hosted by Estates Gazette. The panel discussed the effects leisure and tourism have on the economic development and Derbyshire brings a wealth of opportunity to the table.

Derbyshire has long been a destination of choice to live, work and play. With over 35 million visitors per year, the tourism economy in Derbyshire is thriving. Iconic brands and stunning locations such as the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House and the National Forest attract millions of tourists each year and encourages more businesses to set up or locate in Derbyshire. The County has a unique lifestyle offer and Derbyshire’s residents have easy access to both an area of outstanding national beauty and to major cities.

Frank Horsley, Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council said “Countless examples of living and thriving can be found right across Derbyshire from the famous Peak District National Park and Derbyshire Dales to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site – the birth-place of the industrial revolution. Derbyshire is proud of its industrial past and manufacturing is still at its core with twice the national average being employed in this sector. The visitor economy is also booming, and worth over £2 billion with new developments of global significance such as Buxton Hotel and Spa and Peak Resort in Chesterfield coming forward. People and businesses thrive in Derbyshire, from entrepreneurs to large scale multi-national companies – innovation is in our DNA”

As Derbyshire’s largest town, Chesterfield is undergoing a huge change with major investments in retail, tourism and housing developments currently taking place.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “The first phase of £400m Peak Resort, which is set to launch in 2020, will help cement Chesterfield’s reputation as a tourism town, harnessing its proximity to the Peak District. We have long recognised the tourist potential of the town and are making significant investment in the number of overnight beds available, creating additional hotel accommodation in both the town centre and at Basin Square in the first phase of Chesterfield Waterside.”

Another key part of Derbyshire’s investment offer is the market town of Buxton founded by the Romans, it later became a famous spa town in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The development of Buxton Crescent to a Five-star thermal spa hotel and visitor centre brings huge opportunities for the town. The project, which received a £23.8m Heritage Lottery Fund award, one of the largest awards granted outside London, is a partnership between High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Trevor Osborne Property Group and CP Holding Ltd, the outright owner of the Danubius Hotel and Spa Group – Europe’s largest hotel and spa operator.

VINCI Construction UK started work on the £46 million redevelopment in 2016 and the Hotel and Spa and Pump Room will open in 2019. The Crescent development will place Buxton firmly back on the map as England’s leading spa town.

The crescent, built by the Fifth Duke of Devonshire, has strong links with the Chatsworth Estate in the stunning Peak District National Park as the current Duke of Devonshire is the Patron of the Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa Heritage Trust. The Chatsworth Estate is an important part of the visitor economy and the Duke of Devonshire is a strong advocate of the excellent quality of life on offer in Derbyshire.

The Duke of Devonshire commented “Derbyshire is a wonderful part of the world, with many and varied reasons to live here and visit. As a university, spa and market town, Buxton is one of those reasons. Built by my ancestor the 5th Duke of Devonshire, the Crescent has been part of Buxton’s history for over 200 years, and I hope that its current redevelopment will play a pivotal role in the continued renaissance of Buxton as a leading spa town. At Chatsworth, we look forward to playing our part in the next stage of Buxton’s story.”

Download the D2 Prospectus of investment opportunities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Over 250 delegates to Celebrate Chesterfield

14th March 2018

This year’s Celebrate Chesterfield has a packed agenda which celebrates the success of the town

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Plc, the company behind the Chesterfield Waterside, will reveal at the free business breakfast event how the ambitious regeneration project – one of the largest in the UK – will take a major step forward this year.

Peter will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who will update on the progress the town is making as a whole.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, will launch the town’s new investment video whilst Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby will showcase the success of the Chesterfield Campus.

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology will take part in ‘Chat with a Champion’ and Toby Perkins MP, Cllr. Tricia Gilby , Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Phil Bramley, Editor of the Derbyshire Times and Dr Paula Holt will take be part of our Queston Time panel.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest business events in the region. More than 250 delegates are expected to attend at the Winding Wheel this year.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “We are a town on the up and we have a lot to be proud of. Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity for the local business community to come together and toast achievements from the past 12 months and look forward to what is coming up during 2018 and beyond.”

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care, said:

“The University of Derby is proud to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event once again in 2018.

“We remain committed to making a difference to Chesterfield and its population, growing our involvement in social and community projects to promote health and wellbeing. We have seen a significant increase in students at our Chesterfield Campus, particularly in adult and mental health nursing, giving more local people the opportunity to progress their careers. It is a joy to see the old girls’ school which has been restored sympathetically, but with state-of-the-art facilities, thriving as a vibrant educational centre of excellence. We are seeing occupation of our incubation space, and we are committed to supporting local businesses through innovation and creativity in areas such as health technology and product development, as well as working together to develop higher, degree and masters level apprenticeships.”

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology, added:

“Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us at CT. Having been established and working in Chesterfield, with year on year growth for over 15 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with local mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection.

“2018 is a big year for Central Technology as we move to a fully fitted 11,000 sq ft office later this spring to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we will have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect.

“The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

Limited tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11am, are available to book now.

To book your ticket at the event, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Poppy Cascade Planned for Chesterfield

11th March 2018

Knitters and crocheters in Chesterfield are being asked to help mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Chesterfield Combined Ex Services is planning a poppy cascade from the balcony of Chesterfield Town Hall in the week of Armistice Day this November, which will require thousands of knitted, crocheted or felt poppies.

Patterns to create the poppies are available here: Poppy patterns

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Town Hall is an iconic building in Chesterfield and a focal point of the remembrance services held each November so it is only appropriate that we use the building as a backdrop for the poppy cascade to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“All handmade poppies are welcome whether they’re from schools, community groups, arts and crafts groups or individuals. Every poppy will be individual and will join together to create an amazing visual effect which will show our full respect for those who died in the war.”

Poppies can be dropped off at the Town Hall, Rose Hill, or at various points in the town centre.

For more information or collections, contact Rob Nash (01246) 550516 or email mayors.office@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Be part of the Chesterfield community poppy cascade

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

More events coming to town after success of Chesterfield Wheel

8th March 2018

Further high-profile events are being planned by Chesterfield Borough Council following the success of the Chesterfield Wheel.

The popular 60-metre ride, which will be open until Mother’s Day on Sunday March 11, has attracted thousands of people to the town and a number of businesses have reported a welcomed increase in footfall and trade.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of the council said:

“The Chesterfield Wheel is a recent example of where we have been able to deliver something special for the town at no cost to taxpayers while providing a real boost to the town’s shops and market traders. This is in addition to the successful artisan market and big town centre events, such as the Medieval Fun Day, which attract large crowds throughout the year. We are always looking to add to the town centre events calendar and would welcome any business or company with ideas to come and talk to us.”

“One big new event will see us work with an external company to deliver the first Street Food and Grooves Festival in the town centre, between May 11 and 13. This will see a wide mix of hot and cold food stalls from around the world, alongside live stage music. This will be another significant draw for both residents and visitors alike.”

“Another example is the series of events being held in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, where we are working with a range of community and voluntary groups. The wide-ranging events will include a ‘poppy fall’ being created down both sides of the town hall entrance.”

Dom Stevens, manager of the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, added:

“The big wheel has proved a great draw for the town centre, bringing in both new visitors and encouraging people to return to the town who may not have been in recent months. We know that events bring people into the town and the wheel is no exception.”

“There are further events planned for the town throughout the year which, I hope, people will embrace in the same way they have the wheel and show their support through increased footfall into the town which will benefit the many great businesses based there.

The Chesterfield Observation Wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily until Sunday 11 March. For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is organised by Chesterfield-based Edge Events and takes place in New Square from Friday May 11 until Sunday May 13.

A range of events are planned between October 11 and November 11 to mark the anniversary of the First World War.

The Chesterfield Artisan Market takes place on the last Sunday of each month.

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

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge up and running

5th March 2018

An inaugural challenge which will give businesses and families the chance to get involved with the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been officially launched.

Details for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s ‘Wellbeing Challenge’ were revealed at a special Champions Breakfast held by new event partner, Destination Chesterfield – a leading regional place marketing partnership which has pledged its support for the Half Marathon.

Entry into the challenge, which is the best-value way of entering the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Events at £80 in total, includes two entries into each of the event’s three individual elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the 5-Mile Run and the one-kilometre Fun Run. It is aimed at encouraging local businesses and families to get involved with what is set to become the region’s biggest mass participation event.

Destination Chesterfield kicked off its partnership with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon by launching a competition to win free entry into one of the 2018 Half Marathon events – with more prizes and competitions in the pipeline.

John Timms, events director at MLS Contracts Ltd, organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We are delighted to have Destination Chesterfield on board as sponsor for this year’s Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“As a Chesterfield business, they share countless values with ourselves, headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agency and of course our charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

“After the success of last year’s event, we cannot wait for this year’s Half Marathon, and we’re excited about what this new partnership will bring to the 2018 event.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon. It has become an important event in the town’s calendar, helping raise the profile of Chesterfield, bringing people into the town to discover our offering and, crucially, spend money with our retailers and food and drink businesses here.

“It’s also a great example of Chesterfield Champions – Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, Peak FM, Crush Design & Creative and Ashgate Hospicecare – working together for the benefit of not only the town’s profile but for the people who will benefit from the charitable proceeds raised from the event.

“The addition of the Fun Run and Wellbeing Challenge is an excellent opportunity to get even more people involved in this fantastic event. I speak from experience, having competed every year since the event was launched, and this year will be no different. I am very much looking forward to it.”

This year’s Half Marathon, which is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will take place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9:30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. Leading estate agency Redbrik will return as headline sponsor for the second year of its five-year sponsorship deal.

New for 2018 is a 5-Mile Run and a Wellbeing Challenge for businesses, community groups and family groups to get involved in. The event schedule will also be bolstered by the return of the one-kilometre Fun Run, which is open to all ages and abilities and takes place within Queen’s Park. Entry is £5.

Entries for the marathon is open, it is simple and easy to sign up. For more information visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

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

Nominate your favourite store in the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards

5th March 2018

The search is on to find Chesterfield’s top shops and traders in the annual 2018 Retail Awards.

Shoppers are invited to vote for their favourite retailers and market stall holders in Chesterfield town centre, on Whittington Moor, Chatsworth Road, Staveley and across the borough until midnight on Sunday 25 March 2018.

Everyone who nominates will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to the black-tie Chesterfield Retail Awards in the heart of Chesterfield on 13 June.

Now in its fifth year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, celebrate the town’s flourishing retail scene.

Chesterfield has a fantastic selection of both independent and major high street stores and its historic market attracts thousands of visitors every year.

In 2016 Chesterfield was identified as one of the UK’s top retail hotspots, highlighting it as an area of potential for investors. Hot on the heels of the report, in 2017 the town welcomed several new businesses including TJ Hughes, Patisserie Valerie and Trespass.

With so many developments underway, including the transformation of the former Co-op store and the creation of Northern Gateway, there’s no better time to recognise and honour the retailers who make the town so special.

Shoppers can nominate across 12 categories in the awards and a panel of professionals will select the winners with the ultimate accolade Retailer of the Year, being selected from the winners of the categories.

Nominations can be for any kind of retailer. It might be a shop, a bakers, a butchers, a market stall, beauty salon or crafter, as long as they trade within the borough of Chesterfield.

Members of the public can place their votes online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate until midnight on Sunday 25 March 2018.

The categories open for nominations in the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year
Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
Market Trader of the Year
Independent Retailer of the Year
National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year
Market Hall Business of the Year
Excellence in Customer Service

New to this year’s ceremony will be the chance to commend the work of apprentice retail workers and employers of apprentices in the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories. Applications for these two new awards will open over the next few weeks. The winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards will be announced at the black-tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 13 June.

In 2018 The Pavements Shopping Centre will also present a trophy to recognise the Best Retailer in the Pavements Shopping Centre voted by shoppers. All eligible businesses nominated for the Chesterfield Retail Awards will automatically be put forward for this accolade.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards is an excellent opportunity for people to recognise outstanding retailers based in and around Chesterfield; both big and small as well as people and businesses within the sector that are going the extra mile in the realms of customer service and innovation.”

Supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Apprentice Town, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Jumble Creative Design, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Peak FM, Temple Safety, The Pavements Shopping Centre and the University of Derby.

For more information about the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

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

Apprentice Town website launches

5th March 2018

Chesterfield’s commitment to apprenticeships and the future of its young people is being demonstrated with the launch of a new website.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2018 (5 – 9 March 2018) the Apprentice Town website is being launched where job seekers will be able to find apprenticeship opportunities available in the town.

Last year Chesterfield become the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town,’ in a bid to help nurture the future and careers of youngsters while also helping companies meet skills gaps.

The initiative raises awareness of the huge positives of apprenticeships and brings together talented young people with local businesses for the good of the local economy.

With 1450 people starting an apprenticeship in Chesterfield in 2016/17, there are already more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield across a variety of sectors and levels from traineeships to Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Currently, there are more than 50 apprenticeship vacancies within the town being advertised on the website in a wide range of sectors, including business management, animal care, IT, hospitality and childcare

As well as showing the all the apprentice opportunities available in the town, the Apprentice Town website also provides a whole host of useful information for employees, employers and parents.

There are also details on how businesses can benefit from apprenticeships with information about the new Apprentice Levy and case studies from current apprentices in the town.

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading the Apprentice Town initiative while Destination Chesterfield, as a partner, has developed the website for the project.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We were delighted to become the UK’s first Apprentice Town. Here in Chesterfield we recognise the importance of helping our young people secure careers while supporting the local economy.

“With so many new developments planned for the town more and more businesses are taking on an apprentice to address skills gaps and workforce needs.”

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager added: “The Apprentice Town initiative shows the town’s commitment to supporting businesses to recruit and develop their workforce for the good of the local economy.

“A town which puts such a focus on developing the skills of its talented young will help attract more employers to invest in Chesterfield.”

In additional to Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, other partners involved in the Apprentice Town initiative include Chesterfield College, NLT Training Services, University of Derby, East Midlands Chamber, Jobcentre Plus, Enterprise Adviser Network and Derbyshire County Council.

The website can be viewed via www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships

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