Local lads from Chesterfield have secured a place in UK fashion history this month when they opened their new designer store doors last weekend on Chesterfields high street, becoming the only stockist outside of London to sell famous fashion designer Joshua Kane tailoring.
The Chesterfield-born brothers, George and Joe Ward, have been rubbing shoulders with some of the most famous fashion brands to secure this exclusive contract, as well as several other fashion designers including Hackett, 7 for all Mankind and local clothing manufacturers Smedley’s, who will be providing their excellent range of casual t-shirts, cardigans and jumpers – all made just down the road.
“Our little medieval town has a lot going for it, from our famous spire attracting tourists to our booming nightlife and shopping – being ‘born and bred’ here, there was no better location for our new store than the town centre. We named the store ‘Weekend Menswear’, after all it has everything a guy needs, ready for the weekend or night on the town” says George.
“Our opening last weekend was a fantastic success, we met hundreds of local people and some even travelling from further afield to come celebrate with us and take a look at our ranges; we were surprised how much we sold just on opening weekend – this clearly shows a desire for men of Chesterfield and surrounding areas to look good, which reiterates we’ve pitched the business at the right point and market”
London is well renowned as the most fashionable city in the world – yet, with the launch of Weekend Menswear in Chesterfield, that title could be up for the taking…
Local lads from Chesterfield have secured a place in UK fashion history this month, as they launch a unique men’s designer shop in Chesterfield town centre – securing an exclusive stockist, the only store outside of London.
The Chesterfield-born brothers, George and Joe Ward, have always had a passion for business, having worked for their dad’s retail company since childhood. George studied business at local Chesterfield College and both have always had a passion for fashion, so when the opportunity arose they jumped at the opportunity to start their own venture.
The boys’ local work ethic has secured them some of the UK’s most recognised fashion designer contracts, with none other than upcoming tailored suit designer, Joshua Kane.
Joshua Kane is well-known throughout Europe for his unique tailored styles, famously popular within sportsmen such as footballers and fashion conscious celebrities, with the likes of Dougie Poynter, model Oxford Neilsen and Portuguese football pro Raul Meireles. Shoppers have known to travel as far as Paris and Spain to his London store to shop!
Other stockists include Hackett, 7 for all Mankind and local clothing manufacturers Smedley’s, who will be providing their excellent range of casual t-shirts, cardigans and jumpers – all made just down the road.
The shop, appropriately named ‘Weekend Menswear’ after all it has everything a guy can need ready for the weekend – will open on the 18th March with a fun-packed weekend launch – at Stephenson Place, Town Centre in Chesterfield. To celebrate the opening, Weekend Menswear are offering 10% discount off all casual wear over the opening weekend.
Don’t let your favourite retailer go unnoticed. Time is running out to nominate your favourite shop or store in the town in the third annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.
Nominations for the popular awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, close on Sunday 6 March 2016.
Retailers, including the best national high street stores and owner managed shops can be nominated across 14 different categories, with the winners being announced at an award ceremony held on 25 May 2016 at the town’s Winding Wheel.
Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, is urging shoppers to vote now. He said: “The closing date for nominations ties in brilliantly with the run up to Mother’s Day, the same date nominations close – 6th March. While you’re out shopping for your mum, if a Chesterfield retailer gives you outstanding service, has a fantastic choice of gifts, or even both, then make sure you nominate.
“The Retail Awards are great for business recognition, but also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the many people who work in the sector and help keep retail thriving in Chesterfield.”
Last year’s winner of the coveted Retail of the Year Award and Market Trader of the Year, Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, added: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award.”
Chesterfield’s popular Retail Awards are returning for the third year running. Organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging people to nominate their favourite shops and stores in and around the town centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor, they want to win one of the prestigious awards.
Nominations are open now. People can nominate across 14 categories, which are designed to recognise the very best independent and high street retailers in Chesterfield. Everyone who nominates will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a three course Sunday lunch at Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, Cocina at Casa.
Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Chesterfield has an amazing wealth of retailers that combine to make us one of the top performing towns in the country. Together they bring people into Chesterfield and help create a buzz and warm welcome that people from outside the area frequently comment on and keep coming back for. If you feel strongly that your favourite shops and stores deserve to win one of these prestigious awards, then it’s important that you nominate them. As they say, you have to be in it to win it.”
Organised in association with Chesterfield College, the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which takes place at the Winding Wheel in May 2016. As well as winners of the 15 categories, winners of two additional awards – the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s and the Pavements Shopping Centre Retailers of the Year – will also be announced.
Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “We are delighted to sponsor the retail awards this year and look forward to celebrating with the businesses and individuals that contribute to making what is unique and special about our local retail offer. It is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the businesses that add to our economy in so many ways. Not only do they give us our retail therapy, they provide goods and services we can’t do without and they also offer employment to many.”
Last year Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce took the coveted title of Retailer of the Year and Market Trader of the Year following nominations from the public. The family business, which has been a familiar sight on Chesterfield’s market for more than 70 years, has transformed itself in the last 18 months with the addition of an online delivery service to complement its market stall and shop in Hasland.
Owner Nick Ibbotson said: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. Although we’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield, we have worked hard to modernise the business and secure its future with the addition of our online delivery service. It’s going really well and has transformed the business.”
The 14 categories open for nominations in the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:
* Hair and Beauty Business of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield College
* Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR
* Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
* Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
* Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
* Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
* Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Mitchells Chartered Accountants and
Business Advisers
* Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
* Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
* Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
* National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
* Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Chatsworth
* Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by arvato
* Best New Store (Opened 2015/2016) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony.
The awards are supported by members of the business community, who have not only sponsored individual awards but also the actual ceremony later this year. As well as the category sponsors, other supporters of the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards include the University of Derby, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.
Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has once again been announced as a finalist in the prestigious England for Excellence Awards.
The centre in Rykneld Square, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has been shortlisted for a second year in the visitor information provider of the year category.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Each year we welcome thousands of visitors into Chesterfield to visit attractions including our open-air market, the Crooked Spire and the wider area including the Peak District.
“Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are often the first people visitors to the town will meet and they will go the extra mile to make people feel welcome and make sure they have all the information they need.”
Other nominees in the same category are: Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Gloucester Tourist Information Centre, Thanet Visitor Information Service and The Welcome People London.
Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain and VisitEngland added: “Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England.
“We received over 400 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt those shortlisted are a representatives of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations.
“I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck on awards night.”
The England for Excellence Awards 2016 takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Tuesday 8 March.
A free 90-minute award writing workshop that will help Chesterfield-based businesses achieve the recognition they deserve is being held on Wednesday 10 February at Dunston Innovation Centre.
The free workshop – Awards: The Benefits and How to Impress the Judges – is being delivered by local award writing specialist Lucinda White, managing director of Pure Events. This is the second time the workshop has being run. Last year three of the delegates who attended went on to win and be shortlisted for a number of local business awards following entries they had written.
The workshop, which is organised in partnership between Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project, will give people the skills, information and top tips they need to submit creative and well-written award entries.
The workshop was shortlisted for the ‘Business Idea of the Year’ Award in the 2013 Derbyshire Times Business Awards and Pure Events itself has a 75% success rate, with its clients either being shortlisted or winning prestigious awards across all industry sectors.
Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “With entries soon to open for the Chesterfield Retail Awards and other local and regional business awards, attending the workshop is an excellent opportunity to get ahead of the competition and get your business noticed.
“The town has many great business success stories that aren’t being told or recognised. By organising this free workshop we hope to give business the skills and know-how they need to get valuable recognition for their business.”
Place are limited and people are advised to register early. To reserve a place on the Business Awards Workshop visit http://bit.ly/awardwriting
A masterplan has been agreed by Chesterfield Borough Council to guide future development of the town centre.
It outline proposals of how the town centre might adapt as it responds to changes in the retail sector caused by the growth of online shopping, a need for more housing and a desire to connect fringe sites to the historic core area around the market.
The plan has been produced by Chesterfield-based WCEC Architects and property regeneration consultants Aspinall Verdi after consultation with businesses and the council.
It recognises eight core areas within the town centre and contains outline proposals for each. Implementing the plan will require the support and financial commitment of both the private and public sector as many sites are outside of the control of Chesterfield Borough Council.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is recognised as being a historic market town, with a great town centre built around the market squares, Crooked Spire church and the historic buildings which previous generations fought so hard to protect.
“But, like all town centres in the country, we need to evolve to take account of the changing world in which we live if we are to continue to attract locals and visitors to it.
“Although the occupancy of our shops is higher than in most parts of the country, and we have a good mix of independent and national retailers, we are not immune to the effects that online shopping and changing consumer habits are having on town centres.
“We will need to take the opportunities created by new technology if it is to remain a popular place to live and visit.”
The masterplan sets out a strategic overview for the town centre, helps determine community goals and aspirations and is a development framework that guides future development opportunities.
Priorities will be established, and funding sought, to enable the aspirations to become a reality of a period of time.
The masterplan will also be used to help guide future planning decisions when applications are made to develop the town centre.
Andy Dabbs, design director of WCEC Architects, said: “As a Chesterfield business ourselves this masterplan was an important project for us to work on.
“One of the key opportunities we identified is that many of the key sites within the town are physically close together but could be better connected.
“The growth of Ravenside as a retail location, with its proximity to Queen’s Park, offers an opportunity to link up these areas better with the historic core of the town centre but then also link through to the area around the Donut roundabout and across to the railway station.
“We believe there are also opportunities to develop the Markham Road entrance to the town, particularly with the plans to demolish the disused multi-storey car park.”
One of Chesterfield’s oldest businesses, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Retail Awards (24 June 2015), organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited.
Established in 1945 Ibbotson’s is, this year, celebrating its 70th year of trading. As well as being a regular sight on the market it has recently diversified into online ordering which has widened its customer base by bringing Chesterfield’s market to those who are unable to come into town or are at work during opening hours.
As well as Retailer of the Year, Ibbotson’s also scooped the title of Market Trader of the Year at the annual awards. Owner Nick Ibbotson said: ““I can’t believe that we have won two awards and it is particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. It’s amazing to have beaten all the big stores and other independent retailers. We’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield for more than 70 years. It’s been a long time coming.”
Ibbotson’s was one of 13 winners of a total of 16 awards recognising the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town. Other multiple award winners include Adorn Jewellers and Debenhams who each triumphed in two categories.
This year’s awards received more than 600 nominations for businesses from the public resulting in 32 finalists, of which 20 were first time finalists. Six businesses returned to defend their crowns from last year’s event including Pelican Cycles, which successfully retained its titles of Leisure Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year
Held at the Winding Wheel, the sell-out ceremony was hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo James Summers and Becky Measures.
The winners were selected from 36 finalists, competing for the title of the very best in their respective categories.
Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Cabinet Member for the Town Centre and Visitor Economy, Amanda Serjeant, said: “Across Chesterfield we are privileged to have a great range of independent stores in the Shambles and the Yards in the Town Centre, along Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor as well as our market and popular high street stores. It is this mix of retailers that makes our town so popular and keeps shoppers, both locally and further afield, coming back for more.
“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. The Retail Awards recognised and celebrated the efforts and success of retailers across the town.”
Other supporters of the awards included eBusiness Works, Derbyshire Times and Peak FM.
The Chesterfield Artisan Market will return for a second month this Sunday 28 June with more stalls and even more fun for the whole family.
Last month the popular event attracted thousands of visitors to the town who all enjoyed quality artisan foods, quirky, bespoke, original craft items and delicious aromas in the street food court.
Taking place at New Square at Chesterfield Market, the market will once again feature musical entertainment and creative workshops for children by StraightCurves.
Organisers say the range of artisan producers will be even more diverse this time with traders offering local meat, cider, cheese, raw milk, award-winning pies, cheesecakes, old-school cornflake tarts, cookies and Eccles cakes.
There will also be plenty of non-food items including soaps, doodle art, photography, artwork and doggy paraphernalia, watercolours, hand-crafted fabric bags, leather satchels and cards – all in addition to the vast array of talented traders at the last event.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said:-
“We had lots of really positive feedback from traders, visitors and local business owners after the first artisan market in May.
“People really enjoyed the quality and value of the artisan food and gifts on offer and I am sure this one, with the extended opening time, will be bigger and better than before.”
Denise Valente, director of The Market Co, said:-
“The welcome we received from Chesterfield visitors was overwhelming. Everyone was thrilled with the diverse range of goods on offer – quite different to anything that has been brought to Chesterfield before, as well as the incredible atmosphere created in the street food arena.
“Each month we will add new artisans to the market hopefully making it one of the very best destinations in Derbyshire.”
Chesterfield Artisan Market is run by Chesterfield Borough Council in association with The Market Co and will take place next on Sunday 28 June in New Square. In response to feedback the event will start earlier at 10.30am and run through to 4pm.
More jobs have been created for Chesterfield with the opening of a Danish furniture store, JYSK.
Shoppers were invited to enjoy an authentic Danish breakfast at an official launch, with the mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Barry Bingham and his wife, June attending to cut the ribbon.
Known as one of the world’s largest retail furniture groups, with more than 2,200 stores in 37 countries, JYSK chose Chesterfield based on the market town’s retail health and Markham Retail Park’s ability to serve approximately 45,000 households.
Steve Stenhouse, JYSK country manager says:-
“Our stores have always had a following with great value for money shoppers, who are looking to add Scandinavian style to their home – perfect for Chesterfield.”
JYSK Chesterfield offers a range of garden furniture, beds, mattresses, duvets, sofas, dining table sets, housewares and home textiles all at affordable prices.
More than 140 people will witness this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards winners being crowned at the sell-out award ceremony on Wednesday 24 June.
Following last year’s runaway success, the ceremony has moved to a bigger venue and organiser Destination Chesterfield has, once again, witnessed unprecedented demand.
This year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards is being held at the Winding Wheel, where the ceremony will be hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo Becky Measures and James Summers.
James and Becky commented: “We’re honoured and privileged to be hosting the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards. We thinks it’s absolutely brilliant for the town. There’s a real buzz about the town and everyone is talking about it. A massive well down to all the finalists.”
At the awards, 36 Chesterfield retailers will battle it out to be named the very best in their respective categories. The 16 categories recognise the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town.
Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR
Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers
Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) Sponsored by Peak FM
Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
This year, the awards are hosting an additional category – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award, which will name town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.
Other supporters of the awards include eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.
You can keep up-to-date with the awards on Twitter, instagram and facebook by using the hashtag #retailawards15.
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