Destination Chesterfield

Community spirit shines across Chesterfield

15th October 2025

Chesterfield continues to shine as a place where community, collaboration, and care come together. From scenic charity rallies to festive knitting drives and strategic partnerships, local businesses are showing what it means to be a Chesterfield Champion.

Banner Jones appeals for knitters to help spread warmth this Christmas

Local law firm Banner Jones Solicitors is calling on Chesterfield’s creative community to knit or crochet green beanie hats and scarves for a festive initiative supporting vulnerable people.

As part of the Crooked Spire Christmas Tree Festival (15–30 November), the firm’s tree will be decorated with handmade items, which will then be donated to local homeless charities, food banks, and community groups.

Free patterns are available at bannerjones.co.uk/hats, and finished items should be delivered to 24 Glumangate, Chesterfield by Friday 31 October.

Rosewood Wealth Management launches Christmas appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank

Rosewood Wealth Management is inviting the Chesterfield community to support its “12 Days of Christmas” appeal, collecting donations for Chesterfield Foodbank to help local families in need this festive season.

Donations of non-perishable food and seasonal treats are being accepted at Rosewood’s office in Waterside Place, Basin Square, until Friday, 12 December 2025. Requested items include:

Variety tins and boxes
Crackers and biscuits
Tinned food
Tea and coffee
Long-life milk and juices
Jams and chutneys
Nuts and confectionery
Christmas pudding (no alcohol)
Breakfast cereal
Pet food (cats and dogs)

Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm at:
Rosewood Wealth Management Ltd, Fourth Floor, 1 Waterside Place, Brimington Road, Chesterfield S41 7FH

Central Technology partners with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity

Chesterfield-based IT firm Central Technology (CT) has announced a new partnership with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, strengthening their long-standing relationship and commitment to supporting vital services.

CT will provide IT support and help shape a long-term strategy for the charity, enabling the team to focus on raising funds that improve the lives of children and families across the region. This partnership reflects the power of collaboration and the role Chesterfield businesses play in driving positive change.

Bangers & Cash Rally returns with scenic UK adventure for charity

The much-loved Bangers & Cash charity rally is back with its most ambitious edition yet — The Lakes & Highlands. This ultimate UK road trip will take teams from Chesterfield through Scotland’s most scenic routes, finishing in Whitby.

Now in its third year, the rally has raised £250,000 for charity and is hosted in partnership with local business, Chesterfield Champion and rally veterans SDE Group.

Participants can drive any car, the quirkier, the better, and take on fun challenges along the way. Entry costs just £295 per person.

This year’s rally supports Ashgate Hospice, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, and Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity.

Learn more at Bangers & Cash.

These stories reflect the values at the heart of Chesterfield, a deep commitment to community. Whether through fundraising, partnerships, or creative outreach, Chesterfield Champions are helping shape a town that supports one another and businesses which lead with purpose.

Discover more about becoming the next Chesterfield Champion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield Borough Council Chief Executive announces retirement

9th October 2025

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, has announced he will be retiring at the start of May 2026, after eighteen years in the role.

Huw has been instrumental in developing Chesterfield’s £2 billion growth programme and championing the importance of local people being able to benefit from the jobs and skills opportunities that such growth creates.

He has reset the values of the council, delivered improvements across all service areas, including multi-million investments in sports and cultural facilities and introduced a demanding performance culture focused on results and success.

Huw said, “Chesterfield is a very special place. It has been a privilege to serve the people of the town and borough, and my aim each and every day has been to improve Chesterfield and the quality of life of its residents.

“I feel very proud to have been part of the council’s improvement journey over the past twenty-three years and fortunate to have worked alongside so many dedicated councillors, talented staff and committed partners.

“I leave the council in a strong place to ensure that Chesterfield sits at the heart of the government’s planned reforms for how local government is organised in Derbyshire.

“It will be a sad day when my time at the council ends. Until then, I remain committed to working tirelessly on the council’s priorities and to ensuring a smooth handover to the new Chief Executive when they are appointed.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, commended Huw’s outstanding commitment to delivering excellent public services to Chesterfield’s communities.

Councillor Gilby said: “Huw has served the borough of Chesterfield with inspiring vision, determination and good humour for over 23 years and I can honestly say that – thanks to his exceptional leadership – the borough is a better place to live, work and visit.

“There have of course been challenges along the way, including the global pandemic and over a decade of austerity which has eroded local government budgets. But Huw has always remained focussed, and with an unparalleled passion for delivering the very best for the people of Chesterfield.

“During his time, Huw has forged excellent relationships throughout the council, with councillors and the workforce. He has also been a champion of strong partnerships, building valuable networks with partners across the borough and wider afield, including from the business and voluntary sectors, to ensure our ambitious plans are achieved.

“Huw will be with us for a further seven months, and in due course the council will move towards the appointment of a new Chief Executive, ensuring a smooth transition as we continue on our journey towards local government reorganisation in Derbyshire in the coming years.”

Huw was instrumental in the creation of Destination Chesterfield and has served as a board member over the last 15 years.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said, “I would like to thank Huw for his commitment to a place-led partnership approach to support economic growth and the people of the Borough of Chesterfield. 15 years ago, this led to the creation of Destination Chesterfield and since then, Huw has worked alongside other board members to develop an environment where the public, private and voluntary sectors are working together collectively for Chesterfield.”

“Huw’s expertise, ability to build strong relationships and his passion for the borough of Chesterfield have made the Destination Chesterfield Partnership stronger and contributed to its ongoing success. The board look forward to continuing to work with Huw until May to shape the next phase of Destination Chesterfield and how we support the delivery of Chesterfield’s £2 billion regeneration journey.”

Huw will be showcasing Chesterfield’s £2 billion growth programme at the Chesterfield Investment Summit on the 5th November – Find out more and book a place.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Property and Construction

Summit to spotlight how investment in Chesterfield is fuelling inclusive growth for the East Midlands

8th October 2025

Business owners are invited to discover how Chesterfield’s ongoing regeneration is unlocking significant investment opportunities and driving inclusive growth across the region.

The Chesterfield Investment Summit takes place on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at the Casa Hotel. The event will provide an in-depth update on the transformative projects shaping the town’s future. It will highlight how regeneration is creating new opportunities for local people, businesses, and investors.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, will address the summit, sharing her vision and priorities for the East Midlands.

Claire Ward commented: “Chesterfield is part of our region’s ambitions for inclusive growth. By working together, we can ensure that investment benefits every community, creating new opportunities and a brighter future for all. I look forward to engaging with local businesses and partners at the summit.”

Andrew Byrne, Development Director for the Devonshire Group and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, will discuss what inclusive growth means to the Devonshire Group and how this is being delivered across their sites in the borough.

Andrew Byrne said: “Inclusive growth is about ensuring that everyone in Chesterfield can share in the benefits of regeneration. At Devonshire Group, we are committed to creating places that support local jobs, skills, and communities. The summit is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the progress being made and to invite more partners to join us on this journey.”

A key feature of this year’s summit will be a panel discussion focusing on the East Midlands Investment Zone site in Staveley. The session will explore the unique opportunities and benefits the Investment Zone brings to the borough, including its potential to attract new businesses, create skilled jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth. Simon White from Tawnywood will join a panel to share insights on how the Investment Zone is supporting business expansion and innovation in Chesterfield.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Devonshire Group and Tawnywood, the event will showcase major regeneration projects across the borough.  Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council, will provide updates on the £2 billion of regeneration projects across the borough.

There will also be a focus on activity in Chesterfield town centre. This includes an update from Dominic Staniforth, Chair of  Chesterfield Town Board, and insights from  Amy Revell, Co-Founder of We Are Spaces, a commercial interior firm, which is refurbishing an office space in the town centre.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added:

“The Investment Summit is a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about all the incredible things happening in Chesterfield. I look forward to welcoming local businesses and investors to the summit and discussing with them how they can play a key role in Chesterfield’s future.”

The Chesterfield Investment Summit is also supported by East Midlands Chamber and We Are Spaces.

To see full event details and secure your place, please book online at:
https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

Behind the scenes: how Chesterfield makes everyday life possible

1st October 2025

By Ann Fomukong-Boden, board member of Destination Chesterfield and local business owner

When you think of engineering, you might picture hard hats and heavy machinery. But Chesterfield offers much more. As a local business owner and engineer, I see our makers, designers and technology experts quietly improving our everyday lives.

Our architects and engineers work with digital specialists to power regeneration projects, both locally and nationally. Our manufacturers produce everything from food and packaging to custom CCTV.

At Kakou, we proudly contribute to this story. We specialise in technology that helps people with disabilities access mainstream culture, heritage, and wellbeing activities.

Recently, we collaborated with local charity Junction Arts to create an interactive tool that collects audience data at events and transforms it into bespoke artworks for participants to take home. It’s a fusion of engineering, design, and creativity that makes the arts more inclusive. All designed and built right here in Chesterfield.

Nine more makers with purpose

Chesterfield’s manufacturers and engineers make many things – from iron bars to flood defences.

AECOM’s 300-strong team works on UK-wide infrastructure. After last year’s floods, they helped design local resilience schemes to protect homes, schools, and businesses.

MTM Products makes industrial labels and signage used worldwide – from emergency exits to home appliances.

System Q creates bespoke CCTV solutions and support. The team helps major retailers as well as schools, police and government bodies.

Eyesiteview specialises in interactive digital tools, which bring properties to life, supporting local and national housing developers.

Mould Ability in Staveley turns ideas into products, crafting custom moulds for housing and theme park rides. MSE Hiller’s centrifuge technology helps food producers clean and process ingredients – including your frozen peas.

Brampton Brewery revived its historic name in 2007 with the rebuilding of a precision mill next to the original site that had been closed for 50 years. They now brew up to 10,000 pints a week.

Northern Tea Merchants has blended fine teas and coffees for over 90 years, supplying retailers and hospitality venues across the UK.

United Cast Bar’s high-quality continuous cast iron bars are easier to machine than steel. It saves time for car manufacturers compared to steel.

Engineering a better future for Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s spirit of innovation and inclusion means these companies shape more than products. They shape lives by offering stable jobs and apprenticeships for local families, giving our young people a real future.

So, next time you enjoy a treat baked by Jackson’s, pass the Growth Sculpture on Horns Bridge Roundabout, or spot a safety label in our shops, remember that local talent made it happen.

I aim to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and doers, and I hope you’ll help.

To learn more about Chesterfield makers, including tours for schools, visit: https://www.chesterfeld.co.uk/made

Find more Chesterfield manufacturers and engineers: Our Chesterfield Champions | Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

Chesterfield’s manufacturing festival inspires next generation of engineers and innovators

22nd September 2025

Chesterfield recognises its manufacturers and engineers over the next month through the return of an annual celebratory campaign. Taking place from 25 September until the end of October, the Made in Chesterfield festival aims to change perceptions of the manufacturing industry by connecting Chesterfield’s students with real-world experiences in local advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership in association with Chesterfield College, the initiative supports businesses in showcasing the sector and creating a pipeline of talent while giving students access to cutting-edge technologies, from precision engineering to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Board Member at Destination Chesterfield, said: “Modern manufacturing is full of innovation and opportunity, right here in Chesterfield. But do our young people know about the businesses and careers open to them locally? Perhaps only if they have parents working in the sector. Made in Chesterfield helps our young people see what’s possible. It also shows employers like us at MSE the future talent being nurtured right here.”

To celebrate National Manufacturing Day, the 2025 festival introduces the Innovation Challenge, where students team up with local manufacturers to solve real-world problems. They’ll visit workplaces, collaborate on ideas, and present their solutions at a showcase event at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Ltd, said: “The Innovation Challenge is an exciting way to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. It connects the classroom to real careers and gives young people a genuine opportunity to develop ideas and confidence.”

The festival showcases the links between the education sector and business, aiming to inspire a pipeline of future talent to consider a career in manufacturing.

Claire Godfrey, Deputy Principal at Chesterfield College Group, the headline sponsor of the festival, added: “Our new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre will equip students with the latest industry skills, including green technologies and digital innovation. Supporting the Made in Chesterfield Festival allows us to showcase these skills and facilities to both young people and employers as we continually help to supply a future-ready workforce locally. This fantastic festival engages students at an earlier age, providing a real-world insight and enthusiasm about the fantastic career paths that are available in and around Chesterfield, so we’re delighted to be headline sponsor once again.”

Other highlights in the festival include the Made in Chesterfield Business Event on the 8th October at Chesterfield College. Businesses, head teachers and careers leads will have the opportunity to network and discover more about the College’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre.

Businesses taking part in this year’s festival include United Cast Bar Ltd, MSE Hiller, Weightron Bilanciai, Penny Engineering, Fast Signs, Superior Wellness, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, Fast Signs and CBE+

Also supporting this year’s festival are Chesterfield Borough Council, the EMCCA Career Hub, Workwise, Barrow Hill Roundhouse and North East Derbyshire District Council.

For more information, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Breathe Pilates launches Chesterfield’s first LED x Hot studio

15th September 2025

Breathe Pilates has officially opened on Chatsworth Road, bringing the UK’s first LED x Hot Pilates studio to Chesterfield.

Located at 131 Chatsworth Road, Breathe Pilates introduces a fresh concept to the town’s thriving fitness scene.

The brand new studio combines reformer Pilates with hot air and LED light therapy, creating a wellness experience unlike anything else in the UK. This innovative approach offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, recovery, and overall well-being.

“I am passionate about health and wellbeing and have enjoyed reformer Pilates for many years,” said Grace Jones, co-founder of Breathe Pilates”. I believe there is an opportunity to share my passion and raise awareness of reformer Pilates in Chesterfield for both men and women of all abilities and age groups.”

She added, “We wanted to create a welcoming space where people can move, feel stronger, and take time for themselves. Pilates has such a powerful way of building both the mind and the body, and we wanted to share that with our community.”

Breathe Pilates aims to collaborate with numerous local businesses to enhance the offerings for people in Chesterfield. Through run clubs, coffee mornings, and wellness workshops, they aim to provide a wide range of options to suit everyone’s interests and promote physical wellbeing for our community.

Explaining why Chesterfield was the perfect fit, Grace said: “We chose Chatsworth Road as it’s a vibrant community full of independent shops and studios as well as bars and cafes, and we thought Breathe would be a perfect addition.”

Breathe Pilates is open seven days a week, offering morning, evening, and select weekend classes.

Visitors can book through the Breathe Pilates UK app, the studio’s website at www.breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk, or by contacting the team at info@breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk.

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

Chesterfield is named one of the best places to live in Derbyshire

5th September 2025

Chesterfield has been named one of the top 10 places to live in Derbyshire by lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos, reinforcing the town’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for families, professionals and businesses.

The accolade highlights Chesterfield’s unique blend of countryside charm, community spirit and urban convenience. With its location on the edge of the Peak District, excellent transport links, and vibrant local culture, the town continues to attract people looking for quality of life and opportunity.

This latest recognition follows a series of national endorsements. Chesterfield was recently featured in The Guardian’s list of Britain’s happiest places to live and retained its title as the happiest town in the East Midlands in the Rightmove Happy at Home Index.

Residents consistently praise Chesterfield’s access to green spaces, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. The town is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England and the iconic Crooked Spire Church, which stands as a symbol of Chesterfield’s rich heritage. Its historic streets, cultural venues and growing number of independent shops and eateries contribute to a lively town centre that blends tradition with modern living.

Chesterfield also continues to invest in its future. Ongoing regeneration of the town centre, new housing developments, and improvements to local infrastructure are helping to create a place where people can live well, work productively and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “This recognition reflects what so many of us already know: Chesterfield is a fantastic place to live. We’re proud of our heritage, our green spaces, and our welcoming community. With continued investment and regeneration, we’re building a place that offers opportunity, quality of life and a real sense of belonging.”

To explore what makes Chesterfield a great place to live, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/living.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction

Seven ways to grow your business this September

4th September 2025

Ready to get back on it and grow your business?

Hopefully, you feel refreshed after a well-deserved summer break. Now, it’s time to accelerate growth, reconnect with customers and plan for the final quarter.

September is a time to refocus and reignite your strategy for the rest of this year and beyond.

But you’re not alone in this journey. Chesterfield’s vibrant business community offers a wide range of support to help local companies thrive.

Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, an independent trader or a global exporter, we want to ensure you have the tools, resources, and connections to achieve your goals.

Here are seven ways to grow your business in Chesterfield this autumn.

1. Innovate and make efficiencies with advice and funding

Keen to innovate but unsure where to start? Get in touch for a free one-to-one business review from the Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme, covering next steps, funding advice and workshop recommendations.

If you’ve wanted to update your tech or processes for a while, but held off due to funding, now is the time to apply for growth vouchers through the Derbyshire Accelerator project. The funding offers up to £2,000 of specialist training or consultancy support in any area where you can demonstrate that new functionality or processes will support growth in your business.

Some examples of where you might benefit include:

CRM
AI
Websites and E-commerce
Finance
HR & Employment Law
Leadership & Management
Marketing Strategy and Operations
Sales and Social Media

High-performing businesses can also access support and funding for innovation (and talent) through the High Growth Accelerator project. Chesterfield and Derbyshire businesses must have achieved at least 20% annual growth in revenue, employment, or market share over each of the past three years.

Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme is operated by Chesterfield Borough Council with funding from East Midlands Combined County Authority. Accelerator projects are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by East Midlands Chamber. Submit your details to be referred to the most appropriate expert for your business.

2. Boost your talent with the latest knowledge about skills

Chesterfield’s Skills Brokerage Service offers free advice to identify workforce development needs. Services include:

Assessing training and skills gaps
Accessing funding
Securing apprenticeship support
Developing talent pipelines

Some of the current courses with funding available include digital skills and marketing, management, team leading, English and Maths, green skills, and property and construction.

High-growth businesses can access talent grants to help grow sustainably at scale. Support includes a range of high-growth workshops and forums. To be eligible, Chesterfield and Derbyshire businesses must have achieved at least 20% annual growth in revenue, employment, or market share over each of the past three years.

Submit your details for a referral to the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service.

3. Make global trade easier with advice, support and funding

The Chamber has launched the East Midlands International Trade Network, with the first local meeting taking place in Clowne in autumn 2025. The chaired forum includes support, advice from industry experts and peers, and opportunities to shape the development and delivery of the Export Accelerator project.

The first forum meeting follows the success of the Export Accelerator project, which launched in the spring and has so far helped almost 230 businesses navigate the complexities of international trade. The project supports initial research, the launch of a product or service to a new overseas market and more.

“The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey for the East Midlands revealed a 10% drop in overseas sales and 3% in orders,” says Deputy Chief Executire, Diane Beresford, “which really underlines the extent of the challenges when exporting overseas so it’s no surprise that take-up of the Export Accelerator grants and training bursaries has been so high.

“We have some brilliant examples of businesses tapping into consultancy support in areas such as CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and attending tradeshows as far afield as Japan. If they haven’t already, I’d urge businesses to sign up for the forum meetings in September to find out about the wide range of services to boost their overseas trade.”

Grant funding of up to £8,000 is available for specialist consultancy, overseas trade show visits, salaries and equipment. Along with fully funded workshops and webinars, there is the opportunity to apply for a £2,000 bursary, which can be used to attend one of the Chamber’s International Trade training courses, including its flagship BCC-Accredited International Trade Operations and Procedures qualification.

The Accelerator project is delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). Submit your details for a referral to a Chamber business adviser.

4. Attend business events and workshops

Businesses across Chesterfield are keen to support others by sharing their knowledge and expertise by hosting workshops, webinars and events in the area. In addition, East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Borough Council, and the University of Derby host regular events across a wide range of topics, all aimed at supporting business development and growth.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest business events in our area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/events/

Is your business hosting an event in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire? We would love to hear from you to help spread the word. Email info@chesterfield.co.uk with the details.

5. Join our community of Chesterfield Champions

Do you love Chesterfield? Do you want to support our town’s growth whilst growing your own business? Consider becoming a Chesterfield Champion to help promote our place as a destination to invest, work, live and visit.

As well as being a CSR opportunity, becoming a Chesterfield Champion offers marketing and relationship-building opportunities. It includes a business profile, events and media opportunities.

If you’re passionate about supporting the town, email Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk to learn more.

Need specific support or advice to grow your business? Our directory of Chesterfield Champions provides details to bolster your business. It includes businesses, consultants and service providers which specialise in the following sectors:

Professional services, business advice & HR
Skills, education and recruitment
Visitor economy
Creative and digital
Healthcare and public
Charities
Financial and legal
Food, drink and retail
Export, wholesale and distribution
Manufacturing and engineering
Property and construction
Marketing, media and PR

So, if you need support or a particular area of expertise, we recommend you choose one of Chesterfield’s friendly, down-to-earth and honest businesses. We’re all in it together.

6. Promote your business through awards

Gain recognition by entering local, regional, or national awards. We are keen to celebrate success stories and promote award-winning businesses.

Whether you excel in innovation, customer service, or sustainability, awards showcase your strengths. Explore award opportunities and promote your business via the dedicated Chesterfield awards page.

Did you know there is a business in Chesterfield dedicated to supporting companies with award applications and nominations? Find out more at: https://pureawards.co.uk/

7. Share your successes in local media

Another way you can promote your business is by sharing your latest successes in the form of a press release or news story.

Has your business recently expanded or moved to a new premises? Maybe you have taken on new staff members or apprentices? If your business has experienced growth, launched an innovative new product or collaborated with another local business, we want to hear about it!

Please submit your press release or details of your positive news to Alex.Baddley@chesterfield.co.uk.

You can also submit news online to the Derbyshire Times for consideration by visiting the YourWorld website.

Wondering how to structure your press release, or wondering what information to include? Take a look at this useful guide.

Get in touch

For more information on the topics mentioned, email info@chesterfield.co.uk or complete our form for a referral to the most appropriate support.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Skills, UncategorisedTagged in business funding, business grants, business news, business support, Chesterfield business advice, Chesterfield business funding, chesterfield business news, chesterfield business support, Chesterfield business support 2025, Chesterfield skills support, Destination Chesterfield

Why Chesterfield works: A thriving hub for business, talent and growth

3rd September 2025

Chesterfield is an attractive place to start, grow and invest. With its strategic location, strong talent pipeline, collaborative business culture and proactive support infrastructure, our town is proving that size is no barrier to ambition.

The recent Destination Chesterfield Round Table discussion, conducted in collaboration with the Derbyshire Times, brought together several Chesterfield Champions to discuss the strengths of being located in Chesterfield.

They came up with five compelling reasons.

1. Location, location, location

Ask any local business leader what makes Chesterfield work, and the answer is often the same: location.
“We’re slap bang in the middle of everything,” said Gareth Dillon of Killingley. “We do business in Sheffield, Derby, York and Leeds, but we wouldn’t dream of relocating. Chesterfield gives us access to major cities without the cost or congestion.”

Alberto Naso of Geeks Headquarters agrees: “We host national events and tournaments, and Chesterfield’s central position is perfect. People travel from Scotland and London to attend, and they stay, eat, and explore the town while they’re here.”

2. A loyal, skilled workforce

In Chesterfield, our town’s work ethic is a point of pride.

“Our business couldn’t have survived without the old-fashioned working-class philosophy,” said Gareth Dillon. “We don’t struggle to find people who know what graft is. That backbone of loyalty and hard work is still here.”

Apprenticeships are a key part of the talent pipeline. Luke Catt of SMH Group highlighted the role of Chesterfield College: “All our apprentices come through the college. We’ve trained people in accountancy, legal services, mortgage advice and more.”

Richard Sherwood of Roy Peters Estates shared a personal success story: “Our apprentice George just passed his Level 3 with distinctions. He’s smart, punctual, polite, the kind of person you trust with a million-pound house. That’s the quality we find here.”

3. Collaboration and Community

Chesterfield’s business culture is built on relationships. From local suppliers to professional services, there’s a strong commitment to keeping business local.

“I want to work with smaller entities,” said Gareth Dillon. “If I need a designer, I want Mr Smith of Smiths Design in my office, not a faceless national firm. Chesterfield gives us that.”

Luke Catt added, “It’s easy to lose that face-to-face connection in today’s digital world. Through Destination Chesterfield and local events, we keep those relationships alive. It’s our duty as businesses to support each other.”

4. Support that makes a difference

Behind Chesterfield’s business success is a robust support infrastructure. From startup grants to skills development, our town offers more than most.

Peter Lawrence of East Midlands Chamber praised the town’s free skills brokerage service: “It’s a huge asset. Businesses get help with recruitment, training, and succession planning, from apprenticeships to management development.”
He also highlighted Chesterfield’s proactive approach to funding: “Compared to similar towns, Chesterfield offers significantly more support. I’ve seen £10,000 growth grants here versus £2,000 elsewhere. That commitment to business growth is real.”

Gillian Scotford of Accessible Derbyshire echoed the sentiment: “Business support here is sensible and personal. Adrian Williams from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project helped me think about where I’m going and what I want. That kind of guidance is invaluable.”

5. Affordability and opportunity

Chesterfield offers the best of both worlds: access to major markets and a lower cost base.

“Our overheads are significantly less than if we were based elsewhere,” said Gareth Dillon. “That gives us a competitive edge, and it’s why we stay.”

Our town’s regeneration projects, including the canal corridor and town centre developments, are creating new opportunities for investment and growth.

“There’s a lot of positivity here,” said Peter Lawrence. “From international trade to local startups, Chesterfield is on a strong trajectory. The future is bright.”

Get the support you need to invest and grow your business in Chesterfield

Chesterfield isn’t just a place to do business, it’s a place to build a future. With its skilled workforce, collaborative spirit and strategic location, it offers everything a company needs to succeed.

Whether you’re a startup looking for support, an established firm seeking growth, or an investor exploring new opportunities, Chesterfield is ready to welcome you.

Find business support and advice: chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support

Explore commercial property opportunities: chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield hotel’s survey reveals what delegates really want from business events

1st September 2025

Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has marked its 15th anniversary and the arrival of its 370,000th guest with a national survey of 1,500 professionals, offering valuable insights into what delegates truly value at corporate events.

Delegates want great food, meaningful networking, and hassle-free logistics. They’re turned off by jargon, long travel times, and packed schedules.

Networking and team building were rated the top benefit by 36% of respondents, followed by food and venue quality (27%). Travel and logistics were the biggest frustrations, with 27% citing long journeys and parking issues as their primary concerns.

Nearly one in five said corporate jargon was a major turn-off.

The survey also highlighted five key trends shaping business events in 2025: networking remains the top draw, food is a dealbreaker, wellbeing is increasingly important, jargon is out, and convenience is non-negotiable.

Casa Hotel’s facilities reflect many of these preferences. With purpose-built meeting rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to Chesterfield station and the M1, the hotel continues to support the town’s reputation as a business events destination. Its Cocina restaurant serves locally sourced food from Walton Lodge Farm, and its events team works closely with organisers to deliver tailored experiences.

Founder Steve Perez said: “When I couldn’t find a premium hotel in the Midlands that met my business needs, I decided to build one. Fifteen years later, this survey shows that the fundamentals haven’t changed; people still want good food, comfort, and convenience. But they also want a human touch: fewer buzzwords, better logistics, and events that feel energising rather than draining.”

These insights align with Chesterfield’s growing profile as a location for business events, conferences and corporate hospitality. From heritage venues to modern facilities, the town offers a diverse range of settings for professional gatherings. For more on upcoming events and training, visit Chesterfield Business Events.

Casa Hotel is part of the Chesterfield Champions. The network plays a vital role in promoting the town’s strengths and supporting collaboration across sectors. With over 200 organisations involved, the network brings together businesses, charities, education providers and public sector partners who are passionate about Chesterfield’s future. Champions help share success stories, attract investment, and showcase the town as a great place to live, work, visit and do business. This is supported by a business event programme including regular events, round tables and forums.

To find out more or become a Champion, visit Chesterfield Champions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield Champions round-up: celebrating heritage, creativity and community care

21st August 2025

This month, Chesterfield Champions showcase the power of collaboration and local pride through their work across heritage, arts, and health. From honouring the legacy of a railway pioneer to leading eco-inspired creativity, these stories highlight our town’s big community spirit.

Eco arts project inspires families

Families can experience hands-on arts activities themed around nature and our climate at this year’s Tapton Lock Festival.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring unwanted recycling materials with them to use in the artworks. That could be plastic bottles, bottle lids, clean yoghurt pots, cans or boxes. Six stations will be available with stamps to collect in a specially designed Eco Passport, including:

Climate habits and awareness
Reuse and recycling
Biodiversity and soil care
Sustainable fashion and textile waste
Nature through a child’s eyes and ecological storytelling
Microplastics and pollution

The project has been co-designed by members of VERBA, the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, with leadership from artist, VERBA member, and Junction Arts volunteer, Nadia Ishchuk.

“Tapton Lock is all about community and appreciating nature and the outdoors, so this latest project with VERBA is a perfect fit,” said Rachel Pedley, Project Coordinator at Junction Arts. “The Ukrainian community in Chesterfield has come together to help bring these activities to life, using mostly upcycled and recycled materials to share important messages about sustainability in a fun, creative way. We can’t wait to see families enjoying the journey and collecting their passport stamps!”

Nadia Ishchuk, who has played a key role in developing the activities, added: “We are looking forward to turning yesterday’s rubbish into tomorrow’s masterpieces, with the help of Chesterfield’s families at this amazing free event where people can try their hand at lots of creative activities.”

Now in its 13th year, the Tapton Local Festival features live music, poetry, storytelling, boat trips, circus skills, and more. The Festival takes place on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th September.

Bringing George Stephenson’s legacy to life

Chesterfield Museum is teaming up with Holy Trinity Church to celebrate one of the town’s most influential figures – George Stephenson.

On Saturday, 27th September, visitors can meet a George Stephenson re-enactor. He will highlight Stephenson’s impact on engineering and our railway.

The free event marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. It aims to deepen public understanding of Stephenson’s role in shaping the modern world. Talks will take place at 11:00am and 3:00pm, with donations supporting local charities.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We hope this event helps people connect with the history of the railways and provides a deeper understanding of the important role George Stephenson played in shaping the modern world.”

Holy Trinity Church, which features a stunning stained-glass window commissioned by Stephenson’s son Robert, has recently received National Lottery Heritage Fund support to develop a new visitor facility and host public events celebrating Stephenson’s legacy.

Apprentices refurbish vital community space

Six Chesterfield Borough Council apprentices are leading the refurbishment of the Bonsall Court Community Room in Newbold. The space will soon be home to Community Development Chesterfield.

Working alongside trained operatives and contractors, the apprentices are gaining hands-on experience while delivering key upgrades. This includes new toilets, kitchen facilities, energy-efficient lighting and heating, and a fully insulated roof. Safety improvements include a new fire alarm system and fire doors.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are looking forward to handing over a fully refurbished and modern facility to Community Development Chesterfield so that it can provide activities and initiatives that will support the local community.

“This project is the perfect opportunity for us to show our trust in our apprentices and nurture our local talent.”

Community Development Chesterfield has taken on a three-year lease of the ground-floor community space at Bonsall Court. The organisation will transform the space into a hub for communities to enjoy. Members of the public can share their ideas and help shape the activities offered. Residents can email info@cdchesterfield.com to share their ideas or get further information.

Local nurse honoured for championing perinatal mental health

Michelle Trolley, Community Outreach Nursery Nurse with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been recognised for her outstanding work in promoting perinatal mental health across diverse communities.

Michelle partnered with the Chesterfield Asian Association to organise a vibrant community fun day, encouraging open conversations around mental health for new parents. Her efforts earned her the Delivering Excellence Every Day (DEED) of the Month award from the Trust.

Vikki Ashton Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “Michelle’s dedication to reaching out and connecting with diverse communities is truly inspiring.”

Michelle added: “It was truly heartwarming to see families from different backgrounds come together and speak so openly about perinatal mental health. It shows how powerful community connection can be.”

Join Chesterfield Champions to pledge your support for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

If you are passionate about Chesterfield and are keen to help raise the profile of the town and your business, the team at Destination Chesterfield would love to work with you. Find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home