A new closer working relationship between Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, focussed on delivering key regeneration projects, will help achieve the borough’s growth strategy.
As highlighted in the Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy approved in 2018, there are a number of significant growth and regeneration projects underway in the borough. Collectively, these projects provide an opportunity to put Chesterfield on a higher growth path. For Chesterfield’s communities these projects will bring the opportunity to access up to 10,000 new jobs.
The new Joint Growth Board will ensure the councils will consider at a strategic level how best to deploy resources to ensure delivery timescales and outcomes are met.
Resources will be shared to accelerate and achieve further economic development in the area, with both organisations currently involved in a number of multi-million-pound projects across the borough including the Northern Gateway project, Chesterfield Waterside, Staveley Corridor improvements and planning for HS2. There will also be a dedicated skills delivery officer to ensure the work readiness of local people to take advantage of the new jobs that will be created.
Councillor Terry Gilby (right), Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Both councils have ambitious economic growth programmes underway, so the creation of the new Joint Growth Board will allow us to accelerate project delivery, share resources and have a more joined-up approach to working with our private sector partners.”
“We put our communities first in each of the projects we undertake, so I believe that the new jobs, housing and benefits this partnership will bring to our local economy will help to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.”
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “As Derbyshire’s largest town, we all want to see Chesterfield thrive.”
“That’s why it makes sense to work together, to pool our resources and efforts to create jobs and drive economic growth. It’s all part of our approach to being an Enterprising Council and it’s what our residents and businesses expect.”
The Joint Growth Board will include the leaders of both councils, as well as the appropriate portfolio holders who will be responsible for monitoring the delivery of a defined list of key projects and decision to ensure plans remain on track.
Councillor Gilby continued: “This is really great news for the borough. The new board will allow a direct link to the political leadership of both councils and will create a multi-disciplinary resource able to work flexibly across identified priority projects.”
One of the next projects on the horizon in the heart of Chesterfield is a new enterprise centre (below) for both start-up and medium sized businesses on the Holywell Cross (donut) car park, with work due to start after the archaeological dig is finalised. This is one element of the Northern Gateway project, funded by a Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant of £5.83 million.
Works are also underway on Elder Way and Knifesmithgate to create new retail outlets under the new Premier Inn, as well as there being street improvements planned in the area next year.
One of Chesterfield’s oldest Italian restaurants, Lombardi’s has been named as the town’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the seventh annual Food and Drink Awards.
Established in 2002 and based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, Lombardi’s succeeded in scooping the coveted title after being shortlisted for the top award in 2017. Since then the family-owned Italian restaurant has continued to impress diners with its ‘authentic rustic Italian dishes bursting with flavour, cooked with passion.’
Accepting the award at the glittering awards evening, which was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony was this year held at the Winding Wheel Theatre. Recognising the very best people, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and food producers, the awards have been a highlight in the town’s food and drink sector since 2013.
In addition to Lombardi’s, 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals also scooped an accolade across 15 categories at the ceremony.
Congratulating all the winners, Brian Turner said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Whether a winner or runner up everyone should be proud of themselves.”
Other headline winners on the night included Casa Hotel, which scooped two awards – International Restaurant of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.
Town centre-based Sorbo Lounge was also named as Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer. Based in the former Post Office building in Market Place, Sorbo Lounge embodies Chesterfield’s drive to evolve and create a modern town centre environment.
More than 260 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. The awards are also a hands-on learning experience for headline sponsor, Chesterfield College’s hospitality students, who served canapés to guests at the venue.
Brian Turner added: “The hospitality industry is demanding but hugely enjoyable and for all young people on the brink of a career within it, work experience is critical. It is great to see Chesterfield College and its students involved with the awards. Involvement in the Young Chef competition and the practical involvement of the hospitality students serving the canapés on the night deliver invaluable work experience to young people, which will benefit them in their future careers in the industry.”
Young and upcoming talent in the sector was also put under the spotlight at the awards with Chesterfield College student, Jake Parkin being named as the Young Chef of the Year.
David Malone, Chief Operations Officer from Chesterfield College Group said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards again this year. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It is inspiring to see so many people from the local industry gather to celebrate the success of established businesses and those who are just starting out. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of catering and hospitality experts being recognised too. I hope we will see the finalists and winners of the Apprentice and Young Chef of the Year play a part in this thriving sector in the future.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards ceremony has been a huge success with more people nominating and more businesses and individuals being shortlisted than previous years. The year-on-year growth of the awards is a direct reflection of how the town’s food and drink sector is continuing to grow.
“There is a great sense of community in the sector with businesses and individuals committed to its success, and this was reflected at the awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to everyone.”
The winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant
Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Ryan Purrington, Head Chef and Manager at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant said: “It feels incredible to win. We have worked hard all year for this. We are innovative and make a point of doing our own thing to stand out from the crowd. At the minute we are undergoing a huge refurb and re-opening on 3 November with some exciting things to come.”
Rebecca Walker, General Manager of The Rectory, said: “This is the third time we’ve been nominated for the award but the first year we have won, and it feels absolutely amazing. Over the last year we have really pushed the boundaries with our menu and worked hard to find out what Chesterfield wants and it’s paid off.”.
Oliver Perez, Operations Director of Pump + Grind said: “It feels fantastic to win the award. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last two years and it’s great to be recognised for this. People like Pump + Grind because we try to do things differently. We take our inspiration from the big towns and cities and bring it to Chesterfield. It’s a great town to go out in and has a brilliant food and drink scene, which we love being part of and are looking to do more as we develop our food menu further.”
Caleb Wilkes, Assistant Manager at Sorbo Lounge said: “A massive thank you to everyone in Chesterfield who helped us win this award. We’ve worked hard to make Sorbo Lounge a place where everyone feels welcome and this award tell us that we have achieved that. And we want to do even more. Next year we have lots of things planned to fundraise for the charity we’re supporting – The Tom Henson Charity and Defib Map. It’s going to be very exciting for all the team and our customers.”
Third time winners at the award, owners of Bottle & Thyme, Hannah and Gavin Grainger, said: “It feels brilliant to win an award for customer service as we work so hard with the team to get it right. We have lovely customers so it’s a real pleasure; delivering great service feels really instinctive as it’s a pleasure to have a chat and catch up with them.
“Moving forward, as a business we’re going to continue to push to be more environmentally friendly. That has been a big focus for us in 2019 and will be in 2020.”
Nick Wilson, Executive Chef at Southgate Brasserie said: “It’s amazing to win and the culmination of a year’s hard work – it’s the cherry on the cake. People like us because we’re accessible and cater for all tastes from a simple roast dinner through to Rosette-winning cuisine.”
David Hemstock, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Derbyshire Distillery said: “This award means everything to us. It’s far beyond what we thought we could achieve when we established the business only 14 months ago. We’ve now got purpose-built premises at Markham Vale, which has given the business space to grow and develop even further. Despite the growth in production, our focus will remain on quality; from the ingredients in our products to the fact that the entire gin making process is all done under one roof and by us – that’s what really sets us apart.”
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons
Jake Parkin
Jake Parkin said: “When I heard my name called out, I was absolutely thrilled. I was confident I’d done well in the cooking element of the competition, but to actually win the award means the world to me. The Young Chef of the Year award is the start of my career to eventually become a head chef. The whole experience has been exciting but nerve wracking.”
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Cocina at Casa Hotel
Luke Gregory, Resident Manager at Casa Hotel said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re overjoyed. We pride ourselves on our service and locally sourced food to deliver an excellent experience for customers and this comes through in our customer feedback – they tell us they love Cocina’s relaxed atmosphere and quality food.”
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Chesters
Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters said: “To win this award for the fourth time in a row feels brilliant. The whole team is so proud as we all work hard to ensure we have the best environment for families who dine with us as we know that keeping the kids entertained is the key to the whole family enjoying their meal.
“We’re hoping to give even more families a taste of Chesters soon as we’re expanding the business into Markham Vale next year with the opening of a new restaurant and drive through. Exciting times are ahead.”
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)
Donna McMahon, Van Dyk by Wildes
Donna McMahon said: I am astonished to have won Apprentice of the year as I am an older apprentice and people just assume that apprenticeships are for younger people. I decided to do a business administration apprenticeship because my employer wanted to invest in me and it was an opportunity to develop myself. Everything I have learnt in the apprenticeship so far is really helping me in my job role. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, regardless of their age, who wants to develop themselves and build their knowledge.”
Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)
Michael Nash, Operations Director at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa said: “The apprentices work really hard in the business and this award also recognises their contribution. Apprenticeships bring immeasurable value to the business and are a double-edged sword for both us and the apprentices. Everyone benefits.”
Conference Venue of the Year
Casa Hotel
Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel said: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package – from food, passionate staff and accommodation – and I believe it is this, which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”
Chris Mapp, Head Chef and owner of The Tickled Trout said: “I am over the moon, surprised and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about the industry and Chesterfield because it’s home, also because we have such fantastic produce on the doorstep in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Youngsters beginning their career need to understand how food works – taste over presentation using locally sourced food is an excellent starting point. It’s an amazing industry to work in.”
In a political climate where Brexit seems to be dominating the headlines and creating economic uncertainty, I am pleased to report that Chesterfield continues to buck the trend.
We’re boasting some of the biggest developments in the region, including Markham Vale, HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort, and this feels the tip of the iceberg. There is huge opportunity for Chesterfield’s high street.
In a room packed with members of the business community, we heard how the regeneration of our high street is taking shape. Excitingly, footfall at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has increased by 36% over the last six months thanks to their use of social media.
I was stunned to hear that we are spending an average of 136 minutes a day scrolling through 300 feet of content on our phones. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. While I don’t think I fall into this category, my adult children definitely do.
There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years which has been driven by our use of social media. But, as always, Chesterfield is ahead of the game. The town and its retailers are using their social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage with people and draw them not just to their business but to the town in general.
Partnership and collaboration have been at the heart of the town’s marketing campaign since we launched Destination Chesterfield in 2010. It’s reaping rewards for everyone – investors, residents, businesses and visitors. But there is still room for improvement.
If you are active on social media, then consider using it to help Chesterfield grow further. The next time you’re visiting Chesterfield town centre, ‘check in’ online to the businesses you visit. If you’ve had good service, leave them a review on their social media pages or on TripAdvisor. Share pictures of the many town centre events, food and drinks and tag Chesterfield in your post.
With a smart phone and a social media account at your fingertips, you can become an unofficial but valued member of the Chesterfield marketing campaign.
Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and the more people that know this will drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to help our high street to not only survive but thrive.
If you want to keep up-to-date with all the developments, news and events in Chesterfield on social media, then you can on Twitter (@chesterfielduk), Instagram (@chesterfielduk) and Facebook.
The University of Derby has been commissioned by one of the country’s most popular stately homes to measure its economic impact after agreeing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiative with Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
The partnership aims to provide the team at Chatsworth with the skills needed to accurately assess the effect that the estate, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and its commercial activities have on the region.
Under the terms of the partnership, the University will recruit a graduate associate with the required level of economic expertise in business analytics to work on the project for a two-year period. During their time working with Chatsworth, the KTP recruit will introduce and embed knowledge into their practice and processes.
The graduate associate, supported by two economics academics from the University of Derby – Dr Nicola Lynch and Melanie Powell – will create mechanisms for data collection and measurement to make it possible for the economic impact work to be done in-house, rather than having to hire external consultants, which has been done in the past.
Professor Carley Foster, Head of the University of Derby’s Centre for Business Improvement, is overseeing the initiative.
She said: “This is a really exciting project and a wonderful opportunity for the graduate that we recruit. Using their expertise, they will enable staff at Chatsworth to learn how they can measure the economic impact of its commercial activity in a standardised way. The task will be to develop data collection tools and templates, complete with user guides, which staff at Chatsworth can use to support their changing needs in the future.”
“This has the benefit of enhancing the skills and knowledge of current employees, something which can’t be gained by hiring external consultants. As well as aiding the professional development of the staff, it will help Chatsworth to evaluate its activity in-house all year round, which will give its staff greater control and ownership of that process.”
Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of the Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Everyone at Chatsworth is very aware of the fact that our future is intrinsically linked to the future of our local communities, employees, visitors, suppliers and partners. This awareness has been the driving force behind a new initiative called Our Commitment to Our Shared Future, which details 10 goals we will deliver over the next 10 years, including doubling the benefit to local economies from our organisations.”
“The insight that this partnership with the University of Derby will bring will be invaluable in helping us deliver this goal, and will provide the team at Chatsworth with new skills to make more informed decisions for the benefit of the Chatsworth House Trust charity, and our local communities, for many years to come. It is also an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the relationship we have with the University.”
The University of Derby signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust in 2018, pledging to work more closely together.
The University’s Chancellor is Lord William Burlington, son of the current Duke of Devonshire, who had himself been Chancellor for more than a decade before stepping down.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that our long and fruitful relationship with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust includes initiatives such as this Knowledge Transfer Partnership. To work together in practical ways was at the heart of our strategic partnership agreement.
“Our solution-focused approach is proving successful and we are delighted to have been selected to work with one of the premier tourism businesses in the country.
“Not only will this project provide valuable insights to Chatsworth and its staff, but it will provide a superb opportunity for the successful graduate to work alongside one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations with the support of University of Derby academics.”
The deadline for applications for the graduate associate post is Wednesday 16 October. Click here for more information about the project and applying for the post.
Pledging its continued support to Chesterfield town centre, Jomast Developments, the company behind the multi-million-pound regeneration of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, has become a Chesterfield Champion.
Jomast’s Elder Way project is now one of more than 180 champions who are helping to drive development of the local economy and raise the profile of the town.
Welcoming Elder Way to the Champions’ line up, Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Elder Way is a pivotal site in Chesterfield that is helping transform the town’s Northern Gateway. I’m delighted to welcome the scheme onboard as a Champion showing that the town is a great place to not only live and work but also invest.”
Since investing in Chesterfield in 2016, Jomast has spent millions transforming the top two floors of the four storey building into a Premier Inn hotel, breathing life into the town’s famous 1930s, Mock-Tudor building and helping create more than 20 new jobs.
Further jobs are set to be created in the town as the basement and ground floor of Elder Way will be developed into restaurant and leisure space.
Part of the Destination Chesterfield campaign, the Chesterfield Champions scheme is funded through support from local businesses and Chesterfield Borough Council which has worked closely with Jomast to regenerate Elder Way.
Mark Hill (right), Commercial Property Director at Jomast Developments, added: “Since investing in Chesterfield we continue to be impressed by the public and private approach to helping the town reach its potential. It is very much a joint effort that is reaping rewards in terms of attracting investment to the town and we’re delighted that Elder Way is able to play a role in this.”
Elder Way is an integral part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Northern Gateway Scheme which includes the new multi-storey car park on Saltergate. Work will also begin on a new enterprise centre for small to medium sized businesses on part of the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.
For more details about the development, including available units and business space at Elder Way, click here.
Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.
New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.
Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”
“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”
As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.
In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.
One of Britain’s much loved and well-known chefs, Brian Turner CBE, will be in town on Wednesday 23 October, when he hosts the sell-out 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.
Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the awards ceremony, which is now in its seventh year, recognises the crème de la crème of Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, which includes being one the first chefs on the long running TV programme, Ready Steady Cook, Brian is well-placed to announce the winners of 15 categories at the awards.
Looking forward to the ceremony, Brian commented: “I am delighted to host the seventh annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. It is very encouraging to see these awards not only recognising established businesses, but also up and coming young chefs and apprentices who are the future of this wonderful industry. I am looking forward to being in the company of so many people who share my passion.”
A total of 39 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted across 15 categories, with Bottle & Thyme hoping to retain its coveted title of Restaurant of the Year for a second year running. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre.
On the night, the 260 guests will be welcomed with a selection of canapes served by hospitality and catering students from Chesterfield College, as well as enjoying a delicious two-course meal incorporating local produce – from Derbyshire Bakewell Tart to Dovedale Blue Cheese.
The finalists in each category are:
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Social media plays an important role in supporting retailers by driving footfall and ultimately increasing sales.
It isn’t a case of the internet destroying retail; the businesses that use it effectively can create interest and build a relationship with customers.
Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business.
At the Chesterfield Investment Summit, Polly Barnfield OBE from tech company Maybe* said: “Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business. It’s not a question of a business being online or offline anymore – they must be both. There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years driven by social media. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV.”
Social Media from businesses shouldn’t just be me, me me!
As someone who encourages people to promote their place, it was great to hear Polly reinforce the view that activity on social media from businesses shouldn’t just be me, me, me!
Polly urged retailers not to focus on selling themselves on social media. “Engagement with the community around you is key. You can’t just sell your own product on social media if you want to be successful. Retailers should post on social media every day and talk to their audience not just about what is happening in their business, but what is happening around them.”
Since Maybe* has been working with Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield, footfall has increased by 29%. Through social media, the centre is interacting with its customers, asking them what they want and developing new events and facilities based on feedback. It is not surprising that giving customers more of what they want keeps them coming back.
As a marketeer who has worked with social media for many years, I find it amazing how many people forget where these sites came from. The clue is in the title! They are all about social engagement and for conversations, not for shouting views or asking customers to buy. It’s about engaging, listening, building relationships and creating a community.
Social media is the modern form of word of mouth and with everyone’s support, we can all play a role to engage with local businesses and share Chesterfield’s story far and wide.
Case Studies from Chesterfield business
We have some excellent case studies of businesses in Chesterfield, which are using social media to grow:
Geeks Headquarters
Alberto Naso
“We use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitch live streaming to showcase our products and tournaments. This has led to us increase our national and international sales. We have recently sent our 3D printed miniatures across Europe, China, and the USA.”
Ingmans
Andy Ingman,
“By posting on social media it’s a constant reminder to customers that we are here and keeps the business in the front of their minds. The more independent retailers within the town that use social media to promote local activities, the more it benefits all the other companies and shops. We are big on supporting each other.”
Adorn Jewellers
Laura Jo Owen
“We’re active on most major social platforms, but customers prefer to contact us via Facebook and Instagram. Jewellery lends itself to image-based platforms and our customers can browse, ask questions, buy jewellery and have it delivered all from the comfort of their mobile phone. Join us @adornchesterfield”
H&F
Louise Peel
“As a town centre furniture retailer we have found that using social media campaigns have been vital in successfully promoting our business. It is also a great opportunity for our customers to visit Chesterfield, supporting the town centre by creating awareness and driving footfall, which helps increase both local and visitor spend.”
Etienne Curtains & Blinds
Stephen Holland
“I only recently started using social media to promote my business, but already I can see it is a great way to reach out to customers and potential new customers by getting them to follow you, and it’s absolutely free. My advice – grow your audience to grow your business.”
Please do give the Destination Chesterfield social media channels a follow and engage with us.
A class of young Chesterfield chefs have been given a taste of the local farming industry in a Farm to Fork experience, organised by Destination Chesterfield and Owen Taylor & Sons.
The group of aspiring young chefs included Chesterfield College Level 2 cookery students, Jake Parkin (18), Sophia Johnson (18) and Callum Fitzpatrick (18) who have all been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Chef of the Year 2019 title (right).
Designed to give the students an appreciation for the best farming, butchery and culinary skills, the experience included a visit to The Tickled Trout in Barlow, Owen Taylor & Son’s factory butchery and the Red Tractor-assured Butterley Top Farm in Ashover.
Eleven students from Chesterfield College’s Level 2 Cookery course got the chance to undertake the Farm to Fork experience.
The visit followed a specially organised cook-off earlier this year which saw Jake, Sophia and Callum each prepare a two-course meal for judges, who included Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout and Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Owen Taylor & Sons.
Carl Evans, Operations Manager of Owen Taylor & Sons, who accompanied the students on the visit, commented: “Following the success of hosting a Farm to Fork experience for last year’s Young Chef finalists, we were honoured to be asked to host the event again but, this time, for the entire class.”
“It’s important for students to have this experience so they can appreciate for themselves how beneficial it is for catering businesses to put local meat on the menu. They can see the sustainability and high welfare at the farm and how that helps to create a high-quality final product.”
“We are proud to sponsor the Young Chef of the Year category at the Food and Drink Awards and were impressed by the final dishes produced under the pressure of the competition. Hopefully, the students will be inspired by the experience and will progress well in catering.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, praised The Tickled Trout and Owen Taylor & Sons for their involvement in the 2019 Food and Drink Awards, saying: “The Farm to Fork experience is great for the young chefs from Chesterfield College. It gives them a real insight into where our food comes from and how it gets from the farm to the plate – it’s important for any chef to understand that.”
“When we established the awards six years ago, we wanted to make people aware of the thriving food and drink sector in Chesterfield, including aspiring young chefs. Hopefully the students now have a clearer view of the fantastic opportunities in the town.”
As well as the Young Chef of the Year title, the winners of all 15 categories in the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards will be announced by celebrity chef, Brian Turner, who is hosting this year’s glittering black-tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel.
Local businessman Marc Wildes, Managing Director of Wildes Group, has been featured in this year’s Parliamentary Review, looking at best industry practise.
Founded in 2009, the Wildes Group acquired Van Dyk Country House Hotel in November 2016, adding to a portfolio of successful ventures including Wildes Education, Loaf Hair salons, House of W, the Holiday Inn Express in Crewe and the Holiday Inn Express in Hoylake, Wirral.
An introductory message from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett reads: “The ability to listen and learn from one another has always been vital in parliament, in business and in most aspects of daily life. But at this particular moment in time, as national and global events continue to reiterate, it is uncommonly crucial that we forge new channels of communication and reinforce existing ones. The following article from Wildes Group is an attempt to do just that.”
Marc Wildes, Managing Director said “My business ethos is grounded in working hard to grow businesses that integrate with each other, create employment, training and career paths with a clear aim to strengthen the local economy via an ethos whereby all of our management team promote the importance of sourcing skills and products at a local level wherever possible”.
An example of this ethos in practice is the multimillion pound investment that is taking place at Van Dyk by Wildes , the luxury 4 star 1 rosette hotel in North Derbyshire. The investment will see the creation of a further 54 bedrooms and suites, an additional restaurant and terrace coupled with the new Ballroom with attached outside wedding garden and the development of Spa by Wildes which will include a Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Gym and spa gardens.
Chesterfield Champion, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Colin Ramwell as Head of Recruitment to support its specialist residential services nationwide.
Colin brings many years’ experience of delivering innovative talent acquisition strategies within the health and social care sector. Prior to joining Heathcotes, he was Group Recruitment Manager at Turning Point, a social enterprise providing health and social care services for people with complex needs. Colin has also worked as a Project Lead at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where he designed and implemented staffing strategy, and as Head of Recruitment at Cambian Group, a provider of services for people with autism, Asperger Syndrome, learning disabilities and complex needs.
Colin said:“I am very excited to have joined a forward-thinking organisation like Heathcotes Group. Ninety per cent of the senior management started out as care support workers, so they understand the value of investing in workforce development and nurturing career progression. Heathcotes funds all training and qualifications for entry-level staff at its services and many step up to management roles, so the company certainly provides the opportunities and long-term career prospects to attract and retain talented, caring and dedicated people.
He added: “Heathcotes’ person-centred care can have a transformative effect on service users, enabling them to progress from residential care to a more independent life, so staff have a real sense that they are making a lasting difference. That is another aspect of working life at Heathcotes which we need to highlight as a prospective employer for people seeking a satisfying and rewarding profession.”
Mikkel Togsverd, Managing Director of Heathcotes Southern, said: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to Heathcotes Group. He has a proven track record in recruitment and a wealth of experience of working within organisations that support individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The quality of our people has been fundamental to Heathcotes’ success and Colin will play a leading role in ensuring that we continue to attract candidates with the attributes and values required for the kind of life-changing work that we do.”
Colin will now be overseeing recruitment strategy and delivery for 66 Heathcotes services providing specialist residential care for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and associated challenging behaviours.
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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
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Preference cookies are used to store user preferences to provide content that is customized and convenient for the users, like the language of the website or the location of the visitor.
