Destination Chesterfield

Brookfield Community School put careers in the town’s manufacturing sector under the spotlight for students

31st January 2019

The importance of introducing young people to careers in the town’s manufacturing sector has been highlighted by Brookfield Community School.

Eight year 12 students from the school visited Chesterfield-based United Cast Bar as part of the Made in Chesterfield campaign.

The campaign, which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and sponsored by University of Derby, is designed to bring together businesses, schools and training providers to showcase the sector to future school leavers.

As part of the visit, Students were taken into the foundry to see first-hand the manufacturing processes involved in producing continuous cast iron bar.

Tim Fagan, Head of Technology and Enterprise at Brookfield Community School, who accompanied the students on the visit, said: “The visit to United Cast Bar was so useful for our students, as it allowed them to see proper industrial practice.”

To mark its fifth year, Made in Chesterfield has now been aligned with the National Curriculum and will run throughout the year.

Mr Fagan added: “The students who took part in the visit love doing technology at school and enjoy making things, but sometimes it’s hard for them to link that up to the opportunities out there in the world of work. I think the visits to companies within the manufacturing and engineering sector helps open their eyes as to where the skills they learn in education can lead.”

Since the campaign was established, more than 2,500 young people from schools have spent time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses. The visits to businesses operating within the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) sector are being organised by Derbyshire Education Business Partnership.

United Cast Bar is one of a number of companies from Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector which are opening their doors to students from across the borough in an effort to raise awareness of job opportunities.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar, commented on the importance of developing the workforce of the future: “With an eye on future workforce needs, regularly inviting schoolchildren to the foundry through the Made in Chesterfield initiative plays an important part in our recruitment.

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing manufacturing and engineering careers to their attention. To look forward we must look back; getting young people interested in the sector is a great first step.”

Alongside the educational activity there is a programme of business events including a manufacturing conference, manufacturing and engineering forum, business masterclasses and networking events taking place throughout the year.

In addition to Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is supported by MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest and Placing Futures.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield or to arrange a school visit, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/

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

Avant Homes acquires land for development of 177 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside

16th January 2019

Leading UK housebuilder Avant Homes has acquired a significant parcel of land at Chesterfield’s £340 million Waterside development where it now plans to build 177 new homes.

As a result, Avant Homes has now submitted an application to Chesterfield Borough Council for reserved matters planning approval for the £36m development which will deliver a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes in ‘The Park’ neighbourhood of the Waterside project.

Subject to approval of the application, construction at Waterside Quarter will commence in summer 2019 with the first homes released for sale in autumn 2019.

The construction of homes on the 12-acre former timber yard site on Brimington Road will be the first official ‘spade in the ground’ at Chesterfield Waterside following the completion of site enabling works.

A new highway bridge, which will provide the main access to this phase of the development, will also be constructed as part of the proposals. Planning permission for the bridge was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council at the end of last year.

Waterside Quarter is the third site acquired by Avant Homes in north east Derbyshire in the last six months and will be managed by the company’s Avant Homes Central operation which was established in May 2018 and is based in Holmewood.

Avant Homes Central also has developments in Woodthorpe near Barlborough, Chesterfield, and South Normanton. Waterside Quarter will be the company’s largest development to date in the Chesterfield area.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, commented: “Chesterfield Waterside is a high profile regeneration project and forms an integral part of the housing delivery strategy for the town.

“Avant Homes Central are proud to be at the forefront of these plans with our striking and contemporary proposals for a new community. This is a fantastic opportunity for Avant Homes to demonstrate our good, better and different approach to urban regeneration.”

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

Peter Swallow, managing director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “The deal with Avant Homes is the start of an exciting new phase in Waterside, one that I know the people of Chesterfield has been waiting for.

“I am delighted to welcome Avant Homes to the project. The homes planned for the site embody the aspiration for Chesterfield Waterside. They are both contemporary and high quality in design which, when combined with their location, will create a highly desirable and sought after residential neighbourhood.”

Chesterfield residents have shown their support for the site. A survey last year found it is the development local people are most looking forward to seeing complete.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside will bring many benefits to the town and it’s pleasing to see the plans for the new homes to be built as part of the development move a step closer.

“The detailed plans are subject to final approval by the council’s planning committee, which will carefully examine the application to ensure the needs of our residents are best met.”

Find out more about Chesterfield Waterside

Stuart Rowlands Managing Director of Avant Central Copyright Paul David Drabble www.pauldaviddrabble.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

£220,000 of support to create a North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone

3rd January 2019

Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has announced the creation of a North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone.

The £220,000 funding will support the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to develop the Northern Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone which aims accelerate development on 6 sites across 3 local authorities in northern Derbyshire (Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield). They all have a recognised manufacturing heritage and presence to enable the area to benefit from potential investment associated with the development and maintenance of HS2.

The North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone aims to provide greater certainty on planning issues to unlock investment for growth by manufacturing businesses in the zone, ensuring more productive land-use and boosting investment and productivity in the area.

This is one of four projects, announced today, involved in the space industry, food sector, and the development of HS2, which will form the new and innovative East Midlands Manufacturing Zones,

Melton Mowbray, Space Park Leicester, and the areas across North Derbyshire and Greater Lincolnshire will together benefit from a total of £500,000 funding to develop their plans.

The investment builds on existing strengths in space, food and advanced manufacturing across the region, helping these important sectors to flourish and boost economic growth and jobs in the Midlands Engine.

The East Midlands Manufacturing Zones aim to reduce planning restrictions to allow land to be used more productively and provide certainty for business investment.

The announcement comes as the Secretary of State, who is also the government’s Midlands Engine Champion, visits organisations across the East Midlands today to hear how they are contributing to a thriving region at the heart of the UK’s economic success.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire said: “Manufacturing, innovation and trade are at the heart of the East Midlands economy, so it is the perfect place for the UK’s first Manufacturing Zones.”

“This is another example of how the government’s is delivering for the Midlands with our modern Industrial Strategy backing local businesses and building on local strengths.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “ This announcement is further proof that Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector has the ‘ingredients’ ready and waiting to attract further investment and respond to HS2 opportunities. Thanks to the town’s strong manufactured heritage, we have the skilled workforce with support in place to deliver future skilled workers through both the Apprentice Town and Made in Chesterfield initiatives.

“For the last four years Destination Chesterfield has worked hard to promote jobs and careers in the engineering and manufacturing industry to schools and students in North Derbyshire. The funding for the North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone not only signals further investment in the town, but also future job prospects for the 14,000 young people who will leave school in the next six years.”

The government’s Midlands Engine strategy is supporting the East Midlands to realise its huge potential.

Initiatives including over £1.9 billion of funding from the Local Growth Fund and an investment of £20 million in the Midlands Skills Challenge to boost people’s employment prospects are enabling businesses to create more jobs, export more goods and services and grow their productivity. Since 2010 unemployment has fallen 38% and there are 64,500 more small businesses.

The East Midlands has also received sustained investment in recent years, including more than £400 million for the strategic road network, more than £60 million to tackle congestion and improve local transport.

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

One to One Support Services praised in Care Quality Commission report

2nd January 2019

One to One Support Services is celebrating due to a glowing Care Quality Commission report. The local care and training provider, with head offices based in Holmewood, and offices in Hasland and Sheffield, has been rated “Good” overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

One to One Support Services provides personal care to people living in their own homes in Chesterfield, north Derbyshire and parts of Sheffield. The service supports older persons, younger persons, children and families. This includes people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health needs and people with multi-sensory impairments.

Staff were spoken to about their experiences within the company. One member of the team said: “We get regular supervision sessions and our practice is observed. In between all of those, if we need anything from advice to actual hands-on support it’s there, from our buddy system right through to the seniors and the managers.”

Another commented on the training they received: “The training is good and our competency is assessed to ensure we have understood. It covers all the mandatory areas like moving and handling safeguarding, mental capacity and food hygiene. We also then have training in areas that are specific to the individual care needs of people we support.”

Clients were asked about their care plans: “I have full input into my care plan together with my family and I have it here.” Another said: “My care plan is reviewed with me I review it with them and is up to date. I have a copy here.”

The report stated that people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Where people needed support to make specific decisions, their capacity had been assessed.

Finishing quotes in the report from clients stated: “I am happy with the service. It runs well. I have no issues over the running of it at all.” Another client said: “I would certainly recommend them with no improvements required.”

Melanie Ulyatt MBE, Managing Director of One to One Support Services, said: “We are happy about the report as it shows the high quality, bespoke care we provide to our clients. We care for the whole family and value what they say to us.”

“The care staff are committed people with amazing skills and their attitude towards their clients and personal development is exceptional. I am very proud of the whole company and team that makes this happen.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Welcome to 2019 – Blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

1st January 2019

I’d like to kick off 2019 by saying Happy New Year to you all!

2018 was a formative year for Chesterfield – This was the year that all the hard work that has been taking place behind the scenes started to take physical shape and create a presence in the town.

Delivery of the much discussed Northern Gateway development is within touching distance. The new Premier Inn hotel on Elder Way will open early this year and the Saltergate multi-storey car park is well underway; all of which is beginning the visual transformation and regeneration of this area of the Town Centre.

2019 is the year that we’ll also see spades in the ground at Chesterfield Waterside; bringing new life into the area adjacent to the train station and the town centre, as well as adding to the housing, work and leisure offering of the town.

Chesterfield’s rail offering will come further under the spotlight too. We’ve long appreciated the fantastic connectivity of the town, but it has really been brought to the fore with the interest shown in us a result of the HS2 proposals, and by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.

How ironic that Chesterfield is the final resting place of the father of the railways, George Stephenson, but the town could also be involved in the start of the next rail revolution. This isn’t a pipe dream this could be a reality. The town may have missed out on Talgo’s train manufacturing facility, but we will be getting its £9 million innovation and training centre at Barrow Hill.

Talgo’s interest in the town wasn’t accidental. This, like the developments that are starting to take shape, is the result of the hard work of many people working behind the scenes marketing the town at home and abroad.

The plans which have been taking shape over many years are starting to come together and arebringing job opportunities with it. By way of example, at the end of last year, I was delighted to hear that I-Grunwerg will be taking over the former Franke Sissons site at Sheepbridge. Opening in May, the company will create 60 local jobs.

It is important, however, that we maintain the pace of progress, and everyone has a part to play in Chesterfield’s ongoing success. Let’s make sure we all take the opportunity to praise and promote the town when ever the opportunity arises rather than talking it down. Praise the development you see and call out the nay-sayers. Chesterfield is still very much on the rise and we must continue to recognise and celebrate that.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

What advice would you give to your younger self?

28th December 2018

While Christmas may be a time of giving, for many people it is also a time of financial worry, with thoughts of bills and debts looming in the New Year.

At some point in our life, we all need a little help and advice, Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is for many people their first point of call.

Highlighting the impact of advice on people’s lives, CAB has teamed up with Destination Chesterfield and asked its network of Champions what resolution, with the benefit of hindsight and experience, they would advise their younger selves to make this New Year.

Chesterfield Champions is a powerful network of individuals and organisations that support the development of the town’s economy, shape its future and showcase all that is good about Chesterfield.

Name: Phil Bramley

Job Title: Editor

Company: Derbyshire Times

“My advice to my younger self would be to not be afraid to take more risks and that there’s nothing wrong with daring to fail. Taking a leap into the unknown is the best way to break out of your comfort zone and we never really learn until we get things wrong.”

Name: Simon Paterson

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Organisation: Future Foundations

“I would tell my much younger self ‘stop working for someone’s else’s business and start your own!’ Whilst you are living at home, mortgage free with no kids, you have the opportunity to follow your passions and turn them into a profitable business with little to no risk!”

Name: Anna Melton

Job Title: Director

Company: In the Works PR

“If I could turn the clock back, I’d say to my younger self, don’t compare yourself to others and take every opportunity that comes your way. Plough your own furrow and where you encounter set-backs, focus on the solution and not the problem. And smile more.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Office

Organisation: UK Asbestos training Association (UKATA)

“Accept any funded training you are offered! If your employer offers to fund another NVQ, grab it with both hands. If you can take one piece of knowledge from a course that you retain and implement it has been worthwhile attending. You might feel at the time that you are not interested in another qualification, but these courses are a real path to a future career…. I speak from experience. I began my working career as an apprentice and now lead a national association!”

Name: Vicki Grove

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Company: ra Information Systems

“The New Year resolution I would advise my younger self to make would simply be ‘to live in the moment’. This is easy to say in hindsight of course but life would have been simpler if I had spent more time enjoying the present and less time trying to shape the future.”

Name: Rod Auton

Job Title: Trustee

Organisation: Chesterfield Canal Trust

“I would tell my younger self to build on the good things from last year to make the New Year even better. You will get satisfaction in your job, and your life in general, if you can see improvements. Remember the bad things as well. Analysing and learning from mistakes can be really positive, because that will spur you on to improve.”

Name: James Pogson

Job Title: Director

Company: Northern Tea Merchants

“To my younger self I would say ‘get out into the world and travel.’ I have been lucky to do this as part of my job where I search out new teas and coffees. Through this, I have been able to understand the business inside out – from our suppliers to the products and our customers, which has given me great confidence in doing business. Personally, I have found that travel really does enrich you and transform your outlook on life.”

Name: Leah Shortt

Job Title: Operations Manager

Organisation: Learning Unlimited

“I’d advise taking more self-care. Living in a society full of pressures as a young person can sometimes be overwhelming, whether that be from school, the media, family or friends. I remember regularly prioritising these over my own physical and mental health. As I’ve matured, now more than ever, I realise how crucial it is to look after myself and take the time out to focus on me. Looking back, I feel this would have really helped during those difficult and stressful times we all go through as teenagers.”

Name: Peter Swallow

Job Title: Chair

Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

“Be patient, and DO listen to those with more experience than yourself.”

Name: Pasquale Pollio

Job Title: Director

Company: Nonnas Chesterfield Ltd

“Make a plan, stay consistent and go after your dreams.”

Name: Tricia Gilby

Job Title: Leader of the Council

Organisation: Chesterfield Borough Council

“My advice is to not take life too seriously. There’s a line in a Bob Dylan song which I strongly identify with: ‘I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now…’(My Back Pages, 1964).”

Name: Neil Johnson

Job Title: Managing Director

Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

“Don’t let anyone, including yourself, limit your potential. Think about the things you can and want to achieve. Set a target 30% more than that; you will be surprised at how far you can go by aspiring higher, believing in yourself and putting the effort in to realise your ambition.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Chesterfield is part of a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems. To access help and support, please visit www.chesterfieldcab.co.uk.

More information about becoming a Chesterfield Champion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield: A review of the year

26th December 2018

In a year in which the UK experienced one of its hottest summers on record, Chesterfield’s investment potential also heated up.

The town was named as one of two locations shortlisted by the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo for investment. While we may have missed out on securing the factory, Talgo announced that Chesterfield will be the home of the company’s £9 million innovation centre.

The interest shown in Chesterfield by Talgo also brought the town to the attention of worldwide investors. And we didn’t have to wait long, at the end of 2018 it was announced that I-Grunwerg, an award-winning supplier of houseware and catering products, is moving its operations to the former Franke Sissons site at Sheepbridge, creating 60 jobs in the town.

Going into 2019, the town will also see the opening of the much-anticipated Premier Inn hotel in the former Co-op. The opening of the 92-bed hotel will put Chesterfield on track for further growth. It was revealed at the town’s annual investment summit organised by Destination Chesterfield earlier in the year, that converting an additional 5% of Chesterfield’s day visitors into overnight stays would transform the town’s visitor economy.

James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Board, who spoke at the summit said: “Chesterfield has its foot on the ladder of being world class and is on track to transform its visitor economy.”

2018 was a time of growth for the town and borough and it shows no sign of slowing in 2019. With this in mind, Destination Chesterfield asked the town’s business leaders what their highlights had been in 2018 and what they are looking forward to in 2019.

Name: Simon Paterson

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Company: Future Foundations

“It’s been a great 2018 for Future Foundations and the people we work with. We delivered the National Citizen Service (NCS) in no less than three regions of the UK. Chesterfield alone saw over 400 graduates which, between them, completed over 24,000 hours of social action. They generated thousands for our local charities, making a positive impact on Chesterfield and its local residents. Lives were changed and lives were saved.

“2019 will see us deliver NCS to over 650 young people across five regions in the UK. It’s a real privilege to help shape the future leaders of tomorrow and I look forward to building strong working relationships with even more local businesses and charities.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Company: UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

“2018 has been a formative year for UKATA. We celebrated 10 years of excellence which we recognised by hosting our own Awards, recognising the work of our members in helping to raise awareness of the risks associated with working with asbestos and providing recognised training. We were also delighted when our Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign won Campaign of the Year. We built on the campaign further by partnering with the Department for Work & Pensions, offering free asbestos awareness training to unemployed people.

“Raising asbestos awareness on a local and national level via social media and events across the country will continue to be a focus for us and 2019 will be a very busy year for the association with several large partnerships confirmed with Health & Safety Events, Contamination Expo and Department for Work & Pensions.”

Name: Chloe Maudsley

Job Title: Head of Operations

Company: Derbyshire Institute of Sport

“What a year 2018 was for us! Nineteen athletes from Derbyshire competed at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, two of whom were from Chesterfield; Liam Pitchford and Alicia Barrett. In 2019 we’re looking forward to more athletes from Chesterfield accessing our programme and new businesses in Chesterfield able to offer support to our programme.”

Name: Leah Shortt

Job Title: Operations Manager

Company: Learning Unlimited

“2018 has been a great year for us. We hosted our first ever National Apprenticeship Awards in November which bought together all of our employers, partners, apprentices and staff from right across the UK to celebrate all of the successes we had achieved together over the last year. We were also thrilled that employer engagement was described as ‘exemplary’ by Ofsted. And at a time when apprenticeship reforms have been very challenging, we are pleased to have seen significant growth compared to figures nationally.

“There are lots of exciting developments happening in and around Chesterfield in 2019. In particular, we’re looking forward to the development of Chesterfield Waterside and the HS2 station, which will bring significant growth and investment opportunities to the local and wider communities. This in turn will naturally allow us to increase participation of apprenticeships and work experience placements for the next generation of apprentices and students. Next year also promises to be a positive year for us here at Learning Unlimited as we head into our 10^th year and celebrate our very special milestone anniversary.”

Name: Pasquale Pollio
Job Title: Director
Company: Nonnas Chesterfield Ltd

“This year for the first time we were awarded Best International Restaurant in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. It was genuinely a touching moment that we could finally share with our team who have supported us the past nine years. Chesterfield is simply blossoming year in year out.

“Going into 2019, we want to keep growing, developing our team and creating menus that inspire, bring Italian culinary culture to the forefront and why not smash a few boundaries?! We are so proud to be part of the community and I can’t wait to see Chesterfield take its place on the culinary map.”

Name Councillor Tricia Gilby
Job Title: Leader of the Council
Organisation: Chesterfield Borough Council

“2018 seemed to be dominated by working hard on the bid for the Talgo train company bid. After we got down to the last two from an original list of 30 not winning the factory site was a big let down but it has really put Chesterfield on the map as a good place to locate a factory. Plus our plans for regenerating the Staveley Works corridor are now much further advanced. Whilst we didn’t get the factory we were successful in gaining the rail research hub at the unique Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Talgo are looking to base their UK HQ here. So, Chesterfield may once again be the home of a railway pioneer. As most Chesterfield primary school students know George Stephenson, the father of the railways, lived at Tapton House and is buried in Holy Trinity Church on Newbold Road.

“Looking to 2019, the 89 bed Premier Inn and the new 530 space, 24/7 safe and secure, multi-storey car park will open at the Northern Gateway. Plus the new all weather 3G multi use sports pitches, regenerating the former Queens Park Sports Centre site, will be ready for play. All of which show Chesterfield is a thriving and healthy place to live, work and play. These projects would not have come to fruition without the Council’s investment and leadership.”

Name: Phil Bramley
Job Title: Editor
Company: Derbyshire Times

“The 2018 highlight for our business was undoubtedly the successful buy-out of our parent company by JPIMedia which means that the Derbyshire Times can continue to loyally serve our local community, as we have done for over 160 years.

“While for Chesterfield, a key success has to be the arrival of the observation wheel in town was a huge success. It was enjoyed by a staggering number of people and brought thousands of visitors into the town centre. It’s also been great to see work starting on the new Saltergate multi-storey car park this year. There’s so much going on in Chesterfield, as we highlighted in our Billion Pound Town supplement earlier in the year, but it really brings it home when you see the skyline changing.

“For the Derbyshire Times, 2019 offers us some exciting opportunities to further develop the way we present and deliver news and stories to our readers on-line, alongside our traditional newspaper. 2019 will also be a huge year for Chesterfield, with so many of the major developments which have been planned for Chesterfield for so long, becoming a reality.”

Name: Neil Johnson
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

“2018 was our first full year in business after establishing it in 2017 and we have been welcomed with open arms into the business community. It’s been a fast-paced year for Derbyshire Building Control Partnership. We’ve marketed ourselves, introduced new processes and brought new people on board, which together has all helped drive the business forward. It was great to have this recognised at the end of the year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards when we shortlisted for the New business of The Year.

“For Chesterfield, the highlights are seeing the Northern Gateway project coming along so well, with the works to the former Co-Op building on Elder Way and the progress on the new multi storey car park. It’s also good to see the progress being made on skills in Chesterfield, particularly the closer links between schools and the business community.

“We’re in a very privileged position at DBCP to work closely with the council, architects and developers in Chesterfield and across Derbyshire. I feel that 2019 is the year that we will see buildings starting to come out of the ground for a number of key residential and commercial developments. There is a real sense of excitement amongst the DBCP team for both developments in the town and the business going into the New Year.”

Name: Peter Swallow
Job Title: Chair
Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

“Year after year Chesterfield never ceases to surprise me and 2018 has been no different. Highlights for me included both the Retail Awards and Food and Drink Awards, proving that these sectors are not only growing but thriving in Chesterfield. We’ve also made significant progress on key residential and commercial developments in this town in 2018, including the transformation of the former Co-op, Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, all of which leave us well-positioned to respond to the needs of both workers and residents that further investment in the town will bring.

“I believe that the interest shown in the town by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has further put us on the map for investment from both the rail sector and overseas companies. As a result more exciting investment opportunities will present themselves in 2019. Chesterfield may be the final resting place of the father of the railways George Stephenson, but Talgo’s and HS2’s investment all point to the town becoming recognised as a pioneer of rail travel. 2019 is a year I am very much looking forward to.”

Name: Anna Melton
Job Title: Director
Company: In the Works PR

“2018 was challenging and exciting in equal measure which has enabled the team and business to develop and grow. A real highlight was working with so many local businesses from a diverse range of sectors. I never cease to be amazed at the wealth and variety of businesses that are in Chesterfield – many of whom lead the way in what they do. I feel honoured that we are involved with so many of them.

“Next year I will personally celebrate living and working in Chesterfield for 20 years. It’s delivered on every level for me since I moved here in 1999 – homes, jobs, great schools for my children and a fantastic destination to establish and grow my business. If 2019 continues in the same vein as every other year (and I see no reason for it not to) I have lived here, then it’s another year I look forward to welcoming.”

Name: James Pogson

Job Title: Director
Company: Northern Tea Merchants

“Like Chesterfield attracting interest from Spanish train manufacturer Talgo, we also successfully took the Northern Tea Merchants brand overseas in 2018. A highlight for me was visiting Peru in August, courtesy of PromPeru (the Peruvian Chamber of Commerce). A definite standout of the trip was being invited to attend the huge exhibition that is Expo Amazonica as a VIP guest and I was even able to shake the President’s hand.

“It is wonderful to see the work now well underway at the Northern Gateway – the work being undertaken here will make such a difference to the look and feel of the town. Seeing the new Saltergate Multi-Storey Car Park shell being built is an exciting development.

“Some developments in town have been a long time coming however we are seeing work now underway and it will be great to see these projects develop further next year. Onwards and upwards for us all in 2019!”

Over 180 organisations have become Chesterfield Champions to support the development of our economy, shape our future and showcase all that is good about the town. Joining the scheme is a direct statement of belief from organisations about their commitment to Chesterfield and its successful future.

For information on how you can become a Chesterfield Champion, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Enjoy ‘Chatswoof’ in 2019 as dogs take a starring role at Chatsworth

14th December 2018

Chatsworth is celebrating all things canine throughout 2019 with four-legged friends taking a leading role in the exhibition and the wider estate set to become even more dog-friendly when it opens for the new season (Saturday 23 March 2019).

The Dog: A Celebration at Chatsworth exhibition will feature everything from working dogs, woven dogs, dogs on canvas and dogs on camera, to puppets and popular culture.

Borne out of an idea from the Duchess of Devonshire – who trains her own dogs for obedience and field trials – this exhibition explores the rich history of the dog in art, as well as the Cavendish family’s enduring love for dogs throughout the generations.

In the house, paintings, drawings, sculpture, letters, photographs and contemporary art will be brought together to provide a comprehensive reflection of mankind’s relationship with its faithful friend throughout history.

Alex Hodby, Curator of Exhibitions and Engagement, Chatsworth, said: “We will be delving deep into the Devonshire Collection to share stories, and capture the idiosyncratic, faithful, endearing and playful character of man’s best friend. The original idea for the exhibition was conceived by the Duchess of Devonshire, who combines a love of dogs with a great interest in collecting modern and contemporary works of art and commissioning portraits of family dogs.”

Specially selected loans from public and private collections will be shown alongside the Devonshire Collection and range in date from ancient objects to the present day. With Chatsworth’s historic interiors as its backdrop, The Dog will weave throughout the house, sharing tales and revealing stories of royalty and the aristocracy and how dog breeds have developed.

Chatsworth is also looking at range of ideas to become as dog friendly as possible. Dogs on leads can already explore the 105-acre garden and 1000-acre park and are also welcome in shops and Carriage House restaurant in the Stables.

Chatsworth even has its own dog mascot, Henry, a Goldendoodle born in the summer who has amassed thousands of fans on his Instagram account following his daily adventures on the estate.

Throughout 2019, Chatsworth is inviting everyone to join in the celebration using the hashtag #Chatswoof.

Follow the adventures of Henry, the Chatsworth Goldendoodle here: www.instagram.com/chatswoof

Rocket 6-1, 1987 Nicola Hicks © David Vintiner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New Chief Executive Officer appointed by D2N2 LEP

13th December 2018

A new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

Sajeeda Rose, who has been Interim CEO at the D2N2 LEP since September (2018), becomes CEO with immediate effect, following a robust recruitment process.

As the LEP’s CEO, Sajeeda leads a small team supporting the D2N2 Board – a private sector-led Partnership of business, local authorities, higher and further education providers, and community and voluntary organisations – in promoting an economic growth plan for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; using resources of more than £500million in funding, derived from the UK Government and European Union.

Sajeeda joined the D2N2 LEP in November 2017, as Senior Manager for Growth Deals and Capital Programmes, and acted as Interim Deputy CEO before taking on the Interim CEO role in September 2018.

Prior to joining D2N2, Sajeeda was Chief Operating Officer for the Northamptonshire LEP, where she was responsible for strategy development and delivery of all investment programmes by that LEP. She also worked for the former East Midlands Development Agency, supporting the delivery of sub-regional investment programmes.

Sajeeda has a BA (Hons) degree in Politics & Economic History from the University of Leicester. She is married with two children.

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am confident that in Sajeeda we have found a CEO who will continue to lead D2N2 in delivering economic growth for all our communities, using the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP); currently in the final stages of being updated to meet the area’s changing needs up to 2030.

“Sajeeda is taking on the role at a time when the D2N2 LEP has much to do; including the launch of its new SEP, developing a Local Industrial Strategy, delivering current and planned programmes, as well as consultation on and establishing new governance rules for the LEP’s Board Members and staff to make our operations even more publicly accountable. I’m confident that Sajeeda’s leadership will help deliver results for all our stakeholders.”

Sajeeda Rose, CEO for the D2N2 LEP, added: “I am delighted to be appointed as the D2N2 LEP’s new CEO, and to have the opportunity to build on the great work of its Board and staff to date.”

“The LEP has a lot to do in future. We have a new strategic plan to launch to take our economy into the next decade, a Local Industrial Strategy to develop to complement the work being done nationally, increasing access to skills and training, and ensuring we continue to attract private investment to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I look forward to the challenge.”

Further information about the work of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can be found on its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Home

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa wins 5 wedding accolades including England’s Top Wedding Venue

13th December 2018

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa swept the board at the WeddingDates Awards picking up 5 accolades, winning the coveted title of England’s Top Wedding Venue.

The venue has also been announced as winner of East Midlands Top Rated Wedding Venue, winner of Derbyshire’s Top Rated Wedding Venue and winner of Country House Wedding Venue of the Year.

The final award was given to Nicola Williams, Wedding Coordinator at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, for East Midlands Wedding Coordinator of the year.

In a year of notable achievements, Ringwood Hall Hotel has been awarded 4 Star Status by the AA, Conference Venue of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, a Gold Award in the East Midlands in Bloom awards, a 5 Bubble award for the Garden Secret Spa by the Good Spa Guide and a Bronze Green Tourism award.

Ringwood Hall has seen a transformation over the past two years since new owners purchased the property in 2016 and further plans are already in place to continue the investment into the Grade II listed building.

Rona Davies, General Manager at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said “I could not be more thrilled to have received these wedding awards. The whole team work so hard to ensure that every wedding is perfect for our couples.”

“These awards are based on customer feedback and therefore really do hold a special place for us. Winning the Country House Wedding Venue of the Year award, among the others, is just fabulous as the UK is home to so many beautiful properties. We truly feel honoured to be given such recognition.”

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

Local female entrepreneur chosen as science Community Leader

13th December 2018

Local entrepreneur Ann Fomukong-Boden has been chosen by the British Science Association (BSA) to become one of its new Community Leaders.

Ann is a STEM Ambassador, Electronic Engineer and Director of Chesterfield-based Kakou Technologies. Ann is one of twelve individuals from across the UK chosen to take part in the programme. The aim of the Community Leaders programme is to harness the passion and ideas of the individuals, enabling them to deliver sustained public science engagement throughout the year.

Since 1994, the BSA has organised British Science Week, an annual grass-roots celebration of science and engineering that runs over 10 days every March.

For the past three years Ann has organised Science Week events in collaboration with Brampton Brewery, Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, Monkey Park Community Cafe, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and Pavements Shopping Centre.

Ann said: “I’m very proud to be chosen by the BSA as one of their first Community Leaders. Many people find it hard to engage with or relate to the sciences; it is still seen by many as a difficult subject that is not useful later in life. However, we all use and rely on the sciences every day, for example, using our mobile phones, cooking, applying make-up or going to the pub.”

“Working with local organisations, I’m hoping to build a network which can share and promote each other’s STEM related activities and events.”

In the New Year, Kakou will start offering a mixture of creative arts and technology-based workshops designed for people looking to learn or discover new skills. The first workshop will be a Raspberry Pi session for total beginners (parents, teachers and hobbyists) held at Chesterfield Library in January 2019. More information can be found here.

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