Destination Chesterfield

Top restaurant revealed at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

1st November 2018

Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.

Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”

This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.

Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.

Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.

“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.

“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”

Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

To see all of the winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Local businesses urged to help shape D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan

30th October 2018

Free public events will be staged by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, to consult with businesses and other organisations on how they think the LEP area’s economy should develop in the next decade up to 2030.

D2N2 is the private sector-led Local Enterprise Partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary organisations which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

It manages over £500million in resources to invest in its business growth, capital projects, infrastructure, employment promotion and other services. Programmes are guided by its long term, Strategic Economic Plan (or SEP); which is now being refreshed and updated to meet the LEP area’s changing economic needs. A copy of the new, draft plan can be viewed here.

Free D2N2 LEP consultation events will take place at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield, on:

Wednesday November 7^th – 1.15pm to 3.15pm.
Thursday November 15^th– 9.30am to 12.30pm

All events will feature a presentation on the Strategic Economic Plan proposals and an open discussion, for the audience to join in. There will also be information on D2N2’s wider work promoting economic growth in the area.

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is an important opportunity for individual businesses to directly help influence the direction of the D2N2 LEP area’s economy, for years to come. These events will look at issues such as the key sectors, new industries, infrastructure, skills gaps, technological advances, employment needs and many other things we should be focusing on.”

“I would urge any business or organisation with a stake in the D2N2 LEP area’s future economic growth to attend, and give us their views. We very much look forward to hearing what they have to say.”

For more information and to book your place please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Custom Solar delivers award winning solar project

25th October 2018

Chesterfield Champion Custom Solar has won a national award for its work with Associated British Ports to deliver the UK’s largest rooftop solar array.

The team scooped the impressive title of Commercial Rooftop Solar Installation of the Year at the Solar Power Portal Awards, held in Birmingham last week.

At the Port of Immingham, Custom Solar created one scheme on a 30,260m² warehouse. The site, which went live in April 2018, totals an impressive 4.5MW, enough to power almost 750 homes.

The awards, now in their sixth year, hosted 600 clean-energy professionals from the UK and beyond and recognised Immingham’s site, by contractors Custom Solar, best in show.

The installation, which will make a CO₂ saving of almost 1,500 tonnes per annum, will see the port utilise the majority of the generated energy to power port equipment such as cranes, conveyors, lock gates and offices with a small amount being exported from site and back to the national grid.

Matthew Brailsford, Managing Director of Custom Solar said: “Solar power has quickly become the energy generator of choice for many companies across the world, however, delivering project of this scale don’t happen every day. The 4.5MW of power at the Port of Immingham is one of the largest rooftop systems in the country and required a host of high voltage upgrades to ABP’s network. I’m just so proud of every single person who made this project a reality and award winning success.”

Mark Frith, Port Manager for Grimsby and Immingham said: “It’s pivotal that businesses in our region are making a concerted effort to reduce their CO₂ emissions. As the UK’s largest port by tonnage, we’re extremely proud to be able to work with professional contractors such as Custom Solar, who have enabled us to make a real difference in reducing our carbon footprint.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Celebrity Chef Chesterfield-bound for town’s Food and Drink Awards

22nd October 2018

The celebrity chef Lesley Waters will be arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday 31 October to host the town’s sixth annual Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley Waters will announce the winners of 15 categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero at the sell-out event.

Lesley said: “I am delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Once again, the awards ceremony, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building, will be used as a learning experience for Chesterfield College’s catering and hospitality students, who both cook and serve a two-course meal on the night to more than 250 people.

Lesley commented: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

35 businesses and individuals are shortlisted in the 2018 awards, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time and 13 hoping to retain their titles from 2017. This year, the awards also see the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in the Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Bottle & Thyme

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Qoozies

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

The Fox & Goose Inn

The Market Pub

The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms

Junction Bar

Rose & Crown, Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri

The Crafty Dog

Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Junction Bar

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith

Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross

The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross

The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41

Einstein’s

Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Mason’s Coffee Lounge

The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year – presented by the Mayor of Chesterfield

Casa Hotel

Proact Stadium

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Cup and Saucer

Original Recipes

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Ashley-Darrah Pienaar

Callum Taylor

Kye Homiak

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Rectory

Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House

Van Dyk

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group, Peak FM, and Reflections.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

9th October 2018

Chesterfield is among six shortlisted locations seeking to become the base for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo that could create thousands of jobs for local people.

If the borough’s bid is successful the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill, would become home to a factory which would create 1,000 high quality jobs.

Talgo will build a UK factory when it receives an initial order for new trains. This could include a £2.75 billion rolling stock contract from HS2.

The manufacturing site would also create an estimated 4,000 jobs in the supply chain for the region, as well as apprenticeship, training and educational opportunities.

The Spanish rail giant has confirmed that Chesterfield is one of six shortlisted locations across the UK it is considering, with a decision expected in November. The company intends to adopt a ‘true manufacturing’ approach, which would also see it source component parts from within the UK.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working with a range of partners, including landowners Suon Ltd on the bid to encourage Talgo to locate the factory in the borough.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity and if our bid is successful it would be a massive boost to our economy in terms of employment opportunities for local people.

“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also create more opportunities for local businesses to supply components as part of the supply chain, which would help create more jobs and increase the positive impact on our economy.

“Talgo is a major player in the worldwide rail sector and one of the companies that HS2 has shortlisted to provide it with the high speed trains needed for the new rail network.

“It is important to stress that we are only one of six shortlisted locations at the moment. No decision has been made so it is important that expectations are not raised at this stage.

“However, a huge amount of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make the case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough and we think we have a really strong bid.”

The bid highlights:

That remediation work is already underway to prepare the former Hartington Colliery site for development
Chesterfield’s location at the heart of both the existing rail network and the planned phase 2B of the HS2 rail network, which will see Chesterfield have an HS2 station and also an HS2 line maintenance depot at Staveley
Chesterfield’s excellent transport connectivity, with over 23 million people living within two hours’ drive, and four major airports and four sea ports within 90 minutes travel time
That an investment would create further regeneration and development opportunities related to HS2, as well as support the existing Staveley Works corridor development plans for 1,000 new homes, a new primary school and £50 million access road
The ability to offer Talgo access to the area’s world class rail supply chain and a highly skilled workforce

If successful, building work would start in July 2020, ready for the train factory to open in December 2021. A new £9 million innovation and training centre is also planned to be built at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for Talgo to use and showcase its technologies.

Even if the bid is not successful Councillor Gilby hopes the connections and close working with partners on the bid will pave the way for other large scale industrial uses of the former colliery site.

Councillor Gilby added: “The factory would support the wider regeneration of the former Staveley Works site area as part of our partnership working with landowners and Derbyshire County Council.

“Putting together the bid has really helped develop relationships with a range of partners, including the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

“While we hope that this close working will persuade Talgo that the Staveley site is the right location for a UK train factory it also means that if we are not successful we have a good platform to attract other development opportunities.”

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield on track to create world class visitor economy

20th September 2018

It has been revealed that converting just 5% of Chesterfield’s day visitors into overnight stays would transform the town’s visitor economy.

Speaking at the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, keynote speaker James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Board, added: “Chesterfield has its foot on the ladder of being world class and is on track to transform its visitor economy. It must focus on creating the distinctive, unique and special.”

At the sell-out event, which was held at Casa Hotel, it was revealed that last year Chesterfield attracted 3.7 million visitors who brought £175 million to the economy, representing a 50% uplift in tourism spend compared to 2009. (Read more about the growth in tourism in Chesterfield)

Mr Berresford praised the town’s ambitions saying: “Tourists today want experiences. We need to focus on the unique and distinctive things we have like the market and the Crooked Spire to stand out from the crowd. They are a wonderful local experience reflecting the character of the town.”

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It is very much a time of growth for the town and borough. However, as a council we remain committed to the premise that the growth we generate must be inclusive and that local people must benefit in terms of jobs and business opportunities.”

As part of Chesterfield’s drive to increase the visitor economy, more than 2,500 beds will be added to the Borough’s accommodation offering over the next 36 months. The 92-bed Premier Inn Hotel on Elder Way will open in January 2019 and further beds will be delivered at Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort.

Construction of a ‘core four’ phase one of Peak Resort will begin next year on the Birchall Estate. Phase One is scheduled to open at the end of 2020. Phase One will be centered around the Gateway Complex which will provide serviced connectivity and equipment for tourists to engage in all sorts of activities in the surrounding communities and National Park.

The Birchall Estate has planning approvals for up to 2000 hotel rooms and 250 chalets. The hotels will be delivered in phases and in a range of formats from 5 star to hostel accommodation. The aim is to deliver the quality and scope of accommodation and hospitality similar to that of a ski resort, sitting at the heart of the country alongside the Peak District National Park.

Delegates heard that climate change, travel security, changing habits and Brexit have all been key factors in the realisation of Peak Resort. Combined, they are driving more people to holiday in the UK.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Young people need to raise their aspirations and skill up ahead of HS2 arriving in Chesterfield and the opening of Peak Resort to ensure that they and the town makes the most of the opportunities that these schemes will bring.”

More than 200 people attended to learn more on the latest investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. In addition to James Berresford, Rupert Carr and Huw Bowen, delegates also heard from Adam Hearld of Jomast Developments, which is transforming the former Co-op building and Frank Horsley, Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council.

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Record visitor numbers boost Chesterfield economy

19th September 2018

New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.

The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.

As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.

“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.

“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.

“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”

Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and events

Crooked Spire in Spring

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

Chesterfield’s Food Producer of the Year finalists announced

23rd August 2018

The finalists have been selected for this year’s coveted Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year title, which is part of the prestigious Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Food and drink producers located within 10 miles of Chesterfield served three of their best products to Chesterfield Champions at a special judging event held at Casa Hotel. More than 20 judges sampled sweet treats, tasty meats and delicious drinks at the food tasting event.

The shortlisted businesses for the Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year title are:

All Things Brownie Beautiful
Cup & Saucer
Original Recipes

The three finalists join a total of 34 businesses which have been shortlisted across 12 categories in the sixth annual awards.

While Original Recipes has been shortlisted for and won the title in previous years, All Things Brownie Beautiful and Cup & Saucer are both newcomers to the awards line up.

Commenting on the nomination, Chelsea Hawkes, Baker and Owner at All Things Brownie Beautiful, said: “As a self-taught baker and young entrepreneur, I am elated to discover that we have made finalist status for the Food Producer of the Year Award. It is such a celebration for our small family business that our produce has been recognised locally.”

Based in Clowne, All Things Brownie Beautiful prides itself on baking its range of brownies using locally-sourced ingredients. Its products are sold online and in cafes and tea rooms throughout the area.

Established last year and based in North Wingfield, Cup & Saucer selects, blends, packs and sells loose teas and tisanes both direct to the public and through cafes and tea rooms throughout Chesterfield.

At the tasting event, owner Gail Hannan presented her range of infusions inspired by the Peak District, including flavours such as Bakewell Hart, Charming Chatsworth and Calming Castleton.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award, and to find out I am one of three finalists is incredible. I am really looking forward to attending the awards evening and meeting other local business owners from my hometown.”

Original Recipes puts a real focus on high-quality natural products. Its company ethos is to make sure there is ‘Absolutely Nothing Artificial’ in its bespoke range of pates and terrines.

Craig Maxfield, Sales Director at Original Recipes said: “We are delighted to be nominated for the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards for the fourth year running and even more excited to reach the final again this year. To receive recognition from the Chesterfield food and drink arena is a testament to the hard work, dedication and determination of our team.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College, the prestigious awards recognise the very best food, drinks, service, venues and now apprentices and apprentice employers in the town’s growing hospitality sector.

The winners of all fifteen categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on 31 October later this year.

Details of all finalists announced so far in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/finalists/.

Category sponsors of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Kier Group, Jumble Creative Design, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons and Shorts Chartered Accountants.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Hoods Florist, Juxta-Post Media, Peak FM and Reflections.

The Food Producer of the Year judging event for Chesterfield Champions was held at the Casa Hotel in July.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Value of Peak tourism hits new heights

23rd August 2018

The value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by six per cent to £2.15 billion.

New research released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals that the increase on 2016 was double the average annual rise of three per cent since 2011.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3 per cent, while the number of full time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5 per cent at 28,630.

The latest figures also reveal a trend for more visitors to stay in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering and at camping and caravanning sites.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said “This is excellent news for the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, and for everyone who lives, works and comes to stay here”

“The significant rise in tourism’s overall value over the past year signals that our long-term policy to run innovative and targeted marketing, PR and social media campaigns to encourage more people to come and stay for longer and to spend more money here is really paying off.”

“The latest figures also show that our efforts to attract more visitors at quieter times of the year to extend the season from February to November are also effective, with more people staying for three or four nights rather than two.”

Vote for the Peak District and Derbyshire in the ‘Best Holiday Region or County’ category as part of the British Travel Awards 2018. Click here to find out more and cast your vote!

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

Peak FM launches Shop Local campaign in Chesterfield

20th August 2018

Following the success of similar Peak FM initiative Shop Local last summer, this year the radio station has decided to go a step further with a full journalistic investigation into the state of the streets in Chesterfield, combined with an emotive collection of live shows and appearances on the streets.

Shop Local 2018 officially launched at 6am on Monday 20th August when Peak FM Breakfast hosts Ricky and Becky broadcast their breakfast show live from the centre of Chesterfield.

Ricky and Becky were joined by Peak FM’s journalists and events team who spoke with Toby Perkins MP, Chesterfield Borough Council leader Tricia Gilby, market traders, shoppers and campaign groups. During the campaign, the radio station will be asking questions to those in influential positions to get a real steer on Chesterfield’s issues and those in the surrounding towns.

Toby Perkins MP told Peak FM: “It is tempting to walk around and just spot an empty unit, but actually 93 percent of the stores in Chesterfield are being used.”

“We need to recognise the shape of town centres is changing, but also recognise how much better we’re doing than many other towns that I could mention around here.”

Peak FM’s Content Controller Tim Smith is sure the campaign will have impact: “We already have a superb range of shops in Chesterfield, some really innovative independent businesses and one of the biggest markets in Europe. We’re really confident this drive will remind people just how much there is on offer here! So come down – meet Ricky, Becky and the team and let’s show our Chesterfield shopkeepers, market traders and retailers how much we love them!”

To find out more about Peak FM’s Shop Local campaign check out their website or tune in.

Peak FM’s Joe Rawson talks to Toby Perkins MP

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

Chesterfield’s visitor economy to take centre stage at town’s annual Investment Summit

25th July 2018

Chesterfield’s burgeoning visitor economy and how it can be used to further regenerate the area, is set to be the focus of the town’s upcoming Investment Summit, taking place on Wednesday 19 September at Casa Hotel.

Rupert Carr, Director of Birchall Properties, the company behind Peak Resort, and James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture Heritage and Tourism Board and former CEO of Visit England have been announced as the keynote speakers at the free event.

They will be joined by Adam Hearld of Jomast Developments, which is transforming the former Co-op building, and Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Marketing Derby and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the annual Investment Summit, is designed to update the property industry and the business community on the latest investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be an update on regeneration sites across North Derbyshire, exhibitors from key regeneration sites and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the Summit, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership Board Member, said: “With Chesterfield’s location and connectivity within the UK, the town has always had a unique appeal to investors.

“The announcement of the HS2 stop in Chesterfield, along with the major hotel and housing developments taking place, have sparked, and continue to spark, a surge of interest in the town from inward investors locally, regionally and nationally.

“It is critical everyone understands the opportunities available both now and in future years and the Investment Summit event is the forum to enable this. It is a very exciting time for the town.”

Taking place from 8:30am – 12:00pm at the Casa Hotel, there will be the opportunity to network over breakfast.

More than 150 people attended the event last year and this year’s Summit is expected to prove equally popular.

The event is free, but booking is essential as numbers are limited.

To book your tickets, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development