Development

Luxury interiors company is fourth tenant announced for Elder Way

Hot on the heels of luxury hair salon Feather & Fern opening its doors, Elder Way is set to welcome its fourth tenant – boutique, high-end kitchen and interiors business, OTI Interiors.

The design-led business has signed a five-year lease on Unit 1A, a 1,109 sq. ft space located next door to Feather & Fern on Knifesmithgate.

OTI Interiors was founded during the Covid-19 lockdown by local entrepreneur Gavin Grainger, who also owns the award-winning restaurant and bar Bottle & Thyme, located in the prominent corner unit at Elder Way.

Seeking to diversify during the pandemic, and drawing on his background in design, Gavin launched OTI as an interiors business which specialises in bespoke, handcrafted kitchens. The company produces only a limited number of commissions each year, typically fewer than 25, which are hand-built in Chesterfield.

The new Elder Way unit will serve as OTI’s first dedicated showroom away from the firm’s small industrial space in Chesterfield, where all furniture is made.

The new unit will be used as OTI’s customer-facing meeting point, featuring a consultation area where clients can enjoy a glass of Champagne. In addition to meeting space, the showroom will also host an extensive range of samples, including tiles. It will also host events and demonstrations in partnership with local businesses, including estate agents, florists, and chefs.

The unit is currently undergoing a full fit-out and is expected to open to the public in late summer.

Gavin Grainger said: “We love being based at Elder Way. It’s been the ideal premises and location for Bottle & Thyme, with strong footfall and neighbouring businesses that align with our brand. Creating a showroom for OTI here made absolute sense.

“The unit is a blank canvas with beautiful natural light, perfect for showcasing our products. OTI’s design style has been on display at Bottle & Thyme for the past year, and we often receive compliments. Now I’m excited to bring that same look to the high street and make it more accessible for people to have in their own homes.”

In addition to Bottle & Thyme and Feather & Fern, OTI Interiors will also join HotPod Yoga as ground-floor tenants of the former iconic Co-op department store, a landmark building in Chesterfield.

The letting of OTI Interiors now leaves just four units available at the iconic leisure development in the heart of Chesterfield town centre.

The 1930s Mock Tudor building has been thoughtfully reimagined and redeveloped by regeneration specialists Jomast, creating eight prime street-level units that blend heritage architecture with modern retail potential.

Located in the heart of the town, Elder Way has established itself as a go-to destination for independent businesses and vibrant customer experiences.

The upper floors of the development are occupied by Premier Inn Chesterfield, recently named the best hotel in the brand’s entire UK portfolio, further cementing Elder Way’s position as a high-quality, mixed-use destination.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast, commented: “Gavin’s success with Bottle & Thyme has clearly demonstrated the potential of Elder Way as a destination for creative, independent businesses. We’re thrilled to welcome OTI Interiors, a high-quality, design-focused brand that fits perfectly with our vision for a vibrant, experience-led town centre. With just four units remaining, interest from prospective tenants remains strong, and we look forward to announcing more exciting lettings soon.”

Bottle & Thyme has been a standout success since relocating to Elder Way, tripling the size of the business and establishing itself as a cornerstone of the site’s independent offering.

With the arrival of OTI Interiors, Elder Way continues to build its reputation as a dynamic and desirable destination for innovative retailers, creators, and service providers.

For enquiries or further information about the remaining units at Elder Way visit www.elderway.co.uk or contact the development’s agents WSB Property on 0113 234 1444.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Planning granted for 275 home development in Duckmanton

Housebuilder Honey will build 275 new homes in Duckmanton after being granted planning permission for a £78m development.

Called Pearl and located on Tom Lane, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, including terraces, semi-detached and detached properties.

The 41-acre site has been allocated for development by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Chesterfield local plan to deliver 4080 homes by 2035.

Work is anticipated to start this summer, with the first homes expected to be occupied by Summer 2026.

Pearl will feature 18 of Honey’s different house types, including terrace, semi-detached and detached properties. Prices at the development will start from £229,995.

Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, commented: “Our Pearl development will deliver design-led homes that are perfect for modern-day living for buyers looking to move in or to Duckmanton.

“There has already been huge interest in Pearl since we announced our plans, so we now look forward to releasing the first homes for sale later this year at this thriving new community we are creating.”

Chesterfield was recently named in a list of Britain’s happiest places to live by the national newspaper, The Guardian.

The article highlights Chesterfield’s access to open spaces as one of its major advantages, stating: “Chesterfield sits on the edge of the Peak District and is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England, as well as historic medieval alleyways, churches, museums and grand old buildings. Its blend of urban and rural access (being just a short journey from both the Peak District National Park, and Sheffield and Derby) makes it a popular place to live.”

Discover more about living in Chesterfield.

Posted in Business, Development, Home

New store opens in Chesterfield Town Centre

A new Cash Converters store has opened in a vacant unit in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Situated at the corner of Packers Row and The Shambles, the newly opened store occupies a prime pedestrianised location just off Chesterfield’s Market Place and High Street.

Chesterfield Champions’ Banner Jones Solicitors advised Loljack Ltd, a franchisee of Cash Converters UK brand, on the acquisition and successful letting of a prominent retail unit in Chesterfield town centre.

Phillip Rogers of Loljack Ltd said: “We’re really pleased to have secured such a well-positioned site in the heart of Chesterfield. The town has a great atmosphere and a thriving retail mix, and we’re excited to be part of it.

Ben Couch, Commercial Property Solicitor at Banner Jones, commented:

“We were delighted to advise Loljack Ltd on this acquisition. This is a prime retail asset in a central location, and the opening of a new Cash Converters franchise reflects growing confidence in the town centre.

This latest announcement follows a range of investments and openings in Chesterfield town centre recently, which include:

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield Town Centre

Banner Jones supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Development, Home

East Midlands transport investment to move forward the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route

The East Midlands will benefit from the largest transport investment in a generation, as East Midlands Mayor Clare Ward secures up to £2 billion through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions Fund’.

This funding will be used to deliver a modern, reliable, and integrated transport system across the region, with a particular focus on reducing congestion and improving connectivity between areas that have little or no transport provision at all.

Pan-regional projects to be taken forward will include:

Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR)
This will open the Canal Corridor, enabling regeneration in North Derbyshire and beyond. The scheme is expected to create 8,000 jobs, 4,000 homes, and add £500 million by unlocking growth across the East Midlands and connecting into South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The Trent Arc
The development of a large-scale public transport system linking Derby and Nottingham, strengthening the Trent Arc corridor, a key growth zone for the region.

The Trent Arc is one of the East Midlands’ most immediate and investable opportunities. Spanning two cities, the Freeport, and sites like Infinity Park Investment Zone and Ratcliffe-on-Soar, it will deliver 40,000 new jobs, 30,000 homes, and contribute £2.4 billion to the UK economy.

This funding will support improved rail, road and bus connections throughout the corridor, including access to the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Intermodal Park, home to major employers like Toyota.

A614/A6097 Improvements (North Nottinghamshire)
These road upgrades will connect ex-coalfield towns and villages to national logistics networks, reduce congestion, and drive economic renewal in some of the region’s most deprived areas, while supporting one of its most important industries: freight and logistics.

The agreement, which is for five years and follows extensive negotiations with the Government, will act as the launchpad for a major renewal in the region’s fortunes.

As transport and infrastructure are both critical enablers of growth, this programme has the potential to unlock 100,000 new jobs, deliver 52,000 homes, and generate a £4.6 billion boost to the UK economy.

Crucially, it’ll connect more people to jobs, skills, education and places that matter most. It builds on the Mayor’s vision to build a transport system that meets the needs of today while laying the foundations for a more connected, prosperous East Midlands.

This funding represents precisely how the Mayor and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) are working in partnership with Government and local stakeholders to secure investment and build new opportunities that were not possible before now.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation.”

“As Mayor of the East Midlands, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that Government sees this region through the eyes of those who live, work, and travel here, and to make sure we are treated as a national priority. Today’s announcement is the clearest sign yet that this approach is working.”

“This is the moment we begin to put right decades of underinvestment. From everyday frustrations to major barriers to growth, poor transport has held our region back for too long. Whether you’re a student weighing up college options, a small business struggling to recruit, or a visitor-facing venue trying to grow footfall, I know what happens when transport doesn’t work. Fixing it will be central to my Transport Plan, and now we have the resources to deliver real, tangible change.”

“We’re getting to work straight away. That means strengthening the rail, road and bus links between Derby and Nottingham, the vital Trent Arc. It means delivering long-overdue projects like the Chesterfield-Staveley Relief Route and finally addressing congestion pinch points like the A614/A6097 in north Nottinghamshire.

“I look forward to working with partners across the East Midlands to deliver these improvements. Better transport doesn’t just move people. It powers opportunity, unlocks growth, and connects us to a better future.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said “Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life as we deliver our Plan for Change.

“For too long, people in the Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve. With £15.6bn of Government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

New landmark rail innovation centre construction begins

Construction of a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill, which will create jobs and skills opportunities whilst bolstering Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector, has started on site.

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will sit next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse. It will provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities, a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space.

DRIIVe is part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal programme and has received additional funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This is an exciting project for Staveley, our borough and our region, that will allow both our residents and our businesses to access high-quality skills and jobs – whilst also strengthening our borough’s position in the rail sector.

“It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, but it is great to see work getting started on site. This now means that all but one Town Deal project is either in construction or already delivering benefits for residents. I look forward to seeing this project completed and welcoming the building’s first users in 2026.”

The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society.

Mervyn Allcock, Manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a significant project for the whole rail sector, and we are proud to be able to have this facility located next to the historic Roundhouse. We’re already seeing interest from the rail sector in using this space because the state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities will help set us apart from other locations.”

Complete construction partner Stepnell will be carrying out the construction of the building on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The commencement of DRIIVe is a milestone moment for rail innovation, undertaken as part of the Staveley Town Deal. As we start on site, community engagement remains a vital aspect of the building’s progression, imperative to projects we have supported Chesterfield Borough Council on.

“Beyond its fundamental aim of creating opportunities in the rail sector, we want to ensure the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards while generating immense value for the community through local spend and employability opportunities during construction.”

Primarily funded through the Staveley Town Deal, DRIIVe has also received a funding boost from East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “EMCCA is proud to help fund the development of a state-of-the-art rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill. This exciting project will not only create jobs and skills opportunities for residents but also inspire the next generation of rail professionals. It will also strengthen Chesterfield’s position as an innovative destination for the rail sector, offering our young people a path into a rewarding career. We are excited to see the impact this will have on Chesterfield and the region upon its opening in 2026 as we continue to deliver for our residents.”

DRIIVe will include classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities, including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space.

The centre will support a network of specialist training providers, offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses, which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.

Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to submit an investment plan to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.

To find out more about DRIIVe and the Staveley Town Deal, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Stepnell and Barrow Hill Roundhouse support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Chesterfield named UK housing hotspot

Research by Sell House Fast has identified Chesterfield as a standout location to live.

The top locations, including Chesterfield, stood out for their affordability, transport and connectivity, local amenities and quality of life.

The research analysed towns across England and located close to major cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield.

Sell House Fast stated that “with low crime rates, strong school ratings, and an abundance of independent cafes and restaurants, these areas are ideal for families, first-time buyers, and young professionals.”

Chesterfield has also recently been named in a list of Britain’s happiest places to live by national newspaper, The Guardian. They stated, “Chesterfield sits on the edge of the Peak District and is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England, as well as historic medieval alleyways, churches, museums and grand old buildings. Its blend of urban and rural access (being just a short journey from both the Peak District national park, and Sheffield and Derby) makes it a popular place to live.”

The town also retained its spot as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands in the Rightmove Happy at Home index.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes, said: “If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home.”

Discover more about living in Chesterfield at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

People enjoying activities along the Chesterfield Canal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and ConstructionTagged in ,

Financial advice firm announces move to Chesterfield town centre

A financial advice company says it aims to create a one-stop shop for all things financial in Chesterfield town centre.

Queensbury Financial Advisers has announced the opening of a new office at 58 Knifesmithgate after an extensive six-month refurbishment, bringing together a wealth of experience with backgrounds in law, business and financial advice.

The business provides all the traditional investment and wealth management services such as ISAs, pensions and high interest deposit accounts, however, it also deals with mortgages, wills, probate and lasting power of attorney. We are very much a full-service finance firm.

Rebecca Bidwell, Director of the company commented: “We have completely renovated the property after stripping it back to brickwork. It’s had new electrics, a new heating system, new windows and door, along with some beautiful internal additions such as glass partitions and a modern chandelier above the boardroom table!”

Previously, Mark and Rebecca Bidwell founded Bidwell Henderson Costs Consultants, based in Alfreton, back in 2014. Starting their careers in law, they took the business from a start-up to a team of over sixty people within seven years. They sold the business in 2021 to a firm of financial advisers and decided to bring together their love of financial advice, running a business and law.

Business owners stood outside new office

Rebecca added: “We have spent a lot of time travelling for work and this time we wanted to base our business in the town we call home. We pride ourselves on being able to work with all clients. Business owners and senior leaders enjoy working with us because of our experience of being in their shoes.

“We found 58 Knifesmithgate for sale. Mark was instantly drawn to the building due to it’s brilliant positioning in the town centre. We made a heart-over-head decision to buy it and invest in the extensive renovation required.

Exterior of newly refurbished high street office building

“The building has the most beautiful original features from the art deco era, and it’s set over four floors. We could see the potential of the building, and it was ideal for our growth plans.

“It’s been a interesting journey renovating the building. We found a vintage safe hidden behind a wall, which has now become a feature on the ground floor.

The fast-growing practice is looking for financial advisers to join the team, along with support staff. Queensbury will also bring fun and finance sessions to the local community, helping to pass on important information, tools and resources to help others in building their financial futures.

Rebecca concluded: “We are passing on all the top tips and tools we have learnt along the way and the things we wish we had known earlier. We are also keen to be involved in projects with our local community.”

Find out more and contact the company on LinkedIn.

Find out why Chesterfield is an excellent location to start or grow your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield Town Board presses ahead to plan £20m investment, and deliver improvements communities want to see

Chesterfield Town Board, which was established to oversee the investment of almost £20m in the borough, is pressing ahead to identify key local improvement projects following confirmation that the funding is secure as part of the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme.

Board members, representing private, public and community and voluntary sector partners, have continued to meet and agree their future aspirations for the town – informed by the results of an extensive public consultation held last summer.

The partnership is now working up options for a range of projects, and planning further public engagement, to ensure that it is ready to start delivering improvements as soon as the programme funding is released in April 2026, for investment over the next ten years.

Dominic Staniforth, Chair of Chesterfield Town Board and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said: “We must once again say thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our extensive public consultation last summer – your views are helping us to shape plans for where this investment will be best spent, and where we can support the transformation which is already underway in Chesterfield town centre.

“People may have noticed a slight pause in our momentum since this consultation, whilst we awaited confirmation of the funding – and the scope of the programme – following the change of Government.

“Be reassured that all board members have remained firmly committed to achieving the aspirations we collectively have for our town, and to listening to and acting on the views of local people. We have continued to host regular board meetings where we have examined some of the key issues affecting Chesterfield including safety and security, regeneration and transport, to inform our long-term thinking.”

Projects which will contribute to creating vibrancy and increasing the attractiveness of Chesterfield town centre – protecting the future of the high street – were identified as a clear priority for local people, and the Board is now considering a range of ideas and funding early development work in response to what people, businesses, groups and charities said would make the biggest difference to Chesterfield.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant is the deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and represents the council on the Board. She said: “We are proud to have strong and innovative business and community networks here in Chesterfield and it’s great to see everyone working together to deliver projects which will make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives over the next 10 years.

“Everyone is working hard behind the scenes to make sure that plans are well advanced to start making a difference in the town as soon as the main project funding is available to be spent in April 2026.”

Project ideas that are being developed include how we make the most of the popular Crooked Spire as a visitor experience, developing a new makers’ and creative space, and considering what new events could be funded in the town centre to take full advantage of the new spaces being created through the ongoing regeneration.

The Board will also consider a wide range of further projects including action to tackle empty shop units, the provision of community facilities, further improvements to key arrival points and more work to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Dominic added: “The initial work we have carried out stands as a firm foundation from which to finalise detailed proposals.

“We’ll continue developing our plans for how to use this funding to help the town to grow and adapt to new challenges and look forward to sharing more details as the year progresses.”

The Board was set up in May 2024, and is made up of local business and community representatives, together with public sector organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council.

The previous government’s ‘Long-Term Plan for Towns’ initiative was announced in October 2023, and Chesterfield was named as one of 55 UK towns to benefit from this funding. In October 2024, the government confirmed that this initiative would continue with the same level of funding, as part of its Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. Updated guidance was issued in March 2025. The Town Board’s work over the last year will provide the foundation for how the funding is used in Chesterfield.

Decisions about how the £19.5m worth of funding is invested will be made by the Chesterfield Town Board, taking account of consultation with local people and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders.

For more information about the work of the Chesterfield Town Board, please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/chesterfield-town-board

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Stay, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Newly refurbished mental health ward opens at Walton Hospital

His Majesty’s (HM) Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire led a celebration for the official opening of a newly refurbished ward for older adults with functional mental health issues in Chesterfield as part of a long-term investment project aimed at improving patient experience and healthcare outcomes.

Developed by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Bluebell Ward – which is situated at Walton Hospital site in Chesterfield – provides mental healthcare for 12 older adults with acute mental health needs. The service has been transferred from the mixed-age Hartington Unit, which had dormitory-style accommodation.

Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE formally opened the newly refurbished Bluebell Ward during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, praising the importance of having a ward which reflects the needs of older adults with mental health needs in the north of the county.

The refurbished ward was the first of the six facilities to open to patients in the Making Room for Dignity programme, which will remove all dormitory-style accommodation to completely revamp the mental health inpatient facilities in Derbyshire. After a collaborative effort, Bluebell Ward has been refurbished with a £2.8 million investment to create an optimal environment for patients to receive specialised mental health care.

Mrs Fothergill spoke at the opening event and said: “It’s been an honour to meet so many people who have been involved in the creation of this wonderful new ward and it’s fantastic that we now have a specific older adult acute mental health facility in the north of the county.

“I understand that this wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of so many.”

The building and refurbishment programme has also been led largely by the contributions of a range of partners including input from staff. The purpose-built facilities offer sensory environments and access to more green spaces, promoting the benefits of therapeutic activity.

Each service user has their own en-suite bedroom and control over their environment, with the ability to adjust the lighting and temperature to suit their needs. The new facilities also provide greater access to outdoor and green spaces.

Selina Ullah, Trust Chair at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was enthusiastic about the recent development at the opening of the event, describing the new site as “a significant moment not only in Trust history but also for Derbyshire as a whole.”

Selina said: “This is a transformative improvement in the care we provide to people in Derbyshire with mental health needs. Bluebell Ward provides a wonderful, modern environment for older adults accessing our services. The bespoke facilities promote privacy and dignity, with individuals having access to their own bedrooms alongside a range of therapeutic activities taking place within shared spaces. The benefits have been felt by our colleagues and visitors, as well as by people using our services.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many patients sharing their enthusiasm for having their own rooms, where they can control their environment at the click of a button. I am hopeful that prioritising privacy will result in more favourable outcomes for our patients.”

The important milestone event was led by Trust CEO, Mark Powell, and included a range of talks on project developments as well as a plaque on display located in the ward’s reception area.

Mark said: “I’m really pleased to see our older adults’ services being provided from this newly refurbished ward. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of those under our care.

“We’ve received lots of positive feedback from patients, colleagues, carers and visitors during the five months the ward has been open, with comments outlining the positive difference the new environment has made to people’s care and recovery.

“All of this, of course, could not have been achieved without the dedicated, determined and hard-working teams. I would also like to say a big thank you to the many staff that have contributed to the successful completion and move to Bluebell Ward.”

The ward became fully operational in January after undergoing refurbishments made by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Bluebell Ward has been designed to meet the unique mental and physical health of older adults with conditions like schizophrenia and acute clinical depression.

Les Ralph, a member of the EQUAL Forum at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which is a forum for those with lived experience and their carers, also shared his thoughts. He said: “To have Bluebell Ward, dedicated to providing extra support to our more mature patients has always been high on everyone’s wish list. The EQUAL Network thanks everyone involved in making this all possible.”

Patients and staff at Bluebell Ward were also in attendance and joined by Toby Perkins – local MP for Chesterfield, the Integrated Care Board and partners at Derbyshire Community Health Services who provide services from the site at Walton Hospital.

The programme’s other two new builds are the Derwent Unit, a 54-bed unit at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, which opened on 18 March, the Carsington Unit, a 54-bed unit at the Kingsway Hospital site in Derby, which is set to open soon; and Kingfisher House, a psychiatric intensive care unit for male patients located at Kingsway Hospital in Derby.

The two refurbishment projects aside from Bluebell Ward are Audrey House at Kingsway in Derby set to open soon; and the Radbourne Unit, at the Royal Derby Hospital.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Local groups set to benefit from further grant funding

Local community groups and voluntary organisations in Chesterfield are set to benefit from a share of £220,000 in grant funding to help deliver grassroots projects that will improve life for local people.

After successfully launching its Community Grants Fund scheme in 2023 – which has already seen over 76 groups receive a share of over £310,000 – Chesterfield Borough Council is now inviting further eligible groups to apply for the funding that will help them to deliver key projects that benefit the local community.

Since the launch of the scheme, funding has been used to deliver projects that support resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help to tackle food poverty and social isolation, or support people to get in to work.

It is also supporting projects that will reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Applications for funding from the scheme are now open for eligible groups to apply. The deadline for applications is 20 June 2025.

More information on the eligibility criteria and details on how to apply can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Since the community grants scheme was launched in 2023, we’ve already helped a significant number of groups to deliver initiatives that are having a positive impact in our local communities, and we’ve really enjoyed watching these come to life.

“We are lucky to have so many groups here in Chesterfield that help to improve the lives of local people, so we’re really pleased to be able to offer additional funding that will help even more organisations deliver their plans.”

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wishing to apply for the grant. If you would like any help or guidance with submitting a bid, please contact the team on:

The grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded a further £1.1m through the UKSPF, to deliver a range of projects until March 2026. The funding was allocated to the council by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

MTM Products invests in innovation to improve efficiency and product range

MTM Products, a trusted manufacturer of labels, graphic overlays, metal nameplates, vinyl cut decals and more, is taking steps to improve its efficiency and broaden its product range.

The Chesterfield-based manufacturer, known for providing reliable solutions across various industries, has made significant investments in advanced equipment, automation and leadership.

These commitments are designed to maintain the high standards expected by their customers, while strengthening the company’s long-term success.

To expand its production potential and efficiencies, a new flat-bed cutter has been acquired through the Made Smarter government initiative.

This initiative supports manufacturers in adopting advanced digital technologies by connecting UK manufacturing industries to the digital tools, leadership and skills they need to drive sustainable growth.

Alongside this, to help MTM Products improve efficiency, further investments have been made into state-of-the-art CO2 and fibre laser equipment. This will not only cut down on production time and enhance product quality but will also provide the flexibility to handle a wider range of projects.

Improving operations was another key focus for the company. To do this, MTM launched a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system in March 2025.

The new system will now automate, streamline and improve communication across departments at the production level, resulting in faster turnaround times for customers.

March also saw the appointment of a new operations manager, whose role is to sharpen the focus of operations and maintain the high standards that MTM’s customers expect.

Bringing fresh expertise and a strong desire to drive operational growth, this new hire aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to increase internal capabilities while continuing to deliver high-quality solutions.

“Our investment in leadership is just as important as our investment in technology and is essential to maintain operational efficiency,” said Mark Niblett, Managing Director of MTM Products.

These investments are not just about boosting capabilities, but as a proud member of Made in the Midlands and MAKE UK, it’s about driving long-term growth within the business and the local community.

“By investing in innovation and local talent, we’re reinforcing our commitment to being a trusted UK manufacturer,” continued Mark Niblett.

Customers now have access to a wider range of cost-effective solutions, each designed to meet the unique needs of the industries MTM Products serves, ensuring reliability even in the most demanding environments.

Other investments aim to enhance quality control and increase precision, maintaining the high level of consistency and reliability that MTM Products is known for. Combined with its new ERP system, MTM is working to streamline its production and delivery processes, so it can continue to meet customer deadlines with ease.

Find out more about MTM Products at: https://www.mtmproducts.co.uk/contact/

MTM Products supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, Skills, Uncategorised