Development

Furniture and lighting firm chooses Markham Vale for its northern base.

Aver Property has confirmed a 224,000 sq ft deal with one of the UK’s biggest furniture companies at Markham Vale.

The deal will see Gallery Direct take the Orion 1 unit on Seymour Link Road as its packing, warehousing, and distribution hub for the North.  This newly built facility owned by Aver property, comprises an eaves height of 15 metres, 21 docking doors and spaces for 39 trailers. It boasts over 224,000 sq. ft. of space, enough to house 35,000 pallets.

This distribution facility sits prominently fronting onto the M1 Motorway and will serve as Gallery’s northern packing, warehousing, and distribution hub, with enough space to accommodate the ongoing expansion of the business. The property is also planned to accommodate a new 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art showroom over three floors.

Established in 1973 as a small family run business, Gallery Direct has grown to become the leading British based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of furniture, home decor and accessories, committed to offering the complete home furnishings solution.

Peter Delaney, managing director at The Gallery Direct Group, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this prestigious facility in an amazing northern location. The fact is that this new property, combined with our southern warehouse and head office, improves further our distribution and operational capacity. We will be able to serve 96% of our clients’ requirements with one day delivery times, utilising our own home distribution fleet.

“We are excited to be expanding Gallery’s established home interiors categories, including furniture, lighting, wall décor and textiles, as well as the newer developments in outdoor living, home accessories and Christmas. Our strategy to be the leading supplier of the complete home and outdoor solution continues at pace. OrionOne is another significant milestone for our business and we look forward to welcoming clients to our grand opening early in 2022.”

Rob Whatmuff, from Colliers, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Aver Property on this transaction. Agreeing the deal in advance of practical completion is testament to both the quality of the building and the Markham Vale location.”

 

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Chesterfield’s Custom Solar completes innovative panel installation at the port of Southampton

Chesterfield-based green energy company, Custom Solar is proud to have completed its latest innovative solar project in the Port of Southampton.

The latest development in partnership with Associated British Ports sees the Horizon Cruise Terminal fitted with 2,000 solar modules, providing an 871kWp (Kilowatt Peak) system which will generate 850MWh per year. This ultimately means that on a day-to-day basis the terminal will generate more energy than it uses.

The new Horizon Cruise Terminal is thought to be the greenest in the UK. It is a significant step forward in energy sustainability within the maritime sector, with the ‘plug-in’ Shore Power technology that will allow vessels to connect to the national grid for power, significantly cutting carbon emissions.

The innovatively designed curved rooftop of the Horizon Cruise Terminal provided challenges to the project, with significant obstacles spanning spotlights and shipping infrastructure. As well as this, the installation of the project accounted for snow loading challenges with the architectural design of the rooftop. The Custom Solar design team expertly surpassed these challenges with a bespoke developed design.

ABP’s Sustainable Development Manager, Sue Simmonite, said: “From the outset of the design phase, we have been committed to ensuring our new Horizon Cruise Terminal embraces sustainability principles. Working with Custom Solar we have been able to maximise the amount of solar generation installed on the roof space of the design such that the terminal will be a net generator of renewable energy.”

Custom Solar’s Chief Executive, Gary Sucharewycz, said: “We are proud to have delivered another fantastic project for the Associated British Ports at the Port of Southampton. We have been involved in the project from concept and worked on complex solutions through the architectural design phase.

“This resulted in our team designing a bespoke mounting solution to seamlessly integrate the solar system into the bi-directional curvature of the roof. It’s been a fantastic project to have been involved with and one that our team have enjoyed being part of. The visual impact is impressive but more importantly we have assisted our client in identifying and creating solutions for deploying on site solar in a complex environment which is what we specialise in with our expert team.

“We operate and maintain over 3MW of solar assets at the Port of Southampton that we delivered over the last 3 years with further projects being developed and delivered.

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK.

The firm’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on creativity, expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety. The company values the trust placed in it to provide the correct solar solution and investment plan for each unique scenario.

Custom Solar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

New solar installation at Port of Southampton, Image Credit – ABP

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Community Chesterfield launches next round of training and shared learning sessions

Community Chesterfield has launched its next phase of training and shared learning workshops to support the learning needs of staff and students at the University of Derby, as well as community and voluntary third sector groups across Derbyshire which help people in Chesterfield.

The project, which is a Lottery funded partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby, has announced the topics to be covered up to February next year across its different learning programmes.

A variety of workshops which are one to two hour long one-off sessions covering a range of topics, will take place throughout the rest of the year. The subjects being focused on are a Makaton taster, Introduction to Domestic Abuse Training (accredited), Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills and Gambling-Related Harm Awareness.

Due to its popularity during previous series, the project’s Training and Tea sessions are returning, the first of which is a series of seven sessions focusing on fundraising to be delivered by Anna Clyne, director of MTH Consulting, who has 15 years’ experience working in frontline and management positions within the sector.

She specialises in supporting UK and international charities to understand impact, build a strategic approach to income generation and develop compelling funding approaches. Her first session will take place on 6 October.

Andrew Deighton will also return to facilitate more Training and Tea sessions early next year, delivering subjects including Solving Problems and Generating Ideas, Personal Development Planning and Managing Your Time More Effectively.

Connect and Reflect, which aims to connect the community, the health and social care sector and the University to allow them to discuss, learn from and reflect on the common experiences we each have, will also continue on the second Tuesday of every month.

The interactive online networking and shared learning sessions will cover the following topics between August and December: Conversations about Coaching and Building Teams, Accessible and Creative Communication and End of Life: Those Who Give Support Need Support, Identity and Intersectionality and Social Media: Professionally Sociable.

Connect and Reflect is for community and voluntary third sector organisations or groups helping people in Chesterfield, staff and students at the University of Derby and individuals working within Health or Social Care for people in Chesterfield.

Community Chesterfield also provides access to E-Learning courses which can be completed at your own pace. Available topics include Assessing Display Screen Equipment (DSE), First Aid Awareness, Negotiation and Time Management.

Places on all the above training and shared learning are free for University of Derby staff and students with a connection to Chesterfield, as well as those working at or volunteering for Derbyshire-based ‘not for profit’ community organisations helping people in Chesterfield. Some subsidised tickets are available for Training and Tea for anyone in Derbyshire. Terms and conditions apply.

For the full list of training and shared learning or to book a place on any of the sessions, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/community-chesterfield-30163085884.

Community Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Entrepreneurs offered post-COVID funding through new Vision Derbyshire partnership

A new grant scheme aimed at providing support for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses has been announced in Derbyshire, to aid the county’s economic recovery.

As the county continues to recover after a difficult 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a huge increase in people setting up their own business.

Figures show that across the UK more than 400,000 new businesses, including more than 2,000 in Derbyshire, were launched last year, with entrepreneurs who may have never dreamed of being their own bosses helping to lead the UK’s post-COVID recovery.

Now, a partnership of local authorities across Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Council, have joined forces to launch Vision Derbyshire in order to encourage more people living locally to set up their own companies too.

Called the ‘Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme’, the scheme is open to those who are about to take the plunge or have just started their business journey.

Vision Derbyshire has already assembled a team of local expert business advisors who will be there to offer free advice and support, while funding of up to £10,000 per applicant is also available.

Networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success will also be a part of the package.

Nothing on this scale has ever been launched in Derbyshire before and, unlike other business support schemes, Vision Derbyshire is targeting entrepreneurs and those aged between 17 and 30, or who are aged over 50 and who lost their jobs or livelihoods during COVID.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Economic lead for Vision Derbyshire and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, which is one of the councils taking part alongside Derbyshire County Council said: “Councils across Derbyshire have been committed to doing all we can for our businesses through what has been an incredibly difficult time but, like places up and down the country, our local economy has been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic.

 

“However, out of hardship often come silver linings and it has also seen many people who were among the most badly affected launch their own businesses or make plans to go it alone.

“They are precisely the people that this Vision Derbyshire scheme is designed to help, so that together we can nurture the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship that has always burned brightly in Derbyshire in order to help the county’s economy to re-emerge stronger.

“We are delighted to be involved in this county-wide initiative and would encourage anybody who has considered starting their own business or who has taken the plunge in the past year to find out more about how Vision Derbyshire can help them to turn their plans into a successful and sustainable business.”

A funding pot of £550,000, which has been raised through Derbyshire’s involvement in the Government’s Retained Business Rates Pilot scheme, has been set aside to fund companies, with a range of grants available over the next two years.

To find out more about the Vision Derbyshire scheme visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/visionderbyshirebusinesssupport or email Business@derbyshire.gov.uk

 

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Chamber celebrates helping 1,000 young people find job placements via Kickstart Scheme

East Midlands Chamber is celebrating after passing a major milestone – helping more than 1,000 young people to secure a job placement via the Kickstart Scheme.

The region’s leading business representation group has been commended by the Minister for Employment after playing a key role in assisting companies to create six-month work placements for people aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit or at risk of long-term unemployment.

The Chamber is the UK’s largest and – with almost half the vacancies created resulting in a position being filled – top-performing gateway organisation, which lodges funding applications on behalf of businesses to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It celebrated the landmark achievement by welcoming key civil servants at the DWP to the Chesterfield Jobs Fair, hosted by Chesterfield Borough Council, earlier today (15 September).

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive and Kickstart lead Diane Beresford, along with education and business partnership manager Pieter Eksteen, also met with Jo Macdonald, who chairs the Kickstart gateway approvals board for the DWP, to explain how the Chamber has managed to secure so many placement starts among young people.

Diane said: “Young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic both in terms of their mental and physical wellbeing, and the significant amount of unemployment it has created.

“The Kickstart Scheme has therefore been a lifeline for them to get the skills and work experience that will be vital to their future prospects. We’re delighted with our track record in converting applications into real jobs, which have played a key role in giving young people the chance they may not have otherwise had while also enabling companies to trial new roles.

“We’re continuing to support businesses and job centres to place young people, as well as look beyond the six-month period to ensure there’s a future roadmap to full-time employment.”

How Kickstart Scheme has benefitted businesses and young people

Nick Hogan, owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, has hired six games masters via the Kickstart Scheme – with two other vacancies now live and an application for another position currently being processed – and joined the celebration event with Kickstart employee James Bryan.

Nick has entered into a joint venture partnership with some members of his Kickstart team to establish Chesterfield Games Quarter, which will comprise the escape rooms as well as a video games zone, virtual reality zone and the existing Geeks board game venue. Based in Soresby Street, it is due to open in October.

“I used the Kickstart scheme because I wanted to give something back to the town and create new opportunities for young people,” said Nick, who has given the team a five-figure, interest-free loan to the team to help it run the business.

“But it has also allowed me to get my foot into the market to assess the business opportunity, and has given me the confidence to now grow this into the Chesterfield Games Quarter concept.”

Freelance actor James, 22, of Chesterfield, (pictured above) is four months into his Kickstart placement at the escape rooms business after finding acting work opportunities deteriorated during the pandemic.

He said: “It’s been the opportunity of a lifetime to get involved with a new business, and gain some really valuable experience and diverse skills for my CV that will be really important for my future employability.”

How does the Kickstart Scheme work?

The DWP funds 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, national insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week over a six-month period.

Employers can choose to top up this wage and are also eligible for a £1,500 Government grant for training people on a Kickstart placement.

Once applications are accepted, young people are referred into the roles via a Jobcentre Plus work coach.

East Midlands Chamber has had more than 2,700 placements approved among almost 800 businesses located in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and other locations. Of these, 2,200 have resulted in vacancies being created and 1,024 of those have now been filled.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “It’s fantastic to see that over 1,000 young people have begun their Kickstart journey thanks to the vital support from East Midlands Chamber, in a range of exciting new roles, setting them on the road for their future careers – crucially part of the over 69,000 young people who have now started these jobs.

“Our Plan for Jobs is focused on creating and spreading opportunity just like this around the UK as we push to level up across the country.”

East Midlands Chamber and Chesterfield Escape Rooms support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New apprentice software engineer bolsters the Weightron Bilanciai team

Weightron Bilanciai has announced a further addition to its apprenticeship program with the hiring of new Software Engineer, Reece Berry.

The move follows on from the successful completion of a Graduate Apprenticeship scheme at Sheffield Hallam University of an existing Software Developer.

Reece, 18, said: “Before I joined Weightron I studied A-Levels at St Mary’s Sixth Form in Chesterfield where I did the subjects ICT, English Literature and Drama.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways.

“Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.

“I would highly recommend doing an apprenticeship to those who are searching for a job.”

Instead of taking the ‘traditional’ university route, an apprenticeship enables young people to learn and work whilst receiving an income, and have the determination to progress further.

Reece added: “Weightron Bilanciai have also given me the option to obtain a degree qualification at Sheffield Hallam University whilst working, this would also enable me to have a recognized qualification without the burden of university fees.”

There are many opportunities for young people across Chesterfield to get onto the career ladder via an apprenticeship. The innovative ‘My Future’ platform gives learners the option to:

• Meet local employers and explore apprenticeship opportunities
• Work with training providers to learn about and access courses that are available
• Virtually visit post 16 institutions including colleges and universities
• Learn about the employment opportunities in your town

Chesterfield was also the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

Weightron Bilanciai supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Manufacturing, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Mortgage 1st strengthens Senior Team due to continued success and growth

Throughout the past 18 months, whilst they navigated the challenges the pandemic forced upon them and all other businesses across the country, Mortgage 1st has continued its impressive growth.

The firm says conditions were tough in 2020, with service levels affected whilst lenders, solicitors, estate agents and mortgage brokers were all adjusting to the changes.

However, the determination and hard work of the Mortgage 1st team and the understanding and loyalty from their customers has ensured the company reached the half way point in 2021 with a record set of results.

As the majority of their Mortgage Advisers already worked remotely all over the country they could continue to operate throughout even the restrictive lockdowns. The head office team which includes senior members and the Mortgage Processing Department were having to adapt almost daily, but took all the changes in their stride and their focus firmly remained on their customers and colleagues alike.

Even throughout 2020, Mortgage 1st continued with recruitment plans and the team has grown at a similar rate to previous years. All departments increased with new team members including Administrators, Processors, Mortgage Advisers and an Apprentice Administrator.

With a team of almost 40 it was time to expand the Senior Management Team and Mortgage 1st has announced an internal promotion, along with the appointment of a new senior manager.

Carly Montisci first joined the Mortgage 1st family 5 years ago in 2016 as a mortgage administrator, with no industry experience. With her drive and passion she very quickly established herself as a key member in the team and stepped up to a mortgage processor role and then Head of Processing within her first two years, followed by a third promotion to Senior manager shortly after.

Carly’s new role is Head of Service, which encapsulates her skills and passions perfectly as even from day one her focus has always been on the team and the service their customers receive.

On the 1st of August, John Wileman joined the senior team as Head of Development to work alongside Carly and the Directors Jon & Lisa Stones. John has over 20 years’ industry experience and will be offering support to all their mortgage advisers as well as managing the on-boarding, training and ongoing support for all new advisers who join the team.

Lisa Stones – Operations Director at Mortgage 1st said: “Jon are I, along with the whole team congratulates Carly for her well-deserved promotion and we’re delighted to officially welcome John to the Mortgage 1st family. By strengthening our senior team we are now equipped more than ever before to push forward with our ambitions future growth plans. There are lots happening behind the scenes at Mortgage 1st at the moment so as they say…. Watch this space!”

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Destination Chesterfield Chair to speak at prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group PLC, has been announced as the guest speaker for this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards on Thursday 30th September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region. The awards are split into 10 categories covering every aspect of the property sector and will celebrate the achievements and standards set by both companies and individuals.

Peter Swallow said: “I am very much looking forward to speaking at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2021. Despite the challenges over the last 18 months the East Midlands construction and property sector has held up well and we have a lot to celebrate.”

This year’s award categories include: Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.

The Bricks also present an ideal networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.

A number of developments are currently taking place in Chesterfield, including the town’s flagship Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Elder Way schemes. To find out more about the regeneration taking place across the town, take a look at our developments page.

Chesterfield is also home to the Property and Construction group,  which brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

If you want to find out more about Chesterfield’s ongoing regeneration and investment opportunites, you are now able to secure a free place at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, taking place on Wednesday, 24th November. Find out more.

Bolsterstone Group PLC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

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Chesterfield businesses can access support in recruiting highly-skilled graduates

Businesses looking to benefit from graduate talent, that already employ less than 250 people, can access free, tailored recruitment, talent matching, training and funding support through RISE.

RISE is delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Working closely with firms to understand their very specific needs, RISE supports the sourcing, hiring, and the successful transition of graduates into the workplace.  Since RISE launched in 2013, more than 470 businesses in Sheffield City Region have benefited from the free recruitment and wrap-around business support they deliver.

Xbite, an online retailer based in North Derbyshire recently connected with RISE to accelerate their growth plans.

Rikki Stout, Head of HR at Xbite, explains: “We connected with RISE because we wanted to meet, train and develop fresh graduate talent. We understand the value in finding ambitious young people who are hungry for experience and seeking a challenge. RISE has matched us with excellent people straight from university, meaning we can nurture and develop them early on. We are part of their journey and they are part of ours.”

“Meet the candidates that RISE match you with and you’ll understand the calibre of people in their talent pool. It is true that graduates will need time to learn your specific systems, tech and culture, but that is the same with any new appointment. You wouldn’t expect someone to race a F1 car just because they have a driving licence.  If anything, there are some major benefits to businesses that can connect with people in this way, and play a role in developing their skills at the very start of their career.”

RISE is engaging with businesses from now until 13th October 2021, and would encourage businesses to get in touch as soon as possible if they would like help to secure talent.

Find out more at: www.risescr.co.uk 

 

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Derbyshire Institute of Sport launches programme to instil ‘Olympic know-how’ in local businesses

An organisation which has created more than 20 world-class athletes, including 10 Olympians and Paralympians who competed in Tokyo this year, has launched a new scheme aimed at improving leadership within local businesses.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport is offering to give firms in our area the same performance psychology tools and techniques they use in the elite sports environment to build resilience, motivation and a mindset for success.

Managing Director Chloe Maudsley explained: “Our Business Champions club is a unique 12-month programme designed by our performance psychologist, Dr Phil Clarke, to give you the tools to be the best version of yourself and through that accelerate your business growth. It offers something different from traditional business coaching.”

The second cohort of Business Champions starts in October and only six places are available. This time it is all online, except for a final, face-to-face event in September 2022, making to easier for busy professionals to join sessions from anywhere without time-consuming travel.

Dr Clarke, who has trained elite athletes and FTSE 250 companies, said: “The sessions and tasks in this year-long programme will help you learn how to thrive in high-pressure situations and adjust to rapidly-changing situations in the business environment.”

Craig Harbron, of Bennett Engineering Design Solutions, completed the first Business Champions programme. He said: “It has enhanced my ability to understand new approaches to situations and new ways of thinking. Having these methods and understanding has led to increased motivation, focus points and with the one-to-one support I’ve been able to overcome current challenges.”

Another graduate of the first programme, business owner Sarah Gatford, said: “Working with DIS Business Champions has been a great decision.

“Having been knocked sideways by the pandemic business-wise, being part of this programme and having access to the incredibly knowledgeable and insightful Dr Phil Clarke has supported me in turning things around.

“I’ve had the opportunity to talk things through individually, attend webinars and generally feel that I’m back on my feet with some exciting new challenges ahead.”

During the year, Business Champions will have six educational webinars, 11 group reflection webinars and six one-to-one coached sessions online with Dr Clarke where they can work through specific challenges that they face at work or work on improvements to their reactions, communication and behaviours in different circumstances. There will also be five peer tasks during the year that champions will work on remotely in pairs.

You can read more about the programme at https://www.derbyshireis.co.uk/business-champions-club and request a digital brochure from Chloe Maudsley by emailing info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ringing 07974 231564.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New Chesterfield store can provide portraits of your pooch

A new shop has opened in Chesterfield catering to every need of our canine companions, providing portraits, natural treats and remedies, handmade collars, personalised dog-themed gifts, luxury toys and much more.

Barkworthy Dog Emporium can be found in the Theatre Yard area of Chesterfield Town Centre, after owners Anthony and Carole Foster decided to relocate to the town from Manchester.

Anthony said: “We moved to Chesterfield from Manchester in July this year with the intention of escaping the congestion and overcrowding of city life. We had heard about Chesterfield and its historic roots but were unprepared for how clean and unspoilt it really was.

“It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do. Set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

Anthony says the shop was almost exclusively online, with the new store being the couple’s first bricks-and-mortar venture. Anthony explained that one of the things that drew them to the town was the efforts to drive more visitors into the town as part of the #LoveChesterfield campaign:

“We were heartened to see stilt-walkers in flowing robes, flower displays and colourful entertainment designed to entice shoppers back to the area. We understood this was undoubtedly part of a concerted campaign, and such efforts could only be beneficial for anybody wanting to set up business here.

“It seemed that people liked to shop local, to see and feel the products they were buying and the wealth of small businesses prospering cheek-by-jowl with the usual retail giants bore that out. We spoke to stallholders and small business owners, who naturally bemoaned the tribulations of a difficult year, but were generally satisfied and optimistic for the future. This gave us hope and confidence.

“When we saw the empty shop on Theatre Yard in the Low Pavement area, with its high vaulted windows and niche appeal in a creative little space, it immediately felt as though our vision had found its natural home.”

Following that, Anthony was quickly in touch with Chesterfield Borough Council’s commercial property team, to explore the possibility of moving into the new store.

He explained: “We set about pursuing a lease from the council for this property, which in addition to being perfect for our new venture, serendipitously housed a huge statue of a dog outside!

“Claire and Hannah from the council were incredibly helpful, answering our questions and taking the time to keep us apprised at every stage. Claire even responded to one email inquiry on a Sunday evening, when I imagine most people would much rather be relaxing in front of the TV with a glass of wine!

“Knowing we were dealing with real people who were just as invested as ourselves made all the difference in coming to a decision to choose Chesterfield for our business.”

The store is now open to visitors, and Anthony explained why the store will provide a unique experience for dog-lovers in Chesterfield and beyond:

“Carole is the trustee of a charity which rescues and rehomes unwanted Sled Dogs and Northern breeds, while I am an artist specialising in pastel portraits of wildlife and pets.

“Dedicating part of the shop as a studio and sitting in the window at my easel seemed a good way to attract visitors, while Carole’s contacts with various artisan pet suppliers through her charity work stood us in good stead to bring products and services to the area that are a little different to the standard fayre purveyed through the chain pet stores.

“As well as artisan treats, dog deli style birthday cakes and gift boxes, we have a wealth of handmade items, collars and leads and also personalised mugs, bags, cushions and photo gifts upon which patrons can have their favourite pet pictures imprinted.

“We treat our dogs like family, spoiling and pampering them, always looking for that one gift or treat that makes their tails wag that bit harder. Our overarching ambition for Barkworthy Dog Emporium is to embrace with the community of Chesterfield a shared love of pets and create a local, friendly, accessible port of call for all their dog’s needs.”

You can find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

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