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“I am reminded of how lucky we are in Chesterfield to live in such beautiful surroundings.”

Destination Chesterfield Chairman Peter Swallow has shared his optimism for the future across Chesterfield in his latest blog.

Following the easing of restrictions on the hospitality sector in May, it has been a pleasure to be able once again to sample our wonderful restaurants and cafes. This is not just because of the record rainfall we experienced, followed by the recent very welcome sunshine – but because it’s given me a real sense that the end of the pandemic is in sight.

As summer is here, I am reminded of how lucky we are in Chesterfield to live in such beautiful surroundings. We have a wealth of picturesque places to visit, right here on our doorstep. It’s a great place to live and an excellent base for UK staycations.

By way of example, we have Chatsworth with its stunning grounds and gardens and also the glorious Peak District – which is celebrating 70 years since becoming the UK’s first national park, both offering a host of summer activities for us all to get involved in. Our very own Chesterfield Museum has re-opened after 14 months and is looking forward to welcoming visitors old and new.

It’s also been refreshing to see the weekly open air markets back in the town centre as well as the monthly Artisan market. They too send out a re-affirming message that we are well on the way to normal service resuming in our lives – 19 July permitting.

Continuing the positive theme, I am delighted to report that, despite the constraints of the pandemic, significant progress has been made at each of Chesterfield’s key building developments.

Tenants have been confirmed for some of the floorspace in the new office building under construction at Chesterfield Waterside. BHP Chartered Accountants will be making the move to One Waterside Place shortly after its completion later this year. In addition, the first residents have taken occupation in the new housing being developed by Avant Homes in the ‘Waterside Quarter’ area of the project.

The Glass Yard on Sheffield Road is also on schedule for completion shortly. The offices and meeting spaces have been designed sustainably and ergonomically and will incorporate The Batch House – an artisan food and drink hall. A place to work, eat and meet.

Work at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in the heart of the town, continues at great pace, with the plastering works now complete. This too is also on track for completion and will welcome tenants in the summer.

With the demand for regional satellite offices growing since the pandemic, Chesterfield not only has a great supply of high specification, flexible office space but we also offer a cost effective and central location. Once again Chesterfield is ahead of the curve.

With the prospect of HS2 enabling travel from Chesterfield to London in just 73 mins, these are very exciting times for us as a town as we look to attract investment from large companies looking to establish regional offices.

We will continue to benefit and grow as a result of the Waterside Place, Glass Yard and Enterprise Centre developments as we welcome the many new businesses who will soon be making Chesterfield their address of choice.

Just 16 months ago, Chesterfield like the rest of the country and, indeed the world, wondered what the future held amidst the pandemic. Today, we can confidently say the future is very bright for the town thanks to the overall economic strategy and putting in place the tools to facilitate delivery.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Derbyshire economy bounces back strongly, East Midlands Chamber survey finds

Confidence among Derbyshire businesses is continuing to make a strong comeback as the economy reopens – hitting heights not witnessed for almost three years, according to new research by East Midlands Chamber.

The latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2021 by the region’s leading business representation group shows recruitment, sales and investment all increased significantly as the Government roadmap out of lockdown progressed.

Its State of the Economy Index – a measure of the region’s economic health compiled by aggregating various indicators – reached its highest level since Q3 2018 as the steady recovery was replaced with big growth expectations.

More than 400 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the survey between 17 May and 8 June.

Key findings from the survey for Derbyshire included:

• UK sales increased for a net 35% of businesses, while advanced orders were up for a net 31%
• Overseas sales rose for a net 3% of respondents and overseas orders increased for a net 2%
• A net 17% of organisations increased their labour force in the previous three months, while a net 44% expect to grow it over the next three months (only 3% expecting it to reduce)
• There was finally some positive news regarding cashflow, which had decreased for the majority of firms during each of the previous five quarters, with a net 6% reporting it to have improved
• Investment intentions are rising, with a net 32% expecting to spend on machinery and equipment while a net 28% predict they will invest in training
• A net 63% of businesses are confident their turnover will improve over the coming quarter, while a net 33% believe profitability will increase too

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Building on the recovery seen in Q1 2021, growth across Derbyshire – both in terms of activity and sentiment – continued to strengthen as the Government roadmap for re-opening progressed across the past three months.

“Domestic markets performed particularly strongly for both sales and orders, while overseas markets were stronger for advanced orders than in-quarter sales.

“Employment has also increased and looks set to continue growing with positive recruitment intentions. Encouragingly, following a year of cashflow deterioration, as more businesses have been allowed to open and confidence has grown, access to cash has also improved for the majority of firms.

“While there remain certain sectors for whom the roadmap has been slower to reach them and are still in need of support, the overall picture is one of strong growth and strong prospects for future demand and activity.”

Despite the positive trajectory for most key economic indicators, there were signs of potential growing pains ahead.

Six in 10 respondents attempted to recruit in the second quarter and, of those 62% struggled to fill roles. These difficulties were particularly acute for skilled and professional jobs, but also present across less skilled roles.
As workforces increase, half of businesses reported difficulties in finding the skills they need – versus 42% that were confident of doing so.

Pressures on pricing may be the biggest issue to watch, with a net 49% anticipating increases in their prices over the coming quarter. The biggest pressure is coming from raw material prices (60%), particularly for manufacturers, but it is also coming from other overheads (42%), including energy costs and staff pay.

Chris added: “Although the headline figures are clearly positive, it’s not all plain sailing for businesses.

“At the same time, problems associated with growth are immeasurably preferable to those associated with decline, and businesses overall will be encouraged with where the economy currently is, particularly given where we were six months ago.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

New Advisory Panel launched to support Chesterfield and Derbyshire’s manufacturing sector

A newly-launched panel will support and accelerate the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of the manufacturing economy across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership estimates the manufacturing sector employs over 125,000 people and generates £7.2bn into the region’s economy – ranking third outside London and the South-East – and has the largest cluster of transport manufacturing and R&D in the country.

The LEP will be working with local manufacturing business leaders, the region’s universities, local authorities, and business organisations including Make UK to champion and strengthen manufacturing across region and improve the regional economic performance, retaining excellence in sectors including aerospace, automotive, food and drink, medical and rail.

Primary objectives of the panel include developing an action plan for competitive and sustainable manufacturing and co-ordinating, facilitating and forging closer links between academia and industry with a focus on supporting businesses to adopt new digital innovation and disruptive technologies and embrace low carbon growth.

The panel will also forge strong connections at a national level, particularly with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and Innovate UK.

Martin Rigley MBE, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lindhurst Engineering and Chair of the D2N2 Manufacturing Advisory Panel said: “Clearly the way manufacturers do business is changing at a rapid rate and it’s important that manufacturing is prepared to face the challenges this brings; particularly in the adoption of digital technologies and meeting net zero targets.

“The Manufacturing Advisory Group is sector and size agnostic and aims to use its strong network amongst businesses, large and small, supported by our strong FE and HE representation to guide manufacturing businesses in our region through an evolving way of doing business.”

Sajeeda Rose, CEO of the D2N2 LEP, said: “Manufacturing is our region’s largest sector and employer. As we transform into a more competitive, greener economy, our manufacturers will need support to embrace industrial digitalisation and net-zero challenges.

“We are proud to be bringing together such an impressive group to provide a strong voice for manufacturing across D2N2 to address these challenges and drive our economic growth.”

Charlotte Horobin, Region Director for Make UK in the Midlands and East, said:

“Manufacturing is key to the prosperity of D2N2, the need to ensure our manufacturers are equipping themselves with the skills and technologies to boost their competitiveness has never been so important.”

The D2N2 Manufacturing Advisory Panel met for the first time on 30 June and will meet every two months to collaborate on how best to drive growth and productivity the region.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

New Charity Partner for Superior Wellness

Europe’s largest hot tub distributor, Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness has announced a new partnership with Fibromyalgia Action UK.

From this July, Superior Wellness will be officially supporting Fibromyalgia Action UK, who are fighting for freedom from Fibromyalgia – to raise awareness and funds.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes persistent pain all over the body. As well as widespread pain, other symptoms will include but are not limited to fatigue and non-refreshing sleep, and brain or fibro fog.

Although there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with. Hydrotherapy and relaxing in warm water are a great way for those suffering with the condition to find some potential respite. Routine soaks can also help relieve stress which is another that can make symptoms more intense.

Miami Spas, the retail division of Superior Wellness, will be donating £5 per hot tub sold from 1 July to Fibromyalgia Action UK. The company will also be offering a discount on hot tubs to all Fibromyalgia Action UK members.

Throughout the year the Superior Wellness team will be taking part in a series of charity events. The first one being Tough Mudder on 1 August where 39 team members will be taking part and all funds raised will go directly to Fibromyalgia Action UK.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director at Superior Wellness said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Fibromyalgia Action UK. My Mum suffers from it and one way for her to actually cope with the condition is a nice soak in the hot tub. The warm water and the hydrotherapy from the jets can make a difference.

“We hope to raise awareness of the condition through the partnership, particularly amongst young people, as many may not even know what it is. We will also be raising funds throughout the year with charity events starting with Tough Mudder.

“There is great synergy between our brands and we are very excited about our partnership.”

Des Quinn, Chair of Fibromyalgia Action UK said: “It’s amazing that Superior Wellness chose to donate their time and resources to help the cause of fibromyalgia awareness. We are overjoyed that they have chosen us to be their charity of the year.

“We look forward to working with them throughout the year.”

Superior Wellness, rebranded from Superior Spas in November 2020, with a purpose ‘to improve wellbeing for all’. As well as selling products that focus on wellness, the team’s wellness is also of utmost importance. There is an onsite gym, and weekly fitness classes including yoga, boxing and circuits. The team can enjoy subsidised healthy meals and a breakout room with a pool table, table tennis and table football.

Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield estate agents support launch of new Derbyshire Times property guide

The Derbyshire Times has launched a brand new 16-page weekly property guide – thanks to the support of leading estate agents from across Chesterfield.

The new supplement, which launched in the June 17 edition of the Derbyshire Times, will showcase the beautiful homes for sale and to rent across the north Derbyshire area.

It also includes editorial features about homes for sale, as well as local market news and the latest on interior design trends.

Phil Bramley, editor of the Derbyshire Times, said: “The backing we have received from local estate agents for this initiative has been exceptional.

“North Derbyshire has a burgeoning housing market, along with many new developments in the pipeline.

“The area’s excellent transport links and robust local economy have made it an attractive prospect as the recovery gets underway.

“We’ve been working hard throughout the pandemic to keep our readers up-to-date on news that matters to them in the district, and we’ve learnt from their feedback how much they value the DT as a trusted source of local information online and in print.

“We know, too, that property is of huge interest to our readers right now – which is why we are so pleased to launch the new property guide this week.

“I’d also like to thank all the local estate agents who have supported this initiative and helped make it happen.”

Chesterfield and the surrounding area is a popular and established destination for both businesses and visitors as well as a superb place to live offering a great lifestyle.

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone. Find out more about living in the town here. 

Derbyshire Times supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Finalists announced for East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards

The finalists of this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards have been revealed.

About 165 organisations from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have been recognised in the 2021 edition of the annual contest, which is once again run in partnership with principal sponsor Mazars.

The awards are split into three events for each county and feature 13 categories, with a new award this year for Collaboration Project of the Year to celebrate pioneering partnerships within Chamber membership.

There’s also a new-look Excellence in Innovation award, which replaces the Innovation in Manufacturing category, as more ground-breaking firms are invited to showcase how they are pushing boundaries in their sectors.

Winners are chosen during a virtual judging day by a panel including sponsors, a Chamber board member and a representative from the Chamber’s senior leadership team. An overall Business of the Year is also selected for each county from all the finalists by Mazars.

After the awards ceremonies were held virtually last year due to lockdown restrictions, the Chamber plans for a return to physical events in late 2021, pending Government guidance.

The Derbyshire Business Awards will take place on Friday 12 November.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Last year, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of more than 120 organisations during what was a difficult period for many, so it’s absolutely fantastic to see even more businesses, social enterprises and charities recognised this year.

“There were so many examples of incredible innovation, growth and resilience among our members in the entries, giving us a chance to shout about all the great things our region has to offer.

“We can’t wait to hold another set of memorable awards ceremonies, hopefully this time in person, with the brilliant support of our sponsors.”

For more information about the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards2021.

Derbyshire Business Awards 2021 finalists

Business Improvement Through Technology – Sponsored by Purpose Media
• Futures Housing Group
• Healthy Stuff
• Penny Hydraulics
• Scenariio
• Thompson Tree Services (Midlands)

Community Impact Award – Sponsored by University of Derby
• Fortem Solutions
• Griffith Foods
• Liniar
• MVIS
• Resilient World Solutions

Outstanding Growth Award – Sponsored by Amazon
• Fibre Tec Solutions
• Professional Heating Solutions
• Project D
• Sky Recruitment Solutions
• SureScreen Diagnostics

Environmental Impact Award – Sponsored by Futures Housing Group
• Derby City Council – DE-Carbonise Project
• Devtank
• Griffith Foods
• Liniar
• MVIS

Commitment to People Development Award – Sponsored by 2020 Training
• AIM Commercial Services
• Aztec Oils
• Nelsons
• Peak Indicators
• Purpose Media

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Derby College Group
• Keenan Gregory – Futures Housing Group
• Lisa Scarboro – Futures Housing Group
• Amelia Burton – Griffith Foods
• Mia Cooper – Joined Up Careers Derbyshire
• Tom Sharratt – Neuways

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Ryley Wealth Management
• William Crooks – Cawarden
• Adam Bamford – Colleague Box
• Peter Ellse – Cosy Direct
• Jillian Thomas – Future Life Wealth Management
• Max Vaughan – White Peak Distillery

Education and Business Partnership Award – Sponsored by RDS Global
• Access Training East Midlands
• Derby College Group
• Dronfield Heritage Trust
• Embark Federation
• REAL Education

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Aston Lark
• Anoki
• MaryJanes Catering
• Purpose Media
• The Accountancy Recruitment Group
• UK Asbestos Training Association

Excellence in International Trade – Sponsored by HSBC
• Atlas Copco Medical
• Aztec Oils
• Cathelco
• Graphoidal Developments
• SureScreen Diagnostics

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Begbies Traynor
• Peak Indicators
• Project D
• The Input Group
• Think3
• Thompson Tree Services (Midlands)

Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by Rolls-Royce
• HSG
• Liniar
• Scenariio
• SureScreen Diagnostics

Excellence in Collaboration – Sponsored by HSBC
• Derbyshire Voluntary Action
• Marketing Derby
• Penguin PR/Colleague Box and Vibrant Accountancy
• Safe and Sound
• The Swap Shop

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Young Artist of the Year competition launches to celebrate the power of creativity

Chesterfield College is looking for Derbyshire’s young artists of the year to highlight the power of creativity.

They are calling for young people, between the age of 8 and 18, to enter their Young Artist of the Year competition by creating a painting, a collage, an illustration, photography or a sculpture on the theme of ‘The power of creativity’.

This year, the theme for the competition ties in with the Creativity Pays campaign, which promotes the importance and influence of the creative industries locally. The competition is part of the campaign which celebrates local talent and the impact of creativity on our communities, our wellbeing and our economy. The creative industries sector was growing faster than any other sector pre-pandemic and the sector will undoubtedly generate many jobs for the future.

James Marples, Brand and Campaigns Manager at Chesterfield College said: “The Young Artist of the Year competition has been extremely popular over the last 5 years so we know there are many talented young artists out there who love being creative.

“It is vital we encourage young people to develop creative skills and demonstrate routes into creative careers. This competition gives us a chance to shine a light on the talents of the next generation of people who will be part of the creative industries of the future. I am looking forward to seeing the entries come in and showcasing their work to the public.”

The finalists’ artwork will be exhibited as part of a celebration of creativity in West Studios, Chesterfield College’s creative hub and exhibition space. The young artists will be invited to a special ceremony where the winners across different categories and age groups will be announced and presented with prizes.Chesterfield College is looking for Derbyshire’s young artists of the year to highlight the power of creativity.

Last year the Young Artist of the Year exhibition took place virtually when galleries and museums were forced to close to the public. Winners of the competition included Stephanie Wells and Molly White for their depictions of ‘What the Pandemic meant to me’.

The closing date for the competition is 12 July 2021. More details about how to enter, including terms and conditions of the competition can be found here https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/yaoty/

For more information about the Creativity Pays campaign visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/creativitypays/

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Development, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Property and Construction Group calls on more professionals to join mentoring programme

The Chesterfield Property and Construction Group has welcomed Chesterfield Borough Council’s drive to increase skills and diversity across the sector.

The Group has now called for more construction and property professionals to join a sector specific mentoring programme in local schools and colleges.

Group members Whittam Cox Architects and construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd are supporting the successful Women in Construction mentoring programme which was established earlier this year by Chesterfield Borough Council and D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

Currently there are nine mentors, however it is hoped that more will come forward and help inspire the next generation of construction and property workers.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group brings together leaders from the area’s property and construction sector to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director of Devonshire Property Group who hosted the recent Property and Construction Group meeting: said: “We have identified the improvement of skills and diversity within the Chesterfield construction and property sector as a key focus for the group and Chesterfield over the next 12 months as we work with the town to help it realise its ambitions to become a place to live, work and invest both now and for future generations.”

Speaking at the event, Corinne Hall, a Chartered Architect and team leader at Whittam Cox Architects who is currently mentoring Chesterfield College mature student Heather Watton, said: “Diversity is key in addressing the skills gap and enhancing the quality of our built environment. This is a sector that I love working in and being a mentor to women is helping to revolutionise the way in which females perceive the construction industry.”

Originally trained in hairdressing and beauty as “it just wasn’t the done thing for girls to go into construction”, Heather is now training to become a quantity surveyor and studying a BTEC advanced certificate in Construction and the Built Environment at Chesterfield College. She hopes to become a mentor herself once qualified.

Heather (37), who has always had an interest in construction from watching her father renovate properties, explained: “Having a mentor has really boosted my confidence and empowered my decision making. I actually started to believe that I could make it. Corinne has listened to me and guided me all the way. I didn’t know what a mentor was at first, but now I hope that one day I am also able to become a mentor and be someone who can impart my own experience to someone in need.”

The Women in Construction mentoring programme works to help diminish the misconceptions of gender specific roles within property and construction. A targeted mentoring program has been put in place to highlight the many different roles available within the sector, that may not have been a consideration before, driving forward inclusivity.

It offers school and college students the opportunity to work with female leaders from across a broad range of disciplines in the property and construction sector where women currently make up just 14% of professional roles.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Improving the skills and work readiness of people in Chesterfield is our top priority as it plays such a crucial part in creating a thriving borough now and in the future.

“This programme is a great example of how, by working with our partners, we can strengthen the links between education and business, which will support more school leavers to develop the skills they need to enter the workplace.

“We want to raise aspirations in Chesterfield and show that it is a great place to plan your future and build a successful career. In particular, working with young women in sectors where they are underrepresented is key to ensuring our success and we would welcome more mentors to come forward and support this positive scheme.”

Andrew added: “With more than £1 billion of construction projects taking place across Chesterfield right now, it is important that we address the skills gap immediately. As a group we have acknowledged that more can be done by us to improve diversity in the sector so we are undertaking research to further identify areas where we can make a real difference.”

Chesterfield Property and Construction Group 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.

The next Chesterfield and Property Construction Group event will be held on the 22 September 2021 and will focus on sustainability.

For property and construction professionals who wish to find out more about becoming a mentor or would like to get involved with the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, please email PropertyGroup@chesterfield.co.uk.

Women in Construction Scheme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction

All-star panto cast announced for Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre

Families can look forward to the return of traditional Christmas fun this year, as an all-star cast is announced for the 2021 pantomime at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre.

The story of Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage at Chesterfield Borough Council’s historic theatre – a welcome return of traditional festive entertainment after last year’s show was unfortunately postponed due to Covid-19.

Actress, singer and TV personality Suzanne Shaw will star as Belle, with Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro as Gaston and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming in the comedy role of Philippe Philoppe. Tickets are now on sale for the show, which will run from Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know the pantomime is the highlight of the year for many of our residents and visitors, and it is an annual tradition for many families in and around Chesterfield, so we’re pleased to announce its return this year.

“Like arts venues up and down the country, our theatres have had a really difficult 18 months as we’ve weathered the ongoing impact of Covid-19. We’ve done all we could within the Government restrictions, and now that life is hopefully feeling a little more normal for everyone, we’re delighted to be able to bring our flagship annual pantomime back for our audiences.

“It promises to be a fantastic show and we hope many people will take the chance to get back out and enjoy this family favourite. We will of course operate in line with any Covid-19 advice in place at the time, so people can feel reassured that public safety will be a priority.”

Chesterfield Theatres will be joining forces once again with award-winning pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates to present this year’s much-anticipated production.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “After a very challenging time, I think we’re all ready for some good old-fashioned fun, laughter and panto magic.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make this Chesterfield’s most spectacular pantomime yet. As well as a fantastically talented cast, there will be breath-taking special effects, glittering scenery and costumes and plenty of traditional audience participation to keep the whole family entertained.”
Tickets are on sale now via the Chesterfield Theatres website at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01246 345222.

The Theatre’s Spring Play Season and pantomime are among a great range of events and entertainment on offer across the borough and – as part of the council’s Love Chesterfield campaign – people are being encouraged to rediscover everything the town has to offer, including great live entertainment.

About the cast

Suzanne Shaw shot to fame in 2001 when she auditioned for ITV’s reality talent show Popstars as they searched for the UK’s next big pop group, Hear’Say. The band enjoyed great success with two albums, four top ten hits, a sell-out UK arena tour and their own primetime Saturday night TV show, Hear’Say, It’s Saturday. Their first single, ‘Pure and Simple’, was the fastest selling non-charitable record in UK chart history, selling 1.3 million copies and going straight to No. 1.

After the break-up of the band in 2002, Suzanne returned to her acting routes. Her numerous theatre credits include Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago (for which she was nominated for Best Takeover in a Role in the What’s on Stage Theatregoer’s Choice Awards), Bobby in the remake of Summer Holiday, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show and Judy in White Christmas.

On TV, Suzanne has been a panellist on Loose Women, presented Bingo Lotto alongside Joe Pasquale, guest starred in The Bill and played series regular Eve Jenson in ITV’s Emmerdale from 2009-2011.

In 2008 Suzanne won the third series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice with her skating partner Matt Evers, subsequently performing on three national arena tours of the show and returning to compete in All-Stars: Dancing on Ice in 2014.

A seasoned pantomime performer, Suzanne has played the title roles in Snow White and Cinderella, Genie in Aladdin, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella and Alice in Dick Whittington but this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast marks her debut in the central role of Belle.

Suzanne is joined by Thomas Redgrave from Britain’s Got Talent Winners Collabro in the role of Gaston.

The world’s most successful Musical Theatre group, the Collabro boys met for their first rehearsal only one month before going on to wow the Britain’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, at their first round audition at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Their rousing rendition of ‘Stars’; their first public performance as a group; brought both the audience and all four judges to their feet and their overwhelming popularity secured them a coveted spot in the live finals. Collabro went on to win the Eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent with one of the highest majorities in the show’s history.

Millions of captivated viewers watched as Collabro claimed their prize, performing in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the 2014 Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.

Seven years on, and with a legion of loyal fans; known fondly as the Collaborators; Collabro have gone on to enjoy phenomenal success with six studio albums under their belt and a string of worldwide sell-out tours across the UK, America and Asia as well as supporting both Sir Cliff Richard and Barry Manilow on their recent arena tours.

Also joining the line-up is vocal impressionist Andrew Fleming. A gifted comedian, mimic and vocalist with a warm stage presence and rapier-sharp wit, Andrew reached the season 9 semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent impressing all four judges with what David Walliams called
“a real signature act”. An experienced pantomime comic, Andrew’s dynamic and high energy physical performances have made him a memorable favourite with audiences all over the UK.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Bee Orchid set to blossom in new town centre store

A popular independent and family-run shop in Chesterfield has announced a move into a new store, placed in a prominent position on Packers Row in the town centre.

The Bee Orchid Home and Gifts has been open in The Shambles since 2017, stocking a range of quirky gifts and homewares, greetings cards and silk flowers.

However, owner Charlotte Harris says after re-evaluating in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, she felt that now was the right time to move into a new location.

The move was also made possible after the shop was able to gain access support via the government’s bounce back loan scheme.

Charlotte commented: “We are passionate about the British countryside, nature and wildlife and this is reflected in the products we offer. We always have a friendly welcome for you when you visit our store.

“We wanted to combine our love for nature and wildlife and stock gifts and homewares which reflected this, as we felt we couldn’t find shops which offered this. We have built up a sound customer base of people who love what we do, and we want to grow this in our new shop.”

“We want to grow the business and expand the choice of quirky and country-style gifts and home accessories, and also offer more sustainably sourced products; something else we are extremely passionate about.”

The Bee Orchid is also urging people to support the town’s high street retailers, as Chesterfield looks to bounce back from the lockdown restrictions imposed over the last year.

Charlotte added: “Our message is to shop small. Chesterfield has many amazing independent businesses where you can pick up something beautiful and unique. You just have to know where to look, as there are many hidden gems.

“We also believe that there is nothing like the shopping experience you get from being in a physical store with excellent customer service. We acknowledge there are some empty shops in town at the moment, but there are many initiatives going on to improve this situation. If people continue to support independents, it will continue to become a vibrant place to visit and Chesterfield will thrive!”

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Chesterfield’s Atlantic Pumps to move into new manufacturing and research hub

Following several years of growth, Chesterfield-based Atlantic Pumps will be moving to a new 1.25-acre site in the town.

The premises will bring together Atlantic’s Chesterfield and Sheffield operations and create a new manufacturing and research hub – placing the company at the front of pump innovation and fluid management related supply to the quarry and recycling industries, in both the UK and abroad.

The hub, which is situated on Carrwood Road on the outskirts of the town, will allow Atlantic Pumps to increase manufacturing output and house even greater stocks.

It will also allow Atlantic to develop its Audex, SlurryPro, Gromatex and EnviroHub brands.

EnviroHub is a control system used to monitor, treat, and report on water discharge quality. With increasingly stringent environmental standards being applied to quarries and construction sites, a robust monitoring system such as EnviroHub plays a vital role. EnviroHub made its industry debut in late 2020 and is now experiencing huge interest from the construction and quarrying sectors.

The move to the new site, coupled with significant year-on-year growth, has already seen the creation of several new jobs at the company in the first half of 2021.

Talking about the move to the new premises, Managing Director Andy Smith said: “This move is very much the next step of our journey in supporting our customers and is vital for maintaining the service levels which have driven our growth.

“It will enable us to make customers lives easier and offer more sound, sensible solutions to pumping challenges in the quarry and recycling industries.

“Over the coming months and years, we’ll also be working closely with local businesses, business leaders and investing in people, as we continue to help contribute to the economic and industrial growth of Chesterfield, Derbyshire and the surrounding region.”

Atlantic’s new address is Carrwood Road, Chesterfield, S41 9QB. The company’s phone number remains the same – 0808 196 4938.

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