Home

Pinewood Properties Acquires two new branches in North Derbyshire

Pinewood Property Estates have acquired local independent Estate Agent, Village Estates, who have two successful branches to add to Pinewood’s already successful two branches.

This extends Pinewood Property Estates into both Clay Cross and Clowne, adding to their branches in Chesterfield and Mansfield.

Pinewood’s Managing Director Stacey Davies-Bowler said: “This has been in the planning for two years, at one point we didn’t think it was going to happen, when the pandemic hit, we were just weeks away from completing as it struck, which put the brakes on everything. But I am very happy that we have now got it over the line for both Pinewood and Paul Bean, the owner of Village Estates, so he can now enjoy his retirement.”

Village Estates was founded in 1983 and has remained rock solid as a leading agent in both respective towns that the offices are located in. Paul has driven the ship for many years providing fabulous customer service to all their clients over the years. The branch locations are as close to a perfect fit for Pinewood, as all four will now create a diamond formation, given Pinewood perfect coverage of the Chesterfield and Mansfield areas.

Both agents are multi-disciplined, they both have strong sales portfolios, they both deal in land and they both deal with new builds. Pinewood already has a large rental portfolio with well over 1200 fully managed properties on their book, but with the acquisition of Village Estates this now adds an additional 350 managed properties to the portfolio.

Paul said: “I am over the moon to have found someone that is going to take the agency on and drive it forward to the next level. Both Stacey and I believe that this is going to be great success for everyone. I am particularly pleased that our staff have fully embraced the acquisition and even though the Village brand will change, overall the ethos of the business remains the same under the Pinewood banner, the future does look very bright.”

Now with three of the four Pinewood branches all in the Chesterfield area, with the forth just the other side of the M1 in Mansfield, Pinewood can cover a much wider are for the customer and client, a far more efficient service with a localised approach.

Pinewood Property Estates 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 , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane launches ‘Summer Zone’ showing Wimbledon and other sporting events

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, in Chesterfield, is celebrating ‘all things summer’ at its Summer Zone in St James Square from 28th June.

The fun will start by serving up all the Wimbledon action on the big screen from 28th June to 11th July, meaning that customers can indulge in a spot of shopping and not miss out on any of the sporting action throughout the summer.

Plus, from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th July, customers can enjoy food and drink from pop-ups such as Salute (Pimm’s and prosecco) and Fairy Floss (strawberries and cream).

Customers will find an area especially laid to lawn, adorned with deck chairs and bistro sets, as well as a table tennis table and a giant ‘Up 4 It’ game.

Customers of Vicar Lane will find a wide range of stores, including H&M, Holland & Barrett, New Look, JD and Superdrug, as well as the popular indie stores, Nana B Baby Boutique, Gorilla Garms, Clarissa’s Interiors, Shop Indie and Precious Memories.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also enjoy a quick coffee (and cake!) break at Vintage Tearooms, or a relaxing lunch at Qoozies.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane says, ‘’We’re really excited about summer at Vicar Lane. No matter what you’re up to in the heart of Chesterfield, there’s no need to miss a moment of the sporting fun this summer as we’ll be screening all the televised action on our big screen.’’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre 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, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Stanedge Golf Club owner to deliver coaching sessions at the 2021 Open Championship

The owner of a Chesterfield golf club has been selected as part of an elite group of coaches to deliver golf lessons to attendees at the eagerly anticipated 2021 Open Championship.

PGA Professional Fame Tate runs Stanedge Golf Club, which was recently shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Club of the Year’ at the 2021 England Golf Awards.

The team of elite coaches will deliver thousands of free 15-minute lessons to spectators attending this year’s event at Royal St. George’s from 11th-18th July, 2021.

This year’s lessons will be delivered under strict COVID-19 regulations, with social distancing in place for each lesson, while all PGA coaches will be wearing protective masks and sanitising equipment will also be provided.

In 2019 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the Swingzone team delivered more than 2,700 lessons throughout Open Championship week.

Commenting on being picked for the role, Fame said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected as one of 16 coaches representing the PGA.

“I have worked in previous Swingzones at The Ladies British Open and The Solheim Cup so I am very much looking forward to the experience at The Men’s British Open and working with a fantastic team of coaches.

“The Swingzone is a superb chance to display how we work as coaches, giving more people the opportunity and accessibility to have a go at golf or develop their game further.”

Jonathan Wright, PGA External Relations Executive, said: “We are thrilled to be able to provide thousands of free coaching lessons once again at this year’s Open Championship.

“The Open Championship Swingzone is a fantastic opportunity for The PGA to showcase the valuable role our Members play in developing golf and inspiring more people into the game.

“We will of course be working under strict COVID-19 protocols so all lessons will be conducted in a safe and professional environment.”

The full complement of PGA Professionals at Royal St. George’s is: Alan Bradshaw, Alison Perkins, David Bartlett, David Gleeson, David Playdon, Fame Tate, Ian Bailey, Jak Hamblett, James Harraway, Joanne Taylor, Kevin Caplehorn, Matt Stables, Paul Warner, Peter Ball, Sarah Bennett, Sophie Daws.

Stanedge Golf Club 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, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers celebrates UK Employee Ownership Day

Chesterfield Champion, Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers are delighted to be part of the UK Employee Ownership Day (EO Day), run by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) today (Friday 25th June 2021.)

Mitchells are taking part in this year’s campaign, to celebrate and raise awareness of how business is better together for individuals, businesses, and the community.

Since 2018, the company has supported several of our region’s businesses through the decision to become employee owned and have become a Trustee on their Boards to support their future journey.

One such business is specialist engineering company, P&D Specialist Services which was established over 30 years ago by brothers Pat and Dave Musgrave.

Pat Musgrave explained: “At P&D, legacy has always been important to us, and we wanted to keep it that way.

“An EOT was the only option that checked all our boxes because it not only gave our employees security, it also ensured that the legacy we had built could still be developed within the community.

“We were delighted to hand the company over to the people who are the most invested and critical to the success of the business – the employees.”

The UK government introduced the concept of EO in 2014 to encourage more businesses to transition to the corporate structure, that many colloquially refer to as the “John Lewis” model.

Mitchells Partner, Andrew McDaid explained: “For many years, the entire concept was overlooked and under utilised.”

“We have been talking to clients about EO since 2018 and have seen firsthand, the benefits that employee ownership can bring.”

“It’s great to see so many businesses raising awareness of EO and for any businesses who would like to know more, I would encourage them to speak to a firm who has many years’ experience of advising and supporting businesses through the considerations and challenges, such as Mitchells.”

Deb Oxley, CEO for the Employee Ownership Association, said: “Companies such as P&D Specialist Services are great examples of the economic and social benefits that can be achieved when employees have a stake and a say in the business in which they work.

“This year’s EO Day theme reflects what we have been hearing from our members – when it comes to resilience, mental health and well-being and good business we are better together.

“This rapidly growing sector of the economy offers many great reasons why more employee ownership has lots to offer the UK as it seeks to recover from the pandemic.”

With numerous events running across the UK and the involvement of thousands of employee owners and other partners, EO Day is an integral part of the EOA’s events calendar and was introduced to raise awareness of employee ownership as an economically strong and balanced business model.

The benefits of employee ownership have been proven in EOA-led research, and include improving employee health and wellbeing, increasing productivity and fostering creativity and innovation across an array of industry sectors. In addition:

• UK employee owned companies contribute over £30 billion to the UK economy annually
• Employee-owners have higher levels of job satisfaction, feel a greater sense of achievement and job security, and are more likely to recommend their workplace than employees in non-employee owned businesses
• Employee owned businesses operate in a range of sectors including healthcare, social care, education, transport, manufacturing, retail and professional services

Mitchells Chartered Accountants 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 , , ,

Councils helping to Kickstart the careers of young adults in North Derbyshire

Two special events are being launched on social media to help 16-24 year olds across North Derbyshire gain valuable work experience through the Kickstart government scheme.

Launching on 28 June and 12 July at 10 am, the two events will be hosted by North East Derbyshire District Council in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Bolsover District Council. The event will take place across social media channels and Kickstart opportunities will be promoted on the hashtag #KickstartDerbyshire.

The scheme, launched in late 2020 by the government, gives 16-24 year olds claiming Universal Credit the opportunity to gain valuable experience in paid work with the companies offering the vacancies – of which there are almost 2000 across Derbyshire.

The six month Kickstart placements will be paid minimum wage and there are opportunities in sectors such as digital media, nursing, construction, trades, project management to name a few.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet member for Economic Development Councillor Carolyn Renwick said, “The council is proud to help promote these incredible opportunities that are available for the young adults in our district.

“At a time when unemployment rates amongst this age group is high due to the pandemic, these Kickstart opportunities are an incredible chance to get a foothold into paid work and could be the start of your future career.

“There are almost 2000 opportunities available in Derbyshire alone and the need to help our residents who are looking for work has never been greater.

“The online events will be a great platform to promote the vacancies to our communities and further help and advice is on offer from our Economic Development team and local job centres”.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Kickstart offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to increase their experience in the workplace which will help them develop new skills and build a career. Young people have been seriously affected by the ongoing pandemic and it is important that we offer them the help they need to build a successful future in our area.

“We’re proud to be working together with our colleagues in North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council to promote these opportunities because youth unemployment is a growing concern across all of Northern Derbyshire and we must work together to tackle this.

“By promoting these online we are hoping to reach a wide audience and show the range of opportunities available in our area, as well offering further advice as needed. I’d encourage any young person currently looking for work to look closely at these opportunities and apply for them because you never know where it may lead.”

Bolsover District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development Councillor Liz Smyth said: “Helping young people find work is an essential part of supporting our local economy. The pandemic has caused this age group disproportionate hardship in the job market and Bolsover District Council is pleased to support this scheme and give young people the support they need.”

Angela Stansfield, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are delighted to be working with the local authority on these events to help promote the fabulous range of jobs available through the Kickstart scheme. They give young people a golden opportunity to move into employment, some for the first time, while boosting their confidence and gaining new skills for the future”.

To apply for any of the vacancies promoted at the upcoming events, interested parties should contact their Job Centre Work Coach.

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

Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps small businesses to join the online revolution

The online revolution has been a key feature of the pandemic – and now small and microbusinesses in Chesterfield can embrace these digital trends in an innovative new support scheme.

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps those reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into an online world by creating highly visible e-commerce websites equipped with the latest forms of payment, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber, it aims to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have been hit hardest by lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Scott Knowles, chief executive at Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on small and microbusinesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have previously relied on their physical venues to trade successfully.

“While we’re all looking forward to a return to normality as we come out of lockdown, it’s crucial these SMEs are future-proofed by creating modern websites to embrace some of the consumer trends that were already noticeable pre-Covid.

“Not every company can afford to do this, however, so we’re delighted to be playing a key role in supporting businesses in Chesterfield to establish and maintain the latest e-commerce solutions on behalf of the project funder, Chesterfield Borough Council.

“We believe the Digital High Street project will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

How the Chesterfield Digital High Street project will support businesses

The support available to businesses via the programme includes access to a Digital High Street adviser with specific e-commerce and online skills, who will work intensively with at least 120 businesses to help them develop and maintain their new or existing digital presence.

They will also be able to attend dedicated webinars, delivered outside working hours, and use marketing resources for free.

Grants of £2,200 – covering 100% of costs – will also be awarded to 50 of these businesses to help them set up an e-commerce website that is search engine optimised, with the package also including web hosting provision for a year and access to ongoing digital training.

All participating businesses can also benefit from free East Midlands Chamber membership for a year.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “In Chesterfield, we have lots of fantastic local independent businesses and after the last 18 months, there has never been a more important time to support them. We hope this funding will help lots of these businesses sell more effectively online, which will help guarantee their future in our town and hopefully allow them to grow.

“It’s a really comprehensive support package and I would encourage as many local businesses as possible to sign up for the Digital High Street project because it will allow them to compete in a whole new way.”

Applications can now be made for the Chesterfield Digital High Street project at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street.

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

Tyrone Alexander joins Bridge Help’s growing regional BDM team

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has made its fifth new staff appointment in 2021.

Tyrone Alexander is the latest recruit to join commercial short-term lender Bridge Help as part of its expansion plans.

Making the move from Redwood Bank, Tyrone joins Bridge Help as a Business Development Manager to manage relationships with brokers in the Midlands.

Tyrone hails from a broker background himself, having held a business development role at specialist finance company Enterprise Finance where he specialised in buy-to-let finance and commercial loans, before joining Redwood Bank.

He said: “Having worked at a brokerage myself I understand the importance of good communication to ensure the deal is done efficiently and gets over the line.

“I really enjoy finance, particularly being at the forefront of it and playing a role in the decision-making. Bridge Help’s hands-on approach gives me the opportunity to get fully involved with loan applications.”

Bridge Help’s can-do approach throughout the pandemic has impressed Tyrone and attracted him to the role. He explained: “A lot of lenders pulled right back at the start of the pandemic and that just didn’t sit right with me. Bridge Help found ways to continue to lend even during lockdown and that impressed me.”

He joins at an exciting time of growth for Bridge Help. Alongside Tyrone, the company has made number of regional business development appointments since the start of the year to help meet demand for its loan products. In total, Bridge Help has made five new appointments in the team since the beginning of 2021, including Martin Bray from Chesterfield who joined as Loan Manager last month.

Welcoming Tyrone to Bridge Help, Chief Executive Chris Sellars said: “We have ambitious growth plans for Bridge Help and are on track to achieve them in 2021 with the team we have built in recent months. It’s a tremendously exciting time for the business and the people in it.”

Bridge Help 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, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Caring Ashgate Hospicecare colleagues swap scrubs for hiking boots to take on High Peak Trail challenge

Two Ashgate Hospicecare staff members who provide vital palliative care in the North Derbyshire community are getting their walking boots on for a charity hiking challenge – and they’re urging the public to join them.

Community Palliative Care Support Workers Dianah Whelpton and Fiona Hardy are taking on the charity’s brand-new High Peak Trail event this summer to help the charity fund care for the families they support.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, July 10th, will see the pair – along with Dianah’s husband Paul – hike 17 miles across the scenic Derbyshire countryside.

The trail, which also offers the option of a shorter eight-mile route, will see the group head along the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Dianah, who has been working for Ashgate for the past two years, wanted to do something to raise funds towards the care after the charity had been forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events during the pandemic.

“I decided to take part in the High Peak Trail walk for Ashgate to try and raise some much-needed funds after our hospice was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“Our wonderful communities haven’t stopped raising money for us in all kinds of innovative ways and continue to make such a huge effort to support our services. So when I learned of this event, I thought that it would be a very good opportunity to join in with the efforts while exploring the wonderful Derbyshire countryside!

“It’s also a great opportunity to highlight the huge amount of work that the Community Nursing Teams do in caring for thousands of people in their own homes every year.

“I am inspired daily by the wonderful people that I am privileged to care for and I am raising funds to make sure that we can continue caring for years to come.”

The off-road linear walk is traffic-free and promises to be a fun day out with friends and family. There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take participants to the start point of the walk so they can walk back to their vehicles at the finish line.

Fiona is urging people across North Derbyshire to join her, Dianah and Paul on the trail this July.

The 53-year-old, who started working at the hospice in 2002, added: “I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and walking is something I do on a regular basis, but I have to admit that 17 miles will be double the distance I usually go!

“It’s been a long time since I started at Ashgate and there’s been lots of changes to the hospice in its appearance and the number of staff working here.

“But the hospice values and compassionate care delivered by our community teams and Inpatient Unit staff has always been excellent.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the High Peak Trail in tribute to my amazing colleagues and the wonderful patients and families we care for. Come and join us – not only will you get to enjoy the stunning Derbyshire countryside, but you’ll be helping us fund care for the families who need our support most.”

There are a limited number of places for the event so people are being urged to sign up quickly. Entry costs £10 per person, which includes a t-shirt (if requested), medal, refreshments and more.

To sign up go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events/high-peak-trail-walk/ or call Ashgate Hospicecare’s fundraising team on 01246 567 250.

To sponsor Dianah and Fiona’s team go to ashgatehospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/dianah-whelpton-2615a/post/586904

Ashgate Hospicecare 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, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Music students at Chesterfield College boost their skills thanks to partnership with local venue

Music students from Chesterfield College have been given a fantastic opportunity to develop a range of skills to boost their industry knowledge and experiences.

Thanks to funding from DANCOP (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Outreach Programme), the college has been able to partner with Real Time Live, Chesterfield’s successful dedicated live music venue. The funding has allowed students to access additional lessons to play specific instruments and develop vocals, as well as to learn more about stagecraft and stage production.

Real Time Live has provided a performance space and expert music tuition. This has helped students to develop the skills they need to move on to further study at college and university, and to develop a career in the industry. After months of learning online, and not having the opportunity to get on stage due to national lockdowns, the partnership is perfectly timed.

Abbie Greenwood, Level 3 Music student from Chesterfield College said her vocal lessons have helped her to learn about different music styles. She told us why working at Real Time Live has been so important. She said:
“Getting the experience of playing in a real venue rather than in a classroom progresses your musical ability. Having the opportunity to get into a venue to practice on stage when everywhere else is closed is just great.”

Niki and Mark Stevenson, owners of Real Time Live, have spent the last 27 years developing and supporting musical talent in the town. They see the project with the college as an extension to their reach into the community. Not only does the venue host a wide variety of live music gigs and events, covering all genres from rock and blues to metal, ska, pop and retro nights, the Real Time Live team also teaches a variety of music lessons for aspiring performers. They told us why it is important for anyone with a passion for a career in music to develop the right skills.

Niki said: “It is really important for up and coming musicians and anyone who wants to work in the music industry to get practice in a venue like this. The demands of the industry mean if you want a career in it you need to be all things to all people. Musicians need to look like the people they are representing. They need stagecraft to be able to connect with the audience and the technical skills to do some of the sound engineering they need. The stage we have is a perfect place to develop that for students.”

Mark added: “For years we have offered music lessons to many people every week. We have made sure everyone is included no matter what their ability or reason for wanting to play. It has gone hand in hand with the different aspects of the business over the years. We have had to diversify the live venue side of what we do over the last 16 months but with funding from the Arts Council and the Recovery Fund we feel like we have been recognised for what we bring to the area. We like the place to be in use and to hear music being played. Being involved with the college goes hand in hand with that, and long may it continue.”

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 About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Headline sponsor announced for Chesterfield Pride

Chesterfield Borough Council has been announced as the headline sponsor of this summer’s Chesterfield Pride event.

The council has teamed up with organisers to help resource the flagship annual event which celebrates and supports the local LGBTQ+ community.

Chesterfield Pride is now due to take centre stage at Stand Road Park on 22 August – postponed from the previously planned 18 July date following the Government’s extension of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions last week.

The strengthened partnership is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support Chesterfield’s LGBTQ+ community, while helping this iconic celebration to make a welcome and sustained return to the borough’s summer events programme following its cancellation in 2020.

Organisers are working with the council to ensure that all necessary Covid-19 safety measures are in place at the open-air venue, which will be a ticket-only event.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to step forward as the headline sponsors for this flagship annual event, which gives everyone the chance to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community.

“Chesterfield Pride is a key event within our annual events programme and one which sends a very clear message – here in Chesterfield, we stand together as one community to celebrate the diversity of our borough with pride. This is an event for everyone to enjoy, and it promises to be a positive and fun-filled day.

“Unfortunately the date has had to be pushed back slightly due to the recent extension of Covid-19 restrictions, but we are committed to working with the organisers to make sure Chesterfield Pride returns to Stand Road Park even bigger and better than before, with a particular emphasis this year on ensuring that we keep everyone safe.”

Family-friendly music and comedy acts will feature on the council-sponsored Main Stage, with entertainment running on Sunday 22 August.

There will also be a cabaret stage, fairground rides and a variety of stalls hosted by local organisations as part of the day’s line-up.

Dan Walker, Chesterfield Pride organiser, said: “We are excited to announce a closer working partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. We both share the same goals to drive the event forward and make it a safe and enjoyable event not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for the wider community too.

“Chesterfield Pride has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2015 and this new partnership will mean it can now grow and become even more successful.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Stand Road Park on 22 August for what promises to be another fantastic Pride event.”

The council has provided £5,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy, part of which is available to support grassroots projects and events, and £3,000 from the council’s Covid-19 recovery fund.

For more information about the event, or to buy tickets, please visit www.chesterfieldpride.co.uk or search ‘Chesterfield Pride’ on Facebook.

Chesterfield Pride Sponsor

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield businesses encouraged to take up free membership of crime-fighting partnership

Chesterfield businesses can now access free membership of crime-fighting partnership run by East Midlands Chamber and Derbyshire PCC after funding from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Up to 2,000 businesses in Chesterfield and Staveley can now sign up for free to an East Midlands Chamber-run scheme that helps to reduce town centre crime and anti-social behaviour – as new figures show the cost of crime is rising for retailers.

Starting this month, retailers, hospitality venues and other companies can access Disc, an online crime information-sharing system that connects businesses with local police forces, as part of the Derbyshire Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).

The BCRP, which is run in partnership with Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster, secured funding from Chesterfield Borough Council to roll out the scheme, which usually costs up to £100 to join, at no cost for the first 12 months in a bid to maximise its effectiveness by encouraging more businesses to join the 80 current members.

It follows the launch of the Love Chesterfield campaign by the council and Destination Chesterfield last month to support the town’s retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national lockdown eases.

Jackie Roberts, BCRP manager at the Chamber, said: “Businesses in town and city centres have struggled during the pandemic and crime will only make this worse, so it’s important to have a safe town centre to attract people back after lockdown.

“The Disc portal is an integral part of crime reduction strategies as it makes it so much easier for businesses to share intelligence about incidents and offender images between members, police, community safety officers and other partners such as the BCRP team.

“We’ve had a lot of reports during lockdown because police resources have been really stretched due to Covid, so the BCRP fills the gap where police can’t deal with petty crime.

“By working with local authorities such as Chesterfield Borough Council, we’re delighted to offer this scheme for free to businesses in order to make them more resilient – a key theme during the post-Covid economic recovery.”

New Derbyshire PCC and Chesterfield Borough Council support BCRP

The British Retail Consortium’s 2021 Retail Crime Survey, published last week, found there were 455 violent or abusive incidents towards staff per day nationally in 2019/20 – up 7% from the previous year.

The total cost of crime has also risen from £700m in 2016/17 to £1.3bn in 2019/20 – with customer theft the most significant, costing companies £935m – while the cost to retailers of crime and crime prevention was £2.5bn last year, an increase of 14% on the previous 12-month period.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “This project will help strengthen the link between business and the police, which in turn will help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in our town to encourage more people to visit Chesterfield and give local businesses the boost they need.

“I want to encourage every local business to sign up to this programme because I believe it will be a positive step for our town. It shows how we can work together to build a thriving borough.”

Benefits of widening BCRP for gathering intelligence

Jackie added: “The hope is that by signing up businesses for the first year, they will be able to see the benefits of continuing with the scheme thereafter.

“The more businesses that are involved in the BCRP scheme and sharing information, the stronger it will be – and the better the area will be as a result.

“Councils and regeneration teams are placing crime reduction high on the agenda in order to bring back footfall into their towns.

“It also removes barriers to reporting crime as the Disc system automatically notifies the police when an incident is logged, while police are able to input feedback so businesses can follow what happens to offenders.”

Anyone interested in discussing how to get involved with the Derbyshire Business Crime Reduction Partnership can email jackie.roberts@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Chesterfield derbyshire World Mental Health Day 2019

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter