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Chesterfield Champion launches AI service to help local businesses

30th October 2025

Software consultancy, Magnifica Technologies has launched a new service which makes it easier for local businesses to access and benefit from artificial intelligence.

Named Kanvus.ai, the service combines expert advice with an easy-to-use digital platform to help automate everyday tasks. That could involve speeding up admin, creating reports, generating digital content, or linking up tools like Office 365, Xero, Google, websites and customer databases.

The idea came from Magnifica’s work with businesses across Derbyshire and further afield. Founder of Magnifica Technologies, Rob Gregory says that while interest in AI is growing fast, many organisations are unsure how to move from testing ideas to using AI in real life.

“AI can feel out of reach for a lot of businesses,” said Rob. “Our goal with Kanvus is to show that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

“We work with clients to identify where AI can have an immediate impact, whether that’s speeding up internal admin or improving customer experience. We then deliver a working solution they can call their own.”

Magnifica Technologies has been part of Chesterfield’s growing digital sector for over a decade and continues to support innovation in the local economy. With Kanvus.ai, the company hopes more organisations will explore how AI can help them stay competitive and adapt to a fast-changing business world.

To find out more about Kanvus.ai or explore how AI could help your business, visit www.kanvus.ai.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Local leaders to consider final proposal for Derbyshire services

28th October 2025

District, borough and city councillors are set to formally consider a proposal responding to Government plans for the biggest change to councils in 50 years.

The proposal, developed by eight districts and borough councils along with Derby City Council, recommends reducing the number of local authorities from 10 to two unitary councils. This would mean one for the north and one for the south of Derbyshire.

These new councils would:

Stay connected to communities—large enough to deliver, close enough to listen.
Offer effective, value-for-money services with financial stability.
Preserve Derbyshire’s identity, heritage, and environment.
Meet Government criteria for reorganisation, including improved service quality, community engagement, efficiency, and support for devolution.

Shaped by local and national evidence and feedback from over 7,300 residents and organisations, the proposal includes four boundary options. In two, Amber Valley parishes could sit between the two councils.

The proposal includes four variations for the boundary line between the northern and southern authorities. In two of these variations, the parishes currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could sit between the two councils.

In a joint statement, the Leaders of Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derby City, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, High Peak, North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire councils, said:

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to significantly transform how we deliver the services that local people rely on – creating a brighter future for all who live, work, and invest in Derbyshire.

“The people and places of our historic county are at the heart of our proposal, and our shared vision will see a future where services are simpler, communities feel supported, and every part of our county thrives.

“We will unify Derbyshire’s current patchwork of policy, planning, and funding – paving the way for joined-up decision-making and localised support to better serve local needs.

“As well as better meeting the needs of our diverse communities, by working with our regional partners, including the Mayor of the East Midlands and East Midlands Combined County Authority, the new councils will also be well positioned to attract significant investment in housing, transport, and infrastructure to strengthen Derbyshire’s economy, and provide more opportunities for local people.

“This is a hugely complex issue with a lot to consider. But – above all – we want every Derbyshire resident to share a sense of belonging and opportunity in a vibrant, prosperous county.

“The final proposal must now be formally considered by all nine of the partner councils, before a submission is made to the Government.”

The proposal forecasts:

£167m in savings over six years
£44m annual savings from year six onward
Initial setup costs recouped within 3.5 years

Each of the nine councils will consider the proposal before submitting it to Government by 28 November 2025.

Derbyshire County Council is preparing a separate proposal, but all ten councils have collaborated to ensure accurate data.

The Government will review submissions and decide on reorganisation by summer 2026. Elections for new shadow authorities are expected in 2027, with the new councils launching by April 2028.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home

Students learn about creative career paths

27th October 2025

Students at Chesterfield College took part in an event that aimed to provide careers inspiration for creative roles.

Artists who have created works as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme led the event by talking about their careers and work in Chesterfield before answering questions from the students.

All the students who took part are currently studying art and design. The event aimed to show them the types of careers available once they complete their studies and let them discover how others have built their artistic careers.

The speakers included Lucie Maycock who was Chesterfield’s first artist in residence, Coralie Turpin who is creating a new sculpture for Staveley town centre, Megan Russell (Peachzz) who is creating a mural in Chesterfield town centre, Sally Anderson who created a window trail last Christmas and is working on the same project this year and Denis O’Connor from Sculpture Works who are leading the creative installations for A Sense of Chesterfield, a new heritage arts trail.

Sally Anderson said: “I think it’s important to share it back, I started out here at Chesterfield College, and it’s good to come back and talk about what we’ve worked on and how we’ve built our practices. I think we develop a lot of creatives in Chesterfield and it’s good to come back and show that it’s not always plain sailing, but it is a process and a journey that they could achieve too and hopefully that is really inspiring for them.”

The session also formed part of Chesterfield College’s Creative Industries careers week.

Georgie Long, Curriculum Manager for Creative Industries at Chesterfield College Group adds, “These fabulous talks added so much to an already rich week-long programme of Creative Industries guest lectures and workshops by artists, performers and freelancers across a wide range of creative practice. We had over 140 of our creative students attending this talk alone, and they were given a real insight into the day-to-day lives of a practicing artist.

“It’s wonderful to see our students making so many notes in these lectures and asking such intelligent questions. We’re here to help our students not just with skills, advice and direction but also to prepare them for a creative career after their studies, how to pitch for commissions, meet with clients and manage workloads for example. Hearing from these artists has provided them with invaluable advice and insight to help guide their future success.”

Animate Chesterfield is a public art programme which is creating new artworks and activities for visitors throughout the regeneration programmes happening in both Chesterfield and Staveley.

The programme is run by Chesterfield Borough Council, with funding secured through planning agreements, and delivered by Beam a leading cultural development organisation.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This was a great event that provides useful insights for young people who are trying to plan for their future. We support events like this across lots of different sectors, but this was the first time we’ve focussed on a creative field.

“We think it is important that young people hear directly from industry experts because it could help show them how they could achieve their dreams and work in a field they are passionate about. Thank you to everyone who took part and supported this event.”

To find out more about Animate Chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Skills

Bothams joins forces with Redbrik Estate Agents

26th October 2025

Chesterfield champions Redbrik Estate Agents and Bothams have merged, creating an exciting new chapter for both companies.

The merger brings ten new colleagues into Redbrik’s team, strengthening both the sales and lettings departments. Andrew Terry has also joined the board of directors at Redbrik and will lead the commercial side of the business. Bothams will continue to operate under its well-established brand, based out of Redbrik’s offices on Glumangate in our town centre.

Mark Ross, Managing Director of Redbrik Estate Agents, said:

“Bothams is a long-established and highly respected agency in Chesterfield, with decades of experience in sales, lettings, and commercial property. They’ve built an excellent reputation across the region, and we’re proud to welcome their people and clients into Redbrik. We’re thrilled about the future with Bothams as part of Redbrik and excited about the opportunities this creates for our clients, our team, and the communities we serve.”

The merger strengthens Redbrik’s rapidly growing lettings department, adding more than 250 managed properties to its portfolio. It also means even more landlords and tenants across North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire will benefit from Redbrik’s award-winning service and dedicated asset management team.

With the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill set to bring the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in a generation, Redbrik’s experienced team will guide and support landlords through every stage of these changes. This proactive approach ensures clients remain compliant, confident, and well-informed, while their tenants continue to receive the highest level of service.

Andrew Terry, newly appointed Director at Redbrik, added:

“The Bothams team is thrilled to become part of Redbrik. The company’s award-winning reputation and customer-first approach make this an incredible opportunity to raise the bar for clients in sales and lettings, while also opening new doors for our commercial division. I’m delighted to be joining such a forward-thinking business and excited about what the future holds for both the Redbrik and Bothams brands.”

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Experience a twist on tradition this Christmas in Chesterfield

23rd October 2025

Chesterfield is encouraging the whole family to discover something new this festive season, including a unique range of activities that are taking place for the first time in the heart of the town (including many that are free).

The planned entertainment is once again expected to attract hundreds of visitors to Chesterfield. Highlights this year include an impressive light experience at the Church of All Mary and All Saints (the Crooked Spire), storytelling with Santa, a cosy tipi to share a drink with friends at Chesterfield Market, and Chesterfield Town Hall providing a new temporary location for the Christmas Lights Switch On.

Here are 12 things not to miss this Christmas:

1. Tipi Christmas will see a giant heated tipi in the Market Place from 7 November to 9pm on New Year’s Eve. The cosy tipi will be the perfect place to meet friends and family and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a seasonal treat. Inside you’ll find twinkling fairy lights and a roaring open fire helping everyone get into the Christmas spirit.

2. The Crooked Spire Sanctuary of Light at the Church of All Mary and All Saints (the Crooked Spire) brings wonderful Christmas scenes to life through an immersive light and sound display. The new event takes place from 22 to 29 November.

3. Santa’s Grotto is back in the Market Hall from late November. There will be relaxed sessions in the grotto on 30 November and 7, 14 and 21 December, 11am to 12 noon. A BSL interpreter will also be available at sessions on 30 November between 2 and 3pm and at the Santa Storytime session on 30 November.

4. The Christmas Lights Switch On event takes place on 23 November. There will be entertainment in the town centre from 12noon including the chance to see street entertainment and music accompanied by a Christmas market. A funfair and other entertainment will also be based in the market and town centre. The stage show starts at 4.30pm outside the Town Hall. The stage show is in a new location this year due to the exciting renovation works taking place in the town centre. Following the stage show, people will be able to follow a musical procession – with a brass band playing, back into the town centre, encouraging people to visit Tipi Christmas as well as other local bars and restaurants.

5. Bluey will be returning to meet and greet fans at the Christmas lights switch on event at intervals from 12pm to 3pm, in New Square. The later meet-and-greet slots are expected to be busy, so come early to prevent missing out! This is a free activity, don’t forget your camera too if you want a photo of your favourite Blue Heeler.

6. Winter Window Trail – Following on from the success of last year, Illustrator Sally Anderson is back to create an exciting festive trail on shop windows across the town centre. The Merry Baubles Trail will run from 23 November until 5 January – you can find more details about this year’s trail and how you can take part on the Chesterfield Borough Council website. There will also be a special bauble themed craft workshop taking place during the Christmas Lights Switch On.

7. Santa’s story time. Santa is going to be appearing in the Tipi every Sunday afternoon to read children a festive story from 30 November onwards till Sunday 21 December. This is a free activity and will be operated on a first come, first served basis. A BSL interpreter will be at the Santa story time session on 30 November between 3.30 and 4pm.

8. Street entertainment will be in the Market Place from 29 November to 23 December – every Saturday till 19 December then everyday till 23 December.

9. Jack and the Beanstalk comes to The Winding Wheel Theatre from Friday 5 December to Sunday 4 January 2026. Taking on the mighty role of The Giant is Jamie Christian – known to millions as the duelling Giant from the smash hit BBC Saturday night show. And our line-up of panto contenders are ready to take on the challenge of good over evil!

10. Puffin Billy will be available to ride in Queen’s Park on 13 and 14 December and 20 and 21 December, it is £2.50 per ride. There is a prize of sweet treat for riders, but please keep in mind this activity is weather dependant.

11. Santa Cruise. Join Santa on Chesterfield Canal at Tapton Lock and Hollingwood Hub. Tickets cost £10 and include a present for each child and a mince pie and drink for adults.

12. Festival of Christmas Trees. See uniquely decorated trees at the Crooked Spire from 15 to 30 November.

The Christmas in Chesterfield website features a guide to all the events happening across the town, activities to take part in together, gift guides with unique offerings from local businesses, the ultimate list of food and drink venues to socialise at and a bucket list of things you should try this Christmas.

Throughout the campaign, there will also be competitions and giveaways with some fantastic prizes on offer.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “I am delighted that we have such a busy entertainment schedule for families and friends to enjoy across the festive period. Meeting Bluey, the street entertainment, seeing Santa in the Tipi and the Christmas Lights Switch On are all free activities too.

“I encourage everyone to keep up to date with what is being planned in relation to Christmas activities on our website and social media channels.”

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, added: “This Christmas, Chesterfield is offering a fresh take on festive traditions, and it’s all about celebrating what makes our town unique.

“But just as importantly, it’s a chance to support our incredible local businesses – the independent shops, cafes, and makers who bring so much character and warmth to Chesterfield. By choosing to shop, eat and celebrate locally, you’re helping our community thrive this Christmas and beyond.”

To make the most of your Christmas in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

To receive the latest details about what’s happening in Chesterfield sign up to our email updates.

Posted in Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Half term, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Employers urged to inspire and recruit local talent

22nd October 2025

Businesses across Chesterfield are encouraged to play a vital role in developing the town’s future workforce by actively engaging with local schools.

Local employers are invited to participate in activities that provide students with invaluable exposure to the world of work, including:

Attending careers fairs
Supporting mock interviews
Participating in employer Q&A sessions
Offering work experience placements for students

These activities also allow businesses to identify and nurture emerging talent early.

Schools seeking to collaborate with employers this year include Brookfield Community School, Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School, Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, Outwood Academy Newbold, Parkside Community School, Springwell Community College, St Mary’s Catholic High School, Tupton Hall, Whittington Green School, and Netherthorpe School.

There is also an opportunity to work with Chesterfield College and the University of Derby students.

The aim is to strengthen links between education and business, giving young people real-world experience and guidance to help shape their career paths.

Andy Kelly, Headteacher at Parkside Community School, highlights the value of collaboration between local schools and businesses. He said:

“When businesses and schools work together, they have a powerful impact on the future of young people. Activities like mock interviews, careers fairs, and Q&A sessions offer students meaningful insights into the world of work – helping them build confidence, raise aspirations and make informed career choices.

“At Parkside Community School, we are committed to preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. We welcome and encourage Chesterfield businesses to get involved. Together, we can inspire the next generation and ensure they’re equipped and motivated to contribute to the success of the local economy.

Diane Beresford, Chair of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership and Deputy CEO of East Midlands Chamber said:

“Engaging with schools isn’t just about giving back – it’s a strategic move for businesses looking to future proof their workforce. By connecting with students early, businesses can identify emerging talent, shape young people’s understanding of industry expectations, and build awareness of the career paths available locally.

This collaboration allows businesses to influence the skills being developed, ensuring they align with real-world needs. It’s also a chance to raise your company’s profile among future employees and gain fresh insights into the mindset of the next generation entering the workforce.”

Ivan Fomin, Board member of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of MSE Hiller said:

“We’ve seen first-hand the value of engaging with local schools. By offering work experience placements and participating in careers events, we’ve been able to connect with young people who are enthusiastic, curious, and eager to learn. It’s helped us raise awareness of the career opportunities available in engineering and manufacturing, while also giving us insight into the expectations and aspirations of the next generation. These interactions have not only benefited the students – they’ve also helped us shape our recruitment approach and strengthen our ties with the local community.”

For more information on how your business can support local schools, including a list of schools and event dates, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/engage-with-schools-and-colleges/.

Looking to upskill your workforce and strengthen your business? Chesterfield businesses of all sizes can access skills advice by emailing: info@chesterfield.co.uk or visiting: H ttps://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/Skills and Training | Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Skills

Enjoy Tipi Christmas at Chesterfield Market

21st October 2025

A new festive experience has been announced for the town centre this year. Chesterfield Market will host ‘Tipi Christmas.’

Visitors will be able to enter the cosy Tipi complete with twinkling lights, seasonal hot drinks and festive cheer – throughout the day and into the evening, making it a great place to meet friends and family. This could enhance people’s shopping trips or provide a great start to an evening at the theatre or one of the many fantastic local restaurants.

Tipi Christmas will be in the heart of Chesterfield Market from Friday 7 November to 9pm on Wednesday 31 December.

The Tipi will be serving refreshments like hot chocolate, mulled wine and other seasonal treats and there will be an open fire greeting visitors as they step inside from the cold.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is set to be a fantastic attraction for people to visit in Chesterfield. The recent market regeneration works have created a great space where we can host events such as this, which can attract more people into the town centre.

“I’m sure the whole family will enjoy a trip to the Tipi. We hope that as many people as possible will come along and experience the festive spirit inside Tipi Christmas.”

Brett Jackson, owner and founder of Tipi Christmas, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Tipi Christmas to Chesterfield this winter. The newly developed market square is the perfect setting to create a warm and magical festive hub where families, friends, and the whole community can come together.

“We can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike to enjoy mulled wine, indulgent hot chocolates, and plenty of festive cheer. We’re looking forward to making Tipi Christmas a special part of Chesterfield’s celebrations and helping everyone get into the Christmas spirit.”

More information about visiting the Tipi will be available on the council’s social media channels.

Chesterfield also has a packed event programme planned for Christmas, with entertainment happening across the festive period. Find out what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Stay, Visiting

Origin reaches major milestone at £20m Markham Vale scheme

20th October 2025

Origin has reached PC on the first phase of its £20million ARK development, providing 107,000sq ft of ESG-compliant industrial and logistics space at Markham Vale.

Origin is a joint venture partnership between HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital. It owns and develops next-generation, ESG-compliant I&L assets in the mid box market and aims to deliver £1billion of high-quality schemes over the next seven years.

Capital Angling recently secured the first unit at ARK, taking 17,050sq ft at the flagship M1 industrial and logistics destination.

Phase one comprises four units; all BREEAM Excellent with EPC A rating, ensuring occupiers are meeting increasingly stringent ESG expectations while reducing costs.

HBD recently submitted a planning application for the second phase of ARK, which comprises a final 53,000sq ft unit.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “ARK was one of the first Origin schemes on site so it’s great to see phase one complete. Markham Vale is a proven I&L location, providing occupiers with excellent transport links and sustainable infrastructure plus a strong local labour supply. While supply has increased within the region, there remains a shortage of good quality stock in prime locations; particularly for best-in-class, ESG compliant space.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, commented: “The completion of the first phase of ARK marks an important milestone in Origin’s long-term strategy to build a high-quality, scalable portfolio in the mid box I&L sector. This segment continues to show strong occupational demand and resilience and we see significant opportunity to create value through well-located, sustainable developments. The scheme sets a strong precedent for what we aim to achieve and it’s fantastic to see phase one completed to budget and ahead of schedule.”

Markham Vale is a landmark 200-acre I&L scheme delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. An award-winning development, it sits at the heart of the motorway network with direct access to the M1 via J29a. More than 2,600 new jobs have been created since work began, with occupiers including Great Bear and Sterigenics.

JLL and CPP are joint letting agents at ARK on behalf of Origin.

Discover more about regeneration and investment opportunities taking place in Chesterfield at the Chesterfield Investment Summit taking place on the 5th November. Discover who will be speaking and book your place at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Skills and people in Chesterfield: Building futures, celebrating success

16th October 2025

Explore how Chesterfield is investing in skills and people, from award-winning training hubs and apprenticeship success to inspiring events connecting young people with industry.

Construction Skills Hub highly commended at East Midlands Property Awards

Chesterfield’s Construction Skills Hub has been highly commended in the Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year category at Insider Media’s East Midlands Property Awards 2025, recognising its innovative approach to tackling the construction industry’s skills shortage.

Located on a live construction site in Mastin Moor, the Hub provides hands-on training in groundworks, brickwork, and joinery. It is delivered through a partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, and the Devonshire Group, and is funded by the Staveley Town Deal.

Over the next decade, the Hub aims to support more than 5,000 learners, offering trade-based qualifications and expanding into degree-level apprenticeships in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, and Civil Engineering.

Future plans also include training in retrofit and green technologies, ensuring learners gain future-ready skills aligned with industry needs.

Mitchells celebrates apprenticeship success at Chesterfield College AAT Awards

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers celebrated a proud moment at the first annual AAT Awards hosted by Chesterfield College, recognising the achievements of their talented apprentices.

Two Mitchells apprentices received top honours:

Jordon Langley – Level 4 Apprentice of the Year
Aiden Siddall – Level 2 Apprentice of the Year

Mitchells also received the award for Services to the Development of Apprenticeships, highlighting the firm’s long-standing commitment to nurturing future talent in the accounting profession.

“Their hard work, commitment, and excellent progress are truly inspiring,” said Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells. “This recognition reflects our belief in the power of apprenticeships to build careers and strengthen our profession.”

Discover more about how apprentices can support your business

Made in Chesterfield launch inspires future talent and innovation

The Made in Chesterfield festival was officially launched at an event at Chesterfield College on 8 October 2025, celebrating the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector and its impact on young people.

Since 2014, the initiative has supported over 4,000 young people, connecting them with real-world experiences in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and construction. Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and sponsored by Chesterfield College, the festival continues to build a strong pipeline of future talent.

New for 2025 was the Innovation Challenge, introduced to mark National Manufacturing Day, where students teamed up with local manufacturers to solve real-world problems.

The event also showcased Chesterfield College’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre, and the college launched a new partnership framework to strengthen employer engagement in education.

DEBP introduced the Employer Standards Framework, a tool to help businesses deliver consistent and meaningful experiences for young people. Learn more at Debp.org/portfolio/employer-standards.

In Chesterfield, there is a commitment to developing talent, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships between education and industry.

From apprenticeships and award-winning training hubs to inspiring events, Chesterfield continues to invest in its people, shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Discover more about developing skills in your business and supporting careers initiatives at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

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

£3.3 million investment at Chesterfield Station

15th October 2025

A major infrastructure upgrade is taking place to strengthen two platforms at Chesterfield station.

The £3.3 million investment will see 40-metre sections of platforms 1 and 2 reconstructed to provide better structural integrity, improving passenger experience and reducing maintenance costs in the long-term.

Network Rail began site preparation in August, ahead of the main project work starting on Monday 13 October.

The station will remain open to passengers throughout, and the core work will take place over Christmas to minimise passenger disruption as trains do not run in this area on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

The project will see the existing platform surface removed and new steel cross members installed. Construction of the new platforms will include using glass-reinforced plastic panels, which are easier to install but just as durable as a traditional build.

In addition, the steel superstructure beneath the platform on Crow Lane will be grit-blasted, repaired and repainted before the end of 2025.

Half of the platform areas will be hoarded off for a period from October to February to allow work on top of and beneath the surface during daytime working hours.

The project is expected to be completed before the end of March 2026 and includes new fencing and lighting to improve security and safety at the station.

Jonny Ham, Network Rail lead portfolio manager, said: “This investment is vital in maintaining the long-term safety and reliability of Chesterfield station. “We’re working hard to minimise disruption and deliver modern, resilient platform structures that will serve passengers for decades to come.”

Philippa Cresswell, EMR customer experience director, said: “We’re pleased to support Network Rail as they deliver these essential upgrades at Chesterfield station. “The temporary closure of Crow Lane will mean journeys to and from the station may take a little longer, so we encourage customers to allow extra time when travelling.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while this important investment takes place, and once complete, the improvements will provide a safer, more modern station environment for everyone travelling through Chesterfield for many years to come.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Community spirit shines across Chesterfield

15th October 2025

Chesterfield continues to shine as a place where community, collaboration, and care come together. From scenic charity rallies to festive knitting drives and strategic partnerships, local businesses are showing what it means to be a Chesterfield Champion.

Banner Jones appeals for knitters to help spread warmth this Christmas

Local law firm Banner Jones Solicitors is calling on Chesterfield’s creative community to knit or crochet green beanie hats and scarves for a festive initiative supporting vulnerable people.

As part of the Crooked Spire Christmas Tree Festival (15–30 November), the firm’s tree will be decorated with handmade items, which will then be donated to local homeless charities, food banks, and community groups.

Free patterns are available at bannerjones.co.uk/hats, and finished items should be delivered to 24 Glumangate, Chesterfield by Friday 31 October.

Rosewood Wealth Management launches Christmas appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank

Rosewood Wealth Management is inviting the Chesterfield community to support its “12 Days of Christmas” appeal, collecting donations for Chesterfield Foodbank to help local families in need this festive season.

Donations of non-perishable food and seasonal treats are being accepted at Rosewood’s office in Waterside Place, Basin Square, until Friday, 12 December 2025. Requested items include:

Variety tins and boxes
Crackers and biscuits
Tinned food
Tea and coffee
Long-life milk and juices
Jams and chutneys
Nuts and confectionery
Christmas pudding (no alcohol)
Breakfast cereal
Pet food (cats and dogs)

Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm at:
Rosewood Wealth Management Ltd, Fourth Floor, 1 Waterside Place, Brimington Road, Chesterfield S41 7FH

Central Technology partners with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity

Chesterfield-based IT firm Central Technology (CT) has announced a new partnership with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, strengthening their long-standing relationship and commitment to supporting vital services.

CT will provide IT support and help shape a long-term strategy for the charity, enabling the team to focus on raising funds that improve the lives of children and families across the region. This partnership reflects the power of collaboration and the role Chesterfield businesses play in driving positive change.

Bangers & Cash Rally returns with scenic UK adventure for charity

The much-loved Bangers & Cash charity rally is back with its most ambitious edition yet — The Lakes & Highlands. This ultimate UK road trip will take teams from Chesterfield through Scotland’s most scenic routes, finishing in Whitby.

Now in its third year, the rally has raised £250,000 for charity and is hosted in partnership with local business, Chesterfield Champion and rally veterans SDE Group.

Participants can drive any car, the quirkier, the better, and take on fun challenges along the way. Entry costs just £295 per person.

This year’s rally supports Ashgate Hospice, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, and Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity.

Learn more at Bangers & Cash.

These stories reflect the values at the heart of Chesterfield, a deep commitment to community. Whether through fundraising, partnerships, or creative outreach, Chesterfield Champions are helping shape a town that supports one another and businesses which lead with purpose.

Discover more about becoming the next Chesterfield Champion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home