Leisure

National award for local golf course owner

9th July 2019

Fame Tate, the owner of Stanedge Golf Club and PGA Professional has picked up a National Award.

Fame won the “Oustanding Achievement” Award at The English Women’s Awards – North. Inspiring women were awarded at a glamorous event celebrating female successes. It took place in in Manchester’s Mercure Piccadilly Hotel on Monday July 1st 2019.

Fame was nominated in this category for her achievements over the past 6-8 months in taking a huge risk in acquiring Stanedge Golf Club and bringing it back from the edge of closure and extinction.

The Awards honoured the talent and hard work of female professionals and entrepreneurs across the region. It celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs, business women, professionals, civil servants, charity workers and others that make the North a great and more equal place to live and work.

CEO Irfan Younis said: “Congratulations to all winners and finalists at the second English Women’s Awards North 2019. We were delighted to host exceptional finalists who make such brilliant role models and are leading a new generation of women and girls to greater success and open doors. We look forward to growing this campaign and are excited to see it evolve over coming years.”

Fame took over Stanedge Golf Club in March 2019 and has totally transformed the place from a run down clubhouse and golf course to a thriving facility which now see over 50 players of all ages and gender coming to the club on Wednesday nights for the clubs 6@6 golf league.

Fame set out a vision to make Stanedge Golf Club an accessible, warm and welcoming place where people of all ages, gender and backgrounds can come enjoy having fun playing the golf course of socially in the Clubhouse.

Fame said “ The resurrection of Stanedge Golf Club has not been easy, it really has been a monumental effort by many people who put many unsociable hours into making the club a place people now want to visit and enjoy being at he club”

“Since we acquired the club in February we have attracted over 80 new members and many visitors in response to our various offers, with different groups getting involved in our coaching and learn to play offers.”

Fame started playing golf at the age of 10 at Tapton Park Golf Club on the pitch and putt course and joined Chesterfield Golf Club not long after. Fame soon developed into a talented young player playing for the Derbyshire Girls Team, the Derbyshire Ladies Team and then at the age of fourteen, playing off scratch, she was selected to represent England.

Fame went on to represent England for a total of nine years and represented Great Britain and Ireland in The Curtis Cup in 2002 and 2004 and in The Vagliano Trophy in 2001 and 2003.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

New sports pitch to inspire future athletes

28th June 2019

Chesterfield’s new artificial sports pitch on the site of the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre is now taking bookings in readiness for its opening during the summer.

The floodlit all-weather pitch built and maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council is big enough to support either one seven-a-side game or two five-a-side games at a time.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, the council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “With the success of the Women’s World Cup and the great results so far the England team inspiring a new generation of sportswomen, the need for somewhere for them to train and play their games is greater than ever.”

“I would encourage any group, club or organisation wanting to access this excellent facility to make contact as soon as possible as we are expending demand to be high given the high specification of the development.”

The pitch helps to meet a need identified by the Football Association and Sport England to increase the number of artificial pitches available in the borough.

The pitch is built on the site of the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

Anyone interested in using the pitch, contact the team at Queen’s Park Sports Centre by emailing qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk or call (01246) 345555.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Retailer commissions Chesterfield artworks

27th June 2019

Chesterfield based independent retailer, H&F has teamed up with a number of artists to produce unique artworks of the town.

Louise Peel, Owner of H&F said: “We thought it would be a great idea to produce some artwork to represent Chesterfield in an interesting way. We spoke to two local artists to discuss ideas and landmarks of the town and surrounding area.”

Pete Spowage, a Nottingham based artist, who visits the town’s fleas market every Thursday, has created vibrant canvas pieces using oil, which capture the heart of the town, including Market Square and the Crooked Spire.

Andy Slater, Freelance Illustrator at Reyt Good Illustration has created a number of detailed pencil drawings of the towns landmarks, including Market Square, the Crooked Spire and George Stephenson.

Louise added:”We have had lots of great comments regarding the artwork and it is lovely to explain them to the many tourists that pass through the shop when on daily coach trips. Many of which are from overseas. Recently we had two paintings purchased to send over to our twin town Darmstadt as a gift.”

The artworks are available to purchase from H&F which is located on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield next to the coach station.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Adorn Jewellers scoops top award at 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

20th June 2019

Adorn Jewellers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite retailer. The independent jeweller, which is owned by husband and wife team Laura Jo and Adam Owen, was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 19 June.

The multi award-winning jeweller, which is based in The Shambles in Chesterfield town centre, also clinched the title of Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held at Casa Hotel.

This is the fifth consecutive year Adorn Jewellers has been recognised at the annual awards, but 2019 is the first year the business has taken the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year.

Delighted to accept the award, Laura Jo Owen said: “After a winning a number of retail awards over the last five years I am absolutely speechless to win Retailer of the Year. Chesterfield has so many fantastic shops and stores that make for an amazing retail landscape, so to win the top award is unbelievable.”

The Retailer of the Year title sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) was just one of 15 awards presented to 13 businesses, events and individuals at the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM presenter, Craig Bailey.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards recognise the very best shops, stores, market stalls and events in the borough. Nominated by shoppers, the winners were all selected by an independent panel of judges as well as Destination Chesterfield assessing the online presence of the businesses.

On the night it was also a double win for Something Special Bridal, based in Old Whittington, which walked away with the Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service titles.

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices and events were too.

Apprentice hairdresser Kelly Jaggers (24) from Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty in Hasland was named Retail Apprentice of the Year and Chesterfield’s popular Food and Drink Festival, which is organised by Edge Events, was voted Best Town Centre Event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards recognises some of the town’s most wonderful people and businesses and the 2019 awards ceremony was no exception. The way we shop is changing and Chesterfield’s retailers are adapting to this brilliantly. They are creating fun experiences for customers; providing spaces to meet, socialise and shop; utilising technology to communicate with customers and teaming up with local businesses and initiatives to ensure the town’s retail sector continues to thrive. Congratulations to every shortlisted and winning business and individual. They all play a very important role in Chesterfield’s economy.”

In addition to Adorn Jewellers, Something Special Bridal, Kelly Jaggers and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival, the winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year (Sponsored by Elite Private Education)

Belle Vie

Alysha Bradley, Owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be crowned Hair and Beauty Business of the Year. We care so much about the people in the business, our customers and the contribution we are all making to the community. The next step for the business is to open a disability retreat for adults and children.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year (sponsored by In the Works PR)

Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, Owner of Dotique said: “We were delighted to win Best New Store last year so to follow that up with the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year award in 2019 is just fabulous. I am ecstatic. I am very proud of Chesterfield and so happy to be here.

Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “We’re over the moon to win the award particularly as it recognises the quality of our produce. I personally hand select all our produce daily from wholesale farmers and markets and if I wouldn’t eat it, then it’s not good enough for our customers. We’re all about quality.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Peak FM)

Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Brian Quinney, Owner of Quinney’s Pet Supplies, said: “It feels amazing to be crowned Leisure Retailer of the year. It’s a fantastic reward after two and half years of hard work. We’ve grown massively since we opened, and we hope to continue that growth in the future.”

Market Hall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Arvato)

R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Simon Davidson, Owner of R P Davidson Cheese Factor said: “It’s a great honour for me and my staff to be crowned Market Hall Business of the Year. It’s important that the business continues to evolve. We don’t want more shops, but we definitely want to work with other retailers, and we have sponsored the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival in Queens Park in 2019.”

Market Trader of the Year (Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Roper’s Honey

Helen Roper, Owner of Roper’s Honey said: “It’s really exciting to be crowned Market Trader of the Year. We love the market, the customers and our fellow market traders – it’s like a big family – just like our business and we hope our children will be the future of it.”

Independent Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design)

Something Special Bridal

Tonya Stickley, Owner of Something Special Bridal, said: “I am over the moon to win. It is beyond amazing. It means so much to me and my little boutique to win the awards. It’s a tough environment economically and politically, so it’s great to recognise the independent retailer.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by The University of Derby)

The Body Shop

Hannah Richardson, Manager of The Body Shop in Chesterfield said: “We were all completely shocked to hear we’d won. We are a small team of four, who are all committed to delivering the very best service to our loyal customers. We are all so proud to have won the award.”

Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by Casa Hotel)

Something Special Bridal

Best Town Centre Event (Sponsored by Spire Radio)

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Laura Ashby, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “It feels amazing to be local to Chesterfield and to win this award. It’s a fantastic event that is for all members of the family. We’re delighted to win.”

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Kelly Jaggers (Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty)

She said: “I am so happy and surprised to win the award. It is so nice to be appreciated. I have just completed my Level 2 apprenticeship and now want to do my Level 3. If you want to learn a new skill or trade, an apprenticeship is the best way to do it.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge, said: “I’m really pleased that I and the whole team have been recognised for the time and effort we put into our apprentice programme. I am a massive advocate of apprenticeships because I know the benefits that they can bring to a business as well as to the career development of young people.”

Best New Store 2018/2019 (Sponsored by Pavements Shopping Centre)

Astra Designs

Donna Danielle, Owner of Astra Designs said: “It’s a big shock to win but feels absolutely amazing to be named as the Best New Store at the Retail Awards. There is so much support for business in Chesterfield. The community and customers mean so much to us and help us grow the business, which means my daughter is able to join it next year as an apprentice.”

Further supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, JayRar, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

For more information and images of the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Which are the best Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Businesses?

17th June 2019

Businesses that represent the best of the area’s tourism industry are set to be showcased and celebrated in the newly-launched Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

Organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, the awards will recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector, which is worth over £2.15 billion, attracts 40.45 million visitors each year and supports over 28,000 jobs.

Nominations are open from 17^th June to 4^th August 2019, with local businesses encouraged to enter in 11 categories that celebrate different aspects of the visitor economy – from amazing visitor attractions and great accommodation providers to traditional pubs and unique experiences.

Winners from each category will automatically be put forward into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, awards include ‘Hotel of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’, ‘Pub of the Year’, ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Experience of the Year’. Others champion ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ and ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism’, shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts in the autumn. Those shortlisted will be informed in November 2019 and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of the visitor economy and the people who work across the area’s tourism sector to make it so successful.

“We look forward to honouring all the brilliant local businesses who continuously strive for excellence, ensuring visitors have the most rewarding and memorable experiences when they visit the Peak District and Derbyshire.”

The full list of categories is below:

B&B and Guest House of the Year
Hotel of the Year
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Visitor Attraction of the Year
Pub of the Year
Experience of the Year
New Tourism Business of the Year
Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

For more details on the categories and to enter, please visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/tourism-awards

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £75 plus VAT per category.

Applications open at 09:00 on 17th June 2019 and close at 23:59 on 4th August 2019. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

BRM Solicitors to sponsor Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

14th June 2019

Leading law firm and Chesterfield Champions BRM Solicitors take on naming rights of the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket after being involved in the annual event since 2013.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which returns to the picturesque Queen’s Park on Sunday 14 July, will see Derbyshire play Northamptonshire in four-day first-class cricket, before it rounds-off with the showpiece Twenty20 fixture against Yorkshire in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd.

Jimmy Drew, Commercial Manager at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s great to extend our relationship with BRM Solicitors after they have been involved in the festival for a number of seasons.”

“We’ve had some exciting matches across both formats in recent years, including a memorable Vitality Blast win last summer, and we hope to see more of the same in 2019.”

“The festival is very well supported – less than 30 per cent of tickets remain for the Yorkshire fixture – and by taking on the headline sponsorship, BRM Solicitors’ name and branding will be highly visible across Chesterfield this July.”

Rob Woodhead (right), Executive Director at BRM Solicitors, added: “BRM is delighted to continue its support of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.”

“Queen’s Park is recognised as one of the best venues to watch cricket in the world and the Derbyshire/Yorkshire T20 Blast, on Saturday the 20 July, is the jewel in the festival’s crown.”

“From BRM’s perspective the opening of our Sheffield office, at Steel City House in 2018, brings added ‘spice’ to the Derbyshire/Yorkshire fixture. When the possibility of becoming the headline sponsor of the Festival arose, it was too good an opportunity to miss!”

Find more information for this summer’s BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Tree Planted to Celebrate a Year of Success

13th June 2019

The Garden Secret Spa located in the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa celebrated their 1^stAnniversary this week.

A tree planting ceremony within the grounds took place, officiated by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield accompanied by Becky & Ricky, Peak FM’s Breakfast presenters.

The Luxury Spa has now been open exactly a year and located within the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa consists of a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

Since opening its doors in June 2018, The Garden Secret Spa has already become established as one of Derbyshire’s newest luxury spas. In August 2018 the Spa was awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble award from the Good Spa Guide, making it the first in Derbyshire to receive this accolade, along with being a finalist for Best Newcomer.

The spa has also increased its facilities and offerings since its opening; In September the Jennifer Young brand was launched offering ‘Beauty Despite Cancer’ treatments and products allowing cancer patients the opportunity to enjoy a full spa experience. A new spa terrace was then built and launched In October, the terrace wraps around the full length of the spa, and allows access to the gardens from the pool hall.

Jemma Whitney, Spa Manager of the Garden Secret Spa said “We have had the most fantastic first year and would truly like to thank everyone that has visited and supported us since our opening. The concept of the spa was all about bringing the award winning gardens of Ringwood Hall into the spa. To be able to celebrate today by adding a stunning Acer into the grounds means we have been able to give back to our original inspiration. We hope that as our spa grows and develops throughout the years, changing through the seasons, that our new tree will also. We are very excited about the future plans for The Garden Secret Spa”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Team GB call-up for Liam Pitchford

12th June 2019

Chesterfield table tennis star Liam Pitchford has been named in the Team GB squad for the European Games in Minsk, the Belarussian capital, this month.

Liam (25) represented Team GB at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics. A top-three result in the singles at the European Games, being held between June 21-June 30, would mean automatic qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Liam began playing table tennis when he was eight. He won the British Home Countries Championship in 2009 and two Commonwealth Games medals – silver in the team event and bronze in doubles – in 2010.

At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he picked up team and mixed doubles silver and men’s singles bronze.

In 2018 Liam competed at his third Commonwealth Games. He won gold in the men’s doubles, silver in the mixed doubles and bronze in the men’s team event. As of May 2019, Liam was ranked the no. 14 player in the world.

Liam was one of the first athletes to become a member of Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) – the only organisation of its kind in the UK that was launched in 2012 as an Olympics legacy programme. It supports and complements the work of National Governing Bodies of Sport to help talented young Derbyshire athletes to perform at their very best on the world sporting stage. It also offer local businesses and organisations unique opportunities to benefit from a range of DIS partnerships that will raise Derbyshire’s profile globally.

Chloe Maudsley, head of operations at DIS, said: “We are incredibly proud of everything that Liam has achieved and we are looking forward to seeing him compete in Minsk.”

The five-strong Team GB table tennis squad also includes Liam’s English colleagues Paul Drinkhall, Sam Walker and Tin-Tin Ho, plus Charlotte Carey of Wales. Liam will compete in the men’s singles and the team event.

The games will feature 199 events in 15 sports (23 disciplines). Organisers expect around 4,000 athletes from 50 countries. Team GB will include around 100 athletes.

In June 2015, Liam was part of the Great Britain table tennis squad at the inaugural European Games in Baku, where he reached the quarter-finals.

Images: Table Tennis England

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

CBeebies ‘Waffle’ Star Joins Chesterfield Panto

5th June 2019

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that star of CBeebies Waffle the Wonder Dog, Andrea Valls, will join the cast of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6^th December 2019 to Sunday 5^th January 2020.

Instantly recognisable to youngsters (and their parents) as ‘Mum’ Jess, in CBeebies heart-warming family comedy show Waffle the Wonder Dog, Andrea will make her pantomime debut this Christmas as Princess Jess.

Andrea has enjoyed great success with BAFTA-nominated Waffle the Wonder Dog which first hit TV screens in Spring 2018. The critically acclaimed show, now in its third series, is broadcast in 30 countries worldwide and has been viewed by over 24 million people on BBC IPlayer alone. The programme which features the talking wonder dog Waffle, voiced by the aptly named Rufus Hound, and which focuses on the newly blended Brooklyn-Bell family was an instant favourite with viewers and critics alike, praised for its sensitive and humorous handling of the everyday issues that affect young children, helping viewers to understand and cope with confusing emotions.

Away from ‘Waffle’ Andrea, who trained at East 15 Acting School, has starred in Jack & Dean of All Trades alongside Jessica Hynes, Valentine’s Night for Sky Arts and is currently writing and developing a digital sketch series.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “With her natural warmth, charm and energy not to mention a fantastic singing voice, Andrea is the perfect choice for our vivacious Princess Jess and if she can handle a talking dog I’m sure our Giant will be no match for her!”

Andrea joins the previously announced star of pop supergroup Steps, Lee Latchford-Evans, who takes the title role of Jack in this year’s spectacular production. Filled to the brim with toe-tapping pop songs, high energy dance routines, laugh-out-loud comedy and breathtaking special effects along with all the well-loved pantomime traditions and plenty of chances to join in the fun, Jack and the Beanstalk has something for all the family this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6^th December 2019 to Sunday 5^th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

The town centre comes to life at this time of year

5th June 2019

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield‘s latest blogs looks forward to the great events happening this Summer in Chesterfield.

We’re half way through the year and the weather is warming up, which can only mean one thing – the events season is upon us and Chesterfield is certainly getting into the swing of it !!

The town centre fully comes to life at this time of year, with events drawing in visitors who are keen to experience something a little different. This is where being a market town gives us one of many advantages as Chesterfield the ready-made outside space in the market to host festivals and events.

I am delighted to see that event organisers are making the most of this space. In May we welcomed Chesterfield Street Food and Grooves Festival for a second year running and the brand new Vegan Knights Festival and of course the ever popular Artisan Market.

Events like these play a big role in encouraging footfall into the town centre, giving visitors the opportunity to see for themselves our great retail and food and drink offering. Often, people can run down the town, claiming in one breath that it is full of empty shops yet, in the same sentence, admit to never shopping in Chesterfield.

The town is most definitely not full of empty shops. In fact, Chesterfield is renowned nationally for having fewer vacant shops than the majority of towns and cities.

We owe our vibrant town centre in part to the plethora of independent businesses who are located there; long established retailers as well as new shops, stores and market stalls opening regularly.

The wealth of independent retailers has never been more apparent that in the shortlist for year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards. We had a record year for nominations with more than half of the 30 finalists being shortlisted for the first time in the awards. The strong shortlist not only mirrors the year-on-year success of these popular awards but also the town’s high-quality and varied retail scene.

It’s very encouraging to see so many people taking the time to nominate their favourites in both the Chesterfield Retail Awards. We have seen a similar picture in nominations for the Food and Drink businesses. Having such a varied shortlist only adds to the excitement of the awards and makes for a very special awards evening.

If you can’t make the Retail or Food or Drink Awards, don’t worry; there’s a whole plethora of things happening in and around Chesterfield this year which showcase the town’s vibrant retail and food and drink scene.

These events are not only an opportunity to have a great time, but also a way to shop local and invest in the economy. We can all play our part in helping make Chesterfield the place to live, work and invest.

Destination Chesterfield has an up-to-date list of events on its website at www.chesterfield.co.uk. You won’t be disappointed!

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

New forum unites Chesterfield’s food and drink sector

5th June 2019

Skills, recruitment and marketing were top of the agenda for the brand-new Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum, which has been launched by Destination Chesterfield.

The new forum builds on the continued success of the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and is designed to further raise the profile of the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

Open to Chesterfield Champions, the group will meet twice a year and has been established to encourage a closer working relationship between businesses operating within the sector.

It aims to support business growth by providing access to training and development and signposting to local business advisers. It is also hoped the group will spark new marketing ideas to further boost the sector and encourage the whole town to get involved.

Hospitality and tourism is the UK’s fourth-largest industry, supporting 4.49 million jobs and generating one tenth of the country’s economic wealth. Chesterfield is no exception. The thriving sector is growing year-on-year with recent developments including the arrival of Deliveroo in Chesterfield in May, the creation of new food and drink units in the former Co-Op building on Elder Way and the redevelopment of the outdoor space at Vicar Lane.

The inaugural event was held at The Crafty Dog on Chatsworth Road and was attended by representatives from The Crafty Dog, Casa Hotel, Brampton Brewery, Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, R P Davidson Cheese Factor and Salute. It was chaired by Laura Ashby and Richard Alsop from Edge Events, the company behind the Chesterfield Food Festival and Street Food and Grooves Festival and included information for local producers from the Food and Drink Forum Ltd.

Richard Alsop explained: “As Laura and I work with businesses across the food and drink sector providing an event platform for them to deliver their products, as chairs of the forum, we are not only able to be objective, but also understand what matters to the individuals and businesses operating within the sector.

“The first forum went really well and feedback from the attendees was excellent. It has provided us with a great platform to build on. Now, it’s about increasing numbers, connecting people and ensuring we add value to all those who get involved.”

Future plans for the forums include guest speakers from local cookery schools, marketing support including websites and social media and attendance from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Chesterfield’s food and drink scene is thriving as evidenced by the annual Food and Drink Awards which has grown year on year since its launch in 2013. Launching the forum was the next step in bringing together the many individuals and businesses that operate in the sector. The forum will enable them to work together to make the most of opportunities and also collectively find solutions for industry issues such as skills shortages. As the inaugural forum evidenced, together Chesterfield’s food and drink sector is definitely stronger.”

The next Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum will be held at The Tickled Trout on Wednesday 6 November.

If you are a business operating with Chesterfield’s food and drink sector and would like to attend the next meeting, please contact Tara Underhill on 01246 207207 or email tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk.

To find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure