Manufacturing

Bloodhound and Mantra set to roll into town for Made in Chesterfield

Engineering and manufacturing companies in north east Derbyshire are being called on to support the annual Made in Chesterfield festival, a celebration of the town’s manufacturing sector throughout November organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Museum’s very own George Stephenson will attend the official launch of Made in Chesterfield 2015 to the business community at a special evening event on Tuesday 3 November.

The museum is also hosting a special Made in Chesterfield Exhibition, celebrating the wide range of amazing and sometimes quirky products being made in Chesterfield both today and bygone days, including George Stephenson’s cucumber straightener.

Meet George Stephenson Chesterfield Museum

As well as George Stephenson, Chesterfield is welcoming a number of high-profile names from manufacturing and engineering during the festival, including Mantra – AMRC’s travelling showcase for advanced engineering, and Bloodhound, the vehicle which is Britain’s latest attempt to break the world land speed record, travelling at a speed of 1,000mph.

A replica of the vehicle will be at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 18 November as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival and is central to a special drinks reception for Chesterfield Champions.

The arrival of Bloodhound in Chesterfield has special significance for the town as local industrial weighing specialists Weightron Bilanciai Ltd have supplied the weighing systems that have been used throughout the build of the project. The company also supplying a system to measure the weight distribution through the wheels of the car, to allow the balancing of the vehicle.

BLOODHOUND_SSC_RightSide_July2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, vice chair of Destination Chesterfield and cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Engineering has always played a major part in Chesterfield’s economy and these events show that this heritage is continuing today.

“Engineering companies are also at the forefront of work in the town to create apprentices to give young people high quality job opportunities.

“This festival is an opportunity to showcase all they do and raise awareness of the many different types of products being manufactured in the town.”

As well as the launch and Champions’ Bloodhound event, there is a packed programme of business events being held during Made in Chesterfield, including a manufacturing conference, business masterclasses and networking events.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar, NatWest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Chesterfield College, Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Placing Futures, NLT Training, UKTI, East Midlands Chamber, Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Positive 4 Young People.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only do this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Ian Harrison, UKTI Regional Director in the East Midlands, said he was delighted to be involved in Made in Chesterfield.

He added: “Our breakfast event Made in Chesterfield – Sold to the World, on 9 November, will include an in-depth look at the exciting opportunities for local companies to trade internationally.

“As part of UKTI’s Export Week programme, we hope the event will show businesses that whatever their size, we can help them take their goods and services worldwide.

“The Chesterfield event is also timed to coincide with the launch of the Government’s new Exporting is GREAT Campaign (www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk), which seeks to inspire 100,000 new exporters.”

To find out more about any of the Made in Chesterfield business events and to register to attend, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

Made in Chesterfield - Mantra at the Proact Stadium

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Manufacturing

Museum celebrates everything Made in Chesterfield

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can learn about the borough’s manufacturing industry through a new exhibition named ‘Made in Chesterfield’.

Items from at least 27 different Chesterfield companies will be on display including a drill collar from Techman Engineering, pottery, strapping from Damar Webbing and leather items from Claytons.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Chesterfield has a rich and varied manufacturing history which continues to this day.

“The borough is known for producing specialised and bespoke items, working closely with the customer, and has a reputation for quality.

“This is a great opportunity to see the work which still continues today and I’d encourage families to visit the exhibition and learn together.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday 9th January and will include some ‘hands on’ elements for the museum’s younger visitors, including boxes allowing them to feel and explore different materials.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition is part of the town’s annual Made in Chesterfield Festival which takes place across the town throughout November.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield which coordinates the celebrations said: “Made in Chesterfield is a flagship event for the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector, which is the foundation of our economy and a large contributor to the region,

“However lots of young people don’t know the companies or careers that exist within it. Made in Chesterfield is an important tool in raise awareness of this sector.

“Last year during Made in Chesterfield we introduced more than 400 young people to the sector through a programme of events. This year, we’re running an entire month of school and business events throughout November.

“It is these events, combined with the exhibition at the museum,  that will help us reach more people this year and enable the borough’s thriving manufacturing sector to survive and prosper for many more generations.”

More information can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

Made in Chesterfield MSE Hiller

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Chesterfield pottery to appear on BBC 2’s Great British Menu

The work of award-winning Chesterfield ceramicist Clare Gage will be showcased on BBC 2 next month, when it appears on The Great British Menu displaying the culinary creation of top chef Pip Lacey.

Pip Lacey, head Chef at Murano London, Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant in the Heart of Mayfair, is one of 24 talented chefs who are in competition to cater a banquet which will celebrate the centenary of the Women’s Institute at London’s historic Drapers Hall.

Pip used the plates, cups and saucers from Clare’s range to display her dessert course – ‘a play on scones’ – to Great British Menu judges – Prue Leith, restauranteur Oliver Peyton and award-winning critic Matthew Fort.

Originally from Leicestershire, Pip’s menu is appearing in the Central heat of the competition, where she will go up against two other chefs from the region who have been challenged to produce 21st-century dishes that honour the custodians of first-class home cooking.

The first part of Pip’s four course meal will go before the judges on Monday 28 September, with her dessert course being shown on BBC 2 at 7.30pm on Thursday 1 October 2015.

Clare Gage’s textile inspired ceramics celebrate the British tradition of afternoon tea, so were the perfect accompaniment to Pip Lacey’s very British dessert of scones. Clare Gage’s ceramics are designed and made by Clare herself in Chesterfield. Her work features lace, buttons, patchwork, cross stitch as well as knitted and woven fabric designs. The beautiful range includes cups and saucers, mugs, tableware, vases, jewellery and hanging decorations.

Explaining her decision to choose Clare Gage’s creations to display her menu, Pip Lacey said: “I chose to use Clare’s cups because of the link to the brief: Celebrating the Women’s institute. They are very unique, hand crafted and made by a woman. The Institute is all about learning new crafts and Clare’s style was perfect for the dessert I did – a play on scones. Scones are something that the Women’s Institute would eat at tea breaks when knitting, so the style of Clare’s cups tied in perfectly. Knitting and baking still go together now.

“I know that the crew liked the cups, but I have no idea as to anyone else’s reaction to them or even myself as I’ve not seen any of the show yet.”

Clare added: “It was an honour to have my work selected by Pip. My collection stems from a real affection for the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, so to have my designs used for a dish that will celebrate the Great British Institution that is the WI seems very fitting.”

The winners of each regional heat will go on to compete in the final where 4 chefs – one for each course, will be selected to cater the banquet. Finals Week and the Banquet show will be aired the week commencing Monday 5 October.

Clare Gage

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Sculpture chosen for new Chesterfield College building

A sculpture celebrating the town’s famous railway pioneer, George Stephenson is to be installed outside Chesterfield College’s new construction facility on Infirmary Road.

The winning design comes from Chesterfield College art and design student, Hannah Carter, aged 17, who was one of 6 finalists shortlisted from a total of 28, and will incorporate some of the decorative stones from the old building on the site.

Hannah said:

“I was inspired by the role the railway has played in the town and I wanted to combine that with the role education plays in shaping people’s lives. My design is created from stone and metal railway tracks. It shows how education can take you on different journeys in life.”

“It has been an amazing experience to take part in this competition. I can’t wait to see my designs come to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Luke Chapman, tutor at Chesterfield College said:-

“I am proud of how each of the students has used different inspirations to create their designs. This competition has given them all a fantastic opportunity to see how design is important in the local community. Some of the students want to go on to study architecture when they leave us and being finalists in a competition like this really gives them a head start in being able to apply what they learn in a classroom to the outside world.”

Other finalists included Justine Wright, Charlene Haughton, Lauren Blount and Jordan Thorpe all aged 17 and first year art and design students. The competition was judged by Cllr Terry Gilby from Chesterfield Borough Council, Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College and Mike Thackery, Head of Facilities at Chesterfield College.

The new sculpture is part of the Percent for Art scheme run by Chesterfield Borough Council, which invites developers of schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art as part of their finished project.

Hannah Carter (centre) winner of sculpture competition with some of the finalists

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Young Chef of the Year tickles taste buds with local recipe book

Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year 2014, Natasha Hart, has been cooking up interest for ‘Taste’ – a new, mouth-watering, local cook book featuring favourite recipes from top food spots and keen cooks living and working in the town.

Collated by Chesterfield College, ‘Taste’ is designed to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare and is part of a bigger campaign by the college to raise £30,000 for the hospice’s £1 million Urgent Bed Appeal.  Natasha visited the charity this week to help launch the new book as well as offering some tips for making her recipe at home.

Packed full of savoury and sweet delights, the book includes delicious treats like a stuffed chicken recipe from the Chesterfield Football Club Physio, Jamie Hewitt and a chocolate and caramac Roulade from Andrea Loomes, Head Chef at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Local restaurants and food retailers like Calabria and Jacksons the Bakers have shared their favourite recipes too, making the book a must for any self-respecting foodie to have on their cook book shelf!

Mhairi Herring, from Ashgate Hospicecare said “Thanks to all who have contributed to the Taste book and to Chesterfield College for producing it.

“Every penny from the sale of Taste will raise vital funds to allow us to provide care for people with life limiting illnesses. So grab a copy and get cooking.

“The recipes look delicious. I can’t wait to try Ainsley Harriott’s sticky toffee pudding. I wonder if the calories won’t count as it is all for charity!”

The books are now on sale for £5 from Ashgate Hospicecare shops, Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Football Club, Calabria, Jacksons the Bakers and Maison Mes Amis.

Natasha Hart was named Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.  This year’s Young Chef of the Year will be crowned alongside 12 other winners at a glittering ceremony taking place at Chesterfield College in October.

Chesterfield College recipe book Taste

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Manufacturing, Summer, Visiting

Manufacturing companies urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield

Engineering and manufacturing companies in Chesterfield and north east Derbyshire are being called on to make a difference to the future of young people and get involved with Made in Chesterfield taking place in November later this year.

Festival organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging companies to put themselves forward and get involved with the school and business events that will be taking place throughout the month.

This year Made in Chesterfield has been extended from a week to a month, providing even more opportunity for the town’s manufacturing and engineering companies to ignite career interest in the sector from young people.

Last year a number of companies took part in the first ever Made in Chesterfield which took place over a week in November. United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company, Kingfield Electronics, FieldCandy, and Magnifica Technologies Ltd, offering tours of their facilities, competitions, events and workshops with schools and students.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Last year Ivan’s company took an active role in Made in Chesterfield Week and invited a number of schools to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

If your company would like to get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Made in Chesterfield MSE Hiller

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Manufacturing

From canvas to canvas for St Mary’s students’ winning tent design

Two Year 10 students from St Mary’s School have finally seen their winning tent design brought to life by Staveley-based outdoor products designer FieldCandy.

Students Rhys Rossello (15) and Louis Rafferty (14), both studying Graphics Products at St Mary’s, took part in the tent design competition organised by Destination Chesterfield as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival last year. Made in Chesterfield brought together the town’s thriving manufacturing sector and schools to highlight to career opportunities within it.

The winning design, which features Chesterfield’s crooked spire, the Proact Stadium roof, the train station, Town Hall and Growth Sculpture, was selected by Crush Design and Derbyshire Education Business Project.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The judges felt that Rhys and Louis’ design reflected Chesterfield and it was a good modern adaptation for a tent.”

Rhys and Louis worked at Crush Design’s studio on Marsden Street in Chesterfield to transform their design into a format ready for printing on the FieldCandy tent.

Headteacher of St Mary’s Sean McClafferty added: “Both Rhys and Louis are a credit to St Mary’s. They have excelled themselves and I am sure this success will encourage them to consider careers in the area of design as they are both clearly gifted students.”

The design was reproduced on a stunning two-man tent by FieldCandy. John Harris, Director of FieldCandy, said: “We were delighted to be able to participate in Made in Chesterfield. We’re even more thrilled with the wonderful design that Rhys and Louis have produced. It’s translated excellently into a tent and we’re very proud of it.

“Taking part in Made in Chesterfield was a great opportunity for FieldCandy to give something back to the Borough. The Council has been exceptionally supportive of the business and has helped us access grant funding to grow and create jobs here.”

Since launching in 2011 FieldCandy has taken the camping world by storm with its unique eye-catching luxury designs which are all made at the company’s headquarters on Colliery Close in Staveley.  The designer tents, which feature offbeat graphics such as leopard print, a block of cheese and floral motifs, have developed a celebrity following and are seen at festivals over the world. Some of the designs have even been showcased at the 54th Grammy Awards in the US.

FieldCandy and Crush Design were just two of a number of companies that took part in Made in Chesterfield 2014. The manufacturing festival will return later this year in November for a full month of events. It is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To keep up to date with events and developments in Chesterfield, as well as plans for Made in Chesterfield 2015 visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

Made in Chesterfield Tent

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Manufacturing

Cathelco Acquires French Firm to Become Leader in Water Treatment Systems

Cathelco in Chesterfield, the world-leading manufacturer of equipment for ships, has acquired Hydro-Electrique Marine (HEM), the French specialists in desalinators and water treatment systems.

The acquisition will make Cathelco one of the largest producers of ship-board water treatment systems in Europe and the premier supplier to the super yacht industry.

Justin Salisbury, Managing Director of Cathelco Ltd said:-

“The new venture will operate under the name of Cathelco HEM emphasising the strength of two well-known brand names and creating a stronger presence in the water treatment market.”

Cathelco already has experience of the desalinator market having purchased Seafresh Desalinators in 2010, a small company serving the UK market which it transformed into an international exporter of watermakers.

Manufacture of the HEM equipment will continue at the company’s premises near Antibes in the south of France. This will also provide Cathelco with a technical support and stockholding hub in the Mediterranean.

Currently, Cathelco Seafresh desalinators have a maximum output of 35 tonnes per day, whereas the HEM range have outputs of up to 150 tonnes making them suitable for use on large commercial vessels and naval craft.

Justin Salisbury explains:-

“The HEM range greatly increases the scope for desalinator sales and provides a good fit with our existing range.

“It will enable us to provide a complete equipment package for commercial vessels and super yachts which we can support through our combined network of agent/installers.”

Cathelco is now in a position where it can provide treatment systems for virtually all types of seawater used on vessels.

Founded in 1956, Cathelco has grown to be one of the UK’s most dynamic manufacturers of marine equipment through product innovation and diversification and its seawater pipework anti-fouling systems have now been fitted to more than 40,000 vessels around the world.

The company also produces ICCP hull corrosion protection systems for ships and offshore platform applications.

 

Cathelco Chesterfield

 

 

 

 

Posted in Business, Manufacturing

New Destination Chesterfield Board Member Appointed for Manufacturing Sector

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of the leading supplier of centrifuges to the water and food industries, MSE Hiller, is the newest addition to the Destination Chesterfield board.

Ivan replaces James Brand of United Cast Bar as the board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough. James has stepped down from the board due to increasing work commitments however will continue in his role as the chair of the popular Manufacturing Forum.

Ivan and the company have taken an active role in manufacturing initiatives organised by Destination Chesterfield, including last year’s successful Made in Chesterfield Week where schools were invited to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

Ivan brings more than 35 years’ experience to his board member role.  Delighted to join the board, he said: “Destination Chesterfield is a conduit for joining together the many companies and organisations in Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector, be they employers, training providers, or young people still at school and looking for direction. It is by joining these groups together successfully that we can help further improve the manufacturing sector in the town.”

He is particularly passionate about apprenticeships within the sector, explaining: “For me manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure. It is vitally important that we maintain Chesterfield’s manufacturing tradition and capability, and that will be my broad focus in my role on the Destination Chesterfield Board.

“I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships. To this day many of my early apprentices are still working with me after two decades.”

MSE Hiller, which has been based in Chesterfield since 2001, supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK. Currently no other company offers the service and products which they do and, as a result, is very much in demand.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ivan to the board although sad that James Brand has left. We thank him for all he has done and will continue to do as both a Chesterfield Champion and a thriving manufacturing business in the town.

“MSE Hiller is a great example of a local company that is establishing the town as an engineering specialist. Ivan brings much personal experience in the sector as both an employee and an employer and is very clear about how he wants it and Chesterfield to develop. We are all very much looking forward to working with him.”

Ivan Fomin joins the existing members of the Board, which include:

Destination Chesterfield is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.  This approach to promoting the town sees the local business community playing a central role in its success by leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, and businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.

MSE Hiller will be taking part in Made in Chesterfield throughout November 2015. Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To find out more about Destination Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk. Or if you are interested in becoming involved in Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Ivan Fomin

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards launched – Vote now for your favourite retailer

The town’s popular Retail Awards have returned for the second year running. Shoppers are now being called on to nominate their favourite shops and stores across 14 categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the Awards, which are sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, recognise the very best retailers in the town.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The success of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards is once again very much in the hands of the general public. They need to nominate in order for retailers to be shortlisted.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. These awards recognise this.”

This year, retailers can support their call for nominations by submitting a short 20 second video explaining why shoppers should nominate their business. Videos should be emailed to info@chesterfield.co.uk and will appear on Destination Chesterfield’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.

Last year more than 1000 nominations were received from shoppers culminating in 11 businesses being named the very best in the town. Pelican Cycles, based on Old Road in Brampton, scooped awards across four categories, including the coveted Retailer of the Year award.

The cycle shop was opened in 2012 by owner and keen cyclist Neil Armitage. The business achieved a six figure turnover in year one with turnover growing by more than 50% in its second year of trading. On winning the awards Neil said: “We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and personal service. We have created a welcoming informal atmosphere in the shop with the use of touches like an espresso machine and screen showing Tour De France highlights. Because of these touches and our approach to customer service we have developed a loyal repeat customer base.”

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College explained: “Part of the Chesterfield College Group, Learning Unlimited is delighted to be sponsoring the Chesterfield Retail Awards this year. As a rapidly-growing apprenticeships and training provider, at the core of what we do is both providing people with the skills necessary to succeed in industry and helping businesses prosper and grow as a result of their workforce.

“We work with many local retailers already and the apprenticeships that we offer in relation to retail are growing increasingly popular, such as customer service and sales apprenticeships so we were delighted to get involved with such a key retail awards ceremony in Chesterfield. We hope that we continue to work successfully with more and more local retailers in regard to their staffing and training needs as we look to help grow this area’s economy, giving the community a real boost.”

Nominations open on Tuesday 17th March and close at Midnight on the 6th April 2015 and postcards and posters are being distributed around the town to encourage people to vote online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Everyone that nominates will be entered into a prize draw to win a three-course meal with wine for two at the Old Post Restaurant, winner of Restaurant of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2014.

Following the nomination process a shortlist of retailers will be selected who will then be mystery shopped and scored to decide the winner in each of the categories.  The winners will be announced at an award ceremony held later this year in June.

The 14 categories open for nominations in the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

  • Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
  • Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
  • Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
  • Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
  • Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
  • Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
  • Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
  • Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
  • Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
  • National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
  • Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
  • Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
  • Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include E-business works and the Derbyshire Times.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Manufacturing, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Borough Council branding changed for first time in 40 years

New branding is being introduced to help Chesterfield Borough Council improve customer service, generate more income and save on future design costs.

The council’s branding was originally created 40 years ago and so was not designed with modern publishing needs in mind, particularly for websites or social media.

The new visual identity, produced by Chesterfield-based company Crush Design, continues to feature the town’s famous Crooked Spire and is designed to help attract more people to use services that generate income, such as the council’s leisure centres.

To help the council save money in the future templates are also being produced to enable council staff to create posters or leaflets for events they are running without having the cost of designing each one individually.

Implementation of the branding will be phased in so that items are only replaced when they reach the end of their working life to prevent additional costs. Many uses of the branding can be changed without any cost, such as social media or when producing future leaflets or posters.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “At the moment we provide around 60 services. Different teams in the council tell the public about them in different ways and using different visual styles.

“So while they might know we are responsible for rubbish collection they might not know we run the Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel or the parks. Instead they often mistakenly think we are responsible for roads, schools or social care when those are services run by Derbyshire County Council.

“By simplifying the messages we give out and presenting them in a more modern and consistent way people will be able to easily identify what services are run by Chesterfield Borough Council and how to contact us about them.”

A separate organisation, Destination Chesterfield, which is a partnership between private businesses and the public sector, is responsible for marketing Chesterfield as a place to invest in and visit.

In recent years Destination Chesterfield has created an identity to promote Chesterfield which has been used at key gateways to the town, on tourism promotional materials and to promote economic development and regeneration projects.

The council branding has not been changed for 40 years and only applies to services provided by Chesterfield Borough Council. The new branding will not replace any of the work done by Destination Chesterfield to promote Chesterfield.

The council has approved the use of the new branding from late January.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Manufacturing