Uncategorised

Workshops launched to help Chesterfield residents with mental wellbeing and work/life balance

12th January 2023

Community Chesterfield is launching a series of workshops for people in the town, with ‘Calm In A Box’ aimed at tackling mental well-being and the work/life balance.

Starting on the 18^th of January and running through until the 1^st of March, Community Chesterfield has teamed up with Calm In A Box to offer a series of free online training sessions to staff and volunteers of community groups and charities, as well as staff and students at the University of Derby.

Led by Calm In A Box founder Sarah Markham, the framework aims to help those taking part to find a better balance in their life, and see the rewards making these changes can bring. Training & Tea is Community Chesterfield’s signature bitesize online training that presents successful and accessible workshops covering a variety of topics.

Sarah, who is Founder and CEO at Calm in a Box commented: “Calm in a Box brings together my personal interest in well-being with my professional experience and aims to promote a calmer lifestyle at home and at work at a time when we are often overwhelmed with busyness, stress, and anxiety which can lead to both mental and physical health issues.”

Each session includes key themes, research, insight, and storytelling. The workshops will enable participants to learn ways to shift their mindset and encourage positive behaviour to make the changes they need.

Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer at Community Chesterfield said: “It’s been a tough few years for a lot of people, and we wanted to encourage a positive start to this one, a fresh outlook, and to help support our communities in making 2023 one to look forward to, and we hope this series of Training & Tea will help achieve that.”

Free places are available as part of the National Lottery Community Fund, and Community Chesterfield’s partnership with the University of Derby to those qualifying (see their website for details). Tickets are open to businesses and individuals at a cost of £20 per session.

Community Chesterfield 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in Calm in a box, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Community Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, mental health, wellbeing, Wellbeing in the workplace

Launch your business in Chesterfield

11th January 2023

Looking for a change in 2023? Or maybe you’ve got a big idea which you’re looking to get off the ground. Now is a great time to hit the launch button on your start-up business in Chesterfield.

From quality office spaces to superb support, the town has everything you need to get started.

Find out below about some of the town’s recent start-up success stories. We’ve also spoken to a range of advisors and business leaders in the town, to get their expert tips on getting started.

Getting started

Vision Derbyshire start-up support and grant scheme

Entrepreneurs in Chesterfield are getting a boost from an innovative business support scheme.

Vision Derbyshire provides them with tailor-made advice, guidance and funding to get their ideas off the ground.

It is open to people who live in Derbyshire, and want to bring their business idea to life. Its also open to people who have recently set up a new venture in the last twelve months.

A team of experts are in place to offer free and impartial advice and support tailored to your needs, including:

mentoring
business planning
financial planning
marketing
signposting to other suitable areas of support

Grant funding of up to 50% of total project costs to a maximum of £10,000 per applicant is available, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. Vision Derbyshire’s business advisers will guide you through the application process.

Networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success are also part of the support package on offer.

To find out more about the Vision Derbyshire scheme and request support email business@derbyshire.gov.uk with:

a brief description of your business venture or idea
your current status – idea stage, first 3-months of trading, 3 to 12-months trading
your contact details – name, address of your business, email, preferred telephone number

Vision Derbyshire is a collaboration of local authorities across Derbyshire which delivers priority projects which have a positive impact on people’s lives and achieve greater council efficiency. A funding pot of £550,000, which has been raised through Derbyshire’s involvement in the Government’s retained business rates pilot scheme, has been set aside to support start-ups in Derbyshire and Derby.

Get the information you need

Do you have a business idea that you would like to explore? Keen to start a business but not sure how? Or maybe you’ve recently started trading and want to make sure you have all the essential building blocks in place for your business to be successful.

East Midlands Chamber is hosting a Business Starter Workshop at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre on Tuesday, 31st January 2023, giving you the chance to gain vital knowledge and information on starting your company.

Find out more here.

Start-up success stories in Chesterfield

We’ve spoken to some of the town’s brightest entrepreneurs who have been supported to get their business moving by the Vision Derbyshire project. Could this be you in 2023?

Suzanne Lloyd – Suzanne Lloyd Consultancy

Virtual Assistance | Suzanne Lloyd Consultancy | Chesterfield (virtueva.co.uk)

New business owner Suzanne Lloyd worked in business and office management for over 15 years, but saw a gap in the market to start her own virtual assistance business. Suzanne hadn’t considered starting her own business previously but saw a clear opportunity of providing virtual services to small businesses.

She launched her business Virtue Virtual Assistance in 2021. The business offers friendly and bespoke Virtual Assistance, HR Management & Bookkeeping services, personalised to the needs of small businesses. Suzanne aims to be the staff member that every business needs but can’t necessarily afford on a permanent basis. She is highly organised and loves to plan.

Suzanne commented: “Getting to know a business like it’s my own, I can offer personalised and tailored support or assistance so that the organisation can focus on what’s important.

“I’m really proud of how far I have come in such a short time. I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone, but it’s so rewarding when I get new enquiries on the back of referrals from happy clients! Working alongside my Business Adviser has changed my whole mindset of what I, and my new business, can achieve. Sara has helped me to challenge my own perceptions of what opportunities I can seize.

“I would have to say for anyone thinking about it just to do it. Yes, it is a big leap and there is a lot of unknowns, however the positives have far outweighed the negatives for me. After being made redundant from my last two positions I finally feel in control. To feel appreciated every day is such a nice feeling. The flexibility and quality time it has given to my family has truly changed my life.”

Vicky Staniland – Blooms & Bantams

Blooms & Bantams – British Flowers, Flowers, Florist (bloomsandbantams.co.uk)

Vicky Staniland launched her dream business Blooms & Bantams in 2022 after growing and arranging flowers for her own wedding and spotting a gap in the market.

The business based in New Whittington, grows and sells British flowers locally. Sustainability is at the core of the business, selling directly to customers wanting gift bouquets or event flowers.

Additionally, offering workshops on growing and arranging, Blooms & Bantams also aims to teach the skills of growing and working with flowers to encourage people to take it up themselves.

Whether it be flowers for key calendar occasions, or wedding, funeral or corporate events, Vicky aims to provide a service that leaves customers with a new, or renewed appreciation of the beauty and bounty of British grown flowers.

Vicky said: “My business advisor, Sara, has been instrumental to the success of Blooms & Bantams’ first year. The advice I have received has always been constructive and has encouraged me to explore options and considerations that I would have likely ignored without prompt. These opportunities have encouraged me to develop connections and gain access to resources that have been incredibly useful in the first stages of starting a business.

“I have also received a grant from the Start Up Support scheme, which has allowed me to buy new raised beds. This additional space will allow me to increase my output volume and grow many more flowers for sale next year.

“I would urge any new business owner to seek the support of the Vision Derbyshire programme as it may help provide the information and guidance that is so useful during those first few months of trading.”

James Biltaji – MediGuard

MediGuard | The Smart Pillbox (themediguard.co.uk)

MediGuard is developing and building The MediGuard Smart Pillbox. A pillbox designed to help people on multiple prescription medication take their pills on time and keep their loved ones informed about their adherence.

In 2019, James’ Dad had to have a liver transplant and was going through the initial recovery stages. He was taking around 20 tablets a day and really struggled to take his medication on time.

James commented: “My brother and I tried to help as much as possible, however we couldn’t be there all the time. When we couldn’t be there two things would happen, he’d forget to take his medication, or on a couple of occasions he accidently double dosed. We looked for something that would keep us connected and informed through a mobile app, but there wasn’t anything that we could find. That’s where the vision for The MediGuard came into place.

“It all takes time to build something from nothing, but we’ve made tremendous progress over the last year. We’ve been working hard on building the hardware and mobile application, as well as getting feedback from potential users on features and functionality of the product.

“One of the most valuable resources so far has been the free business support and advice from our Vision Derbyshire business advisor Sara Martin. Sara has been helping us with anything we’ve not been sure about. She has pointed us in the direction to potential funding opportunities, events related to our business in the area and connecting us with universities and people that can help progress our business. Without her, half of the events and opportunities we have taken part in would have been missed.”

Jackie Smith – Aspire Export Solutions Ltd

As a student, Jackie gained experience working for a number of local businesses including Robinsons of Chesterfield and Bryan Donkins before studying Applied Languages at University in London.

Returning to Chesterfield in the late 80s, she considered setting up her own business as an export consultant. However, to gain more experience and develop her international business knowledge, Jackie chose to develop her career working for big businesses within international markets. Jackie’s most recent position was Engineering Products Director within the construction industry.

Jackie explained how she decided to start up her own venture: “Following the covid pandemic, I felt that it was time to follow my dream of setting up my own business. Whilst the ideas and thoughts behind the business were plentiful, I was nervous about setting up on my own.

“I have been able to access lots of support for new start- up businesses and also businesses looking to expand. This includes the DWP, D2N2, Scaleup 360 and the Local chamber of commerce. Sara Martin Start-up advisor from Vision Derbyshire has been particularly supportive.

“I have been signposted to a number of courses that have helped to expand my knowledge. I have also received individual support and mentoring on the various aspects of running your own business, including developing a brand. This has helped me move the business forwards and Aspire Export Solutions is launching in January 2023.

“So, for budding entrepreneurs thinking about starting up their own venture in the town I would highly recommend that you do not be hesitate. There is so much support available locally, and I feel that I am in a much better position with my new business. I am looking forward to its launch in the New Year.”

Hear from the Experts

We’ve been speaking to some of the leading business coaches and advisors in Chesterfield, to get their top tips on starting up in the town.

Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield legal firm, Banner Jones Solicitors has roots in the town dating back to the 1800’s, providing a range of services, support and legal advice to businesses in the town.

Katie Ash, Head of Employment Law commented: “Don’t be afraid to recruit staff. The world of Employment Law can be complex and it can make new business owners nervous about taking the plunge.

“Employing staff can be hugely beneficial to a business and can often be the catalyst for growth. It’s always worth remembering that ordinarily employees do not actually accrue unfair dismissal rights until they have 2 years’ continuous service. This takes away some of the initial pressure. If you do however employ someone and something does go wrong, there are plenty of resources available to help. Our team are only ever a phone call away.”

Great2

Andy Ball, CEO of Great2, has spent the last 12 years starting and scaling businesses across the East Midlands and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the recent Love Chesterfield 2022 awards.

“Setting up a new business is daunting. There are so many competing demands for time. There are also many things to do where you have little experience to draw upon. For example, accounting, business operations, branding and marketing.

“One of the smartest decisions I made early on was to outsource those, to focus on growing the business. As well as supporting growth of the business, it also meant I got some down time at the weekends. It allowed me to pace myself and avoid the dreaded entrepreneurial burnout.

“I recognise the value of this advice so much that I have now built Great2. The purpose of Great2 is to support entrepreneurial success. We bring together a vibrant coworking space and meeting rooms (Great2Work) in central Chesterfield. This is alongside business growth services (Great2Grow) to help local small businesses grow in a sustainable way. I am always keen to meet start-ups and small businesses to see how we can help them.”

You can read more of Andy’s tips here

Business Doctors Chesterfield

Dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses achieve their goals, local Business Doctor Emily Coy works in partnership with business owners, sharing a wealth of business knowledge as well as providing individual expertise.

Emily said: “No business can survive without customers. It is therefore of vital importance to spend time deciding who your ideal customer will be. This will inform many other business decisions you make, especially around marketing. Ask yourself the following questions in order to create a customer profile; What is their age, gender, and location? What is their situation in life/business? Why will they buy from you? How often will they come back?”

SMH Group

SMH Group has been established since 1995 and has been advising local Chesterfield businesses and individuals by providing in-depth expertise and insight into the complex financial, legal and tax matters which may impact their business, personal and family interests.

Business Development and Marketing Manager, Josh Dickens has this piece of advice for people looking to start their own business:

“You only get one start at your business, so its important that you get the right advice, from the right people, straight away.

“This could be speaking to an accountant who will help you structure your business in the most efficient way, speaking to a marketing agency to make sure that your branding, socials and website reflect the message you are trying to send, or speaking to an IT firm to make sure all of your software and systems are in place ready for your launch.”

CCM Change Cosultancy

CCM Change Consultancy is a business set up to support sustainable business transformation and provide an experienced, pragmatic, and innovative perspective on all aspects of change within the business setting.

Business Transformation Consultant, Nick Gorman explains how business owners should approach making their ideas a reality:

“For any complex or sizeable project, business leaders should analyse the biggest challenge within it and determine how/if they can overcome it before expending time and capital in the foothills.

“There is a place and time for gut feeling and intuition, but any idea that needs resources and investment requires the support of solid strategy.”

Great office space to suit all budgets

Chesterfield has a range of great office options to support you on every step of your business journey.

Regardless of your workspace requirements, our spaces accommodate co-working and hotdesking to spacious offices for a large team.

Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Join a network of like-minded local businesses

Did you know you could gain marketing and business support, alongside the chance to build links with likeminded organisations?

There are now over 200 Chesterfield Champions working closely with Destination Chesterfield, hoping to to showcase our area as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

Becoming a Chesterfield Champion is a great way to put your organisation on the map locally. It provides the opportunity to network with key business leaders in our town.

Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in Business blog, business news, chesterfield business news, chesterfield businesses, chesterfield news, Invest in Chesterfield, Start-up support for businesses, Vision Derbyshire

Housebuilder joins forces with Junction Arts and local school for birdbox art project in Brimington

11th January 2023

Housebuilder Bovis Homes, part of Vistry Yorkshire, has teamed up with Junction Arts, a Chesterfield based arts charity, to create a variety of artistically designed birdboxes at its Brimington Heights development.

Junction Arts commissioned artists, Adrian Riley and Annabel McCourt are leading the project, which will see clusters of birdboxes placed around the development site to provide refuge for local birdlife, as well as acting as creative markers for connections with existing public footpaths and rights of way.

In November last year, Adrian and Annabel brought in a third artist, Iona Calvert to work closely with children from Brimington Junior School, involving them in the creative process of being public artists. Pupils from the school spent four days coming up with designs for the exteriors of the birdboxes. Etched on poles supporting the birdboxes will also be quotes from the schoolchildren about the things they value about ‘home’.

Following close advice from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the birdboxes will come in a variety of different sizes, materials and colours to encourage diversity of bird species, and will be strategically located throughout the development to draw the eye across the various vistas of the area.

The initial plan is for 40 bird boxes to be placed throughout the Brimington Heights development, with the potential for more to come in later stages. Additional artwork created by Adrian and Annabel will also be showcased throughout the site at various locations.

Adrian Riley, said, “We loved working with the children at Brimington Junior School. Over four days they played with pattern, colour and words, made up birdsong, invented new names for colours and sounds and explored what home meant to them, which resulted in some great ideas.

“Their enthusiasm, creativity and humour will help bring the birdbox artworks to life and create something that’s both visually engaging and of benefit to local wildlife. We also hope the boxes will encourage local people to walk the re-opened public footpaths to view the work. They’re intended to bring joy to everyone who encounters them.”

Louise Graham, sales manager at Brimington Heights said: “Bovis Homes strives to work with local communities to gain their valuable input in shaping and enhancing each of our developments. These community partnerships are incredibly important to us and demonstrate our company culture, underpinned by our values, of ‘building better together’.

“It’s been wonderful working with the Brimington schoolchildren and using their creative enthusiasm to help bring the birdbox project to life. The values the children placed on the meaning of ‘home’, and what ‘home’ means to them were particularly insightful and are just the values that we plan to instill within the Brimington Heights development for our buyers as they make their new property a home, and the new development, a neighbourhood.”

“Brimington Heights is in such a beautiful location, this is the perfect project to both cater for local wildlife and enhance the natural spaces within the development for our residents.”

The Brimington Heights development includes a number of other ecological enhancements, such as a native hedgerow that has been planted along the northern boundary of the site, providing a landscaping buffer as well as a feeding corridor for wildlife.

Brimington Heights comprises 150 three, four and five-bedroom homes, and provides options for those stepping onto the property ladder for the very first time, growing young families needing a bit more space, as well as those looking for a place to downsize after children have flown the nest.

Junction Arts 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in brimington, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield eduction, chesterfield housing, chesterfield news, Chesterfield wildlife, Love Chesterfield

Local businesses, schools and education providers invited to help shape the future of education and skills delivery

10th January 2023

‘Careers Made In Chesterfield’ – a brand new Careers Workshop pilot, which is designed to inspire and inform local students, will be launched at this year’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference.

Schools and employers, who are keen to support the future career and job opportunities for local young people, are being urged to attend the free annual conference to learn more about the exciting initiative.

The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, which aims to strengthen links between education providers and businesses, is returning for a seventh year and will take place at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 8 February, from 8am -11am.

Confirmed speakers at the go-to event include Andy Byrne, Property Development Director for the Devonshire Group, which is behind the Staveley Works scheme. He will be updating on the innovative Construction Skills Hub, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

Alongside Andy Byrne, Julie Richards, Principal of The Chesterfield College Group will be speaking at the event. The College, with support from the University of Derby, has been appointed as the training provider for the new Hub. Over 10 years, the public/private sector collaboration aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

The conference will also welcome students from Whittington Green School and apprentices from Tarmac as well as Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council.

The conference is an opportunity for businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to come together and shape the future of education and skills delivery in the area.

During the morning, businesses are invited to feed into local and regional skills plans and help shape the strategic direction through discussion of business needs, challenges and successes.

Organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, with support from Derbyshire North Careers Hub, the conference is part of the Derbyshire Festival of Business programme and open to all businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to attend.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This year’s Skills and Employability Conference looks set to be another packed showcase of the exciting opportunities and aspirations which exist across our borough. It’s a great way to strengthen the links between business and education, which ensures that our young people can develop the skills local employers need – creating a thriving and ambitious local workforce for the future.

“On the day, we will be delighted to be joined by students from Whittington Green School and look forward to hearing from senior leaders at Brookfield Community School about steps we can take together to develop robust career strategies that will further benefit the borough’s young people, along with an employer panel that will be chaired by Tarmac’s apprentice.

“The spotlight will also be on some of our innovative skills projects which are moving ahead in the borough, including investment in the Construction Skills Hub through the Staveley Town Deal which is set to create some fantastic opportunities for thousands of learners over the coming years, especially young people living in the Staveley area.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “With over 15,000 students set to gain their GCSEs and A Levels over the next five years in North Derbyshire, a strong and successful partnership between education providers and local businesses is critical. We need to ensure young people have the right skills, are work-ready and can make the most of the employment opportunities available in a wide range of sectors and industries on their doorstep. This conference is the first step in making this happen.”

Tickets for the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference are free and can be booked at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-north-derbyshire-employability-skills-conference/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield apprenticeships, chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield Education, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Skills, Chesterfield skills and employability conference, employability, Staveley

Have your say on Chesterfield town centres

9th January 2023

Chesterfield residents and local business owners are being encouraged to complete our quarterly consumer and business surveys to help us to learn more about how you / your customers use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick surveys will ask you questions about your business performance and any changes you have noticed in the last three months (October – December 2022) if you are a business owner, and the consumer survey will ask you to update us on what events or venues you have attended and services you have used recently in our communities.

Please spend a few minutes to complete the relevant questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 20th February 2023.

At the end of the consumer questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story at the Winding Wheel.

Complete the surveys here…

You can find out more about what’s on offer across our local high streets in Chesterfield by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, chesterfield high street, chesterfield news, Chesterfield shopping survey, Chesterfield survey, chesterfield town centre, Chesterfield town centre survey, Customer feedback, customer survey, shopping in chesterfield, visiting chesterfield

Progress continues at £30 million housing development near Chesterfield

9th January 2023

Progress is continuing on a major North Derbyshire housing development, with potential buyers now invited to see what is on offer at Alma Place in Holmewood.

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes Central has opened a design-led, four-bedroom showhome at the £30m development, which is located off Williamthorpe Road.

The 143-home development comprises a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Prices range from £185,995 for a two-bedroom semi-detached property to £259,995 for a four-bedroom detached house.

Interested buyers can now visit the popular three-storey Dalton house type showhome to experience Avant Homes’ latest specification at first hand.

As with all properties at Alma Place, the showhome features a flexible open-plan living space, designer kitchen with integrated appliances and boutique bathroom complete with tiling which is available in a selection of designs.

Avant Homes Central sales and marketing director, Dawn Bennett, said: “As a Chesterfield-based business, we’re excited to be making great progress at Alma Place to provide much-needed housing for buyers in the local area.

“Our collection of design-led homes is proving to be hugely popular. I encourage anyone interested in a new home in Holmewood to visit our Dalton showhome to see for themselves why they are in such demand.”

Avant Homes Central currently has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Mansfield with many more due to start as the business continues to implement its growth plans.

The company is part of the Avant Homes Group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK.

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

With friendly and welcoming communities it’s a safe place to live and bring up a family. Surrounded by stunning countryside but with lots to offer in the town there’s plenty to see and do.

Find out more about living, leisure and working in Chesterfield here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in avant homes, chesterfield business news, chesterfield developments, chesterfield homes, chesterfield housing, Holmewood, housing, Living in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield

Ashgate Hospice invites nurses for on-the-spot interviews in unique recruitment day

6th January 2023

Nurses are being encouraged to attend a recruitment open day where they can have an on-the-spot interview for their next role without applying in advance.

Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice is inviting nurses to learn more about working in end-of-life and palliative care at the recruitment day on 17th January.

The charity is running the free-to-attend session at its site in Old Brampton from 1pm to 4pm.

As well as interviewing for a permanent nursing position, there is also the opportunity to join the hospice as part of our flexible bank workforce.

Registered Nurse, Kelly Bartram, who joined Ashgate Hospice as an Inpatient Unit nurse in 2021, says working for the hospice “fills her with an overwhelming sense of achievement”.

She said: “I had come to a bit of a standstill with my career and was ready for a change and a new challenge, when the job at Ashgate came up I just knew I needed to apply. I really felt as though this could be my niche.

“From bed baths and toileting to painting nails, applying makeup, and even getting patients a glass of their favourite tipple, we endeavour to ensure families know that nothing is too much trouble.

“Knowing we so often manage to achieve comfort and peace at the end of life for our patients, their families and people close to them fills me with an overwhelming sense of achievement.

“I feel like everyone at Ashgate really cares. I am well supported emotionally, and I am believed in and encouraged to keep being the best version of myself.”

On the day, attendees will get the opportunity to speak to current nurses, the HR team and clinical leads to find out about what a career at Ashgate is like. They will also receive a tour of the hospice.

It comes as healthcare providers across the UK continue to struggle with a nationwide shortage of nurses.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance at Ashgate Hospice, added: “We are looking for nurses to join our award-winning Inpatient Unit team to help deliver our outstanding palliative and end of life care.

“As part of a multi-disciplinary team, our nurses support patients and their families with complex symptom management and specialist treatments.

“No two days are the same, but every day is rewarding at Ashgate; we hope you’ll come along to our open day to find out more!”

Anyone interested in attending must register their interest by ordering an e-ticket for the event in advance. Go to Ashgate Hospice’s website to find out more.

Ashgate Hospice 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in Ashgate hospice, chesterfield business news, chesterfield jobs, chesterfield news, Nursing, working in chesterfield

Bridge Help’s Chesterfield Foodbank appeal raises £6,000

6th January 2023

A six-week fundraising appeal, which has resulted in a whopping donation of £6,000 of food, toiletries and cash, will help hundreds of people in need across Chesterfield in 2023.

Launched in November 2022, Bridge Help’s annual Chesterfield Foodbank raised £3,000 thanks to donations from the firm’s brokers, suppliers, friends and family. The short-term commercial finance provider matched all donations, bringing the final total to £6,000.

A £4,400 haul of food and toiletries – which filled three vans – was delivered to the food bank just before Christmas. A £1,600 cash donation was also given to the charity to enable it to help people throughout the year when donations fall.

The food donated weighed in at more than 1.2 tonnes, enabling up to 1,300 meals to be made.

Roisin O’Gorman from Chesterfield Foodbank thanked Bridge Help for the donation, saying: “This donation will make such a positive difference at this incredibly difficult time. Demand for the Foodbank has increased by 35% since last year and 50% from the year before. The food donated will help keep us stocked up throughout the year when our donations start to dry up. You have really helped local people in crisis who are facing poverty!”

As well as a £500 donation of food to the collection, Stoneacre Motor Group and Maxus supplied two vans and members of their team to help Bridge Help and staff from Chesterfield Foodbank load and transport everything to the foodbank’s distribution centre on Carrwood Road in Sheepbridge.

As well as essentials – tins, pasta, long life fruit juice and milk, Bridge Help also donated toiletries, chocolate and biscuit treats for Christmas. Donations were collected and stored at the firm’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane.

Arranged by the firm’s Business Development Manager Phoebe Sellars, who is also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice, she said: “Each year the Bridge Help Foodbank appeal raises more than the last, which truly amazed me this year as everyone is feeling the effect with the cost-of-living crisis. Once again, people have been so generous and enabled us to give our biggest donation ever.

“Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I know how much this donation is needed this year. More and more people are having to make the impossible decision between choosing whether to eat or heat. I am pleased that we have been able to make a small difference locally.”

This was the third consecutive year Bridge Help has organised a collection and donation to Chesterfield Foodbank.

Since launching the Chesterfield Foodbank appeal in 2019, Bridge Help has donated more than £11,000 to the Sheepbridge-based foodbank warehouse, which is operated by The Trussell Trust.

The Chesterfield Foodbank distribution centre supplies six food banks – central Chesterfield, New Whittington, Loundsley Green, Brimington, Hope Valley and Hasland, which is the most recent foodbank. The Hasland foodbank was opened in April 2022 to cope with the increase in working people struggling to eat amid the cost-of-living hike.

Chesterfield Foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred to them and has been operating since 2013. The foodbank works through local agencies issuing vouchers to people in crisis who cannot afford to buy food.

Bridge Help 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in Bridge Help, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield community news, Chesterfield foodbank, chesterfield news, foodbank appeal

City Taxis welcomes Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity as its Chesterfield charity of the year

5th January 2023

Having pledged to support a small charity in each of their operating areas, local taxi company City Taxis has announced its latest charity partner for 2023 – the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity.

Chesterfield Royal Charity supports both the patients and staff at the hospital, by improving the environment and facilities on offer, all designed to enhance care and wellbeing. Through donations, the charity goes above and beyond to provide more than what is offered through ‘normal NHS funding’, from relaxation gardens and MRI scanners to water stations and mental health support for staff.

The Charity is currently working on its ‘Care for the Carers Appeal’ which is funding a £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub, which is being built on the hospital site. The Hub will offer all staff a safe place to actively look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Amongst the hub’s facilities will be a gym, counselling rooms and complimentary therapies.

Sacha Skinner, Marketing Manager at City Taxis, said: “Since finalising our City Charity strategy, we have worked with our Site Managers to select several local charities that we believe could really benefit from our support.

“In summer (2022) we teamed up with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to throw a ‘Thank You NHS Gala Ball’, where all funds were donated to the charity’s ‘We’ve Got You’ Campaign – dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff across Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

“When we learned that Chesterfield Royal Charity were also working on a large project to support the health and wellbeing of their staff, we knew this was something we wanted to get involved with.

“We are very proud to be supporting such a wonderful charity and very much looking forward to getting involved in lots of fundraising activities and volunteering to support this project.”

Ken Godber, Director at Chesterfield Royal Charity, said: “We are extremely proud to welcome City Taxis on board to support for our ‘Care for the Carers’ appeal.

“We know the Health and Wellbeing Hub will make a huge difference to the 4,500 colleagues working at the hospital.

“It’s been a very difficult time for the NHS and with support from City Taxis for the whole of 2023 we think we’ll be able to make even more investments in the Hub.

“Thank you to them and all their drivers for this commitment.”

In 2022, six members of the City Taxis team took on the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k to help raise funds for the Health and Wellbeing Hub build, which is set to open in spring 2023. Visit the link for more information: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/CarefortheCarersCRH

City Taxis and Chesterfield Royal Hospital support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

City Taxis at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield charity news, Chesterfield community news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, City Taxis, Health and wellbeing, Love Chesterfield

Vicar Lane announces upgrade to car parking facilities

4th January 2023

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will be undergoing an upgrade to the car park and general parking facilities in the coming weeks.

YourParkingSpace has been chosen as a partner to bring the parking facilities into the digital-era and streamline shoppers’ parking experience from 11th January.

Shoppers will see improvements to the car park access as entry/exit will be controlled by a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. In addition, there will be a number of ways to pay either on site at a Payment Kiosk where cash and card is accepted, or digitally with ‘Pay by Mobile’ or ‘Express Checkout’ using the relevant QR codes that can be found on site.

Frequent visitors to Vicar Lane will also have the option to Pre-Book a space or set up AutoPay.

YourParkingSpace offers 24/7 customer service support and a free app to download for Android and IOS users.

Vicar Lane’s multistorey car park provides 400 spaces including 18 disabled spaces and 12 parent and child parking spaces.

Shaun Brown from Vicar Lane said: “We are delighted to be working with YourParkingSpace to upgrade and modernise our car park for visitors of Vicar Lane. We know this investment will enhance our shoppers experience giving choice and flexibility to everyone’s busy day to day activities.’’

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. Shoppers of all ages will find they can shop for products from clothing, mobile phones and cosmetics to greetings cards and household items with lots of friendly, attentive staff ready to help.

For more information on stores to visit and to keep up to date on what’s going on at Vicar Lane visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Car Parking in Chesterfield, Chesterfield car parks, Chesterfield shopping, Love Chesterfield, Shopping Centre, Vicar Lane, visiting chesterfield

Global Brands Limited announces the purchase of the Hooch, Hooper’s and Reef brands

4th January 2023

Global Brands Limited has announced its purchase of the Hooch, Hooper’s, and Reef trademarks from Molson Coors Beverage Company.

The brands have been produced and distributed by Global Brands since 2012 and will now form parts of its owned portfolio.

This sale to Global Brands will mean Global Brands own the brands and can now focus on them as part of their own portfolio with all the freedoms that brings.

Nino Beneta, Managing Director of Molson Coors Export and License EMEA & APAC said: “We are excited to see Global Brands progress in growing these brands over the last decade and look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of the Reef, Hoopers and Hooch brands going forward.

“Moving forward as an EMEA & APAC Export and License team our focus will continue to be on a select portfolio of key international brands such as Coors, Staropramen, Carling, Madri Excepcional and Blue Moon.”

Steve Perez, Chairman and Founder of Global Brands said: “We are delighted to welcome the Hooch, Hooper’s and Reef brands as fully-fledged members of the Global Brands family. This will give us the opportunity to invest further into the brands with the added security of owning the equity.

“We re-launched Hooch in 2012 at the Publican Awards with Keith Lemon and reinvigorated the brand, with new flavours and focus. Hooch is a staple of the RTD category sold by major retailers, and is a popular, well-loved brand. This deal will reinforce Global Brands’ position as the leading independent producer of RTD brands in the UK.

“We have lots of ideas for innovation and look forward to sharing these with the trade and consumers shortly. We have enjoyed a fantastic supportive relationship with Molson Coors over the years and look forward to continue working closely together through their route-to-market team. It’s an exciting start for GBL in 2023!”

Hooch, Hooper’s, and Reef join the expanding and popular Global Brands portfolio – which includes VK, the biggest RTD brand in the On Trade, Franklin & Sons, the 2^nd biggest premium tonic brand in the On Trade, and All Shook Up, Shake Baby Shake, Beviamo, Kick Energy, Lustre, and Amigos Tequila Beer. Global Brands are the biggest branded supplier of packaged cocktails to the UK Off Trade (by volume).

Hooch has enjoyed huge growth with Global Brands since 2012. Recent NPD for Hooch under Global Brands includes the launch of Pink Hooch in 2020 – the most successful ready-to-drink NPD launch of the year⁴ – and the launch of Orange Hooch in the summer of 2022. Alongside the original, no nonsense alcoholic lemon brew Hooch, is the passion fruit and mango sidekick Hoola Hooch, and a range of Hooch spirits.

Global Brands 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Global Brands, Hooch, Hoopers, Invest in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Molson Coors