Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s green spaces shine with nine Green Flag Awards

Chesterfield continues to prove its commitment to quality of life, community wellbeing, and environmental excellence, securing nine Green Flag Awards. These awards reinforce Chesterfield’s reputation as a family-friendly place to live in Derbyshire.

The prestigious Green Flag Awards, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, are the international benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces. They recognise locations that are safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and environmentally sustainable. For families seeking fresh air, nature, and safe outdoor spaces, Chesterfield continues to deliver.

This year marks a record for Chesterfield. Stand Road Park received its first-ever Green Flag led by Chesterfield Borough Council and the Friends of Stand Road Park. Enhancements included reinstated footpaths, a restored wetland area, new planters, and bug hotels to support biodiversity. Looking ahead, the council plans to extend woodland trails, plant wildflowers, and continue its wetland restoration efforts.

Seven other parks retained their Green Flag status, including Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, King George V Park in Staveley, Eastwood Park in Hasland, and Monkey Park. These spaces offer families and residents a wide range of outdoor experiences, from peaceful walks to active play.

Councillor Steve Lismore, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We have some incredible parks and green spaces across our borough, and it is fantastic that we have been awarded a record number of Green Flags this year. Providing high-quality green spaces is key to supporting nature in our borough, but also helps promote health and wellbeing and contributes to ensuring that Chesterfield is a great place to live and raise a family.”

Adding to the borough’s success, Hollingwood Hub, home of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, celebrates its ninth consecutive Green Flag Award. The site features a beautiful garden, visitor centre, café, and access to canal-side activities, including boat trips and paddlesports. It’s a popular destination for families and visitors alike.

Jim Bower, who leads the Trust’s Gardening Team, said: “We are delighted to be awarded a Green Flag again. We get lots of appreciative comments from many members of the public.”

The Guardian includes Chesterfield in an article as one of the happiest places to live. Eurocell, in their 2024 study, highlight Chesterfield as the UK’s best town for access to green spaces. Its access to nature, strong community spirit, and investment in public spaces all contribute to this reputation. For families, the town offers a safe environment with numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

The council’s Parks, Open Spaces and Play Delivery Plan outlines over £1 million in investment to enhance spaces. This long-term vision ensures that residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy safe, inclusive, and inspiring outdoor spaces.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said: “Quality parks and green spaces like the Hub make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest. Crucially, Hollingwood Hub is a vital green space for communities in Chesterfield to enjoy nature, and it is a free and safe space for families to socialise.”

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes, said: “If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home and that’s without mentioning the abundance of picturesque outdoor spaces on our doorstep!”

Whether it’s a peaceful walk through Queen’s Park, a family day out at Poolsbrook, or a canal-side coffee at Hollingwood Hub, Chesterfield’s green spaces are more than just parks; they’re places where people connect, relax, and thrive.

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Chesterfield businesses unlock over £170k in funding to upskill their workforce

Chesterfield businesses have accessed more than £170,000 in government funding through the Adult Apprenticeship Levy Transfer, helping them invest in their teams with little or no cost to their organisation[1].

The funding, which was part of a wider allocation secured by Derbyshire County Council during the 2024/25 financial year, has enabled 104 adult apprenticeships across the county, supporting workforce development in 41 local businesses.

In Chesterfield alone, 11 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have benefited from £170,426 in levy transfer support, including organisations from healthcare, childcare, engineering and social care.

More information about apprenticeship funding in Chesterfield is available at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/apprenticeship-funding-opportunities/

Sheepbridge-based manufacturer, Graphoidal Developments, which specialises in lubricating and coating solutions for the glass container industry, was just one of the 11 to benefit. The funding supported both a level five operations manager and a level six product design and development engineer.

“Accessing the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer funding has been a game-changer for our business,” said Carl Singleton, Operations Director at Graphoidal Developments. “It enabled us to upskill without the financial burden.”

“Working with the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service made the process straightforward, too. They guided us through every step and helped us find the right training provider. We’d encourage other local businesses to explore what support is available.”

The Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service, funded by Chesterfield Borough Council, provides free, impartial advice to local employers looking to invest in training and skills development. It can help businesses identify training needs, access funding streams such as the Levy Transfer, connect with local training providers, and offer support with inclusive recruitment, all at no cost.

Diane Beresford, Chair of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership and Deputy CEO of East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are pleased to see businesses taking advantage of funding opportunities to upskill their workforce and drive growth, and we hope that more will do so over the next financial year. With expert support available through the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service, there’s never been a better time for businesses to take that next step.”

A dedicated skills website is available for businesses to access via Destination Chesterfield, the town’s place marketing partnership, which works with partners to boost investment and has engaged with over 500 companies over the past two years.

Andy Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Employers upskilling their teams and strengthening their organisations is vital to the long-term growth of our town. Initiatives like this, combined with expert guidance from the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service, are key to building a resilient, future-ready workforce that helps Chesterfield compete in an increasingly competitive market. I urge businesses to access business and skills opportunities now.”

Chesterfield businesses of all sizes can access skills advice by emailing: info@chesterfield.co.uk or visiting www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

[1] The Adult Apprenticeship Levy allows businesses to access 95 – 100% of the costs of apprenticeship training (up to the funding band maximum).

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Geeks Headquarters expands to Chesterfield High Street

Chesterfield independent business, Geeks Headquarters, is expanding and relocating to larger premises in the town centre.
The expansion marks a major milestone in its 10-year journey.

The family-run gaming retailer known for its vibrant community and wide range of trading cards, board games, and role-playing products will open at the beginning of August.   The new store on Chesterfield High Street, next to Clarks, spans three floors, nearly three times the size of its current venue, offering more space for events, tournaments, and an expanded product range.

Alberto Naso, owner of Geeks Headquarters, said, “We’ve grown from a market stall to a thriving hub for gamers across the region. The new shop will allow us to host more events and stock exciting new products.  We will also continue to offer a free, welcoming space for people to play, connect and belong.”

Founded in Chesterfield a decade ago, Geeks Headquarters has become a cornerstone of the town’s independent retail scene. Its unique model combines retail with community space, offering free casual play areas, regular tournaments, and services like 3D printing and card grading.

The move comes as the business outgrows its current space, driven by strong customer support and a growing regional reputation. Alberto also praised the ongoing investment in Chesterfield’s town centre, particularly the revitalised market area near the new shop.

Proud of Chesterfield

“We’re proud to be part of Chesterfield’s independent business community,” Alberto added. “We love doing business in Chesterfield as it’s in an ideal position with good travel links. The local community must continue to support local independent businesses, to keep our town vibrant.”

Geeks Headquarters also collaborates with other local businesses, including Board and Bean and RKT Grading Services.

Dominic Staniforth, Destination Chesterfield Board member and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said:  “Geeks Headquarters is a fantastic example of how independent businesses are helping to shape a vibrant, modern Chesterfield. Their investment in the town centre is a vote of confidence in our high street and a great boost for the local economy. We’re delighted to see them grow and thrive here.”

Town Centre Investment

The investment follows recent news of improvements to and investment in Chesterfield town centre:

If you would like to discuss investment opportunities in Chesterfield town centre, please contact us.

Geeks Headquarter support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield named UK housing hotspot

Research by Sell House Fast has identified Chesterfield as a standout location to live.

The top locations, including Chesterfield, stood out for their affordability, transport and connectivity, local amenities and quality of life.

The research analysed towns across England and located close to major cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield.

Sell House Fast stated that “with low crime rates, strong school ratings, and an abundance of independent cafes and restaurants, these areas are ideal for families, first-time buyers, and young professionals.”

Chesterfield has also recently been named in a list of Britain’s happiest places to live by national newspaper, The Guardian. They stated, “Chesterfield sits on the edge of the Peak District and is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England, as well as historic medieval alleyways, churches, museums and grand old buildings. Its blend of urban and rural access (being just a short journey from both the Peak District national park, and Sheffield and Derby) makes it a popular place to live.”

The town also retained its spot as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands in the Rightmove Happy at Home index.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes, said: “If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home.”

Discover more about living in Chesterfield at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

People enjoying activities along the Chesterfield Canal

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Vision unveiled for hundreds of thousands of jobs, new homes and £4.6bn economic boost in the East Midlands

Hundreds of thousands of jobs, a £4.6bn boost to the regional economy and 52,000 new homes are at the heart of Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward’s roadmap for growth to be launched this week.

The new vision for development across the East Midlands is being revealed at UKREiiF in Leeds, the UK’s biggest investment and infrastructure expo, which attracts more than 15,000 delegates from business and government.

It joins the dots between a series of massive development opportunities across the region covered by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The Vision also includes the UK’s only inland freeport and incentivised enterprise zones in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Together, the developments in the new East Midlands Spatial Vison will:

  • Create 100,000 full time jobs
  • Deliver 52,000 new homes
  • Boost the East Midlands economy by £4.6 billion
  • Unlock 4.2 million square metres of commercial space

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I am proud of the region the East Midlands is. We are – simultaneously – a £55 billion economy, a world-leading centre for manufacturing and technology, a place of astonishing natural beauty, and a region of internationally resonant heritage.”

“However, pride is not passive, and our Vision for Growth shows what this region has the potential to become. This potential will be realised through a set of substantial commercial development opportunities that we will be sharing at UKREiiF.

“We are focusing on three in particular: the Trent Arc, which connects Nottingham and Derby, the Canal Corridor, which spans Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and the Supercluster, which focuses on three of our decommissioned power stations. These opportunities are a path to prosperity that builds on our existing, unique assets – and I look forward to sharing them with you.”

The Vision has been drawn up with the support of Areli Group, the investment and development specialist whose team has delivered a series of successful landmark schemes across the UK, including the internationally-renowned regeneration of Battersea Power Station in London.

Areli Group CEO Rob Tincknell said: “This is the most significant vision project we’ve been involved in. When you look at the East Midlands’ industrial strengths, the development assets it has, and the fact that it’s now got a Mayor leading from the front, then this is one of the UK’s most deliverable growth opportunities.

“The UK needs to think bigger than ‘development-as-usual’ and that’s exactly what the East Midlands is doing – taking 14 individual investment opportunities and turning them into one connected project broken down into 14 parts.”

Since her election a year ago, Mayor Claire Ward has announced ongoing investments in the East Midland economy totalling £538m including transport, regeneration projects, investment zones and an investment fund.

With the Spatial Vision, the Mayor, Areli and EMCCA have come up with a total of 14 growth opportunities covering energy, industry, transport, placemaking and the region’s growing visitor economy. They include:

  • Canal Corridor – Chesterfield town centre and its mainline rail station, Explore Park Investment Zone, Markham Vale Enterprise Zone, Hartington & Staveley investment zone.
  • Trent Arc – covering Nottingham and Derby city centres, Ratcliffe-on-Soar and Willington power station sites, South Derbyshire Growth Zone, Infinity Park Investment Zone near Rolls-Royce, East Midlands Intermodal Park near Toyota, and the Toton & Chetwynd area.
  • Supercluster – West Burton Power Station (which will host the pioneering nuclear STEP Fusion pilot) and Cottam and High Marnham power station sites.

The Vision also includes emerging proposals for the sustainable expansion of the visitor economy around the Peak District National Park and the Derbyshire Dales, a new destination for leisure, living and business near the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, renewal projects in the towns and village at the heart of the region, and The Loop – a 150-mile trail connecting the East Midlands’ landscape, character, culture and heritage.

Amy Harhoff, CEO of EMCCA, said: “This vision brings forward a series of logical and coherent development opportunities and a joined-up approach to delivery where we will support investors, partners and developers all the way.

“The East Midlands economy has the advanced manufacturing and clean energy opportunities that are going to be vital to the UK’s future growth. Were ready to harness that heft and work with partners to deliver.”

Mayor Claire added: “With the EMCCA team, I’m at UKREiiF to start conversations with development partners who can help us deliver on the huge potential of a hyper-connected region that will have a major role to play in the UK’s future economic growth.”

A delegation of leaders from Chesterfield is currently joining EMCCA at UKREiiF to outline the town’s £2 billion regeneration story. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield here.

View the latest Chesterfield investment map.

Business leaders give presentation at business and investment conference

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Luxury salon Feather & Fern brings glamour to Chesterfield town centre

Chesterfield’s newest and largest luxury hair salon, Feather & Fern is officially open, with owners Sara Fern and Kerry Featherstone promising clients ‘a warm and relaxing environment with a touch of glamour’.

Feather & Fern, has opened on Knifesmithgate in Unit 1 at Elder Way, following the agreement of a 10-year lease on the prominent 1,636 sq. ft unit in February.

In just nine weeks, the space has been transformed into a 10-chair hair and beauty salon.

This is the first business for owners Kerry and Sarah. Speaking about their journey to business ownership, Kerry said: “The excitement has overtaken the stress of creating a brand new hair salon. It’s been an incredible, fun journey and we are really excited to be finally open and welcoming clients to the amazing space Sara and I have created.”

Feather & Fern boasts six stylists, a beauty and cosmetics specialist, along with two apprentices.

The opening of Feather & Fern marks another exciting tenant for the former Co-Op department store in Chesterfield town centre which has been transformed into a Premier Inn hotel and eight street level units by Jomast.

Feather & Fern is located in what was the electrical department of the Co-Op located on Knifesmithgate. The business joins HotPod Yoga and Bottle & Thyme as tenants of Chesterfield’s newest leisure quarter.

The opening of Feather & Fern means that all three corner units at Elder Way are now fully occupied. Four street level units remain on Elder Way and just one unit remains available on Knifesmithgate. Developer Jomast reports strong interest in the remaining Knifesmithgate unit.

Welcoming Kerry and Sara to Elder Way, Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director said: “The salon is stunning, and I wish them much success for the future of their new business. Feather & Fern is a fantastic addition to the vibrant community we are building at Elder Way.”

Elder Way continues to go from strength-to-strength since welcoming its first tenant to the street level units last year. Last month, the 92-bed hotel, which is located on the upper floors of the development, was named as the Hotel of the Year by Premier Inn.

Investment continues to be made across Chesterfield town centre including the purchase of the former Marks and Spencers store, the Spread Eagle reopening and infrastructure works in the Market Square.

If you are interested in commercial space in and around Chesterfield town centre enquire here.

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New advanced manufacturing and life sciences building takes shape at Chesterfield College

The development of a new advanced manufacturing and life sciences teaching centre in Chesterfield is underway, and on-course to open in early 2026.

Chesterfield College recently welcomed employers and dignitaries from across the local community to sign the steels of its new advanced manufacturing and life sciences building development on Infirmary Road.

In partnership with building contractors, Robertson, visitors were treated to a tour of the development, followed by a spectacular lunch served by hospitality and professional cookery students in the college’s on-site restaurant, Taste.

Chesterfield College Principal and CEO, Julie Richards OBE explains: “After a long time in the planning stages I am absolutely delighted to finally share details of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences facility we will be offering to our learning community from 2026. Concentrating on the latest industry skills and technology, with a real focus on vitally important green skills, the facility has been curated in consultation with local employers to ensure it produces a skilled workforce to supply local demand for years to come.

Steel signing- Julie Richards

“This build is one of multiple and significant investments we are making to our campus as a result of us successfully securing investment from the government’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund. Work has commenced on a new commercial zone featuring new hairdressing, beauty therapy and massage facilities which will be open to the public, alongside our already popular training restaurant, Taste.”

Housing cutting edge workshops for students across science, engineering, manufacturing, construction and automotive studies, plans for the building were shared with the visiting party.

To ensure the sustained development of technology and skills available in the new advanced manufacturing and life sciences building, Chesterfield College will be seeking the support of our town’s local business community and will shortly be offering a range of sponsorship packages. If your company would be interested in being the first to find out more, contact: employers@chesterfield.ac.uk

Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: “With a focus on innovation, growth and sustainability, the state-of-the-art facility is progressing well with the steel frame now complete. We are ensuring that the project meets Chesterfield College’s mission of inspiring futures and changing lives, and look forward to continuing to work closely with students, staff and stakeholders to create a facility that everyone can be proud of.

“We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational projects in the area, so it’s great to bring this expertise to our first project for Chesterfield College.”

Looking for support to enhance skills in your business? Discover more at:

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Steel signing March 2025 chesterfield college

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First phase of Chesterfield Market revamp completed

Chesterfield Market is ready to welcome visitors and shoppers to the first completed phase of the multi-million-pound regeneration project to revitalise the market and public spaces.

Work in the upper half of the Market square has included the installation of new feature paving, relaying of the traditional cobbles, the creation of bespoke market stalls, new street furniture and improvements to drainage, security and other infrastructure.

The second phase of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will now begin in the lower half of the Market square. It includes similar work to create a more open market that can support a wider range of markets and events.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These exciting improvements are just the start of our town centre transformation, we’re enhancing the look and feel of the market but also providing traders with better facilities and creating more flexible spaces that will support a wider range of uses.

Market 3 L-R Cllr Kate Sarvent, Cllr Tricia Gilby

“It’s fantastic to see these improvements come to life and I hope that everyone can see what we are trying to achieve across our town centre. We’ll continue to work with our market traders and town centre businesses to minimise disruption as further phases of our regeneration project progress.”
Steve Siddall, whose family have been selling bedding and soft furnishings on Chesterfield Market for more than 70 years, said: “I like the new stalls, really sturdy and plenty of room. I’m looking forward to getting trading and welcoming new customers to my stall.”

The works are being carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “After much hard work by our teams, both in the planning stage and delivery, it’s great to see the first phase of this high-profile scheme completed. As part of our commitment to delivering a positive impact through our works, and also the wider community, we have been busy behind the scenes working with local community groups, schools and colleges, educating young people on the civil engineering industry and providing a T level placement for a student within our offices.”

Works in the lower half of the market square will begin with the historic cobbles being lifted, and re-laid and some new paving will also be installed – together this will maintain the historic look but will provide a more level surface throughout the Market Place, making it easier for people with accessibility issues such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users or parents with pushchairs to navigate the market.

While works on phase two are underway a small number of traders will be on stalls in a new temporary market area in New Square.

New market stalls will be built and a new central area in the market place will have feature paving inspired by designs in the Market Hall and provide space for food traders and to support town centre events.

Later this year work will begin on New Square which will be opened up to create a new flexible events space but also provide additional stalls for busy market days.

Further phases of works include Rykneld Square which will be transformed to create a green and welcoming space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire.
Improvements to Corporation Street will create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Find out more about the works taking place in Chesterfield town centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/

For more information or to sign up for project updates by email, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

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Education recruitment agency opens new Chesterfield office to support growth

An award-winning education recruitment agency has opened a new office in Renishaw, Chesterfield to support business growth across the region.

Trust Education Ltd, which has its headquarters in Rotherham, works in partnership with schools to match job vacancies with candidates across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and East Midlands.

Established in 2022, the specialist independent agency aims to expand its client base in the East Midlands region through investment in this additional office.

Based in Renishaw Hall Stable Block, Chesterfield, the new Trust Education office accommodates a dedicated team of recruitment consultants and provides space to meet candidates in-person to discuss their specific needs.

Co-director of Trust Education Barry Simmons said: “Our new Renishaw office enables us to better support all the candidates and schools we already work with in and around Chesterfield, the communities south of Sheffield, and across the East Midlands region. And, it means we have the capacity to reach out to, and work with, many more.

“We’ve built our business on an absolute dedication to building good relationships with clients and candidates, based on open and honest communication and support. Having an office on the ground in East Midlands with dedicated staff in situ shows our commitment to this ethos and we look forward to working with many more schools and candidates in the region.”

Trust Education Ltd was founded in 2022 and has grown rapidly in two and half years, attracting more than 500 candidates to its books and 100 partner schools. The company’s own team of recruitment consultants and support staff has grown from five to 13 since they launched.

Trust Education supports short, medium and long-term recruitment for teaching, non-teaching and support roles in Primary, Secondary and SEND Schools, as well as FE establishments. Find out more about Trust Education here: https://www.trust-education.co.uk/

Looking to base your business in Chesterfield? Find out why out town is perfectly positioned to help your company grow: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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More Chesterfield businesses must access apprenticeships and skills support to meet economic need

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of funded training to accelerate workforce development and boost productivity, to support the town’s economic growth.

Delegates at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference heard about support for skills development in Chesterfield and the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s priority to further improve training and skills to match the region’s economic needs.

Regional skills and employment initiatives will be backed by a £70m investment spanning six workstreams, each designed to offer a clear pathway of support from early careers inspiration through to skills delivery at higher levels for all residents.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), addressed the town’s role in the growth of the region. He said:

“With a working age population of some 64,000, and a town that currently supports 51,000 jobs, forecasted to grow further in the coming years, Chesterfield is an important economic centre; the town’s growth principles of delivering higher value, sustainable and inclusive growth support our vision and will be intrinsic in us delivering our priorities.”

Cllr Paul Hazelgrave

The conference also heard how young people in our region and people with disabilities are becoming more involved through the Connected Futures Project. Discussions around skills and inclusive recruitment seek to improve employment outcomes for working-age young people with learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorders.

A team of Youth Voice Ambassadors representing our region spoke to delegates about the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes and empowering young people along their journey into the world of work.

In addition to regional investment, delegates heard how later this year a £40m investment from the government via the Growth and Skills Levy will replace the existing Apprenticeship Levy, bringing more flexibility to skills and talent growth, funding a wider range of apprenticeships and training that is aligned with the evolving needs of business.

The Conference was held during National Apprenticeship Week, which Chesterfield celebrates proudly as the first town in the UK to officially declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town.’

New figures released during National Apprenticeship Week highlight the growing success of apprenticeships in Chesterfield, with achievement rates rising by 33% in 2023/24 compared to 2019/20. In the past financial year alone, 370 individuals successfully completed apprenticeships in the town.

As well as allowing learners to progress quickly whilst in paid employment, research further underscores the significant economic benefits of apprenticeships, with a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research finding that every pound invested in apprenticeships delivers a net gain of £21 to the UK economy. Currently, over 1,500 individuals are undertaking apprenticeships in Chesterfield, representing a substantial investment in local talent.

To help businesses navigate their options, the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service offers specialist support tailored to workforce development needs. Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, urged local companies to take action:

“I welcome the additional investment that EMCCA is bringing to skills and employment activity in Chesterfield.  It strengthens the offer that we are already delivering to support businesses in the borough.  I strongly encourage all businesses to get in touch with our Skills Brokerage Service at the earliest opportunity to see how we can provide the support they need to enhance skills and grow their business. We need to work together to ensure Chesterfield possesses a vibrant and talented workforce that can take advantage of future opportunities to grow our economy.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby speaking to room of delegates

Businesses looking to access skills support and apprenticeship funding can find out more by visiting: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/skills-brokerage-service/ or by emailing info@chesterfield.co.uk

The Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service is one of many initiatives benefiting from funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The council successfully secured £2.6m from the UK Government to support local businesses and improve opportunities for residents, with funding available until the end of March 2025.

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Study ranks Chesterfield in the UK’s top 20 greenest towns

Chesterfield has been ranked amongst the 20 greenest towns in the UK, according to a recent study.

Our town took 15th spot on the list compiled by HolidayCars, which studied several criteria including sustainability practices, green spaces available, public transport options, local food production, air quality and pollution levels, and support for local businesses.

Speaking about Chesterfield’s green credentials, the study said: “Found on the edges of the Peak District, Chesterfield is another green area to live in the UK. In fact, in a 2024 study by Eurocell Chesterfield was ranked as the UK’s best town for access to green spaces, with 95% of homes and flats having private outdoor space, with an average size of 249.7m².

“Queen’s Park in Chesterfield has also been a recent recipient of a Green Flag Award, while a brand-new dedicated cycle route has been installed linking the nearby location of Staveley to Markham Vale Business Park, which has encouraged many office workers in the business centre to cycle to work rather than drive.

“Derbyshire County Council recently involved Chesterfield schools in climate action education as part of their curriculum, part of which involves a Climate Leaders Award to inspire children and staff alike.

“The air quality in Chesterfield is also generally considered to be good, and thanks to its close proximity to the Peak District, there are plenty of local escapes into the hills as well as cycling routes throughout the Peaks, helping locals exercise in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member celebrated the news, commenting: “I’m proud to see Chesterfield listed as one of the UK’s greenest towns.

“Our town boasts a plethora of picturesque outdoor spaces for people to enjoy and of course sits alongside the world-famous Peak District National Park.

“Many of our organisations are also working to become greener and implement sustainability practices, with green growth across the East Midlands region three times higher than it was in 2015.

“Our central location and excellent public transport links also help to ensure Chesterfield offers an excellent quality of life for its residents.”

Find out more about living in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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