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Love Brewing turns beer making into a social occasion with new product

Chesterfield’s Love Brewing has launched a new range of products aimed at turning the art of beer and cider making into a social activity.

‘Love Brewing Together’ is a new way to enjoy home brewing that can include your friends, family or colleagues. Customers are invited to choose their group of participants (5 minimum) and what they want to brew – either beer or cider. The company says more options will be available in the future.

The group is then given the opportunity to meet virtually, and have an expert talk through the process from start to finish in an online video meeting.

Business Development Manager for Love Brewing, Rob George said: “At love Brewing we’ve been thinking of ways that people who are new to home brewing can give it a try and share the experience with others in a fun and sociable way.

“We make it as easy as possible by packaging together the equipment and beer kits, and if required, our experienced staff will host an online meeting and guide everyone along at a pace to suit.

“With remote working being more common, and people who’ve missed their friends and family, or live at a distance, it’s a great way to catch up, have a few laughs and create some delicious drinks along the way. It’s also an ideal team bonding exercise, and we’ve had a lot of interest already from business owners who want to give their staff a fun experience that can be done from home.

“The founder of Love Brewing, Richard Blackwell, has been putting content online for years, and our YouTube channel gets thousands of visitors every day from people learning how to make home brew, so there’s a huge wealth of knowledge for people to dig into if they wanted to learn more, but these online events are aimed at complete beginners. We’ve many experienced staff who are passionate about home brewing and happy to share their knowledge.

“I personally have an online catch up with a group of university friends who are spread around the UK, so I’m going to see if they fancy joining me to make a Beerworks IPA from the Craft Brewery series. It’ll be my first try at home brew, and considering I work for Love Brewing, I had better make sure it turns out nice!”

To find out more about the new ‘Love Brewing Together’ packages, head over to the company’s website.

Love Brewing supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Jones & Co Team named amongst UK’s top rated financial advisors

Four independent financial advisors at Chesterfield-based independent financial advice firm, Jones & Co, have been named amongst some of the UK’s top-rated financial advisors with VouchedFor.

In VouchedFor’s 2021 Guide to the UK’s top-rated Financial Advisors distributed with The Times newspaper, Suzanne Jeakins, Pauline Fernandes, Kirk Yeomans and Mark Jones were identified as a select number of professional IFAs in Derbyshire to achieve this significant accolade. The guide aims to help people understand how advice could benefit them and celebrates financial and mortgage advisors who are delivering excellent outcomes for their clients.

Each of the financial and mortgage advisors listed within the guide have received the highest volume of positive client reviews since the start of 2020 on VouchedFor.co.uk, the UK’s leading ratings site for financial and legal advisers.

As well as being endorsed by at least ten clients, each advisor is a fully verified member of VouchedFor, which means the company has checked that they have the necessary permissions to practice, in line with the latest Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules.

Commenting on the news, managing director of Jones & Co, Mark Jones said: “Gaining nationwide recognition as being amongst some of the UK’s top-rated financial advisors is testament to the outstanding team we have here at Jones & Co.

“Working with people to help them to accumulate and preserve their wealth and security is such a rewarding job. Everyone has bespoke financial objectives which is why we are committed to creating tailored portfolios for each of our clients. It’s a real pleasure to support people achieve, and often exceed, their goals and that shows in the excellent five-star reviews we continually receive.”

The company aims to deliver a financial strategy that helps each client to achieve their own personal retirement or financial goals. That includes helping people make the right decisions and assisting them to gain maximum capital or income possible from hard-earned savings made.

Jones & Co. supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Leading Chesterfield engineering firm Weightron launches innovative industrial waste system

Weightron Bilanciai Ltd has launched a brand-new waste management system for businesses, which will help firms in cutting down on costs and administration workload.

Itemised Waste Management (IWM) Enables companies to input the exact weight and type of waste they produce into a digital log, taking away the headache of having to keep tack of multiple waste sources.

The product provides a life-cycle cost saving by cutting out any disputes, the need for administration and invoicing accurately. Data from the weighing of materials can be displayed as a simple Excel spreadsheet which can then be imported into existing management software systems.

How it Works:

  • Each bin can be tagged, or the user has electronic ID
  • The bin is weighed on a low level platform with a clear visual display.
  • The software is configured to automate invoices, accurately reflecting the waste each tenant produces.
  • Users not recycling correctly can be quickly identified and educated accordingly to further reduce waste costs

The system can be used in a number of industrial settings, including office blocks, schools and universities, tenement buildings, hospitals and airports, hotels and restaurants, factories and manufacturing premises and shopping centres.

It can also handle various types of waste, including paper and cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, food, general mixed waste, contaminated waste, along with medicinal and hazardous waste.

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd. said: “Following the first release of Weightron Waste management solutions some 5 years ago Weightron listened to the market and enhanced the product features, new Web based cloud portals and Apps to give clients full access to their real time live data 24/7.

“The latest IWM solution has the capability to run standalone, connected to the client network for Internet access or connected to the GSM network for Internet access. The real time data can be viewed by the Facility Management company and by the tenants, who have a limited view of their own data and recycling performance. The launching of this new IWM system with the Cloud Portal interface was also complimented by a range of new mobile Apps that allows the user to scan and track the waste bins across sites and easily reallocate bins once they have been processed.

“The benefits to multi-occupancy building, shopping centres, hospitals and manufacturing facilities is the charges for waste generation can be attributed to individual tenants or departments, whilst encouraging the need to improve the localised recycling with the publishing of internal League tables or providing rebates to lease charges for tenants that recycle efficiently.

“Facilities Management companies in a large city such as London present data to their tenants in terms of “Trees Planted” and the “number of London buses removed from roads”. Collection vehicles are no longer arriving to collect half empty compactors or partially full bins as the operators know exactly how much waste has been been generated and into what compactor it has been loaded (Cardboard – General Waste – Plastics).

“The return on investment in within months of installation thanks to the reduction of waste and more importantly the reduction of commingled waste that cannot be recycled easily, this system also provides companies with ISO14001 evidence of the constant effort to improve their environmental impact.”

Weightron Bilanciai supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield packaging specialists Robinson launch new sustainability pledge

A Chesterfield manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging has announced the launch of its ambitious sustainability pledge.

The pledge by Robinson outlines a range of commitments underpinned by their strategic priorities focused on putting the customer first, sustainable growth and thriving people.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says this the blueprint for Robinson’s future-fit business. She says: “We have a role to contribute to sustainability and regenerative growth, which we view as key drivers with great opportunities for our business and the industry.

“Sustainability is about capacity for now and the long-term: meeting social and environmental needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive and prosper. In an industry where our products are used every day, we understand that we must make the most of the resources we use while meeting consumer needs in food and product protection.

“Our aim is circularity: to recover, regenerate and restore all products and materials at the end of their useful life.”

Lubna Edwards, Sustainability and Marketing Director for Robinson, is managing the roll out of the Sustainability Pledge, based on five pillars and 15 ambitious commitments:

  • People – helping people thrive and building a happy and healthy culture, with goals to include implementation of a comprehensive people development plan, zero accidents every year, and championing employee health and wellbeing.
  • Regeneration – extracting the maximum value from resources used in all operations and recovering and restoring materials and resources at the end of their life. Goals include zero waste to landfill, becoming net carbon positive and implementing principles for sustainable buildings.
  • Intelligence – creating sustainable products and services and partnering with customers to contribute to building a circular economy by applying purposeful design, using recycled materials and designing packaging for recyclability. Goals include virgin plastic reduction, maximum recycled content and all products to be fully recyclable.
  • Transformation – driving shared commercial value and income streams beyond current business models and collaborating with customers and partners to regenerate local circular economies. Goals focus on sustainable business environments, greener spaces and habitats, and offering reusable products.
  • Community – delivering real tangible social and environmental benefits to local communities, educating the next generation of change-makers and bringing more sustainable initiatives to the areas in which the business operates. Goals include offering career-enhancing work experience and opportunities, engaging educators and students on the benefits of packaging and recycling and giving back to communities.

Lubna says: “I am delighted to launch our Sustainability Pledge which strengthens our ability to deliver packaging with purpose. It is supports delivery of our company purpose which is to go above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and planet. It is an ambitious pledge but one I am confident we will achieve with the support of our people and partners.”

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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Polar Windows secures more than £1 million in commercial contracts despite covid-19 pandemic

Chesterfield’s Polar Windows has managed to secure more than £1 million worth of commercial contracts recently, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The company, which has now been trading in the town for more than 32 years has secured several projects both locally and nationally, which has enabled it to increase production and turnover.

Three more staff have been taken on in the factory;  a new commercial admin apprentice and a commercial Project Manager have also been added to the team, taking the total number of employees at Polar Windows to 35.

Once a small family business, Polar has grown into an ever-evolving company with seven fully skilled fitting teams and a reliable portfolio of carefully selected quality tradesmen. The domestic business spans a 30-mile radius across three counties – Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

It is also chesterfield’s leading and only commercial manufacturer of UPVC Energy Rated windows & doors, as well as being suppliers & installers of a whole host of other high-quality enhancements for the home. This ranges from Conservatories, soffits and fascia’s, porches, Roof Lanterns, rubber flat roofs to solid warm roofs, extensions, and conversions.

Some of the recent commercial contracts secured by the company include:

  • 172 New Builds in Homewood ,Chesterfield. This is a 3-year contract . This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient upvc windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • 175 New Builds in Goole- This is a 3 year contract – This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • 21 New Builds in Brockwell, Chesterfield, – This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • Manufacture and Installation of over 200 High specification windows and doors to a number of wards /Departments at Leighton Hospital in Crewe.
  • 32 New Builds in Pilsley, Chesterfield- This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.
  • 12 New Builds in Brimington Chesterfield. This contract involves installing A-Rated Energy Efficient UPVC windows and doors along with GRP Composite Entrance doors.

Group Sales Manager, Richard Crowe said: “Whilst it is easy to sum up 2020 as a year of challenge and global crisis, the last 12 months have spurred a great deal of reflection, resilience , spirit and togetherness within our business.  From initiatives such as the introduction of remote selling & quoting software, to the switch from paper invoices to paperless digital invoicing, our staff have shown what hard work and determination really can create, especially when combined with good old community spirit.

“As a result, we are now reaping the rewards. Bearing in mind we had 3 months of not trading with the national lockdown. In 2020 we have seen an increase in global turnover of over 11%, and our production output has increased by 10%.

“We also invested in a brand new purpose built window & conservatory village show site on Chesterfield Road in Duckmanton just off of junction 29A. This incorporates two fully furnished on site conservatories with a plan for two further conservatories to be added in late 2021.

“The show site also boasts an  indoor window and doors showroom for our customers. We also took delivery of a fleet of seven brand new vans for our installers. I would never have thought back in March 2020 that all of this would be achievable.

“In summary, 2020 has been the most difficult but rewarding year in my working life to date. To achieve what we have achieved under the circumstances has proved to me the sky really is the limit for us.  2021, Bring it on!”

Polar Windows supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Derbyshire Institute of Sport supports the coaching community

Sports coaches can now join a monthly webinar to learn from world-class coaches and experts who have worked with Olympians and Paralympians.

The new programme is being launched by the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) and is open to anyone who coaches local teams or individuals in any sport.

Managing director of the DIS, Chloe Maudsley, said: “Great coaches are the reason that athletes and sports players become champions. That’s why we have launched this new programme to share our knowledge with sports coaches so that they feel supported in their work to develop young athletes to achieve their dreams.”

Collectively, the DIS team has decades of experience of working with word-class athletes and professional sports stars.

Webinars will take place at 8pm on the third Wednesday evening of each month throughout 2021. The first webinar is on Wednesday Feb 17 when the speaker will be clinical dietitian and sports and exercise nutritionist Nicky Gilbert.

For many years, Nicky supported players at Nottingham Forest Football Club and has also worked extensively with high-performance athletes and coaches in a wide variety of Olympic and non-Olympic sports. The title of her webinar will be ‘Essential facts about nutrition for developing athletes’.

Chloe said: “Through this programme, coaches will be connected with other coaches and have the opportunity to learn and discuss key topic areas. They will also have the chance to get to know the team at DIS – including former Commonwealth Games athlete Laura Wake, performance psychologist Dr Phil Clarke and physiotherapist David Sprot.”

There will also be a chance to apply to join an exclusive Champion Coaches Forum which will be led by Andy Wood, co-founder of the DIS. Andy led national badminton teams through five Olympic cycles – three for Great Britain, one for Bulgaria and one for Australia. This exciting new forum is due to be launched this summer.

The webinars will cost just £10 per session on a pay-as-you-go basis with no commitment or membership fee required. To book your place, email info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ring 07974 231 564.

DIS supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Radical Rebrand for Chesterfield-based Robinson

Robinson – the leading manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging – is starting the new year with a dynamic, refreshed, radical rebrand.

The modern, new look Robinson – formerly Robinson Packaging Innovation – is the result of investment into months of intense external and internal research into the evolving packaging market and the markets it serves, offering unique insights into customers, competitors, from employees, and the status of the company, while aligning with its strategic direction.

The heritage, values and personality of the brand have been brought to life in a confident, striking new look and strategic blueprint.

The research demonstrated that Robinson’s identity is refreshingly real and honest; always agile, working flexibly and responsively with its customers as a trusted partner, completely committed to its customers’ success.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says the rebrand is a stimulating development for the company. She says: “We are staying true to ourselves, reflecting on who we really are as a company today – we are and always have been very proud of our heritage. We have been in the packaging business for more than 180 years  but need a brand that remains relevant and supports our ambition, captivating to our customers and aligned with the future of the industry.

“We lead our business with purpose to go above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and our planet, and our revitalised identity reflects this.”

The new logo has been handcrafted to reflect the Robinson character, which is defined as confident and straightforward. It is complemented by a modern Stag icon, which was the old family crest of the Robinson family and based on the company’s original registered trademark for surgical dressings. It was used from Robinson’s inception in 1839 through to the 1930’s.  Dr Roberts says: “The stag is Robinson’s connection to its history and its people, with our modernised symbol representing the close-knit family business we still are today”.

The company’s new sign-off says simply ‘Together since 1839’ and is designed to represent the proud, unique heritage of a dependable partner with collective spirit that goes above and beyond to get the job done and which is truly working towards a more sustainable future.

The colours replicate Robinson’s personality and help differentiate them, with teal being their new core brand colour, which is open, calm, and natural. The brand’s supporting palette of red, yellow, grey, black and white complement the core teal colour and bring depth and optimism to the broader brand world.

The change in branding is reflected in both visual and verbal identity. Lubna Edwards, Sustainability and Marketing Director, is working with the entire team at Robinson to showcase the new branding internally and externally. She says: “We are building a committed culture by applying our core values and behaviours in everything we do – being honest, agile, empowered and engaged – that’s how we do business.

“As an organisation we are genuine, open, and trusted in our knowledge and delivery.  Our small business allows us to be nimble and to work flexibly and responsively to keep on track and maintain speed of execution, while being a provoker of change. We have comprehensive initiatives to help our people thrive while doing things better in our processes and operations.

“We are trusted by our customers – it’s why they keep coming back and why we continue to attract more. We believe our new branding that comes from our DNA is not just a change of logo; it really reflects who we are and will be in the future.”

The Robinson roll out of the new branding will be followed with the announcement of a new website and sustainability pledge.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Whittam Cox Architects appointed on Brent Cross Town project

Argent Related has appointed Whittam Cox Architects on the first phase of their 180-acre regeneration Masterplan in London.

Brent Cross Town will be a new park town for London and is set to be net carbon zero by 2030. Surrounded by 50-acres of parks and playing fields, the area will feature 6,700 new homes, workspace for over 25,000 people pedestrian-friendly streets, local shops, restaurants, schools and student accommodation.

Whittam Cox Architects will lead the technical implementation as Executive Architects for two plots initially, working in collaboration with several other high-profile architecture practices and interior designers.

In this initial phase of construction, a mix of tenures for ownership and rent will be incorporated, along with complimentary commercial, amenity and leisure spaces.

Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented, “Our appointment on Brent Cross Town reflects our experience in high-quality urban residential projects. This appointment with Argent Related is a significant instruction for us. The vision is bold and ambitious, and Argent Related’s commitment to the environmental agenda is commendable”.

Tom Goodall, Head of Residential for Argent Related said, “We have developed a relationship with Whittam Cox Architects on the back of their track-record and experience. We believe their technical and commercial strength, as well their understanding of modern methods of construction, will help ensure we deliver exceptional quality buildings and homes”.

Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Argent Related and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and greenspaces in the area.

Early work started on site in early 2020 and construction is also underway on the new Brent Cross West station which will be completed by the end of 2022. Building on the strengths of this diverse part of the city, Brent Cross Town will draw inspiration from the best of London’s long-established neighbourhoods with all their complexity and character.

At its heart, will be a focus on sport, play, health and well-being. The new neighbourhood will provide 6,700 homes, state-of-the-art workspace for over 25,000 people, and pedestrian friendly streets and squares with local shops and restaurants that will complement the offer at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The community will be supported by first-class public transport infrastructure, a new and improved network of walking and cycle routes and a series of new parks and other amenities.

Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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NIBE Energy Systems’ Phil Hurley appointed as heat pump association (HPA) Chairman

NIBE Energy Systems (UK) is pleased to announce that its UK Managing Director, Phil Hurley, has been appointed Chairman of the Heat Pump Association.

With 2021 set to be a turning point for tackling climate change, the appointment comes at a critical time for a heating industry which is responsible for a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Heat Pumps are a key solution to tackling this and the Heat Pump Association is committed to promoting their benefits and wide scale deployment as a low carbon solution. This further supports NIBE’s vision to help shape and grow the heat pump market by supporting installers through providing training opportunities and creating a supportive policy framework.

NIBE is a European market leader for domestic heating products, manufacturing equipment for both household and commercial use.

Commenting on his appointment Phil Hurley, Managing Director at NIBE Energy Systems, said: “With the Government’s announcement of its Green Industrial Revolution, the heat pump industry now finds itself on the crest of a wave. I would like to thank Graham for his tireless work and leadership which has brought significant results. I look forward to building on Graham’s achievements and ensuring the heat pump industry is ready to step up and deliver on its promises.”

The Heat Pump Association is in great shape following Graham Wright’s tenure as Chairman which began in 2019, leading to some major breakthroughs for the heat pump industry. Working closely with Graham, Phil Hurley had been Vice-Chairman of the HPA since April 2019. As Chairman, he will now work alongside newly appointed Vice Chairman, Max Halliwell of Mitsubishi Electric.

NIBE Energy Systems supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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DBC Training continues growth with opening of new centre in Chesterfield

Midlands based award-winning Training Provider, DBC are delighted to announce the opening of their new centre in Chesterfield, adding to their existing centres in Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Hinckley. The Chesterfield office is in a prime, central location on Holywell Street and has easy access to parking and all the amenities Chesterfield has to offer.

The new centre will provide the local community with enhanced opportunities to learn new skills and receive expert support, providing a pathway to a new career across a wide range of sectors. DBC also work in partnership with local employees to match people to opportunities, providing a vital role in both supporting the local economy and local people.

The centre was officially opened by Toby Perkins, the Shadow Minister for Apprenticeships and Lifelong Learning and Labour MP for Chesterfield and Staveley on 7th December.

Mr Perkins said: “This is an incredibly exciting development, I know how crucial apprenticeships are and how important the independent training sector is in enabling smaller employers to access apprenticeships. Apprenticeships also support young people into taking those first steps onto that career ladder or providing opportunities for more experienced people to retrain and learn new skills and begin a new career path”.

He continued “At a time when skills and training need to be at the top of the political agenda it is incredibly pleasing that DBC is opening a site in Chesterfield”.

Managing Director Kerry Bentley expressed her delight at being able to open a new centre and continue the Company’s next phase of growth: “We are proud to open our new centre as it signifies real opportunities for local people and local employers to grow and develop their careers and businesses. We work exceptionally hard to ensure the specialised work-related training we offer is able to be accessed by as many people as possible to provide opportunities that transform lives and fulfil aspirations.

“The new offices in Chesterfield will, without a doubt, help us to keep moving forward and allow us to offer our services to Employers and Apprentices in a new and exciting location”.

Founded in 2000, DBC Training is a leading provider of training and employment solutions.VFor more information visit http://www.dbc-training.co.uk

DBC Training supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Toby Perkins MP

 

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Chesterfield Champions reflect on a challenging year and share messages of positivity for 2021

As we move towards Christmas and the new year, Chesterfield Champions have sent their messages to the local community as we look ahead to 2021.

If you’re interested about signing your business up to Chesterfield Champions, you can find out more by clicking here.

Destination Chesterfield has also been supporting local businesses throughout the festive period by promoting the Christmas In Chesterfield campaign. Click here to find out more about local Christmas shopping and events.

“The Chesterfield community has shown true compassion, resilience and innovation – pulling together to help one another in the exceptional times we’ve been living through in 2020. I’m truly proud and humbled by their spirit. We know that Christmas must feel a little different this year, but I wish people a very safe and happy festive period, and together we look forward to a brighter new year.” Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“2020 has been a tough year. I am immensely proud of the council’s staff who have gone well above and beyond their daily roles to put Chesterfield’s communities first. We have the beating of Covid-19 and with lots of new developments underway or planned, the priority for 2021 must be to make sure that local people benefit from the jobs that are created. We must be fully focused on addressing unemployment and improving people’s quality of life.” Huw Bowen, Chief Executive, Chesterfield Borough Council

Huw Bowen - Chesterfield Borough Council

“2020 has been a year of partnership, collaboration and innovation which has delivered remarkable results in challenging times. Working with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Champions, we have seen some truly innovative virtual projects emerge, like Made in Chesterfield and the Christmas campaign, to connect and inform the community. We go into 2021 in excellent shape with a strong story of resilience and innovation to tell potential investors in the town.” Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager

Dom Stevens Destination Chesterfield Manager

“2020 has been characterised by some bold decisions which will shape the future prosperity of Chesterfield. Once again, the town bucked the trend. When everyone else was battening down the hatches amidst the Covid storm, Chesterfield Borough Council forged ahead with supporting commercial developments at Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, which will deliver employment opportunities. Given the vaccination programme, we now can go into 2021 with hope, and an undercurrent of positivity and excitement.” Peter Swallow, Managing Director, Bolsterstone Group Plc

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

“Being a care home operator, this year we focused on maintaining the safety and security of our existing business. Reminding myself that we have a serious and pressing duty of care to keep the most vulnerable members of society safe and well has given me focus and purpose in an uncertain time. My hope is that we emerge from this with a newfound respect and value for what is most important – the people in our lives.” Brendan Kelly, Group Managing Director, Heathcotes Group

 

“Covid meant that plans to open a new shop to had to be put as the promotion of one of our apprentices. Despite these disappointments, seeing how the community has pulled together has really impressed me. Looking to 2021 I want the town to prosper as a result of it having amazing businesses within it. I want more businesses to see the benefit of working together. The worlds our oyster so let’s all get involved!” Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner, Less than Zero Barbers

“Covid has had a big impact on the hospitality industry within the town centre. Iit has also given us time to reflect on what we do well and how we can make things even better in the future. With the continued support of our loyal customers, we look forward to opening again soon. Next year I want to see every single one of our customers walk back through our doors, fit and healthy!” Claire Wood, Owner, Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

“Home took on new meaning this year, and I’m confident we have adapted to better support our customers and community in finding that. I’m endlessly inspired by my colleagues and the people of Chesterfield in overcoming 2020’s challenges and finding the good in everything. As a town we’re stronger and more supportive than ever – I know we can get through anything! Jessica Risorto Area Manager, Redbrik Estate Agents

“Edwards Employment Solutions is on track to have its most successful year ever. At the start of Covid we feared the worst, however the business has become stronger as the job market has grown. There are many jobs available locally and this is hugely positive for the town and people whose jobs may have been a casualty of the pandemic. There are lots of positives to push both Edwards and Chesterfield forward in 2021.” Izabella Edwards, Managing Director, Edwards Employment Solutions

“The sense of community and resilience shown in Chesterfield throughout the crisis has been outstanding and makes me proud to both live, work and have a business based here. We refused to let Covid get in the way of our business plans, moving to a larger office and recruiting new team members during 2020. Bridge Help goes into 2021 excited for the year ahead and with a strong platform for further growth.” Chris Sellars, Chief Executive, Bridge Help

“While many towns and cities shelved plans for construction projects, it is testament to Chesterfield’s forward thinking and resilience that it has forged ahead with high quality commercial and residential developments during 2020. The ripple effect of ongoing investment in the town has certainly been felt at DBCP where we continue to develop the team and are recruiting further ensuring we go into 2021 in a strong position and ready to support developments across Derbyshire.” Neil Johnson, Managing Director, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

 

“It is fair to say that 2020 has been a challenging year for the skills and training sector however, out of adversity has come innovation. The industry and NLT have developed new ways of working and delivering courses which I am confident will benefit us all going into 2021 as we look to grow the business.” Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services

“2020 has been a terrible year for most, but the festive season will give us the chance to see family and friends and bring us some joy for Christmas. My wish is that business picks up for those companies struggling and those that are still thriving continue to even greater things in 2021! Growing businesses bring jobs to the local residents building a better economy for our fantastic town.”  Lee Ashley, Director, Spire Recruitment

Champion of the Week

“As we leave one of the most challenging years the world has ever faced, we look forward to a new year and the possibility of getting some normality in the year ahead.  We know economically times will be tough, but we hope that the Business Crime Reduction Partnership will help keep our town a safer place to shop and do business and we can’t wait to get out and see everyone face to face once more!” Jackie Roberts, Business Crime Reduction Partnership Manager at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

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“2020 was the year that Chesterfield’s big heart and amazing community spirit was needed more than any of us can remember.  Residents, community groups, businesses and statutory services rose to the challenge and worked together to make a difference. Social connections are so important. Let’s make the time and effort to connect with each other, and to reach out to those around us who are isolated at this time of year.” Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive, Derbyshire Voluntary Action

“We want to thank you all for your support through 2020, having pivoted our business from live events to supplying home events through our hampers via our website. Covid-19 has made us dig deep, stay focused and plan. We have worked with other local businesses and are really impressed with the camaraderie. We would love to see this spirit continue into next year and look forward for the vaccine rollout to all be together again.” Natalia and Daniela Marchetta, Owners, Salute

 

“Although 2020 has been an unprecedented and incredibly difficult year, it’s also been one of the most heart-warming. We’ve had some lovely messages, conversations and acts of kindness from our customers and suppliers, that proves thar relationships throughout every aspect of business, are of paramount importance. ‘Shop Local’ has also come to the fore and we’re ever-grateful for our customers’ continued support and long-term, this support will help our independents become stronger than ever.” James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants

“What a year 2020 has been?! It would be easy to list the negatives, however, we’ve experienced a year of growth and seen our undervalued industry recognised as a key way of connecting with and being able to distribute ever-changing messages. Online communications and social media have allowed businesses to innovate and keep the conversation going with customers that would have otherwise been impossible. It’s important to keep this momentum going in 2021 and beyond.” Emma Loughlin, Director, eBusiness Works

“Sicily Restaurant is a young business which opened in August 2019. Me and my partner in crime run the restaurant together, it is our little dream! Obviously, it’s a very hard time for the hospitality industry but it’s a very hard time for everybody else too. We’re very positive and are sure that very soon all of us will be able to get back to our normal lives. 2021 will be a Great Year, Sicily Restaurant is always here to help you enjoy your special days. We’re sure that together, we can do it! Merry Christmas and a happy new year.” Monica and Peppe, Owners, Siclily Restaurant

“It has been so uplifting to see businesses coming together to support each other and the local community.  So many have adapted their services or products, and they have worked closely with the team at Destination Chesterfield to promote the town’s achievements.  It’s been a real pleasure this year to raise the profile of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire alongside 190 Chesterfield Champions.  And we have seen more support than ever for the Chesterfield High Street Awards, in a time when it has never been more important to shop locally.  Thank you to all the businesses that enabled us to reimagine our awards ceremony to showcase high street businesses for the first time via a live virtual platform.” – Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

 

“2020 has been a tough year for many, here at S40 & S41 Local magazines we closed for three editions but were lucky enough to restart successfully towards the end of the year. Chesterfield has always had a strong sense of community and I’m seeing that more and more as businesses come together to support and help each other. Great examples are the Chesterfield is OPEN Signs used towards the end of the first lockdown and the more recent Christmas Elf, Advent Town and Paperstar Light trails that have popped up over Christmas. I am excited for 2021 after witnessing many ways in which the independent business community are working closer together, it can only mean good things for the new year.” Paul Chapman, S40 Local

 

“This year has been tough for everyone, we have all adapted to the challenges of Covid-19 and new ways of life. The highlight of 2020 for me has been how local businesses and the community have worked together to keep going strong. This year has made me appreciate where I live even more and I truly believe shopping and supporting local will be a high importance to everyone going into 2021.” Mollie Brown, Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

“Whilst 2020 has been a challenging year for many local people and businesses, I am proud to have seen first-hand the collective strength of our local community throughout this pandemic. It has been truly inspiring to see the creativity and innovation on display across all sectors and industries in Chesterfield. This year has gone to show that if we stick together as a community, we’re able to achieve great things even in the most adverse conditions. I am excited to continue working alongside the wonderful team at Destination Chesterfield and our Chesterfield Champions, as part of efforts to help the town bounce back even stronger in 2021.” Joshua Marsh, Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

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