chesterfield champions

Chesterfield FC supports businesses and residents with latest initiatives

Chesterfield Football Club is continuing to work in the community by looking to contribute to the success of local residents and businesses alike.

The club is launching a brand new initiative this week called ‘Winning Goals,’ aimed at helping local people manage their weight.

Starting on Thursday, November 4, the Winning Goals programme will run for 12 weeks. After that, there will be monthly one-to-one sessions.

Those attending will receive free gym membership, a free t-shirt and hoodie and free tickets to watch the Spireites.

The sessions will be held in the HUB at the Technique Stadium on Thursdays, with a choice of either 12pm to 2pm or 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Supported by Derbyshire County Council, Winning Goals is a concept where the biggest losers are the winners!

Mike Goodwin, chairman of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, said: “This new programme is another example of how the Community Trust is having a positive impact on the lives of people in the community.

“We have an excellent relationship with Derbyshire County Council and I would like to thank them for their continued support.”

Meanwhile, the club is also offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free advertising on the online radio station, 1866 Sport.

1866 Sport provides exclusive commentary on every Chesterfield match and broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bridget Ball, marketing manager of Chesterfield FC, who run the station, said: “We provide local businesses with the opportunity to promote what they have to offer in an affordable way.

“One lucky listener will receive a *free 12-month radio advertising campaign by simply liking the 1866 Sport Facebook page, liking and sharing a post about the competition and commenting with their business name or tagging another Derbyshire business.”

The competition will run until November 12 with the winner announced on 1866 Sport Breakfast on November 15.

To find out how you can promote your business on 1866 Sport, email alisonollerenshaw@chesterfield-fc.co.uk

*Terms & conditions apply.

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

Mike Goodwin, Chesterfield FC Chairman

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Robinson partners with The History of Parliament Trust to celebrate 300 years of Leadership and Innovation

Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – is the proud partner of a new publication to celebrate the best of British leadership, launched this week with The History of Parliament Trust at Westminster Abbey.

Robinson was selected to feature by The History of Parliament Trust – one of the most respected and authoritative research projects in British history. Entitled ‘300 Years of Leadership and Innovation’ the book is produced in partnership with leading publisher St James’s House and written by an editorial team of distinguished academics and award-winning authors. The beautifully designed, fully illustrated, 600-page hardback publication is being launched to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the appointment of Britain’s first prime minister, Robert Walpole, in 1721, and in the year of Her Majesty the Queen’s 95th birthday.

The book is presented in two volumes with expertly written articles on those who have shaped British society, past and present: from Walpole to Cromwell, Churchill to Blair, The Queen and Prince Charles to captains of industry and those pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The team at Robinson were interviewed for their article, which is included in the second volume dedicated to organisations leading in sustainability.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says: “At a time when many businesses are seeking to align themselves with sustainable values, Robinson is a rare example of a company that has such principles embedded into its behaviour from the very beginning. The business was founded in 1839 by John Bradbury Robinson to create boxes for medical supplies, such as pills and ointments, but Robinson was equally concerned with employee welfare. He bought sports grounds for his staff and the local town of Chesterfield, created pension schemes, and provided access to fair pay, housing and health care.”

That longstanding approach has stood Robinson in good stead as time has progressed. The company now develops a range of plastic and paperboard packaging for the food, homecare, personal care & beauty and luxury gift markets. Through all this change, the company continues to collaborate with the community, working with local schools and colleges to develop apprentices with the specialist technical skills, also engaging with the wider population about the importance of sustainability and circular economy.

Dr Roberts continues: “We work with the local economy and waste-management companies to source recycled plastics and paperboard to use in our packaging. Here the size of the company is very helpful. As a small business, Robinson maintains speed of execution and is a provoker of change, so while big businesses can do the research, we are more responsive and agile enough to integrate new technologies into existing processes. Businesses like ours have a great advantage as our agility and impact of change is nothing like the impact of change in a big business.”

“What sets us apart is how we do business,” says Dr Roberts. “We go above and beyond, whether it’s the way we treat our staff or how we service our customers. We have combined that original mindset with the speed with which we can operate and how we collaborate – that drives our behaviour and explains our success.”

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shorts launches new microsite to support businesses with R&D tax relief

The Radius team at Shorts Chartered Accountants has launched a new R&D tax relief microsite to help boost the finances of local businesses.

The microsite is designed to help raise greater awareness of R&D tax reliefs, which are generous, government-backed tax breaks for innovative companies. This tax relief is often worth around 25% of qualifying R&D expenditure.

As the region’s business community continues to adapt to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Radius is encouraging businesses to check their eligibility, which they can do for free by way of a 30-minute consultation.

R&D tax relief is one of the most significant government-backed tax reliefs available today, but many companies do not realise they qualify.

Whether local SMEs innovated in order to survive repeated lockdowns, furloughed staff and remote working infrastructure, or if they plan to develop innovative new products, services or solutions to bounce back for 2021-22, R&D tax relief is an incredibly valuable cashflow tool.

Chesterfield and wider Derbyshire businesses can visit the new microsite for detailed information of how R&D tax relief works, information on whether their business qualifies, and a free calculator to estimate how much of a tax saving they could make.

With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. Find out more about the company here.

To find a wide range of business support available in Chesterfield, including details on how to access the innovative Chesterfield Digital High Street scheme, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Entrepreneurs and start-up businesses can also receive funding through the Vision Derbyshire scheme, as part of efforts locally to encourage more people to set up their own companies.

Shorts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Derbyshire Distillery raising spirits at Peak Village as new store opens

Dr Derbyshire’s Emporium is the latest new tenant to commit to the Peak Village (formerly Peak Shopping Village) retail and lifestyle destination in Rowsley, following recent store openings by Denby Pottery and Dotique, the designer fashion brand for women.

The brainchild of premium gin-maker Derbyshire Distillery, Dr Derbyshire’s Emporium will be an all-round experience for gin-lovers with sampling, personalised labelling and regular gin-related events at the store, which is due to open in early October.

Set up in 2018, Derbyshire Distillery uses traditional methods to produce high quality gins, vodkas and liqueurs using the best local and international ingredients and fresh Derbyshire water. The store at Peak Village is the brand’s first standalone retail outlet but it is already the gin of choice for many hotels, restaurants and bars in the region.

“It’s a real vote of confidence in the changes we’re making that Derbyshire Distillery, Denby and Dotique have all committed in the past few weeks. A huge amount of work is being done to improve the site and that’s generated a lot of interest from aspirational brands looking for a suitable outlet near to Chatsworth, Bakewell and Matlock. We’re expecting to announce more exciting new shops and events by the end of the year and for Peak Village to become a real ‘must-go’ destination for locals and visitors alike,” says Katayune Jacquin, Peak Village Centre Manager, who has worked at the site for more than a decade.

Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village hosts nearly 20 shops and employs between 80 and 100 people. Aiming to offer something distinctively different from traditional high streets and shopping malls, Peak Village is targeting a higher percentage of independent retail brands and operators with a strong local connection.

Peak Village was bought earlier this year by the Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at nearby Chatsworth.

Approximately £1m has been committed to redevelopment with more than half already spent on essential repairs, redecoration, refitting of vacant units, and the landscaping of public areas with planters and new street furniture.

“The ongoing upgrade of facilities is good news for Peak Village, which was underinvested for some years previously, and it’s good news for the local economy. This investment has secured existing local jobs and is creating new jobs both directly and through the local companies and suppliers we’re working with. What’s more, Peak Village will be drawing in millions of pounds of retail revenue to the Derbyshire economy.” says Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group.

The Devonshire Group has strong experience in retail through its existing operations at Chatsworth (the estate farm shop and gift shops) and at Bolton Abbey and is a landlord to many retail outlets across its estates in Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

Derbyshire Distillery supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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BHP bolsters its VAT offering with new Director

Leading independent accountancy firm BHP has strengthened its tax team with the appointment of Carla Horsfall as a VAT Director.

Carla joins BHP from Hart Shaw Accountants where she trained as a Chartered Accountant after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2006. After spending four years in the audits and accounts team at Hart Shaw, Carla moved into the tax team in 2010 and began specialising in VAT.

The BHP tax team now consists of six VAT specialists, including Amar Zaman who was recently awarded the Chartered Institute of Taxation Wreford Voge Medal for achieving Distinction and the highest mark in the country in the CTA Advanced Technical Paper on Cross-Border Indirect Taxation.

Carla, who will work across Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, said: “The experience of the VAT team at BHP really appealed to me, they have a wealth of knowledge, and I was keen to focus purely on VAT rather than a mix of everything as I had been doing in my previous role.

“I already feel so welcomed by the team and the firm has a real family feel to it which was important to me.

“I’m looking forward to becoming a core part of the team and developing further in my role.”

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “Carla brings with her brilliant experience and knowledge, and she will be a great addition to our growing team.

“We pride ourselves on the depth of knowledge of our VAT team and our ability to offer complex specialist VAT advice to our client base.

“Investing and developing our fantastic talent pool and supplementing it with experts like Carla is a key part of our strategy going forward.”

BHP has been ranked the second-best accountancy firm to work for in the UK, and the 35th best company to work for across Yorkshire and the Humber in the Best Companies survey 2021.

The independent accountancy firm is made up of over 350 professionals and 37 partners working across a wide range of specialities including audit and assurance, consulting, corporate finance and taxation.

For more information about BHP visit www.bhp.co.uk.

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Professor Brian Cox CBE to inspire young people at Work-Wise Foundation event

Chesterfield Champion, The Work-Wise Foundation is set to welcome Professor Brian Cox to one of its upcoming events, aimed at inspiring the next generation to consider careers in STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).

 The North Star Science School event will take place at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort and at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

This major event for schools, now in its second year, promotes innovation and opportunity to inspire the next generation to consider careers in STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).

North Star is part of the Science Summer School national initiative co-founded in 2012 by Professor Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE with the aim of making Britain the best place in the world to do science and engineering. The event is presented in partnership with Well North Enterprises,  a social business led by Lord Mawson.

North Star will be led and organised by The Work-wise Foundation, a non-profit, employer-led charity which aims to develop young people for employment in STEAM subjects within South Yorkshire region and North Derbyshire.

Professor Brian Cox, Britain’s leading physicist and science communicator will officially launch North Star on November 24th and also appear as the keynote speaker.   The event will be hosted by Ruth Amos, inventor and founder of Kids Invent Stuff.

There will be a special opportunity for current and prospective project sponsors and supporters to hear Professor Cox speak at a special ‘invitation only’ evening event at the Advanced Manufacturing Park on November 24th.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation explains: “The daytime event is designed to connect our young people to inspirational businesses which will spark their imaginations and set them on the road to great opportunities in STEAM careers.  It is very exciting to be welcoming Professor Brian Cox to South Yorkshire and we look forward to seeing the impact this whole event could have on raising aspirations and shaping careers choices for our region’s young people.”

The Work-Wise Foundation 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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Ashgate Hospicecare teams up with BRM Solicitors for ‘Make a Will Month’

People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will this August as part of Ashgate Hospicecare’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during August and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to Ashgate Hospicecare.

The choice and amount to give is up to the client, but for a simple single will a suggested donation is just £75, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “The past 18 months have been a challenging time for us all, with the pandemic making us painfully aware of our own mortality.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for. It enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Ashgate’s Make a Will Month allows you to do that for free.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Currently, one in five people are cared for thanks to money left in wills, but as the number of people with life-limiting illnesses increases, demand for the services continues to grow.

Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding, with the hospice reporting losses of more than £3 million in planned fundraising income because of the pandemic.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Jack added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.”

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, go to: https://www.brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate-hospicecare-free-wills-month/ or call 01246 555 111

BRM Solicitors and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions welcome the lifting of Covid restrictions

Chesterfield Champions have welcomed the lifting of Covid restrictions, although some with a note of caution, following Monday’s announcement that, subject to a final review of the data, legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July.

The lifting of the remaining lockdown restrictions is expected to further boost the local economy. Most recently East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2021, State of the Economy Index showed its highest score since Q3 2018. The score has replaced hopes for a steady recovery post pandemic to big growth expectations for the region.

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Like town centres up and down the country, it’s been an incredibly difficult time for our businesses – as well as the wider community. But Chesterfield is a resilient place and we have some truly inspiring independent businesses. By continuing to work really closely together, and with our partners like East Midlands Chamber and Destination Chesterfield, we’re confident in our town’s ability to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.”

Cllr Kate Sarvent

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield added: “It’s been a long hard road for many Chesterfield Champions, but light is finally at the end of the tunnel. What we have seen during this time is what a tightly knit, resilient and supportive business community there is in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and I am very much looking forward to seeing people within it face-to-face at our events going forward.”

Dom Stevens

Destination Chesterfield is hosting its first in-person event in 16 months on Wednesday 7 July, when it hosts the judging for the Food Producer of the Year award at Casa Hotel for the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Venues, including hotels, theatres and training providers, have particularly welcomed the lifting of restrictions which will enable them to return to full capacity 16 months after the pandemic started.

John Croot, Chief Executive at Chesterfield FC is looking forward to the team’s ground once again being full. He said: “We are delighted to hear that the restrictions will be lifted. People have been waiting for this news for so long.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Technique Stadium. We have a number of events in our hospitality lounges over the next few months and it will be great to see the rooms full again.”

John Croot, Photographer Gray Hughes

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant Manager at Matlock Farm Park echoed John saying: “We‘re looking forward to seeing the children’s delight when they first go the play centre – it’s going to be lovely having the building filled with children’s voices again.”

Lotty Hawkins

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles commented: “While the hospitality industry is enjoying a great summer bounce back, it has still been severely held back by capacity limits that have also affected the leisure and events industries.

“So there will now be a lot of excitement in the countdown to 19 July, when we sincerely hope the Government will indeed go ahead with stage four of its roadmap to reopening our economy and lift almost all the remaining restrictions.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

Fiaz Sadiq, Managing Director for ActionCOACH Chesterfield: “It’s great to hear from the Prime Minister that the easing of restrictions will be lifted from Monday 19 July, it’s a very positive and welcomed decision that we feel everyone was hoping for! Particularly, small independent businesses, as we’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects that this pandemic has caused, and the real struggle for so many!”

Fiaz Sadiq

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care is amongst the raft of businesses that have been impacted by the restrictions. Dawn Brown, owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care explained: “The lifting of the restrictions will enable me now to hold an open day to showcase our services to new and old clients.  We look after people’s fur babies and not being able to show them around has limited the number of new clients sending their dogs to us.  Luckily our reputation has been enough for most clients to send their pooch without looking around but it will be great when we can organise viewings again.”

Suppliers and service providers to the hospitality sector are equally excited to see the lifting of restrictions. John Smith, Director at Accountancy Recruitment Group, said: “Our market has been very busy throughout the pandemic but the changes from the 19 July should, in particular, see a positive bounce-back for our clients across hospitality and leisure sectors.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of bridge finance company Bridge Help agreed saying: “I believe we will see increased investment in commercial property, particularly in the hospitality sector, across the country and locally which is great news for the town.”

Chris Sellars

While the lifting of restrictions has generally been welcomed, a number of businesses, particularly those in the healthcare, beauty and retail sectors in the town centre, have advised caution and requested that customers continue to wear masks if they feel unwell.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth- Owner, Less than Zero Barbers said: “We think it’s now appropriate for people to get back to their day to day lives without compulsory restrictions or mask wearing. It will be good practise though, when people are unwell, to wear a mask wherever possible to limit any risk to themselves and others.”

Martin Wallis-Keyworth

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic and a registered nurse agreed saying: “Throughout covid restrictions we have all practiced very safely and will maintain the high level of cleanliness to help prevent any risk of virus transmission – Covid or otherwise.  I hope that people will continue to use their judgement and if they have any sign of any infection, they take the necessary precautions.”

The Goldsmith Clinic

Stuart Chambers, part of the management team at Pavements Shopping Centre: “I hope that people will realise they have responsibility towards others as well as themselves. I will continue with the mask and hand sanitising because it makes sense.”

Lotty added: “I think that most people will still exercise some caution as Covid-19 clearly remains a big issue. However, our visitors have always exercised personal responsibility and we hope that courtesy for others will continue. The advantage of visiting Matlock Farm Park is that we provide such a large outdoor area where people can maintain distance from others.”

Despite some nervousness remaining about Covid, many businesses who have adopted homeworking during the pandemic are looking forward to a return to the workplace for both staff and customers.

Scott Knowles added: “Dropping homeworking guidance for office-based businesses is another important step in our return to normality. While we expect the future of work to be a hybrid between the office and home where this is possible for some, the majority of businesses we represent have told us the office will remain a key part of their organisations – especially for younger employees who benefit from working alongside more senior colleagues and have perhaps felt more socially isolated during the pandemic.”

Lisa Stones, Director, Mortgage 1st said: “The one thing we are looking forward to the most is being able to get together as a team. We have advisers all over the county and have missed spending time together both for business and pleasure. We have a party planned later this month for the whole team so we can celebrate and raise a glass to everyone’s hard work and dedication over the last year and a half.”

Lisa Stones

Kerry Bentley, Managing Director at DBC Training added: “Our delivery centres re-opened to learners in March with appropriate social distancing and covid-secure measures in place, however, many of our learners have continued to engage in online and remote learning. As restrictions are lifted, we hope to see an increase in public confidence in attending classroom-based learning and we are looking forward to welcoming more people into our Chesterfield delivery centre.”

Kerry Bentley

Despite some trepidation about restrictions being eased, businesses are optimistic for what the future holds for both them and the town.

Fiaz Sadiq added: “Now that restrictions are lifting, owners can really start to work on the plans they had for the future of their business, which will in turn will help with the regrowth of this thriving and beautiful little market town, and we can’t wait to see how it bounces back.”

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers said: “We’re looking forward to weddings going ahead. Many of our wedding ring customers have had to postpone their celebrations and are excited to celebrate with friends and family later this year. Coupled with the lockdown proposals, it’s set to be a great year for weddings and we’re so looking forward to meeting more couples and creating their dream wedding rings.

“Lockdown hasn’t dulled our sparkle and now we’re looking forward to shining brightly with our lovely family, friends and customers in Chesterfield.”

Adorn Jewellers

Adorn Jewellers

Cllr Sarvent added: “The borough as a whole is benefitting from a £1bn growth programme which is bringing forward new jobs and opportunities for local people. Likewise, our town centre is not standing still. We’re investing in significant town centre developments and improvements including the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, work on Elder Way and plans to revitalise the market.

“Enquiries from businesses wanting to start, grow or relocate in Chesterfield are on the rise, and early indications show that the number of people shopping in Chesterfield town centre is heading in the right direction, moving back towards pre-Covid levels.

“Since the start of the pandemic we’ve paid out over £48.5m worth of Government grants – a lifeline to our businesses. We’re fully behind our town centre and high streets and continue to have a range of support packages in place to help them get back on their feet, as we move beyond Covid-19 restrictions.

“The council has funded the new Digital High Street project which is helping businesses branch out online, our Love Chesterfield campaign is encouraging people to shop local and has a range of free marketing resources for our independents to use. We also have a dedicated town centre engagement officer who provides advice and support. In addition, this summer we’ve launched a new-look events programme, including our popular specialist markets and at our fantastic arts and leisure venues, all of which are encouraging people back into our town centre, safely.”

There are more than 180 Chesterfield Champions, a network of businesses, charities, schools and training providers who are driving the development of the local economy, shaping its future and showcasing all that is good about the area.

To become a member of the Chesterfield Champions scheme, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/sign-up/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Plastic-free July: How Chesterfield Champions are working to reduce single-use plastics

Businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been doing their bit as part of efforts across the town to cut down on single-use plastic waste.

And with the issue under the spotlight throughout the ‘Plastic Free July’ awareness month, we’ve teamed up with local community group, Plastic-free Chesterfield to find out how Chesterfield Champions have been playing their part.

The organisation is challenging the community of Chesterfield to join the Plastic Free July challenge and make at least one swap away from single-use plastic throughout the month.

To give people a helping hand, Plastic Free Chesterfield will be providing daily tips on their social media accounts throughout the month of July, as well as holding an advice and information stall on Chesterfield Market on Saturday 3rd July.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead, said: “Plastic Free July is such a great opportunity for individuals & families, businesses, schools, colleges, and community groups & organisations to be able to think about what single-use plastic they’re using, and attempt the challenge to find and make at least one swap away.

“Anyone who contacts Plastic Free Chesterfield will be provided with friendly top tips and advice and we really hope that the Chesterfield community can join in this exciting challenge.

“Chesterfield may be far from the sea but as soon as any plastic runs off into our streams and rivers, it will make its way to the ocean. Therefore we must work together as a Chesterfield community to reduce single-use plastics and find alternatives.

“Chesterfield is now an accredited Plastic Free Community with over 100 businesses, community organisations and schools signed up to reduce their single-use plastics. Therefore now is a key opportunity to be a part of this fantastic movement and say no to single use plastic packaging.”

How Chesterfield Champions are swapping plastic waste for sustainable alternatives

Northern Tea Merchants

Northern Tea Merchants allows people to bring in their own containers to purchase loose tea and coffee. Their tea and coffee is sold loose without the need for plastic packaging. They also use paper bags.

Shop Indie

Shop Indie on Vicar Lane has taken several measures to reduce the amount of single-use plastic it uses. The store gives out paper bags to customers, while the beauty products they sell are packaged in glass. The shop sells a small range of bar vegan soaps instead of single-use plastic soap bottles. Shop Indie also encourages suppliers to provide either naked cards or compostable bags instead of single-use plastic card bags.

R.P Davidson Cheese Factor

The Cheese Factor has recently taken a major change and has eliminated all plastic packaging on the shop’s cheeseboards, switching instead to cardboard packaging. The Cheese Factor also uses paper bags instead of single use plastic bags. In terms of refill, The Cheese Factor allows customers to bring their own containers to take away cheese and other products from the store on the side of the market hall.

Chesterfield College

Chesterfield College open days

Chesterfield College has swapped plastic cutlery for wood and bamboo spoons, knives and forks. The college has also swapped plastic straws for paper straws, and swapped plastic takeaway boxes for Vegware takeaway trays.

Chesterfield Football Club

Chesterfield FC Proact

Chesterfield FC and Chesterfield FC Community Trust have signed the Plastic Free Pledge, committing to reduce single-use plastics. The Community Trust also does excellent work in raising awareness about plastic pollution in our local schools.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action

Derbyshire Voluntary Action has stopped buying plastic water bottles and are using water filter jugs. The organisation has pledged not to use disposable cups and plates at their forums and meetings. DVA aims to use other refillables wherever possible.

Green Arch Consulting

Green Arch Consulting founder, Emma Knight-Strong has pledged to spread the word about Plastic Free Chesterfield and its objectives, make connections between Plastic Free Chesterfield and interested organisations and individuals who would like to be involved, or who can help further the impact of the group.

As a sole trader based from a home office, Emma has minimal single use plastics impact, however her greatest impact is in helping her clients to understand and reduce their own single use plastics.

Junction Arts

The team at Junction Arts has pledged not to serve drinks in disposable cups at their events and workshops, and are also using plastic-free tea bags. The charity also makes sure that all its print marketing is recyclable.

West Studios

Business Support

Chesterfield’s West Studios is home to a number of small businesses, and now provides wooden stirrers instead of plastic, sugar in containers rather than sachets, and provides customers with a discount on drinks when they bring their own reusable mugs for use in the café area. West Studios has also switched to vegwear for single-use hot drink containers.

Monkey Park CIC

Monkey Park uses a number of environmentally friendly packaging solutions such as cardboard straws, paper bags, cardboard takeaway containers and vegware sandwich boxes instead of single-use plastic packaging. Monkey Park also sell grain travelware cutlery instead of single-use plastic cutlery.

 

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Superior Wellness announces new recruits

Chesterfield’s superior Wellness has added to its growing team, with four new recruits being announced in the last month.

The company is Europe’s largest hot tub and swim spa distributor and the new team members are the latest in a long line of successes for the firm, having moved into a new 130,000 sq.ft warehouse and distribution centre earlier this year.

Tim Scott has been appointed as After Sales Manager and is managing a team of technical support advisors, customer service advisors and technicians. The team support with technical enquires, sending replacement parts to rectify customers issues and if required can provide engineer assistance with end users. Tim has over 20 years experience in the automotive retail network including Jaguar Land Rover where he was Head of After Sales.

Tim Stringer has joined the team as  PHP Developer and is working to improve the company’s CRM and automation processes amongst other projects. Tim has a wealth of experience in Laravel based systems and API Integrations.

Tim Stringer – Superior Wellness PHP Developer

George Sghendo has joined Superior Wellness as a Customer Service Advisor. George speaks fluent French to help the firm’s international partners in After Sales.

George Sghendo – Superior Wellness Customer Service Advisor

Lauren Raybould has also joined the company as a Customer Service Advisor as the After Sales team expands.

On the back of his recent appointment, Tim Scott, Aftersales Manager at Superior Wellness was quick to praise the working culture and environment within the company.

He said: “Since joining Superior Wellness I have been overwhelmed by the support from everyone including Senior Management. There is a great team ethic and a genuine family feel about the place.

“Every day I have woken up looking forward to coming to work and I haven’t had that feeling for a long time.

“The place is amazing, from sitting in the sky lounge (rooftop garden) at lunch to joining in with the team playing pool and table tennis, wellness is definitely at the heart of everything we do here, from free healthy snacks to subsidised healthy cooked meals, I haven’t gone hungry yet.

“This is genuinely the best place I have ever worked and I would recommend this place to all my family and friends.”

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

Tim Scott – Superior Wellness Aftersales Manager

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Chesterfield’s UK Asbestos Training Association ‘highly commended’ for mental health leadership

Chesterfield-based UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has been ‘highly commended’ in the ‘Senior Leadership Engagement Award’ category at The Impact Awards, hosted by mental health charity Mates In Mind.

These Awards are open to Senior Leadership from SMEs, Large size organisations and Projects who have shown inspirational leadership that has made a meaningful impact on the understanding and support for mental health amongst its workforce, as well as across their industry more broadly.

The commendation recognised the efforts of Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans, and Senior Operations Manager, Debbie Nixon in a virtual ceremony on 27th May 2021.

“Being shortlisted for the Senior Leadership Engagement Award demonstrates the tightknit relationship between Debbie and myself. Working alongside one another for almost 10 years, has strengthened our partnership and undeniable rapport. It’s an honour to be recognised with my longest serving employee ” said Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans.

Mates in Mind is a registered UK charity raising awareness, addressing the stigma of poor mental health and promoting positive mental wellbeing across workplaces, helping to make sense of available options and support employers to address mental health within their workplace.

Each year Mates in Mind hold Impact Awards to celebrate their Supporters contributions to improving mental health within their workplaces and across the wider sector. The awards are an opportunity to highlight the impact of both large and SME organisations across the UK, as well as acknowledging individuals who have championed the development of mentally healthy workforces.

Established in 2008, UKATA is a highly respected, leading authority on asbestos training. The company’s passion is to both maintain and improve asbestos training, ensuring the highest standards are upheld by means of continually monitoring UKATA training provided by its members.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

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