About Chesterfield

University of Derby Civic Roadshow

17th July 2019

The University of Derby is hosting a ‘Civic Roadshow’ at its Chesterfield campus, as part of a series of free events to provide the wider community with the opportunity to share their thoughts on how the University can help to deliver long-term positive impact for Derby and Derbyshire.

The roadshow event which will be held on 24 July at the University’s St Helena campus in Chesterfield is an opportunity for external stakeholders to find out more about the University of Derby’s civic ambitions. The University is keen to understand what the biggest challenges are facing the local community, businesses and organisations within the city and county, and how it can focus its civic endeavours.

All are welcome to attend the roadshow to help shape the University’s future civic direction. There is also an online survey to provide feedback for anyone unable to attend the events.

As part of the University’s commitment to becoming a true Civic University, it signed up to developing a Civic University Agreement, a document that will reaffirm its ongoing commitment to playing its part in the city and county’s prosperity and wellbeing.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are committed to becoming a true ‘Civic University’, responsible not only to our students and our staff, but also to the places around us. To ensure the impact we make is long-term and sustainable, we first need to understand what the real needs of our city and county are.

“The Civic University Agreement is an opportunity to set out clearly, coherently and creatively how we will fulfil our responsibilities. It will see us working closely with our partners to help deliver positive change across Derby and Derbyshire that makes a significant impact on the county’s local communities, businesses, organisations and overall prosperity.”

Under the Agreement, the University will be driven by the following principles:

1. As a place-based institution, it is committed to attaching a high priority to the economic, social, environmental and cultural life of its local communities.

2. Its civic role will be informed by an evidence-based analysis of the needs of its place, developed collaboratively with local partners and informed by the needs of its local community.

3. It will collaborate with other anchor institutions and form partnerships to overcome the challenges facing local communities.

4. With its partners, it will be clear about what it does and how this is measured, so it can say with confidence what it has achieved – and how it might do better in the future.

The University of Derby Civic Roadshow is a free event taking place from 1pm-4pm on Wednesday 24 July at St Helena, 2 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield S41 7LL

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Estate agency director joins property industry elite

16th July 2019

Redbrik’s Managing Director Mark Ross is joining the estate agency elite after being chosen to be a guest speaker at the property industry’s flagship event.

Mark, a co-founder of Redbrik Estate Agents, is one of three Next Generation business owners selected to be interviewed on stage at the EA Masters 2020, by TV presenter Gabby Logan who is hosting the event.

He will be discussing Redbrik’s innovative and customer-driven focus that has driven their success in front of an audience of more than 1,000 property professionals, at the popular annual leadership and awards, exhibition and awards event.

It comes after Redbrik, which employs more than 50 staff across five offices in Sheffield and Chesterfield, was named in the top three per cent of all estate agencies in the country by the Best Estate Agent Guide 2019.

Last year Redbrik was named the number one estate agency in the region in the Best Estate Agent Guide, which assessed the performance of 25,000 branches across the UK, at the EA Masters Awards. Redbrik will find out in November which award it will add to its growing list of industry accolades by the leading nationwide guide.

Mark Ross, who co-founded the business in 2013, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been chosen by the EA Masters to speak at this prestigious event and share Redbrik’s incredible story.

“It’s recognition for our unique approach to property marketing, which is helping the company achieve significant success in residential sales, lettings and new homes.

“In just over six years, we feel we have reset the benchmark for property marketing, service and results. The business has grown rapidly, but our original ethos of honesty, integrity and bespoke customer service for every single client still flows through everything we do.”

Host Gabby Logan will be supported on stage at the EA Masters by fellow BBC sports presenter and former rugby star Jonathan Davies and F1 broadcaster, Lucia France.

Josh Phegan, internationally renowned trainer and coach for high-performance real estate agents and agencies and Michael Pallier of Sotheby’s, Sydney, are amongst the other guest speakers.

The EA Masters 2019 will take place at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, on 10 October 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Judges visit blooming marvellous Chesterfield

16th July 2019

Chesterfield played host to judges from the East Midlands in Bloom committee to judge the borough’s entry into the regional competition.

Chesterfield in Bloom is a year-round campaign, led by volunteers working with Chesterfield Borough Council to make continual improvements to the borough’s environment.

As part of the tour on Friday 12 July, the judges visited some of Chesterfield’s parks and green spaces, including the Green Flag award winning parks at Queen’s Park and the grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium. They also met volunteers and residents who have entered the Chesterfield in Bloom best kept garden competition.

Caroline Pollard, East Midlands in Bloom judge said: “It’s a very vibrant town centre, we’ve seen a very busy market and we’ve seen how some really colourful floral displays make such a big difference to the town centre, they really make it a lovely place to be.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Chesterfield in Bloom is such a great campaign, it takes part in helping to improve the local environment. It’s great to see that the Bloom projects and competitions throughout Chesterfield bring a variety of people together throughout the year.”

Chesterfield won three gold awards in last year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition. The results of this year’s awards will be announced in September.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

£1.15 million refurbishment of homes completed

15th July 2019

An event took place to re-open Chesterfield Borough Council’s Glebe Court in Old Whittington after a 1.15million refurbishment was completed.

Located on The Glebe Way, the property includes 22 one bedroom flats and has been refurbished throughout to create both a bright and welcoming living environment for residents.

Glebe Court is one of the council’s housing schemes for older residents in the borough.

During the renovations Glebe Court’s residents were relocated to other nearby properties, with the choice to either return to their former flats after the works were complete or to stay in their new accommodation. Eight of the original residents returned to the scheme following completion of the works.

The flats have all been altered to feature a balcony allowing fresh air and natural light to fill the newly refurbished kitchen and lounge areas, including space to fit a washing machine. The bathrooms have been converted into wet rooms with level access showers and the bedrooms all feature built-in wardrobes creating the sense of more space within the same footprint.

The communal lounge has been given a facelift with new floor to ceiling windows installed. The small kitchen space in the communal area has also been opened up into the lounge with the addition of a breakfast bar meaning that even when making drinks, residents can remain part of any activities that are taking place. A quiet room has also been designed upstairs to allow residents to escape the communal areas if they want to.

What was once the laundry room has been transformed into a treatment room complete with specialist equipment making it useable as a hair salon and nail care room with mobile businesses visiting residents regularly to offer their services.

External areas at the property have been extensively re-modelled, including a patio area outside the communal lounge, a mobility scooter store and a walkway which provides a short cut to the local shops.

The opening event was attended by a number of guests including members of Chesterfield Borough Council, staff and contractors linked who were involved in the renovation works.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The new facilities at Glebe Court are great. I have spoken to a number of residents about what they think about the refurbishments and have received positive feedback. It’s good to see that all options have been considered from creating welcoming shared spaces to comfortable flats that are bright and inviting.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Two new businesses open in Markham House

15th July 2019

Chesterfield’s Lordsmill Street is reinventing itself as the Harley Street of Derbyshire, following the opening of two new businesses in the former Markham House.

The two-storey building has been transformed into premises for The Goldsmith Clinic and Lucy Shakespeare Personal Training and Sports Therapy. The businesses are private specialists in non surgical aesthetic treatments, health and wellbeing and were unveiled at a launch event held on Thursday 11 July.

The Goldsmith Clinic and Lucy Shakespeare Personal Training and Sports Therapy are the first businesses to take up residence in Markham House which was acquired by Chesterfield based property investment company Lodge Farm Estates in September last year. At the time, the deal represented the single largest transaction in Chesterfield for a number of years.

Both businesses have relocated from outside the town centre into their new Lordsmill Street premises following growth in demand for their services.

The premises have undergone a radical facelift following its previous guise as a nightclub. Now unrecognisable, Lucy Shakespeare Personal Training and Sports Therapy which is based on the first floor, features an air conditioned, fully equipped gym which offers one-to-one and group training sessions.

Owner of the business Lucy Shakespeare said: “This is my dream. I am passionate about health and fitness and helping people be the best version of themselves. The Goldsmith Clinic and I share the same strong desire to provide high quality, accessible and friendly service. Having the two businesses side by side means that we can provide a completely holistic approach to health, fitness and wellbeing. It’s a very exciting time for both of us.”

Formerly known as TAG Aesthetics, The Goldsmith Clinic, which is owned by the highly respected registered nurse practitioner and aesthetics specialist Theresa Goldsmith, is based on the second floor of the building and boasts a light and airy reception with three modern treatment rooms and a training room.

Theresa said: “Lucy and I have both created unique spaces in beautiful surroundings. Together we have brought to life a dream we have long had to create the ultimate space for aesthetics, health and wellbeing. It is something we believe that Chesterfield can be truly proud. We represent the very best in industry standards and training in our respective fields and we are delighted to bring our shared vision under one roof at Markham House.”

David Tate, director of Lodge Farm Estates commented: “I am delighted that Lucy and Theresa have brought a bit of Harley Street to Lordsmill Street. They are the first occupiers of this landmark building which is undergoing a significant amount of investment and breathing life and energy back into one of the town’s major gateways. The investment is ongoing as we continue to refurbish 14,000 sq ft and we shortly hope to welcome further occupiers to Markham House.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Summer Blooms at Vicar Lane!

15th July 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is set to transform the popular town centre shopping area with a number of stunning floral installations, right across the summer, in celebration of ‘Chesterfield in Bloom’.

From July to September visitors are invited to pose for a selfie with the centre’s fabulous floral phone box – perfect for adding that floral touch to anyone’s Instagram feed.

There will also be a flower cart and the chance to meet the centre’s grassy animals around the centre – all Instagram worthy in their own rights.

Customers are invited to share their photos of the installations with the centre, via social media.

If summer isn’t the time to enjoy a few flowers in your life then we don’t know when is?

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “Chesterfield in Bloom is such a fabulous initiative – a real community effort to make the town more attractive to locals and visitors alike. We’re thrilled to support this with our summer floral theme and hope that everyone enjoys admiring our installations and the photo opportunities that they offer!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Pronto Industrial Paints to sponsor Wellbeing Challenge for the second year running

11th July 2019

Following the success of last year’s sponsorship, Pronto Paints is pleased to be announced the latest official partner of the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, set to take place in October this year.
They will be returning as the sponsor of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge. In 2018, the Wellbeing Challenge saw more than 15 teams enter as a group into the 13.1-mile Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, the Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run.

This year, they are calling on businesses, community groups, schools and families to engage with the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge to promote a healthy lifestyle.

David Beckford, Managing Director at Pronto Industrial Paints added: “we all know that health and wellbeing is important, both inside and outside working environment.

“We’re passionate about health and wellbeing at Pronto Paints and always promote physical activity to our employees, who encourage each other to be more physically active.
“The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge, and the idea behind it, fits with our company ethos which is why we’re delighted to have returned as a partner of the 2019 event following a fantastic first outing in 2018.”

John Timms, Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Event Director, said: “We’re really pleased to have Pronto Paints back on board for the 2019 Half Marathon.

“The Wellbeing Challenge was a great success last year and we’re looking forward to it growing it this time out. It’s a superb event to enter providing a bit of healthy competition between friends, family and colleagues.”

For more details or to enter the Wellbeing Challenge contact the Redbrik Half Marathon team via the events official website to declare entry into the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge and receive a discount code for all team member to use.

The discount is available across all three races on the day including the Redbrik Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford Fun Run.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Perez looks forward to race at British Grand Prix

11th July 2019

Chesterfield’s 19 year old race ace Seb Perez is looking forward to his guest drive at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in the Mobil 1 Porsche Supercup this weekend (13-14 July )

The excitement mounts for the current Porsche Carrera Cup GB Pro category driver who will be one of three Brits in the prestige International Championship that follows the FIA Formula One World Championship around the globe and will be racing alongside his Amigos team mate Nottinghamshire’s George Gamble and also leader in the British Championship and 2018 Porsche Junior Champion Dan Harper.

All three drivers should make a strong team effort in the race as all currently are well placed in the GB Championship, Perez is sixth and Gamble 3rd in the Pro Category and Harper leads

They will also race alongside World Porsche Super cup drivers and former World Track Cyclist now turned racing driver Sir Chris Hoy.

All three cars will be run by JTR racing, using their Amigos Carrera Cup spec cars converted to Supercup spec for the weekend. The cars will be different to drive, they will be lighter and quicker and will be limited to the sets of tyres they can use as guests to the Championship.

It’s not just about racing the car you need to know what it will do and how, Perez explained “technically the car is different, it has run straight through exhausts that make more noise and the car to the back is 35kg’s lighter that causes over steer and traction, qualifying will be interesting with fewer tyres to use and a few subtle differences to our usual GB Cup cars”

The GB Team of all 3 drivers were amongst around 27 cars that tested at Silverstone in June for the event, that saw Perez on a good pace and topping speeds of over 237kph.

After the test session Perez said “We had a really good test in preparation for the Grand Prix weekend with a lot to take in and learn a few little tricks that I can take back to the Carrera Cup GB that will help quite a bit.” I’m hoping for a top ten finish or better but it is a very competitive championship and would be nice for a rookie podium as a first time out in the Supercup.”

Perez will race in front of around 110,000 people and it is televised live on Sky Sports F1 and other channels Worldwide.

Perez said ” Performing in front of a crowd of around 110,000 people on Grand Prix day is pretty special and being on the Formula One package is another thing all together, I think we shall do all right and to be one of only three British drivers to be out there is great and also to have two current championship GB Cup contenders George and Dan will be very special”

He added “I’m really looking forward to having a good weekend.”

Seb Perez left Oulton Park in Cheshire two weeks ago after the seventh and eighth rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB with two top-ten finishes despite having a tough weekend in his Amigos Redline Racing machine.

Coming away from Croft last time out with a third-place podium hopes were high for another strong result after a two-week break for the Championship.

The warm and humid conditions made things challenging for the Amigos driver as he lined up tenth on the grid in the Pro class for race one. Seb had a clean start off the line and did well to stay out of trouble during the opening laps.

At the halfway point the 19-year-old had made good progress. Despite the Cheshire circuit being a difficult track to overtake on, Seb passed three cars before zeroing in on Dan Vaughan ahead.

Closing the three-and-a-half second gap to the cars ahead, he became part of a six-car fight which continued until the last lap, where the teenager made up one more position, finishing eighth overall.

A good start off the line for race two helped Seb to hold onto eighth place. As the race went on however, he began to struggle with his pace and eventually crossed the line ninth in class, a good recovery in a tough contest. He currently lies 6th in the championship

After this weekend Perez has a busy has a Porsche summer break for 5 weeks before a demanding schedule in front of him over the next few of months. with the usual Porsche Carrera Cup GB commitments taking in Thruxton and Brands Hatch until the end of October including two further trips to Silverstone where the series supports the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of August and back again a month later in September supporting the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship..

The International renown Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Championship is the pinnacle of the numerous national and international Porsche one-make series currently running around the World, and has been for more than 25 years.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Strut Your Mutt at Vicar Lane’s Doggy Day!

11th July 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is excited to announce plans for a day completely dedicated to the furry four-legged friends in our lives, from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 20^th July.

On the day, Vicar Lane is inviting customers to come along with their canine friends, to enjoy a variety of activities, plus free treats (for the good girls and boys).

During ‘Yappy Hour’ our furry friends will be able to enjoy free dog treats and bottomless water from the drinking stations, while their humans will be able to enjoy a free mocktail* (*while stocks last).

There will also be the opportunity for customers to ‘strut their mutt’ around the centre’s mini agility course, which includes a series of play jumps, seesaws, tunnels and slaloms. There will be a rosette for star performers and dog treats in abundance for all!

The centre’s pawfect event assistants will be on hand to ensure that all four and two-legged guests have a wag-tastic time!

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re so excited to welcome our four-legged friends and their families to Vicar Lane for one great day of doggy fun! We’re sure the day will create some fantastic laughs and camera-worthy moments for everyone to enjoy!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

CT achieves platinum status in Veeam Cloud & Service Provider Program

11th July 2019

CT has achieved Platinum status in the Veeam® Cloud & Service Provider (VCSP) Program, the highest level for a service provider, indicating its experience and expertise in delivering Veeam-powered Cloud Data Management™ services.

CT has evolved significantly with Veeam over the past 12 months, making the transition from a Gold VCSP partner to Platinum. CT uses Veeam software in its Managed Cloud Platform to enhance its availability services to customers. Availability, data protection and data retention are critical in offering the hybrid cloud services that organisations require.

Chris Barr, Technical Director at CT said: “We’ve been highly focused on helping customers achieve what they need from cloud services, namely cost benefits, operational efficiency and agility of virtualising their IT infrastructure. This recognition represents truly exceptional value in the world of security, protection and disaster recovery in cloud computing and provides our clients with assurance of our proficiency in this technology and that we are the ideal partner to provide such solutions”.

Mike Tonks, Hosting Manager UK and Ireland, at Veeam stated, “As a Platinum VCSP, CT has closely aligned with Veeam’s business, playing a key role in identifying solution opportunities that help their customers’ hybrid-cloud requirements. CT also offer a managed service to allow customers to focus on their business needs while knowing that their workloads have the required uptime and availability required. Our Availability solutions, combined with CT service delivery and Veeam expertise, put CT as one of our top service providers in the UK.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Eat, drink, shop and play in Chesterfield this Summer

10th July 2019

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

It’s that time of year when many of us are preparing for the holidays, packing our bags or gazing longingly at planes in the sky. But there is lots going on much closer to home, as Chesterfield also gears up for summer.

The market square in Chesterfield town centre is increasingly playing host to events and festivals. They ae proving hugely successful in drawing shoppers to the town and making a real difference for retailers. I am delighted that we were able to recognise this at the recent Chesterfield Retail Awards which, for the first time, had a Best Town Centre Event category.

If you’re in town and are looking for the best retail spots, then take a look at the finalists and winners of this year’s Retail Awards – all nominated by you. Congratulations to everybody involved – it was another stellar event showcasing our town.

Alongside Chesterfield’s retail offering, the town centre also has an abundant food and drink offering. The finalists of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have just been announced. This celebration of the wonderful eateries we have in town are not restricted to the centre, either. It’s great to see so many businesses firmly established in other thriving areas, such as Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.

It’s impossible to be stuck for something to do in Chesterfield this summer. The town has something to cater for every taste – whether it’s food, drink or culture.

When was the last time you visited the museum? It’s free and there are always activities for children during the school holidays. If you’re a walker, then consider the town centre. Did you know there is an art trail? What about a picnic? Queen’s Park offers the perfect spot. If you’re planning a day out this summer, you don’t have to go far from home and you’ll support local businesses.

As we attract more visitors to the town, it’s great to see that Saltergate multi-storey car park is coming soon. Its design may have divided opinion, but it certainly shows that Chesterfield never stands still and is not afraid to push boundaries.

If you want the town to continue to thrive, then it’s important that we all vote with our feet and spend time here. This summer take the time to discover Chesterfield; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Find out what’s happening in Chesterfield this Summer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield