About Chesterfield

Chancellor’s nod could trigger devolution revolution

1st February 2016

Only ‘the nod’ from Chancellor George Osborne now stands between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire securing the biggest hand-over of powers from Government in generations.

New laws came into force at the end of January which could release “game-changing” investment in infrastructure, job creation, transport and skills.

The UK currently has one of the most centralised systems of Government in Europe, but the new Cities and Local Government Devolution Act, which now has Royal Assent, paves the way for the handing down of powers. This would give local people and business a greater control of their own affairs.

Council and business leaders from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have been negotiating for a comprehensive package of new powers and investment to be released from Government control and into the hands of local people, with a better understanding of the challenges and needs of the area.

The North Midlands devolution deal would deliver:

55,000 new private sector jobs
77,000 extra homes
an Investment Fund over 30 years to provide infrastructure such as roads and bridges
adult skills provision to better meet the needs of businesses
a joint transport fund to spend on key transport improvements
better co-ordinated public transport, with Oyster card style smart ticketing
more responsive and co-ordinated business support for growth
110,000 new apprenticeships
more people entering employment through better targeted local programmes
journey times to London of less than 90 minutes by train.

Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said for every day that passed between now and Government sign-off of the deal, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is losing ground on other parts of the UK.

Derbyshire County Council leader, Councillor Anne Western, said:

“The Government accepts that devolution is desperately needed to aid the economic recovery, the law is passed and we have a fantastic package of deliverable measures on the table. Now all the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire await is the nod from George Osborne.

“It seems like every day that another local business comes out in support of our deal or a major think-tank study concludes that the best chance for an area’s economic growth is with devolved powers and funding. The experts are saying devolution is needed now, local people and businesses are saying it’s needed now, even the Government is saying it’s needed now. Let’s do it now.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said:

“The enactment of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is a significant milestone which brings the prospect of the devolution of a swathe of powers to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire another step closer.

“We have a broad base of businesses here which play a huge role in driving the UK’s economy and they stand ready to champion the completion of a devolution deal, on the understanding that business engagement will remain central to its implementation.”

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, added:

“Royal Assent to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is a major step in the Government’s commitment to deliver Devolution, including a North Midlands Devolution Deal covering Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“All partners in the Deal recognise the importance of a strong D2N2 area economy and believe Devolutionwill provide some of the levers to boost productivity, create more jobs, and improve the skills levels and career prospects of our communities.

“With legislation now in place, we hope to see Government picking up the baton and quickly confirming the Deal for our area, without further unnecessary delays.”

19 councils across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire together with business leaders from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership which covers the two counties have been in negotiations with Ministers over a devolution deal for the area since last March.

They are seeking to create a single Combined Authority for the region by March 2016 − the first of its kind featuring district, borough, city and county councils.

Under the deal, the Combined Authority and a new Mayor, elected by the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, would be granted powers and resources currently held in London. It would gain responsibility for delivering a raft of new measures to boost economic growth, create jobs, build new homes and improve the quality of life for people living in the area.

The new powers would be held and delivered separately but in support of existing services, which would continue to be delivered by the local Councils.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Rent Charges Frozen for Chesterfield Market

29th January 2016

Rent charges for market traders are to be frozen as part of plans to ensure Chesterfield’s successful historic outdoor market place continues to thrive in the modern shopping world.

Last year Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns and manages the outdoor market, carried out a public consultation as part of a review looking at how the market can continue to draw in shoppers as markets across the country face increased competition from the growth of online shopping and discount stores.

Charges for traders on the general, flea and farmers’ markets are being held at their current levels to support existing traders and help with the recruitment of new traders. Fees for electricity, storage and the promotion of the open market are also being frozen.

Market charges on Chesterfield outdoor market are already cheaper or in line with those at neighbouring markets in the region.

Despite the tough economic climate for markets nationally, Chesterfield market continues to have between 100 and 150 stalls trading on market days.

To increase this further the council has begun work with traders on both short and long term plans to make improvements to the outdoor market.

Specific proposals will be drawn up over the coming months, while work starts on identifying funding to carry out more major redevelopments in the long term that could see the layout changed and improvements made to the stalls area. Some initial short term ideas are to:

· Offer incentives for new traders

· Continue to develop the town centre events programme to increase the number of visitors in the town, with the boost that brings to the markets

· Looking at whether the success of the monthly artisan markets can be followed up by looking at other specialist market events

· Helping the traders make greater use of social media to promote their products

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The market is the heart of our town centre and we all want it to remain that way.

“But all shopping environments have to move with the times to ensure they remain relevant in a world of online shopping and so I am really pleased that the traders have agreed to work with us on both short and long terms plans to achieve that.

“Some of the key issues to address are around footfall around the market place area, the sight lines of individual stalls and weather protection to provide good trading conditions for our traders and their customers.”

Longer term options to reorganise the market place area have been put forward following public consultation that would cost between £900,000 and £3 million, depending on the route taken.

Councillor Serjeant added: “With the funding cuts the council is facing this is not something we can fund at the current time so we plan on working with the traders on options to seek grant funding or work in to our medium to long term financial plans ways of identifying the money required.

“This will enable a viable and affordable plan to be developed that can then be delivered to achieve the on-going improvements the traders and us want to see.”

General markets are held in Chesterfield every Monday, Friday and Saturday and the flea market is each Thursday. A farmers’ market is held on the second Thursday of every month and an artisan market on the last Sunday of each month.

The council also holds car boot sales every Sunday at the Proact Stadium, off Sheffield Road.

–ends—

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

Chesterfield Primary School Children to Become Sports Leaders

28th January 2016

200 children from across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire have begun their journey into Sports Leadership.

The children were inspired by former Team GB Volleyball captain, Ben Pipes at the conference at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Sarah Evans, Leadership and Physical Activity Officer at the Chesterfield SSP, said: “As Young Leaders within a School Sport Organising Crew, the children must deliver a minimum of one intra-school competition and the Bronze Young Ambassador Conference will give them the platform to do this. It was a great day and everyone went home smiling.”

Liam, of Walton Holymoorside Primary, said: “It was amazingly well organised! I enjoyed all of the sports and there was a wide variety.”

Olivia, of Highfield Hall Primary, said: “I thought Boccia was a very inclusive game and I thought the Young Ambassador running it did a great job.”

Mr Marriott, of Brockwell Junior School, said: “The kids have really enjoyed it today and they’re already busy planning the events they’re going to run.”

Coming from 20 schools in Chesterfield and 21 in North East Derbyshire, the children have taken the first step into sports leadership by forming School Sport Organising Crews within their school group. The Crews will now go back to their schools and plan an intra-school competition that can maximise engagement and inspire the whole school to get involved.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Healthy Food Challenge for Derbyshire County Cricket Club

28th January 2016

Derbyshire County Cricket Club have taken part in a healthy eating team building day at Coughlan’s Cookery School.

The team were split into groups of three where they were competing against each other for the number one spot, being judged on; the taste of the dishes, the skills taught, team ethic and the presentation.

The players made two dishes, a starter and a main course. They cooked pasta from scratch, creating a spinach cannelloni with ricotta and a fresh tomato and herb sauce, poached breast of chicken filled with a mushroom duxelle served on freshly cut ribbons of tagliatelle and a rich Basil Pesto.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Captain, Wayne Madsen said “This day has been excellent for educating our players, eating healthier is highly important for us”

Master Chef of Great Britain , Simon Lilley said “All of the players embraced the task and rose to the challenge, using their skills they had been taught efficiently to cook a healthy tasty dish. A great bunch of lads. They had a very enjoyable day.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Visiting

Grade Two Listing for Landmark Sculpture

26th January 2016

A decision to grant grade two listed status to a landmark Chesterfield sculpture has been welcomed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Historic England has decided that the Hepworth sculpture called Rosewall – or Curved Reclining Form – should join 40 other post-war art pieces to be protected.

The sculpture, which is on Future Walk at West Bars, was bought by Chesterfield Borough Council from Royal Mail in 2009 when the artwork was in danger of being sold and moved out of the town.

This was made possible following donations from the Art Fund, Chesterfield Waterside Partnership, Strata Homes, Gladedale (South Yorkshire), David Wilson Homes (North Midlands), Barberry Chesterfield Ltd, Taylor Wimpey plc, and Barratt Homes East Midlands.

Councillor Terry Gilby, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for planning, said: “I have admired this statue since I was a child. It is undoubtedly the most important work of modern public art in the borough, and possibly even in Derbyshire as a whole.

“The fact it has now been listed vindicates the campaign backed by all political parties to keep the sculpture in the town when it was in danger of being sold.

“Through our Per Cent for Art scheme many partners came forward with funding so we were able to ensure it remains something that residents in Chesterfield can enjoy on a daily basis.

“I hope the fact Rosewall is now grade two listed will encourage even more people to visit it.”

Dame Barbara Hepworth’s 2.5 tonne sculpture has been in Chesterfield since being bought in 1963 by the then GPO, now known as Royal Mail. While she made many sculptures Rosewall is one of only four stone carvings Hepworth produced before she died in 1975.

Rosewall forms part of the Chesterfield Art Trail, which showcases public art around the town. Further details can be seen at www.chesterfieldarttrail.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Business has Recipe for Growth

26th January 2016

Chesterfield based business MSK Ingredients, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of specialist food ingredients and equipment, is to expand and take on more staff following £750,000 in new funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial. The funding includes a £200,000 Growth Capital loan, which is aimed at fast-growth, ambitious UK businesses.

Established in 1999 and currently 15-staff strong, MSK is now recognized as a major supplier of premium ingredients to the dining, hotel and catering markets. The firm, which also supplies chocolatiers, mixologists, bakers and the general public, has built a large customer base of around 3,500 clients – including many of UK’s leading chefs.

Kevin Bateman, founder and owner of MSK Ingredients, said: “Our trading philosophy is to supply the finest quality ingredients available and to source and offer innovative and unique products which will provide a point of difference. This strategy has worked well for the firm and we are in a strong position to invest for growth and capitalise further on the strong momentum we have in the market.”

Donna Butler, relationship director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “MSK is rightly considered the market leader in supply of ambient specialist food ingredients and equipment to the hotel and restaurant trade in the UK and, increasingly, beyond. The team at MSK have a track record in continually bringing in new and innovative products and ingredients to market, and has a strong pipeline of exciting new products and initiatives. Santander is delighted to be able to support the firm at this key time.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Businesses are Shining Stars for Charity Appeal

25th January 2016

12 Days, 60 volunteers, almost 1000 mince pies donated (and eaten), plus a 16ft Christmas Tree all helped to raise a fantastic £6424.29 for Macmillan’s Chesterfield Cancer Centre Appeal and the event also supported the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and BRM Solicitors, both based on Saltergate in Chesterfield, joined forces to sponsor The Shining Stars Christmas Appeal. Central to the appeal was a huge festive fir tree which greeted people at the entrance of the hospital during December where volunteers stood in the cold, wind and rain raising vital funds.

Richard Trueman, managing partner of Mitchells said: “We’re delighted to have supported the Shining Stars Christmas Appeal and to have raised such a fantastic amount for two worthy causes.”

As part of the Shining Stars Appeal items were donated from Gunstones Bakery, Thorntons, The Hospitals Cafe, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and local school St Peters and St Pauls Independent School brought their local choir to support the event.

Rob Woodhead, director and Head of Wills and Probate at BRM said, “Both charities do such fantastic work and to see the local community really get behind this Appeal is so heart warming. My colleagues and I are very proud to have supported this campaign.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas

Free workshop aims to help Chesterfield businesses shine

25th January 2016

A free 90-minute award writing workshop that will help Chesterfield-based businesses achieve the recognition they deserve is being held on Wednesday 10 February at Dunston Innovation Centre.

The free workshop – Awards: The Benefits and How to Impress the Judges – is being delivered by local award writing specialist Lucinda White, managing director of Pure Events. This is the second time the workshop has being run. Last year three of the delegates who attended went on to win and be shortlisted for a number of local business awards following entries they had written.

The workshop, which is organised in partnership between Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project, will give people the skills, information and top tips they need to submit creative and well-written award entries.

The workshop was shortlisted for the ‘Business Idea of the Year’ Award in the 2013 Derbyshire Times Business Awards and Pure Events itself has a 75% success rate, with its clients either being shortlisted or winning prestigious awards across all industry sectors.

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “With entries soon to open for the Chesterfield Retail Awards and other local and regional business awards, attending the workshop is an excellent opportunity to get ahead of the competition and get your business noticed.

“The town has many great business success stories that aren’t being told or recognised. By organising this free workshop we hope to give business the skills and know-how they need to get valuable recognition for their business.”

Place are limited and people are advised to register early. To reserve a place on the Business Awards Workshop visit http://bit.ly/awardwriting

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

Chesterfield Take Me Out star to judge Mr Heart Throb Event

22nd January 2016

Victoria Elliott from Chesterfield has joined the judging panel to help find Mr Heart Throb 2016 whilst raising vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

She certainly made an impression with Paddy McGuinness, the host of ITV’s Take Me Out, when she proved she could plank continuously for seven minutes.

Victoria is now set to bring her chatty personality to this annual, fun-filled charity event, taking place at the Proact in Chesterfield on Friday 19th February.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare says, ‘Events like this really put the fun in fundraising. It’s great to see the community coming together and helping local people by raising funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.’

Victoria is joined on the judging panel by Annette Gibson, Ward Sister at Ashgate Hospicecare, reigning champion Scott Timbrell and Chesterfield Netball Club’s Amy Revell.

Each contestant will be sponsored to take part and the money raised will make a big difference Ashgate Hospicecare. Last year this event raised over £5,000.

The contestant line up includes, Paul Mahmood, Production Director at TM Steels, Chris Maloney, Director of North South Training. Dave Trickett Landscape Gardener who is taking part in memory of his daughter Kimberley who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare. Logan Clark and Bus Driver, Rob Hall.

Mr Heart Throb is organised by TM Steels and North South Training with all proceeds going to local charity Ashgate Hospicecare. For more information click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield sports stars share over £1000 of funding

21st January 2016

IAAF World Youth Championships finalist Alicia Barrett is among seven talented sports stars from across the borough of Chesterfield who have shared £1,375 in funding support, thanks to Derbyshire Sport’s business network ICON.

The athletes – including Newbold’s Barrett, who set a UK under-18s 100m record en route to that final in Colombia last July – have received a grant of up to £250 each in their bid to reach the top.

They can use their bursary to help meet travel, equipment, coaching or competition costs and received their cheques at a celebration event held this week at the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield.

Each were also handed a leisure pass by the Chesterfield Borough Council, which will further help with their training.

All of the athletes are tipped for further success in their respective sports and have either been selected to compete for Great Britain or a home nation, have won a national championship medal, are part of a recognised national development squad or club academy structure or are a member of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS).

Others to receive ICON backing include Alicia’s twin sister and fellow athlete Ella Barrett (Newbold), Taekwondo player Aaron Cobley (Chesterfield) and tennis player Bradley Buckland (Brampton).

Also supported through the programme are table tennis player Isobel Ashley (Barrow Hill), squash player Ashley Davies (Chesterfield) and equestrian rider Emily Hedger (a member of Dunston Park Equestrian Club, Chesterfield).

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport ,and Cllr Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, met athletes to hand over their bursaries and leisure passes.

“We’re delighted to once again be backing ICON – and that athletes from our borough continue to benefit,” said Cllr Ludlow.

“Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to be giving dedicated local athletes a deserved helping hand in their bid to achieve at the highest level. We hope the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre facility that has just been built will help in those aims.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is among 10 local authorities across the county who are members of business network ICON, which was set up by Derbyshire Sport as part of the work to create a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympics in Derbyshire.

It is also backed by a number of businesses in the private sector, who contribute an annual membership fee, and this money goes directly to athletes through the bursary scheme.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Plan launched to get more bums on bikes in Derbyshire!

20th January 2016

An ambition for Derbyshire to be the most-connected cycling county has been outlined in the newly-launched ‘Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016 – 2030’.

Developed by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan strategic group, the aim is to develop a world-class cycling destination with double the number of people cycling regularly by 2030.

It seeks to double the percentage of commuters travelling by bicycle as their main mode of transport, and double the number of children who regularly cycle to school.

It is hoped that greater participation across Derbyshire will result in healthier communities, more visitors, a stronger and more productive economy and a better environment.

Following a consultation process with partners and the wider public, the plan has been developed by the Derbyshire Cycling Plan Strategic Group which is made up of representatives from Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire’s district and borough councils, Derbyshire Sport, the University of Derby, British Cycling, Sustrans, Peak District National Park Authority, and the National Forest Company.

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said: “This Cycling Plan demonstrates the commitment to cycling development shared between all partner organisations, from those strategically involved, to the hundreds of individuals and community level groups who have helped to shape it. We are working together to get more people cycling more often, and the future is very exciting.

“We will work together to bring inward investment for identified priorities, through funding and sponsorship, ensuring that we align our work to the government Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.”

The ‘Derbyshire Cycling Plan 2016 – 2030’ is available to download at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/derbyshirecyclingplan

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