Destination Chesterfield

Government funds projects across D2N2 region to deliver homes, infrastructure, and jobs

Tens of thousands of new homes and other vital infrastructure projects were given the green light with nearly £1.3 billion of investment confirmed today (4 August 2020) by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.  These plans include a centre of excellence for modern construction techniques and digital technology in Chesterfield.

The new Digital learning centre in the existing Chesterfield College facilities will look to target provision of modern construction techniques like Augmented/Virtual reality as well as Building Information Modelling.

The centre will provide new space for a centre of excellence and will deliver new learners to Chesterfield and the surrounding areas with higher level skills to aid regional construction and manufacturing businesses.

The move is part of the government’s comprehensive plan to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills to help fuel a green economic recovery.

Over 300 successful projects in England are being told they will receive a share of the £900 million Getting Building Fund, which was announced by the Prime Minister in June, to invest in shovel-ready housing and infrastructure projects, creating jobs and supporting economic recovery across the country.

As part of that announcement, £44.4million was awarded for projects within the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.

The investment is expected to deliver up to 45,000 homes, create up to 85,000 jobs and reduce around 65 million kgs of CO2 emissions across England.

In D2N2, the funded projects are expected to deliver wide-ranging support and diversification of the local economy and will assist nationally important industries including manufacturing and aerospace.

Amongst the portfolio of funded projects, there is also a strong focus on research and development in modern construction techniques, food manufacturing, electrification of flight and low-carbon technologies.

There is a key focus on job opportunities, including in the health sector where there is strong demand.
Sustainability runs through the programme along with encouraging diversification of the town and city offer; unlocking housing and associated infrastructure to support them as thriving centres.

Projects receiving funding within D2N2 include:

  • A centre of excellence for modern construction techniques and digital technology in Chesterfield
  • A spine road to unlock further phases of development at Berry Hill in Mansfield and includes community facilities
  • The new Bridge Court Health Education campus in Worksop which will provide further education opportunities in the health and digital sectors
  • The UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facility at the University of Nottingham
  • A Digital Turbine Centre in Worksop which will establish  5G Hub and act as a catalyst for skills and innovation development
  • The Manufacturing Research Centre based on Infinity Park in Derby
  • Key infrastructure developments designed to unlock the development of the former Drakelow power station in South Derbyshire
  • Smartparc, a food innovation park built on a 140-acre brownfield site near Derby
  • The renovation and repurposing of municipal buildings in Glossop, turning them into incubation units for business start-ups
  • Further investment into the Southside project in Nottingham to remove blight through the demolition of a derelict shopping centre.

All project funding is subject to the delivery of a full business case which will be considered by the D2N2 Investment and main Boards.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3 billion investment announced today.”

“This government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much-needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs.”

David Williams, Interim chair of D2N2 said: “We very much welcome the announcement by the government. This will provide a major stimulus for our communities across the region.

“We believe the size of the allocation demonstrates a belief in what the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can deliver and a testament to the collaborative working between the LEP and its partners.

“As we reshape our Local Industrial Strategy to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s essential we remain flexible to support our communities, that we adapt to new opportunities, and build an economy that it is more resilient in the long term.”

“We will continue to work with the government on future funding for investments to support our ambitions for the region.”

Meet the buyer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Shortlist revealed for 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards

The very best shops, market stalls, events, projects and businesses on Chesterfield’s high streets have been revealed by Destination Chesterfield.

Thirty-six finalists have been named in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards. Postponed since March, the finalist line-up and confirmed awards ceremony date, now come at a time when it is more important than ever to shop locally.

The High Street Awards have never been more relevant. Previously known as the Retail Awards, the Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects in the town centre, Chatsworth Road, Whittington Moor, Staveley and Hasland that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

This year, two new categories have been introduced to the awards line up – High Street Business of the Year and the Future High Street Award – recognising the contribution that non-retail businesses, projects, initiatives and developments make to the modern high street.

Members of the public nominated from December to February. The nominations have now been counted and online reviews have been assessed by Destination Chesterfield, resulting in a 36-strong shortlist across 12 categories.

At the awards ceremony, one of the 27 shortlisted retailers will take the overall top title of Retailer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

To ensure the safety of both finalists and guests, Destination Chesterfield will host a virtual awards ceremony later in the year. The winners of the Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced live on the evening of Wednesday 21 October, and everyone is invited to watch.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator said: “The people behind the town’s high street businesses have shown such resilience during challenging times, and we could not be more proud of them. The team at Destination Chesterfield is pleased to have adapted by taking the awards ceremony online. An advantage of taking the ceremony online is that we are able to welcome many more guests to recognise the achievements of high street businesses. ”

“After months of lockdown, never have high street businesses needed our support more than in the current trading conditions. The ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to them and show all high street businesses our ongoing support.”

Chesterfield High Street Awards

Winners of the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2019

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

High Street Business of the Year
Chatsworth Travel
Pinewood Properties
Strada Estate Agents

Future High Street Award
Flexible Leasing at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
Premier Inn, Elder Way
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Big Screen

Best Town Centre Event
1940s Chesterfield Flea Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Chesterfield Motorfest

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods
Crazy about Cakecraft
Tallbird Records

Best New Store
Nana B Baby & Children’s Wear
Shop Indie
The Wool Cabin

National / Multiple Retailer of the Year
Marks and Spencer
Warhammer
Waterstones

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery
Chesterfield Craft
Love Brewing

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Charles Hedley
Dotique
Ingmans

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie
Fifty Shades of Beauty
One Nine Three Hair and Beauty

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Huckleberry Willow
Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Market Trader of the Year
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Simon Harding’s Fruit and Veg
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery
H&F
Little White Dress

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, JP Fire Safety Solutions, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Peak FM, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

Destination Chesterfield has a few sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the high street please click here or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207207.

Something Special Bridal received two awards at the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2019

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield manufacturer to increase workforce by 20%

A booming post-lockdown order book has prompted a Chesterfield manufacturer to create new full-time jobs, significantly increasing its workforce by more than 20 per cent.

Blachford UK, based in Holmewood, is looking for 20 people to fulfil a number of jobs and add to its growing work force. The available roles include multi-skilled maintenance engineers, apprentices, FLT Drivers and production operatives. All roles are available to start immediately and, following a 12-week probation period, will become permanent.

The pandemic left the business fearing for its future after it was forced to furlough all staff and shut the factory down for four weeks. After implementing social distancing measures and being given the green light by the Government to re-open, Blachford has since been met with unexpected demand for its acoustic insulation products which it produces for industrial vehicles.

Jason Lippitt, Managing Director, explained: “It’s a complete turnaround situation and a very enviable position to be in considering the current economic climate. Like many manufacturers, lockdown came as a real blow to us and created uncertainty in the business. However, since re-opening the factory, orders from our European and British customers have flooded in, securing the future of Blachford and creating brand new jobs. It’s a great sign for the local economy and manufacturing as a whole.”

Jason added: “All these new roles are part of the company’s growing future. It’s vital to me that all employees progress successfully in their career with Blachford and, more importantly, enjoy being part of a fantastic team.”

People interested in applying for the roles or who like further information, should email recruitment@blachforduk.com

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

D2N2 LEP allocated £44.4m in Government ‘New Deal’ plan

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, has received a £44.4 million cash boost from the government to fund projects that will help the local economy and create jobs.

The ‘New Deal’ announcement is part of a comprehensive plan by government to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills in a move to fuel economic recovery across the whole of the UK.

Answering a national call from Government, D2N2, together with partners from across the region, put forward a long list of compelling and innovative projects to deliver growth and continue to develop the talent, ideas, and facilities in the region.

These projects will now be evaluated by government to identify which will receive funding and deliver the most value in terms of restarting the local economy and meeting the future challenges of levelling up the UK. Successful projects will need to demonstrate they meet LEP key priorities and can be completed by the end of 2021.

David Williams, Interim Chair of D2N2, said: “We very much welcome the announcement by government. This will provide a major stimulus for our cities, towns and communities.”

“We believe the size of the allocation demonstrates a belief in what the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can deliver and a testament to the collaborative working between the LEP and its partners.”

“We will continue to work with partners as we begin negotiations with the government to determine which projects will receive funding based on their ability to accelerate growth and create employment.”

“As we reshape our Local Industrial Strategy to reflect the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic it’s essential we remain flexible to support our communities, that we adapt to new opportunities, and build an economy that it is more resilient in the long term.”

“We will continue to work with government on future funding for investments to support our ambitions for the region.”

This fast-tracking of investment, totalling £11 million, will help kick-start activity in towns and high streets across the East Midlands, ensuring local people can see and feel the benefit as soon as possible.

The investment will support economic recovery as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and will be used to improve digital infrastructure; support skills and career opportunities; and the transition to a low carbon economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure

Chesterfield’s hospitality and leisure businesses start to reopen

More businesses across Chesterfield, including pubs and restaurants, are set to re-open to the public from Saturday 4 July.

To make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend, Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents and visitors to adhere to social distancing rules and respect the Covid-19 secure measures that local businesses have put in place.

Residents that are making a special visit to a particular town centre business are being reminded to check that it is open as a number of businesses have delayed opening until Monday 6 July.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “After over 100 days of lockdown, this is a great chance for you to visit the town centre and support our local businesses. Sustaining our many brilliant independent businesses as well as the many household names that appear on Chesterfield’s high street is vital for our local economy.”

“Please do look after yourselves and your families. If we all follow the rules we can keep everyone safe. It is vitally important that we all remember this when visiting our favourite pubs and restaurants.”

The council is working closely with its partners to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

There will be an increased police presence and the council’s town centre ambassadors will also be on hand if people need any support.

The council’s licensing team have been working with business owners to ensure that they have undertaken appropriate risk assessments and have procedures in place to ensure the safety of both their customers and their staff. Bars and restaurants will be collecting customer details as part of their responsibility under the NHS track and trace system.

The council is encouraging visitors to walk or cycle into the town centre where possible, as it is anticipated that taxis will be busy. Each taxi company will also have their own Covid-19 secure working arrangements in place and you should check these when booking.

Residents using public transport are also required to wear a face covering on all public transport.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Town’s hospitality businesses gear-up for re-opening

Chesterfield’s post COVID-19 recovery is taking a further step forward on Saturday 4 July, when pubs, bars, restaurants and accommodation providers are given the green light to re-open.

The re-opening signals the end of three long months of shut down and the signs are there that people can’t wait to return to their favourite haunts.

“Within minutes of Boris Johnson’s announcement our online booking system was deluged and we had to suspend it,” said Chris Mapp, owner of the Tickled Trout in Barlow. “People are generally fed up with cooking at home and are desperate to come back out, have a decent pint and enjoy a nice meal.”

Chris Mapp - Tickled Trout

Chris Mapp, Owner of the Tickled Trout

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, urged caution saying: “I hope many people will enjoy our beautiful town centre this weekend, but we all have a responsibility to help keep other people safe and it’s vitally important that we all remember this when visiting our favourite pubs and restaurants.”

However, understanding the government COVID-19 guidelines around re-opening has left many businesses scratching their heads in confusion.

“Hand sanitizer, plexiglass dividers at check-in and reminders to social distance are an expectation that we think of as the baseline,” said Steve Perez owner of Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel.

Chris added: “We’ve gone through the 42-page document in great detail with industry experts and it’s not easy to understand; some of the guidelines are contradictory. We have erred on the side of caution however and undertaken very thorough risk assessments.”

“It’s bookings only for the time being to ensure everyone has a seat. We have reduced the number of tables and there will be no standing both inside the restaurant and outside in our pop-up bar md seating area. We’ll also be asking customers to complete an email questionnaire when they book with us as part of the Track and Trace system. Their details will be stored securely for 21 days and then destroyed.”

It will also be bookings-only for the time being for customers that wish to visit Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House following re-opening on Monday 6 July. Owner Claire Wood explained: “This will enable us to have a total control over the number of people in our establishment at any one time.”

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

Brampton Brewery will open the doors of its pubs at 12noon on Saturday 4 July with table service being provided inside all its pubs. There will be no standing in the pubs, however outside in the confines of the garden areas it will be a bit more relaxed and people will be allowed to queue, socially distanced, to purchase from the bar. Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery said: “We’ve tried to find a middle ground between being sensible and people being safe and comfortable.”

While some smaller establishments are choosing not to re-open due to a lack of space to accommodate social distancing measures, this isn’t the case for Stephenson’s. “At Stephenson’s we are lucky enough to have incredibly spacious rooms and have always provided a large amount of space between our tables which has enabled us to implement the 1+metre rule very easily.

Despite the additional COVID-19 health and safety measures hospitality businesses have had to put in place, operators are welcoming the return to business.

Marc Wildes, Managing Director of Van Dyk by Wildes, said: “We’re really excited to re-open and welcome our customers back.”

Claire Wood shared Mr Wildes enthusiasm saying: “We are excited to be re-opening. It will be good to see the town come back to life again and hopefully see the return of all businesses, and maybe some new ones too.”

Mr Radford agreed saying: “I’m relieved the pubs are at last re-opening. The government and council grants have been very welcome during lockdown but this hasn’t stopped bills hitting the mat.”

Van Dyk by Wildes

Van Dyk by Wildes

Excitement is tempered with trepidation however, with many operators unsure of what levels of customer demand to expect.

“Re-opening is a step into the unknown. When we re-open our doors at 12 noon on Saturday; we don’t know whether we’ll have a queue of people or no-one,” added Mr Radford.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The re-opening of the town’s hospitality is a real turning point in the town’s recovery particularly as more people are expected to take staycations this year. Chesterfield’s proximity to the Peak District will, I hope, enable us to benefit from the projected growth in domestic tourism particularly if we can convert many of the town’s day visitors to overnight stays.”

Steve Perez added: “Recovery is very much dependent on domestic demand, particularly for the Peak District.”

Peak Edge Hotel

Peak Edge Hotel

Despite nervousness around re-opening, operators are optimistic about the recovery of Chesterfield’s hospitality sector. Chris Mapp praised the town saying: “Chesterfield is blessed with big outdoor spaces and is not over-populated which, I believe, will aid the sector’s recovery.”

Although the sector is re-opening its doors, a number of businesses are continuing to operate takeaway and delivery services that were put in place during lockdown. “Chris Radford explained: “A lot of our older clientele are still very nervous about going back into pubs so for that reason we’re maintaining our free home delivery service of bottled beers.”

Details of businesses offering takeaway and delivery can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

Looking for inspiration of where to go to eat and drink check out the winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Chris Radford, Director, Brampton Brewery

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Free advertising for Chesterfield businesses

To help support local businesses that are re-opening, and to showcase Chesterfield as a great place to visit, Chesterfield Borough Council is offering retail, hospitality and leisure businesses the chance to take out free listings on the VisitChesterfield website until 31 March 2021.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “We know things have been tough for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses over the past few months. It is hoped this advertising opportunity will assist them with the process of reopening and provide a timely sales boost.”

Kate added: “VisitChesterfield aims to promote the town and its businesses to potential tourists as well as local residents, so this free advertising provides a great opportunity for these businesses to let customers, both old and new, know that they are back open for business.”

Independent businesses who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should visit www.visitchesterfield.info/advertising, complete the application form and send it to events.promo@chesterfield.gov.uk along with high resolution landscape images of their business.

Destination Chesterfield are also offering free listings to local businesses on their new Supporting Local website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal. It currently has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that have adapted to provide and supply their products and services remotely.

Many town centre businesses are positive about their future following the success of the Shop Local message which has been championed by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Borough Council throughout lockdown.

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Birdseye Peas production begins on time thanks to Chesterfield company MSE Hiller

MSE Hiller has designed, built and delivered a bespoke waste-water plant on time and on budget for Birdseye, despite a short project timescale, as well as challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The timely delivery of the project has enabled the UK’s largest pea producer to maximise sales amidst changing Government legislation, ensuring Birdseye’s new facility was prepared to process and freeze 1,000t per 24 hour day, from the very first harvest.

Based in Hull, Birdseye is situated in the centre of a 30-mile radius of 200 growers, allowing the peas to be picked, transported and frozen in the shortest possible timescale. During the pea season, the factory processes a total of 50,000t of peas each year between June and August.

It is crucial that production continues without downtime and the team at MSE Hiller will continue to provide full maintenance throughout the harvesting months.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director at MSE Hiller explains: “With tightening of legislation and permit standards, Birdseye asked MSE Hiller to develop a proposal to treat 400m3/h of their water leaving site.

“The space constraints on site and the short project timescale were going to be challenging, but a proactive project team was assembled, including the client and site operator, to ensure a timely delivery of the project in readiness for the 2020 pea season.

“The client trusted us to deliver this solution and worked positively and proactively to help us achieve the target.  It is great to see what solid teamwork can achieve under challenging circumstances.”

MSE Hiller is one of over 180 Chesterfield Champions supporting the marketing and economic growth of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.  Find out more about MSE Hiller at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/our-champions/mse-hiller/.

Find out more about Chesterfield Champions at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/.

Image shows Birdseye’s new bespoke facility in Hull, which was designed, built and delivered by MSE Hiller, Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield Champion helps businesses to get back to work safely

iSAFE – Health, Safety and Quality Services are supporting businesses to reopen by providing a tailored COVID risk management service, which helps them to get back to work safely and legally following the COVID lockdown.

As one of over 180 Chesterfield Champions supporting the marketing and economic growth of the town, iSAFE has recently supported fellow Chesterfield Champions Mitchells Chartered Accountants, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Fairplay.

Other local businesses that have benefitted include Vines Legal Solicitors, Wilson Howe Accountants, Paperclip, Not Just T-Shirts and First AED.

Jack Marshall, Senior Partner at iSAFE, comments: “Over the lockdown period we have noticed that many team members in the organisations we are working with have been incredibly anxious about returning to work. We want to re-assure staff that their workplace is as safe as possible. We also want to re-assure employers that they are fulfilling their legal and moral duties. This service has helped alleviate the stress of returning to work for both employers and employees.”

iSAFE support businesses in returning to their offices and places of work. The COVID Management Service includes a site visit to assess legal requirements and the development of a COVID policy, risk assessment and action plan. The iSAFE team also provide a briefing session with members of the team to communicate the action plan and address any concerns that staff may have about returning to work.

Destination Chesterfield have compiled a range of information from businesses that are supporting  re-opening across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.  These include The Sanitaryware Supplies Company, 247PPE, FASTSIGNS, Love Brewing, Pronto Paints, ra Telecom, FWD Motion, plus other local businesses.

Click here to see a list of local companies that can assist businesses to reopen

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield’s independent retailers share their reopening experiences

Non-essential retailers in Chesterfield town centre returned to their shops and stores on Monday 15th June.

Supporting retailers and visitors, Chesterfield Borough Council has implemented social distancing measures throughout the town centre, market and Market Hall.

The implementation of safety measures mean that some retailers are now promising a ‘celebrity’ shopping experience for Chesterfield shoppers.

For shoppers who are still shielding however, the Supporting Local website created by Destination Chesterfield has details of around 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that have adapted to provide and supply their products and services remotely.

Below, owners of three independent retailers in Chesterfield share their experiences since re-opening to the public.

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers in The Shambles, has been in contact with customers via social media throughout lockdown finding out how they wanted to shop once lockdown was lifted. They told her that they didn’t want to queue to get into the shop do an appointment-only system was introduced when the shop re-opened on 15 June.

Laura Jo said: “Because we are just a small shop, we put an appointment-only system into place to manage the social distancing guidelines, but we didn’t know how it was going to work out. However, it has gone really well. On the first day of opening we were fully booked and have been nicely booked up since which is very positive. We have hand sanitiser in the shop, which we are encouraging customers to use and we clean in between appointments.”

“It’s been a lovely week back at the shop. People are considerate, understanding and happy to be out. There’s still a spirit of ‘in this together’ which is encouraging to see.”

“I really hope this new-found momentum for high street shopping continues. Now, more than ever, people are voting with their feet for the shops and stores they want to see remain on the high street.”

Lisa Swift, Owner of Shop Indie in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre said: “We’re delighted to re-open. We’ve had a steady flow of customers in the store since re-opening. Lockdown has given people a new appreciation of going into a shop and being able to browse, particularly when they’re looking for a gift and don’t know what they want.”

“The shop has hand sanitiser throughout the store which customers are encouraged to use. We’ve also put stickers on the floor reminding people of social distancing and added a Perspex screen to the counter.”

“The feedback from customers has been great. We’ve spent lockdown finding new suppliers and products for the shop and we’ve had great feedback from customers. At the moment the shop is only open on Monday, Friday and Saturday as we’re having to combine operating the business with home schooling our young children. We’ll be increasing the opening hours of the business gradually. We’re very much looking forward to getting back to being open six days a week.”

Dorothy Robinson, Owner of Dotique on Chatsworth Road, re-opened on Monday 15 June. She said: “We are so excited to be open again,. It’s a relief to re-open our doors after so many weeks and welcome customers into the store. Some were nervous coming in for the first time but seeing the safety measures we have in place has given them confidence to return.”

“We’ve thought a lot about keeping our staff and customers safe. Only four customers are allowed in the shop at any one time and, once inside, we ask them to sanitise their hands from one of our sanitiser points. We have two-metre marking throughout the shop, free masks and gloves and Perspex screens on the till point. Customers are allowed to use the changing rooms to try on clothes but afterwards we fully clean the changing room and the clothes are steamed and put in isolation for three days – luckily we have a lot of clothes.”

“It’s early days and despite talk of reducing the two metre rule to one metre, we’ll keep two metres in place as we want to ensure everyone is safe when shopping with us.”

Many town centre businesses are positive about their future following the success of the Shop Local message which has been championed by Destination Chesterfield, the Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Borough Council throughout lockdown.

A report released yesterday (25 June) by East Midlands Chamber has revealed optimism among local businesses for a full recovery following the outbreak of Covid-19. Click here to read more.

Destination Chesterfield are always passionate about supporting local businesses and are keen to encourage people to continue to do so at the moment. In the latest blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, read why Supporting Chesterfield retailers is vital for our local economy.

Click here to visit Destination Chesterfield’s Supporting Local website

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Tourism businesses encouraged to apply for new industry standard mark

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has welcomed the announcement of a new UK-wide industry standard mark that will provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism businesses as the sector works towards reopening on 4 July.

The ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation, introduced by VisitEngland in partnership with national tourist organisations, means businesses can demonstrate that they are adhering to Government and public health guidance and have the required processes in place.

The scheme is free to join and Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is encouraging local businesses to apply as soon as possible to ensure they are COVID-secure and ready to welcome visitors.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire says: “We’re encouraging all local tourism businesses to apply for the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, which will play a vital role in ensuring visitors can enjoy a holiday in the Peak District and Derbyshire this summer and be confident they can do so with peace of mind.

Jo added: “We know that businesses are already working incredibly hard to prepare for reopening on 4 July, and this new industry standard provides a welcome boost of confidence for the sector and added reassurance for our visitors that we are putting all the right measures in place.”

To obtain the accreditation businesses must complete a self-assessment through an online platform, before receiving certification and the ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark for display in their premises and online.

Businesses must align with the Government’s official guidance for the sector including ‘Working Safely during COVID-19: Visitor Economy’, which outlines the processes and facilities that tourism businesses in England need to put in place before reopening.

The scheme has been developed in partnership with national tourist authorities with input from more than 40 industry bodies including Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. For more information on the industry standard mark, click here.

Details of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s ‘welcome back’ campaign will be released shortly.

Please note: images were taken prior to the Coronavirus pandemic

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting