Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield chosen for Designer Contracts’ new HQ following second year of growth

Nationwide flooring company, Designer Contracts has moved into new headquarters at Coney Green in Chesterfield.

Four times the size of its original head office, the impressive new space boasts 8,000 sq ft, with room to accommodate 50 people plus meeting and conference facilities.

The company has moved 25 members of the team over to the new site, while retaining the existing offices at Holmewood in Chesterfield, which will now house its central region’s administration and warehouse teams.

In May this year, Designer Contracts announced a second year of growth, with figures for the year to October 31, 2019 showing an increase of 23 per cent.  Turnover leapt from £38 million to £46.7 million and a total of 74 new jobs were created across the UK.

Peter Kelsey, MD of Designer Contracts commented: “We are thrilled to have finally moved into our new HQ.  We were due to move at the end of March, but like many, had to put our plans on hold until it was safe to make the transition.

“The move comes after significant growth, and we felt it was time to increase the overall space for our team, giving us ample room to grow further.”

“Our bold expansion strategy has allowed us to increase our customer base considerably. We’ve taken on business in new sectors, including the public and care arenas, and expanded in areas where we were already prominent.

“Despite the current situation with corona virus, we remain positive and are confident that we can reach our target £80 million turnover and increase the number of staff from 300 to 600 by 2023.”

The company has also confirmed it is fully compliant with the UK Government guidelines on managing the risk of Covid-19, and has been certified as a ‘Covid Safe’ employer.

To receive the certification, a number of measures have been put in place throughout the business to minimise the risk of transmission.  These include carrying out a Covid-19 risk assessment and sharing with employees, taking all reasonable steps to maintain a two-metre distance in the workplace, and supporting employees to work from home where possible, all while ensuring the necessary handwashing and hygiene procedures are in-line with guidance.

Designer Contracts operates across 15 UK regional facilities. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division.

One of over 180 Chesterfield Champions supporting the marketing and economic growth of the town, the company has also been recognised as one of the top 200 businesses in Derbyshire and has been highlighted as contributing to the local economy and leading from the front.

Read more about Designer Contracts here.

Find out more about Chesterfield Champions here.

 

Designer Contracts New HQ Coney Green landscape

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

Local businesses optimistic for recovery

A report released today (25 June) by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has revealed optimism among local businesses for a full recovery following the outbreak of Covid-19.

As part of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2020, firms were asked a series of questions about how they view their post-coronavirus prospects, with one in five responding that they anticipated their business to return to 100% or more of its pre-lockdown activity levels by the end of the year. A further 45% said they would achieve this by the end of 2021.

To help them do so, 36% said they would actively look to invest in activity that would help to diversify their offer to access new markets, while 25% said they would invest further in staff training to improve efficiencies.

Chamber Chief Executive, Scott Knowles, said: “Although national figures published over the past few weeks have given a broad overview of what has happened to the economy in general, the findings of our survey provide the first real, tangible evidence of the impact that Covid-19 has had on businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.”

“The speed at which the economy shut down because of the pandemic and the resulting lockdown was unprecedented. Whole swathes of the business community either ceased or dramatically reduced activity, with some yet to get back underway.”

“For most businesses, this period has been defined by uncertainty and a wait for much-needed clarity about how and when the economy may unlock and any further health implications this may have.”

“The key thing many businesses need right now is focused support to assist in the transition of their staff out of furlough and back into the workplace and to adapt their operations, to help them return to pre-lockdown levels of economic performance as quickly as possible.”

“Clearly, there’s a long way to go before the economy can fully recover, and there will be many hard stories at both an organisational and an individual level in the months ahead.

“However, regardless of the individual experiences of businesses over the past three months, many see opportunities to grow and succeed outside of this current period, perhaps taking a different approach to how they do this.”

“To help them in this, continuing to support businesses to innovate, diversify, enhance their resilience and think differently must become a central focus of the Government’s policy response as we come out of the pandemic.”

In its report, East Midlands Chamber highlights the full extent to which the Covid-19 crisis affected local firms in the second quarter of the year. Read the full report here.

Click here to find out more about the East Midlands Chamber

East Midlands Chamber are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

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

Specsavers Chesterfield staff member features in national TV advertisement

An optometrist from the Specsavers store in Chesterfield has played a starring role in a national television advert as part of the company’s new campaign.

The 90-second video, titled ‘We Were There’, aired on ITV1 on Saturday 13th June and tells real life stories of store colleagues and their customers during lockdown.

The video explains how store staff had to change the way they worked to help people outside the normal test room environment, offering eye and hearing care for people in car parks, on doorsteps and even at picnic tables.

Allissa Charlesworth is currently the Optometrist Director at Specsavers Chesterfield and Matlock. Allissa is the first Specsavers staff member to appear in the advert, which you can watch below. Allissa said: “I was quite nervous to find out that I’d been given a role in the national advert. However, when I watched it for the first time, the overriding feeling changed to pride, as it’s certainly testament to all the hard work and community spirit people are showing across the UK.”

“Over lockdown, the most surprising and rewarding part for me has been the power of a simple phone call. So many people are vulnerable and have to self-isolate, but they still develop problems with their eyes and giving advice over the phone has become a daily routine.”

“A calm and reassuring voice on the end of the phone makes such a difference to people and you can hear the relief in their voice when they realise they don’t have to deal with this problem alone.”

The Specsavers store in Chesterfield has now re-opened, yet with increased health & safety, as well as social distancing, measures.

With Specsavers’ RemoteCare service, you can speak to the experts by video or over the phone about any sight or hearing questions you have. It’s free to use and you don’t need to be a previous customer to use it.

Click here to find out more about Specsavers Chesterfield

Specsavers Chesterfield are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

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

HappyWired appoints hometown PR agency Roaring Mouse to support expansion plans

Local technology firm, HappyWired, has appointed Chesterfield’s Roaring Mouse Public Relations to help expand its client base in the UK.

Roaring Mouse will lead a proactive content marketing campaign for HappyWired to attract IT professionals and owners of small and medium-sized businesses via online, search and social media. The campaign will guide HappyWired’s audience around opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and collaboration using automation functionality included in increasingly popular cloud-based technologies such as Microsoft 365.

Based in Chesterfield, HappyWired specialises in delivering business, process and content automation projects for organisations across the UK. The consultancy employs ten people currently and is a certified Microsoft Gold Partner.

Simon Wright, CEO of HappyWired, comments: “Organisations of all sizes are adopting powerful cloud-based software such as Microsoft 365, which offers incredible opportunities to automate tedious, time-consuming tasks. We’ve engaged Roaring Mouse to communicate how these technologies can work harder for organisations and ensure that potential customers recognise how HappyWired can help them to develop new sources of competitive advantage.”

James Taylor, founder of Roaring Mouse Public Relations, comments: “HappyWired is a hidden gem in the world of technology consulting, with deep technical expertise, a friendly approach to business and extensive experience gained from dozens of successful joint projects with Microsoft. We are delighted that it has chosen Roaring Mouse to play such an important role in its expansion plans.”

HappyWired are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

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

Derbyshire County Council offer apprenticeship support to local SMEs

Small and medium size businesses getting back on their feet across Derbyshire are being reminded that they can get apprenticeship support funded by Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire County Council are using some of their apprentice levy to pay for training for apprenticeships in small and medium sized businesses.Apprenticeships can be undertaken by new employees, or existing employees in a wide range of business sectors such as manufacturing, construction, health and social care, digital and many more. There are different types of industry standard apprenticeships at a wide variety of different levels.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to put our lives and businesses on hold. But now lockdown restrictions are easing slightly and businesses are starting to open up again, this is a great opportunity to remind companies of the value of apprenticeships.”

“During this period of recovery, apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses across Derbyshire to boost their business efficiency by taking on a new apprentice, or upskilling existing employees.”

More information is available from:-

Derbyshire County Council will fund the full duration of the apprenticeship training, and provide expert help to find the right apprenticeship for the individual needs of the business.

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

Chesterfield Borough Council receives support from Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund

Chesterfield Borough Council has received £92,500 in funding from the Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund.

The funding is primarily for use in Chesterfield town centre, but can also be used to support the re-opening of other district shopping areas such as Staveley town centre, Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor.

The Government has allocated the funding from the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, to help support the process of reopening England’s high streets safely. The European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

The funding, which will be used in collaboration with Destination Chesterfield, will help implement new measures to encourage the safe re-opening of Chesterfield town centre considering the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the need to promote and maintain safe social distancing.

Some of the funding will also be used for communication and public information campaigns to market the town centre and the borough as a place to visit and to encourage more and more people to shop local. More information about how the funding will be spent will be announced over the coming weeks.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Businesses and organisations across Chesterfield have shown great resilience during the lockdown period. Experiences with our Chesterfield Champions and other local companies has shown that businesses are keen to pull together and come out the other side of the coronavirus pandemic stronger than ever.”

He added: “The Destination Chesterfield team will continue to promote the Shop Local message over the coming months and to support retailers in their recovery.”

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Chesterfield Borough Council has already used some of the funding on signage and road and pavement markings to support shoppers to maintain safe social distancing around the outdoor market, market hall and Chesterfield town centre.

Click here to find out more about Destination Chesterfield

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

Deadline extended for East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

The East Midlands Chamber Business Awards continue the search to find the region’s leading organisations, with the application process for the 2020 programme being extended until Monday 27 July.

During the current crisis, we have seen businesses across the region undertaking fantastic work to adapt to the new ways of working, all while keeping the economy ticking over, maintaining cash flow, helping the NHS and their wider communities and continuing to develop and retain staff.

The deadline extension will allow these businesses to come forward and showcase their innovation and success in the face of adversity.

With 13 categories to choose from, the awards are designed to ensure opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Categories for 2020 include Apprentice of the Year; Business Improvement through Technology; Commitment to People Development; Community Impact; Education and Business Partnership; Entrepreneur of the Year; Environmental Impact Award; Excellence in Customer Service; Excellence in International Trade; Innovation in Manufacturing; Outstanding Growth; the Generation Next Young Professional Award; and Small Business of the Year.

A category winner will be chosen as Business of the Year for each county. Organisations can enter as many categories as they wish, the application process is 100% online to make it as easy and smooth as possible. Once an application has been created, entrants can edit their entries multiple times before the final submission.

The application process has also been updated to enable companies or individuals to be nominated for an award by others.

Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive said: “The year to date has been very difficult for all business yet it is still important to come together to celebrate our achievements. The Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to shout about their successes and gain the recognition they deserve.”

“Entering the awards is a win-win at every level. The programme is among the most contested and prestigious around so they are a key tool in raising your profile and can complement your marketing strategies coming out of this crisis. Even if your application doesn’t make the shortlist, it is still read by the calibre of business talent which makes up our judging panel.”

“I would encourage businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire to take advantage of this extension and I look forward to seeing the talent captured in this year’s programme.”

If you’re thinking of entering, the Chamber is hosting a series of online sessions aimed at supporting businesses to put forward their best possible entry into the Business Awards 2020.

Hosted by professional bid writer and consultant Rachel Hayward, from Ask the Chameleon, the session will cover category specific hints, tips and advice which can be taken away and applied to writing your award applications. More information can be found at https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/business-awards/awards-application-writing-workshop/awards-writing-workshops-with-rachel-hayward.

For the first time, the awards are open to members and non-members. Applications can be created at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards. For any questions or queries, please contact events@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Click here to find out more about East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

The East Midlands Chamber are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

Bloc Digital won the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Derbyshire Business of the Year Award 2019

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

A ‘celebrity’ shopping experience awaits Chesterfield shoppers

Non-essential retailers in Chesterfield town centre have returned to their shops and stores and re-opened with coronavirus-related safety measures in place after 13 weeks of closure.

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

Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers based in The Shambles said: “We’ve been chatting to our customers via social media throughout lockdown so that has helped us understand how they want to shop with us. They don’t want to queue and wait around to get into the shop which is why we’ve introduced an appointment only system to Adorn.”

“Whether purchasing or not, we want people to not feel pressured and have the shop to themselves – a celebrity shopping experience! We’re more than happy for customers just to browse and have a catch up with us – we’ve missed them.”

Ashgate Hospicecare has installed Perspex screens on the tills in its shops and also removed and condensed displays to enable people to observe the two-metre distancing rule.

Eighty-five per cent of the shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre have re-opened with the remainder set to follow over the next few weeks.

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Co-Ordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, explained: “All of the retailers at Vicar Lane have been working very hard to implement measures that make it as safe as possible for everyone. As well as social distancing measures, some stores are providing hand-sanitising stations, or are offering appointment-only shopping. Additionally, some are operating reduced opening hours.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is undertaking a phased re-opening of its shops and donation centres over a three-week period. “The shops and donation centre will be re-opened over a three-week period, starting with our donation point and furniture store in Hasland,” added Laura Evans, Head of Retail Operations at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Sarah added: “We have provided details of every store’s safety measures and opening times on the Vicar Lane website to help visitors feel confident about visiting us. We’re reviewing government guidelines on a daily basis and ensuring that we are able to adapt quickly.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

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

There is now visible signage around the town centre advising shoppers where to queue outside individual shops. There are also signs in areas such as car parks and green spaces reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines keeping two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, and not to congregate in groups.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre remains the council’s number one priority and we have been working closely with local retailers and market traders to make sure we can maintain safe social distancing within the town centre.”

“If you are worried about anything or have any questions, our town centre ambassadors will be on hand to help you.”

Retailers have praised the measures Chesterfield Borough Council has put in place around the town centre. “The council has also really considered the flow of people around The Shambles so we’re confident that social distancing is fully in place for every visitor,” said Laura-Jo.

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

The safety measures have also given entrepreneurs confidence to set up a town centre business.

Prior to lockdown, Natalia Marcheta, owner of mobile Prosecco bar, Salute, was due to set up a pop-up bar in Vicar Lane and plans remain in place for later in the year. She said: “Having seen the social distancing measures the council has put in place in the town centre, it has given us confidence to go-ahead with the venture in-line with the government guidelines of when hospitality businesses are allowed to re-open, as we know that our staff and customers will be safe.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), is urging the public to “play their part” in making shopping safer. It says customers should follow five steps:

  • Queue considerately
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Follow instructions inside and outside shops
  • Follow all necessary hygiene measures
  • Be respectful to shop staff

Lockdown has hit many businesses and charities on the high street hard. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retailers saw clothing and footwear purchases fall by two thirds.

Laura Evans explained: “The temporary closure of our shops has had a significant impact on the charity. Twenty-nine per cent of Ashgate Hospicecare’s income comes from its retail operations so we’re delighted to be able to re-open the shops.”

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Hasland Store

Vicar Lane praised the Government support for retailers during lockdown. Sarah Bowler “We’re delighted that all the existing retailers in Vicar Lane are re-opening after Lockdown, and we’ve also got a new bridal shop opening called Precious Memories by Anne-Marie. The Government help has been very welcome during this period and retailers are very thankful for the Rates Relief for this year – it is a huge weight off their shoulders.”

Despite the forced closure of non-essential retailers, many of Chesterfield’s retailers believe lockdown has been good for the health of the high street. 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.

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield explained: “The resilience that local businesses and service providers have shown during lockdown has been remarkable. Plans are in place by Destination Chesterfield to continue to promote the Shop Local message beyond lockdown and support retailers in their recovery and help them thrive as part of the town centre.”

Laura-Jo Owen said: “I think lockdown has helped people realise the shops and stores they have on their doorstep so I am expecting new customers who discovered us on social media over the last 12 weeks, to also visit the shop. We’re so happy to re-open and welcome back old and new customers to Adorn.”

Lisa Swift, owner of Shop Indie agreed, saying: “We believe that after the lockdown has ended and people are allowed to move freely that they will have a much better appreciation of local businesses they have been reliant on during lockdown.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Chesterfield’s retailers and the council are united in their enthusiasm to re-open and welcome back customers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “It’s great to see so many people back in the town centre as we look to restart our local economy. We know that many of you will have spent the last three months shopping online, but now is your chance to come back to the town centre, indulge in some retail therapy and support Chesterfield businesses by shopping local.

“The town centre has so much to offer. From national retailers to small independent stores and of course our outdoor market and Market Hall, there really is something for everyone.

“You’ll have the opportunity to browse and buy some of those nice to have items that you simply haven’t been able to get. Father’s Day is just around the corner too, so it’s the perfect chance for you to support our local retailers when you’re out looking for a gift.”

Click here for the Destination Chesterfield Father’s Day Gift Guide

Laura Evans, of Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “One thing that hasn’t changed in all our shops however, is the warm and friendly welcome. We can’t wait to welcome staff, volunteers and customers back.”

Sarah Bowler from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre agreed, saying: “We’re all very excited to be re-opening and welcoming everyone and getting back to the new ‘normal’.”

For shoppers who are still shielding,  the website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal 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.

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

Two new units announced at Markham Vale in £25 million deal

Work to build two large new industrial units has started at Derbyshire County Council and HBD’s flagship regeneration site Markham Vale, signalling confidence in Derbyshire’s future economic prospects.

Aver Property Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Ergo and NFU Mutual, is building the 2 units at Markham Vale, off junction M1 29a, in a £25 million deal.

The units, measuring 221,518 square feet and 75,000 square feet, are being built on the north side of the business and logistics park and will be available to purchase or lease. Construction of the 2 units will be carried out by Derbyshire-based firm Bowmer and Kirkland.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “This investment in Markham Vale shows a great level of confidence in the Derbyshire economy and its potential for growth.”

“As we continue our work to support local businesses to recover from the downturn brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important that we continue to provide new opportunities for investment, bringing the potential for new jobs and helping to keep the economy moving.”

“This deal sends a strong signal to other investors that Derbyshire is a place that helps businesses to survive and thrive and I’m pleased that the construction contract has been awarded to a local business providing a further boost for the area and the local economy.”

Anthony Clitheroe, Director at HBD, said: “Both investors and occupiers are attracted by the high-quality build available at Markham Vale, combined with our proactive, partnership-led approach to development and proven track-record of delivering on time and to budget.”

Click here to find out more about Markham Vale

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

Supporting Chesterfield retailers is vital for our local economy

After many long weeks of lockdown we are at last starting to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. We are also discovering what may be the ‘new normal’.

Social distancing is becoming a way of life, and for a friendly town like Chesterfield, this is something people can’t find easy or natural. However, I feel positive about the prospects for the town’s economic recovery following a recent report compiled by the Local Data Company.

According to the report, Chesterfield is one of the UK’s most resilient town centres in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that we could recover more quickly from lockdown than other towns and cities.

Our resilience is attributed to the fact that we have a high percentage of essential retail which has still been able to trade during the pandemic, including market stall holders such as Ibbotson’s, and Market Hall traders like Cheese Factor and Elliot RB & Son. This has helped maintain the strength of the local economy.

Having an open air market has also put us in good stead for the re-opening of the town as it can be easily reconfigured to allow for social distancing. As it did more than 800 years ago, Chesterfield’s open air market is once again breathing life into the town centre.

While much of our shopping has had to be done online during the lockdown period, it has made many of us realise the importance of the social aspect of shopping, and the ability to ‘shop local’. We miss the opportunity to bump into friends and acquaintances and enjoy the sights and sounds of the town centre while out shopping.

During lockdown we have truly witnessed Chesterfield become a ghost town through no fault of our own. We should treat this experience as a warning, just like Charles Dickens’ the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. With an empty town centre during lockdown, people have had a real chance to see what may happen if they choose not to shop local, and to make use of the facilities which are available.

Local businesses have been a lifeline to many people during the lockdown period. As the town’s market and shops re-open as we ease out of lockdown, keep in mind the importance of these businesses – they offer a shopping experience that you just can’t get online. Make shopping local part of your new normal.

Click here to view the Destination Chesterfield Supporting Local pages

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

Chesterfield Borough Council announce discretionary grants for local businesses

Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded £1.27 million from the Government to provide discretionary grants to local businesses who were not eligible to receive funding from the Small Business Grant or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Funds.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s, cabinet member for Business Transformation and Customers, said: “We have already paid out over £24 million in business support grants to over 2100 Chesterfield businesses to support them during the Covid-19 pandemic and 661 businesses have received business rates relief worth over £18 million.

“Chesterfield Borough Council’s new discretionary scheme will provide the opportunity for more local businesses to receive grant support, particularly those with high property-related costs and who have struggled to trade during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The new grant scheme opens on Friday 5 June 2020 and closes for applications on 17 June 2020.

Small businesses can apply for grants of up to £25,000, though the council expects that most grant payments will be in the range of £2,500 to £10,000. The following types of businesses are eligible for this new grant:

  • Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces; for example, business/industrial parks and incubator offices which do not have their own business rates assessment
  • Regular market traders who do not have their own business rates assessment but have fixed building costs, such as rent
  • Bed and Breakfast accommodation providers who are registered as a food business within Chesterfield Borough Council and pay Council Tax instead of Business Rates
  • Charities in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for small business rates relief

To apply for this new grant scheme businesses must:

  • Have been the occupier of a property with a trading address in Chesterfield borough used wholly or mainly for business purposes on 11 March 2020
  • Employ fewer than 50 people
  • Have a rateable value or annual rent or mortgage of below £51,000
  • Be able to evidence relatively high ongoing fixed building costs
  • Be able to demonstrate that they have had a significant drop in income due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions
  • Be able to demonstrate the business is their sole or primary source of income

In order to apply you will need to download and complete an application form from the Chesterfield Borough Council website and provide the necessary supporting evidence. You will then need to submit it electronically via the council’s secure document management system on their website.

Further information on how to apply, criteria and evidence required is available here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information.aspx#hub_discretionary_grants_local

If you have any further questions about these grants please contact the team by emailing discretionarygrants@chesterfield.gov.uk

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