Derbyshire tourism awards shortlist announced

Stuart Pearcey
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Derbyshire tourism awards shortlist announced
The shortlist of finalists for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector. Finalists have been announced in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences. Matlock Farm Park has been shortlisted for a total of three awards, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Team of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year. Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby next March. Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership, the 2024 awards celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy. The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners. Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism. Jo Dilley, MD of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer. “Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism experiences to visitors from across the country, but they also serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in making the destination such a great place to live, work and visit. “We’ve received a record number of applications this year and reaching this impressive lift of finalists is an achievement in itself. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2024.” The 2024 Shortlist Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
B&B Guest House of the Year
  • The Coach House, Derby
  • Sheldon House, Monyash
  • Underleigh House B&B, Hope
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the year
  • Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock
  • Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, nr Buxton
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
Ethical, Responsible, and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Bakewell
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford
Experience of the Year
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford
Hotel of the Year
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne
New Tourism Business of the Year
  • The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn, nr Buxton
  • Muse Escapes Ltd, Buxton
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
Pub of the Year
  • The Blind Bull, Great Longstone
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow
Self-Catering Accommodation of the year
  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Stainsborough Hall Ltd, Carsington
  • Waterside Barn, Bradbourne
Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • The Patternmakers, Duffield
Team of the Year
  • The George, Hathersage
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Muse Escapes, Buxton
Tourism Young Achiever
  • Helena Smith Parucker, The Museum of Making
  • Steph Taylor, Atlantik Inns
  • Emma West, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
Unsung Hero
  • Adrian Gagea, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Alan Hobson, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Jane Redfern, Wildhive Callow Hall
Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • The Museum of Making, Derby

Frasers Group’s plan to acquire German sports retailer hits hurdle

Tess Egginton
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Frasers Group’s plan to acquire German sports retailer hits hurdle
Frasers Group’s plan to acquire SportScheck, one of the leading sports retailers in Germany, has hit a hurdle. While the acquisition would enable Shirebrook-based Frasers to grow its presence in Germany, one of the biggest sports markets in Europe, the company it intends to buy is said to be on the brink of administration, according to Telegraph reports. SportScheck has over 75 years of expertise in sports retail, with 34 stores in prime city locations across Germany, revenue of approximately €350m, and a loyal customer base of over 13 million visitors per year. However it could now be put into insolvency by its financially struggling investment group Signa, which in the deal with Frasers had agreed to finance SportScheck until the transaction is completed – not expected until January – which it may no longer be able to do. When announcing the acquisition Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “Acquiring the leading sporting goods retailer in Germany is a big step in our journey to becoming the number one sports retailer in EMEA – and we are delighted to do this with the full support of major global brand partners, Adidas and Nike. “Growing and expanding our Sports business is a key focus area in becoming an international retail business. The German market represents a huge opportunity for us, and we look forward to bringing our experience, resources and relationships to strengthen the SportScheck business.”

How to plan a product video for maximum impact

Tess Egginton
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How to plan a product video for maximum impact
In their latest advice article, Glowfrog Video Production explain the seven key considerations you should make before embarking on a product video marketing campaign – click the button below for their ultimate guide to product video planning.

Land transferred for next phase of Derby’s Castleward development

Tess Egginton
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Land transferred for next phase of Derby’s Castleward development
Derby City Council has now transferred the final piece of land ready for work to start on phase 4 of the Castleward development. The former Derbyshire County Transport site was the last piece required to allow the next stage of works to begin, following the acquisition of the former Tarmac site and properties on Canal Street earlier this year. The Council took possession of the site and has now passed it over to Compendium Living, who will be carrying out clearance works in the coming months. Construction on the new homes will begin in 2024, carried out by Compendium Living’s construction partner, Lovell Partnerships. Derbyshire County Transport has relocated to the Merlin Park development off Osmaston Road, helping bring forward the regeneration of another former industrial site, and keep this important service based in the city. Phase 4 was given the green light by planners in May 2023 and will provide 112 new homes in the city centre, 34 of which will be affordable homes. The properties will be a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses, and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Castleward is one of the city’s largest regeneration projects, providing around 800 new homes in total, alongside green spaces, a new boulevard, and new commercial units. Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “Castleward is one of the city’s key regeneration projects as we look to bring people back to the city centre. “I’m delighted that we’re now able to push forward with this next phase. Derby needs an attractive gateway from the train station, and these 112 new homes will contribute to that. “Just recently we celebrated as the showhomes opened at phase three, and I look forward to seeing the next round of homes take shape over the coming years.” Bruce Lister, Managing Director of Compendium Living, said: “As we near completion of our current phase on Castleward, we’re really pleased to have secured the final piece of land that will form part of the next construction phase, Phase 4, which is due to start on site in Spring 2024.”

Chesterfield temperature sensor manufacturer snapped up

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield temperature sensor manufacturer snapped up

SDI Group, the AIM-listed group focused on the design and manufacture of scientific and technology products for use in digital imaging and sensing and control applications, has acquired Peak Sensors, a manufacturer of temperature sensors in a £2.4m deal.

Peak is based in Chesterfield with a 5,300 sq ft leasehold facility, and has approximately 14 employees.

Revenues for the year ended 31 March 2023 were £2.1m, with EBIT of c.£330,000.

Peak will join the group’s Sensors and Controls division.

Ken Ford, chairman of SDI, said: “The acquisition of Peak is a further step in our group growth strategy, demonstrating again the opportunities to acquire businesses with high quality products with export growth potential.

“The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of ownership. We are delighted to welcome Roshan Aucklah, Peter Smith and their staff at Peak to the SDI Group.”

Kimberley Levelling Up Project takes step forward as planning permission approved at historic site

Tess Egginton
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Kimberley Levelling Up Project takes step forward as planning permission approved at historic site
Kimberley’s £16.5 million Levelling Up Project has taken a major step forward after planning permission was approved for significant works at Bennerley Viaduct, including a visitors’ centre.
Broxtowe Borough Council has granted planning permission, which includes:
  • The creation of an eastern earth ramp at the Viaduct.
  • The creation of a cycle path and pedestrian access on this new ramp.
  • A Visitors Centre which will include educational facilities, a shop, toilets, and a seating area in the summer.
  • Cycle racks.
  • Car Parking facilities for visitors.
Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic said: “Bennerley Viaduct is one of the most iconic sites in the local area and the approval of plans to enhance its offering mark a major milestone in our investment plans for Kimberley. “As well as improving accessibility and creating jobs these developments will help ensure that local people and tourists can learn more about the heritage of our area, preserving it for future generations. “The Council has worked closely with the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct on the proposals for the site and as part of the wider Levelling Up Project and it is fantastic to see such an engaged and committed group working to improve the local area. “It’s a really exciting time for Kimberley and I look forward to seeing this and our other projects come to life over the coming months and years.” Chair of Trustees at the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, John Scruton said: “The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are thrilled to receive the positive planning decision from Broxtowe Borough Council. “We are grateful to the Council, friends and the public for their support on this application. And we want to thank the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and their team for the opportunities this Levelling Up funding brings. We look forward to working with our partners to turn this ambitious plan into reality.” MP for Broxtowe, Darren Henry said: “I am delighted that permission has been granted for the new Visitor Centre, Car Park, Bicycle Racks and Eastern Ramp at Bennerley Viaduct. The improvements are being delivered as part of the £16.5 million Kimberley Levelling Up Bid. “The Eastern Ramp is something I have long campaigned for, it will increase accessibility to the ‘Iron Giant’ and mean that more of my constituents will be able to enjoy the incredible views, as well as making the ramp easier for those with pushchairs or bikes. “I very much look forward to seeing the work completed and the ways in which our community benefit from these improvements.” Chris Boardman of Active Travel England visited Bennerley Viaduct earlier this year to highlight the site as a key part of connecting Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire cycle routes. As well as the improvements to Bennerley Viaduct, the Kimberley Levelling Up Fund includes a town centre improvement project with construction of a new business and community hub, small business grants and lighting equipment for town centre displays to drive visitor footfall, as well as new sports facilities.

New owner sought for Derbyshire pharmacies in administration

Tess Egginton
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New owner sought for Derbyshire pharmacies in administration
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell an established pair of pharmacies in Chesterfield, on behalf of joint administrators, Christopher Latos and Richard D’Arcy. The two community pharmacies – Dents of Chesterfield on Windermere Road and Dents Pharmacy in Saltergate – are well-established, modern, health centre-integrated pharmacies with over 100 years of trading history. Together they dispense an average of 16,000 items per month and are run by employed Pharmacists with locum Pharmacists one day per week. The settings are available for sale on a group or individual basis. Carl Steer, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, says: “We expect that the sale of these two long-established pharmacies within health centres that are thoroughly modernised throughout will bring about strong interest from a mix of pharmacy operators. Interested parties are encouraged to act swiftly to meet the deadline for offers of 30 November 2023.” The pharmacies are on the market with an asking price of £850,000.

Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses

Tess Egginton
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Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses

Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.

Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.

The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.

Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.

Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp – which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.

As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.

Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.

“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”

All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.

To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:

  • Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)

  • Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)

  • Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale

  • Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years

  • Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.

Warehouse upgrade attracts global engineering group

Tess Egginton
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Warehouse upgrade attracts global engineering group
Refurbished industrial property is in good demand with the lease of warehouse and office space to a global engineering group on Leicester’s Hamilton Business Park. Andrew + Ashwell, the Leicestershire commercial property expert, has negotiated the deal to bring engineering solutions specialist The Brush Group to the sought-after site following recent renovation. The building, at 30 Waterside Road, occupies almost 1.45 acres (approx. 0.6 hectare) in a prominent setting close to the Hamilton Way/Thurmaston Lane roundabout, providing fast access to ring road connections for the A46 and M1/M69 motorway network. With 21,625 sq ft of space the premises delivers modern accommodation, including a detached, single-storey warehouse and industrial unit, with integral two-storey office space, plus car parking at the front and a rear service yard and enclosure. Constructed around a single span steel portal frame, the warehouse accommodation had been refurbished throughout. The air-conditioned two-storey offices were purpose-built to benefit from good natural light, incorporating an open-plan, first floor working area, with ground floor meeting rooms and amenities. Kelvin Wilson, associate director at A+A, said: “We received healthy interest following the landlord’s refurbishment works to modern standards. Following competitive demand, Brush came forward and the transaction completed swiftly. The group aims to use the building for storage and distribution, alongside research and development from what is recognised as a prime Leicestershire location for communication. “There is still a lack of good quality second hand industrial accommodation within the county and this important letting shows the benefit that an effective schedule of landlord refurbishment works can achieve.”

Corby contractor launches new fund to help local community

Tess Egginton
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Corby contractor launches new fund to help local community
Charities and community groups in Corby are now able to access a new funding pot thanks to local building contractor Kori Construction. The business, based on Headway Business Park in Corby, has launched an annual fund of £10,000 and is encouraging charities and other groups from the town to apply for a share of the money. The fund has been set up to celebrate Kori Construction’s roots in Corby and to enable the town to share in the business’s ongoing success. The money will be allocated in two sums of £5,000 each year, and any organisation working in sustainability, social inclusion, or strengthening local communities is free to apply. Kori Construction Managing Director Jordan Connachie said the company had always been a keen supporter of its hometown and as it had grown as a business, the directors wanting to extend that support. He said: “Although we now have a national footprint in terms of our developments, we are very much a Corby business. Many of our employees live in Corby and our name, Kori, dates back to the first settlers who created the beginnings of a town here. “We’re launching this fund to help make a small difference to the lives of local people and communities, and we’re looking forward to receiving applications from a range of charities and organisations. “With so many worthwhile causes out there, it is going to be difficult to decide which ones to support. However, knowing the money pledged will have the biggest positive impact it can is very important to us, so that will be high on the list of priorities when it comes to making a decision.” The idea is the brainchild of Elaine Kendall, Kori’s Head of Sustainability and Communications, who was featured in the NFB’s 2023 list of Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. As well as pledging £10,000 to Corby-based charities and community groups, Kori Construction is also making £2,500 available to community groups around each of its developments. Elaine said: “At Kori, we believe that construction doesn’t stop with creating a new building. Buildings, after all, are all about people – the people who will live in them, work in them, and live around them. They have a huge impact on people’s lives. “Our philosophy is to always maximise the positive impact of our developments as far as we possibly can. By launching these funds, we’re trying to create real and tangible differences for local communities.” The £2,500 funding, which will be part of each individual scheme Kori is appointed to, will provide support for community-based activities or projects aligned to Kori’s sustainability strategy, to promote inclusion and positive change, strengthen communities or safeguard the world.
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