Creative Chesterfield

News that part of Paul Cummins’ iconic poppy sculpture could return to its spiritual home of Chesterfield is an opportunity to further put the town on the map if our bid is successful.

As the inspiration for this magnificent sculpture came from Chesterfield library and commemorates the many men who lost their lives in the First World War, it seems only fitting that it returns to its spiritual home if only for a brief time.

As well as showcasing our wonderful town to visitors, the sculpture will also highlight the wealth of artistic talent that has originated and also remains here. Although now living outside the area, Mr Cummins was a Hasland resident and studied at the College. He is not the only artist to receive national acclaim. Ashley Thomas, whose wonderful At Home range is sold in Debenhams’ stores nationally originally hails from the town, as does award winning ceramicist Clare Gage who continues to live here and sell her designs at Libby’s on Chatsworth Road.

The businesses involved in Chesterfield’s digital and creative community are making an important and significant contribution to the local economy and many of the fledgling start-ups in this sector can now be found at Chesterfield College’s fantastic West Studios off Sheffield Road.  Melanie Jackson, the artist responsible for the wonderful Growth sculpture on Horns Bridge is one of the many talented artists, designers and producers based there.

Often when people think of careers in the digital and creative industry they think of logo design or computer games, however this sector permeates virtually every industry, not least manufacturing. Just look at the fantastic Franke Sissons sculpture at Chesterfield Coach Station, which we unveiled during Made in Chesterfield Week last year, for proof if it were needed.

I am delighted Made in Chesterfield, which is being organised once again by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnerships returns in November. 

Last year, during the course of a single week we reached out to more than 400 young people and raised awareness of careers in the manufacturing sector. This year, thanks to the involvement of the digital and creative sector and an entire month devoted to Made activities, we can showcase a greater breadth of careers and, importantly, show that they can follow their creative dreams and make a career out of them, here in Chesterfield. 

Chesterfield Powerhouse

Earlier this year the chancellor George Osborne unveiled his vision for creating a 'Midlands Engine', part of the government’s plan for a Northern Powerhouse. I believe, however, that we have already started to lay the foundations of an East Midlands Powerhouse in Chesterfield, not least in our retail sector.

I was delighted that we were able to recognise and honour this thriving sector recently at the Retail Awards.  This year we had many more businesses nominated by the general public as well as some of the faces from last year’s awards returning to defend their titles. Even with a bigger venue this year at the Winding Wheel, the event was still a sell-out showing the huge support and pride in these awards by the business community.

We must not underestimated the power of Chesterfield's retail sector. It is one of our major plus points as a destination. Where other towns and cities are struggling with a growing number of vacant shops, ours offers a vibrant mix of independent and chain retailers and is expanding, which is practically unheard of in today's retail climate. Simply drive along Chatsworth Road or Whittington Moor to see new restaurants, bars and independent shops opening for evidence of this.

For everyone who says Chesterfield’s high street is in decline and dominated by vacant premises and charity shops, I say visit neighbouring towns or even those further afield and you will see this is not the case.

Shopping local, rather than online, in national chain stores or in the out of town retail parks will ensure Chesterfield’s retail sector continues to thrive. Whether you spend pence or pounds, every penny counts when shopping with an independent retailer.  The owners of these business invariably live in the area and plough the money back into our local economy. 

It’s not just the act of spending money that ensures our retail success but also our ability to 'talk up' the town both here and outside it. Rather than putting the town down and bemoaning it, tell people how great it is. How many other towns honour their market traders and independent traders each year? In fact, one of the oldest, Ibbotson's took the titles of not only market trader of the year but also the prestigious Retailer of the Year at the Retail Awards.

Now in its 71^st year of trading, Ibbotson’s is weathering the difficult financial climate and adapting the business for a new retail era, making them, I think, a real retail powerhouse. Now that' something to shout about, don't you think?