Town seeks champions to promote business

The Destination Chesterfield scheme, funded through money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), was launched this week in front of almost 200 organisations at the town's new football stadium.

Council leader Ray Russell said: "This is a project of strategic importance to the borough. No single organisation owns the place of Chesterfield.

"We all have a stake in its future and this project brings together public and private sectors to speak confidently about the place and what Chesterfield has to offer to business, investors and visitors."

Destination Chesterfield involves encouraging businesses to become "Chesterfield Champions" and promote the town in a positive light.

In return for paying a fee and using the council's marketing materials, Chesterfield Champions get invited to networking events and see their businesses promoted.

A council spokesman said: "Chesterfield Champions are a highly regarded group within Chesterfield, representative of business and the wider place, so members will be among the first to hear the latest development news and are often the first names on key invitation lists."

Bolsterstone Group plc, one of the organisations behind the town's largest regeneration project – Chesterfield Waterside – has become one of the first champions.

Managing director Pete Swallow said: "The Destination Chesterfield project is a great opportunity for all organisations in the town to come together and share their part in promoting the Chesterfield story with more confidence and consistency."