Through the unprecedented Covid-19 crisis, Chesterfield’s businesses are adapting, innovating and continuing to provide their communities with great products and services.
While many of their usual services are unable to be delivered, a combination of innovative thinking and resilience is allowing businesses to continue to operate, keep communities connected and support the NHS.
Registered nurse Theresa Goldsmith, Owner of The Goldsmith Clinic based on Lordsmill Street in Chesterfield, temporarily closed her business ahead of the lockdown to return to the NHS front-line, saying: “My services are desperately needed back in the NHS now. I’ll be working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner until the crisis has passed.
“Covid-19 is a virulent virus. Its transmission is like no other virus that we have seen before and now is the time for us all to follow the government guidance and practice social-distancing to help keep everyone and our most vulnerable safe and well.”
To further support the NHS effort, Chesterfield manufacturer, Specialised Canvas has shifted production from awnings and sunshades to producing much-needed face guards to support front line medical staff. In only three days, the company designed, prototyped and produced a new face guard and now has plans to produce 1,000 units a day.
Fellow manufacturer Blachford UK also publicly pledged its support to the national pandemic by offering the factory, 100+ staff and resources to companies struggling to keep up with demands for NHS equipment.
It’s not just the manufacturing sector that has shown resourcefulness. Chesterfield’s cafes, restaurants, market stalls and food producers are also ensuring they remain operational and also helping residents during lockdown.
Chesterfield market pre-lockdown. Ibbotson’s is allowing customers to drive up to its stall to collect goods before 9am on market days.
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, a stall holder on Chesterfield’s open air market, is allowing people to pick up goods from their stall by car between 7am -9am on market days.
Northern Tea Merchants, based on Chatsworth Road, which supplies tea and coffee to the hospitality trade and supermarkets, including Harrods Food Hall, is using its vans and drivers to provide free delivery of its products to local residents.
Pizza Pi, Indian Blues, Caz Cakes and, Maison Mes Amis, Rate Good Brownies are just some of the restaurants, cafes and food producers that are all offering a takeaway and delivery service during lockdown.
A number of non-food high street businesses which have been forced to close during the lockdown, are also ensuring they remain connected with their customers online during this time. Geeks Headquarters in Chesterfield town centre has taken its micro-community of gamers online, enabling them to continue enjoying their favourite tabletop games and tournaments as well as keeping each other company.
Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Despite difficult and challenging trading conditions, it has been very encouraging to see how Chesterfield’s retail community has adapted its offering to the current crisis.
“Social media and the Destination Chesterfield website are proving a great connector and a way for both businesses and ourselves to get the message out there that Chesterfield is still very much open in business.
“From the increased web traffic, social media interaction and newsletter open rate, the evidence is there that people are keen to remain connected with the town and shop during this unprecedented time. The feedback we’re getting from local independent businesses is that the shop local message is being heard in Chesterfield.”
Lucy Shakespeare PT & Sports Therapy also based on Lordsmill Street, is using Zoom.us video conferencing technology to keep north east Derbyshire’s residents fit and connected. Attendances at her open Piyo and circuit training classes have grown weekly, with participants now dialing in from as far afield as Birmingham and Scotland as word spreads online.
Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast, added: “Since developing Elder Way we have been overwhelmed with the sense of community, positivity and support in the town. The response to Covid-19 has only added to that. More than ever, it’s important to Shop Local and keep Chesterfield and its surrounding communities connected and business-ready once we are through this crisis.”
To find out more about what Chesterfield’s businesses are doing to support the town, please visit here.
If you want to be part of Chesterfield’s supportive business community, get in touch with our team now to discover what Elder Way can offer you.
For more details about the available units and business space at Elder Way, please contact Jomast Developments on 01642 666942.
Ends