Well-known Chesterfield names share Christmas and New Year messages after a tough 2020

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins said: “What a terribly tough year this has been and I’m sure I won’t be the only one who is glad to see the back of 2020. There is still a long way to go until we are back to normal but the rollout of the new vaccines offer hope that an end to this crisis is in sight. I hope everyone in Chesterfield manages to have a happy and safe Christmas and remember to do what we can to support those Chesterfield businesses who are struggling this Christmas.”

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Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Chesterfield community has shown true compassion, resilience and innovation – pulling together to help one another in the exceptional times we’ve been living through in 2020. I’m truly proud and humbled by their spirit. We know that Christmas must feel a little different this year, but I wish people a very safe and happy festive period, and together we look forward to a brighter 2021.”

Councillor Glenys Falconer, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “I would like to thank the residents of Chesterfield for their dedication and commitment to our town during a very difficult and trying year. I wish everybody a happy and healthy Christmas and new year. Please enjoy the festive season safely, and hopefully the new year will bring with it a sense of normality for all of us.”

Huw Bowen, chief executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “2020 has been a tough year. I am immensely proud of the council’s staff who have gone well above and beyond their daily roles to put Chesterfield’s communities first. We have the beating of Covid-19 and with lots of new developments underway or planned, the priority for 2021 must be to make sure that local people benefit from the jobs that are created. We must be fully focused on addressing unemployment and improving people’s quality of life.”

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “2020 has been a year of partnership, collaboration and innovation which has delivered remarkable results in challenging times. Working with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Champions, we have seen some truly innovative virtual projects emerge, like Made in Chesterfield and the Christmas campaign, to connect and inform the community. We go into 2021 in excellent shape with a strong story of resilience and innovation to tell potential investors in the town.”

Peter Swallow, managing director of Bolsterstone Group PLC, said: “2020 has been characterised by some bold decisions which will shape the future prosperity of Chesterfield. Once again, the town bucked the trend. When everyone else was battening down the hatches amid the Covid storm, Chesterfield Borough Council forged ahead with supporting commercial developments at Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, which will deliver employment opportunities. Given the vaccination programme, we now can go into 2021 with hope, and an undercurrent of positivity and excitement.”

Brendan Kelly, group managing director of Heathcotes Group, said: “Being a care home operator, this year we focused on maintaining the safety and security of our existing business. Reminding myself that we have a serious and pressing duty of care to keep the most vulnerable members of society safe and well has given me focus and purpose in an uncertain time. My hope is that we emerge from this with a newfound respect and value for what is most important – the people in our lives.”

Martin Wallis-Keyworth, owner of Less than Zero Barbers, said: “Seeing how the community has pulled together has really impressed me. Looking to 2021 I want the town to prosper as a result of it having amazing businesses within it. I want more businesses to see the benefit of working together. The world’s our oyster so let’s all get involved!”

Claire Wood, owner of Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, said: “Covid has had a big impact on the hospitality industry within the town centre. It has also given us time to reflect on what we do well and how we can make things even better in the future. With the continued support of our loyal customers, we look forward to opening again soon. Next year I want to see every single one of our customers walk back through our doors, fit and healthy.”

Lee Ashley, director of Spire Recruitment, said: “2020 has been a terrible year for most, but the festive season will give us the chance to see family and friends and bring us some joy for Christmas. My wish is that business picks up for those companies struggling and those that are still thriving continue to even greater things in 2021.”

Natalia and Daniela Marchetta, owners of mobile prosecco, rum and gin bar Salute, said: “Covid has made us dig deep, stay focused and plan. We have worked with other local businesses and are really impressed with the camaraderie. We would love to see this spirit continue into next year and look forward for the vaccine rollout to all be together again.”

Jacqui Willis, chief executive of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, said: “2020 was the year that Chesterfield’s big heart and amazing community spirit was needed more than any of us can remember. Residents, community groups, businesses and statutory services rose to the challenge and worked together to make a difference. Social connections are so important. Let’s make the time and effort to connect with each other, and to reach out to those around us who are isolated at this time of year.”

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