Dave Yeaman Photography 0114 221 0331 or 0790 832 3011 for free quotation
 
 

ADVERTISING

Rotator Placeholder Image
 

Don't Panic Call Bill on 07966 140033 - DAL Plumbing and Heating. Corgis and Gas Safe Registered, Fast and Reliable with over 20 years experience.

All of Chesterfield's Slimming World Group news in one place! Click for details

 

Old Fashioned Values - In A Modern Setting. A Diamond In The High Street.


Thursday 14th February 2013




It seems to be bad news after bad news on the High Street these days and Chesterfield, like many towns across the country, is reeling in the financial climate, which is proving to be far more difficult to get out of and dragged on longer than anyone predicted.

However, one businesswoman in Chesterfield is bucking that trend and is hoping not just to rejuvenate a store, but also bring more footfall onto the High Street and local economy.

Helen Dimmick is MD of Green and Benz, having taken over the four stores in Chesterfield and Sheffield from the eponymous team Shane Green and Julie Benz recently.

Helen Dimmick
is MD of Green and Benz, having taken over the four stores in Chesterfield and Sheffield from the eponymous team Shane Green and Julie Benz recently.

What she isn't however is your typical jeweller! Spend a short degree of time with Helen and you will learn how passionate and enthusiastic she is about jewellery - and with an academic background and a CV which includes a managing role at Tiffany's on Bond Street, she's knowledgeable too.

She is also a self styled 'Northern Lass' and it is that fact which snatched her back from the bright lights of the 'Big Smoke' and into the local town centre.

Despite the recession and the doom and gloom of closures around town, Helen is determined that old fashioned shopping values will prevail - and it is those, she believes, that will see shops survive...
"In Chesterfield, I really do think you get to the heart of your customers. It's a market town and customers here have been very loyal to the brand - it started as Uno - and I think we've been on a journey together.

"I am a northern girl from the other side of the Pennines (but hopefully still welcome here!) and I love northern towns. I think you get to know your customers and have a relationship with them. There's a real sense of community and family and that's something that's often lost in big cities.

"We're an independent business and there are lots of lovely people around us. Together we are supporting the High Street and getting more people to come in and experience the joy of shopping.

"I hate the hard sell, you walk into a shop that's selling something and you shouldn't think you have to buy. Retail isn't just about being sold to - it's about the experience. Come and say hello, that's what I want!

"Retail is changing - people can browse web sites but people want to try jewellery on and feel it. We are embracing technology - we're launching a 'design your own ring' in March - but it's about embracing both sides of it.

"We are being driven back to the old fashioned shopping values again - family, trust and service - and it's what matters to us.

"I heartily recommend a book by Gary Vaynechuk, 'The Thank You Economy', in that he says one hundred years ago you had the High Street and you had your butcher etc and they had to provide you with the best service or you would go back and tell the neighbours. With the advent of the motor car and the out of town shopping centres, it didn't matter if you upset one customer as there were more coming in.

"Now social media has made word of mouth important again and suddenly that recommendation is once more really important. We're going back to traditional values."

Helen also believes passionately in her products and, again despite difficult trading conditions, believes there is a market for jewellery more than ever...
"Times are hard - but if you have a little bit, put it in into something that lasts a lifetime."

And that's very much Helen's ethos - that the story of anyone's jewellery is personal and part of his or her journey.

Her connection to jewellery started by that very discovery in a surprising way...
"I was always interested in jewellery. I wanted to be a ballet dancer, but when you get to 5ft 8in - and are 6 foot tall on points - that isn't going to happen!

"This is going to sound ridiculous but I saw a pectoral that belonged to Tutankhamen and I couldn't believe that something was so beautiful and so symbolic - and what this one piece of jewellery told me about this man - his life, the country and everything, North Egypt and Upper and Lower Egypt and all those divine symbols.

"I couldn't believe that people could talk and communicate through jewellery and I find that fascinating and that's why I love this. I love people, I love jewellery and I love putting the two together. Jewellery says something about us and I find it a real privilege that we're there for people at those times."

Helen set about discovering her craft - starting with a degree in history of art and architecture and went on to become a fellow of the Gemmological Association and a diamond grader, saying...
"For me it's important to bring the scientific knowledge too and to be able to bring that to the customers. What I'm trying to establish with the brand is that it's not only somewhere to come for a wonderful experience - but for great information as well.

"We're dealing with highly valuable and portable commodities and the most important thing is trust - you need to know what you're buying. We're here to guide people through that process, that's where I'm a little bit different, as not everyone has done it through that approach."

Her journey to Chesterfield was a varied one...
"I started at the Costume Museum at Bath and then did work experience at Phillips auctioneers where I became the assistant to the lady who ran the silver and jewellery department.

"When they then opened the Bayswater site, I became their in house valuer for two years. After being at Bentley and Skinner on Bond Street for two years - which was fantastic - the lure of Tiffany's across the road was too much and I stayed there 5 years.

I met Shane and Julie who opened Green and Benz and in time, they contacted me about taking over the business."Tiffany's was incredible - the bastion of customer service and best practice. I really went through the ranks there and became store manager. I went to New York and got a really good grounding, but I'm a northern lass and the north called.

"I met Shane and Julie who opened Green and Benz and in time, they contacted me about taking over the business. We're now relaunching it and I'm very excited - I love it."

With a shop full of pieces to choose from daily, Helen admits she is spoiled, but says that surprisingly, she doesn't have much jewellery of her own...

"My personal favourites are pieces by Fei Liu, but my own jewellery is pieces which mean something for me. My favourite is my grandma's wedding ring - I'd go in a burning building for it - it symbolises my past and so much love, it's so important to me."

Helen and her staff put back into the community in other ways too...
"I have chosen three charities to help support - 'I Can Dance' - which teaches children with special needs to dance and we have a range of dancing jewellery, The Sheffield Children's Hospital and The Diving School.

"I believe we're lucky - we live in a fantastic world and have a nice life, times are hard but I'm looking for ways to put back."

Back to business and Helen is here to stay and looking forward to the future...
"I love what I do and I'm very proud of my team. This company is about my staff. I have to pinch myself, I can't believe that I'm able to do this! It's tough out here but I'm very lucky, it's a dream."

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER STORIES

NATIONAL AWARD FOR CHESTERFIELD TRAINING AT SCA -
A national award has been won by tissue makers SCA, which has a paper mill at Chesterfield, for the excellence of its employee training programme. More...

MORRISONS BUYS HMV AS SPORTS DIRECT SAVES 2000 REPUBLIC JOBS -
Morrisons confirms the Chesterfield HMV will be one of six stores purchased from the company's administrators to be converted into Morrisons M local stores as SportsDirect buys Republic saving 2000 jobs More...

MORE JOB LOSSES IN NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE -
Worrying news for the Chesterfield jobs market, with news that the TESCO Distribution site at Barlborough will close at the end of the year - with as many as 400 jobs at risk. More...

TWIGGS' DISMAY AS SIR RANULPH FIENNES QUITS ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION -
Twiggs of Matlock has sent a message of commiseration to Sir Ranulph Fiennes in Antarctica, after frostbite forced him to pull out of 'The Coldest Journey' expedition More...

FREE INVITATION TO WEDDING PREVIEW AT FAIRYTALE BOLSOVER CASTLE -
Couples seeking a stunning location for their wedding day can obtain exclusive free tickets to a special wedding preview at Bolsover Castle on Sunday 17th March. More...

DO YOU REMEMBER CHESTERFIELD IN THE 80s? THEN READ ON -
It was an era defined by the Miners' Strike, the 1981 Royal Visit of Charles and Di and Tony Benn becoming MP, but were you a 'Dirty Stop Out'? More...

FREE TRAINING FOR BUDDING BUSINESS BRAINS IN NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE -
Budding entrepreneurs are being urged to find out more about free business start-up help and support that is available as part of a project in North East Derbyshire. More...

TWIGG'S SKOOTS BEGIN COLDEST JOURNEY ON EARTH -
Unique steel sledges designed and built in Derbyshire for the daring bid by veteran explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes to make the first ever crossing of Antarctica in winter, are now making slow but steady progress across the polar icecap. More...

MOTORISTS WARNED AND BUSES DISRUPTED AS SNOW RETURNS TONIGHT -
There is some disruption to bus services tonight given the weather and Motorists are warned to take care on the roads as freezing rain is forecast to follow the snow More...

AND MORE MUSIC DIES IN TOWN AS CHESTERFIELD'S HMV STORE GOES -
The Joint Administrators of HMV today have said this evening that Chesterfield's HMV store will close in the near future More...

LATEST SNOW DISRUPTION UPDATES FOR CHESTERFIELD -
A page of updated news regarding the latest snow disruption in and around Chesterfield. Schools, Buses, Services More...

FLOOD WARNING UPDATE FOR CHESTERFIELD -
A Flood Warning is in place this morning in Bolsover on the River Doe Lea - including Buttermilk Lane and the area around Buttermilk Bridge, including the works. More...

USDAW HAS CONSTRUCTIVE TALKS WITH CO-OP AFTER CLOSURE -
Usdaw has held 'constructive' talks with the Midlands Co-op Society following Monday's proposal to close its Fashion & Home business. More...

CHESTERFIELD ENTREPRENEUR PUTS TRUST IN PRINCE TO HELP TEENS -
A young Chesterfield entrepreneur is showcasing an innovative online company he hopes will help teenagers, and their parents, face up to life's challenges. More...

CLOSURE OF CO-OP A "MASSIVE HIT" SAYS MP TOBY PERKINS -
After yesterday's shock news that Chesterfield's historic Co-operative Department Store is earmarked for closure, MP Toby Perkins has expressed his dismay at the move. More...

MAJOR CHESTERFIELD RETAILER TO CLOSE IT'S DOORS -
There is more concern for Chesterfield's High Street today after over one hundred jobs are under threat with the closure of one of the town's major retailers. More...

CASA HOTEL FOURTH BEST HOTEL IN THE UK -
Chesterfield's 4-star hotel, Casa has announced that it has won 'an Oscar of the hotel world', having been named the UK's fourth best hotel by the world's largest travel site, TripAdvisor. More...

ANOTHER STREET CAT NAMED BOB - A READER'S APPEAL -
We are today carrying an appeal from one of our readers to see if there is anyone who could re-home a beautiful cat she is currently feeding after it appeared on her doorstep. More...

SNOW JOKE!
WEATHER DISRUPTION UPDATES -

Regular updates on travel, schools and service disruption due to the snowy weather can be found here, updated as we receive notice. More...

AUTO WINDSCREENS WIN MAJOR BGL CONTRACT -
Despite the economic gloom, there's some good news for Chesterfield's Auto Windscreens, after they announce they have won the exclusive glass supplier contract for the BGL Group More...

JESSOPS GOES INTO ADMINISTRATION -
National photographic supplies company, Jessops, with a branch in Chesterfield went into administration on Wednesday and job losses are now feared in the town. More...

DAMAGES PAID TO INJURED ROAD WORKER -
A road worker who so badly damaged his ankle working in the dark on an unlit stretch of the A52 that he needed surgery, has received compensation after help from his trade union. More...

PHARMACY, BUS AND BIN TIMES DURING CHRISTMAS -
We have collected timetables from local services in Chesterfield to confirm the opening/running times over the festive period. More...

NEW OWNER FOUND FOR REMPLOY HEALTHCARE -
Good news today for workers in Chesterfield after this mornings announcement that Remploy Ltd has agreed the transfer of its Healthcare business in Chesterfield to R Link, trading as R Healthcare. More...

THE AVENUE RESTORATION IS A STEP CLOSER -
It's been announced today that a landmark has been reached in the restoration of The Avenue, a former coking works and chemical plant near Wingerworth in Chesterfield More...

ICE ICE BABY! WEATHER CAUSES BUS AND SCHOOL PROBLEMS -
The weather has deteriorated overnight with many routes treacherous this morning and some schools to open late. We have collated as much information as we can here and will update as we get more. More...

INTERVIEW WITH A VERY IMPORTANT MAN! -
The Chesterfield Post managed to grab a word with Santa this afternoon as he flew into Chesterfield Co-Op to meet more children More...

MATLOCK STEELMEN PRAISED BY WORLDS 'GREATEST LIVING EXPLORER' -
Legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes praises steelworkers at Twiggs of Matlock for designing, building and delivering on time the steel sledges that will make or break his Antarctica Expedition More...

CHESTERFIELD SHOPPER'S BEGIN 'CHRISTMAS CRAWL' -
More than 20 local businesses have clubbed together to host a unique initiative to celebrate local retailers and take the stress out of Christmas gift shopping.
More...

COLLIERS COMPLETE M1 DISTRIBUTION FACILITY FOR ANDREW PAGE LTD -
Yorkshire based Building Consultancy Colliers International completes contract to oversee the development of new distribution centre in Markham Vale for Andrew Page Ltd. More...

PHYSIO ANDREW'S AMBITIONS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD -
Sheffield Hallam University master's student, Andrew Winnard is exploring the final frontiers of physiotherapy - by carving out a space career. More...

ICONIC TRUCK MAKES A STOP IN CHESTERFIELD -
The 'holidays' came early to Chesterfield as the iconic 'Holidays are coming...' Coca Cola truck stopped off at Tesco Extra on Lockoford Lane today. More...

SANTA ARRIVES AT CHESTERFIELD CO-OP IN RED HOT VINTAGE FIRE ENGINE -
Santa Claus arrived in style at the Midlands Co-op on Elder Way, Chesterfield vin a vintage Fire Engine rather than his usual reindeer-drawn sleigh More...

CHESTERFIELD AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS COMPLETES DEAL -
Chesterfield-based ADR (Accident Repair Centres) has been sold to AutoRestore Limited to create a new fixed and mobile repair business. More...

BUSINESS LOAN BOOST FOR CHESTERFIELD CREATIVE -
Mat Wood had his first tattoo at 17, now 5 years later, he's adorned from head to toe with some impressive and colourful artwork and now opened his own tattoo studio in Chesterfield. More...

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING, HOLIDAYS ARE COMING... TO CHESTERFIELD! -
The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and one of the most famous and much loved TV commercials is on our TV screens. It can only mean one thing… Holidays Are Coming to Chesterfield! More...

£60 TRAINING DISCOUNT FOR DERBYSHIRE'S YOUNG DRIVERS -
To the relief of many a parent in Derbyshire, cut-price training that helps 17-20 year olds to become better drivers is now being offered by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership. More...

SANTA CLAUS CRUISE WITH CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST -
Ahead of his very busy period, Santa took time out to visit Tapton Lock to meet a host of VIPs on Saturday and to publicise the Chesterfield Canal Trust's Santa Special cruises. More...

TRAINING PROVIDER EXPANDS -
Leading national training provider TBG Learning is expanding its services across Derbyshire following a major contract win, which is one of the first of its kind in the country. More...

ASH WOODLAND LOCATIONS PLEA -
People are being asked to notify the Peak District National Park Authority if they have planted any ash trees in the past six years, and to choose alternatives to ash in any new tree-planting More...

CHESTERFIELD REMEMBERS -
Chesterfield's veterans shared their private memories of war on the most public of occasions, The 11th day of the 11th month and by sleight of the calendar, Remembrance Sunday. More...

TOURISM ON THE UP IN CHESTERFIELD -
Chesterfield Chiefs are delighted after latest tourism figures for Chesterfield show the town is growing in popularity as a place to visit. More...

BABY LUV SHINES IN CHESTERFIELD -
Chesterfield continues to enjoy both consumer and company retail confidence - high profile arrivals of Debenhams and Hawkshead seem to evidence that - and 'baby luv' is the latest new arrival in town. More...

MILLER HOMES EXTEND PORTFOLIO INTO EAST MIDLANDS AND CHESTERFIELD -
Miller Homes East Midlands has announced plans to launch four new housing developments in 2013 meaning potential new jobs for contractors in Chesterfield. More...

NEW BOOK SHOWS WHERE IT ALL BEGAN FOR SPIREITES OWNER DAVE ALLEN -
If we asked you what Dave Allen, Owner and Chairman of Chesterfield FC and William Hague had in common, you might be stumped for an answer, but a new book is about to reveal all! More...

CHESTERFIELD YOUNGSTER UP FOR AWARD -
Scott Smith, 16, from Chesterfield, who has turned his life around with help from youth charity The Prince's Trust, has been nominated for a prestigious royal award. More...

A DAY TO REMEMBER-
Chesterfield's Civic Remembrance Service will take place on Sunday, 11th November, at the Parish Church, starting at 2.30pm followed by a parade to the War Memorial on Rose Hill More...

EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS SUPPORT 2012 POPPY APPEAL -
As the country gears up to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in war, East Midlands Trains will also be helping to support the 2012 Poppy Appeal. More...

BUY A POPPY POEM -
In 1984, a local man wrote an inspiring poem encouraging people to think about the horrors of war and of buying a poppy. With Remembrance Day approaching, we publish it in full here More...

YOUNG BUSINESSMEN DRIVE CHESTERFIELD FORWARD -
There has been a sharp increase in young director appointments during the first half of the year in Chesterfield, according to the latest Duport Report. More...

WHAT HAS DERBYSHIRE EVER DONE FOR THE WORLD? -
Hear the word 'Derbyshire' and most think of the beautiful Peak District, but one particular river valley has contributed far more to the history of the world than you might think. More...

NEW JOBS AT NEW ALDI IN KILLAMARSH -
Jobseekers are invited to a recruitment open day to find out more about job opportunities being created at the new Aldi store in Killamarsh. More...

WEIGHT LOSS IS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR CHESTERFIELD MUM AND SON -
A mother and son from Chesterfield are celebrating after losing 5 and a half stone between them. More...

A FALCON AND A PUPPY TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN CHESTERFIELD -
The Yards shopping area in Chesterfield's town centre is now home to a falcon and a puppy More...

NEW 'VENTURE FOR ADVENTURE' LAUNCHES IN CHESTERFIELD -
Despite the continued grim economic forecast, Chesterfield is still seen as a vibrant and viable centre for retail outlets. More...

UP TO 90 DAYS GROSS PAY FOR FORMER WAVERLEY TBS EMPLOYEES -
Local residents who lost their jobs after the sudden closure of a Chesterfield company are being urged to make sure they have the correct information on their rights. More...

WINGFIELD VICTORIAN RAIL STATION ON UK ENDANGERED LIST -
Wingfield Railway Station in Derbyshire, has been included on the Victorian Society's list of the ten most endangered buildings in England and Wales. More...

AVERAGE OF 35,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES FOUND EVERY DAY -
The NSPCC is calling for urgent action to stamp out the illegal trade in child abuse images, after figures revealed that nearly 26 million have been confiscated in the last two years. More...

DO YOU OWN A TOYOTA? -
You may want to read on after the company issued a statement earlier today regarding the recall of some of their vehicles. More...

GOING UNDERGROUND WITH PUBSTOPS IN CHESTERFIELD -
As part of what is an innovative and creative project Chesterfield now has its own 'tube style' map of its pubs and drinking holes. More...

CHESTERFIELD IS BLOOMING! AWARDS NIGHT AT RINGWOOD HALL -
Various schools, organisations and keen gardeners have done the town proud by scooping awards in a prestigious nationwide competition. More...

 

 


News   Community   Sport   Offers & Events   Leisure / Reviews   Public Services
Chesterfield Cranes