Destination Chesterfield

Champion of the Week

Liam Slater, Managing Director, Spartan Grounds Maintenance

My name is Liam Slater and I’m the Managing Director at Spartan. We’re a commercial grounds maintenance company based in Chesterfield, serving Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire. Our teams maintain outdoor and open spaces for business parks, apartment blocks, schools, and care homes. We help keep our region’s green spaces safe, tidy, and welcoming all year round.

What is your organisation looking forward to?

One of our core mantras is ‘continual evolution’. As a small business, this mindset is critical to ensure we keep serving our customers to the highest standard and stay ready to seize new opportunities. We’ve built a strong foundation with robust operations, and this year, we’re focusing on further expansion of the sites we maintain, deepening our presence across the region. I’m especially excited to see Spartan grow while maintaining the strong administrative focus and professionalism that set us apart.

What makes Chesterfield a good place to work?

There’s a genuine sense of community – Chesterfield Champions is testament to that -and real pride in seeing local businesses succeed. The mix of thriving industry, historic character, and beautiful countryside makes for a unique environment to both work and live. Chesterfield’s location is perfect for a business like ours, offering easy access to South Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire, which helps us serve a wide range of clients efficiently.

What sparked your decision to invest in Chesterfield?

Chesterfield is my home and it’s always had a positive, welcoming feel compared to other local towns and cities. When I started Spartan (which was a small domestic gardening business) my goal was to build a business that contributed to the area, create jobs, and help local spaces look their best. The support from the business community and initiatives like Chesterfield Champions have made it a fantastic place to grow.

How is your team supporting our communities and improving our quality of life?

We take pride in maintaining open spaces that everyone can enjoy, whether that’s a school field or the grounds of a care home. Personally, the most rewarding part of the business is employing local people and enabling them to support their families and to contribute back into the region. We’re committed to offering opportunities to young people who may not have had the same chances as others, providing a supportive environment to help them start or continue their career journey.

How would you describe Chesterfield, using only three words?

Homely, gritty, vibrant.

What experiences would you recommend sharing in Chesterfield?

As someone who loves running and the outdoors, I think Chesterfield is perfect for anyone who enjoys being active. There are fantastic trail routes, and a wide range of clubs, like North East Derbyshire Running Club, local gyms, Hyrox, and CrossFit. I’d encourage anyone to get involved in a local sports club; they’re incredibly welcoming, regardless of ability.

Where in Chesterfield holds a special connection for you?

Queen’s Park and Linacre Reservoir are places I have a real fondness for. I spent 18 months living in a town centre apartment and would walk into Queen’s Park with my dog most days. Linacre is a beautiful spot for running and unwinding. Beyond the outdoor spaces, I’m also a fan of the many great places to eat and drink in the area!

What does being a Chesterfield Champion mean to your organisation?

Being a Chesterfield Champion is about taking pride in where we live and work. We always try to highlight the positives, whether that’s sharing local success stories on social media, recommending local suppliers, or simply delivering great service that reflects well on the area.