Destination Chesterfield

Champion of the Week

Chrissie Rowell, Event Lead for Chesterfield Business Awards

I’m Chrissie Rowell, Event Lead for Chesterfield Business Awards, a new annual award focused on showcasing the success stories of Chesterfield borough and recognising the hard work and economic contribution in the area. My own background is in marketing, events and PR, and I taught business and marketing at the University of Derby for eight years before turning my attention back to my business and corporate events in particular.

What is your organisation looking forward to?

We can’t wait to recognise the strong diversity of local businesses at our inaugural ceremony this year. After that, we’re keen to expand the Chesterfield Business Awards further, working on the feedback we receive to make sure it delivers what the business owners and entrepreneurs in Chesterfield want. We want to engage more sponsors and entrants each year so that it can support and reach as many businesses as possible.

What makes Chesterfield and North Derbyshire a good place to work?

Chesterfield is a compact town that’s extremely well-connected to surrounding towns and cities. It also has a strong, supportive community spirit, which is reflected in how businesses collaborate and champion one another. The Chesterfield business network is particularly well developed, and that sense of connection and mutual support is vital for helping our town and economy thrive.

What sparked your decision to help recognise Chesterfield and why?

Having been Derbyshire-based for the last ten years, I’ve worked in and around Chesterfield and built a network here. As part of a dynamic and successful county, Chesterfield has grown into a thriving business hub in its own right, and I felt there was an opportunity to celebrate that local success more specifically. I wanted to help shine a spotlight on Chesterfield by creating an awards ceremony dedicated exclusively to the town and its businesses.

How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?

Friendly, hardworking and hilly.

What places would you recommend to someone planning a two-night stay?

Casa Hotel or Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa are both amazing places to stay, where you’ll get spoiled.

In terms of places to visit, then Renishaw Hall and Gardens are amazing, and of course you can’t miss a tour of St. Mary’s and All Saints Church – everyone needs to understand how the spire ended up crooked!

How do Chesterfield and North Derbyshire showcase their culture and heritage?

Destination Chesterfield does a brilliant job of promoting Chesterfield and creating opportunities for people to get involved, and our town has a what’s on list as long as your arm!

The Glow Up event, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, was a fantastic idea, especially the light show. Using a landmark building as the canvas for something that incorporated all sorts of Chesterfield’s culture and history was really clever and made for great photo opportunities.

Where in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire holds a special connection for you?

My son was born at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and I had the best experience there.

The birthing suite and midwives were brilliant, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I think he feels at home when we visit Chesterfield! He really loves the spire, but who doesn’t? It always makes us smile.

What does being a Chesterfield Champion mean to your organisation?

We’re pleased to be making our support for Chesterfield official. If we can give the businesses here another platform to shine and really shout about what they do, plus help them to be recognised for their hard work and wins, then we feel like that’s a job well done. We’re excited to see more award entries come in and to help to create additional opportunities for all the hardworking folks that make this the amazing town that it is.