Champion of the Week
Darran Severn, Director at FHP Property Consultants
Hi, I am Darran Severn, Director at FHP Property Consultants, and I head up our Derby office, which covers Chesterfield and Derbyshire. I focus on the sale, leasing and acquisition of office and industrial premises in strategic locations along the M1, A50 and A38 corridor across Derbyshire and the East/West Midlands.
As a business, we also cover the retail sector and can advise on lease renewals, rent reviews, business rates, as well as statutory and finance valuations.
How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?
Forward-thinking region.
What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield and why?
Chesterfield, being a market and industrial town, has a rich history and perhaps my favourite place to visit would be the Crooked Spire, otherwise known as the Parish Church of St Mary & All Saints. It is widely known for the Crooked Spire, which is depicted in the Chesterfield Football Club emblem.
How is your business or organisation becoming more sustainable?
FHP is becoming more sustainable through adopting new procedures on both a company-wide and personal level. We offer the cycle to work scheme and an electric vehicle policy.
We also help our clients create buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also built to stand the test of time. These modern spaces are designed to meet today’s sustainability standards, helping businesses stay ahead when it comes to environmental responsibility and employee well-being. The buildings we deliver have top energy ratings and meet internationally recognised standards for sustainability (‘A’ EPC and BREEAM Excellent), meaning they’re efficient, future-ready, and good for both people and the planet.
Why do you love working or doing business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?
Chesterfield offers opportunities for our property business, with several new developments and redevelopment being undertaken in the town and region.
How are you supporting young people in your business?
FHP welcomes anyone who wishes to gain work experience in the property world, and we regularly have students with us over the summer holidays on work experience.
We also work with local universities and take on several apprentices who are studying to become chartered surveyors through a real estate pathway degree apprenticeship.
Which upcoming development do you think will have the greatest impact on the town and why?
We were involved in the first phase of the Chesterfield Waterside development, which provided 36,000ft2 of grade A office space, now fully let. The total development will cover 16 hectares on the edge of the town centre, adjacent to the mainline railway station. The mixed-use development will create a new hub within Chesterfield, centred around a high-quality public realm, yet with easy access to the world-famous Peak District National Park.
What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?
The fact that 2030 is only five years away gives little time, but the town and region is taking steps forward to be revitalised and stay ahead of other towns and regions. Our town needs to continue to push forward by encouraging commercial activities within the region, and building on our strengths, including our diverse geography and our central location, close to the M1.
FHP Property Consultants is one of over 230 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
