Female talent from Chesterfield’s business community has been recognised in the shortlist for East Midlands Chamber’s 2023 Enterprising Women Awards.
Finalists across 10 categories were announced for the 2023 awards, in association with headline sponsor Michael Smith Switchgear, at a summer networking and barbecue event, held at Stapleford Park Hotel and Spa yesterday (8 June).
Chesterfield companies to be recognised amongst the finalists include GBS Apprenticeships, CMP Legal, and Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care.
They will go on to take part in a judging panel on 11 July, comprising members of the Enterprising Women team, Chamber board of directors and category sponsors to get their chance to pitch before winners are decided.
Winners will be announced at Enterprising Women’s flagship gala dinner, which will take place on 6 October at Winstanley House, in Leicester.
Longstanding categories are up for grabs, such as Small Business of the Year, Female Employee of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, and the headline award Business Woman of the Year, as well as the refreshed She Who Innovates Award for those working in STEM-related industries.
Categories introduced last year to mark the network’s 25th anniversary will also return to the programme, including the Rising Star Award and Lifetime Achievement Award – which doesn’t have a shortlist and will instead be given as a surprise to an unsuspecting winner.
Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: “We’ve received another cohort of outstanding applications from women working across the region, and the shortlist features some truly inspiring achievements and stories.
“It’s fantastic to see women in business across a wide range of sectors and backgrounds recognised through the programme, as well as those across different parts of their career journey – from those just starting out in apprenticeship roles to highly successful business leaders representing everything that is great about our region.”
Fellow co-chair Eileen Perry MBE DL added: “Shortlisting the finalists has been a massive challenge for our category sponsors from the high calibre of entries, and we’re really looking forward to the judging panel to hear more about their work.
“Women in business across the East Midlands are doing fantastic and inspiring work, and we are delighted to be able to recognise their achievements through the Enterprising Women Awards each year.”
The Enterprising Women Awards 2023, which will be hosted by ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson, features a three-course meal as well as entertainment throughout the evening.
Enterprising Women Awards 2023 shortlist
Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
Alice Lees – Rolls-Royce
Courtney Brindley – Express Recruitment
Florence Comasky – EMA Training
Lucy Coope – trentbarton
Lucy Hilton – Cosy Direct
Sophie Shapcott – Smith Partnership
Social Commitment Award (Sponsored by She Inspires Global)
Cosy Direct
Guildford Europe
Rosie May Foundation
Rotheras Solicitors
Spenbeck
Female Employee of the Year (Sponsored by Nelsons)
Asiya Parekh – Leicester Hospitals Charity
Brogan Lees-Collier – Forsyth Barnes
Cherryl Holland – trentbarton
Emily Brailsford – Rural Action Derbyshire
Sarah Budgie – Regency Source
Rising Star (Sponsored by Amanda Daly – The Turnaround CEO)
Chloe Heard – MHA MacIntyre Hudson LLP
Coral Guard – GBS Apprenticeships
Katie McLoughlin – Soft Touch Arts
Ruby Birks – Purpose Media
Scarlett Tinsley – ER Recruitment
Female Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
Julie Adams – Auditel
Julie Clark – Savage Lighting
Sally Faulkner – Bond Street Distillery
Sarah Withers – Withers Gin
Therese Lord – Construct3D
Team of the Year (Sponsored by Breedon Consulting)
Flame UK
Generation Next ambassadors
PPL PRS collections team
PPL PRS marketing team
Rotheras Solicitors
She Who Innovates (Sponsored by Pick Everard)
ChangeXtra – Claire Mann
Construct3D – Therese Lord, Jacob Lord, Jason Lord
e-bate – Leanne Bonner-Cook and team
Purpose Media – Ruby Birks
RimPro-Tec Wheelbands – Deborah Chester
Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
Blueprint Interiors
CMP Legal
Design Studio Architects
Katapult
S&D Roofing
Business Woman of the Year (Sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)
Becky Valentine and Victoria Green – Spenbeck
Dawn Brown – Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare
Emma Allen – Acute Business Advisory
Jaz Kaur – Fraser Stretton Property Group
Sandy Prime – S&D Roofing
Lifetime Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by Paradigm Wills & Legal Services)
*No finalists for this category – winner will be announced at gala dinner
East Midlands Chamber, GBS Apprenticeships, CMP Legal, and Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Teams at two Chesterfield firms are celebrating successes, after wins at the Insider South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards last week.
It has been a great year for the Corporate Finance team at Shorts, and the firm is delighted to have won four awards at this year’s ceremony. The winners were announced at a black-tie event hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay, at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday 8 June.
The wins included:
Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year
Deal of the Year (£10m+)Management buyout of Wincro Metal Industries
Innovation Investment Award: Investment in Sitehop by Mercia
Dealmaker of the Year: Andy Ryder
Following the successes of the evening, Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts (who also went on to win Dealmaker of the Year), said: “It is the expertise and committment of the Shorts team which we see reflected in these successes.
“Last year was a record-breaking year for the Shorts Corporate Finance team, with some fantastic transactions completed, and we are beyond proud to see that hard work being recognised. We have a great team and with an exciting pipeline of opportunities, we are looking forward to another successful year.”
Elsewhere, leading regional law firm Banner Jones has won the National/International Deal of the Year award alongside Translink Corporate Finance at this year’s prestigious event.
The announcement sees the firm’s Business Legal Services department receive recognition for the role it played in advising the shareholders of Chesterfield-based The Corrugated Case Company (CCC), in a major acquisition deal with the UK arm of the global packaging specialist, Tri-Wall, which completed last summer.
Andrew Fielder from Banner Jones’ Business Legal Services department – supported by colleagues Tim Barley, Katie Ash and Sara Patel – advised the sellers on all aspects of the share disposal, and of the separate sale of the businesses trading premises.
Commenting on the award win Andrew Fielder from Banner Jones’ Business Legal Services department, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received recognition for the work carried out on the CCC acquisition deal, alongside the team at Translink Corporate Finance.
“The South Yorkshire Dealmaker Awards provide a unique opportunity for the local deals community to get together to celebrate our successes, and we are thrilled to have taken home the grand prize in the National/International Deal of the Year category.”
Banner Jones and Shorts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
The legendary British athlete and TV personality Kriss Akabusi MBE is set to host the upcoming awards celebration of Chesterfield Champion UKATA.
Kriss will host 2023 UKATA Excellence Awards which are being held on Friday 7 July 2023 to coincide with Mesothelioma Awareness Day. UKATA-approved training providers and associates working within the UK’s asbestos industry will be honoured at the celebration.
The event will also celebrate the 15th anniversary of the creation of UKATA, a leading authority on asbestos standards and training.
Kriss said: “I am truly honoured to be hosting the UKATA Excellence Awards 2023 event and joining in the celebration of UKATA’s remarkable 15-year anniversary. This momentous occasion is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of UKATA in advancing excellence and fostering growth within the construction industry.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event, where we will recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who have made a significant impact in this dynamic field.
“Together, let us embrace the spirit of excellence and raise a toast to 15 years of success and innovation!”
This will be the second time Kriss has hosted UKATA’s awards, which are sponsored by Asbestos Analysts Ltd, Tersus Consultancy Ltd, Asbestos Management Consultancy Ltd, Roundworks IT, DSK Environmental Ltd and Specialist Assessment and Training Centre Ltd.
Craig Evans, UKATA Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kriss Akabusi as the host of this special event. His energy, enthusiasm, and charisma will add an extra dimension to what promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of those in the asbestos industry.”
Established in 2008 at the request of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), UKATA (the UK Asbestos Training Association) has since gone on to set the industry standards in asbestos training as well as develop a network of approved asbestos training providers.
The event, which is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport, will see Kriss present six prestigious awards which recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations working in the industry to protect workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Despite the use of asbestos being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos exposure is responsible for the deaths of *20 tradespeople in the UK every week, making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths.
Kriss will present six awards at the event:
Contribution to the Community Award
Customer Service Excellence Award
Workforce Development Award
Excellence in Innovation
Industry Associate of the Year
Rising Star Award
An expert panel of judges will decide the winners of the awards which will be announced on the night.
More than 100 people working within the industry are expected to attend the event, including campaigners and fundraisers for charities dedicated to people affected by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other asbestos related diseases.
Craig added: “Although the use of asbestos was banned in the construction of buildings nearly 25 years ago, it still presents a very serious health risk to people. The work of our approved training providers, charities and campaigners within the industry continues to be vital in increasing asbestos safety standards. I am delighted that we will be able to recognise them at this very special celebration.”
Asbestos was used widely in construction for 100 years prior to its ban. It is estimated that today there are six million tonnes of the highly toxic material in as many as 1.5 million buildings in the UK.
Since UKATA was established 15 years ago, approved training providers have delivered asbestos training to more than two million people.
To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the team on 01246 824437.
UKATA supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Firms in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been urged to seek the royal seal of approval for their achievements by entering the UK’s most prestigious business awards.
East Midlands Chamber is encouraging companies to enter the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024, which opened for entries over the coronation weekend.
They will recognise organisations for their achievements across innovation, international development, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Our region is full of fantastic companies that are breaking new ground in their sectors, delivering goods and services across the world, and demonstrating how business can be a force for good – which is why we are so keen to talk about the East Midlands being a Centre of Trading Excellence.
“Now, it’s time to start spreading the word about just how great we are on a global stage and we would encourage businesses to shout about their achievements far and wide.
“The King’s coronation was a tremendous occasion that brought the best of our country together, so what better time to use this as an opportunity to showcase the best of our region’s business community by entering the King’s Awards for Enterprise.
“It was exciting to see eight companies with links to our region – including six Chamber members – recognised in the 2023 awards but it would be great to grow this number in 2024 and really put the East Midlands on the map.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 are free to enter and the deadline is midday on 12 September 2023. Applicants can enter multiple categories via an online process.
Shortlisted organisations will be notified in October and winners notified in March 2024, with unsuccessful organisations receiving feedback on their applications around the same time.
The list of winners is officially announced in the London Gazette on 6 May 2024 and representatives will be invited to attend a royal reception next summer.
Awards recipients are permitted to fly the King’s Awards for Enterprise flag at their main office and use the emblem in marketing materials for five years.
They will also receive an official certificate known as a grant of appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy.
A webinar for Chesterfield businesses will be taking place on Wednesday, 21st June with award writing expert, Lucinda White from Pure Awards – who will cover the entry process, what to consider when entering the awards, and how to make practical in-roads into preparing the content.
A Chesterfield-based mortgage broker is celebrating a double success, after being named as finalists in two major industry awards.
Established in Chesterfield in 2008, Mortgage 1st offers mortgage & protection advice to customers all over the UK. With Advisers both in Chesterfield and across the country their team have helped thousands of customers over the years to secure their first home, remortgage, become landlords and protect their family with the right insurance.
With no sign of the firm’s growth slowing down any time soon, welcoming new faces into their team on almost a monthly basis, Mortgage 1st have ambitious plans to become one of the UK’s largest Mortgage Brokers.
Alongside offering quality advice to their customers, the Mortgage 1st team are passionate about supporting young people and work closely with a number of schools across Derbyshire delivering mortgage lessons and raising awareness of careers in the financial services industry.
It’s a combination of the firm’s continuous growth, the quality advice they provide their customers, the career opportunities offered to their team and the support they give within the local community that’s lead them to the finals in two separate industry awards.
The firm has been named amongst the list of finalistsin the ‘Best Mortgage Broker (8 to 50 advisers) category at the Mortgage Strategy Award3 2023. The ceremony is regarded as the pinnacle of success for those in the UK mortgage industry. Winners will be announced at the Gala dinner in London on the 25th of May.
Furthermore, Mortgage 1st is also looking to scoop ‘Broker Firm of the Year (11-50 employees)’ at the Financial Reporter Awards. Winners will be announced at the awards event on the 11th of May.
Lisa Stones, Operations Director at Mortgage 1st (pictured above) commented: “To be named as finalists in both of these awards and listed alongside some fantastic businesses is absolutely amazing. Testament to our entire team, their passion, commitment and ongoing hard work. We would love nothing more than to bring home a winner’s trophy but regardless, we’ll have a fantastic time at the award events and will be celebrating our achievements.”
Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
A partnership project between the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action has been shortlisted for a Community Impact Award.
The Business Charity Awards recognise the power of partnerships with charities across the country, and the influence and success they can bring.
Being nominated is a testament to the strong partnership between the University and DVA, which has enabled them to make a real difference in local communities. The winners of this prestigious award will be announced in May at an award ceremony in London.
The award recognises how students, staff, and community groups have worked together to create meaningful connections and support grassroots organisations, build relationships with local communities, deliver training programs, contribute their time and knowledge, and share stories and experiences across higher education, charities, and community groups.
It celebrates how together these resources and expertise have combined to create positive change in Derbyshire.
Claire Carter, Business Relationship Manager at the University of Derby, said: “We are proud of the Community Chesterfield project and our partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action.
“We have seen some very impactful activities over the last four years, and going forward we have the opportunity to further our collaborative impact for students, academics and our community.
“Being recognised and shortlisted for this category demonstrates how different sectors can come together to make a difference to communities.”
For more information about the University of Derby, visit www.derby.ac.uk
You can find out more about some of Chesterfield’s charity sector organisations and community groups here.
The University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Entries are now open for the East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards 2023, with the network set to recognise another cohort of female leaders.
Women in business across the Chamber’s membership base in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire can apply for the 10 category awards – which cater for a range of careers from apprentices and employees, to entrepreneurs and long-standing achievement.
The Enterprising Women Awards, held in association with headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear, were launched yesterday (Thursday 9 March) at an International Women’s Day conference at the Nottingham Belfry, which was attended by more than 80 delegates.
Enterprising Women is led by co-chairs Jean Mountain and Eileen Perry MBE DL. Through its networking opportunities and inspirational events, it creates an environment for women in business to connect and grow their knowledge, and equips them with the tools to succeed.
Jean, who co-founded the network in 1997, said: “The Enterprising Women Awards are a fantastic showcase of the strength of female talent we have here in the East Midlands, and we’re delighted to bring the celebration back this year.”
Eileen added: “We’ve been running our awards programme since 2013, and every year the calibre of talent never fails to impress us. We are looking forward to reading seeing another cohort of what undoubtedly will be fantastic applications this year.”
Enterprising Women Awards 2023 categories
Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)
Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
Social Commitment (sponsored by She Inspires)
Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)
Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)
She Who Innovates (sponsored by Pick Everard)
Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
Rising Star (sponsored by The Turnaround CEO)
Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Paradigm Wills)
Other supporters of the awards include music sponsors PPL PRS, and video sponsors AVIT Media.
Entries are now open and the deadline is 27 April, with the awards taking place on 6 October.
A Chesterfield hairstylist has been nominated for three accolades at the 2023 UK Hair and Beauty Awards, having only opened a few months ago.
Jessica Peprah, owner of Jpepss Beauty, based in the Clocktower Business Centre near Staveley says she is delighted to be nominated, just months after opening the business.
The salon offers a number of specialist hair services which have previously not been offered in many places locally, including a variety of braiding styles.
The three categories Jessica will be in the running for at the prestigious national ceremony are:
Best hairstylist of the year
Rising star
Best new talent
Jessica commented: “I have always been passionate about helping others feel confident and beautiful through my work, and I knew from a young age that this was the career path I wanted to pursue.
“I have honed my skills and developed a strong expertise in a wide variety of hair braiding styles, styling, cutting, extensions and customised wig making.
“The services that I offer are not that common in my area. Most of my clients used to travel to have these hair services done as there was no one offering it locally.”
The business has recieved support from the Vision Derbyshire start-up scheme, which offers grants and advice to businesses starting up in the area. Jessica also believes being located in Staveley has been ideal in helping to grow her business so quickly.
She added: “I absolutely love being based in Staveley. I am very close to the M1 and also very close to town, which makes it so easy for my clients to visit the salon. I have also been getting a lot of support of the community which I really appreciate.”
Looking to the future, Jessica is hoping to continue spreading the word about her unique services in the local area: “There are not many people offering these services in Chesterfield, so getting all the support now will lead to a long-lasting and proper expanded business which the town will love.”
Banner Jones Solicitors, a regional law firm based in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for three awards at the upcoming Sheffield & District Law Society Awards.
Nominations for the firm include the prestigious Residential Property Team of the Year, and Employment Team of the Year.
Chief Executive and Head of the Personal Injury at Banner Jones, Simon Wright has also been nominated for Partner of the Year, in recognition of his expertise within his field, his dedication to his clients and his continued contribution to the success of the business.
The winners of the awards will be announced at the annual awards ceremony which will take place on the 17th of February at the historic Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield.
Commenting on the news, Banner Jones’ Chief Executive Simon Wright said: “The Sheffield & District Law Society Awards are a firm favourite in our events calendar. The event provides a unique opportunity for the local legal community to get together to celebrate our successes, and we are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted in two of the team categories this year.
“I am also delighted and privileged to have been nominated by my colleagues for the Partner of the Year award. However, it is important to emphasise that all three of the shortlisting’s are testament to the hard work and dedication that everyone at the firm has shown over the past 12 months.”
This is the second year in a row that the Banner Jones employment team – which prides itself on being able to offer high quality advice in a user-friendly, cost-effective manner to individuals, businesses and charities – has been shortlisted for the Employment Team of the Year Award, which it won in 2022.
Widely recognised for its customer service led approach, the firm’s conveyancing department is in the running for the Residential Property of the Year Award for the first time.
One of the largest and most experienced in our area, consisting of 42 members, the team was also shortlisted for the ‘Best use of Technology’ in the 2022 Sheffield business awards.
Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
As Redbrik approaches its 10-year anniversary in January, the agent is celebrating a string of successes.
Redbrik picked up three significant accolades in the Best Companies Q4 2022 awards, in the sector, regional and national lists.
The awards ceremony listed Redbrik as the 50th Best Small Company to Work For in the UK, 5th Best Property Company to Work for in the UK and ranked 28th in the Top 100 Companies to Work for in Yorkshire & Humber.
Alongside the new awards, Redbrik retained their 2-star ‘Outstanding to Work For’ accreditation by Best Companies for the second year.
Best Companies quarterly league tables celebrate the very best in workplace engagement, recognising companies nationally, regionally and within their sectors through employee surveys and interviews.
Redbrik have also retained their position in the Best Estate Agent Guide for Sales and Lettings for the sixth year running, placing them in the top 2% of estate agents in the country.
Mark Ross, Managing Director at Redbrik, said: “A lot has changed in the last 10 years, and as we approach such a landmark anniversary, now is a great time to reflect.
“One thing that has never wavered is our commitment to our colleagues and our clients; at Redbrik, we are nothing without our people and we aim to champion every individual within the business, helping them to reach their full potential.
“I would like to thank every person at Redbrik for making it such a great place to work, and for providing exceptional service to our clients, which is reflected by our recurring ranking in the Best Estate Agent Guide year on year.”
The company’s charity foundation recently hosted the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k once again, raising thousands of pounds for local charities. Find out more about the success of the event here.
Redbrik Estate Agents supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Of the 15 award categories,10 of the winners were first-time finalists and five of the winning businesses have only opened in the past two years.
A total of 34 businesses, individuals and developments were shortlisted across the 15 categories in the annual awards, but it was Master Debonair, Sicily Restaurant and Great2Grow – part of Great2, that took the headline awards this year – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.
All three businesses were established in Chesterfield less than 30 months ago.
Last year Sicily Restaurant scooped the title of Best New Hospitality Business with owner Giuseppe Barone stealing the show when he proposed on stage to his partner Monica Sardisco.
Founded in 2019, Sicily Restaurant, which is based on Sheffield Road, is rated as the number one restaurant in Chesterfield on TripAdvisor. Commenting on this year’s award win co-owner Monica Sardisco said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards, and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”
Winner of the Retailer of the Year Award, menswear store Master Debonair opened its Chatsworth Road branch in 2019. Although the third store for the company, it is the first outside the North East where it also has stores in Sunderland and East Boldon.
Delighted to win the award Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”
Brand new business Great2Grow – part of the Great2 Group, a provider of co-working space and business support services, secured this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year title. The award recognises the achievement, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
In addition to the prestigious title, Great2Grow also received 10 hours free mentoring with the award’s sponsor, Banner Jones Solicitors. Great2Grow will receive a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.
Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow, said: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”
EastEnders icon and household name Shaun Williamson hosted the sell-out black-tie event at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.
Speaking at the awards Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said:
“The finalists and winners of this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards are testament that our hard work is paying off. The awards were a true celebration of independent businesses.
“Since 2013, Destination Chesterfield has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of businesses in our town. Between April 2021 and May 2022, more than 35 independent businesses invested in the town centre. Their confidence in Chesterfield, together with ongoing investment, is helping to ensure that we have a town centre that meets the needs of a new generation of shopper and visitor. It is wonderful to see so many small businesses thriving in Chesterfield.”
More than 250 people attended the celebration which was organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.
Winners of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:
Best New High Street Business – Sponsored by SMH Group
MD Hair
Michelle Dalman, owner, MD Hair: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. I am so proud of my team and myself. The team have been key to winning the award. They make sure everyone has an amazing experience when they come into the salon.”
Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Peak Pharmacy
Il Mondo Travel
Jo Bunting, owner of Il Mondo Travel, said: “It’s been a tough few years for us and the travel industry, so this is a great award for us to win.”
Independent High Street Business
Blanc and Blanc Occasions
Anne-Marie White, owner, Blanc and Blanc Occasions, said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be voted for by our customers for the Independent High Street Business award. Being an independent means we can source the best brands from around the world and offer a very personal service.”
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
Master Debonair
Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”
Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, who presented the award said: “The market is the beating heart of our town. Ibbotson’s is a second-generation market trader, so it is wonderful they have won this award for the second year running. There are so many good traders on the market so to win this award is testament to Nick Ibbotson and his team for their customer service.”
Best New Hospitality Business
Host Coffee
Christian O’Connell, owner, Host Coffee said: “We had a vision for the business in Clay Cross when we established it, so to pull it off and win this award is a great feeling. The team, our customer service and consistency of product brings people back to us. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing.”
Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management
Sicily Restaurant
Monica Sardisco, owner, Sicily Restaurant, said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”
Café of the Year
Koo
Gemma Taylor-Murdoch, owner, Koo, said: “I feel on top of the world to win Café of the Year. The team put blood, sweat and tears into delivering the best service to our customers and making sure they all have a lovely experience with us.”
Pub/Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Shorts Accountants
Junction Bar
Michael Walker, owner, Junction Bar, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to win the award. We’ve been in Chesterfield for six years and we’ve absolutely smashed it – this award proves it. We have an amazing team and they keep customers coming back.”
Accessibility Award – Sponsored by Spirecross Ltd
The Café at Northern Tea Merchants
Kim Lamin, Owner, The Café at Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I’m really proud to win the award. We are very keen to make the café as accessible as possible to all our customers to ensure they have the best experience and a warm welcome when they visit us.”
Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by MSE Hiller
Resting Devil Brewery
Josh Clarke, owner and brewer, Resting Devil Brewery, said: “To win the award feels fantastic as we’ve only been going seven months. Quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do. We now want to slowly expand and get our beer into shops and stores.”
Regeneration Award – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
Badger Croft (Led by Henry Boot Construction)
Graham Johnson, Site Manager, Badger Croft, said: “Henry Boot does a lot of projects around the borough, but Badger Croft has been something special. We have given people new sustainable and energy efficient homes to live in for many years to come.”
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by DBC Training
Will Brooks (Superior Wellness)
Will Brooks, Apprentice at Superior Wellness, said: “I’m very proud to win the award. One of the things that made me choose an apprenticeship was the experience and freedom you get compared to university. It’s the best choice I made.”
Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing, Superior Wellness, added: “Will really impressed us when he covered the role of two marketing executives who left the company. Senior managers and colleagues all noticed how he stepped up to the role and took it in his stride. Because of Will’s success in the business, we’ve recruited two further apprentices. It’s a great way for young people to start their career.”
Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
Great2Grow – part of Great 2 Group
Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow said: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”
Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Northern Tea Merchants
James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to win the award. We have put so much effort into our journey to becoming sustainable, so to be recognised for it is wonderful. Since committing to becoming more sustainable we have already offset over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide created just from the cultivation of the tea, coffee and cocoa that we sell. This award is the first step of our ongoing sustainability journey.”
The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Business Wise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and SMH Group.
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