EcoTech Engineers

Chesterfield Champions shine at Derbyshire Business Awards

Several Chesterfield businesses have been announced as winners at East Midlands Chamber’s annual Derbyshire Business Awards ceremony.

The wins showcase the importance of companies across our town, and the vital role they play in supporting the local economy.

Hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson, the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards took place on 25th October in Derby. Awards were presented across 13 categories, in a ceremony accompanied by a three-course dinner and followed by live entertainment.

Kranlee Logistics, based at Markham Vale was a big winner on the night, taking two prestigious awards, including Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

Business of the Year is a special award, selected from any one of the category winners during the ceremony. The recipient then goes through to the regional and national British Chambers of Commerce Awards taking place in 2025.

Lee Wells (pictured), Co-Owner of Kranlee commented: “Winning this will elevate us so much within the industry and within the community. We’ve got loyal customers that support us so much, but this might expose us to a lot more customers.

“We’re all about service, all about personality. There’s the staff we’ve got working for us that that work so hard day-to-day, providing the personal feel that we give to people.”

The success for Chesterfield Champions didn’t end there… Chesterfield’s Global Brands were winners of the Business Improvement Through Technology award.

In addition, Laura Holland, founder and Managing Director of Dunston-based Ecotech Engineers, was crowned Entrepreneur of the Year.

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles added: “Derbyshire is fortunate to boast a wealth of businesses of all sizes that continually excel, further underlining the East Midlands as a Centre of Trading Excellence. Whether through innovation, approach to sustainability or superb customer service, the finalists and award winners this year were simply exceptional.

“The Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards bring together organisations from all over the county, across a wide range of sectors. To be able to network and build valuable connections over a three-course dinner, and at the iconic location of Pride Park Stadium made for an unmissable evening.

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the award recipients whose resilience, creativity and sheer hard work gave them this well-deserved recognition. I thank all those who entered, sponsored or supported the Derbyshire Business Awards and played a part in creating such a memorable evening.”

Do you want to find out more about entering your business into local and regional awards? Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business/

East Midlands Chamber, Kranlee Logistics, Global Brands and Ecotech Engineers support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield entrepreneur receives special recognition at Enterprising Women Awards

A Chesterfield businesswoman has scooped a prestigious Special Recognition accolade at the East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

Laura Holland, Managing Director of EcoTech Engineers was presented with the award by the Co-Chairs of the Enterprising Women network.

Organised by East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, the prestigious event took place at Leicestershire’s Winstanley House on 20th September.  ITV presenter Emma Jesson, who has hosted the event every year since its launch over a decade ago, announced the winners, spanning ten categories, as well two special recognition awards – one of which was presented to Laura.

Speaking on her award win, Laura commented: “I was overwhelmed and so thankful to be recognised by the Enterprising Women chapter of the East Midlands Chamber, not only with the shortlisting for Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business of the Year but to receive a special mention and awarded Personal Recognition Award from the Co-Chairs on the night!

“This recognition award has allowed me to reflect on the journey I have taken and opportunities I have pushed to get Ecotech Engineers Limited to the place it is now in just four years. I’ve worked hard to drive the company forward in the construction industry and these awards highlight the personal journey I have taken to get Ecotech to where it is now – an award winning structural engineering consultancy that consistently supports new housing developments and innovations in construction across England from a very humble start in Chesterfield.”

“I was surprised to win this award but would like to use this platform to endorse women in engineering and hope to inspire young women especially to push themselves and take opportunities in business as hard work really can pay off. With the right support and attitude you really can aim to have it all, I have a 4 year old successful growing company with two children aged 3 years and 3 months – something I wouldn’t have dreamt possible without the support from my family, husband and great Ecotech Team!”

Enterprising Women co-chair Jean Mountain said: “Being able to stand next to these women that have done so much for women in business in the East Midlands is something that cannot be underestimated. We can all look up to, all learn from, and all aspire to be like the businesswomen that have been recognised at this ceremony.

“While the network is ‘Enterprising Women’, winning an award is really elevating the role of women in business. It’s not just achievement; it’s attitude. The winners of these awards are women who don’t stand back – they’re generating new ideas and they’re influencing the people around them to achieve too.

“The quality bar has been broken tonight as, once again, we’ve seen exceptional entries and I’ve no doubt the judges will have pulled their hair out during selection. In my mind everyone that entered is a winner, because by doing so you’re doing East Midlands women proud. I’d like to give my deepest thanks to the sponsors that helped make this a spectacular evening.”

EcoTech Engineers supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Woman wearing green dress holding certificate and smiling

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Chesterfield entrepreneur nominated for two Enterprising Women Awards

The owner of a Chesterfield structural engineering business has been shortlisted in two categories at East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards.

Laura Holland, of Ecotech Engineers is amongst the finalists for the Small Business of the Year Award and Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

The nominations come fresh off the back of Laura also being nominated for a Generation Next Award, an East Midlands Chamber event which recognises young entrepreneurs and talent in the region.

The event, which takes place in Leicestershire on 20th September will celebrate the best female entrepreneurial talent across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Reacting to the nomination, Laura said: “I was so pleased to get this news after a whirlwind of a month personally and professionally!

“I’m honoured to be shortlisted with all these amazing women in Business for Small Business of the Year and Female Entrepreneur – especially now I have my own little lady to hope to inspire.

“Another nod to the brilliant team of Ecotech Engineers Ltd and everything we have accomplished over the last 4 years!”

Enterprising Women Co-Chair Eileen Perry said: “On International Women’s Day the theme was ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and these awards are part of embracing and celebrating our differences. The theme of promoting, growing and succeeding is something that we see year on year with the people that apply for the awards. There are people who, for example, have applied for a category like Apprentice of the Year and then gone on to win Female Entrepreneur of the Year. It’s not about the fall of men; it’s about the rise of women and believing in themselves more.”

Enterprising Women Co-Chair Jean Mountain said: “Year in, year out, over the years these awards have been phenomenal. We’ve been doing these awards for around 15 years now and the standard of entries gets higher and higher each year. We set the bar really high and you see it with the fabulous names of finalists that come through and the companies they represent.”

Ecotech Engineers supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

laura holland ecotech engineers

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Chesterfield structural engineering company shortlisted for prestigious start-up award

The Managing Director of a Chesterfield-based structural engineering consultancy business has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award.

Laura Holland, of Ecotech Engineers is amongst the nominees for the Start-up Award at the 2024 Generation Next Awards.

The Generation Next Awards are one of the biggest events in the annual calendar for the network of young professionals run by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby.

12 categories will shine the spotlight on the outstanding achievements of people under the age of 35 in awards ranging from the Innovation and Technology Award to Generation Next Future Leader Award.  New to 2024 is the Investing in Young Talent Award aimed at businesses with a forward-thinking approach that provides mentorship, training and growth opportunities for young professionals.

Following a virtual judging process on 14th and 15th May Bustler Market in Derby will once again host the awards, this year taking place on 4th July.  In previous years the unconventional ceremony has featured a DJ, arcade games and street food.

Laura commented: “The Ecotech team are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Start Up Award! Building strong client relationships and a growing East Midlands construction sector have been instrumental to our success and ability to grow in recent years.”

East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources and Generation Next Lead Lucy Robinson said:

“Once again, the standard of applications received for the Generation Next awards has far exceeded expectation.  Taking a look at the calibre in this year’s list of finalists gives an idea how challenging the task of shortlisting was for the judging panel.  It’s wonderful to see the achievement of such talented young people getting the recognition they deserve.   With this array of young talent now unveiled, the stage is set for a fantastic ceremony at Bustler Market on 4th July.”

laura holland ecotech engineers

 Generation Next Awards 2024 finalists

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College

  • Alice Taylor – Your IT Department
  • Ben Taylor – Preci-Spark
  • Cerys Goodson – E.ON
  • Emily Barnes – Donaldson Filtration GB
  • Evie Culligan – The Fidelity Group
  • George Archer – OceanLED
  • Hannah Pritchard – Turner & Townsend
  • Rav Jackson – Stephen Eve Financial Planning
  • Rosie Summers – Caterpillar UK Ltd
  • William Murphy – Electrician

Creators and Makers Award

  • Olivia Waldron – MHA
  • Katie Michaels – Moti Me
  • Ollie Henderson – Purpose Media
  • Max Palfrey – Comfa
  • Alistair Bullock – Purpose Media
  • Ewan Johnson – Botso Limited
  • Morgan Jones – Hardy Signs
  • Jamie Quince Starkey – Down to Earth Derby

Customer Service Award

  • Benjamin Wileman – Select Car Leasing East Midlands
  • Elliot Pipes – Sort Legal
  • Daniel Burke – Delta 74 Private Investigations Ltd
  • Hayley Cousins – Loughborough College
  • Jack Marshall – Select Car Leasing East Midlands
  • Jenny White – Rosie May Foundation / Think Pink
  • Jessica Kelleher – Halborns Limited
  • Matthew Robinson – RBC Brewin Dolphin
  • Nicole Perkins – Futures Housing Group
  • Loredana Budhan – Rosie May Foundation / Think Pink
  • Stephen Atkinson – Longbow Venues
  • Rebecca Cliff – Nottingham Trent University
  • Thomas Shaw – Shaw Spark Electrical and Property Services

Entrepreneur of the Year

  • Joshua Leach-Aslam – Two Chevrons Group / Two Chevrons CIC
  • Oliver Smith – Miroproducts
  • Luke Beastall – Musclecoach U.K LTD
  • Katie Michaels – Moti Me
  • Ewan Johnson – Botso Limited
  • David Allerton – SE-LF
  • Emma Morris – Headway Derby
  • Jiten Anand – Inspirate
  • Stephen Atkinson – Longbow Venues
  • Jamie Quince Starkey – Down to Earth Derby

Environmental Warrior Award sponsored by Hydropath Technology

  • Ewan Johnson – Botso Limited
  • George Pritchard – Scenariio Ltd
  • David Allerton – SE-LF
  • Jamie Quince Starkey – Down to Earth Derby

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Award, sponsored by Futures Housing Group

  • Emma Sharpe – Menphys
  • Katie Michaels – Moti Me
  • Max Palfrey – Comfa
  • Brogan Lees-Collier – Forsyth Barnes
  • Laura Till – AMBITION Sports Coaching Ltd
  • Fraser Annis – Anniseeds Ltd
  • Michaela Castillo-Williams – Epic Partners
  • Jiten Anand – Inspirate

Innovation and Technology Award, sponsored by Hardy Signs

  • Jake Ridgway – Design Only Gardens Ltd
  • Josh Donnell – Purpose Media
  • Finn Riggott – Cosy Direct
  • Max Palfrey – Comfa
  • Elizabeth Ashton – Loughborough University

Investing in Young Talent Award

  • Futures Housing Group
  • MHA
  • Your IT Department
  • Base 51
  • Purpose Media
  • De Montfort University Careers Team
  • Innovation Nottinghamshire
  • Longbow Venues

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Nottingham Trent University

  • Adhinav Jain – Enactus Derby
  • Amy Curtis – Loughborough College
  • Evie Culligan – The Fidelity Group
  • Fern Ritchie – Your IT Department
  • Jemima Prater – The Maynard (Part of Longbow Venues)
  • Lucy Hilton – Cosy Direct
  • Lydia McDonald – Treat Kitchen
  • Nicole Perkins – Futures Housing Group
  • Sarif Sarker – Growthack Digital
  • Scarlet McCourt – trentbarton

Start-up Award, sponsored by Nottingham University Business School

  • Alex Taylor – Endeavours Adventures
  • Danielle & Ben Slater – Stephen Eve Financial Planning Ltd
  • Jamie Quince Starkey – Down to Earth Derby
  • Katie Michaels – Moti Me
  • Laura Holland – Ecotech Engineers Ltd
  • Max Palfrey – Comfa

Volunteering & Charitable Impact Award, sponsored by ITS Technology Group

  • Joshua Leach-Aslam – Two Chevrons Group / Two Chevrons CIC
  • Bradley Hall – Turner & Townsend
  • Emma Sharpe – Menphys
  • Alicia Anderson – Reuseabox
  • Katie Michaels – Moti Me
  • Jenny White – Rosie May Foundation / Think Pink
  • Loredana Budhan – Rosie May Foundation / Think Pink
  • David Allerton – SE-LF
  • Michaela Castillo-Williams – Epic Partners

Future Leader Award, sponsored by University of Derby

  • Chris Allcoat – Turner & Townsend
  • Samantha O’Neill – The Derby Conference Centre Ltd
  • Jamie Quince Starkey – Down to Earth Derby
  • Katie Michaels – Moti Me
  • Jack Brewin – Hays Specialist Recruitment
  • Emma Sharpe – Menphys
  • Nicole Perkins – Futures Housing Group
  • Ruby Birks – Purpose Media
  • Taylor Wayne Gee – Design Only Gardens Ltd

Tickets for the Generation Next Awards 2024 ceremony can be purchased here

Ecotech Engineers and East Midlands Chamber support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Generation Next Awards 2024

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Chesterfield Champions win prestigious Derbyshire Business Awards

Two businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have taken home prestigious accolades at East Midlands Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards.

The ceremony recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner.

Chesterfield’s EcoTech Engineers won the award for Outstanding Growth (Sponsored by Amazon), while Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care took home the accolade for Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Rolls-Royce).

Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by 350 people at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The winners of our Business Awards are testament to the resilience, ingenuity and hunger for growth within the Derbyshire business community, which never ceases to amaze.

“Despite some of the relentless challenges that have been thrown their way, our region’s businesses continue to find new ways of succeeding and contributing to the communities in which they are based.

“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Derbyshire. We know it’s a fantastic place to do business and these organisations are shining examples.”

The Derbyshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire – were hosted by former badminton world champion Gail Emms MBE and featured live entertainment from high-energy party band Central Avenue.

A raffle was held to raise funds for the Chamber Charitable Fund, which comprises president Stuart Dawkins’ three chosen charities for this year – Foundation Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.

chamber business awards 2023 rose cottage

Winners of Derbyshire Business Awards 2023, in association with headline partner Mazars

Business Improvement Through Technology (sponsored by Purpose Media)

Coach Hire Comparison

Community Impact (sponsored by University of Derby)

Derventio Housing Trust

Outstanding Growth (sponsored by Amazon)

EcoTech Engineers

Excellence in Collaboration (sponsored by ITS Technology Group)

Colleague Box and Blue Light Card

Environmental Impact (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)

HSG UK

Commitment to People Development (sponsored by think3)

Midland Lead

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Toyota Manufacturing UK)

Leah Bancroft – Longbow Bars & Restaurants

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by East Midlands Manufacturing Network)

Steven Thai – Ocean King

Education and Business Partnership (sponsored by Concertus)

EMA Training

Excellence in Customer Service (sponsored by Howden)

Reformed IT

Excellence in International Trade (sponsored by East Midlands Freeport)

Bloc Digital

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by University of Derby)

Bloc Digital

Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Rolls-Royce)

Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare

Business of the Year (sponsored by Mazars)

Midland Lead

EcoTech Engineers 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.

Derbyshire Business Awards 2023 winners

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