CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜As unassuming town that has an awful lot to offer'

The magazine aims to inform, entertain and promote businesses across North Derbyshire.

I was born and brought up in Chesterfield and moved back to live in the town ten years ago.

I’m married with a young daughter and, in addition to editing Pure Business, I work as a freelance journalist and copywriter. Pure Business was launched in March this year and is produced by Buxton-based Merit Publications Ltd which also publishes lifestyle magazines Pure Buxton and Pure Bakewell.

1. What’s your best memory of the town?

That has to be Chesterfield FC’s 1996 to 97 swashbuckling journey to the FA Cup semi-finals.

I still can’t believe how lucky I was to have been involved in the whole experience. That amazing FA Cup run brought the whole town together, and I just wish that my dad – a lifelong Chesterfield fan – had lived to see it.

2. What development do you think will make the biggest difference to the town?

Chesterfield Waterside has the potential to transform the way people live, work and socialise.

Also, the new University of Derby campus will play a vital part – along with Chesterfield College – in bridging skills gaps.

3. How would you describe Chesterfield to someone who has never visited?

An unassuming town which has an awful lot to offer, for both business and pleasure. It’s a cliché, but there are many hidden gems in Chesterfield. There are some great places to shop, dine, be entertained and hopefully, in the next few years there will be even more.

4. What are the positives of running a business here?

One of the biggest positives is the business-friendly borough council. It is forward-thinking and open to new developments.

5. Who or what do you turn to in Chesterfield for business advice?

We haven’t looked for business advice as such but, as a relatively new publication, we’ve been lucky to draw on the knowledge and expertise of a few key people.

Anna Melton and the team at In The Works PR have shared ideas and made invaluable introductions – they seem to know everyone. Trudi Saxton, environment centre manager at Markham Vale, has been equally supportive while Anne Batty, managing director of Paper Clip Admin has made a networker out of me.

6. Why did you choose to base your business in Chesterfield?

Quite simply, we felt there was a gap in the market. With so much going on in the town we believed the region deserved its own dedicated publication.

7. Who do you admire in the community?

There are some admirable community initiatives, such as Monkey Park in Brampton which includes a café, bakery, bicycle workshop and an affordable co-working space for freelances and start-ups.