CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜A great place to work with an eclectic mix of shops'

I moved to Chesterfield from Milan in 2011, and my brother Massimiliano and his girlfriend Stefania moved to Chesterfield in 2014 following in my footsteps. The rest of my family (mother, father and sister) still live in Milan.

We started with a little market stall on the Thursday Market and grew from there, opening a store at 23 Soresby Street in 2015.

It is a retail store that specialises in a wide range of gaming products, collectibles and comics. We also produce unique, custom made 3D-printed items as an additional service for our customers.

The shop has thrived thanks to a large gaming community of all ages, based locally and in the surrounding areas.

The events and gaming tournaments hosted by Geeks Headquarters have attracted a big crowd of gamers from across the midlands and even further, bringing an injection of tourism and business to Chesterfield.

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

My best memory of Chesterfield was the first time I was on Chesterfield Market on a Thursday with my stall. The people were so friendly, there was a great atmosphere and it was nice to see the market so busy.

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

I think the Chesterfield Elder Way will be brilliant for the town centre, it will be great to see the 1930s building back in use again.

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

It’s a town full of history surrounded by breath-taking scenery. In the town centre, there is an eclectic mix of chain stores and independent shops.

It’s a great place to work and live with good transport links to nearby cities.

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

Chesterfield has a thriving local gaming community. Our events attract gamers from the surrounding areas too, helping many of the other local businesses.

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

In the shop, I turn to my brother Massimiliano Naso, we opened the shop together in 2015.

However, some of the best business advice we have had is from the networking events and training organised by Destination Chesterfield.

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

I fell in love with the town when I moved here from Milan. I love the newfound pace of living, from the chaotic metropolis of Milan, to the quiet town of Chesterfield. The people in Chesterfield are so friendly and there is a very fun, vibrant gaming community.

7. Who do you admire in the community?

The people who work voluntarily in the shop as tournament operators for the tournaments we offer, The shop wouldn’t be this successful without these people giving their time and experience so freely.