CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: Kirsty Ashley says investment in the town is rife

I live with my husband Lee and my dachshund Ruby. I have lived in Chesterfield for around eight years, having previously lived in Sheffield.

Myself and my husband, Lee, co-own and run Spire Recruitment Ltd, which is coming up for its second year anniversary in June.

We are just about to move into our new business premises at the newly renovated Staveley Hall but are currently working from the Clocktower Business Centre in Hollingwood, which is where our business began.

Spire is very much a family run business, my mum does our book keeping and Lee’s sister does our social media and website updates.

We are looking at expanding the team and taking on an experienced recruitment consultant in the near future, but for now all is going smooth for Spire.

We are enjoying a successful and exciting period of growth.

1. What do you like best about living in Chesterfield and why?

My favourite thing about living in Chesterfield is the rate in which it is growing, expanding and improving. There is so much investment being made in Chesterfield at present and it makes for a very exciting and promising place to live.

2. What are your favourite ways to spend your free time in Derbyshire?

When I have free time I really enjoy going for coffee and cake with my mum in the town centre. I also enjoy the nightlife in Chesterfield, there are some good bars and pubs, and I especially like the Brampton area with Nonnas and Mesamis.

3. Where is your favourite place to eat out locally and why?

We buy a lot of our food shopping from the town centre and market, I especially like Cheese Factor in the market hall. It’s nice to keep things local and I will always buy from local independent shops given the chance.

4. What is your favourite hidden gem in Chesterfield and why?

I recently went to a pub called The Market for some lunch. It is based on New Square in the centre of town. The food was amazing but it was the atmosphere that made it stand out, there is just a nice buzz about the place. I really like Qoozies too, a little café which sells the most amazing smoothies.

5. What are the positives about running a business here?

We tend to find that employers in Chesterfield prefer to keep business within the town, hence why we get a lot of local referrals. We also get a lot of positive business from using Destination Chesterfield, we have met so many amazing people through it.

6. What new development in the area excites you most?

The new Waterside Development, I think it will give the town a massive boost and I can’t wait to explore what will be located there.

7. What do you believe Chesterfield needs but doesn’t yet have?

I think Chesterfield needs more activities for people in the evenings.