CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜There is a definite buzz in the air that is infectious'

I live in south Sheffield with my partner Marcus and my two young children Daisy and Sonny, who are aged seven and three.

It is safe to say I am kept fairly busy. I’ve been working in media for more than 20 years now and have a genuine love for radio, and what it means to local people and local businesses.

Peak FM started broadcasting in October 1998, and was launched by the then Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield with the Simple Minds song ‘Alive and Kicking’.

We have gone from strength to strength since then, growing a very loyal local audience. Our listeners love us for not only playing great music but keeping them entertained, informed and being part of their everyday lives.

In a rapidly changing media landscape with more and more choice for our potential audience, it is encouraging to see that local radio and specifically Peak FM has been able to stand the test of time.

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

I like the diversity of people and businesses that I get to work with in Chesterfield.

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

I love spending time outdoors with the family. We love to take the children to the adventure playground and farmyard at Chatsworth, to walk along the river at Bakewell, to explore the woodlands at Longshaw.

If we are feeling very energetic, we cycle the Monsal Trail from Hassop Station.

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

If I am meeting for a business lunch then my usual haunts are either Nonnas on Chatsworth Road or Casa Hotel.

They both provide a relaxed environment with great service and great food. I love to pop for a coffee and brunch with my team to Calabria on Glumangate and have come up with some of our best ideas there over a nice latte!

We are really lucky at Peak to be fairly close to the Peacock at Cutthorpe too.

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

Chesterfield has such a positive spirit and the people that live and work here are proud of the town.

There is a really strong and supportive local business network that is progressive and open to new and fresh ideas. There is a definite buzz in the air that is infectious.

5. How do you see the future for Chesterfield and its small businesses?

I think the future for Chesterfield is bright. It is really exciting to see some innovative developments underway, including Peak Resort and the Chesterfield Waterside project.

6. If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you do to improve Chesterfield?

I’d love to see more large scale events happening in and around the town.

7. What three words best sum up Chesterfield?

Proud, progressive and resilient.