CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜There is a great balance between work and family'

I moved to Chesterfield from Newcastle upon Tyne in 2005, just before I turned 30.

Ten years later, I am now married with two children. As the business links manager, I bridge the gap between education and the world of work.

Tupton Hall School is passionate about supporting its students to become well informed, well-educated and work ready by the time they leave full-time education.

We work in partnership with local and national businesses to make this happen.

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

Seeing the crooked spire for the first time. I almost ran to the nearest opticians for an eye test!

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

I think the new Chesterfield Waterside development is going to make a positive impact on the town and provide many sustainable employment opportunities for the local community.

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

Chesterfield is a fantastic historic town which complements work and family life. Its people are really friendly which gives you that ‘community’ feeling.

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

There is so much talent and potential in the Chesterfield area. At Tupton Hall School, we pride ourselves on supporting our students to become dynamic young people who are ready to step into the workplace.

Businesses looking to employ apprentices need look no further than local school-leavers. They have a bright young workforce on the doorstep.

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

We are grateful to the many businesses who regularly give their time and expertise to help our students become successful in the world of work. In North East Derbyshire, we’re lucky to have such a wealth of local organisations and individuals on our doorstep to provide general employability advice, sector specific training and work experience.

This support allows us to prepare our young people to enter today’s varied and competitive job market.

6. Who do you admire in the community?

I admire anybody who is brave enough to set up their own business.

I firmly believe that local entrepreneurs are essential to helping communities thrive – not only through employment opportunities but by sharing their success and ‘keeping it local’.

7. What are the aspirations of your business?

The Tupton Hall motto is: Aspire, Learn, Achieve. We encourage young people to aspire to be the best they can be, by learning and achieving to the very best of their ability. I get great satisfaction seeing our students leave full time education skilled-up and ready for their next steps into further education, training or employment.