CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜A thriving market town on the doorstep of the Peaks'

My name is Helen Dimmick, I'm 43 years old and the owner and managing director of Green + Benz jewellers.

I’ve worked in Chesterfield since 2010, when I was approached to lead the management buy-out of Green + Benz.

The opportunity to own and manage my own jewellery company and establish my own values was too tempting to resist.

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So, in 2012, I became the owner. Green + Benz has grown from starting in 1991 as a small store on a side street into a highly-recognised jewellers.

We were honoured to win ‘Retailer of the Year’ in the 2016 National Retail Jeweller Awards.

However, we were far prouder to be recognised by the people of Chesterfield for ‘Best New Store’ for our new location on South Street and Chesterfield ‘Retailer of the Year’ in the Chesterfield Retail Awards 2016.

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

Being welcomed from the other side of the Pennines (I live in Macclesfield).

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

I believe that having an HS2 stop in Chesterfield will have the biggest impact on the town for the future. It will provide a quick link to both London and the north.

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

Chesterfield is a thriving market town with so many reasons for someone to visit. The Crooked Spire is an obvious tourist attraction, and the town centre has a diverse range of shops.

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It’s also in an excellent location, on the doorstep of the Peak District.

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

The people of Chesterfield are the reason we keep the town as our base. Having worked in London, the familiarity that is an inherent part of Chesterfield life is refreshing, and many of our clients have become more than just customers to us.

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

I’m lucky that I can turn to my team, who are very supportive, and other business owners in the area. Also, we are members of the Company of Master Jewellers and the National Association of Goldsmiths.

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These are both national organisations whose codes of conducts set the highest standards of professionalism, honesty and ethical business practices.

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

Green + Benz was established in Chesterfield in 1991, originally as Uno gallery, and we have continued to source unique and exclusive jewellery ever since. When we were looking for larger premises, it was never a consideration to move out of our home town and the new store on South Street shows our continued commitment to Chesterfield.

7. Who do you admire in the community?

I very much admire our local police team. Ex-mayor Alexis also has a special place in our heart and we continue to support his charity work.

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