CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: '˜A traditional town with modern redevelopments'

I moved to Chesterfield two years ago to join my fiancé on the family’s working dairy farm.

I’ve currently been working for two and-a-half years in Chesterfield, at RA Information Systems (whilst currently studying to become a chartered accountant).

RA Information Systems provides IT services to the UK and Europe.

The business was first established in Sheffield in 1988 and relocated to Chesterfield in 2008.

It has gone through rapid expansion recently, appointing four new employees to its networking, software and support desk teams.

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

My best memory of the town is taking part in the Race for Life which started at the Chesterfield Town Hall.

I enjoyed taking part in the activity because of the uplifting, positive atmosphere.

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

The Chesterfield Waterside development is definitely going to make a big difference to the town as it will offer new homes and retail outlets; not forgetting that it will improve the social aspects of Chesterfield.

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

Chesterfield is a traditional market town with a multitude of modern and innovative redevelopment schemes all across the town centre and beyond.

It’s also surrounded by beautiful countryside, being only a stone’s throw from the Peak District.

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

One of the positives of running a business in Chesterfield is that the network links are easily accessible for visiting clients and our employees.

Traffic is well managed in and out of the town even during busy periods. As we deal with clients on a nationwide basis, we are perfectly situated for reaching the north and south of the UK.

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

If business advice was ever needed, I would turn to Destination Chesterfield or the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce amongst other organisations.

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

RA Information Systems chose to relocate the business to Chesterfield after securing office space on a new business park at the time.

Chesterfield was at the very beginning of all the redevelopment work that has taken place so it was decided that it was going to be the place to be!

7. What do you admire in the community?

I admire the friendliness of the community, as you will often see strangers making polite conversation.

8. What are the aspirations of your business?

RA’s aim is to continue growing as a company, as we have done for nearly 30 years, whilst extending our local/national client bases within the IT support and telephony sectors.