Champions Column: Chesterfield strikes perfect balance as the ideal place to live and work

What was the greatest achievement for your business or organisation over the past year?

Despite the Government’s cancellation of Phase Two of the HS2 project, and with it the sudden loss of our single largest contract, our business has demonstrated exceptional financial stability, resilience and adaptability. Thanks to our solid management structures and the determination of all our employees, we were able to maintain strong profitability and continue an upward trajectory of sustainable growth.

As managing director, I’m extremely proud of every member of the Killingley team.

How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?

Safe, friendly, accessible.

What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield and why?

Chesterfield is rich in history and outdoor spaces, which is perfect for someone like me who loves the outdoors. I enjoy the town centre for its historic charm, but I also appreciate the stunning green spaces just outside of town. Whether it’s the parks, canals, or landmarks like Bolsover Castle, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, unwind, and enjoy the local heritage.

How is your business or organisation becoming more sustainable?

Being ISO 14001 certified, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste and integrating sustainable practices. We installed EV charging points in 2019 and now have all our senior management, commercial and finance teams driving electric vehicles.

We continuously monitor advancements in EV technology for our commercial vehicles and are presently trialling various EV vans with our operational delivery teams.

Last year, we installed solar panels on our premises, implemented strategies that reduced our waste by 50 per cent and increased biodiversity and habitat creation within our wider facilities. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, not only because it’s the right thing to do for the wider environment, but because it also brings huge benefits to our business.

Why do you love working or doing business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?

I’ve been working in Chesterfield since 2018, and I love it. It’s a fantastic location, strategically placed for business with great transport links, yet surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Chesterfield strikes the perfect balance: it’s big enough to offer opportunities but small enough to feel like a connected community. It’s an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

How is your business supporting young people?

Killingley has a long history of nurturing apprentices, dating back to its founding in 1972, and we have a well-developed approach to training which allows careful development of individuals at a pace suitable for their own personal development.

Several of our senior management team started as apprentices and have worked their way up through the company, now acting as aspirational rolemodels for subsequent apprentices and proving that there is real career progression here.

Apprenticeships will always be a key investment and vital part of our business model, and we’re proud to support and develop the next generation of skilled professionals.

How are you, your business, or your team supporting local people?

Having been based in Chesterfield for over 50 years and with around 85 per cent of our workforce living in the area, we’re passionate about giving back to the local community.

In line with our Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, we have an annual Social Value Programme through which we actively support local charities, sports teams, and community projects.

We have a long history of providing support to Rhubarb Farm, a horticultural-based social enterprise that helps people in our local community with complex needs such as mental health struggles or facing challenges reintegrating into society.

Through this active relationship and my first-hand experience of the fantastic service they provide, I was proud to become a director of their Community Interest Company and trustee of the related charity.

Which upcoming development do you think will have the greatest impact on the town and why?

There’s so much positive development happening in Chesterfield! The revitalisation of the marketplace will make the town even more attractive, and the DRIIVe rail training centre is a fantastic initiative. The development of Chesterfield Canal and business units on the outskirts of town will also bring new opportunities. Peak Resort is another exciting project that will boost tourism and investment in the region.

What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?

By 2030, I want to see Chesterfield as a thriving, vibrant business hub that continues to support local enterprises while attracting new investment.

The key is balancing economic growth with community wellbeing. We need to focus on what young people want from the town, engaging them in planning discussions and ensuring Chesterfield remains a place where they want to live and work. Their voices are essential for shaping the town’s future.