Champions column: It's a great opportunity to represent the communities our sector serves

I want to pass on the message to people in Chesterfield that everything they want to accomplish in their careers can be accomplished in our region.

I’m proud to have recently been added to the Destination Chesterfield Board. I’ve chaired the town’s Property and Construction forum for several years, and I feel that my new role gives me a great opportunity to represent our sector and the communities we serve.

What has been the biggest achievement for your business over the last year?

Whittam Cox has been nominated for several industry-recognised awards.

We’ve been recognised for our involvement in the Kangaroo Works in Sheffield. Furthermore, we’ve been commended as a good employer by the prestigious Building Awards, which is a real testament to the investment made in our people and their growth and progression.

What three words would you use to describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire?

Progressive, ambitious and potential.

What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield?

I love the Market Square and the backdrop of some fantastic buildings and architecture. I also really like the Brampton Mile and the great atmosphere created along the route.

How is your business becoming more sustainable?

We’re looking at how we use transport, and how our headquarters building operates. That includes lighting, electricity, EV chargers and encouraging more people to travel more sustainably.

We abide by the RIBA climate pledge to become a net zero practice by 2030. We know that there is a high

amount of carbon created in the construction industry, so we are also looking to support our clients on their sustainability journey.

Why do you love working in Chesterfield?

I love the fact that the buildings we create have a direct impact on our friends, family, and all the people we care about. There’s nothing better than creating an environment that serves the local community.

How are you supporting young people in your business?

We have a big part to play in our industry in attracting talent, training people and retaining them within the region.

We do a lot of work with universities, both through apprenticeship schemes and higher education. It isn’t just the architects we’re developing.

We’re also looking to attract people to work in our financial, HR team, and IT teams. We do a lot of outreach to local schools, particularly identifying areas where there’s more deprivation and where people have fewer opportunities.

Which upcoming development do you think will have the biggest impact on Chesterfield?

The development that I believe will have the most meaningful impact is PEAK Resort. The Peak District is such an asset to the local area.

This development will provide a base for people to stay here, and the footfall created across our local towns will be significant. PEAK is also about creating buildings driven through sustainable and ethical means, which sets it apart.

What is your vision for Chesterfield by 2030? What do you think is needed to achieve this?

By 2030, I would like to see Chesterfield become a significant destination in the region that people visit as tourists, but also one that attracts families to the centre of our town for leisure, making the most of those links to the Peak District National Park.