Champions column: It’s great to meet like-minded people in our supportive town

The main area of our work is supporting developers in gaining planning permission for sustainable developments.

How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in three words?

Charming, eclectic and supportive.

What has been the greatest achievement for your business in the last year?

Quite recently, we have become an employee-owned trust. I think we’ve noticed a real difference across all our offices, in terms of the drive and commitment that everyone has in sharing how the company grows.

What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield?

My favourite place to visit in Chesterfield is Queen’s Park. Growing up, I probably took it for granted being born and bred in the town. But now I’m often working in urban environments, I think it’s fantastic for a place to go on your lunch break and take some time out.

Why do you love working in Chesterfield?

Chesterfield is a great place to do business. Especially over the last year or two, the number of

networking events and opportunities to meet like-minded people has been fantastic. And location-wise, I think it’s great as well. We’ve got offices across the UK, and I can be at meetings quickly via the rail links.

How is your business supporting local people?

I get great satisfaction in seeing developments that we have put planning applications in for come to life. There is a real need to provide additional housing across the UK, so we feel we are playing our part in supporting residential development in the Chesterfield area.

What is the best piece of advice you or your business has received recently?

We work closely with local authorities, such as Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County

Council. It’s great to engage with their planning departments across the various aspects of putting in planning applications, to reach an agreed position. I find the way they engage collaboratively with developers to bring projects forward is fantastic.

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

The development that I think will have the biggest impact on Chesterfield has to be the area around Chesterfield Waterside and the railway station, linking into the town centre. It is crucial to ensure that the corridor is vibrant and attractive, encouraging more people to stay in the town after work or for an evening of entertainment and socialising.

What is your vision for Chesterfield by 2030, and how can the town achieve this?

By 2030, I’m hoping that our housing stock will increase massively, both in terms of affordable properties and open-market housing. I also believe that diversification of land uses will help Chesterfield become the vibrant place that we need it to be.