Champion: "Deciding to build my business in Chesterfield turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Champion of the Week, Anna Melton, founder of In the Works PR, shares how she has built her Chesterfield-based communications business over the past 15 years, the importance of local business connections and her plans to expand the training side of the business.

I'm Anna Melton, founder of In the Works PR, an independent Chesterfield public relations consultancy established in 2011.

I work with organisations, helping them tell their stories, raise their profile and protect their reputation. My work spans media relations, communications strategy, crisis communications and training.

What is your organisation looking forward to? How are you set to evolve?

I'm developing the training side of the business.

I developed a bespoke six-week programme covering everything from understanding journalists and identifying stories to securing coverage and managing reputational issues.

Seeing the participant grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. I'm now offering the programme more widely, sharing my 30 years of experience with organisations wanting to develop their in-house PR capabilities.

What makes Chesterfield a good place to work?

The variety of businesses and the fantastic support network.

There's also a genuine willingness among business owners to share advice, make introductions and help others succeed.

What sparked your decision to invest in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire and why?

It wasn’t exactly a carefully considered decision! But deciding to build my business in Chesterfield turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

My employer went into liquidation, leaving me unemployed during a recession with a baby and toddler.

With no money, contacts, or business experience, I decided to put on my big girl pants and start In the Works PR.

I joined Chesterfield Champions, which opened doors to the local business community.

Fifteen years later, I'm still here.

Who has provided advice or mentoring and how has it helped your organisation?

I met my business partner, Emma Loughlin, at a networking event 14 years ago. She's become my rock and calm port in a storm.

I've never had a formal mentor, but countless Chesterfield business owners have generously shared advice and experiences.

Running a small business can be isolating. Sometimes the best reassurance comes from discovering that other business owners face the same challenges.

How are you supporting young people and how are they contributing to your organisation?

I'm a huge advocate of apprenticeships as an alternative route into employment. I strive to make young people aware of apprenticeships, whether they’re undertaking work experience with us or I’m giving careers talks at schools.

I'm passionate about showing young people that curiosity, creativity and communication skills matter just as much as qualifications.

What places would you recommend to someone planning a two-night stay?

I'd stay at Premier Inn at Elder Way, with Bottle & Thyme downstairs for food and cocktails.

I'd also recommend Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church and a trip up the spire for an amazing bird’s-eye view of the town.

Chesterfield's flea market is worth a visit too. I bought a rocking chair there 15 years ago, restored it and still use it today, although one arm occasionally falls off mid-rock!

Where in Chesterfield holds a special connection for you?

Chesterfield town centre holds wonderful memories of nights out in my twenties.

Before mobile phones, everyone followed the same drinking route: Joplins, The Fleece, the Rutland, Heathcotes, then the big decision: home or The Brad until 2 am?

Those places have disappeared, but nostalgia doesn't mean Chesterfield should stand still.

Shopping and leisure habits have changed. If we want our town centre to thrive, we must support it rather than simply complain about what's changed.

Shop local, eat out and support businesses investing here.

Chesterfield has been the backdrop to building my business, raising my family and countless friendships. It's delivered at every stage of my life, and I hope it continues doing so for future generations.