Champion: "There's a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, but also a real focus on relationships and collaboration."
“It's a place where businesses can grow while still benefiting from a friendly, approachable community, which is something I really value.”
Champion of the Week and Partner at Shorts Chartered Accountants, Alicia Williams, shares how building strong relationships, helping businesses make confident financial decisions and supporting our local business community can help Chesterfield and North Derbyshire thrive.
My name is Alicia Williams, and I’m a Partner at Shorts Chartered Accountants, where I lead our GENUS team. Outside of work, I’m also a mum to three energetic boys, so life is always busy!
GENUS is a unique accountancy service that enables clients to achieve their goals by filling gaps within their financial knowledge. It provides management accounts, Finance Director support, software implementation projects and data analytics services to businesses across Chesterfield, Derbyshire and beyond. Our role is to help business owners gain confidence in their numbers, make informed decisions and achieve their ambitions. What I enjoy most is working closely with clients to understand what success looks like for them and helping them turn that vision into reality.
What is your organisation looking forward to?
At Shorts, we are excited about helping businesses make better use of their data, not just by producing reports but by turning information into meaningful insights. Through our data analytics services, we create bespoke dashboards and reporting tools that help business owners understand what is happening in their organisation and where opportunities exist.
Technology may be able to produce some numbers, but understanding the story behind those numbers comes from conversations, experience and relationships. By combining technology with our knowledge of local businesses and different sectors, we can help our clients make better decisions and plan confidently for the future.
What makes Chesterfield and North Derbyshire a good place to work?
For me, it's the people. Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have a genuinely supportive business community, where people want to help each other succeed. There's a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, but also a real focus on relationships and collaboration. It's a place where businesses can grow while still benefiting from a friendly, approachable community, which is something I really value.
How are you supporting our communities and improving our quality of life?
Finances are one of life's biggest sources of stress, yet they're not something people often talk about openly. Through my role, I help business owners understand their finances and make informed decisions with confidence. By bringing clarity to the numbers, we help them build sustainable businesses, support their employees and families, and ultimately contribute to a stronger local economy and community.
What places would you recommend to someone planning a two-night stay?
I’d recommend a visit to Hardwick Hall. As a National Trust member, it’s somewhere I enjoy exploring with my family. For a peaceful walk and beautiful scenery, Linacre Reservoir is another favourite. For staying overnight, Casa Hotel is a great central base, and I'd definitely suggest a visit to The Batch House for some excellent food and drink.
Where in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire holds a special connection for you and your colleagues, family or friends?
Queen’s Park – I learnt how to swim there in the original building and have fond memories of spending time in the park with my family growing up. Now my three sons have learnt/are learning to swim there too, so it feels like life has come full circle.