Five local firms making national impact
Chesterfield continues to shine as a centre of innovation, enterprise, and community-driven success, with five businesses recently recognised on regional, national, and international stages. From sustainability leadership to creative excellence and social impact, these achievements reflect the town’s reputation as a place to do business.
Killingley: Winner in landscaping excellence
Killingley, a long-established landscaping firm based in Chesterfield, was named Commercial Landscape Company of the year at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2025, recognised for its excellence in client retention, industry leadership, and a people-first culture. Judges praised the company’s strong financial stability and standout performance in safety, quality, and employee wellbeing.
Gareth Dillion, Managing Director at Killingley, said: “This is fantastic industry recognition for the entire Killigley team who, through their continued hard work and commitment to representing the company with professionalism and pride, have all contributed to this accolade. Everyone who wears the Killingley brand should feel extremely proud of their combined achievement.”
With over 110 employees and over 50 years of experience, Killingley continues to set benchmarks in commercial landscaping, including multiple national awards from the British Association of Landscape Industries.
CRUSH: International acclaim for design innovation
Chesterfield design agency CRUSH has added another accolade to its portfolio, winning in the ‘Excellent Brands – Industry, Machines and Engineering’ category at the German Brand Awards 2025. The award celebrates CRUSH’s transformative rebrand of engineering firm Ziemann Holvrieka, praised for its strategic depth, sustainability focus, and global visual impact.
“Ziemann Holvrieka, a leading company in the beverage industry with over 170 years of experience, has achieved an impressive transformation through its rebranding. The new brand identity seamlessly combines tradition and future by emphasising both technological excellence and sustainability,” noted the German Design Council.
CRUSH’s work included a full brand identity, multilingual website, exhibition design, and comprehensive brand guidelines, showcasing Chesterfield’s creative talent on the international stage.
Black Swan Cyber Security: Championing small business protection
Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions, a Chesterfield-based firm specialising in cyber protection for small organisations, was selected by retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis as a winner in his Small Business Sunday (#SBS) initiative. The recognition brings national exposure and networking opportunities to the business, which supports schools, care providers, and parish councils.
“Theo’s support amplifies our mission to make robust cyber security accessible to organisations of all sizes,” said founder Kevin Walker.
The #SBS network now includes over 4,000 UK businesses, and Black Swan’s inclusion highlights Chesterfield’s growing tech and digital sector.
Paragon: Leading the way in sustainable business
Advanced cleaning solutions provider Paragon has achieved Gold status from Ecovadis, placing it in the top 5% of companies assessed globally for sustainability. The firm ranks in the 98th percentile worldwide and top 1% in its sector, reflecting excellence in environmental, ethical, and labour practices.
“Sustainability is no longer a bolt-on; it’s built into how we operate,” said Jorden Clay, Group General Manager. “This award recognises the ambition and dedication of our team.”
Paragon’s achievement follows its recent expansion into a new facility on Broombank Road, reinforcing Chesterfield’s credentials as a base for responsible, forward-thinking enterprise.
Kakou: Driving Social Impact Through Inclusive Innovation
Ann Fomukong-Boden, founder of Kakou Technologies, has been shortlisted for the Enterprising Women Award for Social Commitment by the East Midlands Chamber. The nomination celebrates Kakou’s work in ethical innovation and inclusive design, with a focus on empowering communities and regenerating places.
“As a woman in engineering, I’m proud to show that purpose-led business can empower voices and inspire the next generation of changemakers,” said Ann.
Kakou’s recognition places Chesterfield at the heart of a regional movement celebrating women’s leadership and social enterprise.
These achievements reflect more than individual success; they showcase Chesterfield’s dynamic business landscape, where creativity, sustainability, and community values drive innovation.
Killingley, CRUSH, Kakou, Paragon Products and Black Swan Cyber Security support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
