Penny Engineering and Paragon celebrate success at Chamber awards
Two Chesterfield Champions celebrated major success after receiving Chamber awards for outstanding achievement at the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards 2025/26.
Innovation, international growth and a commitment to people development were among the qualities recognised at the Chamber awards.
Penny Engineering and Paragon both took home honours on the night. Penny Engineering was named Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Mackworth Vehicle Conversions, while Tasha Mills of Paragon won the Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by fellow Chesterfield Champion, Chesterfield College Group.
Tasha Mills, Content Creator Apprentice, Paragon, said:
“I’m thrilled to be named Apprentice of the Year in Derbyshire. I joined Paragon just 11 months ago with no marketing experience, so to come this far in such a short time is incredible. This award reflects not just my growth, but the amazing support of my team and the mentorship of our group general manager, Jorden Clay. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and this recognition motivates me to continue pushing myself and contributing to the team’s success.”
Ashley Homes, Financial Director, Penny Engineering, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received the Green Business of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team, who continually strive to make sustainability a core part of everything we do.
Being recognised in this way really motivates us to keep pushing for even greater positive change, both within our company and in the wider community. We hope our efforts inspire others to take bold steps toward a greener future as well.”
East Midlands Chamber, Chief Executive, Scott Knowles, said:
“Mention Derbyshire anywhere in the world and people instantly think excellence in making and innovating – a reputation built from a heritage stretching back to the industrial revolution and still evolving and adapting to change. Whether the building of some of the world’s best cars or trains, its advanced manufacturing industry, digital or AI development, the county continually moves forward.
“The Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards shine the spotlight on standout people and organisations driving growth through their creativity, their approach and their leadership.
Recognising that talent, enabling firms to celebrate their achievements and build connections across the business community is valuable.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the partners and sponsors that made the Derbyshire Business Awards a superb event and I congratulate all the finalists and award recipients.”
Vaillant were the partner for the event.
Hosted by radio personalities Jo and Sparky from Hits Radio East Midlands, the landmark event saw winners announced across 12 categories, including:
- Business of the Year
- Digital Transformation Award
- CSR Leadership Award
- Collaboration of the Year
- Green Business of the Year
- Commitment to People Development Award
- Apprentice of the Year
- Excellence in International Growth Award
- Education and Business Partnership of the Year
- Excellence in Customer Service Award
- Micro Business of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
- Innovation of the Year
Browse more local business awards and opportunities: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business
Penny Engineering and Paragon are two of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
