Chesterfield Champions celebrate success across apprenticeships, hospitality and education
From a major construction apprentice award win in South Yorkshire, to Derbyshire hotels gaining international recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, and a University of Derby lecturer receiving a national award for innovative teaching, these stories highlight the talent, ambition and success of our Chesterfield Champions.
Dalton Roofing apprentice recognised at South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Dalton Roofing is celebrating success after apprentice Luke Lewis was named Construction Apprentice of the Year at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, 21st May 2026 at Sheffield United Football Club’s Bramall Lane stadium, brought together apprentices and employers from across our region to celebrate outstanding achievements in skills, training and workforce development.
Dalton Roofing was shortlisted in two categories, with apprentice Luke recognised as Construction Apprentice of the Year and the company also reaching the final in the SME Employer of the Year category.
The award highlights Luke’s commitment to developing his skills and knowledge through his apprenticeship. Described by the company as a talented and ambitious apprentice, Luke has impressed colleagues with his positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn both in the workplace and at college.
Philip Dalton, Managing Director of Dalton Roofing, said:
“I am so proud of Luke, his hard work and the enthusiasm he brings every day. This is a well-deserved award and recognition of the effort he puts into his apprenticeship. Congratulations, Luke!”
The achievement reflects Dalton Roofing’s ongoing commitment to investing in skills and supporting the next generation of construction professionals. While the company narrowly missed out on the SME Employer of the Year award, the team says being shortlisted was a significant achievement and recognition of its approach to training and development.
Success stories such as Luke’s demonstrate the important role apprenticeships play in helping businesses build skilled workforces, while creating opportunities for individuals to develop rewarding careers within the construction sector.
Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel celebrated by MICHELIN Guide and Midlands hospitality awards
Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel are celebrating international recognition after being included in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide hotel selection, alongside securing multiple finalist spots at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026.
The globally renowned MICHELIN Guide highlights hotels recognised for their character, service, design and overall guest experience, placing the Derbyshire hotels alongside some of the world’s most respected places to stay.
In addition to the MICHELIN Guide inclusion, both hotels have been shortlisted for a series of major regional awards following a strong year for the business.
Peak Edge Hotel, the luxury four-star hotel on the edge of the Peak District, has been named a finalist in three categories at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026, including Boutique Hotel of the Year, Hotel of the Year, and Gastro Pub of the Year for its 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant.
Cocina at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has also been shortlisted for Steakhouse of the Year.
The awards ceremony will take place in Birmingham on Monday, 22nd June 2026, bringing together leading names from across the hospitality sector.
Steve Perez, Owner of Casa Hotels Group, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see both Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel recognised within the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. To be associated with a globally respected brand like MICHELIN is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and reflects the enormous amount of passion, hard work and care that goes into the guest experience across both hotels every single day.”
Nursing lecturer wins national award for innovative approach
A University of Derby nursing lecturer who led an innovative emergency simulation to prepare students for real-life crises has won a major national award.
Danielle Dunne, Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Derby, who works across both the Chesterfield and Derby campuses, was named ‘University Educator of the Year’ at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2026 in London.
Danielle was recognised for leading a large-scale major incident simulation based on a ‘rave’ scenario, bringing together students from nursing, journalism, and sound and light engineering to respond to a realistic emergency situation.
The simulation is part of a wider programme of regular events at the University designed to develop students’ critical decision-making skills in a safe but realistic environment. Judges praised Danielle’s work, saying she “had thought of every detail, making her stand out and truly shine.”
They added:
“Danni’s passion, enthusiasm and hard work impressed the judges. Her innovative simulated critical incident ‘The Rave’ allowed students to explore their critical decision-making skills in a safe but realistic environment.”
Speaking about the award win, Danielle said:
“This incident simulation was a fantastic multi-disciplinary event and really brought out the best in our students. It shows how we create opportunities for them to go beyond the classroom and prepare for real-world practice.
“I am incredibly honoured to have won this award, but even more proud of the impact my students are already making.”
Dalton Roofing, Casa Hotel, Peak Edge Hotel and The University of Derby are a few 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.
