Awards recognise Chesterfield’s creative, community and education leaders
From educational achievement and award-winning green spaces to creative excellence, Chesterfield Champions are continuing to earn recognition for the positive impact they make locally and beyond.
Chesterfield tuition centre named Derbyshire’s Independent Educator of the Year
Kip McGrath Chesterfield West & Matlock has been named Derbyshire’s Independent Educator of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Business Awards UK, recognising its commitment to supporting young people across the region.
Based in Chesterfield, the centre delivers tailored learning programmes designed to meet individual needs, supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. Alongside improving academic performance, the team places a strong emphasis on developing confidence and creating a positive learning environment.
The latest accolade recognises the dedication of the centre’s team and the impact it continues to make for local families.
Lorna Bell, Centre Owner at Kip McGrath Chesterfield West & Matlock, says:
“Winning Derbyshire Independent Educator of the Year 2026 is an incredible honour.
It recognises not only the academic success of our students but also the caring, supportive environment we’ve worked so hard to create. Every child deserves the opportunity to believe in themselves, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping young people across Chesterfield and Matlock achieve their full potential.
This award belongs to our wonderful team, our amazing students and the families who trust us with their children’s education.”
Beyond the classroom, the centre continues to support community initiatives across Chesterfield.
This year, Kip McGrath Chesterfield West & Matlock sponsored the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, helping create opportunities for families to enjoy creative activities and celebrate learning together.
Receiving the award for a second year highlights the centre’s continued investment in helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while reinforcing Chesterfield’s reputation as a place that values education, opportunity and community.
Hollingwood Hub celebrates tenth consecutive Green Flag Award
Hollingwood Hub, located on the Chesterfield Canal in Staveley, has once again been recognised as one of the UK’s best green spaces after receiving a Green Flag Award for the tenth consecutive year.
Managed by the Chesterfield Canal Trust, the award recognises the volunteers and staff who maintain the popular visitor destination to a nationally recognised standard.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. This year, a record 2,391 sites across the UK achieved the accolade, recognising spaces that are welcoming, well managed and accessible to visitors.
Hollingwood Hub has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Alongside its award-winning gardens, the site is home to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Information Centre and Shop, Katey’s Coffee Shop, regular boat trips aboard Madeline and paddlesports activities delivered by CJB Training & Adventure with support from Trust volunteers.
Jim Bower, who leads the Trust’s Gardening Team at Hollingwood Hub, said:
“It is brilliant to get this official recognition for the hard work of our volunteers. The public tell us they love it and we take great pride in creating such a welcoming space.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
“The Canal Trust volunteers at Hollingwood Hub have shown what can be achieved when green spaces are properly supported and managed.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates parks and green spaces that provide safe, welcoming places for communities and visitors while meeting the highest standards of management and maintenance.
Chesterfield creative agency celebrates double award recognition
Chesterfield creative agency CRUSH is celebrating national and regional recognition after being shortlisted in two prestigious industry awards, highlighting the strength of the town’s creative sector.
The agency has been shortlisted for Best B2B Creativity at the 2026 Midlands Marketing Awards for its work with global technology distributor Arrow ECS. Meanwhile, Founder and Creative Director Natalie Burkinshaw has been named a finalist for Creative & Media Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Founded in Chesterfield in 2003, CRUSH has built an international reputation for delivering branding and creative campaigns for engineering, manufacturing and technology businesses. Its client portfolio includes Arrow ECS, Fugro, Ordnance Survey, Ziemann Holvrieka and Briggs of Burton.
Natalie’s nomination recognises her leadership in growing the agency over more than two decades. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, often described as the “Grammys of entrepreneurship”, celebrate entrepreneurs building successful businesses across the UK. This year’s awards attracted more than 5,000 applications, with 740 businesses shortlisted.
Natalie said:
“I am thrilled to be a finalist for the Creative & Media Entrepreneur of the Year for the Midlands. These awards showcase entrepreneurs from across the country, in all sorts of categories, and each year they receive thousands of entries. A huge thank you to the judges for selecting me!”
The Midlands Marketing Awards nomination recognises CRUSH’s creative approach to helping business-to-business brands communicate complex products in engaging and memorable ways.
Natalie added:
“Great B2B creativity earns trust and turns heads. It builds brands that people remember in a crowded market, and that sales teams are genuinely proud to put in front of prospects.
“At the end of the day, it’s not Business to Business, it’s Person to Person.”
CRUSH, Chesterfield Canal Trust and Kip McGrath Chesterfield West & Matlock are among more than 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.
