Chesterfield Champions among winners at Chesterfield Business Awards
More than 150 business leaders, including Chesterfield Champions, gathered at Casa Hotel on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 to celebrate the first Chesterfield Business Awards, recognising the organisations driving innovation, investment and economic growth across our borough.
Supported by headline sponsor SMH Mitchells, part of the SMH Group, alongside a range of category sponsors and partners including the University of Derby, the awards celebrated businesses that are creating jobs, investing in people, delivering outstanding customer service and making a positive contribution to our communities.
The evening showcased the breadth and strength of Chesterfield’s business community, with organisations of all sizes recognised for their achievements across ten award categories.
Among the evening’s biggest winners was Ellenvale Interiors, which secured both Business of the Year and Best Business Growth. Chesterfield Champion Banner Jones Solicitors also enjoyed success, winning Best Enterprising Business (11+ employees) and Excellence in Customer Service.
Other winners reflected the diversity of businesses helping Chesterfield thrive, from established family firm and Chesterfield Champion Dalton Roofing to pop culture retailer CRIT, which was recognised as Best New Business. Together, the winners highlighted the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial ambition that continues to strengthen the local economy.
Founded by Pure Awards’ Lucinda White and delivered in partnership with Chrissie Rowell of Black Hare Marketing and Events, the awards were created to celebrate the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations contributing to Chesterfield’s continued success.
Chrissie Rowell said:
“To see our vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding. The standard of entries was outstanding, and the support from sponsors, judges, finalists and guests has been phenomenal. These awards were created to champion the businesses that make Chesterfield such a fantastic place to work and do business, and the atmosphere on the night proved just how much our business community deserves to be celebrated. We’re already excited about making next year’s awards even bigger.”
Lucinda White added:
“Every single entry told a story of ambition, resilience and achievement. It has been a privilege to help create an awards programme that genuinely recognises excellence while giving businesses the opportunity to celebrate everything they have accomplished.”
The awards also highlighted the generosity of Chesterfield’s business community, raising £1,322 for Chesterfield Animal Rescue. The funding will support the charity’s work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable animals across the region.
Following a successful inaugural event, planning is already underway for the 2027 Chesterfield Business Awards, building on a celebration that showcased the ambition, innovation and resilience of businesses across Chesterfield.
Full list of winners and runners-up:
Best Enterprising Business (up to 10 employees)
Winner: Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd
Runner-up: EyeSiteView
Best Enterprising Business (11+ employees)
Winner: Banner Jones Solicitors
Runner-up: Less Than Zero Barbers
Excellence in Customer Service
Winner: Banner Jones Solicitors
Runner-up: Dalton Roofing
Employer of the Year
Winner: Dalton Roofing
Runner-up: Less Than Zero Barbers
Best Community Impact
Winner: Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust
Runner-up: Pathways of Chesterfield
Best Business Growth
Winner: Ellenvale Interiors
Runner-up: Derbyshire Pie & Co LLP
Best New Business
Winner: CRIT
Runner-up: Peak and Stone Bakery
Sole Trader of the Year
Winner: Helen Rowan Photography
Runner-up: Andrew Haslam Media
Inspiring Business Person of the Year
Winner: Martin Wallis-Keyworth
Runner-up: Annie Johnson
Highly Commended: Izabella Edwards
Business of the Year
Winner: Ellenvale Interiors
Explore award opportunities and discover more ways to promote your business by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business/
Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Business Awards, SMH Mitchells, the University of Derby, Banner Jones Solicitors, Dalton Roofing, Pure Awards, Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd, EyeSiteView, and Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust 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.
