Chesterfield Champions gain national recognition across creative, finance and hospitality sectors
National recognition is growing for Chesterfield Champions across the creative, financial and hospitality sectors, with recent awards highlighting the strength of businesses based in our town.
Creative leader recognised in Campaign UK’s 40 Over 40 list
Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder and Creative Director of brand and design agency CRUSH, has been recognised for her impact across the advertising, creative and media industries.
Founded in 2003, CRUSH has grown into a specialist agency working with engineering, manufacturing and technology brands building a strong reputation for delivering strategic, brand-led work beyond traditional industry hubs.
Campaign UK’s 40 Over 40 Awards celebrate stand-out individuals aged 40 and above from across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Winners are selected by a panel of senior industry leaders, recognising those making a significant contribution to the sector.
Judges highlighted Natalie’s role in challenging perceptions of where high-quality brand work can be delivered, noting her success in building a female-founded agency operating outside London. They also recognised her work in repositioning CRUSH as a strategic partner to clients, particularly in complex business-to-business sectors.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Natalie led a transformation of the business, investing in talent, systems and a purpose-built studio, while strengthening the agency’s focus on strategy-led design.
Natalie Burkinshaw said:
“I’m genuinely honoured to be included alongside so many inspiring people.
“When I started CRUSH, I simply wanted to do good work and build something I could be proud of. That ambition remains the same today, and this recognition encourages us to keep pushing forward for our clients and our team.”
Mortgage firm celebrates fourth consecutive national award win
Mortgage 1st has been named Best Mortgage Broker (11–50 Employees) at the Financial Reporter Awards 2026, marking its fourth successive win and highlighting its continued commitment to delivering high-quality mortgage and protection advice.
The Financial Reporter Awards are among the most respected in the sector, with winners voted for by industry professionals. The recognition reflects the strong reputation Mortgage 1st has built with lenders, providers and peers across the UK.
The firm has grown steadily in recent years while maintaining a clear focus on customer service and positive client outcomes. Its team supports a wide range of clients, including first-time buyers, home movers, those looking to remortgage, and property investors, helping them navigate an increasingly complex market.
Lisa Stones, Owner and Operations Director at Mortgage 1st, said:
“Winning this award for the fourth year in a row is something we’re incredibly proud of.
“What makes it even more meaningful is that it is voted for by people across the mortgage industry, reflecting the reputation we’ve built and the service our team delivers every day. We’ve always focused on putting our customers first, and this recognition highlights the hard work, knowledge and commitment of our entire team.”
Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel celebrate top Midlands hospitality awards
Two leading Derbyshire hospitality businesses have been recognised among the best in the region after winning top titles at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026.
Peak Edge Hotel was named Boutique Hotel of the Year, while Cocina Restaurant at Casa Hotel secured Steakhouse of the Year, highlighting a standout year for both venues.
The latest accolade adds to a successful year for Peak Edge Hotel, the four-star luxury venue located on the edge of the Peak District.
At Casa Hotel, the Steakhouse of the Year award reflects a long-term commitment to quality ingredients and a strong farm-to-fork philosophy at Cocina Restaurant.
The venue is the only restaurant in Derbyshire to feature both a specialist DRY AGER® cabinet and a charcoal-fired Josper Grill. This allows premium cuts of beef to be dry aged on site before being cooked over charcoal to enhance flavour.
Much of the produce served at Cocina comes directly from Walton Lodge Farm Estate, home to a range of livestock including cattle, sheep and pigs, alongside free-range chickens and beehives supplying honey to the kitchens.
Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for both teams and recognition of the hard work, care and attention that goes into every aspect of the guest experience.
“Whether someone is staying at Peak Edge or Casa, enjoying dinner at Cocina or The Red Lion at Peak Edge, or simply visiting for a drink, our aim has always been to provide the highest standards of hospitality, food and service.
“To be recognised with Boutique Hotel of the Year and Steakhouse of the Year awards against competition from across the Midlands is something we are incredibly proud of.”
Raise the profile of your business by applying for a local, regional or national award, visit: Promote your business Destination Chesterfield
CRUSH, Mortgage 1st, Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel 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.
