Chesterfield Champions’ drive innovation skills and community impact
From digital innovation to community fundraising, Chesterfield Champions are driving progress and creating new opportunities across our town.
Chesterfield tech firm supports local talent through digital careers pathway
A Chesterfield technology company is helping develop future digital professionals through a partnership with Chesterfield College.
EyeSiteView is supporting students on the Digital T-Level programme, providing real-world experience in the tech sector. Student Alex has spent the past year working with the business alongside his studies, contributing to projects, exploring AI and automation, and gaining hands-on industry experience.
The partnership began during the launch of the college’s Digital T-Level and continues through ongoing student engagement and support.
Tony Buck, Co-Director at EyeSiteView, said:
“Supporting local talent is really important to us as a business. There’s a huge amount of potential in young people across Chesterfield, and programmes like this give them the opportunity to experience what a real career in tech looks like.
Alex hasn’t just been observing, he’s been contributing to real projects that are part of our platform, which is used by housebuilders across the UK. It’s important that the next generation can see what these roles actually involve day-to-day, and understand that there are clear, achievable pathways into the industry.
We’re proud to be able to support that journey and hope to continue developing Alex’s career with us through an apprenticeship.”
Partnerships like this are helping strengthen Chesterfield’s talent pipeline by connecting education with industry.
Find out more about skills and training opportunities in Chesterfield here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/
Walk and Talk event in Chesterfield to support Ashgate Hospice through new fundraising initiative
A popular networking event series, delivered in partnership with the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, is encouraging attendees to support Ashgate Hospice through voluntary donations.
The Property and Construction ‘Walk and Talk’ events are co-hosted by Claire Thompson of Acrisure and Kriston Harvey, Director at Rodgers Leask. They bring professionals together for relaxed outdoor networking in Chesterfield.
This year, an optional fundraising element has been introduced, inviting a suggested £5 donation per walk. While voluntary, uptake has been positive so far.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting local causes, with both Claire and Kriston regularly involved in fundraising for the hospice.
The events offer an informal alternative to traditional networking, typically capped at 25 attendees to maintain a relaxed setting. They also support collaboration and growth across the local business community.
Claire Thompson, Co-Host of Walk and Talk, said:
“I’ve experienced first hand the importance of Ashgate Hospice; they cared for my Dad in 2023. Ashgate provided a caring, supportive, safe space for my family to spend time together in his final weeks and they supported us as a family to say goodbye. I remember my dad telling me how much it meant that the nurses would sit and talk with him late at night, they understood him, they helped him keep his dignity, and that meant everything to him. I’ll be forever grateful. The service they provide is invaluable.”
Supporting vital local care
Ashgate Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care free of charge to adults across North Derbyshire living with life-limiting illnesses.
The Walk and Talk initiative aims to raise valuable funds while strengthening connections within the property and construction sector in Chesterfield.
Places for the Property and Construction Walk and Talk events fill quickly, with booking typically opening around a month in advance. Interested participants are encouraged to register early to secure a place.
For more information and to book, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/property-construction-walk-talk/
Chesterfield tech firm Magnifica supports teacher to launch AI marking platform
Chesterfield-based technology consultancy Magnifica has partnered with a local primary school teacher to develop an artificial intelligence platform that helps mark pupils’ handwritten work more efficiently.
AssessWrite AI was created to tackle one of the most time-consuming tasks in primary education, using AI to read handwriting, assess work against the national curriculum, and generate structured feedback for teachers and pupils.
The platform was developed with Sam Clark, founder of Teacher Tech AI Limited, who initially built a proof of concept using publicly available AI tools. Magnifica worked with Sam to transform the idea into a scalable product, creating a structured workflow and a platform designed for everyday classroom use.
Sam Clark, founder of Teacher Tech AI Limited, said:
“I started with an idea and a working proof of concept using AI tools, but I needed support to take it further. Magnifica helped refine the concept and build a platform that teachers can use day-to-day. I now have a real product, not just an idea, and I’m excited about what comes next.”
AssessWrite AI has already seen strong early adoption and is now entering a growth phase, with further investment being explored. Magnifica will continue to support the platform as it develops.
Rob Gregory of Magnifica, said:
“Many businesses reach a sticking point between proof of concept and a fully developed product, and that is where we add value. AssessWrite AI demonstrates what can be achieved with the right support in place.”
To discover more support available for Chesterfield businesses, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/support/
EyeSiteView, Chesterfield College, Ashgate Hospice and Magnifica 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.
