Chesterfield Champions celebrate national award success
Our Chesterfield Champions are celebrating national recognition for their work in sustainability, innovation, and economic growth, highlighting achievements that are making a difference across our region and beyond.
The University of Derby recognised for driving economic growth
The University of Derby has received the highest rating in two categories of a national assessment recognising universities’ contributions to economic growth and regeneration.
Published by Research England, the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF6) awarded the University its highest rating for Local Growth & Regeneration and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) & Graduate Start-ups.
The results recognise the University’s work with businesses, support for graduate entrepreneurs and partnerships on projects designed to strengthen the economy across Derby and the wider East Midlands.
As the only university in Chesterfield, Derby and Derbyshire, the University plays an important role in supporting regional priorities and long-term economic growth.
Professor Chris Bussell, Provost (Industry and Enterprise) at the University of Derby, said:
“Our strong performance in KEF6 reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference to the economy and communities we serve.
“From supporting businesses to innovate to developing entrepreneurial talent and working with partners on major regional projects, our aim at Derby is to ensure our expertise, research and education translate into meaningful impact.”
The recognition highlights the University’s continued contribution to business collaboration, skills development and economic growth across our region.
Double Gold for Chesterfield Royal Hospital and DSFS at national waste management awards
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services (DSFS) have won two Gold awards for projects reducing waste and improving the use of NHS resources.
Recognition came at the Awards for Excellence in Waste Management for the NHS in England 2026, where the teams secured Gold in both categories they entered: Best Reduction of Single Use Items and Best Reuse Initiative of the Year.
One award celebrated work to reduce unnecessary items in cannula packs while maintaining patient safety. Following a review of how each component was used, the Trust worked with clinical teams, infection prevention, procurement and education colleagues to introduce a more efficient approach, supplying items individually where appropriate.
This change has delivered £145,683 in recurring savings and an estimated reduction of 102.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
The second Gold award recognised the Trust’s Linen Return Project, which encourages patients to return hospital-issued pyjamas and linen rather than allowing the items to be lost from the NHS laundering cycle. During an initial 12-week period, 233 items were returned, resulting in an estimated reduction of almost 3.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
Sally Ludditt, Senior Health, Safety & Environmental Advisor for DSFS, said:
“Winning Gold for both projects is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the work colleagues have put into finding practical ways to reduce waste across the Trust. What makes these projects particularly rewarding is that they show sustainability doesn’t always have to mean making huge changes.
“To see both projects recognised nationally is something everyone involved should be really proud of, and hopefully it will encourage even more colleagues to bring forward their own ideas for reducing waste and improving sustainability.”
The awards recognise the teams’ efforts to make practical improvements that reduce waste, cut emissions and deliver financial savings while maintaining safe, high-quality patient care.
Banner Jones wins Best Innovation Award at the 2025 LawNet Awards
Banner Jones has won the Best Innovation Award at the LawNet Awards 2025, recognising its work to transform conveyancing through a digital service designed to make property transactions faster and more efficient.
The law firm developed an end-to-end digital process that allows clients to complete their part of a conveyancing transaction remotely, without needing to post or deliver paper documents in person. The approach combines biometric identity checks, AI-powered search reports and interactive digital quote brochures.
Handling more than 3,500 conveyancing matters each year, the firm identified opportunities to improve the traditional process and has spent the past five years working with technology providers to develop practical and compliant digital tools.
Today, 90 per cent of clients use digital onboarding, while file opening times have been reduced from days to minutes. AI-powered search reports save hours on every case, and independent data shows some offices completing transactions up to 25 days faster than rivals.
Richard Joy, Head of Residential Property at Banner Jones, said:
“This recognition reflects years of investment, collaboration, and the hard work of our team. Our digital transformation has simplified a complex process for thousands of clients, and we’re incredibly proud to see those efforts acknowledged on a national stage.”
The award recognises Banner Jones’ investment in technology and its team’s work to improve the conveyancing experience for clients.
The University of Derby, Banner Jones, Chesterfield Royal Hospital 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.
