Development

Chesterfield Champion Global Brands boosts growth with Skinny Brands acquisition

12th May 2026

Chesterfield Champion Global Brands has acquired low-calorie beer and cider specialist Skinny Brands, expanding its portfolio and responding to growing consumer demand for lower-calorie alcoholic drinks.

The deal sees products including Skinny Lager, Skinny IPA and Skinny Fruit Cider join the Global Brands portfolio with immediate effect, further strengthening the company’s position in a fast-evolving market.

Founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs Tom Bell and Gary Conway, Skinny Brands was created with a focus on producing lower-calorie, gluten-free alcoholic drinks without compromising on taste. Ten years on, the brand has secured listings with major UK retailers including Tesco, Morrisons and B&M Bargains, reflecting strong growth and increasing consumer awareness.

This acquisition aligns with wider shifts in drinking habits across the UK. Around 41% of adults now consider calorie content when choosing alcoholic drinks, while 26% actively seek lower-calorie options. As a result, sales of lower-calorie beers rose by more than 17% in 2024, highlighting the momentum behind this category.

The move follows Global Brands’ acquisitions of Hooch, Hooper’s and Reef in 2023, underlining a clear strategy to diversify and strengthen its product range in response to changing consumer preferences.

By bringing Skinny Brands into its portfolio, Global Brands aims to accelerate growth through its established distribution, logistics and international network, while offering customers a broader and more relevant range of products.

Commenting on the deal, founder and CEO Steve Perez said:

“I have long admired Skinny Brands – the shift towards low-calorie, gluten-free options is something we have been actively monitoring for some time at Global Brands, and the team has done an impressive job at building a brand in what is a highly competitive and fast-evolving category.

“We are always evaluating how we can strengthen our brand portfolio for our customers, and this acquisition marks another important milestone in that journey. Skinny Brands has built a strong position within the ‘better for you’ drinks space, and we believe these drinks offer a great, natural fit for our business and for the customers we work alongside.

“With Global Brands’ international reach, this acquisition means we can put the full strength of our business behind Skinny Brands – from distribution and logistics to our established customer network – accelerating its growth by introducing it to new markets, while also giving our customers access to a broader, more relevant portfolio within a high-growth category.

“Ultimately, our ambition is to take Skinny Brands from a strong challenger brand to a truly mainstream player, both in the UK and internationally.”

To explore investment opportunities in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

To find out more about Global Brands, visit: globalbrands.co.uk

Global Brands is one 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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Chesterfield Champions drive innovation, skills and community impact

8th May 2026

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 at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Walk and Talk event in Chesterfield to support Ashgate Hospice through new fundraising initiative

A Chesterfield property networking event has introduced a new fundraising element to support Ashgate Hospice through voluntary donations.

Delivered in partnership with the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, the ‘Walk and Talk’ events are co-hosted by Claire Thompson of Acrisure and Kriston Harvey, Director at Rodgers Leask. They bring together property professionals 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. It uses 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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Skills

Three Chesterfield businesses recognised in King’s Awards for Enterprise

7th May 2026

Three businesses from Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been recognised in the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026, with Chesterfield Champion Kranlee Logistics receiving an award for International Trade alongside innovation honours for Phoenix Group and West Special Fasteners.

Celebrating its 60th year, the King’s Awards for Enterprise are widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious business awards, recognising organisations that demonstrate outstanding achievement in areas including international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

International trade success recognised

Chesterfield Champion Kranlee Logistics has received a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, recognising its outstanding growth and success in global markets.

Founded in 2019 and launched in early 2020 by sibling co-founders Karen Mosley and Lee Wells, the Chesterfield-based freight forwarding company has quickly established itself as a leader in the sector. With over 36 years of combined industry experience, the team now supports more than 200 UK and international clients, delivering tailored logistics solutions across air, sea, road and courier freight.

Lee Wells, Co-founder of Kranlee Logistics, said:

“We are immensely proud to be awarded the King’s Award. For an organisation such as Kranlee Logistics to receive an award of this stature is significant. It reflects the hard work of our team and strengthens our position as a trusted partner for our clients.”

Karen Mosley, Co-founder, added:

“Our vision has always been to create a smarter, more personal experience for clients, removing inefficiencies and making international markets more accessible for businesses in our region. Our team has been integral to achieving that vision.”

Kranlee Logistics’s growth has been driven by its focus on service, innovation and building strong relationships with clients. Its global network now spans more than 60 countries, supporting businesses across a wide range of industries.

Innovation awards for local businesses

Two further local businesses also received Innovation Awards at this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise.

Phoenix Group, founded by a team of technical experts with a strong commitment to customer service, was recognised for its work in industrial sealing products, emission reduction programmes and joint integrity training and services. The business specialises in reducing industrial emissions through expertise in leak detection, sealing technology and joint integrity.

West Special Fasteners also received an Innovation Award. The Chesterfield manufacturer specialises in producing precision-engineered fastening solutions using stainless steel, high-performance alloys and exotic metals for industries across the world. Its products are designed to meet demanding industry standards across challenging applications, combining technical expertise with continuous innovation.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Group Property Development Director of The Devonshire Group, commented:

“From international trade and advanced manufacturing to specialist technical services, these awards highlight the range of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit we have here in Chesterfield.
It’s encouraging to see local businesses gaining national recognition while continuing to contribute to our area’s growing economy.”

Entries are now open for the 2027 King’s Awards for Enterprise, offering more businesses the opportunity to gain national recognition. Find out more about the prestigious award and other awards open to Chesterfield businesses at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business/

Kranlee Logistics is one 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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home

Chesterfield performer stars in award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat

7th May 2026

Chesterfield performer stars in award‑winning West End musical Operation Mincemeat

A performer who grew up in Chesterfield is taking centre stage in one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary musicals.

Holly Sumpton, a former Chesterfield student, stars in the multi‑award‑winning Operation Mincemeat. The show is currently playing in the West End and preparing for a major world tour beginning with the UK. Holly plays Ewen Montagu, a British naval intelligence officer whose daring deception played a pivotal role during the Second World War.

Holly grew up in Chesterfield and attended St Mary’s RC High School before studying performing arts at Chesterfield Studios. She later trained in musical theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, developing the skills that have led to leading roles on major stages.

Award‑winning global success

Since premiering at London’s New Diorama Theatre in 2019, Operation Mincemeat has grown into one of the UK’s most successful contemporary musicals. The production has received 67 award nominations and won 25 awards, cementing its reputation as a standout success on the stage.

The UK tour continues until late 2026. The international tour follows, beginning in America, with further dates including Australia, New Zealand and China.

SpitLip, the musical’s writers and composers, said:

“We’re so excited to see Operation Mincemeat heading out on a world tour next year. Having launched our show on Broadway this year, we know there’s an appetite for shows which champion joy and the power of small groups of people to change the world.

“We’re also delighted to be welcoming back our agent, Holly, to kick off the UK leg of the tour.”

A place to learn

Holly’s journey highlights the opportunities available to young people growing up and learning in Chesterfield.

Find out more about learning and skills in Chesterfield at http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure

Artists Jam sparks creative revolution across Chesterfield

6th May 2026

Chesterfield’s creative scene is being strengthened through a new initiative that brings local artists together to share ideas, build confidence and develop their practice.

Artists Jam offers a welcoming space for creatives across all disciplines to meet, learn and experiment in a relaxed and supportive environment. Open to artists, makers, performers and anyone with a creative interest, the sessions are designed to encourage connection and collaboration within the town’s growing creative community.

Delivered by Creative Revolution with support from Arts Council England funding, the initiative was developed in response to feedback from Chesterfield’s creative community, focusing on providing accessible opportunities for creatives to connect and collaborate.

Organisers say the project was developed in response to a clear need within our town’s creative community.

Lisa Price, Marketing Officer at Creative Revolution, said:

“The idea for Artists Jam arose from the lack of connectivity and collaboration among creatives in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas. Just as musicians come together to ‘jam’, we wanted to create a similar space for artists to develop their practice.”

Chesterfield’s growing creative community

Sessions take place at Open Hus Collective in Chesterfield on the second Friday of every month, from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, with the next session scheduled for Friday 8 May 2026.

Each session is participant‑led, allowing activities to evolve naturally based on the interests and needs of those attending. This flexible approach helps ensure the programme remains inclusive, relevant and shaped by the local creative community.

Attendees can expect informal skill‑sharing, optional opportunities to share work, and collaboration across disciplines including visual arts, writing, performance, craft and digital media.

Lisa added:

“It’s a relaxed, friendly environment where everyone is welcome, whatever their experience level. It’s about connection, encouragement and helping people grow their creative practice.”

Partnership strengthening Chesterfield’s cultural offer

Artists Jam also works in partnership with Chesterfield Champion – Junction Arts, bringing together ‘Chesterfield Creatives’ and ‘Artists Jam’ under one umbrella to strengthen the town’s creative network.

The collaboration is helping to connect more people across Chesterfield’s cultural sector, encouraging shared learning and new opportunities for local artists.

Future sessions will continue to feature guest creatives and practitioners, including poets, facilitators and artists working across different disciplines, further expanding the programme’s reach and influence.

Supporting confidence and creative growth

Artists Jam is already making a positive impact, with participants progressing into new opportunities ranging from performances and facilitation roles to public exhibitions.

For many, the sessions have provided a stepping stone to build confidence, test ideas and move forward creatively. Organisers say the growing popularity of the programme highlights the appetite for supportive, community‑focused creative spaces in Chesterfield.

Part of Chesterfield’s creative evolution

Artists Jam is contributing to Chesterfield’s wider cultural development, aligning with ambitions to strengthen the town’s identity as a place for creativity, innovation and collaboration.

With continued funding in place until October 2026, the project now focuses on expanding partnerships and strengthening engagement across Chesterfield’s creative sector.

To discover more events happening in and around Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

To find out more about Artists Jam, visit: ccep.org.uk/artists-jam/

Junction Arts is one 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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure

Beauty salon set to open in town centre with focus on luxury, calming treatments

5th May 2026

An independent beauty salon is set to open in Chesterfield town centre, adding a calm, luxury wellbeing offer to the area.

A launch event will take place on Saturday, 9th May at 2:00pm, with discounts and giveaways available on the day.

One 9 Beauty is the result of eight years of dedication from founder Claire Mott, who first trained in beauty while raising her young family. What began as a hobby alongside full‑time office work gradually developed into a growing business with a loyal client base.

After the birth of her second child, Claire made the decision to commit fully to the business, continuing to grow while working from rented salon spaces. Opening her own premises marks a significant milestone in that journey.

The salon’s name is inspired by Claire’s daughter’s birth date, reflecting the personal story behind the brand and the family motivation that has shaped its growth.

Located in the heart of Chesterfield, One 9 Beauty benefits from strong footfall, passing trade and convenient nearby parking, making it easily accessible for clients.

Designed to promote calm and relaxation, the salon offers a slower‑paced, spa‑like experience that sets it apart from more fast‑paced beauty environments.

Claire Mott, Founder of One 9 Beauty, said:

“I’ve always dreamed of having my own salon, so to finally open One 9 Beauty is an incredible achievement. I’m proud of everything it’s taken to get here, and it means so much that my children can see what hard work can lead to.”

One 9 Beauty specialises in skincare, lashes and brows, offering treatments including lash extensions, Korean lash lifts, brow lamination, waxing and tinting.

Skin treatments are a key focus, with in‑depth consultations designed to tailor services to individual needs. Payment plans and bundled offers are available, helping make treatments more accessible.

The salon’s ethos centres on enhancing natural beauty rather than dramatic transformation, with a strong emphasis on care, detail and client wellbeing.

Alongside client services, the business is expanding into professional training, with its first courses launching in May. These will cover lashes, brows and selected facial treatments, with a focus on high‑quality education and ongoing support.

Claire added:

“Good training at the start of your journey is essential. I want to provide courses that give people a strong foundation and the confidence to build successful businesses of their own.”

Looking ahead, the salon plans to grow its training offer further and is inviting interest from other professionals, with four beauty rooms available to rent within the space.

With a strong personal story and a focus on quality, One 9 Beauty adds to Chesterfield’s growing independent business community, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a supportive place to invest, grow and thrive.

Find out more about business and investment opportunities in Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Regional authority relocates to larger Chesterfield town centre office

1st May 2026

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is preparing to relocate to a larger base in Chesterfield town centre.

Since its establishment two years ago, EMCCA has operated from the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. Increasing staff numbers and responsibilities have prompted the move to a dedicated space.

From mid‑May, teams will relocate to a refurbished unit at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, creating another modern working environment in the heart of Chesterfield.

Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive Officer at EMCCA, said:

“This move marks an exciting next chapter for EMCCA. Having a larger base of our own in Chesterfield town centre gives us the room we need to grow, collaborate and support our expanding responsibilities across the region.

“We have had fantastic support from everyone at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre during our early years as we have become established and evolved.

“Moving to our own Steeplegate office reflects both how far we’ve come and our confidence in what lies ahead.”

The authority has taken on a 27,000 sq ft unit on the corner of Steeplegate and Church Lane, previously occupied by Argos and later used as a temporary Jobcentre.

Danny O’Keefe, Co‑Founder of Sheet Anchor Evolve, said:

“This letting reflects the value of strong public and private sector collaboration in supporting town centres.

“Bringing a major regional authority into the centre will add to the everyday vitality of Chesterfield and demonstrates how well‑located town‑centre space can support modern working environments while benefiting the wider place.”

The office is being fitted out by Chesterfield‑based We Are Spaces, with EMCCA teams initially occupying the ground floor before moving fully into the enlarged space once works are completed.

Amy Revell, Co‑Founder of We Are Spaces, said:

“Having supported EMCCA with their initial workspace requirements during their establishment, it’s an honour to be partnering with the authority again.

“As a Chesterfield business employing local people and supply‑chain partners, being part of a project that will bring so much value to our hometown makes me incredibly proud.”

The move will bring together teams working across transport, skills, housing, net zero and economic development, alongside corporate functions, supporting closer collaboration and future growth.

To discover further developments taking place across Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

East Midlands investment opportunities promoted on global stage

29th April 2026

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, joined East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward in Washington DC to promote investment opportunities across our region.

Mayor Claire travelled to the United States as part of the Bloomberg Harvard Programme for Mayors, which offers executive training, coaching and networking to support regional leaders in tackling complex challenges, driving innovation and improving local services.

During her visit, she attended an Investors Roundtable hosted by the Chancellor as part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings. The session brought together key investors and businesses with a strong interest in supporting growth and investment in the UK.

While in Washington, the Chancellor outlined how the government plans to go further and faster in delivering its economic strategy, focused on stability, increased investment and reform to build a stronger, more resilient economy.

She also recently highlighted that increasing investment in regions beyond London and the South East represents one of the UK’s greatest opportunities for economic growth.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

“The opportunities on offer in the East Midlands are huge. Whether it’s investing in the next generation of nuclear technology with Rolls-Royce, the developments at the Freeport, or the decision to place Great British Railway’s headquarters in Derby, this government is putting its weight behind the region, and there’s no doubt it’s an attractive destination for businesses from around the world to invest in.

“The East Midlands has the talent, ambition and vision – now with government and business working in partnership to back the East Midlands, we will drive growth, boost jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.”

East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, added:

“The Chancellor clearly understands the potential of our brilliant region, and the message from the government is clear: the East Midlands is building the future economy, today, and the opportunities are there to be realised.”

“Ours is a region that powered the country and shaped industry all over the world. It is already a great place to live, work, and learn, but as Mayor, I have even higher ambitions and will work with partners, innovators, and investors to achieve them.”

With ongoing regeneration, strong connectivity and major development sites across our borough, Chesterfield is increasingly positioned as a key destination for inward investment in the East Midlands.

For more information on investment opportunities in and around Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing

Last chance for businesses to enter the Chesterfield Business Awards 2026

22nd April 2026

Businesses across the Chesterfield borough are being encouraged to submit their applications for this year’s Chesterfield Business Awards, with entries closing on Monday, 27th April, 2026.

The newly launched awards sponsored by Chesterfield Champion, SMH Mitchells, celebrate the achievements, innovation and resilience of businesses of all sizes, from emerging start-ups to established organisations. With a wide range of categories available, the awards offer an opportunity for companies to showcase their success, gain recognition, and boost their profile within the local business community.

Organisers are encouraging any businesses that have not yet entered to act quickly and ensure their achievements are recognised. Entries are free, the entry process is straightforward, and businesses can submit nominations in up to three categories.

In addition to entries, the organisers have confirmed that some sponsorship opportunities remain available. Sponsorship provides a valuable platform for organisations to align their brand with this community Chesterfield event, while gaining exposure to a wide and engaged audience.

Chrissie Rowell, Organiser and Event Lead, said:

“As the deadline approaches, we encourage all eligible businesses to take this opportunity to share their success stories. We also welcome interest from organisations looking to support the awards through sponsorship, but availability is now limited.

We’re delighted to welcome on board our headline sponsor, Chesterfield accountancy and business advisory firm SMH Mitchells – part of SMH Group which is continuing its expansion throughout the region; as well as the University of Derby which has been confirmed as our Industry and Employability Partner and will be expanding some of its most popular undergraduate programmes to its St Helena site in Chesterfield this September.”

Award winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 bringing together leading figures from across the local business community. Entry forms can be downloaded from the following link: chesterfieldbusinessawards.co.uk/categories/

Browse more local business awards and opportunities: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business

Chesterfield Business Awards and SMH Mitchells are two 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.

Posted in Business, Development, Home

Chesterfield bakery celebrates two national sourdough awards

21st April 2026

A small independent bakery in Chesterfield, based at Boythorpe Business Park, is celebrating national recognition after being crowned both Britain’s Best Plain Sourdough 2026 and Britain’s Best Flavoured Sourdough 2026 at the Britain’s Best Loaf awards, organised by leading baking industry publication British Baker.

Peak & Stone Bakery, run by husband and wife team Tom and Emily Martin, took home the two trophies at the competition held at the NEC Birmingham on Monday, 13th April, after their loaves were judged the best in their categories by a panel of experts from across the UK baking industry.

With more than 200 loaves entered from bakeries across the country, judges deemed Peak & Stone’s Stanedge Country Sourdough the finest in the Plain Sourdough category and their Cheese, Chilli & Sundried Tomato Sourdough the winner of the Flavoured Sourdough category.

The Cheese, Chilli & Sundried Tomato loaf, which is made with mature Cheddar, pickled jalapeños and sundried tomatoes, was described by judges as a “really exceptional loaf”, praised for its brilliant texture, balanced flavour and striking appearance.

Their plain sourdough winner, the Stanedge Country Sourdough, is named after the famous Derbyshire millstones of the Peak District and is made using a slow 48-hour fermentation process and the bakery’s eight-year-old sourdough starter, affectionately named Geoff after Tom’s grandad. Judges described the loaf as delivering “everything you’d want from a sourdough”, praising its flavour, structure and overall quality.

Britain’s Best Loaf is an annual competition that honours the finest bread produced by the nation’s best bakers. Every loaf, entered across eight categories, is judged anonymously and assessed on external appearance, internal structure, aroma, taste and mouthfeel, ensuring the winners truly represent the very best of British baking.

Amy North, editor of British Baker, said:

“Britain’s Best Loaf aims to find the finest loaves the nation has to offer, and in doing so we can celebrate the care, creativity and craftsmanship put in by bakers day in and day out.

“We received a record-breaking number of entries this year, so our judges definitely had their work cut out for them to find the winners. Their expertise and attention to detail paid off and we have a stellar line-up of worthy winners.”

Speaking about the achievement, Emily Martin, Owner of Peak & Stone Bakery, said:

“As a husband and wife team, winning both of these national awards means the absolute world to us and our little bakery. We’re incredibly proud and honestly still a little shocked.

“We’re so grateful to our customers who support us week in, week out. Without them, achievements like this simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Despite competing with much larger bakeries nationwide, the couple bake all their sourdough themselves in small batches using traditional long-fermentation methods.

The awards highlight the growing strength of independent artisan baking and place Chesterfield firmly on the map for award-winning sourdough.

You can purchase these award winning breads direct at local farmers markets. Details of where they stand can be found on their social media @peakandstonebakery

Explore places to shop, eat, drink and visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer

Award success continues for Chesterfield Champions

20th April 2026

Our Chesterfield Champions are continuing to gain recognition for their contribution to skills, innovation and enterprise, securing honours at regional, national and international levels, and highlighting the strength and diversity across sectors including education, engineering and the creative industries.

Chesterfield College Group celebrates national accountancy award win

Chesterfield College Group has once again secured national recognition for the second consecutive year, winning Medium Provider of the Year at the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Accounting Awards.

The award highlights the continued success of the college’s accountancy training provision, which has expanded to meet growing demand from employers and learners across our region. Its flexible delivery model and strong links with industry have helped position the college as a leading provider of AAT training.

This latest accolade reflects both the quality of teaching and the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting skills development within the local economy.

Rhys Robinson, Director of Learning for Engineering, Digital and Services to Business, explains:

“To be awarded another national accolade really does drive home the strength and depth of our AAT/Accounting training. We’re quickly becoming THE training provider of choice across the region, and that’s simply down to the quality, dedication and care of our wonderful tutors. I can’t praise them highly enough.

To now be offering AAT/Accounting training both in Chesterfield and in Derby shows the demand for the training in businesses across any industry, and we’re proud to offer solutions that work flexibly enough to any business/individual need. Here’s hoping that, given a few more years of growth, we’ll be in the running for Large Provider of the Year!”

Anyone interested in developing their Accountancy skills, visit: chesterfield.ac.uk

BSP Consulting recognised for award-winning engineering project

East Midlands based civil and structural engineering specialists, BSP Consulting has been awarded Best New Project winner at the East Midlands Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Awards 2026.

The award recognises the firm’s work on On Freedom’s Wings, a 29-metre-high installation created in partnership with the Bomber County Gateway Trust. The project has received widespread praise for its design quality and innovation, while honouring Royal Air Force crews of the Second World War and celebrating the aviation heritage of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

BSP Consulting Managing Director, Carl Hilton, said:

“It is a fantastic achievement for the team to have won the Best New Project at the East Midlands’ IStructE Awards. The IStructE is a global benchmark of technical excellence and innovation within the built environment and to be recognised by the judges in this way is a tremendous honour and testament to the professionalism and technical capabilities of our team.

Having been involved from the start, we’re incredibly proud to see it develop and for it to receive the recognition it deserves. We are pleased to now be providing transport planning and consultancy on the next phase, which includes creating the infrastructure for a dedicated car park and visitor centre to bring the experience to more people. We’re working closely with the Bomber County Gateway Trust team to make it a truly special visitor destination that can be appreciated by many generations to come.”

After more than eight years of planning, design and fundraising, the statue has touched hearts around the world and has been continually praised for its construction quality, design integration, continuous innovation, sustainability and functionality.

It is the second project award in three months for the BSP Consulting team, following their win of the Tourism and Leisure Project of the Year trophy at the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2026.

For more details on BSP Consulting’s civil and structural engineering services, visit: bsp-consulting.co.uk

Heavy Weather gains international design recognition

Chesterfield-based design studio Heavy Weather has received a Gold Award for Integrated Graphic Design at the Indigo Awards 2026 for its work on Repeater, a Sheffield-based curatorial music and arts series.

The project brings together experimental sound and visual culture, with Heavy Weather developing a distinctive design system that evolves over time. The approach allows the campaign to respond to each event while maintaining a consistent identity, supporting both audience engagement and long-term storytelling.

By combining creative strategy with flexible visual design, the project demonstrates how branding can play a central role in shaping cultural experiences. The recognition further strengthens the profile of Chesterfield’s creative sector, with local talent continuing to gain international attention.

Phil McDonald, founder of Heavy Weather, said: “The design system builds an ongoing world around sound. The campaign was designed to archive itself, mutate and evolve over time.”

Further information about the Repeater project can be found on the Heavy Weather website: heavyweather.co.uk

Find local business awards and opportunities here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business/

Chesterfield College Group, BSP Consulting and Heavy Weather are three 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.

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