Champion of the Week
Aiden Siddall, Apprentice Accountant, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
Hi, I’m Aiden, an Apprentice Accountant at Mitchells in Chesterfield. My role primarily involves accounts and audit, but I also gain experience in payroll and tax, giving me a great variety of work.
What was your greatest achievement over the past year?
Passing my A-Levels was a huge achievement for me. I earned an A in Spanish and two Cs in History and Law. It was a real challenge, but it pushed me to become more resilient, and I’m proud of what I accomplished.
How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?
Home, family, community.
What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield and why?
I love visiting Poolsbrook Country Park. It’s a peaceful place to walk my dog, catch up with friends, and enjoy the scenery. I also like strolling through the town centre, especially around the market and Vicar Lane, browsing the shops and soaking in the local atmosphere.
How is your business or organisation becoming more sustainable?
At Mitchells, we’re cutting down on paper use by emailing clients instead of sending letters. We’re also mindful of energy usage—switching off lights in meeting rooms and adjusting heating responsibly to reduce emissions. Small changes like these make a big difference in improving our sustainability.
Why do you love working or doing business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?
Our office on Saltergate is in a great location, close to the town centre. It’s easy to pop out for lunch or visit a local shop after work. Chesterfield also has fantastic transport links, so whether we need to meet clients locally or travel further afield, it’s convenient.
Why would you recommend an apprenticeship to other young people in Chesterfield?
An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience while learning. If you enjoy working with numbers, accounting could be a great career path. It’s never boring—each day is different, and the team at Mitchells is really supportive. Whether you’re coming straight from A-Levels or GCSEs, an apprenticeship can give you a strong start in your career.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received recently, and how has that impacted your organisation?
The best advice I’ve received is to stay calm and not get overwhelmed. With exams and work deadlines, it’s easy to feel pressure, but taking a step back and keeping a level head makes a big difference. In the long run, short-term challenges aren’t as daunting as they seem, and there’s always an opportunity to learn and improve.
How are you, your business, or your team supporting local people?
Mitchells supports many businesses in Chesterfield, from small startups to larger companies. We help them manage their accounts, stay profitable, and navigate financial challenges. It’s rewarding to build relationships with local businesses and support their success.
Which upcoming development do you think will have the greatest impact on the town and why?
The regeneration of Chesterfield’s marketplace will be a game-changer. The market is a huge part of the town’s identity, attracting visitors and shoppers. Investing in its future will help revitalise the town centre and remind people why Chesterfield is such a great place to live and work.
What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?
By 2030, I’d love to see Chesterfield become even more sustainable and energy efficient. I also hope the strong sense of community continues to grow, bringing people together and making Chesterfield an even better place to live. There’s so much potential for positive change, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
