The finalists for the inaugural Chesterfield Business Awards 2026 have been announced, celebrating the innovation, resilience, and success of local enterprises. Following a rigorous judging process, the shortlists for various categories have been confirmed, with winners set to be revealed at a gala dinner on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the vibrant business community in Chesterfield.
Key Takeaways
- The inaugural Chesterfield Business Awards have announced their shortlists.
- Winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on July 1st, 2026.
- The awards highlight the innovation and success of Chesterfield businesses.
- The University of Derby and SMH Mitchells are key sponsors.
A Celebration of Local Business Prowess
Judges from across the region convened in early May to evaluate a strong array of entries, underscoring the ingenuity and achievements of businesses operating within Chesterfield. The awards have garnered significant sponsorship interest from various local entities, including Chesterfield Champions and SMH Mitchells, now part of the expanding SMH Group. The University of Derby has also joined as an Industry and Employability Partner, supporting its forthcoming business programme at its St Helena site.
Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, commented on the partnership, stating, "Chesterfield is a town that invests in skills development that is aligned with industry needs. It has a skilled and developing workforce, and with the University of Derby’s expansion in this area, Chesterfield will have a growing talent pipeline."
Andrew McDaid, Partner at SMH Mitchells, added, "Chesterfield has a unique ‘small town feel with big city ambition’. There is a remarkable sense of community here; it’s a place where relationships actually matter. We are incredibly proud to be the headline sponsor for the inaugural Chesterfield Business Awards. For us, it’s about shining a well-deserved spotlight on the innovation and resilience that exists right here in our borough."
The judging panel comprised experienced professionals from Chesterfield and the Peak District, including Dominic Stevens of Destination Chesterfield, Samantha Deakin of the University of Derby, Marvin Cooke OBE DL of the King’s Awards for Enterprise, Professor Peter Dewhurst of Business Peak District, and Anne Batty of Paperclip.
Dominic Stevens, Head of Destination Chesterfield, remarked on the high calibre of submissions: "The standard of entries for this year’s Chesterfield Business Awards has been outstanding. The judging process has been thorough and highly competitive, with businesses across the borough demonstrating real strength in performance, leadership and community impact. Shortlisting has been no easy task, which says a great deal about the ambition and quality of Chesterfield’s business community. What’s come through is the diversity of the local economy, with organisations of all sizes helping to drive a vibrant and resilient place. There are some brilliant stories here to celebrate."
Award Categories and Finalists
Best enterprising business (up to 10 employees)
- Sponsored by SMH Mitchells
- EyeSiteView
- Edwards Employment Solutions
- Paper Starlights
- Derbyshire Pie & Co
Best enterprising business (11+ employees)
- Sponsored by SMH Mitchells
- Banner Jones Solicitors
- CRUSH
- Ellenvale Interiors
- Less Than Zero Barbers
- Phoenix Sealing
Best business growth
- Sponsored by Dialled In
- CRIT
- Derbyshire Pie & Co
- Ellenvale Interiors
- Fluency Business Group
Best new business
- Sponsored by Minuteman Press Chesterfield
- 21 Photography
- CRIT
- La Dolce Vita
- Lambarelli’s
- Peak & Stone Bakery
Employer of the year
- Sponsored by University of Derby
- Dalton Roofing
- KranLee Logistics
- Less Than Zero Barbers
Excellence in customer service
- Sponsored by LTZ Group
- The Accountancy Recruitment Group
- Banner Jones Solicitors
- Dalton Roofing
- KranLee Logistics
Inspirational business person of the year
- Annie Johnson
- Izabella Edwards
- Martin Wallis-Keyworth
- Philip Dalton
Sole trader of the year
- Mike Jones Photography
- Andrew Haslam Media
- Annie Littlewood
- Helen Rowan Photography
Best community impact
- Sponsored by Fluency Group
- Kakou CIC
- Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust
- Pathways
- Friends of Thistle Park
Business of the year
- Sponsored by Cosy Direct – winner to be announced at the awards ceremony.
Chesterfield Champions are a network of over 200 organisations dedicated to supporting the local economy and promoting Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a prime location for living, working, visiting, and investing.
Sources
- Shortlists announced for Chesterfield Business Awards 2026 – Destination Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield.
