Thank you to The Derbyshire Times for including CRUSH founder, Natalie Burkinshaw in their latest Destination Chesterfield Champions column.
The end of the year always brings about the opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved over the past year, but for Natalie, who has run CRUSH for over 22 years, looking back goes a little deeper.
The column focuses on primarily on Chesterfield, and how running CRUSH in the town benefits us as a company.
Although Natalie originally set-up CRUSH in Nottingham, she moved to Chesterfield the year after. After many happy years in the town centre, Post-COVID we moved from our central position to a purpose built studio in Cutthorpe, on the outskirts of Chesterfield. This short re-location gives us the best of both worlds – the town and all it’s amenities plus the stunning landscape as a backdrop for our day-to-day creative work.
The full interview can be read below, or on the Derbyshire Times website https://tinyurl.com/4b53ttss
——-
Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder of design agency CRUSH, has built her business in Cutthorpe over the past 20 years, and she explains why she chose to live and work in the area.
Hello, I’m Natalie, Founder of the award-winning design agency CRUSH. We’re based on the outskirts of Chesterfield in beautiful Cutthorpe, and we’ve been helping businesses from Derbyshire and around the globe with branding, design, digital and marketing support for over 22 years.
What was the greatest achievement for your organisation over the past year?
It’s been a challenging year for many businesses, and we’ve spent a lot of time helping clients rethink their marketing strategies to maximise budget and impact. Because we support businesses of all sizes, we understand the specific challenges smaller entities face, so we’ve also run free local workshops.
We’ve also won a series of awards, including the Transform Awards Europe and German Design Awards for our rebrand of Ziemann Holvrieka, as well as being personally shortlisted and winning two women’s business awards.
How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?
Grounded, industrious, ambitious.
What are your favourite places to visit in Chesterfield and why?
I love visiting any of the green spaces with my three dogs. That could be Queen’s Park, Hardwick Hall, the canal or Linacre Reservoirs. It’s one of the key reasons I moved to Chesterfield.
How is your business or organisation becoming more sustainable?
In 2021, we built our own studio in the Derbyshire hillsides. Being in control of the building enabled us to install solar panels to power our computers, air conditioning and heating, and the studio is a modern, energy-efficient structure.
Why do you love working or doing business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?
I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and although my job often takes me to London and Europe, when I come home, I always feel at peace and inspired by the area we live in.
How are you supporting young people in your business?
In the past year alone, we’ve welcomed over 10 work-experience students from Chesterfield schools, many leaving inspired to pursue careers in design or website development. Naomi, our designer and illustrator, joined us as a graduate intern from Sheffield Hallam University and has now been a full-time team member for over two years.
How is your business supporting local people?
CRUSH has supported countless local businesses with branding, design, digital and marketing for over two decades. This has helped us build strong community relationships, working with organisations including Chesterfield Council, Matlock Farm Park, Wilkins Vardy and CK Group, along with charities such as Gussie’s Pantry and Pathways.
What support or advice has your business received recently, and how has it benefited your business?
A benefit recently has been building stronger local connections. With organisations such as Destination Chesterfield and newer groups like the Chesterfield Tech Meet-Up, there’s real energy around collaboration. This engagement has brought fresh opportunities and new relationships.
Which upcoming development do you think will have the greatest impact on the town, and why?
Developments such as Chesterfield Waterside and Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield are transformational. They create jobs, attract businesses and raise aspirations. Waterside brings modern, mixed-use living and working, while town-centre regeneration strengthens community identity.
What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?
I’d love to see the area recognised as a confident, modern place to live, work and invest – known for innovation and quality of life while retaining strong industrial and engineering roots. To achieve this, the town needs sustained investment, collaboration and ambition. Continued regeneration, improved skills pathways and strong education-to-employment links are vital, along with confidently telling the town’s story.