We had the pleasure of attending the East Midlands Chamber President’s Celebration, and what an evening it was. Held in the stunning surroundings of Kelham Hall, the venue itself was a showstopper. Its grand architecture and atmospheric lighting set the tone for a night filled with inspiration, recognition, and pride.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The evening began with a heartfelt address from East Midlands Chamber President Dawn Whitemore, who shared a moving story of perseverance, of coming from humble beginnings and building a life of purpose through grit, determination, and the support of loved ones. Her words reminded us all of the power of resilience and community. And her powerful message “What if the very thing you fear is actually the key to unlocking your greatest success” will resonate with all of us.

We were then captivated by Jo Salter, Britain’s first female fast-jet pilot, who flew the Panavia Tornado with the RAF’s legendary 617 Squadron. Jo’s journey, from joining the RAF at 18 to becoming a trailblazer in aviation, was nothing short of extraordinary. Her message was clear and we can all be “a little more Jo” by facing our fears head-on, saying YES and pushing through the turbulence. Her courage and leadership continue to inspire women and men across industries.

Gratitude and Good Company
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the East Midlands Chamber for hosting such a memorable evening. Special thanks also to Vicky Thompson, who kept our table supported and smiling throughout the night. It’s always a joy to connect with fellow businesses and celebrate the achievements that make our region thrive.

Our Moment in the Spotlight
The highlight of the evening for us at West Special Fasteners was the announcement of the Derbyshire Business Awards finalists. After 26 years of quietly supporting some of the world’s most iconic structures, from the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, where our A4-80 stainless steel bolts anchor the concrete counterbalance, to the Helix Bridge in Singapore, a DNA-inspired marvel held together by our precision-engineered hexagon bolts, and the ongoing restoration of HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship, 2026 is shaping up to be our year to shine.

We were honoured to be named finalists in three categories:
Innovation of the Year
CSR Leadership
Apprentice of the Year – Congratulations to Ryan Gibbons, whose dedication and growth have made us incredibly proud.

To be recognised among such outstanding peers is a privilege. Every business sat with us in that room works tirelessly behind the scenes, and it’s moments like these that remind us how valuable it is to pause and celebrate. A huge congratulations to everyone nominated on the evening.

The Future Is Fastened

The work we’ve undertaken over the past year has been monumental, not just in scale, but in impact. We’ve invested in cutting edge technologies to improve precision and efficiency across our manufacturing process. Our sustainability efforts have expanded significantly, and we’ve deepened our commitment to community engagement by supporting local initiatives, schools and charities that align with our values. These efforts are helping to cement West Special Fasteners’ future as a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of.

So, get ready, after 26 years of quiet excellence, we’re about to bolt into the spotlight and thread our way into history. The fasteners may be small, but the impact is anything but.