We aim to buy at least 50% of our supplies and services locally. We define ‘local’ as any business that is less than 30 miles away by road.
Progress is measured annually in a comprehensive supply chain assessment. This looks at every single supplier of goods and services used by the Devonshire Group during the previous financial year. By looking at the amount spent with them and their distance from our sites, we calculate the proportion of money spent within the local economy.
In 2025/26, we spent £21.2 million with local suppliers, representing 48% of total spend. This compares with 47% in our baseline year.
We are fortunate to share our estates with a wealth of amazing businesses and artisans, and colleagues continue to seek opportunities to work with local businesses. At our retail outlets at Chatsworth, you can find perfumes from Sheffield-based Abbey Perfumery and handcrafted copper decorations from Everdene's near Stoke-on-Trent. In 2025, sales of locally made products rose by 77% compared with the previous year, generating more than £500,000 in revenue.
Local artists also help bring Christmas magic to Chatsworth. Last Christmas, Winning Works of Crich crafted wire-frame fairies and copper mushrooms, while Wirksworth Pottery Company produced intricate ceramic decorations featuring pressed ferns. A striking copper mistletoe installation by Peak District artist Amy Wight provided a memorable focal point above the Oak Stairs.
Continue reading about our 10 goals for 10 years...
Help create 1000 homes and 1000 jobs in the local area
By investing in the regeneration of areas around our estates
Double the benefit to local economies from our organisations
As measured by the value of the direct and indirect goods and services we buy
Invest £50m in our heritage properties and landscapes
Specifically in their repair, restoration, improvement and development
Enable every child in local schools to experience our estates
As part of their primary education, reaching every school through physical visits onsite or our virtual presence in schools
Achieve excellence in our visitor feedback scores
By scoring 90%+ for value for money, overall enjoyment and likelihood to recommend, in our customer feedback surveys
Be recognised as an excellent employer
Achieving scores of 80%+ for all measures of satisfaction and engagement in our staff and volunteer survey
Create 500 work opportunities for those in and just out of education
Working with local education and training providers to create these opportunities to benefit young people
Reduce our impact on the environment
Through improved management of waste and emissions
Improve the quality of life and wellbeing of our local communities
By providing accessible green spaces, reducing car journeys to our estates and supporting our local communities
