Derby design director wins major leadership award for mentoring skills
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 24 March 2026
A Derby-based design director who stepped up to help lead a long-established interiors business following the sudden death of its managing director has won a major award in recognition of his leadership.
Aaron Buchan, Design Director at DSP (Interiors) Ltd, was named Mentor of the Year at the Business Desk Leadership Awards 2026.
During his 22 years with the company, Aaron has played a pivotal role in its growth from a small family-run business into an award-winning commercial design and fit-out specialist.
In 2024, DSP suffered the devastating loss of its Managing Director, Andy Priestley. Deeply felt across the business, the loss left a significant void, with Aaron emerging as a central figure in maintaining stability and focus. He took on additional operational responsibilities well beyond his original remit while continuing to uphold the company’s high standards.
He also played a key role in supporting Andy’s wife, Louisa, as she stepped into the Managing Director role, and his daughter Olivia as Commercial Director, helping them build confidence and capability in their new positions.
Olivia said:
“Aaron has been the backbone of DSP for more than two decades. His leadership over the past few years has been nothing short of extraordinary and we are so pleased this has been recognised with this award.
“Aaron has supported our team through an incredibly difficult time, upheld the highest professional standards and mentored us with genuine care. He is an exceptional leader, colleague and person.”
Aaron joined DSP straight from university in 2004. Early in his career, he returned to university part-time while working, earning a first-class honours degree and receiving the Dean’s Prize for Student of the Year – a reflection of the drive and ambition colleagues say has defined his contribution ever since.
Since then, he has helped shape DSP’s growth into an award-winning, design-led fit-out specialist. Projects associated with his work include KTM Motorsports HQ and Robinsons Structures Ltd, which won UK Interior Fit-Out Project of the Year (Under £1m) twice, alongside further nominations including Surescreen Diagnostics HQ and AMS Hayley HQ.
Olivia added:
“Aaron’s leadership extends far beyond technical guidance. Since my dad’s passing, he has taken on a more visible client-facing role, attending site visits, leading client meetings and managing contractor arrangements – all while continuing to support Mum and I.
“On a personal level, Aaron has been the most transformative mentor I could have asked for. While Mum was already an integral part of the business, this world was new to me.
“With genuine enthusiasm – and a lot of patience – Aaron taught me how the business operates. He has taken the time to explain the ‘why’ behind every decision and often goes above and beyond to ensure I fully understand each aspect, sketching diagrams, sending articles and writing guides.
“This mentorship has not only developed my technical understanding but has transformed my confidence. From initially feeling overwhelmed and inexperienced, I now feel capable – all because Aaron believed in me and my ability.”
