Meet The Team

Chrissie

Founder/Director

From the moment we set eyes on The West Mill, my husband and I knew it was a project we wanted to be part of. Despite the building being derelict before our huge restoration project, what it has become today is a place so special, so full of character and industrial charm, I get goosebumps every time I drive in. When we opened our second venue, The River Mill in 2017, it became a younger sister to The West Mill, but still remained magnificent in its own right. It’s now thrilling to see so many couples on site enjoying the best days of their lives with us.

Andrew

Founder/Director

These are very unique wedding venues. The West Mill is a repurposed industrial cotton spinning mill that has some beautiful features such as the original metal ceiling on the top floor, cast iron columns, a blue brick floor and some wonderful views along the River Derwent across the historic mill weir.

We wanted to expand our family business when opening The River Mill. With magnificent natural light and a stunning riverbank, it’s a place like no other. It’s a privilege to host so many occasions in both spaces.

Hannah

Operations Manager

I genuinely love my job. The variety of my role, the beautiful buildings we get to call ours and creating friendships with wonderful suppliers. The element that I love the most would have to be the team – cliché but true! Each individual brings something unique to our big West Mill/ River Mill family and when you see all areas working together seamlessly, it really is like magic!

Louise

Event Manager 

I truly love working at such beautiful venues with an absolute dream team to work with helping couples have the best day of their lives.

Rachel

Event Manager

Coming to work at such stunning venues and to such an incredible team makes it the best job ever. There is nothing better than walking into an office full of the loveliest people who care about you and their roles within the company. We are all family here which is something that I really treasure and I’m proud of.

Karen

Event Manager

In January 2015 I heard about a new wedding venue being developed which sounded wonderful. By February I had persuaded The West Mill owners to give me a job helping with the initial set up and showing newly engaged couples around. Fast forward over 8 years and I’m still here. I now get to work at both venues and they’re still the most beautiful buildings, sitting within an industrial district which has bags of history with the stunning backdrop of The River Derwent. Wedding days are just the best and it’s a privilege helping to make a couple’s day so special. Our team make work life so easy and to spend your days with people so passionate about their jobs and give daily laughs and support is priceless.

Tamara

Event Manager

What I love about working here is meeting so many new couples every single day from all over the world. It makes my job so interesting. Both venues are completely transparent with no hidden costs. Couples are able to use the space exclusively their way, whereas so many venues are restrictive. What you see is what you get and the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be blown away like we all are!

Shannon

Event Manager

It doesn’t feel like a job! I enjoy everything I do and the amazing team I work with so always look forward to coming into work. Both venues are wonderful and unique places to work in a beautiful setting with great views. As the saying goes, find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life!

Hayley

Event Manager

My favourite thing about working here is the amazing location. It’s so beautiful and picturesque, the absolute dream backdrop for wedding photos, no matter the weather! The fact that Darley Abbey Mills are steeped in so much history just makes it even better, they don’t make buildings like these anymore.

Tanayah

Event Manager

One thing I love about working here is having such an amazing and supportive team. Everyone plays a part; housekeeping, the catering team and all of the event managers work so closely together in order to execute exceptional wedding days for our couples. We have a great relationship and it makes for a lovely working environment too.

Nikki

Event Manager

The West Mill is a wedding coordinator’s dream. As we have a floor for each part of the wedding day, it means we are able to fully set-up for our weddings and make everywhere look perfect before couples even set foot in the door. From my first day working here, I have always felt so welcome, we have the best team full of experience and who are always willing to offer support to each other and our couples.

Jane

Event Manager

Arriving at these venues isn’t like going to work. We are surrounded by such beautiful decor and design which is so uplifting and working with such beautiful people for their weddings make it such a happy industry to be in. It’s the best place to be.

Laura

Financial Controller

Having spent my previous job behind a desk, working here is just exhilarating. Every day is fun and every day is different. Summer or winter, these riverside venues are just spectacular. 

Both venues will suit all tastes and both do something completely different than every other venue. I feel very lucky to be part of it.

The Accommodation Team

Here at The West Mill we have two stunning accommodations available for you and your guests. These beautiful properties are managed by our Accommodation Team, headed up by Cheryl, alongside Karen, Trisha, Kate and Sue. Our wonderful team works tirelessly to ensure you and your guests have a pleasant and peaceful stay. Whether it is welcoming you on arrival, cooking your breakfast the following day, or helping with the last minute ironing and buttonholes ahead of your ceremony – they are always happy to help! 

The Clean Team

To keep The West Mill Venue and all four floors in tip-top condition is no small task! In the early hours of the morning you shall find our Clean Team is beavering away behind the scenes to make sure the venue is spotless ahead of your wedding day! 

PHOTO CREDITS: SAM DOCKER