East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is working with partners to offer support to local businesses which have been – and continue to be – affected by recent flooding.

A month’s-worth of rain fell in just one day in some areas, resulting in significant flooding for parts of Derbyshire.

And while crucial short-term support is available, including a flooding hardship fund, the Chamber is offering longer-term support by providing free Chamber membership for a year to businesses directly affected by flooding in the Derbyshire Dales, Amber Valley and High Peak.

Those taking advantage of the complimentary membership will enjoy the same wide-ranging, comprehensive benefits available to paid-up standard members.

David Pearson, Director of Partnerships at the Chamber, said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of communities and we’re pleased to offer our support to those affected at an extremely difficult time.”

“The impact of flooding will be felt for some time and by offering free year-long Chamber membership, those affected can be sure that the support available to help them recover and thrive will be available short, mid and long-term.”

“I would urge businesses in the affected areas to fully explore the extensive level of support available to them – whatever challenges they are currently facing.”

Businesses wishing to take advantage of free Chamber membership for a year can contact the Chamber’s Membership team on 0333 320 0333 extension 1 quoting ‘Derbyshire flooding’.

Alternatively, fill in the online application form – leaving the payment section blank – and send to Charlotte Leivers at charlotte.leivers@emc-dnl.co.uk with Derbyshire flooding in the email title.

While this offer is not available to existing members, there are a number of benefits within membership that affected businesses can utilise at this difficult time, including Chamber Legal advice, which can be accessed here.

If you are a business directly affected by the recent flooding and have a specific query, contact the Chamber’s Information team on 0333 320 0333 or email info@emc-dnl.co.uk.

East Midlands Chamber won Chamber of the Year at the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2018

Over 200 delegates attended the 2019 D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Annual Conference on Wednesday 13 November, which took place at Pride Park Stadium.

Delegates included senior representatives from companies of all sizes, local authorities, skills and training providers, community and voluntary services organisations, and others.

They came to hear speakers including Karen Smart from East Midlands Airport), Barry Lewis from Derbyshire County Council, Stephan Hayward from The Framework, and Emma Rigler from Laing O’Rourke.

The conference began with Sajeeda Rose, D2N2 Chief Executive welcoming delegates before outlining how D2N2 is supporting job creation, promoting skills, and helping create the infrastructure needed to grow the economy of its area.

It is doing this through a wide range of business support programmes, funding and major investment; made possible through its access to more than £500million worth of public sector funding, via the UK Government and European Union.

Chair of D2N2, Elizabeth Fagan, then told conference of D2N2s commitment towards a Carbon-Free Tomorrow saying, “Lasting change is not something that is done to us, rather it is something that can only occur because of us.”

The Non-Executive Chair of Boots went on to emphasis the essential space D2N2 occupies in England, “D2N2 is at are the heart of England. The heart of transport, the heart of knowledge, the heart of innovation, science, and culture and so much more.”

The conference drew praise from attendees including John Forkin of Marketing Derby said: “It’s great to see D2N2 evolve a calm, assured & confident pitch as a collaborative catalyst focused on productive & inclusive growth, we at Marketing Derby are delighted to be part of that delivery.”

Seleena Creedon of Silver Birch Creative said: “I was thoroughly engrossed in all that was said. It was clear there was a packed room full of people passionate about the success of our region.”

The Conference was organised by D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. D2N2 is a partnership of both private and public sectors tasked with stimulating the local economy and improving the lives of local residents.