business support

Peer Networks programme gives SME leaders a ‘back-pocket board’ to take businesses forward

Senior leaders in SMEs across Derbyshire can benefit from a “board in their back pocket” by joining a peer-to-peer networking programme that launches this month.

The D2N2 Growth Hub Peer Networks scheme, delivered by East Midlands Chamber, brings together like-minded directors and senior managers to develop their organisation for future success.

They can share common business challenges and objectives to solve in regular sessions, which are facilitated by experts in their field and supported by specialist guest speakers.

Sector-based networks such as manufacturing, visitor economy, medtech and life sciences, and creative – as well as specialist groups for high-growth and female-owned businesses – will begin over the coming weeks, with the first one on Thursday 4 November.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford, who heads up the Peer Networks delivery, said: “There are so many directors running a business without the support network behind them to bounce ideas off and discuss problems with – either they don’t have the time to involve other people or don’t want to discuss business problems with junior members of staff.

“With the Peer Networks programme, the group almost becomes their senior leadership team, with more than 100 years of experience in one room able to help participants solve a particular challenge within their business.

“Some people from previous cohorts have even described it as having their own ‘back-pocket board’.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals across the management spectrum to learn from their peers and develop both themselves and their organisations. We’d encourage anyone who feels they would benefit to get involved.”

Peer Networks, which is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), is eligible for any SME that has operated for at least one year, employs at least five people and records a turnover exceeding £100,000.

It must also have an aspiration to improve and the potential to scale up or export – or is exporting already.

Up to 11 individuals are involved in each cohort and are required to give a time commitment of about 18 hours across the entire duration of the free programme, which lasts several months.

They can also gain three-and-a-half hours of one-to-one bespoke support from an expert, meaning they benefit from a package worth thousands of pounds.

How Peer Networks programme has supported SMEs

William Sutherland, director at Original Recipes, a Chesterfield-based family business with 1920s roots, attended a previous cohort of the food and drink peer network.

The company supplies potted meats and pâtés to restaurants, hotels and caterers across the UK and into major retailers, but William asked his peers for support on identifying new sales channels when the pandemic forced the closure of the hospitality industry.

“I really enjoyed being part of a small proactive network of like-minded people,” said William, who was also given new contacts via the group. “I felt my contribution was valued and suggestions were taken on board.

“People’s positive perception of myself, and my business, provided me with a real confidence boost to move forward and make important decisions based on our discussions.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Peer Networks should fill out an express of interest form at www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/grow/peer-networks

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Chesterfield FC supports businesses and residents with latest initiatives

Chesterfield Football Club is continuing to work in the community by looking to contribute to the success of local residents and businesses alike.

The club is launching a brand new initiative this week called ‘Winning Goals,’ aimed at helping local people manage their weight.

Starting on Thursday, November 4, the Winning Goals programme will run for 12 weeks. After that, there will be monthly one-to-one sessions.

Those attending will receive free gym membership, a free t-shirt and hoodie and free tickets to watch the Spireites.

The sessions will be held in the HUB at the Technique Stadium on Thursdays, with a choice of either 12pm to 2pm or 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Supported by Derbyshire County Council, Winning Goals is a concept where the biggest losers are the winners!

Mike Goodwin, chairman of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, said: “This new programme is another example of how the Community Trust is having a positive impact on the lives of people in the community.

“We have an excellent relationship with Derbyshire County Council and I would like to thank them for their continued support.”

Meanwhile, the club is also offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free advertising on the online radio station, 1866 Sport.

1866 Sport provides exclusive commentary on every Chesterfield match and broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bridget Ball, marketing manager of Chesterfield FC, who run the station, said: “We provide local businesses with the opportunity to promote what they have to offer in an affordable way.

“One lucky listener will receive a *free 12-month radio advertising campaign by simply liking the 1866 Sport Facebook page, liking and sharing a post about the competition and commenting with their business name or tagging another Derbyshire business.”

The competition will run until November 12 with the winner announced on 1866 Sport Breakfast on November 15.

To find out how you can promote your business on 1866 Sport, email alisonollerenshaw@chesterfield-fc.co.uk

*Terms & conditions apply.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mike Goodwin, Chesterfield FC Chairman

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New enterprise and training centre opens in Loundsley Green

A new centre has opened in Loundsley Green providing start-up businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with work spaces, meeting rooms, expert coaching and advice.

‘The Green’ is run by Loundsley Green Community Trust (LGCT) who have been operating the adjacent community centre (previously a church) for over 10 years.

One of the free services being delivered during that time has been an Enterprise Coaching programme, helping people to get back into work through self-employment.

Over the years that has helped over 60 people to start new businesses. Around 3 years ago the Trust looked at the Old Vicarage which was unoccupied for most of the time, and saw in it the potential to grow its support for people looking to get back into work.

The team behind the new business support centre overcame several hurdles before its opening, however the space now includes a large training room, a smaller meeting room, and five individual workspaces for use by new businesses.

Office rents are inclusive of all costs including broadband and two of them are already let: one to a husband and wife business, and the other to local community radio station, Peak Radio.

The downstairs meeting and training spaces have been used to provide employability training to young people, health and safety training for people looking to work in construction, first aid training and a variety of meetings of local organisations.

An important feature of The Green is the continued support that will be provided for people looking to start new businesses, and additional funding has been received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to deliver a programme of training and coaching through 2021-22.

Volunteer enterprise coach Paul Davies explains: “Even though there are reports of over 1 million vacancies being available, many of the people with whom we work have caring responsibilities, disabilities, illnesses and other constraints which mean that working nights for Amazon or Wetherspoons are simply not options. For them, working for themselves, is a practical and realistic alternative”.

Another benefit of taking on the new building is that it has provided the Trust with an enclosed garden which will be a facility used by other centre users. Parent and toddlers, scouts, cubs, beavers, brownies and wide range of other groups will be able to use it for play, environmental projects or simply a healthy outdoor space in which to meet.

LGCT Chair, Ian Birchmore sees this as a really important new asset for the Trust: “The Green has opened up huge new opportunities for the Trust to support and serve its local community. It will provide support to local people who are looking to improve their skills, and look for new work opportunities. It will also provide a further facility to enable people to get together – something they have been missing for the last year and a half”.

Chesterfield Community Hubs support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield community and voluntary groups reminded to take advantage of local funding

Community and voluntary sector groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being encouraged to take advantage of funding, enabling them to play a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of Derbyshire residents during the ongoing pandemic.

The Covid-19 Community Response Fund allows formally constituted organisations to apply for a maximum of £2,000, while non-constituted organisations can apply for up to £250.

An extra £50,000 was allocated to groups in Derbyshire through the fund back in June 2021, with a total of more than £185,000 awarded to a diverse range of Derbyshire organisations including parents’ associations, ethnic minority groups, older people’s charities and churches so far.

Cllr Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities said: “The response to the pandemic has seen many organisations across Derbyshire working tirelessly to ensure the basic needs of the most vulnerable residents are met.

“The COVID-19 fund was set up to ensure that community and voluntary organisations had enough resource to carry on with their vital work.

“This additional funding will enable more groups to carry out work within their local communities. We’ve already seen some amazing work being carried out including food parcels for vulnerable people, a community café being set up and support for students.”

The closing date for groups to bid for funding is 31st March 2022, however local authorities in our area are urging them to get their applications in as soon as possible in order to avoid missing out.

Applications must be linked to an existing Public Health programme, for example to support mental health and emotional wellbeing or to tackle social isolation.

Find out more about the Covid-19 Community Response Fund here.

There are currently plenty of other ongoing support schemes for local business and organisations across Chesterfield, including the Chesterfield Digital High Street initiative, along with the Vision Derbyshire Business start-up support scheme.

Find out more about all the different types of grants, advice and other business support available in Chesterfield here: Business Support | Destination Chesterfield

Support the Community

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Council supporting Chesterfield businesses to understand the latest COVID guidance

Chesterfield Borough Council is continuing to work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to carry out spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses, in all areas, to ensure they are working safely.

Earlier this month the Government launched its autumn and winter plan, which contains public and business guidance as we approach the winter, including on ventilation, face coverings and test, trace and isolate.

HSE are working to simplify the process by sharing this information and ensuring that all businesses know the HSE are continuing to perform spot checks on behalf of local authorities. Businesses will be contacted in Chesterfield to check that measures are in place to help tackle and continue to reduce the risk posed by COVID-19 transmission. If you receive a call or a visit, it is important to act upon the guidance given.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team are continuing to work alongside local public health authorities to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area.

During the checks HSE provide advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers, and visitors but where some businesses are not managing this, the local authority will take immediate action. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.

Working to manage the transmission of COVID means that businesses need to conduct a risk assessment to understand the measures they may require to protect workers and others from coronavirus. For further information on how to manage the risk of coronavirus in different business sectors please read the government guidance.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “As coronavirus restrictions continue to be revised, the legal duty for businesses to follow the advice to stop the spread of COVID-19 remains.

“We are talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites in and around Chesterfield to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity. Our Environmental Health Team have a great understanding of the current restrictions and are able to help businesses adapt to the current environment.”

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of areas that include poor hygiene and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “All businesses are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are working safely to manage the risk of spreading COVID. It’s important that we work closely with businesses and support them to ensure they have measures in place to manage the risks. Ensuring these businesses are safe to visit not only benefits the health of the local community it also supports the local and national economy.”

For the latest information and safer business guidance, see  Coronavirus: latest information and advice – HSE news

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Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps small businesses to join the online revolution

The online revolution has been a key feature of the pandemic – and now small and microbusinesses in Chesterfield can embrace these digital trends in an innovative new support scheme.

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project helps those reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into an online world by creating highly visible e-commerce websites equipped with the latest forms of payment, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber, it aims to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have been hit hardest by lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Scott Knowles, chief executive at Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on small and microbusinesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which have previously relied on their physical venues to trade successfully.

“While we’re all looking forward to a return to normality as we come out of lockdown, it’s crucial these SMEs are future-proofed by creating modern websites to embrace some of the consumer trends that were already noticeable pre-Covid.

“Not every company can afford to do this, however, so we’re delighted to be playing a key role in supporting businesses in Chesterfield to establish and maintain the latest e-commerce solutions on behalf of the project funder, Chesterfield Borough Council.

“We believe the Digital High Street project will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

How the Chesterfield Digital High Street project will support businesses

The support available to businesses via the programme includes access to a Digital High Street adviser with specific e-commerce and online skills, who will work intensively with at least 120 businesses to help them develop and maintain their new or existing digital presence.

They will also be able to attend dedicated webinars, delivered outside working hours, and use marketing resources for free.

Grants of £2,200 – covering 100% of costs – will also be awarded to 50 of these businesses to help them set up an e-commerce website that is search engine optimised, with the package also including web hosting provision for a year and access to ongoing digital training.

All participating businesses can also benefit from free East Midlands Chamber membership for a year.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “In Chesterfield, we have lots of fantastic local independent businesses and after the last 18 months, there has never been a more important time to support them. We hope this funding will help lots of these businesses sell more effectively online, which will help guarantee their future in our town and hopefully allow them to grow.

“It’s a really comprehensive support package and I would encourage as many local businesses as possible to sign up for the Digital High Street project because it will allow them to compete in a whole new way.”

Applications can now be made for the Chesterfield Digital High Street project at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street.

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D2N2 Growth Hub launches phase 2 of the Peer Networks Programme

The D2N2 Growth Hub Peer Networks programme is set to be repeated following a successful first phase which supported almost 300 businesses.

The Peer Networks programme is led jointly by the D2N2 Growth Hub and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. It works by bringing together individuals from different businesses to share ideas, discuss challenges and ultimately, develop and find solutions from peers.

Each cohort is guided by an expert facilitator and includes groups of individuals who collaboratively work through common business issues, using interactive action learning, we to discuss challenges, gain and reflect on valuable feedback and implement practical solutions.

The results are hugely beneficial, giving participants the flexibility to create a trusted support network, helping you to build and strengthen their business and improve its overall performance.

Phase two will start in July and will include the following groups:

  • Manufacturing
  • Hospitality and visitor economy
  • Creative industries
  • Medtech and life sciences
  • Food and drink
  • Women owned businesses
  • High growth businesses
  • High growth: leadership and management
  • High growth: women owned
  • High growth: sales
  • High growth: digital

To be eligible for the programme, your business must be an SME which fits the following criteria:

  • Operated for at least one year
  • At least five employees
  • A turnover of at least £100,000
  • An aspiration to improve
  • The potential to scale up or export or is exporting already
  • Not already accessed the Peer Networks programme

Peer Networks are fully funded so there is no cost to the business, just a time commitment of approximately 18 hours across the duration of the programme.

Vicki Thompson, Business Training Manager at East Midlands Chamber said: “We are delighted to be able to offer to businesses across the D2N2 area the opportunity to access the Peer Network Programme again.

“The impact phase one of this programme had in supporting businesses during a time of such uncertainty cannot be underestimated and as we move forward along the government roadmap, we are again able to offer support and guidance through this highly impactful programme, bringing businesses together to form long and lasting support networks – it’s a very exciting time!”

Find out more and register your interest in joining a network. 

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‘Escape the everyday’ campaign launched in Derbyshire to boost holiday bookings

The county’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has launched a new ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, supported by funding from VisitEngland, to help local tourism and hospitality businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visitors are being encouraged to Escape the Everyday on a unique range of bookable experiences in the area as part of the £70,000 campaign, which aims to support the sector’s recovery by promoting short breaks and boosting visitor spend.

The campaign has kicked off with a short video and branded content across social media, digital display and radio advertising. The content also drives online ‘traffic’ to visitpeakdistrict.com/escape-the-everyday, where visitors can book a range of activities and experiences across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has worked with local tourism businesses to create engaging content for the campaign centred around the themes of ‘Discovery’, ‘Freedom to Explore’ and ‘Treat Yourself’.

Experiences include walking with alpacas, feeding lemurs at a local wildlife park, foraging for wild ingredients on a fine dining experience, short breaks at luxury spa hotels and enjoying a rock-climbing taster day in the Peak District National Park.

The campaign will target pre-school families and young couples and is funded by the VisitEngland Destination Management Organisations’ Recovery Marketing Fund, which supports recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch our Escape the Everyday campaign to encourage visitors to book their holidays and experiences here in the Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We have an outstanding year-round tourism offer and we hope this campaign will inspire people to explore and discover all that we have to offer, following official guidance, whilst helping our £2.3 billion tourism industry to recover.

“From foraging and fine dining to e-bike experiences, there is so much to enjoy right across the Peak District & Derbyshire and now is the perfect time to escape the everyday and support local businesses on a short break.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism right across the country and the industry needs all of us to make sure it gets back on its feet. It is great to see the activity that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will be delivering locally, with support from VisitEngland funding and aligning with our national ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, to encourage more people to get out and discover the outstanding destinations and quality attractions here on our doorstep and to drive bookings.

“It will also support local businesses who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great visitor experience.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chamber explains how region’s businesses can support India during Covid-19 crisis

Businesses in the region are being encouraged to offer support where they can to India during its Covid-19 crisis.

With shortages of oxygen, hospital beds and medicine in Delhi, and many other cities in the world’s second-most populous country, due to a devastating second wave, there are specific urgent needs that could be plugged by East Midlands companies with access to those resources. They include:

  • Empty, refillable oxygen cylinders with between 10 litres and 45 litres liquid medical oxygen (LMO) capacity
  • Oxygen concentrators
  • In-situ oxygen manufacturing plants for hospitals
  • Remdesivir, an antiviral medication used in treating Covid-19

More than 200,000 people are reported to have died from coronavirus in India – although the real figure is believed to be much higher – with 3,293 deaths reported in the most recent 24-hour period.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles has joined the rest of the British Chambers of Commerce network in launching an appeal, alongside the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and charity UNICEF, for the business community to support where possible.

He said: “Many of us will have seen the truly heart-breaking media reports showing the devastating impact of the second wave of Covid-19 in India.

“While the UK Government is considering how it will support with much-needed supplies, we believe the business community can step up in the meantime – just as we have rallied before in the battle against coronavirus.

“In our #EMComingTogether campaign launched at the beginning of the pandemic, in which we helped to link up companies with access to PPE to the local and national organisations that needed supplies, we were hugely inspired by the number of firms that came forward during a challenging period.

“Once again, we’re asking businesses to rally round and get behind the campaigns by UKIBC and UNICEF. There may well be companies within our region that are able to help source these crucial items that will save countless lives and enable India to get through this crisis.”

Anyone able to offer support with any of the urgent needs should explain how they can help by contacting the UKIBC at covidsupport@ukibc.com or UNICEF at rmpindia@unicef.org.

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Fire safety advice now available to Chesterfield and Derbyshire businesses

Businesses across Chesterfield are being encouraged to ensure they are minimising the risks of fire, with guidance, support and advice now available from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The service has launched a campaign to contact businesses across the county, who trade in hot works or are having hot works completed on their premises, to offer essential safety advice on keeping their business and employees safe from the risk of fire.

Hot works is the term given to work that involves, but is not limited to, soldering, welding cutting, grinding, and using hot air guns. This work can pose a serious fire safety risk, which is why businesses have a legal and moral duty to ensure their premises, and any works carried out, are safe.

During the campaign, Derbyshire’s Business Safety Advisors and Firefighters will be working alongside local councils and network groups to complete site visits and deliver online presentations, where they’ll offer businesses free support and advice. They will cover topics such as whether the work is necessary or if there’s an alternative, identifying hazards, and how to raise the alarm if an accident was to occur.

Business Safety Advisor Andrew Mosler said: “It’s really important businesses understand the fire risks involved with hot works, and how to reduce them, as the implications can be devastating.

“If not carried out safely hot works can result in a fire which can have financial implications due to the loss of business premises, customers turning to competitors and increased insurance premiums. In the worst case scenario a fire could result in serious injury or loss of life.

“Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has a whole team of dedicated Business Safety Advisors to help you keep your business safe from the risk of fire. The team provide free advice on ensuring your business is compliant with fire safety legislation, completing your Fire Risk Assessment, the types of fire extinguisher you may require, how often to test your fire safety equipment, or any other fire safety enquiries you may have.”

Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, hospitality, or any other sector, a Business Safety Advisor will be able to help.

If you would like more advice on keeping your business safe, please get in touch with your local Business Safety Advisor, Andrew Mosler, on 01773 305681 or via email: amosler@derbys-fire.gov.uk

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Promising response to Green Entrepreneurs Scheme from Derbyshire businesses

More than 130 people from businesses and community groups across Derbyshire joined the virtual launch of Derbyshire County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Fund – a £2 million grant fund for organisations interested in developing and investing in green energy and carbon reduction schemes.

Businesses and organisations heard details about how they can apply for funding through the scheme being run in partnership with the University of Derby to help support green economic recovery across Derbyshire.

There are 3 separate funds:

Green Entrepreneurs Demonstrator Fund
£1.2 million set aside for a small number of high-quality projects from entrepreneurs wanting to establish green, alternative energy or low carbon initiatives in Derbyshire to provide community heat and power schemes. The minimum grant available through this fund would be £100,000. Applications for expressions of interest will open 1 April 2021.

Green Entrepreneurs Small Grant Fund
Grants of £10,000 – £20,000 for new and existing businesses with game changing proposals in alternative energy, clean fuel and carbon reduction. £500,000 will be made available through this fund. There will be 3 separate rounds in which to apply for funding – the first will launch on 1 April 2021 followed by further rounds opening on 4 October 2021 and then 3 January 2022.

Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Fund
A training fund to support individuals to retrain with skills to enable them to enter the field of alternative energy. £100,000 will be made available through this fund. Grants will be awarded monthly from July 2021 onwards.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis added:

“We’re championing business innovation and want Derbyshire to become a leader in the field in the development of green energy as part of our bold ambition to cut the council’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2032 and that of the Derbyshire economy by 2050.

“We believe there is a unique opportunity to bring greater benefits to local communities and the local economic conditions to create high quality jobs driven by utilising the local skills base in engineering and manufacturing.

“We’re excited to be able to offer businesses the financial support needed to help turn their ideas into reality, through game changing proposals that help to tackle climate change and impact positively on the way we all live in the future both in Derbyshire and further afield.”

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said:

“We’ve had an unbelievable response to the scheme so far from businesses and community organisations across Derbyshire.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the applications start to come in with proposals for projects to kick-start the county’s carbon reduction and alternative energy agenda and boost the local economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I would urge anyone who was unable to join the virtual launch to visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/gef to find out more.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“I am delighted that the Green Entrepreneur launch was such a success. It is really encouraging to see so much interest and enthusiasm from local businesses in taking up opportunities like this to operate more sustainably and to make a real contribution towards reducing their carbon footprint.

“We look forward now to working with the county council to deliver the scheme to our entrepreneur community, and to make Derbyshire synonymous with sustainable business.”

Find more information about the programme including application forms, timetable for grant funding and eligibility criteria.

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