chesterfield business support

East Midlands Chamber secures £8.9m funding to deliver new generation of business support

Businesses in the region are to receive a significant boost to their operations with a helping hand from East Midlands Chamber’s new generation of business support.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has secured £8.9m of public funding until March 2025 to deliver its Accelerator project, which aims to provide one seamless point of entry for relevant business support.

It comprises key activities under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance, with the aim of helping companies at all stages of their development to start, sustain, grow and innovate.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator project brings together a number of publicly-funded contracts including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda to enhance communities, businesses and skills; Innovate UK EDGE, which helps innovative SMEs to grow and achieve scale; and Made Smarter East Midlands, which assists manufacturers in switching to advanced and automated technologies.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme has been carefully designed to provide businesses across the district with the right support, at the right time.

“At the heart of the project is a team of locally-based advisers and specialists, employed by the Chamber, who will offer high-intensity support to businesses seeking to grow, create new jobs or exploit technology to improve performance.

“Working with an adviser or specialist will be a key ingredient for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support and a diagnostics report will show them where best to point their energies.”

Key activities will be delivered under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance to help businesses achieve the following:

  • Develop new-to-the-firm technologies
  • Improve productivity
  • Safeguard and create jobs
  • Adopt new digital technologies and processes
  • Engage in new markets
  • Improve productivity
  • Introduce new products and services
  • Increase revenue
  • Make progress on their journey to net zero.

The Net Zero Accelerator will build on the success of the Sustainable East Midlands campaign to deliver events, workshops, and the opportunity for an energy-saving and improvement opportunities audit.

Other investment themes include increasing investment in research and development at local level, with a focus on commercialising ideas and accelerating the path to market; improving training hubs, incubators and accelerators to support entrepreneurs and start-ups through the early stages of development and growth; and taking a whole systems approach to infrastructure investment that delivers effective decarbonisation across energy, buildings and transport.

While the Accelerator programme is open to participation from all sectors, there is recognition that manufacturing, visitor economy, retail and services businesses are critically important sectors that warrant targeted support.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme will build on the success of the Growth Hub service via a range of fully-funded action-planning workshops delivered locally on topics such as finance, carbon efficiency, HR and digital marketing.

Working with a locally-based business adviser or specialist will be the first port of call for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support. Diagnostics will be assessed, and a business action plan produced through the Balanced Scorecard strategic management system model.

Growth vouchers worth up to £2,000 – covering 100% intervention – will be available for specialist or sector-specific training or consultancy advice, in addition to support for identifying and accessing grant funding.

Businesses employing more than five people and with a turnover of £100,000 are invited to apply for a Chamber subsidy covering the £750 cost of joining the Help to Grow: Management course being delivered by the region’s universities, with the remaining cost of attendance covered by a Government subsidy.

The course provides an excellent opportunity for senior managers and leaders to engage with and learn from their peers.

Collaboration is very much the theme too for the Chamber’s East Midlands Manufacturing Network, in which manufacturers have the opportunity to share best practice and seek advice during local forums that take place every six weeks.

Businesses interested in benefitting from this next generation of business support are invited to contact the Chamber’s Information team on 0333 320 0333, info@emc-dnl.co.uk to arrange an exploratory meeting with a business adviser.

Upcoming events delivered as part of the Accelerator programme include:

  • 2 November: Building a high-performance team
  • 7 November: WordPress masterclass
  • 14 November: Negotiating sales through excellent customer care
  • 15 November: Getting started with paid advertising
  • 21 November: Managing finance

Workshops will be held in person at various locations across the districts.

For a full list of East Midlands Accelerator events, visit bit.ly/AcceleratorEvents

Find out more about support available to businesses based in Chesterfield.

Commerce House, East Midlands Chamber

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

High-growth businesses in Chesterfield achieve new ambitions through Digital Upscaler

More than 1,000 ambitious businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have received valuable support to embrace new technologies courtesy of an East Midlands Chamber-led programme.

The Digital Upscaler project, which part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ran from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2023, provided SMEs with knowledge, investment and capacity to scale-up.

It achieved this via intensive digital adviser support and specialist consultancy, capital grants to support technology investment, dedicated peer networks and a comprehensive programme of strategic action-planning workshops.

Technology grants valued at £1.6m in total, delivered as part of the project, have supported companies across a range of sectors to acquire and integrate new enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP) systems, new access and entry systems, as well as install high-performance servers and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Digital technology support has been a core service of East Midlands Chamber for many years now. A significant part of that offer was Digital Upscaler, the impact of which can be seen both in the project’s deliverables and in the subsequent growth of the businesses supported.

“ERDF support may well have ended but the Chamber’s innovation and technology specialists continue to be on hand to guide scaling businesses on tapping into support from the Chamber’s new East Midlands Accelerator projects and through national programmes such as Made Smarter and Innovate UK EDGE.”

Digital Upscaler has supported several Chesterfield firms, including Images Costumes, a family-run business which supplies custom-made dancewear, uniforms and active wear to dance schools, individual performers, theatres and production companies.

These outfits have taken centre stage in a number of shows, from The BRIT Awards to that of Irish-American dance sensation, Michael Flatley.

Michelle Webb, Owner and Managing Director at Images Costumes Ltd. commented: “Technology really is ever-changing and, no matter how we try, we are never up to date! So the triage of support we’ve received; D2N2 Business Adviser support, workshops, and digital consultancy, has been hugely important to our business.”

North Derbyshire-based manufacturer, Penny Hydraulics also received the support. The Digital Upscaler project funded bespoke training on CAD Autodesk, which has helped automate the business’s goods lift design process, in turn reducing the wasted time and material caused by manual errors.

Find out more about Chesterfield’s vibrant business community, and the support available to firms in our area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/

computer laptop digital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

East Midlands businesses tell Chamber what they want from next Government ahead of party conferences

Long-term strategies for energy and industry are top of the wishlist for the region’s businesses ahead of the next General Election, according to a new study by East Midlands Chamber.

Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G connectivity, greater investment in road and rail infrastructure projects, and better incentives for upskilling and reskilling people followed closely behind as priorities.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire asked businesses to provide views on 20 policy asks in its latest Quarterly Economic Survey, with the development of a long-term energy strategy for the UK ranking as being the most important.

Results were compiled to establish a list of top priorities for businesses, which has been published ahead of the upcoming Labour and Conservative party conferences in October.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: “With a General Election drawing closer on the horizon, it’s hugely important for the voice of businesses to be heard by the next Government in order to drive sustainable economic growth that delivers jobs and prosperity.

“After many years of policy flip-flopping, economic shocks and the resulting uncertainty this has created for businesses, long-term planning appears to be front and centre of minds.

“A long-term energy strategy is understandably top of the list given the huge rise in utilities costs for firms and households over the past two years combined with the opportunities business see to deliver future solutions in this space. It’s closely followed by a comprehensive industrial strategy that finally addresses the UK’s perennial productivity problem – which is crucial to growing output, creating jobs and bringing down inflation.

“In our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, launched in Westminster last year, we highlighted the importance of infrastructure – that is, both digital and transport – as one of ‘four Is’ to spearheading growth.

“Businesses are telling us they want to see real improvements across broadband and 5G connectivity, which are both crucial to 21st century working, while investing in our roads and rail is crucial to their future success – an important consideration at a time Government is deliberating over the future of HS2 and our region continues to be bottom of the pile for public transport investment.

“We have also spoken in our manifesto about ‘getting the basics right’ and ‘growing our competitiveness the right way’, and both these themes are reflected in our survey as firms tell us they want the broken business rates to be made fit for purpose and better incentives to support the net zero agenda.”

Policy priorities for East Midlands businesses

The responses on policy priorities were gathered by East Midlands Chamber in August and September 2023 as part of its Quarterly Economic Survey, in which 296 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part.

They were presented with a list of 20 policy asks of Government and asked to score them based on importance to their organisation, providing additional comments as to why. The top 10 priority areas, in order, were:

  • The development of a long-term Energy Strategy for the UK
  • The development of a long-term Industrial Strategy for the UK
  • Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband
  • Greater investment in local infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • More flexible/generous incentives for investment in staff development/reskilling (including application of Apprenticeship Levy)
  • Greater investment in major infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • Speeding up the rollout of 5G technology
  • Comprehensive reform of the business rates system
  • Greater investment in integrated public transport networks
  • More flexible/generous incentives for developments associated with the green agenda.

Perfectly located in the centre of the UK with excellent connectivity to several major cities, find out why Chesterfield is a great location for your next business base.

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield firm offers sustainability support to local businesses

A Chesterfield firm which specialises in helping businesses in change management is now offering support for firms to gain sustainability accreditation.

CCM Change Consultancy is now helping companies in our town and beyond to become ISO 14001 accredited. This is an international standard which signifies that an organisation has gone through a structured process and has strong systems in place.

The benefits of the accreditation include a good ROI, increased client engagement and bottom-line cost savings from introspection and improved efficiencies.

ISO establishes discipline, credibility and trust among employees, consumers, clients, business partners and supply chains.

Nick Gorman, Owner of CCM Change Consultancy explained why he is passionate about supporting firms in this field. He said: “I fully understand that my generation will not feel the full force of climate changes but as a fellow trustee of our planet I want to do everything possible to protect it for generations to come, we are deciding the future now.

“Professionally I am a Practitioner with the IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) as part of CCM. This gives me the opportunity to work with organisations in not only managing change but also in adopting value add practices that can earn sustainability and environmental credentials.”

Commenting on why he loves to help other firms with their growth and innovation in Chesterfield, Nick added: “The ultimate testament for a consultant or coach is to see a business, group, or individual grow and develop as a result of considered changes they undertake. The CCM outlook is one of service: our sole objective is the client outcome. In almost every situation progress is made by releasing latent potential

“Chesterfield is a town with a strong, hardworking heritage. Our enterprises have superb support functions in Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield amongst others. Investment, new developments around the town and a healthy and symbiotic business community put Chesterfield in a great position to thrive sustainably.”

Nick has the following advice for businesses who are just starting to look at their sustainability: “Undertake a review of waste (Muda) within your business, it might be galvanising! An environmental exercise does not have to be the whole organisation going vegan or erecting windmills on the roof.

“Understanding and communicating the why? is a good start: this can be best done in conjunction with an environmental audit. There are three main strands to getting started – Processes, Property, Supply Chain/Customers.”

Chesterfield Borough Council recently launched its sustainability strategy, which aims to achieve a carbon neutral borough by 2050. Find out more here.

Thinking of launching a new business in Chesterfield? Find out about the support on offer to help your organisation start and grow.

CCM Change Consultancy supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Innovative scheme supports more than 900 Derbyshire start-up businesses

A ground-breaking support scheme has provided funding and advice to more than 900 start-up businesses in Derbyshire so far.

The Vision Derbyshire business support scheme offers free, impartial advice and support to new businesses. It also provides grant funding of up to £10,000 to eligible businesses.

To date, more than £280,000 has been issued in grant funding to support entrepreneurs across the county.

One of the businesses to receive the support is Chesterfield-based CK’s Fruit, Veg and Flowers – formerly known as Ibbotson’s. The shop in Hasland offers quality local produce, such as honey from Wingerworth, potatoes from Calow and various vegetables from Holymoorside.

Rich Jones, Co-owner of CK’s Fruit and Veg commented: “Without the support of the Vision Derbyshire team we wouldn’t have been able to install new fridges, cutting our energy usage by 2/3, and certainly wouldn’t have been able to justify the creation of our E-Commerce website where our full range of fruit, veg and flowers are available to buy for delivery across the whole of Chesterfield.”

“Schemes like this don’t only provide financial support for projects and improvements, they also have training and support behind the scenes to help you succeed as a business, these can include one-to-one conversations, webinars or in-person training days at the colleges and other training providers in the area.

“It’s very easy as a small business owner to feel alone, however the team have supported us over the last 12 months and are always there if we’ve got a question or query.”

Rich hopes the shop will help to provide a quality and good-value local service to people across Chesterfield, providing an alternative to the major supermarket chains.

He added: “We’re really keen to get our little business and the amazing products out there to the wider Chesterfield area. Supermarkets provide an amazing amount of convenience and it’s not always easy to get to your local Fruit and Veg shop or Florist and that’s where we’re hoping to make that little bit of difference. What’s more, we deliver it directly to your door. Find us at our website www.cksfruitvegandflowers.co.uk or on Facebook.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Economic lead for Vision Derbyshire and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council commented: “I’m delighted to see CK’s Fruit, Veg & Flowers develop and grow thanks to support from our Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up support scheme. Helping businesses to be sustainable is a key objective for the scheme, and I wish the team all the best for the future.”

Thinking of launching a business in Chesterfield? For more information on starting and growing your organisation in the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Read our latest blog of local start-up success stories, along with tips and advice from local business leaders at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2023/01/get-your-business-idea-off-the-ground-in-chesterfield/

 

Rich CK's Fruit and Veg

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Innovative scheme helps almost 9,000 people in our region to find work or training

A programme set up to help tackle long-term unemployment across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has supported 8,908 people, thanks to a collaboration between local authorities, businesses and other key agencies.

The D2N2 Building Better Opportunities (BBO) scheme, which comprises three distinctive projects promoting social inclusion, has helped 1,102 of these individuals to progress into employment, assisted 864 into long-term education or training, and enabled 492 people to independently search for jobs.

Funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, BBO has been led by a consortium of voluntary and community organisations across the country.

In the D2N2 region, four stakeholder managers were employed or seconded to East Midlands Chamber and hosted within the four upper-tier councils, with a remit to co-ordinate the £31m programme across the wider employment and skills landscape.

The Chamber has also played a central role in connecting individuals with employers, and promoting an inclusive recruitment agenda among businesses that have skills gaps.

East Midlands Chamber’s head of employment services Paul Needham said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reflect on the tremendous work of the BBO programme in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, where the lives of many people have been transformed because of the support it has offered them.

“Our stakeholder managers have been remarkable additions to the employment and skills landscape in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the past five years, generating new person-centric ideas and influencing system change in how we tackle the issue of long-term unemployment.

“At the Chamber, we have been keen to promote the inclusive recruitment agenda among the business community. With our members telling us about the skills shortages that are consistently holding them back from growing, expanding the labour pool to encompass people from a wide range of backgrounds can bear fruit by filling vacancies with employees who have received support to address barriers to work and turn their lives around.”

The three employment and skills projects are:

  • Opportunity and Change: A £9.8m support programme led by Framework for people with multiple and complex needs, such as homelessness, substance abuse, at risk of offending, mental ill health and domestic abuse victims
  • Towards Work: Led by Groundwork Greater Nottingham, the £14.6m scheme provides a personalised service to help people overcome barriers to work and take their first steps towards employment
  • Money Sorted in D2N2: Led by St Ann’s Advice Centre, the £6m project helps people experiencing financial difficulties to feel more in control of their finances.

Examples of the methods used to support people into work and training have ranged from funding for buying computer equipment in order to study for qualifications through to paying for dental treatment to address poor oral health that had been a personal barrier to work for someone lacking in confidence. Projects have also helped people who are homeless or ex-offenders into work.

In addition, the BBO programme has helped participants to wipe out more than £10m in debt and, on average, grew participants’ weekly disposable income from £18.62 to £92.17 over a six-month period through personal finance education.

Paul added: “These projects have provided us with many learnings, which we will take forward in our other workstreams within the Chamber’s employment support programmes, in which we work in collaboration with Government and work agencies to give people a helping hand into sustainable work and training.”

For more information about the Chamber’s employment and recruitment services work, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/recruitment-services.

To find out more about the Building Better Opportunities programme achievements, visit bbo-d2n2.org.uk

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Paul Needham

Paul Needham, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Local community groups invited to apply for grant funding

A new scheme has been launched in Chesterfield aimed at improving the lives of people in the town, with local voluntary and community organisations being invited to apply for funding.

More than £260,000 will be available over the next two years – including a pot of £118,000 which will be allocated during 2023/24 – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Community Grants Fund.

Local eligible organisations can now apply for support from the fund, which will allocate grants ranging from £500 to £6,000.

The council secured funding for the scheme from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, said: “We are really pleased to have secured funding that we can share with local organisations to help them make a real difference to our residents. The funding will support the delivery of important projects across the borough – helping to improve life for local people and making sure our communities continue to thrive.

“I urge groups to check if they are eligible and get their application in as soon as possible so that we can start to see this funding make a real difference in our communities.”

The Community Grants Fund aims to support local projects that will help to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding can also be used by community projects to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.

The 2023/24 funding will be available in two tranches throughout the year. Applications for the first round of grants is now open – with applications invited by the deadline of Friday 28 April.

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wanting to apply for the grant.

Further details, including the full eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

town hall drone shot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Support on offer to scale up Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to find out more about an extensive support programme on offer to help them scale up and grow.

ScaleUp 360 is a fully-funded exciting support programme providing tailored support to entrepreneurs, start-ups and trading businesses with the ambition and potential to scale up their activity. The scheme is on offer to a range of businesses, from pre or early start-up, to investment ready and ambitions of ‘high growth.’

ScaleUp 360 is a £3.2m, part-European funded project that brings together a group of business experts from East Midlands Chambers of Commerce, The Business Village @BarnsleyBIC and Sheffield Hallam University.

Each client has a dedicated account manager whose role it will be to ensure they have access to the scale-up expertise, knowledge and connections they need to grow a sustainable and investment-ready business. This includes one-to-one specialist business advice, mentor support and workshops with like-minded businesses.

A number of businesses in Chesterfield and surrounding areas have already received support from ScaleUp 360. Find out about how they have benefitted below:

Revamped Curtains

tania revamped curtains

Tania Holmes, owner of Revamped Curtains said: “I set up in Feb 2021 and have been now trading for two years, working from home in Bolsover, Derbyshire.

“I love textiles, enjoy sewing and am passionate about recycling and reducing waste. My aim is to try to keep some textiles from here in the Midlands in the UK rather than it being shipped abroad. Revamped Curtains has developed over the last 2 years into a large Ebay store offering over 250 listings of hand-picked textiles, perfect for the home or for creative craft projects.

“My business advisor has been on hand to answer questions and guide me in the right direction. Having someone to turn to during the initial stages of the business being established was invaluable.

“Lockdown was challenging for all of us but trying to set up a business in this climate, following redundancy, working isolated at home was really, really difficult and continues to be now with the recession. The role not only as specialist support, but also as a nurturing and encouraging support mechanism shouldn’t be overlooked. That confidence-building as I grew and having someone to bounce ideas off and learn from was essential.

“The relationship is important too – and I think the key to growth. For example – I’m not a traditional “planner” so couldn’t do all the business planning and take clear steps in a conventional way which is suggested to all new businesses – that made me panic until an advisor said – don’t worry, if you are making money – just carry on doing what you are doing and build on it.

“Sharing knowledge and networking together is priceless – having meetings face to face, talking about experiences, offering referrals, and brainstorming shared problems or goals is like gold dust. We are all interconnected and being a sole trader can feel like a lonely place. These projects help us feel connected, supported and part of the greater whole.

“The variety of courses accessed mainly online – now face to face – have helped me develop new skills and understanding about what is necessary but also about what is possible, and what isn’t. It is only by understanding this framework that you can you build your vision.

“Things are currently economically tough. But after 2 years of trading now I know where I want to be. I’m a creative business with ideas for new product ranges and am excited about the future. I’ve built a solid foundation to be proud of and looking to the future with great optimism.”

Aspire Export Solutions Ltd.

Jackie Smith - Aspire Export Solutions Ltd

Jacqueline Smith, owner of Aspire Export Solutions Ltd. commented: “From advice and knowledge, based on experience and intuition, Aspire’s core offer is to partner and support customers looking to enter into, or further develop international markets for both products and services.

“Knowledge, insight and awareness are essential for any business, especially those looking to export goods and services. Aspire can investigate the opportunities or pitfalls – from developing a customer base and expanding into new markets.

“Whilst the ideas and thoughts behind the business were plentiful, it was not easy to translate these ideas and experience into a viable brand. That is where the assistance provided by Scaleup 360 was very important. I was allocated a mentor who supported me and helped put together a brand framework, and also helped put together the vision of my business moving forward. This in turn allowed me to focus on my business offering and even gave me the basis of an idea for a website which has been launched recently.

“Assistance from Scaleup 360 has been priceless, in as far as it has helped put my business in a position that has a greater potential for growth. It has also enabled me to interact with other likeminded business owners and opened up a network of new potential business contacts.

“So, for those businesses looking to take their next steps in expanding their organisation I would highly recommend that you do not be hesitate to get in touch with Abi Phillips at Scaleup 360. I’m really excited about how my vision of Aspire Export Solutions is developing, and look forward to supporting other local businesses on their route to International growth.”

The English Cyclist

rob millington the english cyclist

Rob Millington, owner of The English Cyclist said: “I founded The English Cyclist in 2014 after the Tour de France passed through the area near my home in the Peak District.

“I wanted to create a piece of artwork to celebrate the event, I designed some prints and shared photos of them on Facebook. When a friend expressed interest in purchasing a similar piece, I decided to start selling my designs on Etsy, and The English Cyclist was born. A few years later I added a shopify store (englishcyclist.com) where I continue to create a variety of cycling posters.

“Fortunately, when lockdown hit, I found myself with a product that fit a few key criteria that made it incredibly popular. Being cycling-based, my product was perfectly suited for the surge in interest in the sport as people looked for ways to stay active. Additionally, as a homeware item, it was just what people needed while they were stuck at home – a chance to spruce up their living spaces.

“Before I knew it, my side business had taken off at an unprecedented pace, and I was struggling to keep up with the demand. That’s when I reached out to ScaleUp 360, and I’m so glad I did. Abi provided me with some invaluable advice on fundamentals like incorporating and registering for VAT, which helped me to navigate some of the trickier aspects of running a business.

“ScaleUp 360 also introduced me to some fantastic accountants and marketing specialists, which took a huge amount of pressure off me and allowed me to focus on what I love most about my business – designing and providing excellent customer service.

“The support I received has been absolutely crucial to my growth plans. When my business started growing rapidly during lockdown, I wasn’t sure how to keep up with the demand while maintaining the high standards of service that I pride myself on. But the expert advice and guidance I received helped me to navigate these challenges with confidence.

“As my business continued to grow, I found myself facing new obstacles and opportunities. But with the ongoing support of ScaleUp 360, I was able to not only survive the growth but also make the most of the opportunity. By tapping into the expertise of their network, I was able to develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy that helped me to scale my business in a sustainable way.

“Based on my experience working with ScaleUp 360 and growing my own business, the advice I would give to other businesses looking to expand is to seek out expert support and guidance before you think you need it.

Whether it’s through a business accelerator, mentorship program, or other professional development opportunities, finding the right support can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of owning and running a business. In my case, the support I received was invaluable in helping me to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities as my business grew.

Find out more about the ScaleUp 360 initiative, and how it can help with the growth of your business, go to: https://www.scaleup360.co.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Town Deal funding aims to support businesses in Staveley town centre

A new scheme to support businesses in Staveley Town Centre has been launched by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Businesses and charities are being invited to apply for funds to help improve their premises, as part of plans to support the wider regeneration of Staveley town centre.

The Staveley 21 Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme can provide funding for business owners or landlords who want to make improvements such as new signage, window replacements, repairs to brickwork, improving lighting or the addition of new security measures. The scheme is funded through the Staveley Town Deal and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

It is one element of the nearly £5 million investment that will be made in Staveley town centre over the next three years. This package of works also includes the refurbishment of the Market Place, rejuvenation of the High Street and improving connections across the town centre including with the historic Chesterfield Canal.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This grant scheme is a key element of our plans to improve Staveley town centre and make it a more inviting place to visit, to shop and to socialise. We want to work with local businesses to provide the support they need to increase footfall and make their businesses thrive.

“We’ve made sure that this grant scheme is one of the most generous in the country and I’d encourage any business owner or landlord in Staveley to speak with our team to find out how this initiative could help them.”

A small business or charity can claim 80% of the costs of improvements made through the scheme. The grants will be provided on a first come first served basis and applications must be made before April 2025.

The appropriate works will be unique for each eligible business and prior to any application the project team are able to discuss your needs and eligibility but also advise on works that would be covered under the grant scheme and any permissions (e.g. planning consent) that are required.

A set of principles to guide improvements and support the design process have also been developed.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This scheme is just one element of the improvements planned for Staveley town centre using Town Deal funding. Together these ambitious proposals will help provide a boost for local businesses and create a more attractive place to visit which will help ensure Staveley is the place to start, stay and grow.”

Staveley 21 includes the renovation of Market Square with new paving, seating, lighting and planting. There is also an ambition to create a new landmark building for use by either businesses or public sector services where the currently disused toilet block stands.

Rejuvenation of the High Street will enhance improvements made through the Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme and complement the heritage conservation area.

Improving connections and wayfinding signage across the town centre will help visitors to explore the canal and other local points of interest. A new lighting strategy will help ensure visibility across the area is improved whilst also supporting the night time economy by making the centre a more attractive place to visit at all hours.

For more details about the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme, including guidance notes and the application form, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-shop-front-grants

You can also find out more about the planned improvements for Staveley town centre by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-21

Cllr Gilby and Cllr Sarvent Staveley Town Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

£1.3 million support announced for our region’s creative businesses

Chesterfield’s creative businesses are being encouraged to apply for free support, which will allow them to accelerate business growth, create jobs and prepare for investment.

Part of a programme of support regionally, the East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²) has today (Monday 23rd January) began accepting applications from high-potential creative businesses after being awarded more than £1.3 million of Government funding.

EMC² has commenced its regional project across Derby and Derbyshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, Rutland, and Greater Lincolnshire.

It is backed by a coalition of partners including regional universities, Innovate UK, local businesses, and non-profit organisations.

The EMC² website is now live and accepting applications from local creative organisations. The programme starts in the Spring and runs to 2025.

It aims to support 100 creative businesses in four cohort groups across the three years. Around 50 creative organisations have already made early-stage expressions of interest.

EMC² is available to growing creative businesses operating in:

  • Advertising and marketing
  • Architecture
  • Crafts design and designer fashion
  • Film, tv, video and radio
  • Photography
  • IT, gaming, software and computer services
  • Publishing
  • Museums, galleries and libraries

Led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the consortium provided one of six successful regional bids for the Government’s Create Growth Programme.

Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “The creative sector has created almost 4,000 jobs since 2010 in Leicester and Leicestershire alone. The vast majority of those jobs are in microbusinesses and Create Growth will help these high-potential employers to scale up.”

Applicants will also gain the opportunity to go on and apply for finance support from a £7m Government fund delivered by Innovate UK.

Creative industries are worth more than £100 billion to the UK economy and account for 2.3 million jobs.

Please note that this funding application is only open to businesses in Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, and Greater Lincolnshire.

Click here for more information about applying for Create Growth with EMC²

west studios creative businesses

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield businesses offered fully-funded support for technology growth

Businesses across Chesterfield and the wider East Midlands region are being urged to take advantage of the support available from the Digital Upscaler project before funding comes to an end.

The project, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by East Midlands Chamber, supports businesses looking to invest in new technologies to propel growth or to overcome barriers due to a lack of understanding of new technologies.

It offers businesses the knowledge, investment and capacity to scale-up by embracing new technologies, and includes:

  • Intensive one-to-one adviser support from a team of digital experts
  • Funded consultancy to support new technology integration
  • An extensive programme of in-person, two-day digital workshops
  • Peer networks and the East Midlands Manufacturing Network – a Chamber initiative launched last year as a peer-led network, regularly bringing together makers across the region.

Nearly 500 businesses have so far enrolled on and engaged with the programme, which runs until the end of June 2023.

Paul Humphreys, head of scale-up services at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Time and again, we’re told the Chamber’s ‘deep dive’ workshops offer hugely practical advice that can be implemented immediately when staff are back at their desks.

“Beyond our extensive programme of workshops – which are fully-subsidised for staff in businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire – we’re offering one-to-one support from our digital advisers to businesses considered to be high growth. Those showing the best growth potential will be invited to apply for a consultancy award.

“By getting to know a business, we can help its senior management team improve their knowledge when choosing a solution, developer or system provider, and make informed and considered decisions about technology investments. Our ultimate aim is to ensure their digital solutions meet the desired performance and functionality needed for future growth.”

A business that has already benefitted from Digital Upscaler support in our area is Cruise Circle in Bolsover.

When husband and wife team, Jason Daniels and Danielle Nemeth, acquired independent specialist travel agent Cruise Circle from its previous owners in 2009, they had a clear vision to evolve it into an online travel provider that was ahead of the curve in the cruise travel sector.

A Digital Upscaler grant and expert digital adviser support have enabled them to completely overhaul their legacy systems, resulting in the integration of data collection and data processing modules and customer relationship management.

Integration of automation functionality across platforms has reduced time spent manually inputting simple bookings, accelerating booking procedures and delivering a more efficient service to customers.

Jason said: “Our Chamber digital adviser demonstrated significant system development experience, which proved invaluable to us. He impressed on us the need to completely rethink and rebuild our digital position, and helped us understand the digital architecture we needed to develop was, in principle, not entirely different to that deployed by other business in other sectors.

“This reassured us that, with the right technical support, our digital functionality goals were within perfect reach.”

Upcoming Digital Upscaler workshops

  • Using technology to scale your business: Tuesday 24 January and Tuesday 31 January – Village Hotel, Nottingham
  • Social media academy: Wednesday 25 January and Thursday 26 January – Leicester Marriott Hotel; Tuesday 7 and Tuesday 14 February – Village Hotel, Nottingham; Tuesday 28 February and Wednesday 1 March – Holiday Inn Leicester
  • Successful search engine optimisation: Wednesday 1 February and Wednesday 8 February – Leicester Marriott Hotel
  • Inbound marketing: Thursday 2 February and Thursday 9 February – Leicester Marriott Hotel
  • Get to grips with GA4 (Google Analytics) and convert more visitors into sales and leads: Thursday 16 February and Thursday 23 February – Leicester Marriott Hotel

More information on the Digital Upscaler project, including a full list of events, is available on East Midlands Chamber’s website at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/digital-upscaler.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter