chesterfield business support

Support for more Derbyshire businesses and organisations to reduce energy use and cut carbon

More Derbyshire businesses and organisations will be eligible for help to reduce their energy costs and cut carbon emissions as part of the Green Entrepreneurs Fund programme

More than £715,000 has already been awarded to businesses and organisations through the grants programme which Derbyshire County Council is running in collaboration with the University of Derby, as part of the drive to help the county reach net zero by 2050 or sooner.

But now changes made to the eligibility criteria for the programme’s Small Grants Fund mean even more businesses and organisations will be able to access funding to help implement green energy plans to reduce their energy costs.

Small grants from £6,000 up to a maximum of £20,000 can be applied for towards projects such as, but not limited to:

  • installing solar panels
  • replacing old heating systems with air/ground source heat pumps
  • retrofitting old boilers to make them more energy efficient
  • fitting electric vehicle charging points at their premises
  • installing energy efficient LED lighting
  • improving the insulation in their premises to help prevent heat escaping
  • funding to replace equipment and machinery with energy-saving alternatives
  • battery storage for solar generated energy.

Applicants will be required to show how their proposals would cut carbon emissions and how they are planning to reduce their emissions to net zero – which means reducing carbon emissions right down to the lowest possible level and off-setting those that cannot be cut through measures such as planting more trees and other forms of habitat creation to absorb excess carbon from the atmosphere, making the overall net emissions zero.

They will also be asked to highlight how the grant funding will support them to improve their management of resources and staff to increase sustainability and show how the project would or could include wider community benefits such as protecting jobs or encouraging greener behaviour among staff.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We know that small businesses are feeling the pinch with rising energy bills and costs of materials and goods generally.

“This change to the Small Grants Fund criteria means that we can help more small businesses to invest in energy efficiency measures to help cut their costs as well as their carbon footprint.”

As well as the Small Grants Fund, the programme is also accepting applications to the Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Fund to support individuals to retrain with skills to enable them to enter the field of low carbon, green energy.

And the Green Entrepreneurs Demonstrator Fund is also open for applications from high quality, larger scale carbon-cutting projects in Derbyshire. This fund is open to projects that are designed to encourage solutions beyond the mainstream of current thinking and the minimum grant available through this fund is £200,000.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The University has an ambition to make Derbyshire synonymous with sustainable business. This extra funding capacity to support businesses on the journey to zero carbon is invaluable, particularly at a time when energy costs are rising. We look forward to seeing the innovative projects that can be supported as a result.”

Find more information on the Green Entrepreneurs Fund programme here.

Wind Turbine in Chesterfield

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Chesterfield Digital High Street project equips 127 businesses for the future

More than 120 businesses in the Chesterfield borough are now up to speed with the online revolution after receiving expert digital support via an innovative scheme.

Since being launched in June last year, the Chesterfield Digital High Street project has engaged 127 small and microbusinesses reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into the digital world by building their online offering for customers and improving their social media profile.

Of this cohort, 81 businesses worked with a digital high street adviser, 56 companies developed a digital action plan and 50 firms accessed grants worth £2,200.

Some 38 new websites are now either live or in development – many of these equipped with the latest payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber and its strategic partners Purpose Media and Destination Chesterfield, the year-long project aimed to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which were hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project among businesses, which are now well-placed to embrace current and future digital trends.

“This 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.”

Among the businesses that have benefited from support is Café Nellie, a recently-opened independent coffee shop in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Owner Tracey Wallis said she was aware the business needed a marketing strategy to quickly become visible to a wide and varied audience.

But as none of the six-strong team had much experience of using social media, the Chamber’s support came at “exactly the right time”, with digital high street advisers Steve Phillips and Alex Gardner helping to build a website and Facebook page.

“Since our Facebook page went ‘live’, we have seen a marked increase in in table bookings,” said Tracey. “Despite the recent heatwave, our sales have increased by about 30%, which our own research suggests is a direct result of our social media presence.

“Having a website is just as important in enabling non-social media users to access attractive, up-to-date information about Café Nellie. In the future, we hope to develop the site to enable our customers to purchase gift vouchers, our own brand of coffee and to make table bookings online.”

While Ibrahim Assaf was literate in using Facebook to promote his business Ibzy Salon, located in Chesterfield’s Jawbones Hill, he noticed it couldn’t be found very easily on Google – with the barbershop, tattoo studio and shisha bar’s location on Google Maps in the wrong place.

“I struggled with the process of updating Google but after experiencing frustration, I left it,” he said.

He signed up to the Chesterfield Digital High Street project and received one-to-one support from Steve, who talked him through the problems he had encountered and came up with a digital action plan.

Ibrahim, who also took up the offer of creating a website, added: “I didn’t have a Google Business Profile at the time, which meant we weren’t listed and new customers couldn’t find me. Steve helped me to set up my page and download the app, so I can easily make changes to opening times and prices.

“I have noticed an increase in new customers who have come to us by finding us on Google and through our new website. In one week last month, we had a 300% increase in visitors to the shop compared to the previous week.

“The website has given me credibility and with setting up the Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, which will help boost my visibility and attract new customers.

“With the bigger customer base, I have now recruited another two barbers so we can offer more services and shorter waiting times. We are very much looking forward to the future – with the help from my advisor Steve, we have the tools to grow the business.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The Digital High Street project has been very successful in helping many organisations that were affected by the pandemic to get online and increase their interaction with customers in a new way.

“We have been able to review current marketing and social media activities, and support businesses on any recommended actions, set up Google listings if needed and offer each organisation a one-year membership to East Midlands Chamber.

“We have received excellent feedback from those who have taken part in the project, with many increasing their online profile so they can expand their business presence.”

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project has now ended but the Chamber continues to offer support to businesses across the region via a digital high street adviser. To find out what support is available, email information@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.

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University of Derby launches new ‘resources on demand’ platform for businesses

The University of Derby have launched a new platform for businesses and employees to kickstart learning through bite sized content.

The on-demand platform allows for individuals to learn at a time that is convenient to them, and allow them to start to explore the world of professional and business development.

The valuable content tailored to support personal and professional development will help individuals and organisations grow, develop, and adapt.

As the business landscape changes the resources that are needed will also need to evolve. Experts from the University are working on creating new resources and content to ensure you have the right knowledge and insight going forward. Individuals can share thoughts on how to shape new resources and content and any recommendations for topics to cover.

These on-demand resources are free to access and will complement the Universities existing business support offer.

Angela Tooley, Enterprise Development Manager at the University said: “These resources have been designed with small businesses in mind, providing easy access to bite size learning. They aim to provide useful information for individuals looking to strengthen their own knowledge, while also providing a great opportunity to discover the support available at the University to businesses.”

Sign up to Business Resources on Demand: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/resources-sign-up/

Find out more about support available at the University of Derby: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/

Chesterfield is a great place to grow your business and there are a number of organisations that offer business support and advice on local tendering opportunities, skills and funding opportunities. To find out more about the business support available in our area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

The University of Derby  supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

chesterfield college

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Chesterfield Pride 2022: How your business can celebrate our LGBTQ+ community

Chesterfield is set to gather in celebration later this month, as one of the biggest Pride festivals across the region returns to the town.

The celebration of our LGBTQ+ Community will see thousands of people in attendance, to raise awareness of diversity and inclusivity in all walks of life.

As we approach the event, we’ve been finding out how your business can help to support and celebrate staff, clients and customers who identify as LGBTQ+; and how this can have a positive effect on your business in terms of raising profile and enabling further growth.

Ed Fordham is a Chesterfield Borough Councillor and Derbyshire County Councillor, he was the first LGBT+ person in Britain to get engaged to his same sex partner with the passing of the equal marriage laws in 2013.

Sharing his experiences of living and working in Chesterfield, Ed has penned the following blog post to encourage more businesses in implementing a clear and definitive diversity and inclusion policy…

It’s really quite simple: business that understand, embrace and celebrate diversity in their values are more successful. This applies to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, but in this blog post I am exploring the issues for Chesterfield businesses and the LGBT+ communities.

Derbyshire is, I think the only county in England that has two LGBT+ centres – one in Derby and one in Chesterfield. Indeed Derbyshire LGBT+ is a long standing and successful charity serving the community all year round and in good times and in bad. This year we are celebrating 50 years since the first Pride March in the U.K. In London in 1972. Here in Chesterfield our Pride Festival is in year 8. Pride is a celebration, a festival and a party, but crucially it is also a protest, a vigil, a march and a gathering of the community in numbers. It’s safety in numbers for the LGBT+ communities.

Across Chesterfield many companies employ people who self identify as LGBT+ but for each and every one of those staff members they often have an internal dilemma about how well known and public they are about their security.  I forget the number of times that I have had to correct people over my own identity. Indeed, I still get assumptions that my wedding ring signals that I have a wife rather than a husband.

Chesterfield Pride will see 6,000 people gathering in Stand Road on Sunday 24th July and the net spend, the investment and the purchase of food and drink alone will be significant for local traders and businesses.  In the run-up to Pride spend on fashion, clothing, hairdressers, shoes and more besides is significant in the Borough.

Further, it is known and understood that businesses of the 1950’s that were dominated solely by male managers and men only boards were unrepresentative and staid.  Accordingly it is now accepted that business and companies that know their workforce, embrace their identity and ensure they are included, listened to and enabled are more effective.  In addition they are more fleet of foot in a shifting economy, and in a world where companies want to be seen and noticed companies that celebrate Pride, empower their staff and reflect the modern world.

The best employers understand their employees, know that they should feel welcome, respected and represented at work. Inclusion in decision, plans and strategy drives better individuals, business and organisational outcomes.  And by celebrating Chesterfield Pride in way that us visible and staff led means that staff are able to bring their whole selves to work. All of the evidence shows that when LGBT+ employees feel free to be themselves , everybody benefits.  It is further accepted that employee inclusion is picked up by customers and support and commerce increase in line with awareness.

There are national scheme for large employees by Stonewall, but we are fortunate in having such a strong and vibrant Derbyshire LGBT+.as they provide Rainbow Accreditation for companies locally.  There are three entry levels: Rainbow Allies, Rainbow Connection and Ranbow Partnership. The level depends on your size of business and the associated costs are pegged accordingly.

Please, do what you can for Pride this year in your business, company and shop window, but for the future and long term, contact Derbyshire LGBT+ today and register for Rainbow Accreditation.  Contact John Yates-Harold johny@derbyshirelgbt.org.uk

LGBTQ+ Leaders in Chesterfield 

Chesterfield Pride Sponsor

Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough Council has been announced as headline sponsors with Chesterfield Pride for the 2nd year in a row, continuing its support of the annual celebration.

Cllr Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.”

The Council also has a clear policy and strategy to welcome equality and diversity in the borough, recognising that both equal treatment and positive action are necessary to counteract discrimination.

Activities to ensure the strategy is implemented includes The Equality and Diversity Forum; a group of representatives from statutory partners, community groups and local individuals with an interest and/or expertise in equality and diversity. The Forum members work together to share ideas, best practice and to raise awareness in the community of equality and diversity.

Find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Equality and Diversity strategy here. For more information about the Equality and Diversity Forum please email policyteam@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Tom Harrison, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator said: “At Chesterfield Royal Hospital we are proud supporters of Pride, and once again delighted to be taking part.

“We understand the value of bringing your whole self to work and support these values as a Trust. Several of our colleagues have completed the Stonewall role model programme and are in the process of setting up a staff network to support this learning. We are listening to both colleagues and patients – our listening exercise at Pride three years ago saw us develop training to support our gender diverse staff and patients through e-learning – we revisited last year at Pride and received positive feedback from those who had engaged with us. We are currently listening to views on gender inclusive language and are looking to introduce single occupancy unisex toilets at minimal cost. 

“We are proud of the work which our Royal Cultural Community does to promote and support our BAME and international colleagues – alongside our Be Yourself group. We offer a rainbow badge scheme helping colleagues to commit to being an ally and offer rainbow lanyards to colleagues so that our commitment is visible in all areas of the Trust. We will be flying the LBGT+ flag outside our Main Entrance with pride.”

To find out more about diversity and inclusion at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, go to: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/information-candidates/diverse-workforce

 

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

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Chesterfield’s Central Technology partners with South Yorkshire charity

Chesterfield’s Central Technology has announced it will now be providing IT Support to South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA).

SYEDA is an independent charity, based in Sheffield, originally established in 1996 by a group of people who were affected by eating disorders and were concerned by the lack of information, guidance and help available.

Today they provide non-judgemental support directly to over 500 people each year affected by eating disorders, which includes one-to-one therapeutic and practical support, as well as additional support sessions for families and friends affected. They also facilitate support groups and deliver education and training sessions in schools, colleges, to professionals and the wider community.

With the rise of remote working, CT will be supporting SYEDA in a new independent, agile way of working by providing them with a Microsoft 365 solution and ongoing support.

Madeleine Thomas, Business Development Manager at SYEDA said “It has been a pleasure doing the onboarding process with CT and the staff and the support we have received has been brilliant. There has been some steep in-house learning getting to grips with Office 365 but we have been fully supported all the way by CT staff and the CT knowledge hub has been a great asset. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with CT and improving our own IT skills along the way in-house!”

Even closer to home, Central Technology also worked with local charity and fellow Chesterfield Champion Ashgate Hospice in upgrading their IT systems as part of their partnership working across the town. Find out more here.

If you are wondering how to ensure your business is cyber-secure and protected whilst harbouring an agile working set-up, contact Central Technology today.

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

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‘Wellness Wednesday’ initiative launched by Great2

A Chesterfield business which provides quality co-working spaces for budding entrepreneurs, alongside a plethora of advice and support has launched a new initiative to focus on the wellbeing of its members.

Great2 is now hosting ‘Wellness Wednesday’ events, providing the Great2 network with weekly yoga sessions, hosted by Chesterfield’s Holy Cow Yoga.

Great2Work member Becka Tung commented: “The yoga class that Great2 offers not only helps me clear my mind and gives me a mid-week boost, it also gives me an incentive to come in to the office and see everyone! It is a lovely team building activity and I’ve become a lot closer to colleagues who I ordinarily wouldn’t interact with that much. It’s a lovely perk, thanks Great2!”

The launch follows the success of Trough Tuesdays, which provide members with opportunities to socialise and network in an informal setting, while enjoying a spot of lunch.

Speaking on the launch of Wellness Wednesday, Lynne Pope, Social Media and Content Specialist at Great2 said: “At Great2 we believe that an individual’s wellbeing is essential to a company’s wellbeing. The last 2 years have been tough on everyone so now, more than ever, we need to ensure we care for the wellbeing of our employees and Great2Work coworking members.

“Our coworking space in Chesterfield is not just an office, it is a place where we want entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and thrive. Our members need balance between working hard and looking after themselves, which is often difficult to achieve. This is why we put on our Wellness Wednesday events and also provide fresh fruit in the coworking office every day.”

Businesses wishing to attend can register for membership by emailing enquiries@great2.co.uk. Flexible membership packages are available to suit various needs.

Great2 supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Dozens of Chesterfield businesses given online boost by Digital High Street project

Chesterfield businesses have been given a helping hand to boost their confidence and skills to trade online as part of an innovative project – with tailor-made advice designed to build resilience if their physical buildings are forced to close in a crisis.

Chesterfield Borough Council teamed up with East Midlands Chamber to launch the Chesterfield Digital High Street in June 2021 and the project has since helped 84 local businesses to make the most of their presence online. It offers support and guidance on using online tools but can also provide funding for e-commerce websites.

TwelfthCraft is a retail emporium based in The Shambles specialising in dolls houses, miniatures, accessories, curios and gifts. Since joining the project Caroline Gleadall, who owns and manages the store has created an online presence which has led to a 10% increase in sales and has developed a plan to further expand her business over the next three years.

Caroline said: “Thanks to the project, I feel like I’ve already achieved so much. I’ve developed the confidence to pay for Facebook advertising, and the time I’m committing to my social media presence has provided lots of new connections, allowed me to contact my customers, and given them the opportunity to leave reviews I’m about to launch my new e-commerce website which will help me reach new markets.”

The project is open to businesses across the borough. Brampton Brewery is a long-established micro-brewery based on Chatsworth Road but they have benefitted through the Digital High Street project.

Chris Radford, managing director and head brewer, explained: “We have received grant funding through the project for a new website with enhanced e-commerce functionality. Once launched, we hope to see significant growth in our online sales.

“To any business considering getting involved, I’d say this – just do it! There really is no reason not to. You’ll have access to a wide range of advice and services from industry specialists who just want to see you succeed.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “It’s been a really difficult time for local businesses during the pandemic – many which were left with limited options to trade when Covid-19 forced their buildings to close.

“We’ve been committed to supporting local businesses weather this unprecedented time, and it’s fantastic that so many are already benefitting from this project and realising their full potential. Thank you to East Midlands Chamber for their support and work on this project. If you run a local business there is still time to sign up and find out how you could grow your business online.”

East Midlands Chamber head of enterprise Paul Stuart said: “Purchasing habits have changed as a result of Covid-19, with fewer in-store visitors and a move towards online transactions.

“We expect this to be a long-term shift, so it’s vital that businesses ensure they see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat.

“By engaging with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, small businesses can benefit from expert support to equip themselves with the right mix of tools needed for the online world – something that will complement their existing services, attract new customers and, ultimately, future-proof their organisations.”

Purpose Media has been supporting the project and have advised over 30 businesses in Chesterfield as part of the Chesterfield Digital High Street Project.

Purpose Media business development manager Grace Golden said: “Through our work in the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, we have helped businesses learn new ways to engage with customers, attract business and increase profitability.

“By implementing new activity online such as posting videos or using Facebook advertising, they have renewed optimism for their future and have confidence in their ability to marketing their business.”

Discover how your business can benefit from this project by visiting: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street

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Support to help boost business performance and growth comes to Chesterfield

Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Chesterfield can access support in developing leadership and management skills through programmes which have recently been launched by the University of Derby.

The courses have been created to help those new to management, as well as senior managers and leaders. The Help to Grow: Management: Chesterfield cohort starts 30th March 2022.

Help To Grow: Management

Help to Grow: Management is ideally suited to managers and leaders, providing an opportunity to boost your organisation’s performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The next intake for the programme is 30th March 2022

The 12-week programme will combine online learning with face-to-face case study workshops in Chesterfield, 1:1 mentor support and peer group networking.

Topics include strategy, innovation, engaging teams, digital technology and building the brand. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a tailored business growth plan to lead their business to its full potential.

Help to Grow is 90 per cent funded by the government. The University of Derby will be delivering the programme across the East Midlands and West Midlands, with their next cohort taking place in Chesterfield at St Helena’s.

Angela Tooley, Enterprise Development Manager at the University of Derby, said: “We are proud to be a partner in delivering the Help to Grow: Management programme.

“This programme has been designed in partnership with CABS, Small Business Charter accredited business schools from across the UK, and business leaders. Our hand-picked delivery team all have real-life relatable experiences to share from their own business careers and understand the pressures of working in a small business.

“Many small business leaders are time-poor and often struggle to find time to plan the future and engage with likeminded ambitious leaders. Our current participants are seeing the results both personally and professionally. Seeing the impact straight away from their actions they quickly start to reap the benefits of taking time to work on the business, rather than in it.”

Find out more about the programme here.

If your business would like to request more information from the University of Derby, click here. 

Smart and Inclusive Leadership

Participants will develop their unique leadership skills and learn how to build resilience in themselves and others, so that they can create positive impact within their organisation. The next intake for the programme is 25th April 2022.

The programme is suitable for aspiring leaders, graduates, supervisors, and managers and is funded by the European Social Fund and delivering partners (including the University of Derby), meaning participants can attend without any cost to their organisation.

The course will be offered through a blend of online learning methods and has been designed to allow participants to tailor learning to their individual needs. There are four taught units including Developing Your Inner Leader, Leading Through Challenge and Change, Inclusive Leadership, and Leader as Coach and Mentor.

Participants can decide whether to take a single unit or complete the entire programme. There are a choice of start dates with the next intake starting at the end of January.

Find out more about Smart and Inclusive Leadership.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

St Helena's Chesterfield

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More support for Chesterfield businesses affected by Covid-19

Local businesses are being urged to apply for a new Business Rates relief scheme if they have been adversely affected by COVID-19.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been allocated £2.4m COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) to be distributed to ratepayers that did not qualify for previous COVID-19 related schemes, can demonstrate that business has been adversely affected and who have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact.

This is an application for a discount from business rates bills and not a grant payment.

The CARF discount is for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 only (and earlier in the event of a change in circumstances such as moving out of the property).

You may be able to claim a CARF discount from us if you are a Chesterfield Borough Council Business Rates payer and your business meets ALL of the following criteria:

  • it was occupied and registered for Business Rates during the financial year 2021-2022
  • it is open and operating (or temporarily closed due to COVID government guidelines)
  • it has been significantly and adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • it has not exceeded the permitted Business Grant Subsidy Allowance
  • it has not received Extended Retail Discount or Nursery Discount during the 2021/22 financial year
  • You have a business rates charge to pay during the financial year 2021-22

You can apply for a CARF discount online using the form below – you will need to create a My Chesterfield account before you can apply.

Paper applications will not be accepted.

Applications close on 13 February 2022.

You can apply for the CARF here.

Find out more about the latest support on offer for businesses in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Chesterfield Town Hall

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Grants available for Chesterfield businesses affected by Covid-19 Omicron variant

Businesses trading in Chesterfield’s hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors which have been affected by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are being encouraged to apply for a support grant.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant provides grants from £2,667 up to £6,000 to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Applications for funding are now open, and will close on 11 February 2022. A business will be eligible for the grant if:

  • it was registered for Business Rates on 30 December 2021
  • it was trading on 30 December 2021
  • it is one of the hospitality, leisure or accommodation business types that are eligible for this payment (some exclusions do apply as per the BEIS guidance)

Businesses that may qualify for this grant are being contacted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s business grants team directly. However, if you think you are eligible and have not been in touch with anyone from the council about this yet, you can complete the application form here.

A business will not be entitled to a payment if it has entered into administration or insolvency or has exceeded the permitted Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.

Only the Business Rates payer at 30 December 2021 is entitled to claim this payment.

If you are eligible to receive a grant payment, you will receive this within seven days of your application being assessed and no later than 28 February 2022.

Meanwhile, the Government has also recently announced a new Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) and published guidance on the operation of the fund and details of the funding allocation for each local authority.

Chesterfield Borough Council is in the process of drafting the scheme ready to publish on its website during January 2022. Businesses are encouraged to keep checking Chesterfield Borough Council’s website and social media for further updates.

Find out more about the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund.

To find out more about some of the other business support available for companies in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Thinking of launching a new business in 2022? Here’s why Chesterfield is the perfect place to start

Have you been thinking about a career change lately? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business and following your passion.

Well there’s no better time than now to make those dreams a reality, and here in Chesterfield there’s a wide array of support available to kickstart your new business.

Find out below about what’s on offer to help you start the ball rolling, and why 2022 could be the year you become your own boss!

Vision Derbyshire business start-up support scheme

driving business success

In light of the difficulties faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Vision Derbyshire initiative was set up to help would-be entrepreneurs based in Derbyshire get their businesses up and running, to help create jobs and keep the local economy thriving.

A team of local expert business advisors are in place to offer free advice and support and funding of up to £10,000 per applicant is also available as part of the scheme.

More Information

D2N2 Business Starter Programme

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, but aren’t quite sure how to get a new business set up, D2N2’s Business Starter Programme is a great place to begin.

It’s a dynamic project helping people in communities throughout Derbyshire to start their own business through a programme of themed workshops and one-to-one support.

The scheme has successfully supported over 190 businesses to start and thrive in Derbyshire, and your’s could be next!

More Information

D2N2 Growth Hub

The good news is that the support on offer doesn’t just help you with getting started, there are a number of schemes in place to help you along your business journey as you continue to grow.

The D2N2 Growth Hub provides businesses in our region with a single point of access to business support.

The team of Growth Hub Business Advisers and a dedicated telephone enquiry service have the knowledge, skills and expertise to signpost you to the right initiatives and resources to support your business growth.

More Information

Chesterfield Digital High Street

If you’re setting up a new company in the modern age, it will be important to ensure your business is as visible and resilient as possible.

That’s where the Chesterfield Digital High Street scheme comes in. Support and funding is available to help you set up a fully search engine optimised e-commerce website.

Alongside this, a team of expert advisors will be able to signpost you to a number of great new ways to attract customers and sell goods, both in-person and online!

More Information

Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme

Chesterfield’s Innovation Support Programme (Chesterfield Borough Council) is a project which aims to increase the level of support available to businesses in the Chesterfield area.

The project has been set up to offer a variety of funded support which includes:

  • one-to-one business reviews
  • workshops, seminars and networking events
  • access to specialist innovation advisers
  • support to identify potential funding choices

For further information on the Innovation Support Programme, contact Adrian Williamson, Innovation Support Project Manager at: adrian.williamson@chesterfield.gov.uk

Great workspaces available to suit your every need

Dunston Innovation Centre - Business Chesterfield

Another benefit of setting up your business here in Chesterfield is the ability to get your hands on quality, affordable office space to suit all budgets and requirements.

Here’s a list of some of the places you may want to look into:

  • Dunston and Tapton Innovation Centres – Chesterfield Innovation Centres are designed to assist small to medium sized businesses to successfully innovate and grow. They can offer you professional help in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – This brand-new development is due for completion in early 2022 and will provide modern office space for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, right in the middle of town.
  • West Studios – West Studios’ main aim has always been supporting SME growth within the creative sector and within Chesterfield. Situated on the Chesterfield College campus, the building has a range of shared studio spaces and offers a virtual office service too.
  • Great 2 – Great2 supports local entrepreneurs and growing small businesses across Derbyshire. The company also offers business operations and marketing support services to help owners scale up.
  • Monkey Park- This community organisation thinks about workspaces differently, and provides a great place to work with none of the strings like leases attached.
  • Loundsley Green– Alongside providing affordable office space, the Loundsley Green Enterprise Centre is able to provide 1-to-1 enterprise coaching to people considering starting their own business and working for themselves.

If there’s nothing on the above list that suits your needs, there’s no need to worry! Chesterfield Borough Council’s expert economic development team can run a property search and help you find the perfect location.

Contact the team on 01246 345255 or email: economic.development@chesterfield.gov.uk Or find out more about commercial property in Chesterfield here.

Join Chesterfield Champions and become a part of the local business community

Champions breakfast Ringwood Hall

If you are growing your organisation in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire and are looking for marketing and business support, Chesterfield Champions is a great way to get your name out there locally.

For a small annual contribution towards the wider marketing of the town, the initiative can help you build relationships with likeminded organisations and keep up to date with local news and developments.

There are a range of opportunities for Chesterfield Champions from senior networking events and priority invitations including consultation events to media opportunities and a profile on the Chesterfield business directory.

More Information

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

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