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 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.

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, 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/