east midlands chamber

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/

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Regional unemployment rate remains below the national average

The unemployment rate in the East Midlands declined slightly from 3.4% to 3.3% in the three months to December, remaining below the UK average of 3.7%.

The figures have been published by the Office for National Statistics in its latest regional labour market data published on Tuesday, 14th February.

However, the region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – climbed to a record high of 22.7%, compared to a UK rate of 21.4%.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After an upwards trajectory in the level of unemployment since the summer – albeit against a context of still being at historically low levels – it is good to see this curve begin to flatten in recent months.

“As we also saw with the UK economy narrowly heading off a widely-expected recession at the end of 2022, this is another important indicator in illustrating the resilience of our businesses during what has been a very challenging three years with pandemic restrictions followed by a cost-of-doing-business crisis.

Scott Knowles

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

“Yet we shouldn’t get complacent about a strong jobs market and our own research suggests unemployment levels may not remain so low this year.

“Our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2022 found there was an 8% decline from quarter to quarter in the proportion of East Midlands businesses that added to their workforce in the previous three months, while there was a similar drop-off in recruitment prospects over the coming three months.”

The rising economic inactivity rate – which was 18.7% immediately before Covid-19 lockdown – poses a cause for concern and the Chamber has urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to address it in the forthcoming Spring Budget, scheduled for 15 March.

Scott added: “Not only are they continuing to face unsustainable cost pressures, but as the rising economic inactivity rate demonstrates, we have one of the tightest labour markets ever seen. Businesses that want to grow, and create jobs and wealth in their local areas, are unable to do so because of acute skills shortages.

“This poses a major concern for the road ahead as our economy plateaus but with the Spring Budget fast approaching, there are measures the Government can take to support businesses to develop a skills base fit for 21st century industry.

“In our Business Manifesto for Growth launched in Parliament last November, we proposed a series of reforms around how businesses invest in their people.

“These include flexible incentives for business investment in staff training, expanding the use of the apprenticeship levy, bringing forward the introduction of the lifelong loan entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce, and a comprehensive reform of the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need.

“In other words, this is about ‘getting the basics right’ – removing the day-to-day barriers for businesses and ensuring the basic building blocks of economic success are in place.”

To read the Chamber’s Business Manifesto for Growth, A Centre of Trading Excellence, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/manifesto. 

East Midlands Chamber - Chesterfield office

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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.

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East Midlands unemployment rate remains low but Chamber research warns this could be set to rise

The proportion of working-age people in the East Midlands who are not in jobs rose slightly from 3.3% to 3.4% in the three months to November, new figures show.

The region’s unemployment rate – which hit a record low of 2.4% in summer 2022 before steadily climbing since – remained below the UK average of 3.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics’ latest regional labour market data published today (17 January).

Meanwhile, the region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 22.3% but this remains near record highs.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After an upwards trajectory in the level of unemployment since the summer – although against a context of still being at historically low levels – it is reassuring to see this curve begin to flatten in recent months.

“However, our own research suggests unemployment levels may not remain so low in the future. Our final Quarterly Economic Survey of the year, which ran throughout November, found there was an 8% decline from quarter to quarter in the proportion of East Midlands businesses that added to their workforce in the previous three months, while there was a similar drop-off in recruitment prospects over the coming three months.

“Clearly, the cost-of-doing-business crisis – led by rising costs in energy, interest rates, raw materials, people and fuel – has deeply affected business confidence to invest, and a lack of available skills in the labour market is now impacting significantly on firms’ ability to grow.

“While the slight decrease in the proportion of those people who have opted out of the workforce for various reasons is welcomed, this remains at a very high level and has helped to create the tightest labour market in years.

“This poses a major concern for the road ahead as our economy continues to plateau but there are measures the Government can take to support businesses to develop a skills base fit for 21st century industry.

“In our Business Manifesto for Growth launched in Parliament last month, we propose a series of reforms around how businesses invest in their people.

“These include flexible incentives for business investment in staff training, expanding the use of the apprenticeship levy, bringing forward the introduction of the lifelong loan entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce, and a comprehensive reform of the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need.

“In other words, this is about ‘getting the basics right’ – removing the day-to-day barriers for businesses and ensuring the basic building blocks of economic success are in place.”

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.

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East Midlands Chamber launches Generation Next Awards 2023 to recognise region’s young talent

The best of young business talent across the East Midlands will once again be celebrated at the Generation Next Awards – as a refreshed look is revealed for 2023.

The awards are the showpiece programme of the Generation Next network for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, which is run by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby.

It features 11 categories, ranging from a Start-up Award and Customer Service Award through to Innovation and Technology Award and the Generation Next Future Leader.

The programme includes a new addition that recognises “rising stars” who show ongoing growth and development, as well as refreshed guidelines for prizes recognising outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, creativity, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

The application process of each category award has also been streamlined for a “one form fits all” method involving a reduced number of questions.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the amazing young talent within the East Midlands, and our diverse programme recognises the next generation of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We want to encourage young professionals from across the region to tell their story and celebrate their successes. There is an award to suit everyone at each stage of their career.”

Last July, Generation Next held its first in-person awards celebration at Bustler Market in Derby, and recognised young talent such as apprentice Ruby Birks, who works for South Normanton-based marketing agency Purpose Media, and the three entrepreneurs behind Derby-based digital marketing and web development agency Alphageek.

It was an awards ceremony with a twist, featuring street food, a live DJ and arcade games. More than 220 people attended, marking it as a new milestone in the Chamber’s events calendar. This year’s ceremony will be held on 13 July, and the venue will be confirmed in the coming months.

Entries are open for the 2023 awards from now until Monday 6 March. They can be submitted either by individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket or on their behalf by a colleague or line manager.

Applications can be downloaded at generationnextemc.co.uk/awards and should be emailed to the Generation Next team at gennext@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Generation Next Awards 2022 categories

  • Generation Next Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby)
  • Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Loughborough College)
  • Start-up Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)
  • Entrepreneur of the Year Award (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
  • Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Award (sponsored by RSM UK)
  • Creators and Makers Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)
  • Volunteering and Charitable Impact Award
  • Environmental Warrior Award
  • Customer Service Award
  • Rising Star Award (new for 2023)

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Devolution top of the agenda at East Midlands Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Review

Businesses believe devolution could hold the cards to a more prosperous East Midlands economy – but many have said they want to see Leicestershire at the table with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The proposed East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority was one of the key discussion points at East Midlands Chamber’s inaugural State of the Economy Review, held in partnership with the University of Leicester and Geldards LLP.

More than 50 business and academic leaders attended the event, held at emh group’s headquarters in Coalville today (16 December), which featured panels of business leaders speaking about how they have been affected by economic issues over the past year and future policy needs.

Amber Valley MP Nigel Mills and Nottingham North MP Alex Norris also gave speeches, in which they explained the latest situation with the East Midlands devolution deal – currently undergoing a public consultation with a view to being established in May 2024 – and how it could drive investment to the region.

The deal under review includes the local authorities across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with a pledge to bring £1.14bn into those two counties over 30 years.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at the Chamber, said: “There is a growing appetite among our business community to devolve decision-making powers over key issues like economic affairs and transport to local areas that have a greater understanding of their needs.

“While there was once a time when companies may not have wanted to wade into the debate over political structures, they have witnessed first-hand the benefits felt by their counterparts in other areas of the country with elected mayors and seen the scale of additional inward investment that devolution has facilitated.

“There was genuine excitement from businesses in the room on the opportunities devolution will bring, but also a concern that Leicestershire may end up missing out as a result of not being part of the current Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire deal.

“For businesses, the three counties are felt to be a natural economic area of co-operation – as devolution progresses, political leaders must present a clear vision for how they ensure Leicester and Leicestershire won’t be disadvantaged.

“When discussing our region’s USP, it was clear it all comes down to us being a Centre of Trading Excellence – a place for making things, moving them and innovating in how we do this – and this is something we have called on the Government to back further in our Business Manifesto for Growth via a package of measures to improve investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade.”

The Annual State of the Economy Review took place against a backdrop of the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which paints picture of declining activity throughout the past year but a slight renewal of confidence ahead of 2023 should the political environment stabilise.

A day earlier, the Bank of England raised interest rates from 3% to 3.5% in its latest fiscal intervention to arrest inflation, which was 10.7% in the year to November.

Chris added: “Our Quarterly Economic Survey has illustrated the myriad cost pressures and capacity constraints that firms have faced throughout the year, largely due to global headwinds but also because of our own doing in some cases.

“Looking ahead, businesses are acutely aware 2023 could be another tricky year to navigate as we enter a widely-predicted global recession, although a much shallower and shorter one than in 2008.

“As interest rates hit 3.5% and further forecasted raises are likely to impact further on already-dwindling investment intentions, there are things the Government can do to ‘get the basics right’, as we have stated in our manifesto.

“With four in five businesses with vacancies struggling to recruit throughout the year, we should be helping them to invest in skills – whether that be through expanding the remit of the Annual Investment Allowance so they can claim against training or making the Apprenticeship Levy more flexible to encompass a range of entry-level roles.

“Exporters are also growing frustrated with barriers to international trade and our relationship with the EU may once more become a big issue for 2023, while businesses will be eager to see new markets open up via trade deals to connect our region with the rest of the world.”

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

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Optimism over ‘green shoots of recovery’ in 2023, says East Midlands Chamber study

The East Midlands economy has suffered a series of knocks throughout the year, with cost pressures hitting businesses hard – but there are hopes for a more optimistic outlook in 2023.

This is the verdict of East Midlands Chamber after its latest research, which showed a decline in customer demand for products and services, investment intentions and recruitment prospects – yet a slight upturn in business confidence for the year ahead.

As part of its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business and gauges the health of the region’s economy, the Chamber produces a State of the Economy Index to provide an “at a glance” picture showing the direction of travel for the local economy based on aggregated indicators.

It has trended downwards every quarter since the start of the year to reach its lowest level since the end of 2020 – a period of local Covid-19 restrictions and the beginning of a second national lockdown – but underlying data in the Q4 2022 survey offers room for optimism.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “2022 has been a difficult year economically, with a series of events negatively impacting activity and sentiment – some out of our control and others self-inflicted.

“Domestic demand and international activity has softened slightly as the year has gone on, with cashflow deteriorating and investment intentions down.

“Recruitment difficulties have been the perennial issue, with this final set of data suggesting a drop-off in businesses seeking to grow their workforce.

“However, within that data lies a multitude of experiences, not all negative, and some signs for positivity as we enter 2023.

“Although business confidence – which affects tangible decisions like investment – has dropped significantly from where it was at the start of the year amid the war in Ukraine, political stability and policy flip-flops, there has been a small rise in optimism over profitability and turnover prospects during the final quarter of the year due to a more consistent approach to policy.

“While the gradual slowdown in demand has created capacity within the economy – opening the pressure valve on prices that has been one of the inflationary drivers – there are also signs that other drivers of inflation are starting to soften.”

Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2022 for the East Midlands*, which was conducted between 7 November and 1 December 2022, included:

  • UK sales stagnated between the third and fourth quarters of the year, with UK advanced orders down by 9%
  • Overseas sales were up by 5% quarter on quarter but advanced orders decreased by 2%
  • The proportion of businesses that added to their headcount in the past three months fell by 8% compared to the previous quarter, while there was a similar decline in firms expecting to recruit new staff in the next three months
  • A net 57% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices as they grapple with rising costs for energy, interest rates, people, raw materials and fuel – although this is down from 62% and 58% in the previous two quarters
  • A net 17% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, marking a 3% rise in the proportion of companies affected
  • A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions continue to trend downwards – falling by 6% quarter-on-quarter for plant and machinery, and 8% for training
  • After nosediving in recent months, business confidence in the prospects of profitability improvements rose 10% compared to the previous quarter, although optimism over improved turnover was down by 1%.

Chris added: “To turn these green shoots into real economic growth in 2023, it is essential that policymakers work with businesses to support them in their growth aspirations.

“Our Business Manifesto for Growth, launched at Westminster in November, provides a blueprint for this.

“While there is no one silver bullet, an immediate action Government could take is to better incentivise business investment in equipment and training, reducing inflationary pressures by both creating further capacity and softening the impact of high staff costs.

“Policy and geopolitical events aside, the biggest thing businesses will be hoping for in 2023 is a bit of calmness and consistency from those taking decisions on the direction of the UK economy – along with meaningful engagement with those businesses that will ultimately deliver the growth to ensure any recession is not just shallow, but short.”

The results will be discussed at the Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Review on Friday (16 December), held in partnership with the University of Leicester, Geldards and emh group at Memorial House, in Coalville.

Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said there was support available for businesses affected by the economic climate.

He added: “We are proud of our long heritage providing research-informed knowledge exchange to businesses in the East Midlands and beyond through degrees, management development courses such as Help to Grow: Management, business support services, internships, placements, consultancy, knowledge transfer partnerships and contract research.

“Our academics thrive on solving business problems with world-changing research and innovative solutions providing real-world impact.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q4 2022, click here.

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.

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Midlands Energy Summit shines spotlight on region’s opportunity to become ‘famous’ in future energy agenda

The East Midlands needs to determine which part of the future energy agenda it wants to lead if it is to attract overseas investors, an audience of business leaders heard at a conference.

Speakers at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with the University of Nottingham at the Hilton East Midlands Airport hotel today (1 December), emphasised the importance of the region having a clear focus when it comes to prioritising various energy strands.

Nora Senior, chair of the East Midlands Freeport, said becoming “famous” for an aspect of the green economy will help to establish clusters of businesses to accelerate innovation and create new jobs, while demonstrating a local commitment to achieving net zero will help to attract inward investment.

Many of the solutions will come from academic research and the University of Nottingham’s vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West CBE, as well as Sustainable Hydrogen Centre for Doctoral Training director Professor Gavin Walker, showcased some of its work in the areas of transport and mobility, energy generation and management, and communities and the built environment.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “With our industrial heritage, world-class research in our universities, central location and the UK’s busiest cargo airport, our region has all the raw ingredients required to be a national and international leader in the net zero economy.

“This is why we are calling the East Midlands a Centre of Trading Excellence in our new Business Manifesto for Growth, which was launched in Westminster last week and calls for Government ‘to back the East Midlands to back the UK’.

“We believe there is plenty to get behind here but there is also a lot for us to think about as a region. The East Midlands Freeport offers a fantastic opportunity to create a name for ourselves on a global stage but as we heard during the Midlands Energy Summit, we need to consider what the focus should be – whether it’s in hydrogen, battery production or aerospace, for example.

“It’s also important that as a region, we demonstrate a commitment to growing our competitiveness in the right way as this is what investors across the world want to see when they decide where to throw their backing.

“More broadly, energy security is a hot topic for many organisations as our research tells us the number one concern for businesses right now is rising energy costs, which is also the main driver of inflation.

“Businesses are eager to work in partnership with Government and the energy industry to develop a long-term energy strategy that gives them certainty about security of supply and minimises costs, which will enable firms to get on with doing what they do best in creating wealth and opportunities locally.”

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East Midlands Chamber launches Business Manifesto for Growth to develop region as a ‘Centre of Trading Excellence’

“Back the East Midlands to back the UK” is the opportunity being put to politicians today (Thursday 24 November) by East Midlands Chamber as it launches a blueprint for economic growth in this region and beyond.

Delegates from the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, along with local businesses and MPs, visited Parliament to unveil the 12-page document, titled A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond.

It includes “The Big Opportunity” to further develop the East Midlands as a “Centre of Trading Excellence”, which reflects the region’s key assets in its industrial heritage, leading-edge universities, central location, and the country’s largest pure freight airport.

The Chamber, which represents more than 4,000 businesses, also calls on policymakers to “get the basics right” by outlining what businesses need now to succeed and take advantage of emerging opportunities via a series of key policy asks, covering people, taxation and regulation, and connectivity.

It then urges Government to “grow our competitiveness the right way” by doubling down efforts on net zero and the wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We’ve long spoken about our region being a place that’s great for making things, moving things and innovating in how we do this.

“These strengths really came to the fore during the pandemic and shone a spotlight on our region being a Centre of Trading Excellence, which is about businesses wanting to trade more, trade differently, trade with new partners, and trade in a way that is cleaner and more effective.

“The former Bank of England governor Mark Carney once remarked on how the East Midlands is a bellwether of the UK’s economic health, as we proportionately have more manufacturing businesses and jobs than other regions but we’re not overly reliant on any single sector.

“In many ways, we are a microcosm of the national economy outside London, so our message to Government is if you want a blueprint for what a successful economy looks like, then the key components exist in the East Midlands.

“Creating a policy environment that helps businesses here to succeed can be replicated elsewhere, which ultimately spurs more trade that boosts the national economy, creates more jobs and improves people’s life outcomes. This is why we call on the Government to back the East Midlands to back the UK.”

By responding to a string of policy asks, the Chamber says Government can “establish a formula that will help to deliver on key goals to level up, reboot the economy and boost post-Brexit growth in global trade”. The manifesto covers three key pillars:

  1. The Big Opportunity: Develop the East Midlands as a Centre of Trading Excellence by focusing on the ‘four Is’:
    1. Incentivise longer-term private sector investment at more generous levels
    2. Support greater levels of innovation through enhanced R&D packages and easier links into universities
    3. Improve infrastructure by raising the current level of public investment in the region to parity with the national average
    4. Cut red tape and reduce barriers to international trade, increasing incentives for those looking to grow their international presence or enter new markets for the first time
  2. Getting the basics right: Provide the levers to drive growth via the cultivation of a wider business ecosystem geared around supporting success, which should:
    1. Focus on incentives to invest in people
    2. Support certainty for businesses by developing a long-term approach to business taxation and regulation
    3. Ensure businesses and communities are digitally and physically connected locally and with the wider world
  3. Growing our competitiveness the right way: Now is not the time to go back on the commitments we have made as a country to sustainability and the net zero agenda. The Chamber, whose research shows ESG is rising up the agenda for businesses, says long-term planning allows businesses to grow sustainably and create opportunities for the UK to be world leaders in the products and processes that will drive global growth for decades to come.

A previous Business Manifesto for Growth published by East Midlands Chamber in 2018, titled Delivering A Great Future, called for a dedicated delivery vehicle to create a zone of ultra-high growth in logistics and advanced manufacturing hinged around East Midlands Airport and a linked free trade zone.

This set the wheels in motion for what would eventually lead to the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Development Company being established.

A Centre of Trading Excellence aims to maximise the impact of these initiatives while reinforcing the typical barriers to doing business and reiterating the importance of Britain fully committing to net zero.

After its launch at a special Westminster event – which featured speeches from Nottingham North MP Alex Norris and Broxtowe MP Darren Henry – the document will be used by the Chamber in policy discussions with MPs and Government officials to illustrate priorities of the region and its businesses.

The manifesto has received support from key businesses. East Midlands Airport’s managing director Steve Griffiths said: “East Midlands Airport is an engine of growth in its own right. Its role as an international gateway gives businesses in this region a competitive advantage when trading globally. As such, EMA has been the catalyst for much investment across the region in recent years.

“I’m delighted the Chamber is building on the gains already made and will help make the case to Government for increased recognition of the importance of our region and everything we have to offer the UK economy.”

David Williams chairman at East Midlands-based law firm Geldards, added: “The East Midlands region is renowned as an outstanding growth hub both for start-up businesses and established firms alike.

“As well as benefiting from transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the innovative development programme of regenerating brownfield sites is transforming our cities and wider region into a world-class arena to conduct business. It’s time for MPs to take note and recognise we are a region to be reckoned with.”

To read A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/manifesto

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.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

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

East Midlands Chamber named UK Chamber of the Year in national awards

East Midlands Chamber has secured one of the most significant accolades in business after being named the UK Chamber of the Year.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire was recognised for supporting businesses to engage with the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda as it took the top prize at the British of Chamber of Commerce’s (BCC) annual Chamber Business Awards, sponsored by Quest. There are 53 accredited chambers of commerce in the UK.

Judges said East Midlands Chamber succeeded in striking a good geographical balance across its membership base, serving more than 4,000 businesses across the three counties. Its strength in the areas of diversity and environmental sustainability also stood out as particularly impressive.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are delighted to receive such recognition and this award is testament to the hard work of the whole Chamber team over the past few years in supporting businesses through one of the most challenging periods in memory.

“We have always sought to provide a comprehensive offer in supporting our members through whatever the world throws at us. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we pivoted our service online with a focus on business resilience and took advantage of opportunities such as the Kickstart Scheme to become the UK’s biggest gateway provider.

“This approach has continued to evolve within a hybrid delivery model as we seek to help guide members through the important business issues of today and tomorrow – including the rapidly-growing ESG agenda, which comprises a commitment to net zero, a diverse and inclusive workforce, and building relationships with communities.

“As new opportunities come forward, we will continue to be at the forefront in ensuring our members are at the leading edge of new business trends, while flying the flag for the East Midlands in order to help attract new investment and grow our region’s economy.”

The Chamber’s achievements in recent years have included:

  • Providing a £100,000 membership relief fund during the pandemic and helping 982 businesses to access Covid-19 funds valued at £1.4m
  • Supporting 902 businesses to fill 2,093 placements in the Kickstart Scheme, which created work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds, with 81% of participants securing a job, or returning to further or higher education
  • Leading a Digital High Street project supporting 322 retailers to improve their digital offering
  • Supporting 700 exporters and 200 importers annually via the international trade service
  • Establishing a Sustainable East Midlands initiative to collate practical advice that supports members on their net zero journey, holding 26 events that attracted more than 1,000 delegates in 2021/22
  • Launching a free ESG toolkit in partnership with RSM UK for members
  • Being an exemplar to businesses in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce by achieving Disability Confident Leader status, leading a prison employment advisory board, signing a menopause workplace pledge and “Time to Change” pledge, and supporting the Midlands Mental Health Productivity Pilot.

The Chamber Business Awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role that chambers of commerce play in assisting firms to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Chamber Network, and the vital support chambers provide to businesses.

Sarah Howard, chair of the BCC, said: “The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is an extremely worthy winner of this award.

“The Chamber’s commitment to sustainability and net zero ambitions is paving the way for other chambers to follow in the fight against the climate crisis.

“Running a successful and vibrant chamber of commerce, with its members’ interests at the core, is no easy task and I want to congratulate all members of the East Midlands Chamber team for their hard work and dedication.”

Steve Charles, head of business partnerships at Quest added: “Congratulations to East Midlands Chamber, a worthy winner of the Chamber of the Year award.

“A strong financial performance enabled it to offer a wide range of support to members including Kickstart, in particular during the pandemic.

“It has led the way on helping members build a diverse and inclusive workforce, as well as meeting their net zero targets. It also has an exciting investment strategy to help it offer even more support to members in the future. Well done.”

To find out about how East Midlands Chamber can support businesses, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/about-us/key-chamber-services or call 0333 320 0333.

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

Owner of Chesterfield Doggy Day Care business wins prestigious regional award

The owner of Chesterfield’s Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care is celebrating, after winning a coveted accolade at the East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

Dawn Brown walked away with the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the gala dinner, held at Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium in partnership with Futures Housing Group.

Speaking on the award win, Dawn commented: “I get asked what it’s like to be a woman in business. I describe it as a roller coaster ride with highs and lows, twists and turns and often times when you go so fast you just want to get off but we don’t! We just carry on with pure grit and determination to succeed.”

“People see business owners like swans swanning about doing as they please, but what they don’t see are our  legs going like the clappers underneath to hold it all together, especially women in business. We hold down a family, I have 5 kids and a fiancée so you could say 6 kids!

“At Rose Cottage we look after 50 dogs a day, with a team of 7 people working with me. So this award means so much more to me personally because it’s recognition for all that hard work and dedication that people do not necessarily see.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award from the Chamber and I’m grateful for being a woman in business that has been recognised for all her hard work.”

Enterprising Women Co-Chair, Eileen Perry MBE DL commented: “Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of this year’s Enterprising Women Awards. The gala dinner is always the biggest date in the calendar for the network, which Jean and I look forward to attending every year – and the breadth of female talent across the East Midlands business community just gets stronger.”

Co-Chair Jean Mountain said: “When I co-founded Enterprising Women 25 years ago, the business landscape was very male-dominated. We wanted to change that and create a space for women to network with each other, learn from one another’s experience and gain skills to use in their work, and sometimes personal lives.

“Recognising the achievements of women in business was an important part of that, to give them the confidence to succeed further and thrive in their careers.

“I’m so proud of how far the network has come, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.”

ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson returned to host the black-tie event, which was packed with entertainment provided by singer-songwriter Esmee Esho, comedian Patrick Monahan and Leicester band The Jamlocks.

Enterprising Women Awards 2022 winners

Business Woman of the Year – Sponsored by Futures Housing Group

Emily Smith – Michael Smith Switchgear

Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Midlands Engine Investment Fund

Dawn Brown – Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

Social Commitment Award – Sponsored by She Inspires Global 

Gift Wellness

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Unique Window Systems 

Fraser Stretton Property Group

Female Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Smallman & Son

Karen Miles – trentbarton

Team of the Year – Sponsored by PPL PRS

TwentyTwenty – Love4Life

Outstanding Contribution to Work in STEM – Sponsored by Pick Everard

De Montfort University

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by EMA Training

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Amanda Daly – The Turnaround CEO

Jessica Barnett – Timms Solicitors

Diversity Champion – Sponsored by Breedon Consulting

Stephen Gould – Everards Brewery

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Paradigm Wills and Sales Solutions

Rosemary Conley CBE DL

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

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