How to grow, sustain, innovate and decarbonise are top of the agenda for an innovative new programme being launched in North East Derbyshire.
The Accelerator project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and East Midlands Chamber.
It signals a new era of local place-based support for districts like North East Derbyshire and will help local businesses to improve productivity through innovation and digital technology, reduce energy costs through decarbonisation and moving towards net zero, and grow through a robust business plan and strategy.
The Accelerator project offers:
- Net Zero support to help businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey to reduce the cost of their energy bills and improve energy efficiencies. Training and 1-2-1 consultancy will be offered on a range of subjects including waste management and Investors in the Environment, also supporting businesses to develop comprehensive energy audits and de-carbonisation plans.
- Innovation and R&D support from Innovation and Technology Specialists to help high-growth and scale-up businesses adopt digital technologies and take advantage of national programmes such as Innovate UK EDGE and Made Smarter.
- Action planning workshops with expert trainers on a range of topics including Finance, HR, Digital Marketing and Sales.
- Access to finance and specialised consultancy through growth vouchers and grants.
- Networks for collaboration with fellow businesses including through the national Help to Grow: Management Course and the East Midlands Manufacturing Network which invites North East Derbyshire businesses to attend forums in Derby and in other key locations across the East Midlands.
Businesses are invited to hear about support on offer at the North East Derbyshire Accelerator launch event, taking place on Friday, 27th October 2023 at Coney Green Business Park, Clay Cross. Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, will present on the range of Accelerator support available, and explain how businesses can register to join the project and secure their free training workshop places.
Councillor Jayne Barry, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Growth & Assets, said: “The new Accelerator Programme is a wonderful opportunity for businesses across North East Derbyshire to take their business to the next level – whether that be in terms of growth, developing new processes, adopting new technologies or tackling their energy costs.
“Knowing where to start can, however, be a real challenge. The package of specialist support and guidance on offer from East Midlands Chamber will, I’m sure, be invaluable to businesses seeking to inject new energy into their operations.
“I encourage anyone who would like to hear more about the exciting opportunities available through the Accelerator Programme to join our launch event on 27th October at Coney Green Business Centre.”
Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: “The Accelerator project will help businesses across North East Derbyshire to improve their operations in a number of areas. Chamber business advisers are on hand to help businesses develop a business strategy to help achieve key objectives such as driving efficiencies and productivity, developing a decarbonisation plan, and becoming more sustainable.
“As well as one-to-one business adviser support, businesses have the opportunity to sign-up for a series of action planning workshops which significantly boost key skills within their teams.”
Businesses wishing to learn more about the Accelerator project in North East Derbyshire can do so by signing up to the 27th October event or visiting the programme at: www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/accelerator and choosing North East Derbyshire as their district.
Find out more about the range of support available to businesses in Chesterfield and surrounding areas at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/
