Chesterfield businesses encouraged to capitalise on Government’s £165bn Industrial Strategy
Chesterfield’s business community are being encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the Government’s newly launched Modern Industrial Strategy, which sets out a ten-year vision to drive growth across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and digital innovation.
The strategy, shaped through national consultation including input from businesses in Chesterfield, outlines over £165 billion in sectoral investment and introduces a range of measures to support SMEs, improve planning, and boost skills.
Key initiatives include:
- £39bn into advanced manufacturing
- £30bn into clean energy
- £31bn into creative industries
- £65bn into professional and business services
- £1.2bn per year for skills development
- A new Business Growth Service to improve access to support and funding
- Expansion of the Made Smarter programme with up to £99m for SME manufacturers
- Measures to address late payments and improve procurement access
- Planning reforms to fast-track projects
The East Midlands is already home to nationally significant assets in clean energy, defence, and life sciences. Chesterfield’s manufacturing base and successful track record of developing innovative skills and business support initiatives position it to benefit directly from the strategy’s priorities.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy marks a turning point. It speaks directly to the strengths, ambitions, and future of the East Midlands.
“The strategy sets out a bold, ten-year vision to back Britain’s industrial heartlands to drive clean growth, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and the digital revolution.
“For the East Midlands, this means jobs, skills, and global investment. But above all, it means that our region, long overlooked, is finally being recognised as the engine of the UK’s future growth.”
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “This strategy aligns with the ambitions we’ve been championing in Chesterfield — supporting SMEs, investing in skills, and driving innovation. Our businesses are ready to grow, and this national framework gives us the tools to do it. We’ll continue working with partners to ensure Chesterfield is not only included in this vision but helps lead its delivery.”
Whilst the new industrial strategy has been welcomed, East Midlands Chamber has called for more detail on how the strategy will be delivered and how it will benefit businesses across the East Midlands.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight, Richard Blackmore, said: “Measures announced in the Industrial Strategy are a welcome blueprint for businesses to build on. The detail of exactly how each element is applied is what will really matter and what needs to be scrutinised going forward.”
“With all the investment pledged, we need to see the region fully benefit. What’s needed now is the critical detail on implementation of the strategy, which must have East Midlands businesses front and centre to enable growth.”
Read the Modern Industrial Strategy
Discover more about the support available to businesses in Chesterfield.
If you are a business in Chesterfield and would like play a proactive role in the economic growth of Chesterfield, the Chesterfield Champions may be for you. Over 230 Chesterfield Champions support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest. Find out more about Chesterfield Champions.
