How local businesses are accessing support to grow and innovate
Businesses across Chesterfield are accessing skills, funding, mentoring and commercial support to develop their people, strengthen their operations and create new growth opportunities.
We asked our Chesterfield Champions about the expertise that has helped their businesses grow, highlighting how local organisations can develop skills, access expert advice, secure funding, start a business and find the right space to expand.
Developing skills and future talent
Developing the right skills is essential for businesses looking to grow, with apprenticeships and training providing employers with ways to build their future workforce.
Penny Engineering uses apprenticeships to develop its future workforce.
Ashley Holmes, Finance Director at Penny Engineering Ltd, said:
“Around 10% of our workforce are apprentices, and some have gone on to become senior managers and leaders in the company.”
At Weightron Bilanciai, Projects Manager Reece Berry began his career with the business as an apprentice.
“Weightron has a strong commitment to apprentices, helping them grow into skilled, valuable team members. As a former apprentice myself, I’ve seen this first-hand.”
Businesses can access a range of resources to develop their workforce, including apprenticeships, training and advice on identifying and developing the skills they need to grow.
Business advice, mentoring and funding
Access to expert advice and funding can help businesses develop their plans, explore new opportunities and respond to changing needs.
Peak Project Solutions founder Ruth Wightman said:
“I received a match-funded start-up grant from Vision Derbyshire, part of Derbyshire County Council. Peter Lawrence at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce has provided invaluable mentoring and practical advice. Being self-employed can be quite lonely, so having that support has been a real lifeline for me.”
For established businesses, external expertise can also assist strategic planning and help identify new markets.
Kevin Walker, Founder of Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions, said:
“Pete Lawrence at East Midlands Chamber has been a consistent sounding board, helping refine our positioning and connections. Adrian Williamson at Chesterfield Borough Council has offered valuable insight into local priorities. I’ve also been working with Joanna Moore Consultancy to explore new sectors and growth areas.”
Businesses can access a range of support through organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber and other specialist advisers, helping them secure funding, strengthen business planning and identify new growth opportunities.
Support for start-up businesses
Starting a business can bring a range of challenges, from developing an idea and accessing finance to understanding available opportunities.
Businesses are accessing support to grow and innovate, Jamie Shorrocks, Owner of Soresby Street Café, said:
“Sara Martin, Business Advisor at Vision Derbyshire, has been amazing throughout my start-up journey, always pointing me in the right direction. Also, Adrian Williamson, Innovation Support Project Manager at Chesterfield Borough Council. Both are real gems for local business owners looking for support.”
Support for start-ups can include advice on developing a business idea, accessing finance, planning for growth and connecting with other businesses and organisations.
Finding the right space to grow
Finding suitable premises can be an important step for organisations looking to establish or expand their operations.
Chesterfield Foodbank is exploring a move to new warehouse premises.
Jacqueline DeVeaux, Engagement and Funding Manager at Chesterfield Foodbank, said:
“We are also working towards relocating our warehouse to help reduce our annual running costs and strengthen our long-term sustainability. We’re grateful to our landlord, Peppermint Grove Commercial Properties, for introducing us to Destination Chesterfield and for their ongoing support with this move.”
For businesses establishing and growing in the area, local knowledge and connections can also play an important role.
Ross Watson, General Manager of GRIDSERVE’s Electric Forecourt at Markham Vale, said:
“Trudi and the team at the Markham Vale Environment Centre have been extremely valuable as we establish and grow our presence in the region. Their local knowledge, connections, and ongoing support have helped us better understand the business landscape and build strong relationships within the community.”
Businesses looking for new premises or land can access information on commercial property opportunities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, along with guidance to identify the right location for their needs.
A collaborative business community
One theme emerged consistently across every conversation: businesses grow faster when they have access to the right support.
Jessica Risorto, Director at Redbrik Estate Agents, summed up Chesterfield’s business culture:
“There is a genuine sense of camaraderie here; business owners support one another and are sincerely excited for each other’s success.”
That spirit of collaboration, combined with access to skills support, funding programmes, mentoring, business advice and commercial opportunities, is helping organisations of all sizes unlock future growth.
Find the right support for your business
The experiences shared by our Chesterfield Champions demonstrate the range of support available to businesses across the town, from developing future talent and accessing funding to receiving expert advice and finding the right space to grow.
Whether starting a business, growing an existing organisation or looking to expand, businesses can find out more about the support available in Chesterfield by visiting www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/ or emailing info@chesterfield.co.uk
