business support

10 Ways to grow your business in 2025

Chesterfield’s vibrant business community is offering a wide range of support to help local companies thrive.

With only 26% of UK SME employers reporting in 2023 to have sought external advice or information in the last year, we’re encouraging businesses across the area to find out more about the initiatives, expert advice, and funding opportunities available across the town.

Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, we want to ensure you have the tools, resources, and connections to help you achieve your goals.

Here are 10 fantastic ways to grow your business in Chesterfield this year.

1. Chesterfield Accelerator

Chesterfield Accelerator

The Chesterfield Accelerator, run by East Midlands Chamber and funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), offers a local business advisor, free workshops, and grant funding. Businesses can access digital skills training, leadership programmes, grant application support, networking, consultancy vouchers, and energy-saving audits.

Green business grants are also available to reduce carbon footprints. This initiative complements existing support, such as skills brokerage services, innovation workshops, and property advice.

Learn more about the Chesterfield Accelerator here. 

2. Support to grow from the University of Derby

Branded stone wall in front of red brick building - University of Derby Chesterfield campus

The University of Derby provides businesses with expert advice and practical solutions for growth. Eligible companies can access grants, loans, and funded programmes focused on innovation, decarbonisation, and skills development.

The University’s team can guide you to the most relevant support for your needs.

Visit their website or contact their advisors to learn more about these opportunities.

3. Upskill your workforce with the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service

Businesses taking place in round table discussions at the Employability and Skills Conference

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service offers free advice to identify workforce development needs. Services include:

  • Assessing training and skills gaps
  • Accessing funding
  • Securing apprenticeship support
  • Developing talent pipelines

Courses available for companies in Chesterfield include green skills for construction and manufacturing businesses, English and Maths, and team leading.

Contact the team at 01246 210351 or email Destination Chesterfield to discuss your needs.

4. Join Our Community: Chesterfield Champions

Chesterfield Champions offers marketing and networking opportunities to help your business grow. Members benefit from senior networking events, media opportunities, and a profile on the Chesterfield business directory.

Champions also contribute to Chesterfield’s continued success. If you’re passionate about supporting the town, email Melissa Shaw at melissa.shaw@chesterfield.co.uk to learn more.

5. Innovation Support from Chesterfield Borough Council

Businesses attending Innovation Support Workshop in Chesterfield

The Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme provides funded support, including:

  • One-to-one business reviews
  • Workshops, seminars, and networking events
  • Specialist innovation advisers
  • Funding advice

For details, contact Adrian Williamson at adrian.williamson@chesterfield.gov.uk.

6. Promote Your Business Through Awards

Large group of people in company uniform pose for a photo. Image taken from above in large warehouse space

Gain recognition by entering local, regional, or national awards. Destination Chesterfield celebrates success stories and promotes award-winning businesses.

Whether you excel in innovation, customer service, or sustainability, awards showcase your strengths. Explore award opportunities and promote your business via the dedicated Chesterfield awards page.

Did you know there is a business in Chesterfield dedicated to supporting companies with award applications and nominations? Find out more at: https://pureawards.co.uk/

7. Share Your Successes in Local Media

Birdseye view of man sitting at a laptop

Another way you can promote your business is by sharing your latest successes in the form of a press release or news story.

Has your business recently expanded or moved to a new premises? Maybe you have taken on new staff members or apprentices? If your business has experienced growth, launched an innovative new product or collaborated with another local business, we want to hear about it!

Please submit your press release or details of your positive news to josh.marsh@chesterfield.co.uk

You can also submit news online to the Derbyshire Times for consideration by visiting the YourWorld website.

Wondering how to structure your press release, or wondering what information to include? Take a look at this useful guide!

8. Attend Business Events and Workshops

pr-workshop

Businesses across Chesterfield are keen to support others by sharing their knowledge and expertise by hosting workshops, webinars and events in the area. On top of that, East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Borough Council, and University of Derby host regular events across a wide range of topics, all aimed at supporting business development and growth.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest business events in our area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/events/

Is your business hosting an event in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire? We would love to hear from you to help spread the word. Email info@chesterfield.co.uk with the details.

9. Get Support from a New Government Initiative

SuperiorWellness;business

 

The Business Growth Service launches in 2025 to provide streamlined support to SMEs. This UK-wide initiative, developed with local governments, simplifies access to advice and funding.

Look out for the revamped web portal in early 2025 and discover tailored resources for small businesses. More information at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-growth-service-to-save-small-business-time-and-money

10. Take Advantage of Chesterfield’s Professional Network to grow your business

InvestmentSummit24

 

Need specific support or advice to grow your business? Our directory of Chesterfield Champions provides details on several different services to bolster your business.

Our directory includes businesses, consultants and service providers which specialise in the following sectors:

  • Legal
  • Financial
  • Business advice, training and HR
  • Marketing and Public relations
  • Skills and recruitment
  • Creative, digital, design and IT services
  • Logistics and distribution
  • Administration
  • Sustainability
  • Health, safety and compliance

So, if you’re in need of support or a particular area of expertise, we’d of course heartily recommend you choose one of Chesterfield’s friendly, down-to-earth and honest businesses… We’re all in it together!

To explore local business support options to grow your business, get in touch with us today via our handy contact form at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to explore free business support to improve energy efficiency

Businesses in Chesterfield are being encouraged to take advantage of the fully funded business support on offer to help them improve energy efficiency and save costs.

To date, nearly 1,200 businesses have attended the Accelerator project’s energy efficiency and carbon reduction events and training courses, with 146 accessing the Premises Energy Audit consultancy service and 132 developing decarbonisation plans.

The project, delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of participating local authorities, is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It offers businesses:

  • Premises Energy audits designed to help identify energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs. Audits typically involve a one-to-three-day site visit (depending on the size or complexity of the business) to review energy usage assets and gas/electric consumption pattern (as well as fuel consumption for businesses with a large fleet of vehicles). Findings are collated into an energy savings report which not only helps reduce energy wastage but is useful supporting evidence for grant applications.
  • £2,000 Growth vouchers towards the cost of specialist consultancy or bespoke training supporting the adoption of energy efficient practices that lead towards the development or implementation of a decarbonisation plan.
  • Training, both in-person and online, to help businesses gain green business skills and plan their journey towards carbon neutrality, including the one-day certified course on Carbon Literacy taking place on Tuesday, 21st January.
  • Energy reduction workshops at Toyota Motor Manufacturing offering practical demonstration and shop floor observations with Toyota’s energy specialists, the next of which takes place on Thursday, 13th February.
  • Access to online sustainability platform Zellar to help showcase the real-time environmental impact of activities and to produce a decarbonisation plan.

East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “The environmental benefits of reducing your carbon footprint are well documented but there are much wider advantages for your business. It helps you become legislation compliant, supports your procurement and tendering processes, builds resilience and, of course, reduces costs.

“From bite-sized webinars to accredited training, premises energy audits and consultancy funding, the Accelerator project is helping businesses in very practical ways to save costs and energy and become greener and more resilient. For any business that has yet to take advantage of the Accelerator project, I would urge them to do so before the project ends in March.”

Businesses interested in signing up for support can do so by completing the relevant Expression of Interest form at: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/accelerator.

Companies in Chesterfield can access a range of support services, from growth and innovation advice, to help in finding talent and upskilling your workforce. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Chesterfield’s Global Brands receives £100,000 grant to support sustainability goals

Global Brands Ltd has been awarded a £100,000 grant to support its ambitious sustainability strategy with new technologies.

The funding will be used to introduce state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies at Global Brands’ Clay Cross distribution centre, accelerating its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve coveted net zero status by 2050.

The grant, from the Clay Cross Town Deal’s Low Carbon Challenge Fund, will facilitate three crucial elements: the installation of energy-efficient lighting, deployment of battery storage solutions to harness solar energy, and the creation of an onsite Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuelling station.

These measures are expected to substantially reduce emissions from Global Brands’ distribution operations, with the drinks business already aiming for a 40% cut per £M turnover by 2030, as well as a 92% reduction per £M turnover by 2050.

Shaun Bacon, Group Managing and Financial Director at Global Brands, commented: “This investment marks another pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. As part of a single-use industry, it is crucial to lead by example and adopt meaningful changes that reduce our environmental impact. By switching to energy-efficient solutions and alternative fuels, we’re committed to doing our bit locally and hope to inspire other businesses in our community to do the same.”

The grant bolsters Global Brands’ existing sustainability strategy, which includes transitioning to a fully electric and HVO-powered fleet, using 100% renewable electricity by 2025, and partnering with suppliers who are equally committed to decarbonisation. The business recently became members of SEDEX, a move that will further enhance its ability to manage supply chain sustainability.

Shaun continued: “With plans already in place to switch the entire logistics fleet to zero-carbon by 2050, and with over 50% of the warehouse energy now powered by solar panels, this funding allows Global Brands to continue driving forward its sustainability goals.”

The grant has been provided by the North East Derbyshire District Council through the Low Carbon Challenge Fund – a programme of support to help stimulate the transition to a low carbon economy.

Lee Barnes, Chair of the Clay Cross Town Board, added: “We’re seeing some significant change as more businesses like Global Brands complete their journey with the Low Carbon Challenge Fund. Recipients have praised the process of receiving grants as being quick, easy and well worth their time, and it’s heart-warming to know we were able to support them as part of their mission to be more sustainable.”

Global Brands continues to take a proactive approach to sustainability, from using 100% recyclable packaging materials to implementing innovative employee training and establishing an internal ESG committee.

With a diverse drinks portfolio featuring iconic names like VK, Franklin & Sons, and Hooch, the company remains unwavering in its commitment to driving continuous improvement across all its brands and operational areas, setting new benchmarks for sustainability within the drinks industry.

For more information on Global Brands’ sustainability initiatives, please visit: https://globalbrands.co.uk/sustainability/

Is your business based in Chesterfield? Support is now available to help grow your organisation. Find out more by getting in touch here. 

Global Brands Ltd supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Two men in high visibility jackets stood in front of wall with sustainability statistics written on.

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Chesterfield businesses urged to take up free green and digital skills support

Companies across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are being urged to take up the offer of free training.

North East Derbyshire District Council and Chesterfield Borough Council have joined forces to offer green skills and higher digital skills courses – made possible thanks to £200,000 worth of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The green skills courses will help construction companies access skills development that will help them comply with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) – which requires new homes built from 2025 to produce significantly less carbon emissions than under current building regulations – and will also contribute to the UK achieving its 2050 net zero target.

The higher level digital skills courses are open to businesses of any kind, interested in equipping their workforce with essential digital skills.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that everyone can improve their skills and access new career opportunities. These programmes will allow people to upskill in their current roles, access promotions and ensure local businesses have access to the skills they need. The focus on green skills will also help ensure we can become a carbon neutral area and reduce the impact of climate change.”

Cllr Jayne Barry, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Cabinet member for Growth, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses across our district to upskill their workforce as we move towards a greener and more sustainable future. Also, a future which is increasingly reliant on the use of technology, with all the rewards and threats that can bring.”

Chesterfield College will be delivering green skills courses, including the installation of wall insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. As well as hybrid vehicle awareness and a qualification in sustainability.

While Derby-based training provider Althaus Digital will deliver a suite of higher level digital skills training, including generative AI in digital marketing, cyber security and green digital training programmes.

Courses start from 22 August 2024 and run until Feb/March 2025. Some are short one day courses, while others take place over several days.

They will be delivered face-to-face and also online – and are all free.

To find out about all the courses available at Chesterfield College and to book on a session, visit www.chesterfield.ac.uk/greenskills/ or call 01246 500500 for more information.

For more information about the Althaus courses, contact Am Seabright, Director of Transformation am@althausdigital.co.uk 07913424467.

If you can’t make any of the courses, don’t worry as there is some flexibility with dates.  Just contact Economic.Development@NE-Derbyshire.gov.uk for more information.

Looking for more support for your business? Find out more about the latest schemes available at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Two women wearing VR headsets and animation on big screen

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Early stage businesses in Chesterfield to receive support from new funding

A new support fund for businesses which have been trading in our region for between 6-24 months has been officially launched.

D2N2 LEP Chair, Elizabeth Fagan announced the launch of D2N2 LEP’s Early Stage Angel Investment Fund at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds this week.

Speaking at the interactive panel session ‘Focus on the East Midlands, our Time is Now’, alongside East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, Elizabeth said:

“I’m delighted to announce today that we are launching our Early Stage Angel Investment Fund here in Leeds at UKREiiF. The purpose of the Fund is to stimulate investment and growth in ‘early stage’ companies – those that have been trading between six and 24 months – that are based in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire (the D2N2 region).

“D2N2 LEP is contributing £4 million to the Fund and this will be match-funded by our investment fund manager, Haatch. Our aim is that over the longer term, these funds will be re-invested in the programme, to catalyse investment and growth for further early stage companies.”

The partnership aims to drive economic growth by investing in emerging startups and entrepreneurial talent in the region.

D2N2 LEP is a leading force in driving economic growth and job creation in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Haatch, is a leading venture capital firm known for its entrepreneurial roots and commitment to fostering innovation outside of London.

Over the next two years, the Haatch D2N2 ESAIF will invest in approximately 13 companies providing a significant step forward in unlocking the potential of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire’s startup ecosystem and driving sustainable economic growth.

Further information about the Fund, visit https://haatch.com/investors/haatch-d2n2-esaif/

Delegates representing Destination Chesterfield and the town’s Property and Construction Group also attended the event in Leeds. Read our recent blog from Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dom Stevens reflecting on the success of the event.

For more information about the current business support on offer to businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

D2N2 LEP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Forum at UKREiiF

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Chamber welcomes new government support for apprenticeships

Small businesses (SMEs) in Chesterfield and the East Midlands region could get a surge in under 21s taking up apprenticeships, thanks to new government funding announced recently.

The Prime Minister has outlined plans to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships with a number of reforms. The government says it will pay the full cost of apprenticeships for people aged 21 or under at small firms from 1 April, and is pledging £60m of new investment for next year.

The government says this will reduce costs and burdens for businesses and deliver more opportunities for young people to kick start their careers. It also says the reforms will remove the need for small employers to meet some of the cost of training, whilst saving time and costs for providers like further education colleges who currently need to source funding separately from the government and businesses.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Employment Services Paul Needham said: “We know the value apprenticeships have on young people, in giving them real skills from a busy workplace and experiencing the challenges a business faces in a real world situation each day. For too long cost has been a barrier for many would-be apprentices and SMEs.

“For opportunities to be opened in this way is something I very much welcome. We work with a number of apprenticeship providers and see success after success when people achieve their goals; often they gain skills they had never envisaged. Businesses really see the benefit too as the enthusiasm to learn translates to good work so they’re a win-win. The more we can help young people get into work and develop the skills SMEs need will have a positive effect on the wider economy in the East Midlands.”

Is your business looking to upskill or recruit? Find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice and inspiring the next generation at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Apprentice welder and mentor at a local manufacturing business in Chesterfield

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Chamber lands global accreditation for workplace wellbeing

East Midlands Chamber is helping to set the bar for workplace wellbeing after landing a global accreditation – with the help of the region’s top expert in the field.

The region’s largest business representation group has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating at its offices in Chesterfield and Nottingham, following consultancy support from workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors, based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for buildings that focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-Covid environment now and into the future.

WELL certification helps large and small businesses to take the necessary steps in order to prioritise the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders by reviewing environmental aspects such as air and water quality, nourishment, light, noise and comfort.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating focuses on stakeholder engagement, health resources, emergency preparedness and cleaning procedures. East Midlands Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “The pandemic shone a new light on how we manage workspaces in order to instil confidence among employees and visitors who use our buildings, whether it is everyday or on a hybrid working basis.

“We therefore felt it was important to adopt a recognised standard to ensure our buildings support the wellbeing of our people when they are working from the office in order to support collaboration with colleagues.

“Working closely with our patron Blueprint Interiors, we focused on areas including air and water quality management, cleaning and sanitation, emergency preparedness, health service resources, and stakeholder engagement and communication.

“As a result of these efforts, we are delighted to have received the WELL Health-Safety Rating, which we believe will enhance our offer as an employer of choice in the region while also acting as an exemplar for our 4,000-plus members.”

Workplace design consultancy and interior fit-out specialist Blueprint Interiors became the first company in the East Midlands to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating in 2021, and now supports other businesses to meet the requirements for accreditation.

Rebecca Beadle is a WELL-accredited professional, and lead project designer and well-being specialist at Blueprint Interiors.

She said: “We are continuously innovating in order to bring workplace consultancy, practical processes, sustainable building techniques, psychological theory, data insights and accreditations such as the WELL Building Standard together to ensure workplaces meet the needs of the people that use them. East Midlands Chamber has fully embraced all these principles and we are pleased to have been able to support it to achieve this prestigious rating.”

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.

Dean Symonds and Lucy Robinson

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to grow with University of Derby support

Business leaders in Chesterfield are being encouraged to explore how they can realise the potential of their organisations, with support to grow from the University of Derby.

Help to Grow: Management is a practical training course delivered by world-class business schools, accredited by the Small Business Charter focusing on building and strengthening people’s capabilities to lead a business, delivered by the University of Derby across Derbyshire.

This course incorporates hybrid learning, peer group networks and mentoring and will support managers and leaders of small and medium-sized businesses to boost business performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The 12-week course is 90% funded and the fee payable by participants is £750. The course has been designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.

A new cohort is now available to join this January. Benefits from taking part in the course include:

  • Enhance your management and strategic capabilities
  • Produce a growth plan for your business
  • Build resilience to future shocks
  • Learn how to innovate in your business
  • Adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and operational agility
  • Develop your value proposition and reach into growth markets
  • Improve employee engagement and responsible business practices

One of the course tutors, Dr. Elnerine Greeff, Lecturer in Marketing at Derby Business School, commented: “I’m especially excited to form part of this Help to Grow initiative. The beauty of this programme is that we have businesses which are just starting out now, and we have people with a wealth of experience.

“It is everything that you wanted to learn in your three-year business course at university, condensed and tailor-made to your business, with face-to-face time, mentorship, and absolutely everything that you need to make successful what you are already passionate about.”

Get more information on the Help to Grow: Management programme here. To explore the range of business support available to organisations in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Branded stone wall in front of red brick building - University of Derby Chesterfield campus

University of Derby, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield

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Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses

Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.

Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.

The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.

Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.

Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp, which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.

As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.

Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.

“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”

All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.

To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:

  • Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)
  • Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)
  • Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale
  • Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years.
  • Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.

Create Growth was launched in 2022 by DCMS, in partnership with Innovate UK. It is designed to support the development of creative industries with high-growth potential across England, outside of London.

The East Midlands programme is led by East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²), which aims to help creative businesses get investment ready. Its members include local authorities, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and many other organisations in the private, public and voluntary sector.

EMC² aims to support 100 creative businesses across three years through four cohort groups. The coalition came together through its successful £1.2m bid for the Government’s Create Growth Programme, led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Applications for the second cohort are now open – any eligible businesses interested in applying can find out more here.

CentralTechnology office

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Spireites put Chesterfield on the map with more than half a million viewers for FA Cup fixture

Chesterfield Football Club is celebrating its part in raising the profile of our town, following the club’s recent televised fixture in the Emirates FA Cup.

More than half a million people tuned in to ITV 1 for the game on Sunday, 5th November which saw the Spireites pick up a 1-0 win against Portsmouth, a team which currently sits two divisions above Chesterfield.

There was an average figure of 557,000 viewers for the match, with the audience peaking at 798,000. The coverage also provided many of the town’s businesses which sponsor the club with national exposure.

Commenting on the benefits of such high-profile media coverage, Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “It was wonderful to see the Spireites triumph in front of a national television audience, and the coverage certainly helped to put Chesterfield on the map. 

“The club continues to play a major role in attracting visitors to our town from across the UK, bolstering our independent businesses. 

“We wish Chesterfield FC the best of luck in the next round of the FA Cup, and in their push for promotion back to the Football League, which will further help in raising the profile of our town.”

Spireites Chief Executive, John Croot added: “There is no doubt that there are major benefits for the town as a whole, including the local business community, when the club does well. 

“With attendances averaging around the 7,500-mark this season, there is a feel-good factor around the place and long may that continue!”

The Spireites have another home fixture coming up in the FA Cup on Sunday, 3rd December when they welcome Leyton Orient to the SMH Group Stadium in the 2nd round.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield here.

Chesterfield FC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield FA Cup match

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East Midlands Chamber secures £8.9m funding to deliver new generation of business support

Businesses in the region are to receive a significant boost to their operations with a helping hand from East Midlands Chamber’s new generation of business support.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has secured £8.9m of public funding until March 2025 to deliver its Accelerator project, which aims to provide one seamless point of entry for relevant business support.

It comprises key activities under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance, with the aim of helping companies at all stages of their development to start, sustain, grow and innovate.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator project brings together a number of publicly-funded contracts including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda to enhance communities, businesses and skills; Innovate UK EDGE, which helps innovative SMEs to grow and achieve scale; and Made Smarter East Midlands, which assists manufacturers in switching to advanced and automated technologies.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme has been carefully designed to provide businesses across the district with the right support, at the right time.

“At the heart of the project is a team of locally-based advisers and specialists, employed by the Chamber, who will offer high-intensity support to businesses seeking to grow, create new jobs or exploit technology to improve performance.

“Working with an adviser or specialist will be a key ingredient for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support and a diagnostics report will show them where best to point their energies.”

Key activities will be delivered under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance to help businesses achieve the following:

  • Develop new-to-the-firm technologies
  • Improve productivity
  • Safeguard and create jobs
  • Adopt new digital technologies and processes
  • Engage in new markets
  • Improve productivity
  • Introduce new products and services
  • Increase revenue
  • Make progress on their journey to net zero.

The Net Zero Accelerator will build on the success of the Sustainable East Midlands campaign to deliver events, workshops, and the opportunity for an energy-saving and improvement opportunities audit.

Other investment themes include increasing investment in research and development at local level, with a focus on commercialising ideas and accelerating the path to market; improving training hubs, incubators and accelerators to support entrepreneurs and start-ups through the early stages of development and growth; and taking a whole systems approach to infrastructure investment that delivers effective decarbonisation across energy, buildings and transport.

While the Accelerator programme is open to participation from all sectors, there is recognition that manufacturing, visitor economy, retail and services businesses are critically important sectors that warrant targeted support.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme will build on the success of the Growth Hub service via a range of fully-funded action-planning workshops delivered locally on topics such as finance, carbon efficiency, HR and digital marketing.

Working with a locally-based business adviser or specialist will be the first port of call for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support. Diagnostics will be assessed, and a business action plan produced through the Balanced Scorecard strategic management system model.

Growth vouchers worth up to £2,000 – covering 100% intervention – will be available for specialist or sector-specific training or consultancy advice, in addition to support for identifying and accessing grant funding.

Businesses employing more than five people and with a turnover of £100,000 are invited to apply for a Chamber subsidy covering the £750 cost of joining the Help to Grow: Management course being delivered by the region’s universities, with the remaining cost of attendance covered by a Government subsidy.

The course provides an excellent opportunity for senior managers and leaders to engage with and learn from their peers.

Collaboration is very much the theme too for the Chamber’s East Midlands Manufacturing Network, in which manufacturers have the opportunity to share best practice and seek advice during local forums that take place every six weeks.

Businesses interested in benefitting from this next generation of business support are invited to contact the Chamber’s Information team on 0333 320 0333, info@emc-dnl.co.uk to arrange an exploratory meeting with a business adviser.

Upcoming events delivered as part of the Accelerator programme include:

  • 2 November: Building a high-performance team
  • 7 November: WordPress masterclass
  • 14 November: Negotiating sales through excellent customer care
  • 15 November: Getting started with paid advertising
  • 21 November: Managing finance

Workshops will be held in person at various locations across the districts.

For a full list of East Midlands Accelerator events, visit bit.ly/AcceleratorEvents

Find out more about support available to businesses based in Chesterfield.

Commerce House, East Midlands Chamber

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