business support

Visitor Economy businesses encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000

Visitor economy businesses based in Derbyshire are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000 to enable them to adapt, recover and rebuild in response to the pandemic.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, is offering grants to help local tourism and hospitality businesses respond to new consumer trends and changes in visitor behaviour.

Business grants are available to help small and medium sized businesses invest in valuable digital assets such as online booking systems, updated websites and cashless payment facilities.

Grants are also available to support the purchase of bike-friendly facilities, such as secure cycle storage, and accessible facilities to help local businesses cater for visitors with additional access needs.

The business grants programme is funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project, which supports business growth and development. Phase II of the project has provided over £80,000 of business grant funding to 28 Derbyshire businesses since 2019.

Business grants of up to £2,000 are available in the following areas:

  • Digitalisation – e.g. an upgraded business website incorporating an online booking system, or a digital point of sale system.
  • Accessibility – e.g. accessible equipment such as ramps, hearing loops and signage for people with additional access needs.
  • Cycling – e.g. secure cycle storage and cycle maintenance equipment for visitor use.
  • Internationalisation – e.g. website translation and the implementation of cashless payment facilities to encourage international visitors.

The deadline for businesses to register their interest for a business grant is Monday 12th September 2022.

Businesses can find out more and register interest for a grant by visiting: https://MPDD-Business-Grant-Scheme.eventbrite.co.uk

Lindsay Rae, Deputy Director and Head of Industry Engagement at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Our ERDF business grants programme has already been very successful, helping Derbyshire visitor economy businesses to grow, innovate and reach new markets.

“Now, as the industry recovers from the pandemic, we’re renewing calls for local businesses to register their interest for a grant to enable them to adapt and rebuild. These grants can help businesses respond to new consumer trends by investing in online booking facilities, updated websites and cycle facilities to support sustainable tourism.

“We expect to receive a large number of enquiries, so we urge eligible businesses to register their interest as soon as possible.”

Businesses applying for the grant funding must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be part of the visitor economy
  • Located in Derbyshire
  • Less than 250 employees
  • Trading for more than 12 months
  • Have a business bank account

Successful applicants will receive a 50% grant towards the cost of the overall project, with a minimum grant contribution being £1,000 and the maximum grant contribution being £2,000.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire 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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New series of peer-to-peer networks launched by East Midlands Chamber

Senior leaders in SMEs across UK Community Renewal Fund areas are being invited to join a peer-to-peer networking programme that launches this month.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber, the Peer Networks programme gives directors and senior managers the opportunity to share common business challenges and objectives. Regular sessions take place over several months and are facilitated by experts in the field and supported by specialist guest speakers.

Sector-based networks such as manufacturing and the visitor economy – as well as specialist groups for high-growth, female-owned businesses and Generation Next – will begin over the coming weeks, with the first one, designed for the visitor economy, starting on 17 May.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford, who heads up the Peer Networks delivery, said: “Peer networks are quite different to a traditional classroom development programme. They are more informal in nature, and the agenda is set by the group members. Challenges are addressed through conversational peer support and, since group members bring along real-life scenarios, the advice received has immediate relevance.

“Particularly valuable is that members develop support channels in the peer-to-peer network that continue outside the group, and often for the long term. Bringing together businesses in this way to learn from and support one another, is an area the Chamber is particularly well placed to lead on.”

A number of the Peer Networks are being delivered under East Midlands Accelerator, a £5.27m project part-funded by the Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF), and which has received an additional £471,000 of match funding from the Chamber and its partners.

Qualifying businesses must meet a number of criteria. They must be based in either Bassetlaw, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Leicester city, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, or Nottingham city; have operated for at least one year; employ at least three people; and record a turnover exceeding £100,000. In addition, they must have an aspiration to improve and the potential to scale up or export – or be exporting already.
Up to 11 individuals are involved in each cohort and are required to give a time commitment of about 18 hours across the entire duration of the fully-subsidised programme.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Peer Networks may book their place at: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/peernetworks.

Peer Networks programmes:

The upcoming Peer Networks are:
• Visitor economy: 17 May, 6pm
• Generation Next: 19 May, 8am
• High growth: 19 May and 20 May, 9.30am
• North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network: 27 May, 8am
• Leicester City Manufacturing Network: 27 May, 8am
• Nottingham City Manufacturing Network: 1 June, 8am
• High growth: 7 June, 9am
• Derbyshire Dales & High Peak Manufacturing Network: 9 June, 8am
• Women in business: 20 June, 10am

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Businesses in our region continue to benefit from funded skills training provision.

Businesses in Chesterfield and the wider Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire region are urged to take advantage of funded training to upskill their workforce.

The training is delivered as part of the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme, which Serco is managing across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.  Eligible businesses can benefit from:

  • A training needs analysis for your business, identifying the skills you need to support your business ambitions
  • Flexible training – pick full qualifications or mix and match individual units to suit your business
  • On-the-job vocational training to meet individual and business needs including taught learning, workplace assessment, distance learning and online learning
  • Learning pathways for your employees enabling them to progress within your organisation onto higher level qualifications or apprenticeships
  • Recognised accredited qualifications and training courses to enhance your employees’ skills

SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which means you can access a wide range of training at no cost to your business.   SSW has a network of expert training providers who can deliver a range of fully funded training courses and accredited qualifications. The courses on offer include:

  • Leadership/Management/HR/Team Leading/People
  • IT & Digital Skills
  • Business & Office Skills
  • Digital Marketing
  • Health & Social Care
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • Mental Health Awareness
  • Business Admin
  • Customer Service
  • Warehousing/Storage/Logistics
  • Construction

In Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, SSW has supported more than 9,200 learners since April 2019 with over £16.8m invested to date in training and skills support.

A beneficiary of the support working within the manufacturing sector commented: “Everything was well organised from the start and we had a mixture of on and off site training, so we could upskill our key staff with minimal disruption to production.

“Two staff members have been promoted since the training to more senior positions. Attending this bespoke management course gave them confidence to move forward in their careers.”

If you would like to find out if your business is eligible for the funded training programme, simply go to https://www.serco-ese.com/skills-support-for-the-workforce/ or contact Howard Cordingley, Partnership Coordinator, at skillssupport@serco.com.

Chesterfield businesses can find out more about the range of business support available to them in the area by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Dozens of Chesterfield businesses given online boost by Digital High Street project

Chesterfield businesses have been given a helping hand to boost their confidence and skills to trade online as part of an innovative project – with tailor-made advice designed to build resilience if their physical buildings are forced to close in a crisis.

Chesterfield Borough Council teamed up with East Midlands Chamber to launch the Chesterfield Digital High Street in June 2021 and the project has since helped 84 local businesses to make the most of their presence online. It offers support and guidance on using online tools but can also provide funding for e-commerce websites.

TwelfthCraft is a retail emporium based in The Shambles specialising in dolls houses, miniatures, accessories, curios and gifts. Since joining the project Caroline Gleadall, who owns and manages the store has created an online presence which has led to a 10% increase in sales and has developed a plan to further expand her business over the next three years.

Caroline said: “Thanks to the project, I feel like I’ve already achieved so much. I’ve developed the confidence to pay for Facebook advertising, and the time I’m committing to my social media presence has provided lots of new connections, allowed me to contact my customers, and given them the opportunity to leave reviews I’m about to launch my new e-commerce website which will help me reach new markets.”

The project is open to businesses across the borough. Brampton Brewery is a long-established micro-brewery based on Chatsworth Road but they have benefitted through the Digital High Street project.

Chris Radford, managing director and head brewer, explained: “We have received grant funding through the project for a new website with enhanced e-commerce functionality. Once launched, we hope to see significant growth in our online sales.

“To any business considering getting involved, I’d say this – just do it! There really is no reason not to. You’ll have access to a wide range of advice and services from industry specialists who just want to see you succeed.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “It’s been a really difficult time for local businesses during the pandemic – many which were left with limited options to trade when Covid-19 forced their buildings to close.

“We’ve been committed to supporting local businesses weather this unprecedented time, and it’s fantastic that so many are already benefitting from this project and realising their full potential. Thank you to East Midlands Chamber for their support and work on this project. If you run a local business there is still time to sign up and find out how you could grow your business online.”

East Midlands Chamber head of enterprise Paul Stuart said: “Purchasing habits have changed as a result of Covid-19, with fewer in-store visitors and a move towards online transactions.

“We expect this to be a long-term shift, so it’s vital that businesses ensure they see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat.

“By engaging with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, small businesses can benefit from expert support to equip themselves with the right mix of tools needed for the online world – something that will complement their existing services, attract new customers and, ultimately, future-proof their organisations.”

Purpose Media has been supporting the project and have advised over 30 businesses in Chesterfield as part of the Chesterfield Digital High Street Project.

Purpose Media business development manager Grace Golden said: “Through our work in the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, we have helped businesses learn new ways to engage with customers, attract business and increase profitability.

“By implementing new activity online such as posting videos or using Facebook advertising, they have renewed optimism for their future and have confidence in their ability to marketing their business.”

Discover how your business can benefit from this project by visiting: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street

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

Grants available for Chesterfield businesses affected by Covid-19 Omicron variant

Businesses trading in Chesterfield’s hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors which have been affected by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are being encouraged to apply for a support grant.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant provides grants from £2,667 up to £6,000 to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Applications for funding are now open, and will close on 11 February 2022. A business will be eligible for the grant if:

  • it was registered for Business Rates on 30 December 2021
  • it was trading on 30 December 2021
  • it is one of the hospitality, leisure or accommodation business types that are eligible for this payment (some exclusions do apply as per the BEIS guidance)

Businesses that may qualify for this grant are being contacted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s business grants team directly. However, if you think you are eligible and have not been in touch with anyone from the council about this yet, you can complete the application form here.

A business will not be entitled to a payment if it has entered into administration or insolvency or has exceeded the permitted Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.

Only the Business Rates payer at 30 December 2021 is entitled to claim this payment.

If you are eligible to receive a grant payment, you will receive this within seven days of your application being assessed and no later than 28 February 2022.

Meanwhile, the Government has also recently announced a new Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) and published guidance on the operation of the fund and details of the funding allocation for each local authority.

Chesterfield Borough Council is in the process of drafting the scheme ready to publish on its website during January 2022. Businesses are encouraged to keep checking Chesterfield Borough Council’s website and social media for further updates.

Find out more about the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund.

To find out more about some of the other business support available for companies in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Thinking of launching a new business in 2022? Here’s why Chesterfield is the perfect place to start

Have you been thinking about a career change lately? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business and following your passion.

Well there’s no better time than now to make those dreams a reality, and here in Chesterfield there’s a wide array of support available to kickstart your new business.

Find out below about what’s on offer to help you start the ball rolling, and why 2022 could be the year you become your own boss!

Vision Derbyshire business start-up support scheme

driving business success

In light of the difficulties faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Vision Derbyshire initiative was set up to help would-be entrepreneurs based in Derbyshire get their businesses up and running, to help create jobs and keep the local economy thriving.

A team of local expert business advisors are in place to offer free advice and support and funding of up to £10,000 per applicant is also available as part of the scheme.

More Information

D2N2 Business Starter Programme

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, but aren’t quite sure how to get a new business set up, D2N2’s Business Starter Programme is a great place to begin.

It’s a dynamic project helping people in communities throughout Derbyshire to start their own business through a programme of themed workshops and one-to-one support.

The scheme has successfully supported over 190 businesses to start and thrive in Derbyshire, and your’s could be next!

More Information

D2N2 Growth Hub

The good news is that the support on offer doesn’t just help you with getting started, there are a number of schemes in place to help you along your business journey as you continue to grow.

The D2N2 Growth Hub provides businesses in our region with a single point of access to business support.

The team of Growth Hub Business Advisers and a dedicated telephone enquiry service have the knowledge, skills and expertise to signpost you to the right initiatives and resources to support your business growth.

More Information

Chesterfield Digital High Street

If you’re setting up a new company in the modern age, it will be important to ensure your business is as visible and resilient as possible.

That’s where the Chesterfield Digital High Street scheme comes in. Support and funding is available to help you set up a fully search engine optimised e-commerce website.

Alongside this, a team of expert advisors will be able to signpost you to a number of great new ways to attract customers and sell goods, both in-person and online!

More Information

Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme

Chesterfield’s Innovation Support Programme (Chesterfield Borough Council) is a project which aims to increase the level of support available to businesses in the Chesterfield area.

The project has been set up to offer a variety of funded support which includes:

  • one-to-one business reviews
  • workshops, seminars and networking events
  • access to specialist innovation advisers
  • support to identify potential funding choices

For further information on the Innovation Support Programme, contact Adrian Williamson, Innovation Support Project Manager at: adrian.williamson@chesterfield.gov.uk

Great workspaces available to suit your every need

Dunston Innovation Centre - Business Chesterfield

Another benefit of setting up your business here in Chesterfield is the ability to get your hands on quality, affordable office space to suit all budgets and requirements.

Here’s a list of some of the places you may want to look into:

  • Dunston and Tapton Innovation Centres – Chesterfield Innovation Centres are designed to assist small to medium sized businesses to successfully innovate and grow. They can offer you professional help in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – This brand-new development is due for completion in early 2022 and will provide modern office space for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park, right in the middle of town.
  • West Studios – West Studios’ main aim has always been supporting SME growth within the creative sector and within Chesterfield. Situated on the Chesterfield College campus, the building has a range of shared studio spaces and offers a virtual office service too.
  • Great 2 – Great2 supports local entrepreneurs and growing small businesses across Derbyshire. The company also offers business operations and marketing support services to help owners scale up.
  • Monkey Park- This community organisation thinks about workspaces differently, and provides a great place to work with none of the strings like leases attached.
  • Loundsley Green– Alongside providing affordable office space, the Loundsley Green Enterprise Centre is able to provide 1-to-1 enterprise coaching to people considering starting their own business and working for themselves.

If there’s nothing on the above list that suits your needs, there’s no need to worry! Chesterfield Borough Council’s expert economic development team can run a property search and help you find the perfect location.

Contact the team on 01246 345255 or email: economic.development@chesterfield.gov.uk Or find out more about commercial property in Chesterfield here.

Join Chesterfield Champions and become a part of the local business community

Champions breakfast Ringwood Hall

If you are growing your organisation in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire and are looking for marketing and business support, Chesterfield Champions is a great way to get your name out there locally.

For a small annual contribution towards the wider marketing of the town, the initiative can help you build relationships with likeminded organisations and keep up to date with local news and developments.

There are a range of opportunities for Chesterfield Champions from senior networking events and priority invitations including consultation events to media opportunities and a profile on the Chesterfield business directory.

More Information

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D2N2 LEP launches new Low Carbon Growth Fund

Small and medium-sized businesses, public sector organisations, and community groups developing low carbon projects across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire are being urged to apply for investment through the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s new Low Carbon Growth Fund.

The ground-breaking fund will invest £6.5 million in low carbon capital projects. They will create a pipeline of investable propositions that can be match funded to help our region meet high carbon dioxide output challenges and unclean industrial practices.

Through the funding, the D2N2 LEP aims to support a wide range of innovative low carbon projects from across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Successful projects must identify new and innovative ideas, and must be able to clearly demonstrate current or future carbon reduction, including carbon sequestration.

Projects awarded funding will be encouraged to support local supply chains, helping to create new jobs and must be able to start delivery in the 2022/23 financial year. Funding will be capped at £1.5 million of D2N2 funding per project to enable the pot to invest in numerous key strategic investments.

The fund will support national and regional policy, including HM Government’s “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener” and the “The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.” Both set out ambitious targets for carbon reduction and incentivise investment in the public and private sector into green and carbon saving projects.

Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 LEP, said: “The recent COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow highlighted the urgent need to take action now. The launch of our Low Carbon Growth Fund signals our region’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and support the growth of our green economy.

“Investing in low carbon capital projects will support the delivery of our Recovery and Growth Strategy and our strategic aim of delivering the UK’s largest carbon turnaround.”

Timelines

  • Expression of interest documentation publicised, and consultation process opened – 1st December 2021
  • Consultation for project sponsors to be closed – 12th January 2022
  • Submission deadline for all bids – 28th January 2022
  • Scoring process finalised – 11th February 2022
  • Projects informed of outcomes – 14th February 2022

An overview of the funding can be found here: Low Carbon Growth Fund | D2N2 (d2n2lep.org)

Should any potential project sponsor have a query about the call or any details relevant to this funding round then please contact Tom Goshawk at Tom.goshawk@d2n2lep.org or 07528398317. All questions and queries regarding this funding round must be made before the 12th of January 2022.

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Peer Networks programme gives SME leaders a ‘back-pocket board’ to take businesses forward

Senior leaders in SMEs across Derbyshire can benefit from a “board in their back pocket” by joining a peer-to-peer networking programme that launches this month.

The D2N2 Growth Hub Peer Networks scheme, delivered by East Midlands Chamber, brings together like-minded directors and senior managers to develop their organisation for future success.

They can share common business challenges and objectives to solve in regular sessions, which are facilitated by experts in their field and supported by specialist guest speakers.

Sector-based networks such as manufacturing, visitor economy, medtech and life sciences, and creative – as well as specialist groups for high-growth and female-owned businesses – will begin over the coming weeks, with the first one on Thursday 4 November.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford, who heads up the Peer Networks delivery, said: “There are so many directors running a business without the support network behind them to bounce ideas off and discuss problems with – either they don’t have the time to involve other people or don’t want to discuss business problems with junior members of staff.

“With the Peer Networks programme, the group almost becomes their senior leadership team, with more than 100 years of experience in one room able to help participants solve a particular challenge within their business.

“Some people from previous cohorts have even described it as having their own ‘back-pocket board’.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals across the management spectrum to learn from their peers and develop both themselves and their organisations. We’d encourage anyone who feels they would benefit to get involved.”

Peer Networks, which is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), is eligible for any SME that has operated for at least one year, employs at least five people and records a turnover exceeding £100,000.

It must also have an aspiration to improve and the potential to scale up or export – or is exporting already.

Up to 11 individuals are involved in each cohort and are required to give a time commitment of about 18 hours across the entire duration of the free programme, which lasts several months.

They can also gain three-and-a-half hours of one-to-one bespoke support from an expert, meaning they benefit from a package worth thousands of pounds.

How Peer Networks programme has supported SMEs

William Sutherland, director at Original Recipes, a Chesterfield-based family business with 1920s roots, attended a previous cohort of the food and drink peer network.

The company supplies potted meats and pâtés to restaurants, hotels and caterers across the UK and into major retailers, but William asked his peers for support on identifying new sales channels when the pandemic forced the closure of the hospitality industry.

“I really enjoyed being part of a small proactive network of like-minded people,” said William, who was also given new contacts via the group. “I felt my contribution was valued and suggestions were taken on board.

“People’s positive perception of myself, and my business, provided me with a real confidence boost to move forward and make important decisions based on our discussions.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Peer Networks should fill out an express of interest form at www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/grow/peer-networks

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Chesterfield FC supports businesses and residents with latest initiatives

Chesterfield Football Club is continuing to work in the community by looking to contribute to the success of local residents and businesses alike.

The club is launching a brand new initiative this week called ‘Winning Goals,’ aimed at helping local people manage their weight.

Starting on Thursday, November 4, the Winning Goals programme will run for 12 weeks. After that, there will be monthly one-to-one sessions.

Those attending will receive free gym membership, a free t-shirt and hoodie and free tickets to watch the Spireites.

The sessions will be held in the HUB at the Technique Stadium on Thursdays, with a choice of either 12pm to 2pm or 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Supported by Derbyshire County Council, Winning Goals is a concept where the biggest losers are the winners!

Mike Goodwin, chairman of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, said: “This new programme is another example of how the Community Trust is having a positive impact on the lives of people in the community.

“We have an excellent relationship with Derbyshire County Council and I would like to thank them for their continued support.”

Meanwhile, the club is also offering businesses the chance to win a year’s free advertising on the online radio station, 1866 Sport.

1866 Sport provides exclusive commentary on every Chesterfield match and broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bridget Ball, marketing manager of Chesterfield FC, who run the station, said: “We provide local businesses with the opportunity to promote what they have to offer in an affordable way.

“One lucky listener will receive a *free 12-month radio advertising campaign by simply liking the 1866 Sport Facebook page, liking and sharing a post about the competition and commenting with their business name or tagging another Derbyshire business.”

The competition will run until November 12 with the winner announced on 1866 Sport Breakfast on November 15.

To find out how you can promote your business on 1866 Sport, email alisonollerenshaw@chesterfield-fc.co.uk

*Terms & conditions apply.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mike Goodwin, Chesterfield FC Chairman

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

New enterprise and training centre opens in Loundsley Green

A new centre has opened in Loundsley Green providing start-up businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with work spaces, meeting rooms, expert coaching and advice.

‘The Green’ is run by Loundsley Green Community Trust (LGCT) who have been operating the adjacent community centre (previously a church) for over 10 years.

One of the free services being delivered during that time has been an Enterprise Coaching programme, helping people to get back into work through self-employment.

Over the years that has helped over 60 people to start new businesses. Around 3 years ago the Trust looked at the Old Vicarage which was unoccupied for most of the time, and saw in it the potential to grow its support for people looking to get back into work.

The team behind the new business support centre overcame several hurdles before its opening, however the space now includes a large training room, a smaller meeting room, and five individual workspaces for use by new businesses.

Office rents are inclusive of all costs including broadband and two of them are already let: one to a husband and wife business, and the other to local community radio station, Peak Radio.

The downstairs meeting and training spaces have been used to provide employability training to young people, health and safety training for people looking to work in construction, first aid training and a variety of meetings of local organisations.

An important feature of The Green is the continued support that will be provided for people looking to start new businesses, and additional funding has been received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to deliver a programme of training and coaching through 2021-22.

Volunteer enterprise coach Paul Davies explains: “Even though there are reports of over 1 million vacancies being available, many of the people with whom we work have caring responsibilities, disabilities, illnesses and other constraints which mean that working nights for Amazon or Wetherspoons are simply not options. For them, working for themselves, is a practical and realistic alternative”.

Another benefit of taking on the new building is that it has provided the Trust with an enclosed garden which will be a facility used by other centre users. Parent and toddlers, scouts, cubs, beavers, brownies and wide range of other groups will be able to use it for play, environmental projects or simply a healthy outdoor space in which to meet.

LGCT Chair, Ian Birchmore sees this as a really important new asset for the Trust: “The Green has opened up huge new opportunities for the Trust to support and serve its local community. It will provide support to local people who are looking to improve their skills, and look for new work opportunities. It will also provide a further facility to enable people to get together – something they have been missing for the last year and a half”.

Chesterfield Community Hubs support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield community and voluntary groups reminded to take advantage of local funding

Community and voluntary sector groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being encouraged to take advantage of funding, enabling them to play a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of Derbyshire residents during the ongoing pandemic.

The Covid-19 Community Response Fund allows formally constituted organisations to apply for a maximum of £2,000, while non-constituted organisations can apply for up to £250.

An extra £50,000 was allocated to groups in Derbyshire through the fund back in June 2021, with a total of more than £185,000 awarded to a diverse range of Derbyshire organisations including parents’ associations, ethnic minority groups, older people’s charities and churches so far.

Cllr Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for health and communities said: “The response to the pandemic has seen many organisations across Derbyshire working tirelessly to ensure the basic needs of the most vulnerable residents are met.

“The COVID-19 fund was set up to ensure that community and voluntary organisations had enough resource to carry on with their vital work.

“This additional funding will enable more groups to carry out work within their local communities. We’ve already seen some amazing work being carried out including food parcels for vulnerable people, a community café being set up and support for students.”

The closing date for groups to bid for funding is 31st March 2022, however local authorities in our area are urging them to get their applications in as soon as possible in order to avoid missing out.

Applications must be linked to an existing Public Health programme, for example to support mental health and emotional wellbeing or to tackle social isolation.

Find out more about the Covid-19 Community Response Fund here.

There are currently plenty of other ongoing support schemes for local business and organisations across Chesterfield, including the Chesterfield Digital High Street initiative, along with the Vision Derbyshire Business start-up support scheme.

Find out more about all the different types of grants, advice and other business support available in Chesterfield here: Business Support | Destination Chesterfield

Support the Community

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