east midlands chamber

Chesterfield businesses urged to enter King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024

Firms in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been urged to seek the royal seal of approval for their achievements by entering the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

East Midlands Chamber is encouraging companies to enter the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024, which opened for entries over the coronation weekend.

They will recognise organisations for their achievements across innovation, international development, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Our region is full of fantastic companies that are breaking new ground in their sectors, delivering goods and services across the world, and demonstrating how business can be a force for good – which is why we are so keen to talk about the East Midlands being a Centre of Trading Excellence.

“Now, it’s time to start spreading the word about just how great we are on a global stage and we would encourage businesses to shout about their achievements far and wide.

“The King’s coronation was a tremendous occasion that brought the best of our country together, so what better time to use this as an opportunity to showcase the best of our region’s business community by entering the King’s Awards for Enterprise.

“It was exciting to see eight companies with links to our region – including six Chamber members – recognised in the 2023 awards but it would be great to grow this number in 2024 and really put the East Midlands on the map.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 are free to enter and the deadline is midday on 12 September 2023. Applicants can enter multiple categories via an online process.

Shortlisted organisations will be notified in October and winners notified in March 2024, with unsuccessful organisations receiving feedback on their applications around the same time.

The list of winners is officially announced in the London Gazette on 6 May 2024 and representatives will be invited to attend a royal reception next summer.

Awards recipients are permitted to fly the King’s Awards for Enterprise flag at their main office and use the emblem in marketing materials for five years.

They will also receive an official certificate known as a grant of appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy.

For more information about eligibility criteria and to apply for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.

A webinar for Chesterfield businesses will be taking place on Wednesday, 21st June with award writing expert, Lucinda White from Pure Awards – who will cover the entry process, what to consider when entering the awards, and how to make practical in-roads into preparing the content.

Find out more and book your place at the event here.

Growth Sculpture Horns bridge Roundabout

 

 

 

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Innovative scheme helps almost 9,000 people in our region to find work or training

A programme set up to help tackle long-term unemployment across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has supported 8,908 people, thanks to a collaboration between local authorities, businesses and other key agencies.

The D2N2 Building Better Opportunities (BBO) scheme, which comprises three distinctive projects promoting social inclusion, has helped 1,102 of these individuals to progress into employment, assisted 864 into long-term education or training, and enabled 492 people to independently search for jobs.

Funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, BBO has been led by a consortium of voluntary and community organisations across the country.

In the D2N2 region, four stakeholder managers were employed or seconded to East Midlands Chamber and hosted within the four upper-tier councils, with a remit to co-ordinate the £31m programme across the wider employment and skills landscape.

The Chamber has also played a central role in connecting individuals with employers, and promoting an inclusive recruitment agenda among businesses that have skills gaps.

East Midlands Chamber’s head of employment services Paul Needham said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reflect on the tremendous work of the BBO programme in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, where the lives of many people have been transformed because of the support it has offered them.

“Our stakeholder managers have been remarkable additions to the employment and skills landscape in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the past five years, generating new person-centric ideas and influencing system change in how we tackle the issue of long-term unemployment.

“At the Chamber, we have been keen to promote the inclusive recruitment agenda among the business community. With our members telling us about the skills shortages that are consistently holding them back from growing, expanding the labour pool to encompass people from a wide range of backgrounds can bear fruit by filling vacancies with employees who have received support to address barriers to work and turn their lives around.”

The three employment and skills projects are:

  • Opportunity and Change: A £9.8m support programme led by Framework for people with multiple and complex needs, such as homelessness, substance abuse, at risk of offending, mental ill health and domestic abuse victims
  • Towards Work: Led by Groundwork Greater Nottingham, the £14.6m scheme provides a personalised service to help people overcome barriers to work and take their first steps towards employment
  • Money Sorted in D2N2: Led by St Ann’s Advice Centre, the £6m project helps people experiencing financial difficulties to feel more in control of their finances.

Examples of the methods used to support people into work and training have ranged from funding for buying computer equipment in order to study for qualifications through to paying for dental treatment to address poor oral health that had been a personal barrier to work for someone lacking in confidence. Projects have also helped people who are homeless or ex-offenders into work.

In addition, the BBO programme has helped participants to wipe out more than £10m in debt and, on average, grew participants’ weekly disposable income from £18.62 to £92.17 over a six-month period through personal finance education.

Paul added: “These projects have provided us with many learnings, which we will take forward in our other workstreams within the Chamber’s employment support programmes, in which we work in collaboration with Government and work agencies to give people a helping hand into sustainable work and training.”

For more information about the Chamber’s employment and recruitment services work, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/recruitment-services.

To find out more about the Building Better Opportunities programme achievements, visit bbo-d2n2.org.uk

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.

 

Paul Needham

Paul Needham, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

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Resilient businesses to be celebrated at this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

The resilience of the East Midlands business community during a tough trading environment will be celebrated at a trio of upcoming awards ceremonies later this year – and firms are invited to put themselves forward for recognition.

Entries are now open for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023, which includes three gala dinner celebrations in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

Businesses, charities and individuals from each county will be recognised across 14 categories, ranging from Outstanding Growth and Excellence in International Trade through to Environmental Impact and an Education and Business Partnership Award.

Headline partner Mazars will also select a Business of the Year winner for each county.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “With the cost-of-doing-business crisis following hot on the heels of the pandemic and Brexit, the past few years have been as tough a trading environment as many of us can recall.

“Despite this, we’ve seen tremendous resilience on display among our region’s business community, which has found new ways to grow, innovate and collaborate.

“We are once again hugely excited about celebrating these achievements in our Business Awards, which are always one of the most highly-anticipated events in the Chamber calendar – thanks to the sponsors that help to make it happen.”

The deadline for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023 is Monday 17 July.

Finalists will be announced at a president’s summer celebration on Thursday 24 August and they will then have a chance to state their case at virtual judging panels taking place on the week commencing 11 September.

A gala dinner to celebrate the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards will take place on Friday, 17th November 2023.

To enter the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023 or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/business-awards

East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023 categories

  • Business Improvement through Technology
  • Community Impact Award
  • Outstanding Growth Award
  • Environmental Impact Award
  • Commitment to People Development Award
  • Apprentice of the Year
  • Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Education and Business Partnership Award
  • Excellence in Customer Service
  • Excellence in International Trade
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Excellence in Innovation
  • Excellence in Collaboration
  • Business of the Year

Derbyshire Business Awards winners

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Signs of growth and confidence among businesses for year ahead, finds East Midlands Chamber study

After suffering a series of knocks over the past three years, East Midlands businesses are finally optimistic about what 2023 could bring, according to new research into the state of the region’s economy.

Uncertainty has been replaced with confidence, there has been a turnaround in sales and companies are now expecting to employ more people once again, East Midlands Chamber’s latest study illustrates.

Economic indicators covered by the business representation group’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business, have been largely negative since the end of 2021, but they are all now heading in the right direction during the first quarter of 2023.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “Following an uncertain end to 2022, these latest findings demonstrate how businesses are beginning 2023 by displaying signs of growth and an increasing confidence for the year ahead.

“Sales and advanced orders are steadily growing, cashflow is improving – although there are still significantly more businesses reporting a decline in cashflow (35%) as opposed to an increase (22%) – and price pressures continue their gradual drop-off.

“The relative certainty in the policy environment, at least compared to the constant flip-flopping that came before, is now leading to a significant upturn in business confidence and, therefore, investment intentions, which are crucial if we are to steer the economy back on track and achieve consistent growth.

“While the region’s unemployment rate has been at historically low levels in recent times, our research had shown a decline in employers recruiting – mainly due to an extremely tight labour market driven by escalating numbers of economically inactive people since the dawn of the pandemic combined with longstanding skills shortages.

“So it’s pleasing to see a positive swing, with a 7% increase in the proportion of businesses recruiting in the past three months and a 14% improvement in those expecting to add to their workforce before the summer, as this generates jobs and prosperity locally.

“While all this paints a far healthier picture than at the end of 2022, caution is required as many of these indicators are still down from where we were a year ago.

“We are moving slowly in the right direction but Government support is still required to ‘get the basics right’ by knocking down the everyday barriers to doing business, and then backing our firms to grow the economy by focusing on the ‘four Is’ – investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade – all of which is laid out in our Business Manifesto for Growth.”

East Midlands Chamber QES Q1 2023 data

Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2023 for the East Midlands*, which was completed by 347 organisations between 13 February and 9 March, included:

  • UK sales grew by a net 1% between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, with UK advanced orders up by 15%. Overseas sales and advanced orders were both up by 6% quarter on quarter
  • A net 12% of businesses added to their headcount in the first three months of 2023, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous quarter, while a net 30% of firms expect to recruit new staff in the next three months – a 14% increase
  • Recruitment problems persist but are dropping off gradually – six in 10 (59%) businesses attempted to recruit in Q1 2023 and, of those, 73% faced problems filling roles, but this was down from 81% in Q4 2022
  • A net 52% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices as they grapple with rising costs for people, energy, raw materials and fuel – although this is down from 57% in the previous quarter
  • While a net 13% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, there was a 4% positive swing
  • Investment intentions are now trending upwards, with a 12% increase quarter on quarter in the net proportion of firms saying they will invest in training and a 6% rise for investing in plant and machinery
  • Business confidence is now in positive territory, with a net 39% optimistic about growing turnover over the coming year – a 15% rise compared to last quarter – and a net 8% (up by 11%) expecting to improve profitability.

Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “The survey results are yet another testament to the resilience of businesses in the East Midlands.

“Despite the challenges in the past few years, businesses have successfully navigated their way through the uncertain domestic and global economic environment.

“Businesses have endured credit tightening, an inflationary environment, supply chain disruptions and skilled labour shortages, which have collectively hindered the possibilities for growth.

“New initiatives are required to support businesses to invest in technologies that help them achieve higher levels of automation, nudge them towards net zero goals and empower them to invest in upskilling employees.”

Commerce House

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East Midlands Manufacturing Network reaches 150 members a year after launch

A business network which brings together manufacturers across our region is celebrating success, achieving a membership of more than 150 businesses within its first year.

The East Midlands Manufacturing Network was set up by East Midlands Chamber in March 2022 in recognition of the importance of the manufacturing industry to the wealth and prosperity of the East Midlands.

The network was an initiative that formed part of the UK Community Renewal Fund-backed East Midlands Accelerator project run by the Chamber, although the business representation group always had the intention of continuing its support for the long term.

The Chamber recognised that very often, the challenges manufacturers face can be tackled via collaboration with others and engagement with the right people, through the right channels.

With its connections to Government, local authorities, landowners, the region’s other support agencies and universities, it is well placed to help manufacturers navigate a multitude of issues ranging from planning control to lack of expertise.

East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “It’s a challenging time for manufacturers. More than any other sector, they’ve been hit by the meteoric rise in energy costs and raw materials, against a backdrop of recruitment issues.

“The reason the membership continues to grow is because the network offers very real and valuable support, and a safe space to share the concerns of running a manufacturing business at the present time. We’ve already seen several interesting collaborations that have sprung from the network.

“One area which we’re particularly keen to develop is the concept of technology forums. We know that digital technology is an important growth enabler for manufacturers.

“In the spirit of collaborative learning, we’d like to develop a roadshow where network members can host such forums to showcase how they have embraced technology. Sharing best practice and lessons learned in this way is undoubtedly of huge benefit to those members at an earlier stage of the same journey.”

Network meetings are held every six weeks in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Topics to be covered are varied, and set by the membership in that area. They might include an update from Make UK, information on the adoption of Made Smarter in the East Midlands, an outline of Digital Upscaler technology support from the Chamber, or an announcement on the latest tailored manufacturing support on offer from the universities.

All meetings begin at 7.30am and end no later than 10am. Agendas for each meeting are added in advance to the https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/east-midlands-manufacturing-network/ page of the Chamber’s website.

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.

East Midlands Manufacturing Network

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Nominations now open for East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards 2023

Entries are now open for the East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards 2023, with the network set to recognise another cohort of female leaders.

Women in business across the Chamber’s membership base in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire can apply for the 10 category awards – which cater for a range of careers from apprentices and employees, to entrepreneurs and long-standing achievement.

The Enterprising Women Awards, held in association with headline partner Michael Smith Switchgear, were launched yesterday (Thursday 9 March) at an International Women’s Day conference at the Nottingham Belfry, which was attended by more than 80 delegates.

Enterprising Women is led by co-chairs Jean Mountain and Eileen Perry MBE DL. Through its networking opportunities and inspirational events, it creates an environment for women in business to connect and grow their knowledge, and equips them with the tools to succeed.

Jean, who co-founded the network in 1997, said: “The Enterprising Women Awards are a fantastic showcase of the strength of female talent we have here in the East Midlands, and we’re delighted to bring the celebration back this year.”

Eileen added: “We’ve been running our awards programme since 2013, and every year the calibre of talent never fails to impress us. We are looking forward to reading seeing another cohort of what undoubtedly will be fantastic applications this year.”

Enterprising Women Awards 2023 categories

Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)

Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)

Social Commitment (sponsored by She Inspires)

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)

Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)

Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)

She Who Innovates (sponsored by Pick Everard)

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)

Rising Star (sponsored by The Turnaround CEO)

Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Paradigm Wills)

Other supporters of the awards include music sponsors PPL PRS, and video sponsors AVIT Media.

Entries are now open and the deadline is 27 April, with the awards taking place on 6 October.

Enterprising Women co-chairs

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Support on offer to scale up Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to find out more about an extensive support programme on offer to help them scale up and grow.

ScaleUp 360 is a fully-funded exciting support programme providing tailored support to entrepreneurs, start-ups and trading businesses with the ambition and potential to scale up their activity. The scheme is on offer to a range of businesses, from pre or early start-up, to investment ready and ambitions of ‘high growth.’

ScaleUp 360 is a £3.2m, part-European funded project that brings together a group of business experts from East Midlands Chambers of Commerce, The Business Village @BarnsleyBIC and Sheffield Hallam University.

Each client has a dedicated account manager whose role it will be to ensure they have access to the scale-up expertise, knowledge and connections they need to grow a sustainable and investment-ready business. This includes one-to-one specialist business advice, mentor support and workshops with like-minded businesses.

A number of businesses in Chesterfield and surrounding areas have already received support from ScaleUp 360. Find out about how they have benefitted below:

Revamped Curtains

tania revamped curtains

Tania Holmes, owner of Revamped Curtains said: “I set up in Feb 2021 and have been now trading for two years, working from home in Bolsover, Derbyshire.

“I love textiles, enjoy sewing and am passionate about recycling and reducing waste. My aim is to try to keep some textiles from here in the Midlands in the UK rather than it being shipped abroad. Revamped Curtains has developed over the last 2 years into a large Ebay store offering over 250 listings of hand-picked textiles, perfect for the home or for creative craft projects.

“My business advisor has been on hand to answer questions and guide me in the right direction. Having someone to turn to during the initial stages of the business being established was invaluable.

“Lockdown was challenging for all of us but trying to set up a business in this climate, following redundancy, working isolated at home was really, really difficult and continues to be now with the recession. The role not only as specialist support, but also as a nurturing and encouraging support mechanism shouldn’t be overlooked. That confidence-building as I grew and having someone to bounce ideas off and learn from was essential.

“The relationship is important too – and I think the key to growth. For example – I’m not a traditional “planner” so couldn’t do all the business planning and take clear steps in a conventional way which is suggested to all new businesses – that made me panic until an advisor said – don’t worry, if you are making money – just carry on doing what you are doing and build on it.

“Sharing knowledge and networking together is priceless – having meetings face to face, talking about experiences, offering referrals, and brainstorming shared problems or goals is like gold dust. We are all interconnected and being a sole trader can feel like a lonely place. These projects help us feel connected, supported and part of the greater whole.

“The variety of courses accessed mainly online – now face to face – have helped me develop new skills and understanding about what is necessary but also about what is possible, and what isn’t. It is only by understanding this framework that you can you build your vision.

“Things are currently economically tough. But after 2 years of trading now I know where I want to be. I’m a creative business with ideas for new product ranges and am excited about the future. I’ve built a solid foundation to be proud of and looking to the future with great optimism.”

Aspire Export Solutions Ltd.

Jackie Smith - Aspire Export Solutions Ltd

Jacqueline Smith, owner of Aspire Export Solutions Ltd. commented: “From advice and knowledge, based on experience and intuition, Aspire’s core offer is to partner and support customers looking to enter into, or further develop international markets for both products and services.

“Knowledge, insight and awareness are essential for any business, especially those looking to export goods and services. Aspire can investigate the opportunities or pitfalls – from developing a customer base and expanding into new markets.

“Whilst the ideas and thoughts behind the business were plentiful, it was not easy to translate these ideas and experience into a viable brand. That is where the assistance provided by Scaleup 360 was very important. I was allocated a mentor who supported me and helped put together a brand framework, and also helped put together the vision of my business moving forward. This in turn allowed me to focus on my business offering and even gave me the basis of an idea for a website which has been launched recently.

“Assistance from Scaleup 360 has been priceless, in as far as it has helped put my business in a position that has a greater potential for growth. It has also enabled me to interact with other likeminded business owners and opened up a network of new potential business contacts.

“So, for those businesses looking to take their next steps in expanding their organisation I would highly recommend that you do not be hesitate to get in touch with Abi Phillips at Scaleup 360. I’m really excited about how my vision of Aspire Export Solutions is developing, and look forward to supporting other local businesses on their route to International growth.”

The English Cyclist

rob millington the english cyclist

Rob Millington, owner of The English Cyclist said: “I founded The English Cyclist in 2014 after the Tour de France passed through the area near my home in the Peak District.

“I wanted to create a piece of artwork to celebrate the event, I designed some prints and shared photos of them on Facebook. When a friend expressed interest in purchasing a similar piece, I decided to start selling my designs on Etsy, and The English Cyclist was born. A few years later I added a shopify store (englishcyclist.com) where I continue to create a variety of cycling posters.

“Fortunately, when lockdown hit, I found myself with a product that fit a few key criteria that made it incredibly popular. Being cycling-based, my product was perfectly suited for the surge in interest in the sport as people looked for ways to stay active. Additionally, as a homeware item, it was just what people needed while they were stuck at home – a chance to spruce up their living spaces.

“Before I knew it, my side business had taken off at an unprecedented pace, and I was struggling to keep up with the demand. That’s when I reached out to ScaleUp 360, and I’m so glad I did. Abi provided me with some invaluable advice on fundamentals like incorporating and registering for VAT, which helped me to navigate some of the trickier aspects of running a business.

“ScaleUp 360 also introduced me to some fantastic accountants and marketing specialists, which took a huge amount of pressure off me and allowed me to focus on what I love most about my business – designing and providing excellent customer service.

“The support I received has been absolutely crucial to my growth plans. When my business started growing rapidly during lockdown, I wasn’t sure how to keep up with the demand while maintaining the high standards of service that I pride myself on. But the expert advice and guidance I received helped me to navigate these challenges with confidence.

“As my business continued to grow, I found myself facing new obstacles and opportunities. But with the ongoing support of ScaleUp 360, I was able to not only survive the growth but also make the most of the opportunity. By tapping into the expertise of their network, I was able to develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy that helped me to scale my business in a sustainable way.

“Based on my experience working with ScaleUp 360 and growing my own business, the advice I would give to other businesses looking to expand is to seek out expert support and guidance before you think you need it.

Whether it’s through a business accelerator, mentorship program, or other professional development opportunities, finding the right support can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of owning and running a business. In my case, the support I received was invaluable in helping me to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities as my business grew.

Find out more about the ScaleUp 360 initiative, and how it can help with the growth of your business, go to: https://www.scaleup360.co.uk/

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Regional unemployment rate remains below the national average

The unemployment rate in the East Midlands declined slightly from 3.4% to 3.3% in the three months to December, remaining below the UK average of 3.7%.

The figures have been published by the Office for National Statistics in its latest regional labour market data published on Tuesday, 14th February.

However, the region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – climbed to a record high of 22.7%, compared to a UK rate of 21.4%.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After an upwards trajectory in the level of unemployment since the summer – albeit against a context of still being at historically low levels – it is good to see this curve begin to flatten in recent months.

“As we also saw with the UK economy narrowly heading off a widely-expected recession at the end of 2022, this is another important indicator in illustrating the resilience of our businesses during what has been a very challenging three years with pandemic restrictions followed by a cost-of-doing-business crisis.

Scott Knowles

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

“Yet we shouldn’t get complacent about a strong jobs market and our own research suggests unemployment levels may not remain so low this year.

“Our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2022 found there was an 8% decline from quarter to quarter in the proportion of East Midlands businesses that added to their workforce in the previous three months, while there was a similar drop-off in recruitment prospects over the coming three months.”

The rising economic inactivity rate – which was 18.7% immediately before Covid-19 lockdown – poses a cause for concern and the Chamber has urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to address it in the forthcoming Spring Budget, scheduled for 15 March.

Scott added: “Not only are they continuing to face unsustainable cost pressures, but as the rising economic inactivity rate demonstrates, we have one of the tightest labour markets ever seen. Businesses that want to grow, and create jobs and wealth in their local areas, are unable to do so because of acute skills shortages.

“This poses a major concern for the road ahead as our economy plateaus but with the Spring Budget fast approaching, there are measures the Government can take to support businesses to develop a skills base fit for 21st century industry.

“In our Business Manifesto for Growth launched in Parliament last November, we proposed a series of reforms around how businesses invest in their people.

“These include flexible incentives for business investment in staff training, expanding the use of the apprenticeship levy, bringing forward the introduction of the lifelong loan entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce, and a comprehensive reform of the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need.

“In other words, this is about ‘getting the basics right’ – removing the day-to-day barriers for businesses and ensuring the basic building blocks of economic success are in place.”

To read the Chamber’s Business Manifesto for Growth, A Centre of Trading Excellence, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/manifesto. 

East Midlands Chamber - Chesterfield office

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Chesterfield businesses offered fully-funded support for technology growth

Businesses across Chesterfield and the wider East Midlands region are being urged to take advantage of the support available from the Digital Upscaler project before funding comes to an end.

The project, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by East Midlands Chamber, supports businesses looking to invest in new technologies to propel growth or to overcome barriers due to a lack of understanding of new technologies.

It offers businesses the knowledge, investment and capacity to scale-up by embracing new technologies, and includes:

  • Intensive one-to-one adviser support from a team of digital experts
  • Funded consultancy to support new technology integration
  • An extensive programme of in-person, two-day digital workshops
  • Peer networks and the East Midlands Manufacturing Network – a Chamber initiative launched last year as a peer-led network, regularly bringing together makers across the region.

Nearly 500 businesses have so far enrolled on and engaged with the programme, which runs until the end of June 2023.

Paul Humphreys, head of scale-up services at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Time and again, we’re told the Chamber’s ‘deep dive’ workshops offer hugely practical advice that can be implemented immediately when staff are back at their desks.

“Beyond our extensive programme of workshops – which are fully-subsidised for staff in businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire – we’re offering one-to-one support from our digital advisers to businesses considered to be high growth. Those showing the best growth potential will be invited to apply for a consultancy award.

“By getting to know a business, we can help its senior management team improve their knowledge when choosing a solution, developer or system provider, and make informed and considered decisions about technology investments. Our ultimate aim is to ensure their digital solutions meet the desired performance and functionality needed for future growth.”

A business that has already benefitted from Digital Upscaler support in our area is Cruise Circle in Bolsover.

When husband and wife team, Jason Daniels and Danielle Nemeth, acquired independent specialist travel agent Cruise Circle from its previous owners in 2009, they had a clear vision to evolve it into an online travel provider that was ahead of the curve in the cruise travel sector.

A Digital Upscaler grant and expert digital adviser support have enabled them to completely overhaul their legacy systems, resulting in the integration of data collection and data processing modules and customer relationship management.

Integration of automation functionality across platforms has reduced time spent manually inputting simple bookings, accelerating booking procedures and delivering a more efficient service to customers.

Jason said: “Our Chamber digital adviser demonstrated significant system development experience, which proved invaluable to us. He impressed on us the need to completely rethink and rebuild our digital position, and helped us understand the digital architecture we needed to develop was, in principle, not entirely different to that deployed by other business in other sectors.

“This reassured us that, with the right technical support, our digital functionality goals were within perfect reach.”

Upcoming Digital Upscaler workshops

  • Using technology to scale your business: Tuesday 24 January and Tuesday 31 January – Village Hotel, Nottingham
  • Social media academy: Wednesday 25 January and Thursday 26 January – Leicester Marriott Hotel; Tuesday 7 and Tuesday 14 February – Village Hotel, Nottingham; Tuesday 28 February and Wednesday 1 March – Holiday Inn Leicester
  • Successful search engine optimisation: Wednesday 1 February and Wednesday 8 February – Leicester Marriott Hotel
  • Inbound marketing: Thursday 2 February and Thursday 9 February – Leicester Marriott Hotel
  • Get to grips with GA4 (Google Analytics) and convert more visitors into sales and leads: Thursday 16 February and Thursday 23 February – Leicester Marriott Hotel

More information on the Digital Upscaler project, including a full list of events, is available on East Midlands Chamber’s website at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/digital-upscaler.

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East Midlands unemployment rate remains low but Chamber research warns this could be set to rise

The proportion of working-age people in the East Midlands who are not in jobs rose slightly from 3.3% to 3.4% in the three months to November, new figures show.

The region’s unemployment rate – which hit a record low of 2.4% in summer 2022 before steadily climbing since – remained below the UK average of 3.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics’ latest regional labour market data published today (17 January).

Meanwhile, the region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 22.3% but this remains near record highs.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After an upwards trajectory in the level of unemployment since the summer – although against a context of still being at historically low levels – it is reassuring to see this curve begin to flatten in recent months.

“However, our own research suggests unemployment levels may not remain so low in the future. Our final Quarterly Economic Survey of the year, which ran throughout November, found there was an 8% decline from quarter to quarter in the proportion of East Midlands businesses that added to their workforce in the previous three months, while there was a similar drop-off in recruitment prospects over the coming three months.

“Clearly, the cost-of-doing-business crisis – led by rising costs in energy, interest rates, raw materials, people and fuel – has deeply affected business confidence to invest, and a lack of available skills in the labour market is now impacting significantly on firms’ ability to grow.

“While the slight decrease in the proportion of those people who have opted out of the workforce for various reasons is welcomed, this remains at a very high level and has helped to create the tightest labour market in years.

“This poses a major concern for the road ahead as our economy continues to plateau but there are measures the Government can take to support businesses to develop a skills base fit for 21st century industry.

“In our Business Manifesto for Growth launched in Parliament last month, we propose a series of reforms around how businesses invest in their people.

“These include flexible incentives for business investment in staff training, expanding the use of the apprenticeship levy, bringing forward the introduction of the lifelong loan entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce, and a comprehensive reform of the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need.

“In other words, this is about ‘getting the basics right’ – removing the day-to-day barriers for businesses and ensuring the basic building blocks of economic success are in place.”

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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

East Midlands Chamber launches Generation Next Awards 2023 to recognise region’s young talent

The best of young business talent across the East Midlands will once again be celebrated at the Generation Next Awards – as a refreshed look is revealed for 2023.

The awards are the showpiece programme of the Generation Next network for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, which is run by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby.

It features 11 categories, ranging from a Start-up Award and Customer Service Award through to Innovation and Technology Award and the Generation Next Future Leader.

The programme includes a new addition that recognises “rising stars” who show ongoing growth and development, as well as refreshed guidelines for prizes recognising outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, creativity, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

The application process of each category award has also been streamlined for a “one form fits all” method involving a reduced number of questions.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the amazing young talent within the East Midlands, and our diverse programme recognises the next generation of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We want to encourage young professionals from across the region to tell their story and celebrate their successes. There is an award to suit everyone at each stage of their career.”

Last July, Generation Next held its first in-person awards celebration at Bustler Market in Derby, and recognised young talent such as apprentice Ruby Birks, who works for South Normanton-based marketing agency Purpose Media, and the three entrepreneurs behind Derby-based digital marketing and web development agency Alphageek.

It was an awards ceremony with a twist, featuring street food, a live DJ and arcade games. More than 220 people attended, marking it as a new milestone in the Chamber’s events calendar. This year’s ceremony will be held on 13 July, and the venue will be confirmed in the coming months.

Entries are open for the 2023 awards from now until Monday 6 March. They can be submitted either by individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket or on their behalf by a colleague or line manager.

Applications can be downloaded at generationnextemc.co.uk/awards and should be emailed to the Generation Next team at gennext@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Generation Next Awards 2022 categories

  • Generation Next Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby)
  • Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Loughborough College)
  • Start-up Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)
  • Entrepreneur of the Year Award (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
  • Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Award (sponsored by RSM UK)
  • Creators and Makers Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)
  • Volunteering and Charitable Impact Award
  • Environmental Warrior Award
  • Customer Service Award
  • Rising Star Award (new for 2023)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

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