Global Derbyshire Business Support Programme is funding secured from the Regional Growth Fund from Government. The aim of the scheme is to provide grant support of up to 50% to Micro-enterprises/Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Derbyshire seeking to grow, collaborate, innovate and export whilst creating new employment for local people and attracting inward investment. The objective is to ensure Derbyshire businesses are equipped to access, compete and thrive in the global economy.
Activity will be supported against 4 strands:
Who can apply?
If you are an SME (less than 250 employees) operating within Derbyshire. Applicants will be required to operate from within the administrative boundary of Derbyshire County Council which includes the districts and boroughs of Amber Valley; Bolsover; Chesterfield; Derbyshire Dales; Erewash; High Peak; North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire.
Your project must be looking to cost at least £8000 if you are a start up business or £12,000 if you are an established business as the minimum grant is £4000. The maximum grant available is £75,000.
To apply you will need to complete an Expression of Interest form to initiate the grant process - www.derbyshireeconomicpartnership.org.uk/global-derbyshire-funding/
Business Capital Grant Scheme
The Business Enterprise Fund is a £1.26m fund secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) administered by Shropshire Council.
It aims to assist individuals to start businesses, and encourages existing businesses to invest in projects that will result in increased profitability through efficiency savings and/or expansion and diversification of new products / services, into existing and new markets.
Grants of £1,000 - £5,000 (capped at £1,500 for start-up and new businesses). 50% match-funded by businesses. For larger projects, grants of up to £5,000 for start-up and £10,000 for existing businesses may be available.
Who is excluded from applying?
What can the fund be used for?
What can the fund NOT be used for?
How to apply
Contact Staffordshire County Council. You will be asked a few questions about eligibility before an application pack can be sent out.
Contact: businessenterprisefund@staffordshire.gov.uk; 01785 277236; Staffordshire County Council, Wedgwood Building, Tipping Street, Stafford ST16 2LP
The Peak District Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is now a part of the National Park Grant Scheme. Projects that bring environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits to the national park can be supported, with particular interest in projects that help to reduce the extent of climate change, its impacts and its effects on the Peak District National Park.
For more details see www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/living-and-working/your-community/sdf .If you have an idea for a project you'd like to discuss call 01629 816 312, email sdf@peakdistrict.gov.uk or
The Peak District National Park Authority is operating a fund to support local cycling and cycle-related activity for one year between February 2014 and February 2015. The fund is for improving facilities and infrastructure to create a welcome for cyclists at their destinations in and around the wider Peak District.
The fund is part of a successful bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) Community Linking Places Fund tranche 2 – "Grants to support cycling in national parks - Pedal Peak II – Moving up a gear”. It will be managed through the Peak District National Park Authority’s grant system. All grants must be spent and invoiced by the beginning of February 2015.
For further details please see - www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/peak-district-cycle-friendly-places-fund or contact Richard Godley, Sustainable Development Officer on 01629 816312 or email richard.godley@peakdistrict.gov.uk.
Four thriving new companies have joined Hathersage Hall Business Centre recently and the Centre is now approaching full capacity, demonstrating a clear up-turn in business confidence for the Hope Valley.
Vestey Foods UK Ltd has taken 1,000 sq ft of space over two floors of The Coach House for its poultry, seed and pulse trading divisions. Software development firm Acumen Synergy has taken 850 sq ft of space in The Glass House. JES Accountancy and Burwood Construction have also moved to the Centre.
The 12,500 sq ft Hathersage Hall Business Centre, which comprises six original Grade II listed farm buildings and two new builds, was developed by the Shuttleworth Estate, owned by a family who have lived in Hathersage for over 200 years.
Commenting on the new lettings, owner Michael Shuttleworth, said: "We saw a real lift in enquiry levels over the Summer and this has resulted in the arrival of a variety of new businesses as well as expansion by existing tenants. "Our vision for Hathersage Hall Business Centre was not only to save these wonderful historic buildings from dereliction but to create desirable work space in the heart of the Peak District National Park. I’m a firm believer that to drive the economic recovery locally we need to support the creation of new knowledge-based jobs right here in the heart of the Hope Valley. We made sure that our workspaces were designed to be of the highest possible quality to attract successful companies to relocate into our area and also to provide inspirational places for local entrepreneurs to base themselves.”
Carl Scothorne, Head of the Poultry Division of Vestey Foods UK Ltd, backs Michael’s vision. He said: "I live in a village just a few miles up the road but had been wasting time and energy commuting into Manchester for some time. It wasn’t difficult to persuade the rest of the team of 7 that moving to the Hathersage Hall Business Centre was a good idea and they have all come with us. One guy lives in Hyde, only 8 miles from Manchester centre, and yet his commute used to take 45 minutes. He can now get to Hathersage in less time and enjoy a lovely drive on the way!”
He continues: "Being in Hathersage has enabled us to attract other specialists to the team, people who want to continue to live and work locally and we are already looking to expand the team over the coming months. Being so close to both Sheffield and Manchester gives us a really wide catchment area to draw upon.”
Several members of the team from Acumen Synergy live locally and had visited the Centre previously for training sessions in The Glass House conference facility last year. They liked the location, the design of the buildings and the quality of finish and so decided to take space for their new start-up company in The Glass House conference building.
The new tenants join existing companies including data processors Dental IT, corporate social responsibility specialists FWA, digital construction illustrators Marsotti, CQM Training, software company Illuminaries and Malaczynski Burn Risk Management.
Spring has finally sprung in the Peaks and it’s even busier than usual at the thriving hub of Hathersage Hall Business Centre, where the new Glass House Conference Centre has just opened. With 10 knowledge-based niche businesses already bucking the national trend and showing strong signs of growth, enquiry levels for the four remaining office suites are at an all-time high, companies are expanding and two of the businesses have just taken on Marketing Interns from Sheffield Hallam University.
Long-awaited blue skies heralded the launch of The Glass House Conference Centre on Tuesday 16th April. Light and airy, the new conference facility is ideally located in heart of the Peak District National Park (within 20 minutes of Sheffield city centre and less than an hour from Manchester) and boasts a capacity for up to 35 delegates seated in boardroom, U-shape or theatre configuration.
Glazed to full height on three sides, with a sedum roof and energy-efficient underfloor heating, The Glass House enjoys an open outlook across the landscaped courtyard and gardens and is a fully-equipped with excellent broadband and en-suite facilities.
Bookings are already coming in from all parts the country, for everything from board meetings and expedition briefings to networking lunches and team-building events. The marketing team are currently putting together a series of packages aimed at big corporations in particular, which will include overnight accommodation at the Losehill House Spa Hotel, local catering from the award-winning Coleman’s Deli and a range of outward bound activities including simulated game shooting, quad biking, mountain biking and trekking.
"Hathersage Hall Business Centre is a dream for any small business wanting to attract the right staff and impress visiting clients” declares Mark France, owner of Marsotti Digital Construction "I couldn’t hope for a better start to Marsotti’s expansion plans."
Thanks to an internship scheme funded by Sheffield City Council, the business centre is also benefiting from the input of two super-bright and enthusiastic marketing assistants from Sheffield Hallam University, on a weekly basis. One of the undergraduates is looking after all social media, sales and promotional activities for The Glass House Conference Centre while the other has entered the world of investment research, working on new marketing material for Malaczynski Burn.
"As an institution we place great value on preparing our students for the world of work and employability is a crucial component of all of our courses. This is an excellent opportunity and we hope that the experiences our students gain whilst working at Hathersage Hall Business Centre will give them a fundamental insight into business in the digital rural economy” says Paul Helm, Assistant Director of Student and Learning Services at Sheffield Hallam University.
FDA Design has been at Hathersage from the outset. Specialising in design services for the heritage and environment sector, Director Peter Farmer reports "Working here exactly complements our business ethos and has helped us to win significant new clients including the National Trust, Manchester Museum and Kelham Island." These small hi-tech companies are all finding surprising synergies in this rural business community. Tony Bennett of Illuminaries is another of the delighted occupants and is inspired by the view of Stanage Edge from his desk:
"We love working in the Hope Valley. It has all the buzz of Silicon Valley, just with more sheep!"
Derbyshire Dales District Council is now a member of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Local Enterprise Partnership. The SCR is inviting expressions of interest from businesses with the potential to grow and create new jobs from its £25m Regional Growth Fund allocation. The deadline is 31 January 2013.
For more information visit:
Update for new projects | Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
For advice and support prior to making your submission contact: giles.dann@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or business.support@talktalk.net
The Young Persons Loan Fund Programme offers a support package to young people to help start their own business.
This scheme has now been extended to cover 18 – 30 year old applicants with loans of up to £5,000 available to help launch and develop a new business.
For more information contact business.support@talktalk.net or paul.stuart@dncc.co.uk
Arts to Business (A to B) aims to make starting a business very simple, fun and engaging - showing women and mothers how to progress from one stage to the next.
Through arts and crafts isolated women in rural areas will initially develop their confidence and motivation. With encouragement many will, for the first time, think about what goals they could achieve.
The aim is that this will become a model for aspiring rural women and mothers across the UK to help reversing their under-representation in enterprise. Simply, it will help address a major UK challenge and missed opportunity - exploiting the enterprise potential of under-represented women.
Vote for this project to leave a lasting legacy with an e-guide for local communities/individuals wishing to promote women's self-employment. You will be able to follow women's stories via twitter, a website and through video diaries.
Vote here: www.inspiringenterprise.rbs.com/inspiring-women/public-voting/b-arts-business
TOURISM in Buxton generated a massive £72.4 million for the local economy in 2011, latest figures have revealed.
Despite a very challenging economic climate, research by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd has revealed that the tourism industry grew by 5% on 2010 figures – much higher than the 2% increase reported in East Midlands and on a par with national targets.
The growth is reflected in employment figures with the tourism industry now supporting 1,152 full-time jobs in Buxton. And tourist numbers jumped by 8% with the total visiting Buxton in 2011 rising to 1.46 million.
High Peak Borough Council Leader Councillor Caitlin Bisknell said: "I’m delighted to see such positive growth in the value of tourism during 2011. It is no doubt due, in part, to the positive contribution of our new Pavilion Arts Centre. The centre has a great and varied programme of events which have attracted new visitors and boosted spending in the retail economy.”
Buxton is hoping to build on its success with the development of new ideas such as the Buxton Adventure Festival held this autumn. The event, featuring speakers from the world of adventure, travel, photography and sport, drew an audience of 850 visitors over a single weekend. A real ale trail has also been launched this year to further boost the appeal of the annual food festival.
Work is already underway on the Georgian Crescent project which includes a 79-bedroom 5-star hotel and a high quality café which will allow visitors to `take the waters` for the first time since the 1970s. High Peak Borough Council are working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council on the project.
DOZENS of local people, including many who were previously unemployed, have secured new jobs in Glossop’s Howard Town Mill development.
High Peak Borough Council has worked closely with Jobcentre Plus and training providers to ensure local people could access opportunities provided by the £7 million project to revitalise the redundant Howard Town Mill site in the town centre. Seven local firms won sub-contracts which helped safeguard existing jobs and led to numerous local people finding work during the construction phase.
As the construction neared completion, 54 unemployed people attended customer service training sessions at the Glossop Municipal Buildings delivered by the University of Derby and local training provider Astral Training ran help sessions to guide job seekers through the online applications process and offer interview support to those applying for positions with Marks and Spencer.
M & S, which opened its Simply Food store on the site, has employed more than 20 previously unemployed people as part of its new workforce and over 87% of its entire workforce live within a three-mile radius of the store.
In addition to the M & S jobs, eight people secured work with Travelodge at its new 62-room hotel while others found jobs with Domino’s Pizza, Cotton Traders and Mountain Warehouse.
Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of Apprentices Aged 16 and 17
Derbyshire County Council is making 200 grants of £2,500 available, to provide valuable financial support to employers wishing to take on an apprentice aged 16 or 17. These grants, administered by Learning Unlimited (part of the Chesterfield College Group), are available to companies with 50 or fewer employees.
At over halfway through the Grant period there are still just over 100 grants available to small businesses in Derbyshire. The Derbyshire Dales, and High Peak areas are targeted for this grant assistance.
Full details are at www.chesterfield.ac.uk/age16and17
From 2 April 2012 if you employ someone who is currently on the work programme, a wage incentives worth up to £2,275 each, will be available for employers who can offer an 18 to 24 year-old from the Government's Work Programme, a job lasting at least 26 weeks.
The wage incentive will be available if you employ someone for 16 hours or more each week. There will be a part-time rate of £1,137.50 for work between 16 and 29 hours and a full time rate of £2,275 for 30 hours or more. This will be paid 26 weeks after the employee starts work. Small businesses (less than 50 employees) can also claim a part payment 8 weeks after the employee starts work.
Wage incentives will be primarily available to private, voluntary and community sectors and social enterprise employers
Further information
Employers in the High Peak, who interested in employing a local person currently receiving support from the government's ‘work programme' can contact Chamber Training (part of Derbyshire Notthinghamshire Chamber of Commerce). Chamber Training provides a free service to employers to match vacancies to local unemployed people; can sift CVs, short-list for interview and provide free interview rooms in Glossop. They maintain an on-going relationship with employers once the candidate is in post, to help resolve any problems. Contact Sean O'Neill with details of your vacancy or discuss your recruitment needs: Tel: 07837 170733 E-mail: Sean.O'Neill@dncc.co.uk
Following on from the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on the opening of the third round of applications for the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce will be holding an RGF Business Briefing on 13 March 2012.
The Chamber and the LEP want the two counties to attract further funding in Round Three and will be working with, businesses and other partners to encourage strong bids from local firms, which meet the key criteria of creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and leveraging further private investment.
Taking place at JCB Academy from 8.30am–10.30am, this event will give local firms a better understanding of how to bid for Regional Growth Fund cash and the sorts of projects the fund was set up to support.
Breakfast rolls and refreshments will be available on arrival.
To book your place please follow the online booking procedure, or for more information, please call 01332 851280.
Over the next few years, broadband services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will be improved.
The Government's Broadband Delivery UK programme has allocated £7.44m to improve services in the area. A local project led by Staffordshire County Council, City of Stoke-on-Trent Council, and the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is working to raise the extra funds needed to deliver faster, more reliable broadband.
You will find more details of the plans here.
If you live in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent, you can help the project by completing an online survey. You can measure your broadband speed when completing the survey. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take part.
Please visit: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/broadbandconsultation to take part in the survey.
Businesses have until the end of January to sign up to Trusted Trader for free after Derbyshire County Council extended the deadline on its membership offer.
The usual joining fee of up to £54 has been waived until January 31.
Cllr Kevin Parkinson, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We didn’t want any businesses to miss out which is why we’ve extended the offer for a further month.” With more than 1,100 businesses listed, Trusted Trader is the biggest scheme of its kind in the country run by a council.
For more details, call 01629 536148 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader.
Over 700 young people will be helped into work after Derbyshire County Council signed a contract to deliver one of its biggest ever apprenticeship drives.
An agreement has been signed with Chesterfield College's apprenticeship academy, Learning Unlimited, to manage a four-year scheme.
It means 500 apprenticeships will be created across the county council – ranging from roles in engineering and maintenance, business administration, and other services including adult care – with the opportunity to compete for permanent employment on completion.
The authority is also offering training grants of £2,500 to small and medium-sized companies to take on apprentices – creating a further 200 training opportunities in a £500,000 scheme. These will be targeted at 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training.
Register your interest at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships.
Chapel-en-le-Frith's Blythe House Hospice has won a major award for women in business across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
They took the Team of the Year title, sponsored by The Money Shop, at the awards ceremony, which was held at Chatsworth House. The awards were facilitated by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and presented by ITV Central News anchor Sameena Ali-Khan.
Jean Mountain, Chair of the Chamber's Enterprising Women group, said: "These enterprising women make an important contribution to the local economy and their success stories will hopefully inspire many other women to pursue their business dreams and these awards are all about acknowledging and celebrating those achievements.”
Source - Buxton Advertiser
A new local produce market will be held in Glossop on the second Saturday of each month. Specialist local food and drink producers and crafts people will be setting out their stall along side Glossop's Outdoor Market Traders.
The markets will sell a range of high quality goods including cakes, pies and locally reared meats as well as craft and artwork items. The markets will take place at Glossop Outdoor Market, off Market Street, Glossop, alongside the regular market.
For further information contact Sarah Porru on 0845 129 77 77 or call 01298 28400 ext 3523 or email sarah.porru@highpeak.gov.ukFarmers' Markets are also held in:
Castleton – the first Sunday each month, 10am – 3pm, Call Lindsay Carruthers on 01433 620699
Whaley Bridge – second Saturday each month, 10am – 2pm, inside the Uniting Church, Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge. Call 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400 for further information.
Local MPs and councillors are showing their support for small businesses by signing-up to be ‘Champions for Real-Life Entrepreneurs'.
Launched by the Federation of Small Businesses, Championing the UK's Real-Life Entrepreneurs seeks to support small businesses, both through practical support and by ensuring that, at every level of Government, entrepreneurs are viewed as potential wealth, growth and job creators of the future.
John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw, Andrew Bingham, Conservative MP for High Peak, Councillor David Wilson and Councillor Julie Pattern of Derbyshire County Council have committed to; listen to the concerns of Real-Life Entrepreneurs and champion their cause, represent the interests of Real-Life Entrepreneurs on a national and local level, recognise the many thousands of hard-working Entrepreneurs that support the UK economy and support the FSB in their endeavours to get the best deal for Real-Life Entrepreneurs.
Natalie Gasson, FSB Development Manager, said "Now more than ever, local authorities must adopt policies and programmes that place small businesses at the heart of their agenda and directly support an entrepreneurial economy. Creating the right environment for entrepreneurship to flourish is complex, but there are key things the Government can do to make a difference. I am delighted that local MPs and councillors are keen to work with the FSB to support small businesses in the region and I look forward to working with those who have already signed up as Champions and those willing to do so.”
There will be a series of free FSB events and workshops in the New Year designed to help start-up businesses get off the ground and to give existing small business owners the tools they need to succeed and flourish.
For more information on the FSB's Real-Life Entrepreneurs campaign, visit www.fsb.org.uk/real-life-entrepreneurs or email Natalie Gasson, Development Manager, on natalie.gasson@fsb.org.uk.
Peak Perks is a new discount scheme run by Verity Calderbank at High Peak Community Housing.
Up to 4200 High Peak Community Housing tenants will be given the chance to join the Peak Perks scheme and save up to 10% with local businesses. Discounts and offers can vary and Peak Perks will promote whatever offer that you suggest.
Times are tough in the recent economic climate so some additional business through your door may help turnover for local businesses.
Email verity.calderbank@hpch.co.uk to join in the scheme - places are limited so do not delay!
Two councils have joined forces to stage a string of free information and advice events for businesses with a growing ambition.
Featuring one-to-one clinics with advisors; a creative industries road show; and workshops on trading with other countries the Supporting Growth and Trade Programme has been organised by High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
The programme kicks off in Buxton's Pavilion Gardens on Wednesday 19 October with a series of half-hour, one-to-one surgeries during which companies can get individual tailored advice on exploring new markets or streamlining their manufacturing. Alternatively, they can just speak to advisors to get a better understanding of support and financial assistance on offer now and in the future.
With appointments running from 9.15am to 2.45pm, the clinics are ideal for businesses of all sizes that are keen to expand and would welcome expert advice from UK Trade and Investment, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and local Chamber of Commerce. Appointments need to be pre-booked to guarantee availability.
The surgeries are repeated in Moorlands House, Leek on Wednesday, November 2 when West Midlands advisors will be on hand. Companies are free to go to either event.
Next up is a creative industries road show in Bradbury House, Glossop from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Friday, November 4. The event is earmarked for creative and enterprising people who are in business and would like to expand their business and increase their sales/profits as well as suitable for people just starting up or eager to turn a hobby into a money-making proposition.
Organised in partnership with Creative Derbyshire and High Peak Community and Voluntary Support, the morning boasts case studies, speed presentations and lots of exhibitors. The road show will also be a valuable chance to network with other creative people.
The series continues at Moorlands House on Friday, November 25 when a HM Revenues and Customs advisor leads a half-day workshop covering the tax and VAT rules applying to any UK business importing or exporting.
Running from 9.30am to 12.30pm, the session is aimed at the self employed including people running home-based Internet businesses or eBay shops, as well as firms of all sizes wanting to explore international trade. The workshop is repeated at Glossop Municipal Buildings on Wednesday, November 30 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
To reserve places at any of the events, call customer services at High Peak Borough Council on 0845 129 7777 or e-mail customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk
A butcher, baker and candlestick maker will be among the 100-plus stallholders showcasing their wares on Saturday and Sunday of October 15 and 16 as the Great Peak District Fair celebrates its 10th birthday.
TV personality Colin Sykes, presenter of BBC Look Northwest, will take centre stage in Buxton's Pavilion Gardens at 10am on the Saturday when he raises the curtain on a keenly-anticipated fiesta of fine foods, stunning art and unique crafts - all produced in the Peak District.
A first for 2011 is a live exhibition by Peak District artist Rob Wilson. Visitors to the fair, organised by High Peak Borough Council, will be able to follow Rob's progress on a distinctive new painting featuring paint, paper, typeface, printed matter and stitching.
Running from 10am to 5pm both days, the celebration will feature mouth-watering, grass-fed meats at competitive prices from Smith Hall Organics. Slow grown for superior taste, the marvellous meats include dry-cured bacon, sausages and beef burgers - and a wide range of gluten-free products.
Other highlights of the feast of family fun will include a climbing wall, lots of children's entertainment and the now-famous Buxton Beer Festival marquee serving award-winning cask ales on the Promenade.
Now in its third year, the beer festival boasts fine ales from the Thornbridge, Winkle and Howard Town breweries - among others. Live music will guarantee real-ale lovers a fun atmosphere as the beer flows.
Peak District community projects from solar heating to fruit-growing will be boosted by grants from the national park's Sustainable Development Fund.
In its latest round of grant-allocations the Fund's panel approved:
The Peak District National Park's Sustainable Development Fund supports environmental, educational and social projects that help sustain national park communities. Its panel of local independent assessors decides on grant applications four times a year.
Chair of the Fund panel Pauline Beswick said: "These projects demonstrate that despite tough economic times, community vitality is alive and well in the Peak District. Local villages and groups are full of ideas to benefit their communities and if they help promote a healthy future for the Peak District we're glad to help with seed-money to get them off the ground.”
Applicants are also given advice and help with further sources of funding from Sustainable Development officer Richard Godley. For more information, go to http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/living-in/grants/sdf or call 01629 816200.
£1.5m grant funding has been awarded to 55 Businesses and Community projects over the past 2 years with funding still available until the end of 2013 for further developments.
The European Union and Defra through the Rural Development Programme for England 2008 -2013 (RDPE) have provided funding delivered via the "LEADER" method, a bottom-up approach to rural development which is overseen by a Local Action Group.
The initiative is designed to enhance rural productivity and improve the quality of life in the LEADER area with a particular focus on grant assistance to projects from very small rural businesses and social enterprises. Many of the projects supported have focused on creating additional employment in the area and are helping people to start new businesses.
Neil Richardson of Big Fernyford Farm, at Reapsmoor, in Staffordshire Moorlands, received £99,000 to assist him in diversifying his farming business. LEADER was able to assist with funding towards the building costs of a new meat processing room and holiday accommodation. Neil explained "without LEADER funding we would not have been able to secure the long term viability of the farm, we now how have three businesses which will provide for the future of my family. The processing room has enabled me to increase sales of sausages and meat cuts and we can offer holidays with a difference. Visitors can experience the beautiful setting and learn to understand how food moves from the farm gate to the plate"
The Extending the Season project being delivered by the University of Derby is bringing together Food Producers, Food Retailers and Accommodation providers across the area to promote the fantastic offer the LEADER area has for both local people and visitors. Encouraging people to visit the area and to explore the area through a series of trails out of the Peak Season will bring benefits across the whole of the area helping businesses to attract customers during the quieter part of the year.
Cllr Lewis Rose OBE, Chair of the LEADER Local Action Group, said that he was delighted to support such creative enterprises in the heart of the Peak District. "These businesses are brimming with ideas and have the potential to make a significant and positive impact on the local economy. We hope that LEADER funding will continue to create new business and support existing businesses in these difficult times. The new funding recently launched through Bright Sparks will also assist Communities where they require assistance for Basic Rural Service provision"
Grant funding is available throughout High Peak, Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales excluding the main Market Towns.
Implementation is be overseen by the Peak District Local Action Group with the initiative managed by the Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Derbyshire County Council.
For more information contact Amanda Brown, LEADER Programme Coordinator, on 01629 538475, email Amanda.brown2@derbyshire.gov.uk
The Peak District National Park Authority is looking for interested parties to put forward proposals for the management of its sought-after Environmental Quality Mark (EQM).
This nationally-recognised certification mark is awarded to rural businesses who demonstrate environmental best practice and commitment to looking after the Peak District National Park.
Nearly 100 such businesses currently hold the EQM. Launched in 2003, it is a validated VisitEngland sustainable tourism scheme and was a runner-up in the Observer Ethical Awards 2011.
The Authority will consider all proposals for the future development and management of EQM from private, public or voluntary sectors, working in partnership or individually. Proposals might include self financing, franchisement, co-operative, partnership or the potential lease or sale of the mark.
The deadline for expressions of interest is Tuesday 12 July 2011.
For more details, including order-form for an information pack (£10), go to www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/eqm-expressionsofinterest .
Or you can email customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk or call 01629 816200.
Businesses of all sizes in the Peak District are being given a strong new voice with the creation of a group to promote the area as a place to do business.
Called Business Peak District the group will be led by a wide range of representatives from the business community. It will represent all businesses in the area covered by the Peak District National Park and the High Peak, Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales districts or boroughs.
All businesses are being invited to join an event to find out about the group and its plans at Thornbridge Hall, near Great Longstone, on Monday 16 May.
The group hopes to:
Jim Harrison, managing director of Thornbridge Brewery, has been appointed chair of the group and is looking to generate interest from a wide range of business people representing all the companies that operate in the national park and surrounding areas.
He said; "This group will give a voice to every Peak District business no matter what the size.”
"Due to its rural location many Peak District businesses employ less than 10 people but when you add them together that creates a significant amount of jobs and the wages of those staff support local communities.”
"Business people will lead the group and work with local authorities to give businesses a voice in the way the economy is developing. So I would urge all businesses, no matter how big or small, to get involved, make their voice heard and help make the Peak District a better place for people to come and do business.”
Business Peak District will be supported by the Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. It will work closely with the Derbyshire and the Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and the Derbyshire Economic Partnership.
The group will also link in with Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, the official tourist board for the area and the University of Derby and other skills training providers.
David James, chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said: "The Peak District has been selected by VisitEngland as a Destination of Distinction, which means that the area will be heavily promoted to visitors.”
"This offers opportunities for us to showcase local businesses to visitors from across Britain and abroad. By working together, we can develop the area as a prime tourism destination, with the knock-on benefits that brings to the local economy.”
The University of Derby at Buxton has joined the group to assist with efforts to offer apprenticeships and other skills training to Peak District businesses.
Dean Dr Peter Dewhurst said: "Skills training is essential for the future success of any business.”
"We believe Business Peak District can play a crucial role in equipping rural businesses with the ability to train their staff and introduce apprenticeships. In turn this will ensure that our local businesses have trained staff which will enable them to compete with companies based in bigger towns and Cities.”
You will find more details of the launch event on 16 May here, and places can be booked by contacting Belinda Wybrow at belinda.wybrow@peakdistrict.gov.uk or by completing the form here.
High Peak shoppers look set to descend on Glossop for a string of eagerly-anticipated markets boasting the best in home-grown food, drink, arts and crafts.
Emboldened by the soar-away success of similar events late last year, the Borough Council has lined up no fewer than 11 Glossopdale Local Produce Markets for the coming year.
Taking place on Glossop Outdoor Market on the second Saturday of the month, the sales will allow shoppers to go straight to the producer for mouth-watering foods including meat, eggs, regional cheeses, cakes and preserves.
Hand-crafted gifts and art work will also be showcased at the monthly extravaganzas running from 9am to 3pm on February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10.
The first market will whet appetites with cakes and biscuits plus organic fruit and vegetables, olives, antipasto, smoked salmon and trout, homemade jams and chutneys. What is more, thirsty shoppers will be able to take home a good stock of locally-brewed ales!
Meanwhile, visitors of a more artistic persuasion will be catered for with handmade silk scarves and ceramics as well as homemade soaps and knitted items.
For more information on the produce markets, call Sarah Porru on 0845 129 7777 or send an e-mail to sarah.porru@highpeak.gov.uk.
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is responsible for administering European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) in England, providing around 3 billion pounds for regeneration during the current 2007-13 round. Day to day administration has undertaken on our behalf by the (Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), EMDA for the East Midlands, however, these will shortly be abolished.
The main components of DCLG proposals are that existing RDA ERDF teams should transfer into DCLG from 1 July, but that they should in all other respects continue to operate as now, including from their existing locations.
Alongside this there are ambitions for ERDF to contribute to the localism agenda. Although administration of ERDF will transfer to DCLG, they want to see local communities playing a big part in spending decisions through Local Management Committees (LMCs), which will take on the role of the existing Programme Monitoring Committees. LMCs will be chaired by a DCLG Director, who will be responsible for ensuing that each programme complies with the Regulations. But alongside them DCLG plan to appoint significant local figures as Deputy Chairs, with responsibility for ensuring that there is strong local input into ERDF programmes and individual projects.
Comments can be made to DCLG by 10 Jan.
Hathersage Hall Business Centre (the new £3.5m Grade II listed rural office development in the Hope Valley) has been shortlisted for a prestigious architecture award following the skilful and sensitive conversion of a range of semi-derelict listed buildings, which originally formed the coach house, dovecote and stables to Hathersage Hall.
The RIBA EM Awards are awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects East Midlands to recognise excellence in architecture within the East Midlands region. Hathersage Hall Business Centre is one of eleven developments across the region to be shortlisted for this year’s awards, the winners of which will be announced at a presentation ceremony in Leicester on 30th September.
The completed scheme has already received wide acclaim for its sensitive treatment of these listed buildings, which retain many original architectural features including detailed stonework and exposed roof trusses while at the same time achieving an impressive Category B energy performance rating and supporting the sustainability agenda with air source heat pumps for under floor heating.
Hathersage Hall Business Centre is also currently running as a finalist in the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2010 (Most Innovative Property/Building Development category) and has been cited by the CLA as a lead case study in The Rural Challenge Report.
A revised budget has been set by the Peak District National Park Authority after its funding was reduced by five per cent.
The Authority has been told by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that its existing grant to run public services in the national park during 2010/11 will now be cut by £426,253 to £8.29 million as part of the efforts to reduce the national budget deficit.
Members of the Authority set a new budget which seeks to protect frontline services as much as possible.
The savings will be made by:
The several public bodies involved in the Whaley Bridge Regeneration Partnership have been forced to abandon their long-held ambitions to build a new bridge over the River Goyt at Bingswood Industrial Estate.
Led by High Peak Borough Council, the project was intended to ease traffic congestion and address serious highway safety concerns in Whaley Bridge town centre. However, the Council had no choice but to call time on the scheme after a third party declined at the 11th hour to sell at a realistic price a vital piece of land needed for the bridge.
The decision by United Utilities not to sell the piece of land means that the Council is unable to meet the grant requirements of a major funding body.
Tony Kemp, High Peak's Executive Councillor for Regeneration, commented: "It is a huge frustration that after more than 10 years of hard work by the Council and its partners we find ourselves unable to proceed because United Utilities (who own this vital piece of land) have indicated they will only release it for a sum in the region of £1million. Aside from the fact that we have no chance of finding so much more cash at this stage, to proceed with this scheme by paying greatly over the underlying value of the land in question would contravene state-aid rules that govern the public sector."
DCAN now has a mini site which aims to spread the word to the creative industries - a term which includes all kinds of artists, performers, workers in the media and web designers, about how DCAN can work specifically with not for profit organisations in this area to help them win contracts for service and project delivery.
Access the mini-site at www.artsderbyshire.org.uk/find_artist/minisites/linkscvs/index.html
This FREE online course can be accessed at: www1.learndirect-business.com/business-courses/winning-the-contract
The course aims to provide help for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to bid for public sector contracts and gives information on how to identify business opportunities in the public sector, explains the public sector procurement process and demonstrates how to submit a tender.
The training is split into 6 modules, so once you have registered you can dip in and out to suit you. The course also has useful links to other sites, such as Business Link, which give extra information.
It takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes if you go straight through the modules – however, if you are curious and go into all the links for information, then it can take a rather longer!
Hathersage Hall Business Centre (the new £3.5m Grade II listed rural office development in the Hope Valley) is celebrating the arrival of its first two tenants, with the promise of more local firms to follow suit over the coming weeks.
In line with the philosophy behind the whole project, both firms - spearheaded by pioneering lady entrepreneurs - have sustainable development and regeneration at the core of their business ethos.
Helen Ibbotson heads the dynamic team at Ibbotson Architects (www.ibbotsonarchitects.co.uk), an internationally recognised company which is driving forward the sustainability agenda on a global basis; they recently received the Dragon Design Festival Award from the Chinese government.
“Hathersage Hall Business Centre is the natural base for my practice and meets the company’s aspirations perfectly” commented Helen, from the comfort of her new office. “The design of the Glass House, with its curved glass and walls and green sedum roof is consistent with the image of a contemporary, sustainable architectural practice and it is vitally important that clients see that I work in a location which is a clear demonstration of my design principles and beliefs.”
The opportunity to work alongside like-minded professionals was also a key factor in Helen’s decision to relocate and already she has brought another tenant to Hathersage Hall Business Centre, through her professional friendship with Frances Wells (Founding Director of FWA Sustainable Business www.fwaconsulting.com).
Frances is also an active corporate networker and will shortly be chairing a new, local female entrepreneurs’ mentoring group for Forward Ladies (www.forwardladies.com), the regional business women’s organisation.
This month sees the arrival of Peter Farmer and his team from FDA Design (www.fdadesign.co.uk): '”We've been looking for an office that matches the environmental credentials of our business for quite some time. FDA works inheritage interpretation so Hathersage Hall Business Centre really is the perfect location for us.”
Comprising six sensitively restored Grade II listed farm buildings, complemented by two attractively finished new builds, this high specification commercial property hub has been designed to cater for a complementary mix of businesses including those in the legal, architectural, design, digital, finance and marketing sectors and Michael is encouraging a broad base of skills to take up the remaining 10 units on offer.
Derbyshire based social enterprise, Genesis Enterprise Foundation successfully launched The Genesis Academy on 23 January at the prestigious Alfreton Hall. The launch event attracted over 60 people from across East and West Midlands, Lincolnshire and the North West and included presentations by David Kelly of Social Enterprise East Midlands (SEEM) and Philip Bramhall from East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA).
Steven Holmes, Executive Director and Founder, introduced the Academy and shared his own journey as an award winning social entrepreneur stemming back to 1989. He commented “the day went down really well. I'm looking forward to the next one in February and us being able to really get behind and support those attending”.
Elizabeth Hill, a delegate on the day said “I would like to say it was a very inspiring day. It was fast moving and very informative”. Her sentiments were echoed by other delegates who welcomed the opportunity to meet with other people and to gain valuable input and ideas from experienced practitioners.
The Academy will aim to provide a unique package of support for social enterprises who understand that as they invest in themselves they will see a return on that investment through the impact they make. The Academy's aim is to develop the sector by developing its emerging and existing leaders.
Throughout 2010 the Academy will be hosting a series of high impact events for social enterprises, starting on 27 February, designed to support social enterprises on the journey whether they are just starting out or looking to take their enterprise to the next stage. The February event entitled “Get Real... Dream on!” is all about reviewing refining mission and strategy. For more information contact colin@genesisacademy.org.uk or visit their website at www.genesisacademy.org.uk.
Derbyshire firms are being urged to apply for grants to help them invest in new hi-tech equipment.
Firms are being encouraged to apply for money from the East Midlands New Technology Initiative, which is funded by the East Midlands Development Agency.
Over the past six years £2.3m has been distributed through the NTI to small and medium sized businesses.
The final phase of funding is due to end by spring 2010.
The scheme provides match funding of up to £5,000 for firms to invest in technology and skills.
A festive hamper worth £100 has been put up for grabs in a prize draw for shoppers supporting High Peak indoor and outdoor markets in the run up to Christmas.
The draw is being staged by the Borough Council, which has issued draw vouchers to be handed out from mid November by all Buxton and Glossop market traders participating in the Shop Smart Shop Local scheme.
Each time a purchase is made, the customer in question will get a stamp to stick to his or her voucher. Once customers have three stamps, they should hand in their voucher at Buxton Town Hall, Glossop Municipal Buildings or the council office in Hayfield Road, Chinley.
The closing date for the prize draw is Thursday 17 December, with the winner notified by the following Monday. The hamper will then be presented to the winner before Christmas.
Said Tony Kemp, Executive Councillor for Regeneration: "Local market traders offer their customers excellent value and choice. Our Christmas promotion gives residents the opportunity to rediscover the benefits of having a local market".
Shoppers must be 18 or older to enter the prize draw. For more information, call Paul Armstrong on 0845 129 77 77 / 01298 28400 or send an e-mail to business@highpeak.gov.uk.
A SCHEME has been launched to recognise firms in Derbyshire that employ apprentices.
The apprenticeship employers' 'badge' can be displayed by county firms to highlight their commitment to apprenticeships and their logos will be displayed on the apprenticeship website.
Karen Woodward of the National Apprenticeship Service said: "The badge scheme will demonstrate which businesses support young people and will provide a service for consumers to choose.
"The scheme will add to the numerous benefits apprentices bring to a business."
To find out more go to apprenticeships.org.uk
High Peak Borough Council is unveiling the final draft of the Buxton Design and Place Making Strategy and is asking for comments before the document is adopted as formal planning policy.
The strategy has been put together by the public and follows an innovative programme of workshops held during the spring at which people and groups with an interest in Buxton were invited to have their say.
The strategy is very much the creation of Councillor Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council's Lead Councillor for Regeneration, who explained the need for the strategy: "The council is putting this strategy together in response to the growing pressure for development in Buxton. We are all very proud of Buxton's unique architectural and cultural heritage, and recognise the need to protect its character while, at the same time, allowing it to grow and prosper. It is therefore vital that we all agree now what the common vision for Buxton should be and how we would like the town to change over the coming years".
Over the summer, the council's consultants, Gillespies and Locum, have been putting together the final draft of the document to reflect the ideas and issues discussed at consultation workshops. The document is available for inspection at Buxton Town Hall and Library or online at www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/design/BuxtonDesign.asp.
Comments should be made by Friday 27 November.
Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Accessibility Partnership aims to reduce social exclusion by improving non-car dependant access to key services such as employment, education, healthcare, food shopping and leisure.
Project funding for local groups is available to deliver small scale accessibility improvements that will contribute to improving access to services for the benefit of residents and/or visitors in Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.
There are two amounts of funding available:
What type of projects are eligible?Projects that assist residents and/or visitors in Derbyshire Dales and High Peak:
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 27 November 2009. Please note that funding must be spent by 31 March 2010. If you would like an application form or to discuss a proposal, please contact:
David Marsden, Transport Partnership Officer, Winter Gardens , Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG. Phone: 01629 536750.Email: david.marsden@derbyshire.gov.uk
>> About Accessibility Partnership
Advice, new products and huge discounts will be on offer to HGV firms, farmers and agricultural contractors as the UK’s leading manufacturers, suppliers and service providers gather under one roof thanks to the launch of a new industry exhibition.
Parts at the Palace, which has been organised by Derbyshire-based supplier HGV Direct, will take place at the Barcelo Buxton Palace Hotel on the Palace Road in Buxton on Thursday 15 October (10am to 10pm).
The free exhibition will feature more than 30 of the industry’s top parts and spares manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from across the UK. This will be supported by competitions and special show-only offers.
Exhibitors include IMS, Banner Batteries, Shell, Trucktek, Britax, TMD Friction, Deb, Wabco, and other major suppliers.
Manufacturers and suppliers will showcase everything from truck, tractor and trailer hardware, lighting and electrical products to oils and lubricants, exhausts and air conditioning parts, cab panels and structural products. There will also be sections for workshop consumables and tools. As a result, visitors will be able to preview the very latest products through to garage essentials.
Parts at the Palace will also feature a special area for those organisations that keep you on the road, giving you a chance to obtain advice and further information from service providers from across the UK.
What’s more, exhibitors are also being encouraged to provide show-only offers, ensuring that visitors will be able to bag some great bargains on spares and service alike.
Speaking about the launch of Parts at the Palace, Simon Smedley, managing director of HGV Direct said:
“We hope that Parts at the Palace will provide something for everyone – there will be lots of stands, great offers and expert advice. So whether you manage a fleet company or are an owner driver, then this is show for you.”
“In fact, whether you need to repair it, replace it or upgrade it, the product or service you need to keep you on the road 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will be here.”
To pre-register, visit www.partsatthepalace.co.uk or telephone HGV Direct’s Ashbourne branch on 01335 346236.
Fedreal Mogul in Chapel-en-le-Frith is one of 13 plants shortlisted for the prestigious Best Factory of the Year award, organised by the Cranfield School of Management and Works Management magazine.
Plant manager Peter Varnsverry said, "We are delighted to receive this nomination, and are keen to see our plant recognised for its hard work in ensuring that our performance improvement measures proved a success".
Increased production and an improved response to changing markets have seen the plant able to compete more effectively in the market place, responding more swiftly to customers' needs and reducing the cost of production.
Full story at Buxton Advertiser.
Hathersage Hall Business Centre has been officially opened by the Duke of Devonshire and is now set to bring prominent knowledge-based businesses from Sheffield and Manchester into the Peak District.
The Duke of Devonshire said: "Hathersage Hall Business Centre is a unique development for the Peak District and shows the versatile options for the redevelopment of period buildings, to both generate business for rural Derbyshire and to maintain its delicate architectural heritage."
Located 20 minutes south of Sheffield city centre, the 12,500 sq ft complex is the first development within the confines of the Peak District to combine buildings with such provenance and new-build structures to create a top specification commercial property hub.
Michael Shuttleworth, Director of Hathersage Developments Ltd, said: "This development is one of the first of its kind for the Peak District and aims to provide business space within the National Park which is dedicated to knowledge based businesses. Hathersage Hall Business Park will generate throughput of commerce, establish high-earning jobs in the village and provide sustainable income via business rents, all of which immediately benefit the local economy."
Units are available on negotiable six to ten year leases with mid-term break points.
For more, visit www.hathersagebusiness.co.uk or contact Michael Shuttleworth on 01433 651098, enquiries@hathersagebusiness.co.uk.
Mono Design of St. Andrews House, Derby have set up a site www.derbydesignblog.co.uk which they would like people in the creative industries to join and have their say about things that they feel are important to them.
It could be about new trends in website design and development, current affairs topics that are related to the design industry or use of the internet etc.
They would really like fellow local designers and developers to add their comments and thoughts to the blog.
A new package of support targeting employers and workers is being launched in Derbyshire to counter the issue of redundancy.
The Response to Redundancy programme, to be delivered by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber's training arm Chamber Training, will provide employers with support and guidance.
For employees under notice of redundancy, or who have been made redundant, there will be training to refresh skills and re-skill for new jobs.
Chamber Training will deliver the programme from its Glossop or Swadlincote bases, or on employers' premises.
Head of training Sarah Temperton said: "This is a proactive programme designed to prevent people falling into an unemployment trap where they get out of the rhythm of work and find it difficult to get back."
Source Derbyshire Times
Over 680 new jobs have been created in Derbyshire during the past year with the help of an organisation which provides advice and support to firms through the Business Link Start-up Service.
During the last financial year, Derbyshire Enterprise Agency (DEA) helped almost 500 new businesses - a significant achievement in the current economic climate according to DEA Chairman John Foxcroft.
“It’s encouraging to see there are still so many entrepreneurs in the County prepared to set up on their own and we’re delighted to have been able to help them,” he explained.
“Starting up in business can be daunting at the best of times but in the teeth of a recession receiving expert help and advice is more important than ever.”
A wholly owned subsidiary of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, DEA has more than 25 years experience of helping new businesses to succeed.
The organisation now delivers start-up services in the County on behalf of Business Link and help is delivered to both newly-formed companies and individuals thinking of becoming self-employed.
The range of services offered includes providing essential information and one-to-one guidance as well as organising business training and development workshops. “Working alongside Business Link, the aim is to help these fledgling businesses survive and grow – providing a platform for them to make a significant contribution to Derbyshire’s economy,” said Dr Foxcroft.
“In addition to the initial start-up service, around 480 businesses received further mentoring support from our team of experienced advisers based at the Brian Clough Business Centre in Derby.
“We’ve established a range of access points across the county from Swadlincote to Bakewell, Buxton, and Glossop and we will continue to work with a range of partners to ensure would–be entrepreneurs get the best possible advice,” he added.
Thanks to a partnership working with Derbyshire County Council and a grant from the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership Progressive Towns Grant, a programme of free retail survival workshops will be returning to the High Peak.
The training package comprises of two evening workshops focused on low-cost or no-cost tips, techniques and ideas that retailers can easily put into practice on their return to work to help increase sales, spend and productivity. There will be an opportunity for further discussion and networking and every shop that registers can have a confidential mystery shop undertaken on their premises, thus giving valuable feedback. After the course is finished there will be a telephone support-line vailable for one month for any questions to be answered.
The workshops were first run by Main Marketing in Chapel and Glossop during 2005 and were very well received by those who attended.
Two series of workshops will be held in the High Peak during 2009.
• The first series will be held on 7th and 9th July at Pavilion Gardens, Buxton.
• The second series on 6th and 13th October at New Mills High School & Enterprise College, Church Lane, New Mills.
Retailers from all towns and villages are welcome to come to any event and are not restricted to just those based in the workshop location.
For further information and to book a place contact Diane Jackson, Shop Doctor, Tel: 0845 129 9948, Email: shopdoctor@retailsurvival.co.uk
www.derbyshire.retailsurvival.co.uk
Working in partnership with the University of Derby and Vision Buxton, High Peak Borough Council have completed a feasibility study exploring the demand and viability for a Business Innovation Centre in Buxton.
The study, 100% funded by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, has found strong demand exists from local entrepreneurs, students and small businesses for an Innovation Centre.
The development could provide around 55 small units of between 150 and 1000 sq ft on flexible terms, along with meeting and virtual office facilities.It would provide the Borough with a business hub, which would not only benefit Buxton but also the rest of the Borough.
Business Connect June 2009
The current economic downturn makes it more important than ever that local businesses are aware of initiatives available to support their immediate survival and future development. This Business Connect newsletter provides a useful update on some of the support services available to local businesses through the Council and our partners.
Contents:
Grants for Business Investment
The Derbyshire Trusted Trader Scheme
Leaders First – An opportunity to develop your own skills
Regeneration News
Time to consider starting up in business?
How to get ahead by adopting green business practices
Free business listing for High Peak businesses
How to find out about Council contract opportunities
Shop Local
FREE Retail survival workshops
Peace of Mind for you and your Business
Is your small business entitled to rate relief?
Government help with business finances
Glossop-based entrepreneurs can now benefit from improved help and support thanks to an organisation that provides practical advice to business start-ups.
According to Derbyshire Enterprise Agency, a subsidiary of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, the current economic climate has seen increased demand for its services, with many people regarding redundancy as an opportunity to become self-employed.
In response, the Agency, which delivers the Business Link Start-up Service across Derbyshire, has announced it will be running a new series of business workshops in the town.
In addition, Business Link Start-Up adviser, Sue Scholes, will be based in Glossop for a day a week, working from the offices of High Peak Borough Council. Sue has many years' experience as a business adviser, working in rural communities to help people develop new sources of income through self-employment.
She has already helped dozens of businesses in the High Peak to get off the ground and Scott Knowles, DEA Director of Operations, said: "In Glossop we have seen a particular increase in demand for our services, and the town and surrounding villages boast a lot of talented individuals with some fantastic business ideas."
"We want to ensure people really understand what it takes to run a business, and equip them with the skills they need to make it a success. Sue is the ideal person to help them."
The next workshop, on business planning, will take place at the Gas Works, Arundel Street, Glossop on 11 June between 9.30am and 4.30pm. It will be followed by a further workshop covering sales and marketing on 24 June, whilst financial planning and ICT will be covered during future events.
Added Scott: "The workshop programme is free of charge and designed to cover all aspects of starting a new business, from researching your market to developing a business plan. What's more, through the office in Glossop, Sue will be available to offer new businesses ongoing help and advice throughout their first year of trading."
Derbyshire County Council is offering advice and guidance on how to cope with the credit crunch. Firstly, it is vital to avoid panicking or trying to ignore the problem if you are getting into debt.
The best thing to do if you sense that you have a problem with debt is to contact those you owe money to.
It is also important to respond to any letters or calls and let creditors know about your situation.
The sooner you ask for advice and guidance, the sooner you will be able to organise your finances and start planning ahead to pay off your debts.
Large amounts of money go unclaimed from the county council every year because people do now always know what they are entitled to.
There are a number of places to go to get free and independent help and advice on coping with and getting out of debt.
The National Debt Helpline can be contacted on 0808 808 4000, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service is on 0800 138 1111, Payplan is on 0800 917 7823 and the Citizens Advice Bureau can be contacted on 0207 7833 2181.
If you have a money problems, you should talk about it rather than keeping it to yourself and making life more difficult for yourself.
The council runs a benefit helpline which can check if you are missing out. Call 0845 480 1010 or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/welfarerights.
Source: Derby Evening Telegraph
Following the success of the Showcase Market and Sell Events held across the East Midlands in March 2009, funding has been secured for four more free events to enable you to showcase your business by networking with other businesses whilst gaining practical advice on marketing and how to tender.
9 June - Morley Hayes Hotel 16 June - The Legacy Chesterfield Hotel 23 June - Losehill House Hotel, Hope 8 July - Mickleover Court Hotel
The events are free and open to all businesses to exhibit, network and explore new partnerships and trade opportunities.
To secure your free place at a conference or to apply for one of the limited exhibition stand spaces, please email your details to showcase@dncc.co.uk indicating which venue you wish to attend. Exhibition spaces will be allocated via a lottery draw system.
www.dncc.co.uk/your-chamber/2611/showcase-market-and-sell-23-06-09
A £1.253 million scheme has been launched by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), the Peak District National Park Authority and the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) to support rural businesses and communities.
The three-year ‘Live & Work Rural’ programme aims to help businesses create new jobs and safeguard existing ones and enable communities to carry out projects to benefit local residents.
The news comes as independent research, recently commissioned by emda reveals the Peak District National Park contributed around £155 million* to the region in economic output (or Gross Value Added - GVA) in 2007. The National Park supports over 14,000 jobs across 2,800 businesses - a significant contribution to the East Midlands economy. The report also shows that businesses located in the Peak District can gain a competitive advantage due to the quality of the environment and the area’s profile.
The ‘Live & Work Rural’ programme aims to:
The programme will also be used to develop the Peak District National Park Authority’s existing community planning work.
By 2026 High Peak will need to accommodate growth in houses, employment and services of a scale equivalent to the towns of Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge combined. High Peak Borough Council is seeking the views of local people on the important decision of where new development will be located.
The scale of new growth in the Borough is dictated by the East Midlands Regional Plan. This requires that some 6,000 new homes be provided in High Peak between 2006 and 2026. Employment, community facilities, shops and other facilities will also need to be planned and provided to meet the needs of future generations.
Prepared jointly with Derbyshire Dales District Council, the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy will decide how the area develops up to 2026.
A major consultation exercise on the issues that the area faces and the potential options for addressing them started on 26 March 2009, and runs through until 21 May 2009.
To view online please use the following consultation website:
highpeak-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/jointcorestrategy/issuesandoptions
Comments can be submitted online or by emailing ldf@highpeak.gov.uk/a>
Nineteen local businesses have won Peak District Environmental Quality Mark awards for achieving the highest standards of environmental care. The annual awards to eco-friendly food, farming, craft and accommodation businesses are presented by Peak District National Park Authority.
There are now 81 Peak District businesses who have achieved Environmental Quality Mark standard - all inspected and certified to confirm they actively reduce their environmental impact and help conserve the Peak District National Park.
They use locally-produced, environmentally-friendly goods and services, ensure energy and water efficiency, minimise waste, and provide environmental information to their customers. Farming award-holders also protect the wildlife and archaeology on their land. The menu for the awards dinner was specially-created from local food supplied by EQM holders.
The 2009 EQM award-winners are:
Farms: Lower Lady Meadows Farm, Bradnop; Grove Farm, Stanshope; Thorpe Farm/Hope Valley Ice Cream, Hathersage; Big Fernyford Farm, Reapsmoor; Longstone Hardy Plant Nursery, Great Longstone; Mistlehall Farm, Rowsley; Hall Farm, Grindlow; Paradise Farm, Chapel-en-le-Frith; Lower Wigginstall Farm, Reapsmoor; Rock Farm, Middleton-by-Youlgreave.
Shops, craft-producers and accommodation-providers: Christine Waygood Handframed Originals, Glossop; Studio 61, Lea; EcoEco, Hope; Sunny Bank Guest House, Matlock Bath; Riding House Cottages, Castleton; Jaret House, Tideswell; Derwent House, Matlock; Wheeldon Trees Farm, Earl Sterndale; Hargate Hall, Wormhill.
Information about the EQM scheme is available on www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/eqm or from Faith Johnson on 01629 816321 or email faith.johnson@peakdistrict.gov.uk
New Government regulations, which are expected to be in place by the end of July, will offer businesses the option of deferring 60% of this year's increase until 2010/11 and 2011/12.
Businesses must keep paying their legally established liability as set out on their current bills.
For further information please visit www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1190988.pdf
Hathersage Hall Business Centre offers an attractive working environment with high-speed broadband capability, set against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park. These prestige new offices, with units ranging from 500 - 1500 sq ft, will be ready for occupation in September 2009.
Hathersage Hall Business Centre offers a rare opportunity to locate your business in the thriving Peak District village of Hathersage, just 10 miles south west of Sheffield.
Work is already well under way to convert the original 19th Century farm outbuildings into prestigious modern offices. When completed in September this year, they will provide a total of 14,000 sq ft of office space to accommodate up to 15 small to medium sized businesses.
Call 01433 651098 or email: enquiries@hathersagebusiness.co.uk
The Peak District National Park Authority wants to hear people’s views on one of the biggest village redevelopment proposals for generations.
The Authority, parish council and developers are all holding displays and events in the Hope Valley village of Bradwell, where Newburgh Estates want to redevelop the six-hectare (15-acre) Newburgh Engineering site after moving its main base to Rotherham.
Newburgh’s outline planning application includes a mixed development of around 150 new homes (from affordable rented apartments right up to large detached houses), a medical centre, supermarket, community social centre, café/restaurant, offices and industrial space for start-up businesses. Newburgh would also retain a presence on the site.
The redevelopment, which would be phased over five or more years, would mean a major transformation for the heart of the village, an estimated population increase of 30 per cent, a boost to its economy and improved community amenities.
People can view the scheme and give comments online at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/planning (application no: NP/DDD/1208/1089). The deadline for comments is February 20.
Phil Stanyer, president of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, has set out a new year manifesto for the organisation, which represents more than 4,000 businesses across the two counties.
He said the chamber would step up its lobbying of government at all levels and push the Bank of England to adopt policies and fiscal measures to support business.
More emphasis will be put on helping member companies find new markets and suppliers, including these in the public sector and international markets.
The chamber will also promote assistance through productivity initiatives, skills development and infrastructure improvement.
Mr Stanyer said: "The challenge to business, and therefore, the well-being of the community, has never been greater.
"We intend to lead the way in resisting any moves that place additional, and often unfair, burdens on business, such as supplementary business rates, the EU Working Time Directive and workplace parking levies.
"It is down to us to take the lead and we are taking practical steps to do that.
"One lesson which we hope is emerging from the current economic crisis is the importance of our business community to the entire nation. With thousands of jobs stake, we are not fighting just for one interest group but for everyone's livelihoods."
The Food and Drink Innovation Network, backed by the East Midlands Development Agency, is looking for eligible companies to benefit from an innovation support grant. The grants are for small and medium-sized businesses, which employ fewer than 250 people.
They will be given to companies who need support with developing new technologies and products
Support valued at up to £10,000 is available per business, providing that 50% match-funding is given by each firm.
For more information, call the Food and Drink iNet on 0845 521 2066 or visit http://www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk/.
The number of people in Derbyshire claiming unemployment-related benefits has risen for the fifth month in a row. According to the latest figures released by Derbyshire County Council's research and information team, there were 3,798 more people claiming unemployment-related benefits in November.
This is twice as many as there were in the same month last year and the rate of the increase is above the national and regional average.
In total, 11,393 people were claiming unemployment in Derbyshire. According to the research, the area which suffered the biggest rise in unemployment was south Derbyshire, where it rose by 74.7%.
This was closely followed by Amber Valley (a 66.8% rise) and Erewash (60.9%).
Chesterfield had the smallest percentage increase of 22.1%.
A county council spokeswoman said the main reason behind the rise, particularly in South Derbyshire, could be the job losses at digger giant JCB in neighbouring Staffordshire.
The Rocester-based firm, which employs about 5,000 people at 11 UK factories, including plants at Foston and Uttoxeter, was forced to cut production and lay off about 1,000 staff last year.
The battle against climate change has been boosted in the Peak District with grants to a renewable-energy village hall, a proposed hydro-electric plant and a schools action project.
The Peak District Sustainable Development Fund allocates £200,000 a year to help business or community projects that strengthen the environment and communities for the future. Its latest round of grant allocations included:
This Christmas, High Peak Borough Council is calling on local residents and businesses to use their spending power to support local shops to help keep a range of great independent stores and jobs in our towns and villages.
If you have not explored your own High Street or visited neighbouring towns in the High Peak lately, you could be in for a big surprise - hand made chocolates, designer clothes and shoes, high quality unique and branded toys, bikes, books, soft furnishings, jewellery and unique hand crafted gifts are all available in our town centres.
High Peak also has some of the best independent food shops in the country. Our butchers provide locally sourced meat and poultry and have won national recognition for their quiches, pies, sausages and cooked meat products. Local specialities such as potato cakes, oatcakes and Christmas cakes are available from bakers and delicatessens.
Farmers markets are being held at the United Reform Church Whaley Bridge on Saturday 13 December and at Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on Monday 22 December. Farmers markets are open from 10 am to 3 pm and there is no admission fee.
Christmas can be an expensive time for those on a budget - so why not visit our traditional markets or Glossop indoor market where, not only is there a good range of quality items, but plenty of bargains - from Christmas cards through to woollens, gifts and household necessities.
Evidence shows that for every £10 spent in an independent shop, £25 is generated for the local economy - compared to £14 spent in multinationals.
High Peak residents can use their car-parking permits to get free parking all day on Sundays in Buxton, New Mills and Glossop and before 10 am and after 4 pm everyday (excluding Spring Gardens car park, Buxton). Free car parking is available in Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge.
The Climate Resilience Programme, funded by East Midlands Development Agency and managed by environmental consultancy Pro Enviro, will offer a range of services to help participating businesses capitalise on opportunities and reduce the risks associated with climate change.
Firms will receive free bespoke climate risk assessments, access to support and information and will be able to apply for grants to pay costs involved in climate-proofing their business operations and equipment.
A series of free workshops connected to the programme are taking place for different sectors.
To register for any of the workshops or to find out more about the Climate Resilience Programme, visit www.climateresilience.org.uk.
An ICT makeover worth thousands of pounds is up for grabs through a competition being run by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Derbyshire WellConnected. Thesuccessful entry willwin a fully-funded package of hardware, software, consultancy and training to improve profitability through improved use of information technology. There will also be free advice and help available for two runners up.
The consultancy work, installation and training will be carried out by Sheffield-based IT consultancy Sharpe Systems and paid for by the Derbyshire Well Connected campaign. The competition is open to small and large businesses from urban or rural areas ranging from the High Peak down to South Derbyshire. Kevin Edwards, chief executive of DDEP, said: "Internet and mobile technology can help to make any business or enterprise more efficient and better equipped for success. Whether you run a bed and breakfast, are a manufacturer, a farm shop or an office based company, it will be to your advantage to sit up and take notice of the benefits that ICT can make to your business."
To compete for a chance to win the ICT makeover, businesses should contact the DDEP communications team on 01865 882988 or email ddep@bottlepr.co.uk for details.
The closing date for entries is Tuesday, November 18.
Remember if you have an ICT problem you can't solve or your need ICT advice call Derbyshire WellConnected for FREE advice now on 0845 058 6644
With many businesses worried about the potential impact of the credit crunch, Business Link's team of advisers is working with High Peak Borough Council to help local companies access timely information and advice to protect themselves against any potential adverse business conditions.
Business Link's informative guide and business healthcheck tool are being complemented by a series of Beat the Crunch events planned across the region. The aim is to encourage local businesses to take positive steps and help them identify areas that could improve both their business performance and competitiveness during any possible downturn they might experience.
"The main thing is for people to contact us before things get serious," says Paul Stuart, Derbyshire Area Manager for the regional Business Link service. "There is a lot of help, advice and support available to help businesses tackle difficult situations. The earlier they get in touch, the better able we will be to help them access the information and support that is right for their needs."
He adds: "Now is also the time to look at ensuring your business is smart and efficient. By taking steps now, businesses can reduce the impact that the current economic situation may have and access help to avoid running into serious problems. Sometimes, re-evaluating the business can even help to identify new opportunities for growth or diversification."
Companies can get further information and guidance on any aspect of their business from Business Link's team of local advisers.
The team of experts is available to help review performance and identify any improvements that can help to achieve strategic business goals and what effective steps can be taken to manage cash flow. They can also provide additional access to information and signpost to other specialist business support services available to help address individual needs.
A FREE event, designed to help local businesses Combat the Crunch is being held at the Gateway Centre in Derby on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 8.30am to 10.30am.
To secure your place, request a copy of the FREE information guide or receive advice on how to access online tools to help you Beat the Crunch, contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644, or email info@businesslinkem.co.uk.
The easy way to learn about business technology.
As part of the DDEP's Derbyshire WellConnected ICT help and advice programme, a series of FREE ICT Roadshows will be taking place during October and November at venues all over Derbyshire. A fully equipped mobile ICT suite will be manned by a team of ICT experts who are available for you to speak with about any ICT matter. If you want to know :
Advisers will be able to answer any query you have.
15 Oct
Buxton
Promenade to the back of Pavilion Gardens
17 Oct
Glossop
Norfolk Square in Glossop Town Centre
22 Oct
Bakewell
Agricultural Business Centre
23 Oct
Matlock
Public Car Park opposite Sainsbury's
24 Oct
Ashbourne
Quality Hotel Ashbourne
www.derbyshire-wellconnected.co.uk/index.php?p=50
£1.9m funding provided by the European Union and Defra is now available until 2013 to help develop the Rural Economy.
Micro-enterprises and land based businesses within the Peak District Rural Action Zone (RAZ), covering large parts of Derbyshire Dales, Staffordshire Moorlands and High Peak, will be able to apply for funding to help them diversify their interests and become more sustainable thanks to the launch of Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership’s (DDEP) new LEADER funding.
LEADER will be co-ordinated by the Local Action Group (LAG), which comprises 15 public, private and voluntary sector representatives, all with local knowledge and expertise. Local members include Councillor Tracey Critchlow, Farming Life Centre Manager.
Over the next few months, the focus will be on helping the land-based sector to diversify into non-agricultural activities, particularly within the food and drink, creative industry and environmental sectors. Eligible projects will have a value of at least £7,000 and could include applications for funding towards the cost of feasibility studies, market research, start-up capital and revenue costs, product development and refurbishment projects.
Alongside this, LEADER funding will support the creation and development of micro-enterprises and social enterprises. New start-up businesses and existing businesses employing less than ten people will be able to apply for match-funding grants to help set-up and market a new business venture, develop local products or refurbish and convert a property for business use. To be eligible for funding, businesses must have a focus on local products or services and deliver clear economic benefits, particularly on job creation.
In the future, grants will also be available through LEADER for projects and businesses that will contribute to tourism in the area; enhance and develop rural heritage; projects that help raise skills and address specific skills gaps in rural provision; and activities that improve access to key rural services.
The LEADER approach has a cross cutting theme of ‘growing greener enterprise’ and will therefore give priority to any proposals that make use of environmental technologies and/or renewable energy solutions and those that integrate environmental management and resource efficiency principles into their proposals.
Cllr Lewis Rose Chair of the Local Action Group commented:
“The LEADER approach has been designed to address gaps identified in the current provision within the Rural Action Zone and complement existing activities, so that we can help to support our key industry sectors, such as land based businesses, micro-enterprises, tourism and heritage.”
“The first phase of grant activity has been designed to help support organisations that are most likely to be affected by a slowing economy – micro-enterprises and agricultural businesses. So I would encourage any business that meets the criteria and is looking to diversify its interests or develop a new project to apply.”
LEADER has received £1.9million from the Rural Development Programme for England 2007 – 2013.
£1.6 million has been awarded from East Midlands Development Agency (emda) together with an additional £285,000 funding from Advantage West Midlands (AWM).
For further information about the LEADER project and grant eligibility, visit www.ddep.co.uk/rural-forum/leader-/. Alternatively e-mail Amanda.Brown@ddep.co.uk.
Research into current levels of understanding and awareness of social enterprise, carried out for the Office of the Third Sector, has revealed a high level of confusion. In those surveyed, when asked to pick out social businesses from a list of candidates the largest number chose Comic Relief or Childline, rather than the likes of Eden Project or Big Issue. And the sector is seen as vague, woolly, worthy, small and inefficient.
See Social Enterprise magazine news item, www.socialenterpriselive.com or the OTS short summary which has a link to a presentation (PowerPoint style) of the findings.
DDEP currently has Invitations to Apply for Grant Funding for both revenue and capital projects. These cover both DDEP’s main programme and the remaining allocation available to the Peak District Rural Action Zone (RAZ) up to March 2011. Whilst the priorities identified are relevant to the RAZ, projects will be prioritised which demonstrate clear fit with the specific actions in the RAZ Action Plan 2008-11 (available on the website) and address gaps in current provision. Emphasis will be placed on developing rural-market town linkages and activity in Market Towns.
Supermarket giant Tesco has agreed to stock ice cream made in a Peak District village at more of its stores.
Bradwell's Ice Cream is celebrating after the chain agreed to sell its range of traditionally-made ice creams in 52 of its Midlands stores. The product, which has been made in Bradwell since 1899, is currently sold in 13 Tesco stores.
James Gough, Tesco's regional marketing manager, said: "We are proud to support local producers and sell locally- produced products."
Organised by the Farming Life Centre in conjunction with the Peak District National Park Authority, the Future Farms Food Club aims to promote and encourage the use of food grown and produced in the Peak District.
The Club will hold seven one-day events where participants will visit a business which already makes, uses or promotes local foods and learn from its experiences. Venues will include food producers, retailers and users, such as hotels, tearooms, farm shops, village stores and delicatessans.
Each event will include an interactive seminar where topics covered will encourage sharing of ideas and development of skills. Time for networking will be built in, so participants will be able to make new contacts and talk with like-minded business people.
The first meeting will be on 23 September at The Maynard in Grindleford, with subsequent events in October in Ilam and November in Hathersage. For more information and a copy of the programme visit www.thefarminglifecentre.org.uk, email juliacook@thefarminglifecentre.org.uk or telephone 01298 85162. Booking essential.
Farming Life Centre Manager, Julia Cook said, “We want to bring together farmers, producers, retailers and other businesses using local food, to promote improved development, availability and use of local food products in Peak District communities and businesses.”
The Peak District National Park Authority, working with a range of partner organisations, is asking what recreational activities people do now and how that might change in the future.
As well as traditional activities such as walking, climbing, horse riding, mountain biking and caving the survey will also ask questions about the quality of services offered at visitor and cycle hire centres, car parks and toilets.
Members of the public can have their say through an online questionnaire by visiting www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/consultations any time until 3 October. Paper copies are available by ringing Penny Aitken on 01629 816343.
The information gained will be used to plan how to manage demand and deliver services to support recreational activities in the national park; to meet government targets to increase physical activity; and to raise awareness of the special qualities of national parks and what they can offer for different groups.
Judy Merryfield, recreation strategy team manager, said: “This will be one of the biggest surveys carried out in the Peak District to find out what people are doing with their time when they come here to help us plan how to improve opportunities for all.”
“It only takes a few minutes to fill in the questionnaire so we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to give us the information we need to plan services better with our partners.
“We are also really keen to hear from people who don’t use the national park to find out what is putting them off and what services they would want to see before they would feel comfortable coming.”
If you are thinking of setting up your own business, or have just started and are looking for new premises, Westthorpe Innovation Business Centre in Killamarsh is offering free space for a year, valued at £2,500, for the best business idea in North East Derbyshire.
The offer, a joint initiative between North East Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire Enterprise Agency, is for new businesses: applicants will have to submit a business plan and explain their idea to a team of dragons' den style judges. Find out more from D&N Chamber's events team - tel 01332 851280 or email events@dncc.co.uk
The University of Derby is launching a new programme of events to help businesses improve their computer security. The School of Computing has come up with the idea behind the Derbyshire Information Security Consortium.
The aim of the consortium is to share knowledge with local businesses about computer security - and through the relationship encourage firms to offer workplaces to its students.
The consortium will stage a free programme of guest speakers on computer security, enabling students and interested firms to hear about the latest ways of keeping data and information secure.
Derbyshire business leaders have welcomed proposals to limit the cost of new Government regulations.
Plans announced by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform include introducing a limit on the cost of new regulation for each Government department, with budgets agreed this year. George Cowcher , chief executive of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, said: "This move is to be welcomed as the intention is to put a cap on the cost to business but it is by no means the entire solution.
"Good, clear, well-thought-out regulation should be straightforward and easy to follow - it should help, not hinder business operations and provide a fair playing field on which to compete.
"If introducing a limit on costs encourages simpler and more minimal regulation, then it is a good start."
The Government wants to cut the burden to business by 25 per cent by 2010.
Derbyshire's conference industry is set to receive a boost with the re-launch of a website dedicated to promoting the best the county has to offer.
The new look website, at www.conference-derbyshire.co.uk, has been improved to offer better search facilities for customers, more content and details of future events.
Conference Derbyshire is part of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber but is run independently.
Co-ordinator Sammy Purewal said: "The site will feature our new branding and will help maximise the opportunities online.
"We want to convert interest into solid business for the county."
An environmental group in Derbyshire has launched a new training programme for businesses. Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire, which carries out work throughout the county on regeneration, sustainability and the environment, is offering training to firms to help raise awareness of the benefits of being greener.
The charity's executive director John Bowie said the training programme was a natural extension of their work.
For more information call Groundwork on 01773 539430.
The Connect InvoRed programme has hosted it's busiest summer of workshop to date, but there are still even more over the coming weeks!
On August 12th there is a Business Strategy Bootcamp in Chesterfield, and on August 21st Right Funds for You in Kegworth. On 23rd and 24th September the popular and top-rated Amber Workshop is being held in Loughborough, and 14th October will see a Business Planning Bootcamp also in Loughborough.
The Connect InvoRed (Investment Readiness) programme is funded by emda and aims to provide science, engineering, technology or high-growth companies with the tools that they need to develop and to raise investment.
The programme is delivered through a range of workshops where delegates learn how to create a winning business proposition and how to prepare for that all important investment deal.
There are two levels of support available within the InvoRed programme; the Amber stream for entrepreneurs with a gem of an idea seeking their first round of company funding, and the Green stream for more experienced entrepreneurs or businesses who typically have a business model and a management team in place.
Companies developing strong propositions may then be selected to present at exclusive investment raising platforms such as Springboard or the Connect Midlands Investment Conference (CMIC).
Creative Industries starter studios, meeting rooms and other facilities will be available at a brand new arts centre in Rowsley, Derbyshire, opening in November 2008.
First Movement is very proud to have received about £1.8million of funding to develop a new purpose built Level Centre with performance space, technology studio, meeting space and creative industry resources in Rowsley, near Matlock. The building is almost ready and will be officially launched in November.
There will be a Creative Industries Sneak Preview Open Day on Friday 19th September 2008 at 2pm. First Movement will launch its new website during this preview event and it will give organisations and individuals a chance to sample the facilities in advance of the official launch date. Email fmt@first-movement.org.uk to reserve a place.
First Movement is an arts organisation dedicated to developing high quality arts projects with learning disabled people operating long-term projects in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Level Centre idea developed from First Movement’s Level Projects which are radical, live arts collaborations between learning disabled people living miles apart. Using world leading video conferencing, large-scale projection and new technologies it creates a single, virtual arts space in which participants create and perform with people they would otherwise never meet.
For further information email fmt@first-movement.org.uk or telephone 01629 57687.
A Campaign to help businesses in Derbyshire exploit broadband internet access and other forms of information technology as been launched by Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership under the name 'Derbyshire - Well Connected'.
The campaign includes an advice line and website.
There will also be events running throughout the year, designed to help Derbyshire firms become better connected.
DDEP chief executive Kevin Edwards said: "The campaign has been designed to better the economy of Derbyshire as a whole, through improving the productivity and efficiency of large or small businesses.
"Internet and mobile technology can help to make any business or enterprise more efficient and better equipped for success.
"Whether you run a bed and breakfast, own a large hotel, a farm shop or an office-based company, it will be to your advantage to sit up and take notice of the benefits that it can make to your business."
To find out more, visit www.derbyshire-wellconnected.co.uk or call the advice line on 0845 058 6644.
Derbyshire businesses could be making more of the changes to Capital Gains Tax, according to tax experts. The new Capital Gains Tax system was introduced over three months ago but PricewaterhouseCoopers believes that some entrepreneurs may not yet have realised that the new structure could bring them benefits.
The changes, introduced on April 6, include a new flat rate of tax payable at 18% on all capital gains, replacing a range of tax rates extending from 10% to 40%.
The simpler system also includes tax relief for entrepreneurs, which applies to the first £1m of capital gains, which will remain taxable at 10%.
Source: This Is Business
High Peak Business Network has been up and running for about 18 months since it was started by Marianne and Nicola, and during this period the number of people who have signed up to receive details of the events has grown steadily - the 200th person has just signed up.
MentoringforAll East Midlands is designed to help business owners access the knowledge and expertise of another business leader to develop their own skills and competencies. Using a business mentor can help you focus on your longer term development needs, unlock creativity to solve problems, make you aware of support and resources, and provide you with increased motivation.
Mentors are drawn from an extensive pool of experienced business leaders and matched according to your needs. The programme is designed around a plan of 10 mentoring sessions over a 12 month period at times and locations to suit you.
The mentoring sessions can be used to discuss any issue relating to the management or operation of your business – what is discussed is up to you. The mentor acts as a sounding board, offering an experienced point of view.
The initiative is open to all businesses in the East Midlands that have been trading for around one year and that employ no more than 250 people. For businesses that have been trading for less than 12 months, support is available through Business Link’s Mentoring Scheme for Start up Businesses.
The cost of the programme is heavily subsidised and will cost businesses just £250 (plus VAT).
For further information visit www.mentoringeastmidlands.co.uk or telephone 0115 970 5550.
Source: High Peak Business Connect
To support innovation, workforce development and business growth, the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) has launched the Enterprise Development Fund to support small and medium sized businesses.
Chief Executive of DDEP, Kevin Edwards, explains the purpose of the scheme; “The fund is designed to provide funding for ICT, workforce development, business growth and innovation, so that businesses in Derbyshire, particularly in rural areas, can compete on an equal footing with the rest of the East Midlands and the whole of the UK”.
ICT - Grants are available to assist businesses with the purchase of ICT equipment; to invest in technology to enable staff to work from home or be mobile workers; and to develop effective e-commerce solutions allowing businesses to trade online. The ICT grants are designed to help businesses to become more effective, and encourage skilled workers to stay in rural areas as well as helping businesses to develop new areas of trade.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - Funding is available for expanding businesses to help develop their workforces through courses and training programmes. This training should also help develop the business, for example through new practices and processes. Support is available for both existing businesses and those moving into the area. This strand complements the Train to Gain initiative.
BUSINESS INNOVATION - Grants are available towards new equipment that will allow businesses to diversify through the introduction of new products or develop new ways of working. Funding is also available towards the use of external consultants within specific sectors to allow businesses introduce lean manufacturing methods and to make the supply chain more efficient and profitable.
The Enterprise Development Fund is managed on behalf of DDEP by Business Link East Midlands. For further information telephone 0845 058 6644 or visit www.businesslinkeastmidlands.co.uk
Issue 2 of the newsletter High peak Business Connect is now out, designed to update you on work that is taking place in the Borough to assist business growth.
There are articles on: Growing your business with the help of a personal business mentor; Historic Building Grants; New grant schemes for High Peak businesses; Leader Local Development Strategy 2008 - 2013; Environmental business support; High Peak Employment Land Review; Creativity in the Peak District.
>> Download Business Connect
From art to architecture, music to marketing, the creative industries sector is growing at a healthy rate across all counties in the East Midlands, according to a recent report by BOP Consulting. Over the period surveyed (2001-2005), Derbyshire demonstrated the greatest growth in the region with the number of creative businesses increasing by 35.5%, compared to 19% for the East Midlands as a whole. Employment figures rose 17.5% compared to 8%.
The study found that in 2005, the creative industries accounted for 8.3% of all businesses in the East Midlands, a similar figure to the national average. A separate nationwide report also recently reported the creative sector contributes £60 billion a year – 7.3% - to the UK economy, and that over the past decade, the creative sector has grown at twice the rate of the economy as a whole.
In the East Midlands, the number of creative industries businesses and jobs grew by a greater degree in rural areas than in urban areas. The greatest growth was experienced in the visual arts and design sub sector of the creative industries, followed by the audio-visual sector, the books and press sector, and the performance sector.
Source: www.creativegreenhouse.org.uk
A New report shows that Derbyshire has "the strongest creative industries business growth" in the East Midlands.
From art to architecture, music to marketing, the creative industries sector is growing at a healthy rate, according to a recent report by BOP Consulting.
Over the period surveyed, from 2001 to 2005, Derbyshire demonstrated the greatest growth in the region with the number of creative businesses increasing by 35.5 per cent, compared with 19 per cent for the East Midlands as a whole.
The number of creative business in Derbyshire went up from 2,200 to 3,000.
Source: This Is Derbyshire
Derbyshire firms are being asked to put forward issues they want raised by a delegation from the region when it meets a Government organisation which encourages exporting.
Representatives of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber's international trade forum will form part of a delegation to go to the House of Commons next month to meet the chief executive of UK Trade and Investment, Andrew Cahn.
Head of the chamber's international trade team David Hood said: "Among the issues we'll be raising will be the reduced financial support to help exporters, how documentation can be authenticated and the thorny issue of VAT exemption - many companies have to carry a heavy financial burden while they claim back their VAT."
Nine Derbyshire businesses have been accepted for a new scheme aimed at boosting the success of high-growth companies in the East Midlands.
The £3.7m HighGrowth East Midlands scheme, launched by East Midlands Development Agency, is designed to offer world-class advice and coaching with the aim of increasing the profitability of businesses.
One of the companies that has been accepted onto the programme is Derwent Water Systems, of Somercotes, which manufactures water treatment equipment.
Managing director Chris Watkins said: "We have already grown by 85% in the last three years and we have a plan to continue at a slightly more modest rate but aiming for growth of 75 per cent from where we are now. This programme is very relevant to us."
Other companies in Derbyshire chosen are The Spiderlift Company, of Chesterfield; Clean Estates, of Ashbourne; Critical Skills (UK), of Chesterfield; Greenbank Group, in Swadlincote; Pentagon Development Services, of Derby; Railway Electrical Services, at Ilkeston and Transvac Systems, of Alfreton.
Small businesses in Derbyshire have been awarded a share of £9000 as part of a grant scheme to boost the county's creative economy. Artists, designers and a photographer are among the successful companies to receive the money from the Derbyshire Arts Partnership, supported by the county council.
Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for cultural services, said: "These grants provide a much-needed boost to small creative companies to enable them to expand and develop by funding vital marketing activity that they might not otherwise be able to afford."
Grants of up to £500 are available for a wide range of marketing including new publicity material, advertising and website development.
The successful companies include: Woodturning at Christmas Cottage, Youlgreave; Interior Visuals, Whaley Bridge; Claire Elsworth, Whaley Bridge; Peak District Products, High Peak; Sandra Orme, Harpur Hill.
Source: Buxton Advertiser
A website and leaflets giving advice about recreational use of the countryside by 4x4s and trail bikes have been launched by the Peak District National Park Authority.
The website gives information for motorists and residents about the authority's role in protecting the countryside from illegal 'off-roading', while managing legal access for motor vehicles to unsurfaced countryside routes that are classified as roads.
Trail bike riders and 4x4 drivers can log on the website at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/vehicles to find out the routes they should avoid using.
A series of free breakfast seminars to help Derbyshire firms protect digitally stored information has been announced.
Coordinated by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, the Business Link 'Business Protection – Securing your bottom line' events will feature a short presentation designed to provide information and enhance awareness about information security.
Coordinator Georgina Bursby said: "With more and more press coverage of organisations that lose or misuse personal data now is the time to get a grip on how to protect the information that is the life blood of your business."
The breakfast presentations will begin with a light breakfast, registration and networking at 8.30am.
The presentation will end at 10.30am with the opportunity to ask questions, talk to the experts, delegates and Business Link business support advisers.
In Derbyshire they are taking place on May 29, New Bath Hotel, Matlock and June 4, Ringwood Hall, Chesterfield. Book online at www.ebusinessclub.biz
People in Derbyshire with long term health conditions or impairments are signing up to a pilot programme from Business Link to help them to start new careers running their own businesses.
Business Link launched the pilot in January this year. The aim of the project is to provide assistance and support to enable disabled people to make the move into self-employment.
Disabled entrepreneurs from the county have been making contact with Business Link advisers who are providing information, advice and assistance with market research and business planning. The service also includes help to enable the entrepreneurs to obtain low cost computer equipment, support with travel costs for other Business Link training, free business cards and publicity.
John O’Reilly, Director of Business Support at East Midlands Development Agency (emda) commented: “The new business ideas that disabled people are presenting are both imaginative and diverse. They are developing ventures ranging from mobile fishmongery to training for dog owners and computer-assisted design. This is just the sort of entrepreneurship that Business Link seeks to foster, bringing prosperity and jobs to the county.”
The pilot project is being delivered by Penny Melville-Brown of Disability Dynamics. Speaking about the programme, she said: “Our business advisers have lots of experience. They have helped hundreds of disabled people around the country start their own businesses. Our clients always have their Adviser ready to help at every stage: from testing out the first idea to getting the business running and then during the first few months of operation. Our goal is to make these Businesses successful for the long term so we take time to make sure clients are absolutely ready. Now we are keen to hear from other disabled people from across Derbyshire.”
This Business Link pilot for disabled people in Derbyshire is funded by emda and is delivered by Disability Dynamics Ltd. It is supported by other local organisations such as Jobcentre Plus, Disability Direct, Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and the Derbyshire Coalition for Independent Living.
For further information, please contact Business Link East Midlands on 0845 058 6644 or visit www.businesslinkeastmidlands.co.uk
The Peak District Sustainable Development Fund is helping a village post office to develop an internet café as a community hub.
The fund has offered a grant of £1,500 to help Rowsley post office diversify by setting up a three-terminal internet café.
Gary Shaw, one of the partners, welcomed the support: “Post offices are having to adapt to stay viable,” he said. “We see the internet as a tool to get people back into the post office. This will help local people who do not have internet access, as well as large numbers of walkers, campers and migrant workers.
“It will be a communication point where people can relax and interact, check e-mails over a coffee, access online goods and services and make cheap calls to friends and family around the world.”
He also hoped the internet cafe would become an access-point for farmers on Defra’s agri-environment schemes, and for jobseekers. It is hoped to be complete by the end of March.
The Peak District National Park Authority, which administers the Sustainable Development Fund, is keen to support rural communities to maintain their vitality through such local services.
The fund allocates £200,000 a year to local eco-friendly business and social projects.
The Peak District Sustainable Development Fund is looking for climate-change and business professionals to help target grants on global warming.
The fund needs two specialists to join its eight-strong voluntary panel of local people who allocate £200,000 a year to environmental and educational projects.
The fund’s chair, Anne Ashe, said: “We’d like the Peak District to play a lead role in helping the UK reach its climate-change targets. The fund already helps many ‘green’ projects, but the panel needs more professional expertise specifically to focus on climate-change and business schemes. We meet four times a year and it is terrifically rewarding in terms of helping the environment, the community and our children’s future.”
Sustainable Development officer Richard Godley, who administers applications, said: “The fund is making a significant difference to the sustainable management of the countryside, and to greater understanding of sustainability, through working with local individuals, businesses, community groups and young people. It’s well worth getting involved.”
The Sustainable Development Fund is administered through the Peak District National Park Authority and financed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. An SDF grant can also open the door to other sources of funding – pulling in more than £1.43m additional grants to the Peak District in 2006/07 alone.
The panel, which is unpaid, meets in Bakewell every three months to assess applications from all around the Peak District. Travel-expenses are re-imbursed.
More details are available on www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/sdf or 01629 816312 or e-mail: sdf@peakdistrict.gov.uk.
The Peak District National Park Authority has rewarded excellence in building design with the presentation of its first ever Design Awards. The awards celebrate the best sustainable and innovative buildings that have enhanced the national park over the past five years.
They all follow principles set out in the Authority’s new Design Guide – an essential, easy-to-read guide for planning applicants, which is packed with pictures of inspiring examples from within the national park.
Barbara Wilson, chair of the Authority’s planning committee, said: “The quality of the entries demonstrate that national park status can encourage the best in creative, sustainable design that harmonises with its setting. We applaud these developers who have combined the contemporary with the traditional to the greater good of the environment and landscape of the national park.”
The overall winner, chosen by an independent panel, was: the Design Museum, café and visitor centre at the David Mellor Cutlery Factory, Hathersage. Designed by Sir Michael Hopkins, it houses a historic collection of David Mellor’s iconic designs for everything from traffic lights to street furniture, and was constructed mostly by hand from reclaimed 150-year-old pitch pine and local stone. It is, said the judges: “A fine design by a fine designer – innovative, empathetic and appropriate.”
The Social Enterprise Coalition has joined forces with JustMeans.com, a social media company to offer a ‘one-stop shop’ to employers and job-seekers in the social enterprise movement.
The new website will be the UK’s first professional recruitment site dedicated to social enterprises - companies which use business to solve social and environmental problems.
Companies that sign up to the site get their own homepage to post jobs, videos, blogs, and articles in order to attract the right employees.
Register at www.justmeans.com
Prosper in High Peak, a new guide published by the council's economic development team, invites new businesses to become part of the borough's vibrant local economy.
The guide gives information to potential investors who are considering the High Peak as a place to locate and grow their businesses. Helpful topics such as: education, skills training and communication are featured.
Specific support is detailed for:
Councillor Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "'Prosper in High Peak' showcases the great advantages of the area to potential investors. The council's current major investment in the High Peak's infrastructure and retail and industrial sites, makes this the ideal time to look at what the borough has to offer. New businesses can capitalise on the increasing retail spend potential and other investments that are under development."
Copies of 'Prosper in High Peak' are available from council reception areas, and can be requested by ringing Call High Peak on 0845 129 77 77.
Supermarket operator Sainsbury's has been revealed as the anchor store for a landmark scheme that will transform the heart of Biddulph town centre.
This week Staffordshire Moorlands District Council signed an agreement with a consortium comprising Sainsbury's and St James Securities Limited, which sets out how the parties will work towards achieving the redevelopment of a 4.8-acre site in the town centre.
The site, which is bounded by the bypass, Wharf Road and Station Road, will accommodate a new Sainsbury's supermarket, new small retail shops and may include a relocated library.
Jamie Cowen, regional development executive at Sainsbury's, said: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of Biddulph town centre. We are confident that a new Sainsbury's will help to generate more interest in the town as a shopping centre, and believe the store will enhance the existing retail offer.
''The new Sainsbury's will also create over 200 new jobs for the local community and we are committed to building a strong partnership with the town centre retailers in promoting Biddulph."
Business in the Community and leading companies in the food industry have launched a landmark report, 'Plough to Plate'. This research is the first comparative study into the perceptions and priorities of consumers, food producers and those people who help to shape opinion on food production, diet and safety.
The research is a genuine effort to shed light on an area of public debate too often characterised by heat and the negative perception that the main interest groups in the food supply chain - farmers, food producers, retailers and consumers – are more or less in a permanent state of opposition.
There is a knowledge bank of 56 case studies of best practice available - Case studies - categorsied with the key words rural action and marketplace.
Hundereds of householders are to be given the chance to beat out the cold through a host of free or discounted energy efficiency measures. The scheme, called 'Warming Up Moorlands Communities', will look to improve energy efficiency in at least 50 homes in each of five parishes.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will be asked to agree a £41,000 cash pot to help at least 250 households with improvements such as cavity wall and full loft insulation, hot water tank jackets, long-life light bulbs and heating repairs or upgrades.
Councillor Gill Heath, cabinet member for housing and property, said: "We recognise that cold weather can leave many residents feeling the chill in their own homes. This could be because the cost of heating their home is too much to bear, or their homes are not properly insulated."
HRH The Prince of Wales is to visit the innovative Moorland Centre – at the forefront of the battle against climate-change – on Friday June 29. The £1m centre, in Edale at the heart of the Peak District National Park, was officially opened last September by the Duke of Devonshire.
The Prince will see the building’s eco-friendly features which reflect its moorland setting, including a “green” roof of sedum turf, a roof-top waterfall and a heating system powered by the earth.
HRH will also experience its dual role as an interactive visitor centre and the UK’s only dedicated moorland research base. This includes the Moors for the Future Project which is carrying out the vital restoration of 3.5km of damaged moorland, including Bleaklow and Black Hill, crossed by thousands of walkers each year.
Tony Hams, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority which leads the Moors for the Future Partnership, said: “We welcome The Prince of Wales’ visit, which will shine a spotlight on this rare, fragile environment that is nevertheless a frontline defence against climate-change.”
Moorland peat is the nation's largest carbon store, holding 3 billion tonnes – far more than all the woodlands in the UK and France put together. Centuries of air-pollution, fires, over-grazing and man-made drainage has meant barren moorlands losing 380,000 tonnes of carbon a year through erosion.
Scientists estimate that restoring UK peatlands could save 400,000 tonnes of carbon - equivalent to the emissions from 84,000 cars a year.
From 1 July 2007, new laws will require virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, and public and certain work vehicles in England to be smokefree.
If you manage or control smokefree premises or vehicles, you will have legal responsibilities to prevent people from smoking in them. The law will apply to all types of smoking, including smoking of:
A no-smoking sign of specific dimensions and wording must be displayed at every entrance to smokefree premises. No-smoking signs are freely available from the Department of Health. You can find details on the Smokefree England website.
Only a few premises will be exempt from the new smokefree law and all exemptions are subject to strict conditions.
Vehicles will be required to be smokefree at all times if they are used to transport members of the public or used in the course of paid or voluntary work by more than one person - regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time.
High Peak Borough Council has won the Local Government Chronicle's Council of the Year Award at an awards ceremony in London, on Monday 12 March 2007.
The Local Government Chronicle awards are regarded as the top prizes, which celebrate achievement in local government. The Council of the Year is the principal award, which celebrates the winning council’s achievements in many different fields.
Chief Executive Peter Sloman said: “This is an enormous achievement for front line staff, managers and councillors, who have worked hard to achieve the targets we set ourselves to improve the quality of life in High Peak."
The Peak District National Park Authority has made an official commitment to tackling global warming by signing the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.
The National Park Authority is already leading the way on energy-efficient heating systems, installing ground-source heat-pumps at its new Moorland Centre in Edale and Parsley Hey Cycle Hire Centre, and a biomass boiler at its Losehill Hall environmental education centre in Castleton.
It also supports eco-friendly businesses and community organisations through such schemes as the Peak District Sustainable Development Fund and New Environmental Economy programme, offering grants and guidance.
National Park Authority chair Tony Hams said: “As an environmental organisation it is up to us to provide strong and visible leadership for the local community in mitigating climate change".
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