New Accelerator business support programme announced for Amber Valley businesses

Amber Valley businesses are to receive a significant boost to how they do business, thanks to the launch of the new Accelerator project. The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is delivered by East Midlands Chamber. It signals a new era of local place-based support for the district and offers support to businesses at any stage of development. 

The programme offers Amber Valley businesses: 

• Net Zero support to help businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey to reduce the cost of their energy bills and improve energy efficiencies. Free energy audits are available to support the development of a de-carbonisation plan in addition to training and 1-2-1 consultancy on a range of topics including waste management and Investors in the Environment. 
• Innovation and R&D support from Innovation and Technology Specialists to help high-growth and scale-up businesses adopt digital technologies and take advantage of national programmes such as Innovate UK EDGE and Made Smarter. 
• Action planning workshops with expert trainers on a range of topics including Finance, HR, Digital Marketing and Sales delivered in key locations across Derbyshire. 
• Access to finance and specialised consultancy through growth vouchers and grants.  
• Networks for collaboration with fellow businesses including through the national Help to Grow: Management Programme and the East Midlands Manufacturing Network which invites Amber Valley businesses to attend forums in Derby and in other key locations across the East Midlands. 

Businesses are invited to hear about support on offer at the Amber Valley Accelerator launch event, taking place on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at the Genesis Centre in Alfreton. Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, will present on the range of Accelerator support available, and explain how businesses can register to join the project and secure their free training workshop places. 

Chris Emmas-Williams, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, said: "The borough council is pleased to announce this exciting new opportunity for existing businesses in Amber Valley. Businesses can access a range of support that includes training and grants, along with advice and guidance from specialist advisors that support business development and growth.   

"As a borough council, we acknowledge it has been a very difficult period for businesses, so I welcome this scheme and would encourage businesses to see what’s on offer. The launch event this November at the Genesis Centre is a great way to find out more and network with other businesses."  

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: "Key to every well-run business is an effective business plan and strategy but business owners and senior managers often lack the time to dedicate to this area. As part of the new Accelerator project, a business adviser is on hand to assess a business’s needs and offer guidance on where it might learn and grow, improve its processes, develop its customers, and improve its finances. 

"As well as one-to-one business adviser support, businesses have the opportunity to sign-up for a series of fully-funded training workshops to boost key skills within their teams." 

Businesses wishing to learn more about the Accelerator project in Amber Valley can do so by signing up to the 8 November event or visiting the programme at: www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/accelerator and choosing Amber Valley from the drop-down. 

Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk