Case Studies from 2023

Sector: Health and Beauty

Location: Newark & Sherwood

Founded in 2022, the Old Rectory Spa is a family run wellbeing spa retreat providing holistic health treatments and exclusive spa experiences in the village of North Scarle on the Nottinghamshire/ Lincolnshire border.

The spa offers a range of luxury treatments which include an outdoor hot tub, sauna, cold water therapy and a relaxation room. The business employs a team of highly trained spa therapists who are qualified in offering bespoke treatments for customers. The team has grown from just 4 to now 14 in the last 12 months.

Challenges faced

Due to their significant growth the Old Rectory Spa has faced challenges in recruitment. As the business prides itself on having a team of knowledgeable and expert therapists, it has been a challenge to recruit therapists that meet these high standards. Despite these difficulties the business persevered and they now have a fantastic, highly skilled team.

An additional challenge faced was opening in the middle of a cost of living and energy crisis, which directly affected customer spending, impacting the business goals.

Solution and Impact

With support from a business adviser, the Old Rectory Spa has benefited from a number of interventions available through the Accelerator project. This includes undertaking an energy audit, as heating and electricity are one of the biggest overheads faced by the business. The energy audit will form part of a decarbonisation plan, which will feed into a wider sustainability strategy. This is incredibly important to the business and they have already made steps towards this, such as removing the use of unnecessary single use items and exploring the installation of solar panels and individual heat pumps for the hot tubs.

Through the installation of the heat pumps the hope is that per annum the business can save approximately two thirds of their hot tub’s power consumption. An average Hot tub costs approximately £100 per month to run with the current energy prices. Air Source Heat Pumps can reduce this by 50-60% in the winter and more in the summer. Therefore, the anticipated saving is between £1400 - £1600 per annum. This will also equate to a significant energy saving, allowing the business to move closer to their goal of becoming a sustainable business.

The business has also benefited from a Growth Voucher through the Accelerator project. This will enable them to work with a local brand consultancy to look at how they can raise awareness of the spa to promote their unique offering, helping to grow revenue.

“Although we have faced challenges in our first year, we have such a unique business, in the most beautiful setting, our customer feedback has been fantastic and we are excited and optimistic for our future.”

- Katie Statham, Director

Read the full Case Study

Sector: Housekeeping Services

Location: Derby

Established in 2018 by Toni Hibbert, Bright and Beautiful provides premium housekeeping services to domestic customers across the Derby area.

This covers a variety of services including cleaning, ironing, laundry and more. Having had previous experience in natural products, running a sales team and then progressing to sales director in a previous career, Toni then established Bright and Beautiful. The company employs a team of 20 experienced staff who are all DBS checked, fully trained in care, attention to detail and being security conscious to respect the properties they manage. The company prides itself on the use of only eco-friendly products.

Challenges faced

The business has experienced impressive year-on-year growth of over 20%. Furthermore, Toni has extended the service to include laundry and ironing services, effectively seeking to offer a full package for her premium customers. Toni would like to take this to another level by offering a subscription-based laundry service. Having tested the market with short-stay properties, she feels that there is potential to expand this market in line with the increase in Air BnB offerings. Managing the finances of a growing business remains a challenge and this is an area which guidance has been sought from the Accelerator project.

Solution and Impact

Bright and Beautiful has accessed the one-to-one support from the Business Adviser team to help manage financial forecasts which will help to maintain the impressive growth seen to date. Looking forward, Toni is keen to upskill her team to take on more customer interaction and sales roles and she is in the process of arranging telesales training for key members of the team, via a growth voucher through the Accelerator project. Toni has developed a strong team to support her and as she focuses on managing the business, as such, she has been introduced to the Help to Grow Management programme to support her own management development. This has been facilitated through the Accelerator project.

The impact of the support to date has helped to ensure that the business reaches its growth trajectory, as well as aiding Toni’s financial management skills. The training for the team will directly support the move into newer markets such as short-stay properties, which will contribute to additional sales and income generation. Investing in staff is a key part of Toni’s plans and many of her team have been with her from the start, which demonstrates how well they feel valued.

“The move to becoming a business owner was an exciting challenge for me, and five years on I have learnt so much. The advice and support from the business advisor team has been invaluable. I have a clear vision of financial forecasting and all-important numbers for 2024. I am so proud of my team and achieving my goal of providing ethical employment, building a valued business and putting Bright and Beautiful on the map in Derby!”

-Toni Hibbert, Director

Read the full Case Study

Location: Newark & Sherwood

Founded by Leisa Pickles in May 2018, Find me the Leads® Ltd works exclusively with independent food and drink producers to help them get their products into more places, predominantly in the hospitality, specialty fine food and health food sectors. Find me the Leads® connects businesses of all shapes and sizes both on- and off-line, to drive more sales, build long term business relationships and to get their services in front of the right people.

Challenges faced

The business found challenges in relation to growth and achieving the long term goals set out in the business plan. Owner Leisa wanted to grow the business by adding an additional revenue stream that would generate a reoccurring income, critical to the long-term growth of the business. In particular Leisa wanted to know how to reach more customers by utilising the skills and resources which already existed in the business more effectively. In addition to this, how to introduce a recurring revenue stream which can facilitate reinvestment back into the business and also free up the existing workforce to focus on generating additional revenue from new products and services.

Solution and Impact

Leisa decided to introduce an online membership programme to support more food and drink producers to expand into retail. By doing this, Find me the Leads® would be able to reach more businesses and add the additional revenue stream needed to help make the goals of the business a reality. Through this process Leisa was supported by a Chamber business adviser, Richard Crowden, as part of the Accelerator project. Richard was able to support the business through the growth voucher element of the Accelerator project which offers up to £2,000 of specialist consultancy and training. The consultant was able to support the installation of a membership portal accessed from the existing company website.

The introduction of this new product has had a huge impact on the business. It will enable them to support a bigger customer base providing them with the same product which they can access to suit their needs and requirements. By adopting a digital solution, the current workforce will be able to develop and introduce new products to the business which maximise their strengths and experience. Longer term, this product will establish Find me the Leads® as an expert in their field making them the go to Business for food & drink Producers who want to expand into retail and grow their existing sales.

“I am so grateful for the support received from the Accelerator Programme and in particular my Business Adviser, Richard Crowden. By accessing the services of a Chamber Consultant supported by investment from a UKSPF Growth Voucher, I have been able to introduce a new product to market, improve the productivity of my Business, safeguard the jobs of the existing workforce and secure long term business growth and prosperity.”

- Leisa Pickles, Owner

Download the full Case Study

Leading the vegan revolution, one bite at a time.

Sector: Homemade vegan food

Location: North East Derbyshire

Support Accessed:

• Adviser support
• Signposting to Invest to Grow

Outcomes:

• Significant growth in sales and supply chain
• Support through building a network of useful business connections

Sunshine Vegan Deli is a dynamic family run business offering delicious, homemade vegan food. Founded in 2017, the business aims to satisfy the tastebuds of vegans and meat easters alike by offering plant-based hearty foods such as scotch eggs and vegan roasts. The team are passionate about offering high quality meat free alternatives and changing the mindset of customers adapting to a vegan diet, saving animals and the planet.

Like many businesses, Sunshine Vegan Deli was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and as a consequence had to pivot to selling online. This change kickstarted significant growth in the business and diversified the supply chain. The business now supplies to stores, wholesalers and restaurants across the country. The dedicated Growth Hub business adviser was able to help guide the business through this period of growth by signposting to schemes such as Invest to Grow. In addition to this, support was provided when the business moved premises, equipping the business with a network of useful contacts.

“Rich at the Growth Hub has been super supportive, when we moved to new premises in the region he gave me pointers on the best people to talk to and practical help on the technical side of our food business, working in partnership with these guys is a sure way our business will become the success we’ve dreamed of!”

- Sarah Short, Director, Founder and CEO

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Developing a unique holiday experience

Sector: Hospitality & leisure

Location: Whaley Bridge, High Peak

Support Accessed:

• Action Planning Workshops
• Business Diagnostic
• One-to-one Coaching
• Webinars

Naze View Farm is a small-holding farm in the High Peak. It offers self-catering accommodation and a unique alpaca experience. The business was established in 2019 when husband-and-wife team, Paul and Clare Hoggins converted one of their outbuildings into a luxury two-bed selfcatering holiday let. Keen to create a unique destination, they also offer a 90-minute Alpaca experience where guests can walk, cuddle and learn more about caring for
these South American animals.

“The help we’ve received from the Growth Hub, and its workshops, has been invaluable. Whilst I had some knowledge of digital marketing, such intense learning has given us the skills and confidence to know what we are doing is right, so we can do more of it.

It’s also given us the confidence to change tack when needed. Originally, we had considered launching an online shop of quality items made from alpaca fleece and alpaca-related gifts. When we investigated it further, we came to the conclusion that continuing with our current sales approach – selling in-person to local people and
guests – was a better fit to our ethos as a small, personable and friendly business.”

- Clare Hoggins, Co-Founder, Naze View Farm

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A thirst for knowledge

Sector: Provider of brewing supplies and technical expertise

Location: Nottingham City

Support Accessed:

• Digital Upscaler
• Innovate UK
• Peer Networks
• Referrals
• Workshops

Murphy & Son is a supplier of brewing supplies and technology to the brewery and broader beverages industry. The business was established in 1887 and has long been recognised as an authoritative one-stop-shop for brewers across the UK and worldwide.

It has a firm commitment to technology, and has developed a range of processing aids to improve efficiencies in the brewing process, such as clarification aids, shelf-life extenders, enzymes and foam control.

“Whatever our challenge, whether that be export, HR, marketing or improving our business systems, we know there’s a wealth of tailored support available to us from East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub. To point us in the right direction and equip us with the skills needed to fulfil our growth ambitions.”

- Charles Nicholds, Managing Director, Murphy & Son

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Fuelling a growing team

Sector: Green Gas Refuelling Infrastructure

Location: Gedling

Support Accessed:

• Business Adviser Support
• Business Investment Fund
• Peer Networks
• Workshops

Roadgas specialises in fleet decarbonisation. It supports fleet and logistics managers with bespoke, on-site biomethane refuelling station infrastructure, and also supplies CNG, LNG, LCNG, biomethane options and hydrogen gases nationally.

“Whenever we’re presented with a challenge or something unknown, my first port of call is the Chamber. We really do lean on its well-connected team who are approachable, personable and experienced, so much so that we see them as an extension to our own business.”

- Becky Rix, Marketing Director, Roadgas

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A clear commitment to CPD

Sector: Independent training provider

Location: Nottingham City

Support Accessed:

• Digital Upscaler
• Peer Networks
• Workshops

Access Training provide high-quality training, apprenticeships and recruitment support to businesses and individuals throughout the Midlands. With offices in both Nottingham and Derby, they specialise in training for individuals seeking to embark upon or develop their careers in sectors such as Housing, Construction, Childcare and in industry-wide topics like Business Administration, Customer Services and Management.

“Where we’ve found East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub’s support most helpful is in upskilling our team, particularly when transitioning to new roles. East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Peer Networks are a great form of learning for anyone experienced in post but new to director level. For us, it’s been an extra layer of support that has brought in new ideas to our business.”

- Corrina Hembury, Managing Director, Access Training

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Reaching new heights

Sector: Design and manufacture of lifting & handling solutions

Location: Clowne, Bolsover

Support Accessed:

• Grant Funding:
  • Business Investment Fund
  • Capital Growth Fund
  • Digital Upscaler
  • Green Entrepreneurs Programme 
• East Midlands Chamber Member services
• Peer Networks

Penny Hydraulics is a family-owned business that designs and manufactures vehicle-mounted lifting equipment, goods lifts, winch systems, nuclear equipment and tyre presses. Its end-to-end services also include installation and aftercare.

Its 100-strong team work on projects as far afield as Australia, the Middle East and South America.

As a regular supplier of chandelier and baggage lifting systems to the Royal Households, it proudly carries the Royal Warrant of Appointment.

“Since 2014, we’ve secured no less than £265,000 in grant funding. The support that the East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub partners have offered is immeasurable. Not only in pointing us to the right funding at the right time, but in their training and guidance on practical matters such as setting up letters of credit, and completion of post-Brexit import and export documentation.”

- Ashley Holmes, Finance Director, Penny Hydraulics

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

An enterprising approach to support women’s health

Sector: Producer of eco-friendly, non-toxic sanitary products

Location: Derby City

Support Accessed:

• Kickstart Wage Subsidy
• Business advice and support
• Fully funded webinars and workshops

Gift Wellness Ltd is a producer of eco-friendly, non-toxic sanitary products. It was set up by founder, Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed in an attempt to heal from the tragedy of losing her daughter, Halimah, whose life was cut short when she was brutally murdered.

Choosing to channel her grief into goodness and charity work, Zareen set about developing a line of sanitary products providing high quality, affordable sanitary wear, while at the same time restoring dignity to women and girls living in crisis.

In less than a decade, Zareen’s charity, the Gift Wellness Foundation, has delivered over six million period products across the world.

“With the support of East Midlands Combined County Authority’s workshops and webinars, we’ve really taken the steps we need to develop as an online business, and have built up a healthy bank of monthly subscribers as a result. This programme of support has also undoubtedly built the confidence and ability of our staff, three of whom first joined us on the Chamber’s Kickstart scheme and who are now in permanent employment with us.”

- Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed, Founder, Gift Wellness

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Peer learning at its peak

Sector: Translation and interpreting services

Location: Whaley Bridge, High Peak

Support Accessed:

• East Midlands Chamber Member services
• Peer Networks
• Fully funded webinars and workshops

Peak Translations Ltd is a business with a 45-year standing in translation and interpreting services. Offering support to businesses looking to grow in overseas markets and to communicate in different languages effectively and precisely.

“When you’re the MD, everyone expects you to know all the answers! That’s clearly not the case and East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Peer Networks have been such a wealth of information to tap into. I know my Digital Marketing Assistant, Emily, has found the East Midlands Combined County Authority marketing workshops equally as useful. Overall, it gives me the reassurance that we are keeping up to date with the latest trends and are learning from the experiences of others.”

- Helen Provart, Managing Director, Peak Translations Ltd

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A blast to last

Sector: Powder coating, wet paint spraying and shotblasting

Location: Ilkeston, Erewash

Support Accessed:

• Business Adviser support
• Business Investment Fund grants
• East Midlands Manufacturing Network
• Webinars

Goldbury Paint and Powdercoat Ltd is a third-generation family business specialising in powder coating, wet paint spraying and shotblasting. Established in 1995 and serves a variety of industries from rail and aerospace through to independent artists and the general public.

“I’ve come to really rely on the support I receive from Erewash Partnership, East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub and now the Chamber. As a relatively new director, I want to get my hands on as much advice and learning as possible, in the shortest space of time. Whether it’s learning about new funding opportunities, joining the East Midlands Manufacturing Network or joining Growth Hub webinars, I know there’s so much at my disposal.”

- Tom Hough, Director, Goldbury Paint and Powdercoat Ltd

Download the full Case Study

This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.