Case Studies from September 2024

Sector: Bakery

Location: Amber Valley

The Evans family established Luke Evans Bakery in 1804. The family business manufactures bread and confectionery for retail and wholesale and has an onsite bakery shop.

Based in Riddings, Amber Valley it currently employs 49 people and runs a click-and-collect service, six days a week, through its website lukeevans.co.uk

Challenges faced

The business is facing several challenges which have created barriers to further growth. Like many businesses, Luke Evans Bakery's growth has been hampered by increased wage bills, ingredients, utilities and living costs.

The business has also wanted to maximise technologies and processes for manufacturing efficiencies. However, it’s been hard to meet production demands in a working space that is challenging and with equipment that is expensive to maintain and replace.

In addition, recruiting and retaining staff has been a problem, particularly with a reduction in government-funded training provision and less accessibility and interest from those who want to learn bakery skills.

Finally, though there is a desire to scale up the business, introducing new products and lines, sustainable packaging, marketing agency support plus needing modern bakery equipment is hugely challenging in a competitive market. This is all in an environment where corporate/ wholesale markets are becoming increasingly price sensitive.

Solution and Impact

Last year Managing Director, Helen Yates attended the Amber Valley Accelerator launch event. The Accelerator project is delivered by East Midlands Chamber and funded by Amber Valley Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Helen was introduced to Chamber Business Adviser, Peter Lawrence for business support. Helen commented that the regular, scheduled meeting with Peter had been instrumental in progressing and achieving their growth ambitions.

Helen said: “Peter has been a highly effective business adviser to me which has in turn benefited the business. From the moment we started working together he has made a significant impact on our strategic journey.”

Peter has also signposted and connected the business to other support services and organisations. Operations Manager Laura O’Bierne has been on the Help to Grow: Management Course which supports her personal development and the bakery's strategic direction.

An introduction to the East Midlands Made Smarter digitalisation support has resulted in manufacturing process road mapping and recommendations for improved production and cost savings. The opportunity for £20,000 grant funding is currently being explored to support the recommendation costs.

Luke Evans Bakery is a member of the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) and Helen regularly attends the Derby events. These have provided peer networking and support opportunities, along with the latest updates on market trends and activities impacting the manufacturing sector. It was at one of these meetings Helen was introduced to Devtank, who are specialists in test and measurement solutions. The business has taken advantage of funded IOT (Internet of Things) monitors which Helen heard about as part of the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub presentation.

A free energy audit through the Accelerator project has identified cost and carbon footprint reductions. It provided some useful recommendations such as solar panels, a chiller upgrade, compressed air testing and optimisation, individual machinery metering, portable heating reduction and improved heating controls.

Its IOT monitors will be fitted in the coming weeks and together with the measures above will support energy saving and reduce costs, and help it become a greener business. Helen is also being supported by Peter for a decarbonisation grant to help with funding to optimise savings.

Helen added: “Peter creates a comfortable environment where anything can be discussed without feeling judged. His open line of communication and excellent ability to provide constructive criticism has helped me ‘see the wood for the trees’ on many occasions which enables me to focus on the strategy and planning.”

“Peter has an excellent understanding of what funding and support options are available and has pointed me in the right direction for opportunities we have taken advantage of, which I wasn’t aware of, or previously considered.

Thank you, Peter and the Chamber.  I hope there aren’t plans to stop this very valuable support."

- Helen Yates, Managing Director

Read the full Case Study

This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Amber Valley Borough Council.

Sector: Garden Design/ Horticulture

Location: High Peak

Buxton Gardens was founded in 2020 by Martha Everett. Located in the scenic High Peak, the business specialises in organic gardening with a focus on designing and cultivating cottage gardens.

Buxton Gardens exclusively uses peat-free plants, all of which are grown in-house in Buxton. In addition to garden design, the company offers expert advice on organic gardening practices, promoting biodiversity, supporting local wildlife, and growing your own food.

Challenges faced

The main challenges the business faced has been a lack of marketing expertise and infrastructure. Martha planned to expand the plant sales side of the business but faced difficulties due to limited sales experience, extreme weather causing damage to polytunnels and a shortage of growing space and equipment, which significantly slowed progress this year. Even when the necessary infrastructure was finally in place, the cycle of plant growth presented an additional challenge, meaning they would have to wait until the following year to fully implement their plans.

Solution and Impact

Martha discovered the Accelerator Project while researching online for small business support available in High Peak. She found the information on High Peak Borough Council's website. The Accelerator Project is funded by High Peak Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Seeking guidance on how to recruit new staff, Martha reached out to the project and was connected with Business Adviser Manager, Abi Phillips. Abi conducted a business review and outlined the various types of support available to Martha.

Through the Accelerator Project, Martha accessed several valuable services, including:

• Various workshops focused on Email Marketing
• Growth Voucher for marketing consultancy with Lindsey Newman-Wood, which helped her develop a new marketing plan
• Assistance with writing a successful grant application, which resulted in £1,600 in funding for a new polytunnel and solar irrigation system, awarded through the High Peak Borough Council’s Business Grant Scheme
• Advice and support on hiring staff for the first time

The funding allowed Martha’s business to expand and cultivate plants on a larger scale, leading to a significant boost in plant sales. The marketing consultancy helped her create a comprehensive marketing plan that will be launched next year, aimed at promoting their subscription service and increasing plant sales both online and at markets. This new marketing strategy is projected to double the subscription service, attracting new customers while retaining existing ones and further increasing sales.

Martha now employs two staff members and one freelancer. The team’s morale is high, benefiting from the outdoor work environment. One team member transitioned to this role for better work-life balance, while another returned to work after a period of unemployment.

Beyond the financial growth, the support through the Accelerator Project has also had a positive psychological impact on the team, enhancing both individual well-being and company culture.

“I am so, so grateful for the huge amount of support I’ve received. The business has grown hugely over the past year, partly due to the financial support, but also in a large part because just having someone to talk to who understands the challenges and is unendingly supportive has pushed me to keep jumping over the next hurdle!” 

- Martha Everett, Owner

Read the full Case Study

This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of High Peak Borough Council.

Sector: Heritage/ Visitor Economy

Location: Derby City

Derby Uncovered is a heritage centre situated on Sadler Gate in the heart of Derby City.

Established in February 2024 by Directors David Turner and Stephen Culf, the centre is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and heritage of Derby and Derbyshire. In addition to its historical exhibits, the centre features a curated selection of books, prints, and gifts related to the area, all created by local artists. It also supports the community by offering locally sourced groceries and provisions.

Challenges faced

One key barrier identified was the low footfall in Derby's Cathedral Quarter, and David was actively seeking strategies to attract more visitors.

Solution and Impact

David initially received start-up support from Lara Beardsmore, a Start-Up Adviser, when the business was first launched. A few months later, Lara referred them to Steve Phillips, an Accelerator Business Adviser, to further assist with the growth of the heritage centre.

The Accelerator Project is funded by Derby City Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

After a one-on-one meeting with Steve, David applied for a High Street Business Grant to improve the shop frontage and overall visual appearance of the premises. They were awarded £2,040 to purchase a digital display unit to show information regarding Derby City and the historical centre.

The enhancement to the shop front has helped increase foot traffic and attract more customers to the centre. Since completing the improvements, they have seen a noticeable rise in both visitor numbers and sales.

“We’re very grateful for the support. Steve Phillips was invaluable in terms of helping and guiding us through the process and it’s something that I’d recommend other business get in touch about. Our shop front now attracts more customers into our premises which in turn leads to more revenue.”

- David Turner, Director

Read the full Case Study

This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Derby City Council.

Sector: IT

Location: Chesterfield

Bitz 'n' PC'z Ltd t/a Black Swan Cyber Security was started in February 2006 by Kevin Walker providing IT support services to schools and other educational organisations in and around Chesterfield.

Today the business supports SMEs and not-for-profits with all kinds of cybersecurity solutions.

Challenges faced

The business faced several challenges. The market for IT support/ managed services to schools is shrinking due to government policy changes. By 2030 all independently maintained schools need to join a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Most of these MATs and other education providers (universities/colleges) are large enough to have in-house IT resources so will no longer need independent IT providers.

There’s been increased competition in IT support services and a growing demand for competitively priced cyber security solutions.

Finally, like most businesses, rising energy and transport costs are impacting the cost of sales and for Kevin, this impacts regular client site visits.

Solution and Impact

Kevin heard about support from the Accelerator project via an email from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Accelerator project is funded by Chesterfield Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber. Kevin was put in touch with Business Adviser, Peter Lawrence who initially carried out a business diagnostic to see where the business was and where it wanted to be.

Peter discussed new market opportunities and a new subscription-based business model with Kevin as part of a growth plan. Black Swan Cyber Solutions successfully applied for a Growth Voucher to provide specialist consultancy support to help transition to a recurring income-based model based on subscription-licensed products. This has enabled the business to widen its reach into new and growing commercial markets, reduce costs through remote delivery and generate income revenue without employee capacity limitations.

Kevin was also supported by Peter when applying for a grant from the Council. This funding of £8,000 has resulted in the development and launch of a new subscription based eCommerce platform together with branding, messaging and multi-channel promotion to generate awareness, interest and sales.

Kevin commented: “Pete’s assistance with the Growth Voucher and grant applications was instrumental in their success. Having run my business for 18 years with minimal marketing, this was a completely new area for me. The support from Pete and LikeMind Media has enabled me to identify and pursue new market niches.

“I’m excited about the launch of my new website, which I’m confident will drive significant traffic and generate the required new business.”

The website and marketing development provided by Accelerator and the Council have saved Kevin approximately four weeks of work, enabling him to focus on growing his business. The quality of the website and marketing activities have also been done to a higher standard than would have been possible without support.

Kevin also took advantage of one of the fully funded workshops - 20 Simple Ways to Get your Website Generating more Business - to develop his own knowledge.

“The support I received from Pete has been invaluable. His guidance throughout the process was exceptional. He truly understood my business challenges and helped me pivot into new sectors.

If you’re seeking growth or want to expand your business, I wholeheartedly recommend the Accelerator project.”

- Kevin Walker, Managing Director

Read the full Case Study

This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.