Case Studies from 2024

Sector: Hair & Beauty

Location: Broxtowe

Glamour Hair & Beauty is based in Beeston, Nottinghamshire and is owned by Tracy Wealthall.

Tracy provides hair and beauty services herself and through several self-employed stylists who rent space in her salon. The business has been running since 2010.

Challenges faced

The business needed more footfall from its high street location and to not rely so heavily on word of mouth for promotion. Tracy also wanted to grow the business, reduce costs and improve efficiency to help boost revenue.

Support is available for SMEs in Broxtowe through the Accelerator project and Tracy was introduced to Chamber Business Adviser, Sonny Lakhani. The Accelerator project is delivered by East Midlands Chamber and funded by Broxtowe Borough Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Following a business diagnostic, they identified that the salon needed improvements to reduce its carbon footprint, reduce costs and improve energy efficiency.

Solution and Impact

Sonny went through several options with Tracy, including the Broxtowe Energy Grant Reduction Workshop, which she attended. Tracy said: “At the energy audit workshop, it became clear that I needed to take proactive steps to reduce my business carbon footprint.”

Tracy also applied and was successfully awarded an energy grant of just under £4,000 from Broxtowe Borough Council, where the business contributed £474.

Tracy said: “The installation of the Mitsubishi air conditioning cooler/heater system gives me confidence that we are using a product from a world-leading manufacturer, which ensures superior energy efficiency and will result in the reduction of negative environmental impact.

The unit also has a series of air filters which will remove allergens, bacteria and dust, improving the air quality for customers and staff. The double-glazed front window was a huge benefit to improving heat retention and reducing draughts when compared with the existing single-glazed window we had. Also, our new composite back door improves heat retention and removes the penetration of damp issues caused by the current door not being to standard.

The above not only improved the condition of the business for both staff and customers but reduces the carbon footprint as well.  This will also reduce utility bills which will enable the business to grow and re-invest further in the future.”

Tracy is now working with Sonny on further growth plans including seasonal promotion to boost footfall.

“The support I’ve had has been so good and very helpful.

Sonny was amazing and very patient with me. He came to see me and my staff at the salon and shared some helpful information. And, my monthly bill from Eon has gone down by £150 since I received the grant!”

- Tracy Wealthall, 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 Broxtowe District Council.

Sector: Human Health

Location: Bassetlaw

Dr Bethany Rushworth is a fully qualified dentist who decided her passion lay in restoring not just appearances but confidence through non-surgical cosmetic and skin treatments.

She takes pride in creating natural-looking yet impactful results, empowering her patients and helping them feel their best.

During October 2021 - February 2022 her clinic was within another salon, Dr Beth went on to open her own clinic in March 2023. She is an employee of her own business with a part-time receptionist at the time of her embarking on the Accelerator Project.

Challenges faced

Dr Beth has previously sought advice from external business consultants. While they have been encouraging and supportive, she still wanted to reach more new clients.

She has big plans but has been frustrated with the lack of results against the amount of effort she has put in.

Solution and Impact

Dr Beth said: “My business adviser Alex Gardner helped me understand where the blockages were in the business. She gave us a bird's eye view.

“We saw an immediate upturn in business. Within two weeks of my time with Alex, my turnover was six months ahead of target and my new client uptake was more than 25% ahead of where we planned to be. This gave me the confidence to expand sooner than previously anticipated.
“I’ve taken on larger premises to enhance the client experience as well as being able to employ a member of staff to grow our team and give me time to focus on our more complex treatments. I can also focus on the passive income streams available to us as a business."

“I am incredibly grateful for the advice I have received and would recommend anyone accessing the support available through the Accelerator Project.

The information I received was timely as I had reached a plateau. Alex’s relevant and tailored support enabled me to overcome the obstacles and challenges I was facing in the business helping to accelerate the growth and expansion of the clinic.”

- Dr Beth Rushworth, 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 Bassetlaw District Council.

Sector: Renewable Energy

Location: Rushcliffe

Wing Energy is a renewable energy solutions business based in West Bridgford, Nottingham. Its mission is to promote and support the transition to sustainable energy.

The business is a Tesla-certified installer and builds balanced energy systems for commercial and residential properties. Wing Energy specialise in design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage and electric vehicle chargers.

Challenges faced

The business has been growing well over the last few years, until last year when the pace of growth dipped and turnover fell by £100,000. Director, Shaun Taylor puts this down to increased competition as many local electricians pivoted to renewables which has affected margins. Having said that, the level of knowledge and skills needed for this work is a high entry barrier and because Wing Energy has all the necessary accreditations they have a distinct advantage over new entrants.

Still, with bills and wages to pay the business couldn’t afford to sit back. They needed to generate more business and grow to safeguard current jobs. A lot of their money was also reinvested into the business, including the acquisition of electric vehicles so the business needed to keep moving forward.

Solution and Impact

Wing Energy has taken advantage of the Accelerator project with 1-2-1 support from Business Adviser Insan Farooqi. Through a business diagnostic, they have identified what their most pressing needs are. One of these areas is Wing Energy’s current website. Shaun commented: “Increasing competitors in the renewable energy space requires our online presence to be working optimally to drive enquiries into our job management system.”

The business successfully applied for a Growth Voucher and is being supported by consultant Ian Lockwood to ‘polish up’ the website and help generate more quality leads. Both Shaun and his colleague Shivam have attended East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub and Accelerator workshops which have helped them identify the skills they need and don’t have in-house. Shaun continued: “Ian has those skills in SEO, website design and optimisation so we are using him to help take us to the next level and help drive leads. We can monitor where leads are coming from and where we are losing people.”

The business hopes to cut costs, improve efficiency and streamline processes which will help them become more competitive on pricing and win more customers. The website work will also help them be more targeted in their marketing, particularly around Google Ads. The support has helped them specify geographical areas and potential customers, stopping adverts to people who have no intention of buying and wasting their marketing budget. Ian is also guiding Shivam on the website to help the business build an in-house resource.

“I am impressed with the attention to detail and the care taken to understand our business from Insan.

Because we’ve done the workshops, we’ve recognised which of the consultants has the skills we need. Ian’s work on the website is helping us to generate leads which is vitally important to secure the jobs we’ve got. It’s been a life saver.”

- Shaun Taylor, 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 Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Sector: Gift shop, tea rooms, retail experiences

Location: Rushcliffe

Debbie Bryan is an award-winning gallery, tearoom, and creative space. The business began in 2007 and has two venues; Nottingham Lace Market and Ruddington Village.

Its galleries curate fashion, lighting, art, glass, ceramics, and jewellery designed and made by nationwide and international designers. It also specialises in handcrafted textiles, jewellery and original prints made in its design studio. It also sells selected Nottingham Lace gifts; historic papers, framed fabrics and haberdashery trims.

The team of 7 also has a passion for sharing ideas and knowledge via tutored sessions, which they call Crafternoons, and managing an e-commerce website selling their products and gift experiences.

Challenges faced

At present, the business website, booking system, supplier portal all standalone and cannot be integrated. This means manually entering sales, products, and bookings across the systems, which costs the business time and money. So, the challenge has been to move to a solution that integrates the website, booking and supplier portal across the business, including full connectivity of stock and sales data in-store and online.

Solution and Impact

In the past, the business had been supported through the Rushcliffe Digital High Street project and East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub. This focused on improving web analytics, particularly GA4 and setting up product feeds to send ecommerce data to Pinterest and Google Merchant Centre.

More recently Debbie has received 1-2-1 advice from Accelerator Business Adviser, Insan Farooqi, funded by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). They’ve been looking at ideas to elevate the way the business sells online and from its retail shops. The business applied for a Growth Voucher which enabled them to access specialist consultancy support around moving to the Shopify platform to help expand online bookings. They’ve been helped to optimise the Faire Market booking system and implement application integration to streamline operations. This will practically eliminate manual content and data entry of the same information into multiple applications.

This work will help them create and safeguard jobs, reduce costs, increase sales and brand awareness.

The business has also taken advantage of the funded Accelerator workshops on SEO and Developing a Profitable eCommerce Website.

“The support has been exceptional. Insan has helped me develop the project based on our expansion plans for 2024.

We are now implementing the project with the technical expertise of Ian Lockwood and feel very optimistic about the outcome and the benefits it will bring to the business and the team."

- Debbie Bryan, 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 Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Sector: Manufacture of recycled plastic garden furniture

Location: Wirksworth, Derbyshire Dales

Award-winning furniture company TDP sets sights on 10,000 Tonnes of plastic waste being recycled into Furniture.

TDP is a family-run business that won the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2023. The company designs and manufactures sustainable, environmentally friendly furniture from recycled plastic. TDP’s customers include schools and care homes seeking to provide attractive and easy-clean, easy maintenance outdoor seating areas and homeowners.

Support Received:

• 1-2-1 Adviser support
• Digital Upscaler
• Derbyshire Dales District Council Business Growth Grant, Oct 2023 of £20,750
• Innovate UK Business Growth
• Innovate UK Business Connect
• Made Smarter
• Accelerator

“The insight we received from Growth Hub advisers and input from Innovate UK Business Growth was invaluable. It really helped make our production more energy efficient and sustainable, while our office processes are streamlined. We have exciting times ahead and the support has given us new ways of working that we’re sure will help get us to our goals.”

- Kym Barlow, Commercial Director

Read the full Case Study

Sector: Dance Wear Manufacturing

Location: Chesterfield

Images Costumes is a Chesterfield-based business, designing and manufacturing bespoke dancewear and logo uniforms.

They are also a Lycra fabric specialist retailer. The company began in 2005 and today with 10 employees, they can make any of their costume designs in any fabric combination, to suit the customer's requirements. Costumes are supplied throughout the UK and overseas.

Challenges faced

Like most businesses, Images Costume has faced rising costs in recent years. The company is still dealing with the fallout of Brexit and Covid-19. On top of that, the cost-of-living crisis has brought further price increases which have negatively impacted the business, particularly around reinvesting in staff and updating technology.

Solution and Impact

Managing Director Michelle Webb is working with Peter Lawrence, Business Adviser on the Accelerator project to support business growth and the future sustainability of the business.

Some of the company’s systems needed updating and they identified that a new CAD system and software would improve pattern efficiency and development. Michelle was referred to the Made Smarter East Midlands digital adaption programme, and with guidance from Peter and Made Smarter Digital Transformation Specialist, Prashant Gandabhai on the application process, the business was successfully awarded an £8,300 grant to purchase the CAD new system.

Image Costume’s website and eCommerce platforms also needed a revamp enabling them to make content changes themselves, save on costs and enhance global sales. They are working with Chesterfield Borough Council towards funding for this.

In addition, the business also hopes to reduce its energy consumption, reduce costs and improve efficiency through a funded energy audit.

The new CAD design system means a streamlining of the business’s processes. It will allow Images Costumes to be more competitive offering a larger range of designs and sizes that are relevant and up to date. With this advantage, it will safeguard and create new jobs.

They are also investing in staff training for the new system and their improved eCommerce platform will enable them to expand into new markets.

“The support we received from the advisers on the grant project was key to the success of the funding application.

Small businesses like ours don’t have dedicated procurement departments so their expert knowledge and experience was invaluable. In addition, they were able to bring additional areas of support to our attention, such as the energy audit, which we might otherwise have missed. It was exactly what was needed!”

- Michelle Webb, 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.

Sector: Food and Drink Retail

Location: Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a brand-new business support project designed to help established businesses based in the District of Ashfield find practical solutions to improve commercial operations leading to sustainable growth. This is being funded by Ashfield District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Located in the heart of nature within the Mill Waters Park surrounding the reservoir, the award-winning Mill Waters Café has built a strong reputation for its homemade food and welcoming atmosphere.

Patricia Ironside and her team have built the business up over the last 17 years, including increasing turnover each year for the previous three years by over 20%. The team includes five trainees with Special Educational Needs, an important part of the business philosophy.

Challenges faced

Patricia has always looked for ways to improve what the café provides and offer something different and new. Although the café benefits from many returning customers, with competition growing constantly, it was essential to her that the business remained competitive and kept innovating. There was a need to build on previous trials with manufacturing jam and ice cream on-site, which had proved popular and profitable, increasing overall spend per visit.

Solution and Impact

Patricia focused on chocolate as the next extension to the offer at the café, particularly as no other businesses in the local Ashfield area offered handmade chocolates and bars.

The Food and Drink Forum, an Accelerator project partner, has helped Patricia with marketing support. They also helped her apply for a Growth Voucher, which enabled her to take advantage of training from Ellie Wharrad of Studio Chocolate in Nottingham.

Over two days Ellie went through every aspect of handmade chocolate production, from roasting beans to creating fillings, moulding, decorating and painting, and forming bars that had stand-out appeal. Ellie also created “Tricia’s Chocolate Bible” with everything Patricia would need (which was over and above the deliverables of the training).

Patricia completed the training in February 2024, with sampling starting at the café in March. She said that 80% of people who tried them placed an order, particularly for the hand-painted filled chocolates. The bars make a good impulse purchase and are particularly popular with younger visitors.

Patricia plans to train one member of staff to support production, increasing that as sales increase. She will also offer classes and workshops for hen parties or corporate teambuilding days. By manufacturing products in-house that are aligned with the business ethos of “homemade” while offering something not available locally, the support has given the business an additional competitive advantage.

“I’m already seeing additional business as a direct result of the training this grant allowed me to invest in. I would encourage any local business to make time to go through the grant process.”

- Patricia Ironside, 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 Ashfield District Council.

Sector: Manufacturing

Location: Newark & Sherwood

Frances Alexandra Jewellery is a small bespoke, handmade jewellery business run and owned by Alex Parkinson.

Based in Thorseby Hall Park, just outside Worksop and situated within the grade 2 listed building, previously the stable block. Alex started the business in August 2017 and runs jewellery-making workshops.

Challenges faced

Over the years, Alex has actively sought opportunities for personal and professional development. Not having a business background, she has attended several workshops run by East Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub, focused on social media and accountancy. These workshops have equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge, particularly helping in organising her accounts.

Solution and Impact

Alex credits much of her recent success to advice from her business adviser, Alex Gardner from the Accelerator project.

The guidance provided not only boosted her confidence but also reignited her passion for her business. With newfound clarity and support, Alex embraced opportunities she previously hesitated to pursue. This included taking part in craft fairs and making presentations to guests at a local stately house, as well as collaborating with other social media influencers in the craft industry.

The support and guidance from her business adviser and the tools provided by the Accelerator Project have had a profound impact on Alex and her business. She has become more efficient in time management, leading to reduced stress and increased satisfaction in the process of running her business. By re-evaluating her business strategy, she gained confidence in the value of her services, reflected in adjusted pricing.

With ideas and tips for how to increase her engagement via her social media platforms, Alex has increased enquiries. She enjoys creating content for social media and is happy to bring to life her day-to-day operation online for people to engage with.

Through an upturn in her cash flow, Alex has negotiated affordable solutions for essential upgrades to her business, particularly with her website development. Eventually, this will help streamline processes and take away some of the weight of all the admin that she is currently carrying out.

Alex was able to take a holiday recently which she hasn’t been able to do for quite a while. She feels she has more of a handle on her work-life balance now.

Her adviser Alex Gardner commented: “Alex needed fresh eyes on her business when we met. She has a super business and provides a wonderful bespoke handmade jewellery service for the locality and beyond. It is always a privilege when business owners share their experiences of running their own business. Due to Alex’s openness, we got into the details of her operation quite quickly and make adjustments that had an immediate impact.”

“I strongly encourage fellow business owners to seek support through the Accelerator Project. The tangible results I’ve experienced, including increased bookings and positive feedback, attest to the effectiveness of personalised business advisory services.”

- Alex Parkinson, 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 Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Sector: Architectural Services

Location: Derby

Originally from Lisbon, KreatiViz founder Joao Bravo started his business following a career in the architectural industry.

The Derby-based business began in October 2022 creating 3D architectural renderings (pictures/images). More recently a new online 3D home design solutions service has also been added. They offer CGI, 3D design and visualisation, and architectural design services for homeowners across the UK.

Challenges faced

As a relatively new business, KreatiViz faced several challenges. There was the issue of outdated hardware and lack of capital, as well as not having certain business skills in-house, particularly around digital marketing to enable further growth.

Solution and Impact

When enquiring about funding with the Chamber, Joao was contacted by Steve Phillips, a Business Adviser with the Accelerator project. Steve identified that the business qualified for a Growth Voucher which funded some help from digital consultant, Ian Lockwood.

Ian completed an audit of the business’s website highlighting several flaws which were impacting organic growth. He set up Google Analytics reports enabling Joao to see accurate performance results, which has saved a great deal of time. There was also keyword research, advice on SEO and creating better page layouts - all helping the business to have an improved, well-functioning and organised website.

KreatiViz is now working on making the site more professional using streamlined processes. The support has meant the business is on its way to being more competitive and has helped reduce costs.

“The amount of time and energy this has saved is priceless. We were able to carry on with our daily work and still get the support for our website that was extremely needed. The audit work has saved us days, if not weeks of research to get even close to the level of detail we’ve been given. I’m very pleased with the outcome, and Ian Lockwood exceeded my expectations.”

- Joao Bravo , 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: Construction

Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a brand-new business support project designed to help established businesses based in the District of Ashfield find practical solutions to improve commercial operations leading to sustainable growth. This is being funded by Ashfield District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

After many years as a successful sole trader, Robert Thorpe incorporated his business, Thorpe Electrical Solutions in 2020.

Specialising in residential and commercial electrical services covering the East Midlands, particularly Mansfield and Ashfield.

Now as a team of 8, Thorpe Electrical Solutions has vast experience in testing a wide variety of installations from domestic housing to commercial offices. The business is fully NAPIT-approved which means the team works safely and to legally required standards.

Challenges faced

The business has faced many challenges in recent years from rising costs to tackling Covid lockdowns. There was also the transition from a sole trader electrician to growing a business, recruiting and managing staff.

A lot of time has been spent developing services and launching another company in the energy sector, as well as on diversification. Growth is the ambition but at the same time managing costs and keeping up-to-date with changing environmental requirements.

Solution and Impact

Robert has been supported through the Accelerator programme by Chamber Business Adviser, David Smith, particularly around the financial aspects of the business. The use of subcontractors has recently been reduced to increase efficiency and save on labour costs. The business is also combating rising costs and tracking each job to see where further efficiencies can be made.

David’s insight has also helped in a further two areas. Firstly, by supporting Robert to benefit from Help to Grow: Management, a 12-week executive development leadership and management programme. A Chamber subsidy meant that 100% of enrolment costs have been met. The programme is helping Robert build his strategic knowledge and skills. It has focused his thinking on what his business offers and the jobs it takes on, as well as tracking profitability and marketing for higher-value work.

The course has already had an impact on staff with better engagement than ever before, helping them develop and grow as the business expands. Robert says he is learning a lot and looking forward to scaling up with a new business plan.

Secondly, a Growth Voucher from the Chamber has enabled the business to commission an external consultant, Sophie from Be Your Best Version, to provide support and a greater understanding of reducing their carbon footprint. New processes are now in place, helping them be more environmentally friendly now and in the future.

“David and his team have been a huge help to our organisation – from our 1-to-1 meetings, helping us with the numbers, informing us about the Help to Grow programme and accessing the Growth Voucher. David helped me years ago before I started the business. He’s been a great help, just as he was back then! I couldn’t recommend anyone more highly!”

- Robert Thorpe, Founder and 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 Ashfield District Council.

Sector: Machining, fabrication, and assembly

Location: Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a brand-new business support project designed to help established businesses based in the District of Ashfield find practical solutions to improve commercial operations leading to sustainable growth. This is being funded by Ashfield District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Tybro is an award-winning, fourth-generation independent business. Founded in 1914, it provides high-quality precision engineering solutions to a range of industries.

The business’s initial focus was on motor and electrical engineering but it has
developed a niche for precision engineering (specifically milling, turning, fabrication & assembly). Its key selling point is its ability to manufacture bespoke, out-of-theordinary items which relies heavily upon the skillset of its team.

Challenges faced

The business faces two key challenges: finding skilled staff to deliver the bespoke, precision work required by its customers; and remaining at the forefront of technological changes to provide the best possible customer service.

As a business committed to reducing its carbon footprint and, in turn, that of its customers and their end users, it has also invested in implementing significant changes to aid this journey. The business continues to rise to the challenge of being a critical manufacturing partner to several companies that are creating new green environmental projects such as fusion, hydrogen and electrification.

Solution and Impact

First and foremost, the business has benefitted from expert support from Chamber Business Adviser David Smith. David has identified the right support to meet the business’s needs and challenging growth plans, working closely with Mandy Tyler, who took over as Managing Director in 2021. Introductions have been made to key partners such as the University of Derby’s apprenticeship team and Made Smarter for automation advice & funding.

The support through Made Smarter has highlighted many of the good practices already being undertaken but has also led to the awarding of a Made Smarter grant. This injection of funding will support the business to invest in new machinery, thereby helping to increase its manufacturing speed and efficiency. The time saved will not only speed up the whole process – as there will be only one set up and set down – but will also leave another machine and operator free for another job. The end result will be an increase in capacity, a reduction in lead times and, ultimately, reduction in production cost. As well as enabling the business to become more efficient, the standardisation of its machines will also help it streamline its training of
new staff.

An energy audit has also been commissioned and the business is looking forward to acting upon the findings to identify how it can take further steps to reduce its carbon footprint.

“David introduced us to Made Smarter and was on hand throughout the grant process, helping me to demonstrate what impact the investment would have on the business.

We received a £20k grant as a result which will help us increase our manufacturing capability. Our new machine has additional features that our current turning machines don’t, enabling us to undertake multiple operations in one setting rather than manufacturing on multiple machines.”

- Mandy Tyler, 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 Ashfield District Council.

Sector: Visitor attraction and educational charity

Location: Derbyshire Dales

Cromford Mills is a water-powered cotton mill that acts as the Northern Gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building, seen as the birthplace of the modern factory system, was set up by industrialist Richard Arkwright in the 1770s.

The site was rescued from demolition in the 1970s by the Arkwright Society. Since then, an army of volunteers and supporters have worked tirelessly to re-invent the Mills as a centre for heritage, education and business support.

Challenges faced

As the charity receives no core funding from Government or elsewhere, its greatest challenge has been, and remains, maintaining its very existence. Rising energy costs have had a massive impact and electricity bills have increased four-fold. The site has a proud heritage as one of the world’s great enablers of water energy. It stands to reason, therefore, that renewable energy should once again sit at the heart of Cromford Mills’s ambition to become a net zero site.

Solution and Impact

The charity has secured Accelerator support in three key areas: one-to-one sessions with a business adviser, specialised energy consultancy, and training.

Dedicated time spent with the Chamber’s Head of Business Support Services Paul Stuart, has enabled the charity to consider what priority actions it needs to take to fulfil its long-term strategic ambitions. Bringing in a fresh pair of eyes to the charity’s operations is enabling Chief Executive Éilis Scott to identify best practice. One particularly relevant area of Paul’s operational expertise is his management of the Chamber’s Friars Mill premises in Leicester. As a site that combines industrial heritage, iconic architecture and a waterside setting, there are many similarities between it and the managed workspaces offered at Cromford. The charity has been given support too in developing opportunities around hosting larger-scale events.

Fully-funded specialist consultancy has also been provided in the form of an energy audit. Environmental experts Loreus have undertaken a detailed analysis of the charity’s energy usage, identifying where it might reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint, and presenting its findings as a decarbonisation plan.

There has been benefit too from training, with the charity’s marketing officer attending an Accelerator one-day workshop on Blogging with Authority.

"We greatly appreciate the invaluable support given through the Accelerator project. Specialist advice is helping us address our financial hurdles and review our energy management.

Paul’s support has also been fantastic, focusing on finding solutions and making informed decisions.”

- Éilis Scott, Chief Executive

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 Derbyshire Dales District Council.