Case Studies from 2025

Sector: Trade & Retail

Location: Chesterfield

Finney’s Wood Finishes is a partnership with husband-and-wife team, Mark and Sue Finney. In 1989 the business began by making and designing solid, hardwood furniture in Sheffield. It was recognised nationally for its design and craftmanship.

Over the years, Mark has published over 400 articles for national magazines and penned the international best seller ‘The Stanley Book of Woodwork’.

Alongside the furniture making business, they were selling wood finishing materials. Then from the early 2000s, after Mark suffered a back injury, this side of the business was expanded, and Finney’s Wood Finishes became the main focus.

The duo have developed and curated a full range of stains, waxes and finishes that cover all aspects of finishing interior and exterior wood.  This includes their Six of the Best range which customers love.

They also offer expert advice on wood finishing processes to guide people through projects and love to show people the very best way to make their wood look fantastic.

Challenges faced

Over the years, and particularly after COVID, the team noticed how people buy in a very different way - using the internet to get information and ordering online and receiving goods the next day. Customers use social media a lot more to buy - a channel which both Sue and Mark were unfamiliar with. Having said that, they both understood the power of video, as Mark had created four instructional videos 12 years ago to help customers learn how to use wood finishes. One of these has had around 300k views!

The world had changed since COVID and both Mark and Sue realised they didn’t have the skills to change with it.

They needed help with technology in particular social media, Google Analytics, creating e-newsletters, making quality video content as well as developing a marketing strategy.

Solution and Impact

The business has been supported through the Accelerator project which is funded by Chesterfield Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

In August 2023 Sue and Mark met Business Adviser Adrian Williamson from Chesterfield Borough Council and have done everything he suggested.

Sue has attended many funded workshops and webinars covering topics from social media to photography, using video in content marketing through to Google Analytics 4.

They have also worked with Chamber Business Adviser Peter Lawrence and successfully applied for a Growth Voucher. This provided 16 hours of funded consultancy support from digital specialist, Paul Ince of LikeMind Media.

Sue commented: “Paul has been superb and really helped us with hands-on training as well creating a marketing strategy document, which we are implementing.

We definitely feel more in control of our business now as we have a strategic plan towards growth.  This will enable us to reach more customers, to develop our offering by creating more educational content and so become more competitive. All our efforts are already seeing the business grow.”

“We were in a quandary, with a wonderful business but people were not able to find us.  We knew we needed help, and we tried all sorts of approaches, but we were hitting a brick wall, and then we found Adrian.

He helped us find direction through the maze by giving us a structure, identifying our priorities and showing us a path we could follow.

We felt worried, concerned and directionless but now we’re inspired, energised and empowered to learn new skills. We now think differently about the business – we feel positive and full of hope for the future.”

- Sue Finney, Co-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 Chesterfield Borough Council.

Sector: Manufacturing

Location: Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a 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.

HEC Showman is based in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire.

With a history that stems back to 1989, the business manufactures medical furniture for the healthcare industry. It currently employs 27 people.

Challenges faced

Production capacity was the main challenge for HEC Showman as it began to struggle to complete orders because it couldn’t get the goods powder-coated fast enough to meet demand. On top of this were rising energy costs, the cost-of-living crisis and outdated technology which were all impacting HEC Showman’s growth potential.

Solutions

Ashley Hopkinson, Managing Director at HEC Showman, was enrolled onto the Accelerator Project and was provided with one-on-one support by Chamber Business Adviser, David Smith.

• David arranged for a full diagnostic review looking at the business and its future goals. David also recommended alternative solutions and signposted the business to other available support opportunities.
• As a key challenge was energy costs, David also arranged for a premises energy audit to be carried out, funded by the Accelerator project. Consultant Sophie Wragg, of Be Your Best Version, then provided a detailed report with recommendations on where and how the business could save on costs and energy usage.
• In addition to the above, Ashley also heard about the Ashfield Enterprise Grant from David and was invited to attend a free workshop on ‘how to make a successful grant application’. With support from the Chamber, Ashley successfully put forward a grant application and was awarded £30,000 to invest in updating its machinery.

Outcome

This grant was used towards a new extended track for hanging goods waiting to be painted as well as two new application booths: one for reclaiming the white powder and the other as spray to waste for the colours.

Having updated machinery has allowed the business to streamline its processes, making it more energy and time efficient: in fact, saving the equivalent of 2.5 days a week!

The new powder booths feature new, more energy efficient motors, plus LED lighting throughout the factory and improved operation practices have reduced the gas usage. The longer track has also given more capacity and product cooling time allowing them to be more time efficient in the day and improve capacity rather than working weekends or overtime. This has also improved their work/ life balance.

The new machinery has also allowed the business to do at least 50% more work through its paint shop. This means stock is available enabling it to offer shorter lead times to customers.

There has also been a positive impact to the exiting workforce by creating two new jobs and safeguarding a number of others.

“The support from David Smith through the application process has been exceptional.

He has been thorough, supportive and knowledgeable and I know we wouldn’t have seen the process through without him.”

- Ashley Hopkinson, 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: Warehousing

Location: Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a 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.

Hucknall Self-Storage Ltd was created by director, Tom Clark in 2021. Tom was already running a machine embroidery threads business, TC Threads, at the time.

When spare capacity arose due to the departure of a tenant business, Tom decided to expand and open Hucknall Self-Storage.

It’s a family business run by Tom’s daughter, Helen Clark who is the sole employee. The business aims to provide hassle free storage at a competitive price and has storage units which range in size from 15 to 150 sq. ft. The facilities cater for every occasion both personal and professional. This includes storage for house and business moves, creating more space at home, or in your business as well as units which are perfect for storing the contents of student dorm rooms in the summer or Christmas breaks.

Challenges faced

One of its key challenges was rising costs, in particular energy bills which have spiralled in recent years. Energy is their highest cost being a storage facility, apart from wages (for Helen plus now a part-time assistant), other costs are minimal. With 64 units it is a large space to heat up.

As well as cutting bills Tom was keen to reduce energy usage from an ethical point of view and to make the business energy self-sufficient. There was a need to become more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint.

Solutions

Hucknall Self-Storage has been supported by the Accelerator project and East Midlands Chamber Business Adviser, Richard Crowden. Richard invited Tom to the ‘Ashfield Business Grants: How to make a Successful Application’ event where Accelerator business support and top tips on completing a grant application were covered.

Following this Richard arranged for a premises energy audit to be carried out, funded by the Accelerator project. Consultant, Sophie Wragg of Be Your Best Version provided a detailed report with recommendations on where and how the business could save on costs and energy usage.

With Richard’s assistance Hucknall Self-Storage successfully applied for the Ashfield Accelerator Grant to be used towards energy reduction measures. This grant of £28,000 has supported the implementation of solar panels and battery storage along with infra-red heaters in the business.

Impact

The investment in energy saving measures will drive the business towards its goal of becoming energy self-sufficient and is expected to reduce its carbon emissions by 5 tonnes of CO2e.

The business has doubled its turnover in the last year and continues to grow. With its 64 units it is now close to capacity. It has also created a new part-time job for a general assistant to support Helen following this growth.

“The support from Richard has been absolutely first class. His help in completing a complex grant application was really appreciated. The grant award has made a big difference to our business and the environment, which is important to us.”

- Tom Clark, 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: Retail/Wholesale Craft Supplies

Location: North East Derbyshire

Highlight Crafts is based in Clay Cross, North East Derbyshire and has been trading since May 2021.

The business is predominantly involved in direct retail sales and training through e-commerce and face-to-face for craft related products as well as classes, which are designed and developed in-house. It employs 29 people.

Challenges faced

Although the business had done well in the past selling on television, the trends were showing television sales were on the downturn, and there was an urgent need to build more solid connections with customers and sell through the website.

Other issues included rising costs, copycat products from the Far East as well as a large wholesale customer going into administration. This has all had a major impact on sales and cashflow.

Solution and Impact

Highlight Crafts has been supported by the Accelerator project. Accelerator is funded by North East Derbyshire District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Managing Director, Karl Shaw has been working with Chamber Business Adviser, Andy Bunn initially with a business diagnostic and on future growth plans. One of the main areas of support has been around growing the business’s marketing reach to combat declining television sales. The business was keen to push more potential customers towards its website to build contacts and its mailing lists.

Accelerator offers eligible businesses growth vouchers, up to the value of £2,000 which can be used towards specialist consultancy support. Highlight Crafts was successful with its application for the voucher and has been helped to create a Google Ads and YouTube advertising campaign to generate new B2C customer leads. This support has been provided by Liam Lally, a specialist in paid digital advertising.

The added benefit of this advice was improvements to its website in terms of key words and search engine optimisation, ensuring the site would be found by the kind of customers they were looking for.

The support has provided some security for the business and enabled it to create a new marketing position and safeguard jobs.

Some of the Highlight Crafts team have also taken advantage of the funded Accelerator workshops including Using AI for SEO, Marketing & Brand Development, and Blogging with Authority and Trust.

“The support was delivered in a professional, efficient and timely manner. 

It highlighted areas for the team to focus on to generate sales leads. This has had a direct and positive impact on our business.”

- Karl Shaw, 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 North East Derbyshire District Council.

Sector: Manufacturing

Location: Leicester

Parker Plant is a market leader in the manufacture and supply of reliable solutions for asphalt, crushing, screening, sand and gravel, concrete and material handling equipment throughout the world.

From its humble beginnings beneath a railway arch in Leicester, the business that Frederick Parker established in 1911 went on to achieve success around the world with products sold to over 150 countries.

Vision and Challenges

There were several key areas the business wanted to address to achieve its vision for the future. This included:

• Facilities and Capacity Expansion:  Build a modern, tailored facility on the existing site in Leicester, consolidating all operations into one location to enhance efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency: Integrate solar panels, energy-efficient heating, and other green initiatives during the new build stage to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.

Its main challenges in delivering these parts of the growth strategy included sustainability and data gaps:

• Limited access to accurate energy data due to ongoing site changes which made it difficult to benchmark its carbon footprint.
• Unsure how to incorporate energy-efficient solutions into the new site at the build stage.

Solution and Impact

Parker Plant has been supported by the Accelerator project. Accelerator is funded by Leicester City Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Chamber Business Adviser Joanna Moore has been working with Jason Standley, Group Health and Safety Manager on a 1-to-1 basis to understand the business and vision.

This support has helped Parker Plant to expand its operations and modernise its processes while integrating sustainability into its core strategy. This has been done by:

• Creating a Sustainability Action Plan outlining actionable steps to build a state-of-the-art facility, achieve energy efficiency, and align with the company’s vision of growth over five years.
• Signposting to other support programmes and partners operating in this space to help employees gain new skills and knowledge in sustainable practices and possible finance and funding option to help implement plans.
• Providing access to a specialist consultant who conducted an Energy Audit and provided tailored recommendations for the company’s new building.

The energy audit reviewed historical records and provided tailored recommendations for the company’s new building. Instead of replicating systems from the old, now-demolished site, it proposed more sustainable solutions to be integrated from the outset. This proactive approach ensures energy-efficient measures are built in from the start, avoiding the need for costly retrofits later.

Jason commented: “The energy audit meant that when we went to the tendering stage, we could specify what we wanted for the new building. We had that bit of expert support behind us on what would work for our business. This was extremely valuable.”

“For all parts of the Accelerator service, including the energy audit and advice from Jo, we have received an excellent service.”

- Jason Standley, Group Health and Safety Manager

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 Leicester City Council.

Sector: Marketing

Location: Gedling

Socials For Creatives is a specialised social media marketing agency dedicated to helping heart-led small/medium business owners enhance their online presence through management, coaching and strategy.

The agency now offers AI-enhanced social media strategies and AI-driven marketing coaching, leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimise content and audience engagement. Its primary aim is to help clients gain more leads through social media marketing and move them to dedicated campaign landing pages with clear, data-driven strategies.

Challenges faced

As a small business with limited resources and time, it has been difficult to expand without additional support such as training and investment in the right tools and technology. In particular, there was a gap in some necessary skills, especially in areas like AI-driven marketing and SEO optimisation which are needed to help create a more competitive business model. The business also needed better software and equipment to expand its Social Media coaching.

Solution and Impact

Business owner, Lexie Barker has attended Accelerator workshops on AI, automation, and financial management. Accelerator is funded by Gedling Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Lexie has also tapped into one-to-one business support from Chamber Business Adviser, Lisa Baggott who has encouraged creative thinking through brainstorming and has helped Lexie explore the best ways to move forward, including through signing up to available courses and exploring funding options. This has led to securing business growth grant funding for coaching on AI and marketing, enabling the business to better leverage technology for growth. It also covered subscriptions to essential services, such as Zoom Pro, Zapier, Laxis, and Descript Creator Plan, which help streamline operations and improve the overall client experience. Additionally, the grant funded the purchase of a new microphone to enhance audio quality for virtual sessions and content creation, and it supported website optimisation, ensuring a more professional and user-friendly online presence.

The networking events have enabled Lexie to stay informed about local and national developments, as well as connect with other local business owners.

While not certain of the exact figure, Lexie hopes that by streamlining her sales process, integrating AI, offering an effective coaching programme, and expanding her team as her business grows, she could save around two days per week.

“The support I’ve received has been phenomenal. Lisa’s ongoing support has helped me stay focused and on track. Without guidance from Lisa and her fellow business adviser Alison North, I wouldn’t have secured the grant or gained valuable knowledge from the courses and networking events I’ve attended.”

- Lexie Barker, 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 Gedling Borough Council.

Sector: Office Supplies

Location: South Derbyshire

Based in Willington, Derby in purpose-built offices, Kings Office Supplies was launched in November 2014. With over 30 years of industry experience, Managing Director, Laverne King leads an enthusiastic team of four employees (soon to be five) with passion and professionalism.

It offers a one-stop shop for office and business supplies including stationery, bespoke print, promotional gifts, workwear and PPE products, on a next-day delivery service.

Challenges faced

Kings Office Supplies operates in a highly competitive market which is a constant challenge. With over 1 million products available they also needed to drive more traffic to their website to boost sales but lacked the necessary marketing know-how. With a new product category about to launch, they also wanted to build brand equity and take on new employees.

Solution and Impact

The business heard about the fully funded Accelerator project through Sonny Lakhani, Business Adviser at East Midlands Chamber.

Accelerator is funded by South Derbyshire District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is delivered by East Midlands Chamber. Sonny is providing one-to-one support to Laverne including a diagnostic to see where the business is now and create a plan for future growth.

Accelerator offers Growth Vouchers up to the value of £2,000 for specialist consultancy or training. The business successfully applied for a Growth Voucher which funded support from marketing consultant, Lindsey Newman-Wood.

Lindsey is helping to create a marketing strategy including brand development of the new product category, Bespoke Printed Merchandise, with a focus on Derby and the surrounding areas.

Kings Office Supplies recognised that all businesses need extra support, especially in the current climate. One of its biggest challenges has been reaching and engaging with new clients.

Laverne commented: “The guidance and support provided by Lindsey have been invaluable. Her insightful questioning and strategic suggestions have been highly productive, helping us think outside the box and identify key marketing challenges within our business.

“With Lindsey’s expertise, we have successfully structured a comprehensive marketing strategy, focusing on the areas most critical for business growth. More importantly, this plan has given us a clear roadmap for the future, ensuring a strong and sustainable path to success.”

Two new job roles have been created - Derby based Field Sales Executive and a Sales Manager, Furniture Division - because of this support.

“I am really excited to be able to work 1-to-1 with an adviser to help build the Kings’ strategy and increase sales turnover. I’m also delighted to have the confidence to be able to offer two new job roles.”

- Laverne King, 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 South Derbyshire District Council.

Sector: Arboricultural Consultancy

Location: Derbyshire Dales

Thompson Tree Services is an arboricultural contracting and consultancy company based in Wirksworth, Derbyshire. They offer professional, high quality tree care and vegetation management services throughout the United Kingdom and across all industry sectors.

The business was looking to grow, reduce overheads and cut CO2 output by installing solar panels. It has been working with East Midlands Chamber Business Adviser, Andy Bunn who has supported them in several areas through the Accelerator project.

This includes arranging a funded premises energy audit which highlighted where the business could save money and reduce consumption. Andy also helped them successfully apply for the Derbyshire Dales District Council’s decarbonisation grant which has enabled them to install the solar panels and reduce their energy costs. These solar panels will provide 98% of the company’s electricity requirements and removes two tonnes of greenhouse gases from the environment.

A £25,000 Business Development Grant from the Council has also part-funded a tracked Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP). These are used by the arboricultural teams to provide safe and efficient methods of working, removing the risks posed by putting a climber physically in a tree.

The MEWP adds to the extensive range of modern, specialised equipment used by the company’s team of qualified and experienced staff. Management systems satisfy the requirements of ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 14001: 2015 and ISO 45001: 2018 and the company is accredited by the Arboricultural Association as Approved Contractors for both amenity and utility arboriculture.

A word from the business:

“As we continue to secure new contracts and expand our services, the acquisition of the MEWP exemplifies our commitment to remaining at the forefront of the arboricultural sector.

We are grateful for the support of Derbyshire Dales, which enables us to further our mission of delivering professional, high-quality tree care services for our clients while prioritising the safety and well-being of our team members."

- Gary Moorehouse, Commercial 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 Derbyshire Dales District Council.

Sector: Engineering

Location: Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a 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.

Process Control & Instrumentation Ltd was set up in March 2005. The business was formed to provide a one-stop shop for the supply of electrical and automation products.

This ranges from simple components through to fully bespoke control system design and builds which are approved for hazardous areas.

The business was rebranded as CPI Systems in 2008 and today has seven employees with a base in Sutton-in-Ashfield. It is a ‘UL listed’ panel shop which means its products meet requirements for the US market.

Challenges faced

Some of the key challenges for the business included:

• High energy costs and a desire to make the premises run as efficiently as possible. An energy audit supported by the Accelerator project highlighted the business was an ideal candidate for solar panels due to its flat south facing roof. The audit also highlighted its single glazed upstairs windows were not energy efficient.
• To create new business relationships, CPI Systems recognised they would benefit by setting up a new website with an e-commerce web shop.
• Its reliance on external businesses to print labels for the components and systems, which they develop has meant they haven’t had full control over quality and lead times.
• The business had identified opportunities to expand the UK market for on-site installation and commissioning. However, this opportunity couldn’t be achieved without further staff training.
• With the ever-changing export regulations CPI Systems recognised the need for external support to maintain and grow its overseas markets.

Solution and Impact

The business has received funding and support from the Accelerator project. Managing Director, Steve Fletcher and Office Manager, Beth Whawell have worked with Chamber Business Adviser, David Smith on a one-to-one basis to grow the business. After attending the ‘Ashfield Business Grants – how to make a successful grant application’ event they applied for funding.

Steve commented: “The meeting was extremely helpful, and I don’t think we could have applied for the funding without David’s support; he was absolutely brilliant.”

David added: “Accelerator funded a premises energy audit for CPI Systems which has supported the application for grant funding.”

The business was successful with the grant application and the funding of £15,741 (50% of the total investment of £31,483) has helped it progress in a number of areas:

• Energy efficiency improvements through new solar panels and replacing inefficient glazing.
• Improved its online presence with the development of an e-commerce web shop which has enabled the business to expand its current customer base.
• Purchased a thermal printer which allows them to print component label and name plates for systems they supply. Bringing this process in-house gives the business total control now on quality and lead times, as well as reducing costs.
• Training to upskill its team to be able to complete the onsite installation and commissioning within hazardous environments across the UK. This represents a new market for the business.
• David has also introduced the business to export specialist, Andrea Collins to work with the team to develop its export markets further.

Support from Accelerator has had a huge impact on the business, from reduced costs to improved processes and business expansion.

The energy audit suggests that replacing its current windows with double glazing units will reduce energy loss from an average 1,269W to just 335 W (a reduction of 934W). It also identifies the implementation of solar panels alone will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 854kgC02e.

The growth plan is expected to create a new full-time workshop role in Q1 2025 with the possibility of employing a new designer later in the year.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the help from David and the match funding we have received.”

- Steve Fletcher, 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: Blind Manufacturing

Location: Derby

Blind Screen Ltd is an international blind design and manufacturing business based at Pride Park in Derby.

With over 20 years of experience in the blinds industry, it was set up in 2022 by entrepreneurs Lenny Reynolds and Paul Cheetham. Their products are manufactured in the UK and fitted by more than 1,000 national and independent blind companies nationwide.

It recently unveiled its next-generation thermal solution Blind ScreenTM 02 DT which reduces heat loss by a massive 49% compared with just double glazing alone. Blind Screen currently has 8 employees.

Challenges faced

The business had ambitions to grow but has faced challenges around getting the funding to support its growth plans.

Another issue was the lack of 3D CAD (computer-aided design) development skills internally, which was hindering innovation

The business also needed help to test and prove the thermal efficiency of its blinds enabling Blind Screen to accurately promote its full features and benefits. Finally, as experienced by many businesses, Brexit has made it much more difficult for Blind Screen to supply its products to Europe.

Solution and Impact

Blind Screen has been supported by several business support programmes.

The Derby Innovation Accelerator grant from the University of Derby has helped support the mass production and worldwide distribution of its latest blind innovation, ZEDDFIT. Accelerator is funded by Derby City Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Blind Screen has also worked with the University of Derby on an accelerated KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) helping them develop new innovative products to bring 3D modelling in-house, enabling prototyping of its products with the use of a 3D printer. This has led to reduced costs for the business and helped it stay ahead in a highly competitive market.

Innovate UK Business Growth funding and advice from East Midland Chamber’s Innovation & Growth Specialist, Neil McCluskey helped the business refocus and reposition its strategy.

The previous academic research from the KTP study showed that the Blind Screen product had advanced thermic properties, and the blinds could dramatically reduce heat loss through windows and help towards the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

Using funding from Innovate UK Business Growth the business was able to perform an IP audit and identify and patent the Blind Screen designs.

With support from Innovate UK Business Growth the business now has the intellectual foundations on which they can build a globally scalable business.

Blind Screen has also benefited from Derby City Council’s Ascend programme. With support from the Council’s Economic Growth Manager, Jane Kirby, the business has received a £25,000 loan and £10,000 grant to support the business’ growth. The support included, but was not restricted to, capital investment and costs towards the KTP with the University of Derby.

In addition, the Council supported the business with a pilot test in a nursing home, alongside Derby University, to do some initial thermal testing of the blinds (both keeping heat in in the winter and heat out in the summer).

Other support includes a £10,000 grant from Vision Derbyshire enabling them to exhibit at the Grand Design Live and other shows.

“The support received has been instrumental in the success of Blind Screen’s worldwide expansion. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without it.”

- Paul Cheetham, Marketing 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: Manufacturing

Location: High Peak

Vista Engineering is the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of builders’ metalwork specialising in wall ties and associated products.

The business is part of the Vista Group and was established over 50 years ago by David Travis, the father of Group Managing Director, Philip Travis.

Challenges faced

Vista Engineering faces the challenge of ensuring its products meet the demands of builders' merchants. Merchants prioritise high-quality, effective products that sell well to their customers. However, competitive pricing is essential, meaning Vista must maintain efficient manufacturing processes to keep costs down.

Additionally, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with merchants favouring suppliers that reduce their carbon footprint. To succeed, Vista must continuously improve product performance, streamline production, and enhance sustainability while remaining cost competitive.

Solution and Impact

Vista Engineering had previously received a growth voucher for consultancy support through the Community Renewal Fund project in 2022.

More recently the business has taken advantage of 1-to-1 business advice and funding through the Accelerator project. This is funded by High Peak Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Chamber Business Adviser, Richard Crowden has been working with the Vista Engineering senior management team on supporting the business with its sustainability goals.

The business took advantage of a fully funded energy audit which helped identify energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs within the premises. They were signposted by Richard to High Peak Borough Council’s Decarbonisation Grant and were successfully awarded £15,000 (50% of the total project cost). This funding has helped Vista Engineering double its solar power systems to 100kW.

Philip Travis commented: “The support has enabled us to seamlessly integrate the new solar panels with our existing system, significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering our operational costs.”

This means the business will offset its carbon emissions by 90,000 kgCO2 per year, which is equivalent to reducing energy consumption off grid by 20%.

“We are grateful for the support of the Decarbonisation Grant through High Peak Borough Council, which has been instrumental in helping us achieve this milestone.”

- Phil Travis, 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 High Peak Borough Council.

Sector: IT

Location: Ashfield

Ashfield Accelerator is a 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.

Tea Powered Projects started as a side business in 2016 for web developer, Callum Robley. Five years later, Callum left his job to work full time on the business.

It provides a full range of digital services including websites, search engine optimisation, marketing, IT solutions and cyber security. He employs two people and is based in Linby, Nottingham.

Challenges faced

One of the greatest barriers for Tea Powered Projects has been growing the business from one person to becoming an employer, and the associated costs. There was also a need to upgrade the technology to support a growing company. There was a desire to grow and offer more services, but resources were limited.

Solution and Impact

Tea Powered Projects has been supported by Ashfield Accelerator and Chamber Business Adviser, Richard Crowden. Callum has taken advantage of the one-to-one business advice and diagnostic from Accelerator including the creation of an action plan for growth.

Callum attended the ‘Ashfield Grants: How to make a successful application event’ run by Accelerator last June and after hearing about the Ashfield Enterprise Development Grant decided to apply. With guidance on the application from Richard, the business was successfully awarded £6,000 in grant funding.

The grant has enabled Tea Powered Projects to move from a home office to a fully functioning office location in Linby, complete with a fully secure networking setup, cyber security equipment, an upgraded server and equipment for staff.

It will enable Tea Powered Projects to take on more clients and introduce more services, including AI Search Engine Optimisation and Managed IT projects. With the new faster server their cloud costs have fallen, and they have an increased capacity for work.

Callum comments: “Our build times are down from 20-30 minutes to 5-10 minutes. We build around 20-30 times a week now on different projects. Building projects in-house has also saved us £5,000 a year in cloud costs.”

Additionally, two new jobs have been created because of the support and funding.

“The Chamber has been helpful throughout the whole project and Richard has been very supportive. The amount of knowledge and advice available in just one phone call is fantastic!”

- Callum Robley, 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.