Case Studies from 2025

Sector: Motor Sports/ Engineering

Location: South Derbyshire

MacG Racing is based in Barrow upon Trent, South Derbyshire. It began in 2010 as a motorsport racing team and over the years it has evolved into an engineering business and performance parts supplier becoming fully commercial in 2021 after the pandemic.

The business is a specialist in performance/ track car builds and preparation, engine builds, suspension setup, supply, fitting and set up of race and performance cars. It also provides a design consultancy service.

There are five people in the team and two directors, father and son Richard and Jonathan MacGregor. There’s also a volunteer race team of nine, who are all getting hands-on experience of high-tech competition cars, and a work placement student who attends one day a week.

Challenges faced

Keeping a strict control of cash flow, particularly with the general cost of running a business escalating over recent years has been challenging for the business. MacG Racing were also facing difficulties when it came to recruiting the specialist technicians required to expand its workshop services.

Importing and exporting was also becoming increasingly onerous for the business. Government regulations and requirements were making it more difficult to negotiate the multitude of processes and rules. This red tape and regulations created further pressures constantly looming large over the business.

Solution and Impact

MacG Racing has been supported by Business Adviser, Sonny Lakhani and the Accelerator project. 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 has provided one-to-one support around the business growth strategy and general advice on dealing with the growing pains of a micro business. He’s also signposted Richard to other support, grant funding and events.

It was at the Energy Grant Readiness event where Richard heard more about support and funding on carbon reduction and how to prepare an application for the Council’s energy grant. With guidance from Sonny the business successfully applied for an energy grant and was awarded £16,721.

This has contributed to a reduction in its carbon footprint by the installation of air sourced heat pumps, and improved thermal insulation being installed. The result will be a total reduction of around 30% in its carbon footprint, despite employing more people.

MacG Racing was also signposted to the Chamber’s international team who have carried out a free customs audit health check, which among other things, inspects goods and documents relating to customs and international trade.

They have also received marketing support in association with the University of Derby. Accelerator support has had a positive impact on the business.

Richard comments: “We have been improving our professional approach to the administration of our business, resulting in the company being perceived as larger than it is. This has enabled us to expand quicker than we otherwise would have. And we are achieving some economies of scale as a result.”
The business has recruited two new members of staff and are also now advertising for a further technician. It also expects to continue to recruit in the immediate future.

Some of the team have also taken advantage of the funded training through Accelerator including the WordPress Masterclass, 20 Simple Ways to Get your Website Generating more Business and How to Master Digital Display and Video Advertising.

“The support has always been provided promptly and in a courteous and sympathetic manner. It has been a considerable help to us both administratively and financially.”

- Richard MacGregor, 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: Printing

Location: Gedling

Ernest Bexon & Coy (Printers) Ltd, known as Bexons, began trading over 60 years ago. It was created by Ernest Bexon, his son-in-law, Michael Morris and his brother Geoff Morris.

It is a family-run, trade printing business, producing everything from business cards to B1 format sheets for B2B and B2C customers. Continued investment into modern machinery and equipment has helped the business build a strong reputation for offering a professional service - quality printing, that meets tight deadlines, at competitive prices.

Bexons is based in Daybrook, Nottingham and has a team of 11 people. Staff have a wealth of experience in the printing industry with some team members having over 25 years of knowledge and expertise in the field. This longevity of service is reflected in the team’s deep understanding of the various aspects of printing. Many of the team have been at the business since leaving school fostering loyalty and commitment to the business’s collective goals.

There is also great teamwork and camaraderie among the staff which helps them work effectively together. The skills they have gained over the years are invaluable and enable them to tackle challenges with confidence and creativity.

Challenges faced

One major barrier to growth for Bexons has been rising energy costs. Over the last 5 years, energy prices have doubled for the printing business, significantly impacting its profit margins. The business has had to think of new ways to reduce its electricity consumption, become more energy efficient and reduce its carbon footprint.

Brexit has also had a big impact on the printing industry as many companies looking to save costs have cut their marketing budgets. This in turn has affected the need for printing requirements, reducing demand for outsourced printers.

Solution and Impact

The Accelerator project and Chamber Business Adviser, Lisa Baggott have supported Bexons to combat some of these challenges. Accelerator is funded by Gedling Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Lisa has provided one-to-one advice to Director, Ryan Morris initially starting with a business diagnostic to see where the business was and wanted to be. Bexons took advantage of a fully funded premises energy audit which identified energy efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce costs.

Lisa also helped Bexons successfully apply for a £10,000 sustainability grant (80% contribution) towards the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels. Ryan estimates that these panels will save the business a massive £3,800 a year!

Lisa commented: “Working with Bexons has been an absolute joy! Hearing about their history and seeing their passion for their business was truly inspiring. It’s been fantastic to help Ryan and the team tackle some of their challenges, from reducing energy costs to securing funding for solar panels. I’m so excited to see how these changes help them grow, and I can’t wait to support them further on their journey.”

Bexons has also joined the East Midlands Manufacturing Network, a Chamber initiative that includes free forum meetings where manufacturers can share best practices and hear about business support available.

“The support we received through the whole process has been superb. We would like to give a special mention to Lisa Baggott who assisted us throughout and was always available if we needed help with any of the grant process.”

- Ryan Morris, 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 Gedling Borough Council.

Sector: Charity

Location: North East Derbyshire

The Dronfield Heritage Trust is a historic buildings preservation charity and was founded in 2007 to oversee the restoration of the Grade II* listed Dronfield Hall Barn.

The Barn officially opened in 2015, and over the subsequent ten years the Trust has developed a popular venue for community heritage, arts, and natural history activities. The Trust also manages a wholly owned trading subsidiary company to run the popular Barn Café, and a historic venue space for weddings, corporate, and social hire.

The Trust is supported by three staff members, and a team of volunteers for front-of-house hosting and garden maintenance.

Challenges faced

Between 2015 – 2020, the Barn hosted up to 30 weddings a year which provided a significant income to the Trust for the maintenance of the building and the development of community events. During the pandemic lockdowns, the Trust continued to offer community support, but soon noticed a significant fall-off in the number of wedding bookings. Nationally, the weddings market was changing, and together with competition from other Derbyshire and south Yorkshire venues, this presented a sustainability challenge to the Trust.

The overall increase in direct and indirect costs, and competition for charitable trusts meant there was pressure to make the most of the space available. How could the Trust fulfil its commitment to deliver free community-focussed activity whilst maximising the commercial opportunities provided by a beautiful venue and quality catering offer?

Solution and Impact

Sam Reavey, Creative Manager and Andrea Kilner, Coffee Shop Manager worked with Paul Stuart, Head of Business Support Services at East Midlands Chamber through the Accelerator project. Accelerator is funded by North East Derbyshire District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is delivered by the Chamber.

Paul helped the Trust to apply for an Accelerator Growth Voucher which was used to fund a specialist consultant.

Sam says: “The help we received from the Chamber and Paul was excellent. He talked me through the process of applying for the voucher and was on hand to offer advice and suggestions. We spent time on Zoom discussing the application and with his help, we were successful in receiving the Accelerator grant.”

Through the one-to-one adviser support, Sam and Andrea were able to consider the options available to balance the use of the function space with the on-going growth of the Coffee Shop and catering offer.

A number of Trust employees have also taken advantage of free training events including Marketing Made Easy for Tourism Businesses, Practical Guide to Marketing, Practical Guide to Leadership and Management, How to Safely Update your WordPress Website and Using Video in Content Marketing.

Chairman of the Dronfield Heritage Trust Alan Powell added: “We became a member of the Chamber just over a year ago and really appreciate the practical support available to both the charity and to our trading company. We will continue to draw on Chamber expertise, networking and marketing opportunities as we head into our 10th Anniversary year.”

“The support from first contact to conclusion has been brilliant. Really supportive and knowledgeable.

What we have been able to receive wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Paul and the other staff we have dealt with.”

- Sam Reavey, Creative 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 North East Derbyshire District Council.

Sector: Tree growing and planting CIC

Location: Broxtowe

Helene Laanest registered Canopy 2050 CIC, a community-based initiative in the East Midlands, in 2023 with a mission to increase the urban tree canopy.

They collaborate with residents to collect, distribute and cultivate native tree seeds and plant the resulting saplings in tree-depleted areas and sites on council or private land.

Challenges faced

Canopy 2050 is a non-profit organisation which provides free tree saplings and a planting service that relies on volunteers and community support. They hold valuable training and educational services which highlight the need for conservation and the importance of tree growth. Their workshops include tree seed collecting, tree seed extraction and planting methods. From a standing start, they now have 550 volunteers on their books growing trees in their gardens and allotments.

Their start-up challenges included:

• Developing a business structure
• Securing funding to support their tree-growing initiatives and community events
• Raising awareness about the importance of urban trees and their environmental benefits
• Building a network of volunteers to assist with tree planting and maintenance

Solution and Impact

As a startup business, Canopy 2050 is being supported by NBV Enterprise Solutions, a partner in the Accelerator project. Accelerator is delivered by East Midlands Chamber and funded by Broxtowe Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Helene sought guidance from Business Adviser, Raj Raithatha.

Raj provided valuable support to:

• Develop a better understanding of the administration and processes involved as a CIC
• Develop a robust Marketing Strategy and plan to reach their audience
• Explore business planning techniques and the use of tools Like ChatGPT, and Canva
• Explore text-to-video apps to develop and plan online marketing content
• Secure 20 hours of specialist consultancy support using the Chamber’s Growth Voucher offer delivered by Rob Gregory from Magnifica Technologies Ltd. Rob helped Helene develop a modern website

Helene also attended some of the fully funded training sessions available including How to Safely Update your WordPress Website, Getting Started with Employment Contracts, Introduction to Marketing AI and Getting Started with Monthly Accounts.

Canopy 2050 is always seeking new volunteers and donations to help plant more trees. If you're interested in planting trees in your garden or workplace, or if you need advice on tree care, you can contact them for support. They also offer native hedging and tree planting services, as well as tree supplies, to residents in the East Midlands.

Contact Helene via email: info@canopy2050.org or visit the Canopy 2050 website

“Canopy 2050's success story demonstrates the power of business advice for non-profit organisations.

Raj's guidance empowered Canopy 2050 to overcome challenges, start the business, and achieve our environmental goals.

The Growth Voucher paid for the support I got from Rob Gregory whose help has allowed me to develop a website that has helped my business recruit new volunteers, communicate with volunteers and enable donors to contribute online.”

- Helene Laanest, 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 Broxtowe Borough Council.