Case Studies from April 2026

Sector: Manufacturing

Location: Derbyshire Dales

CODEL was established in 1982 and is a leading designer and manufacturer of emission monitoring instrumentation. Based in Bakewell, Derbyshire, its advanced systems monitor emissions to the atmosphere, ensuring air quality in road and rail tunnels, supporting plant and rail safety worldwide.

It has 44 employees and since 2016 has been part of the Forbes Marshall Group, a global engineering business specialising in energy efficiency and process automation.

Challenges faced

Like many small businesses, CODEL continues to face increasing operational pressures, including rising energy costs, higher staffing expenses and wider UK economic uncertainty. While these factors can limit the pace of domestic expansion, CODEL operates within the global emissions monitoring sector, a market driven by tightening environmental regulations and increasing sustainability commitments worldwide. Recognising that emissions compliance is a global priority, the company made a strategic decision to prioritise export growth as a route to resilience and long-term expansion.

Solution – Support Given

Through Managing Director, Richard Hallam’s involvement in the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN), CODEL accessed financial and advisory support through the Export Accelerator project, delivered by East Midlands Chamber. This support enabled the company to focus on developing a new market in Southern Africa, specifically South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia. This region has significant concentrations of power generation, cement production and mining facilities aligned to CODEL’s core expertise.

With an Export Accelerator grant, CODEL commissioned Newreach Insights, an external company, to undertake a comprehensive market viability study. This included identifying key industry stakeholders, mapping market potential and initiating contact with prospective distribution partners and end users. Over 300 industry contacts were identified, significantly increasing CODEL’s brand visibility in the region. From this structured outreach, three strategically positioned South African partners were selected to provide coverage across the wider Southern African territory.

Crucially, Export Accelerator also part-funded an in-market visit, allowing Richard to meet potential partners and end users face-to-face. This accelerated trust-building, strengthened technical discussions and significantly reduced the typical timeline associated with entering a new international market.

Impact - The Difference it’s Made

The impact of the project has been substantial. Within weeks of engagement, the initiative generated over £500,000 in quotations, with a number already converting into confirmed purchase orders. The Southern African market now represents a projected opportunity in excess of £3m over the next five years.

While the financial support was instrumental, the advisory guidance provided through the project, particularly from Chamber Business Adviser, Andy Bunn, was equally valuable. His input helped refine the market-entry strategy, challenge assumptions and maintain momentum throughout the process. For a small business entering a new global territory, having access to experienced, independent support provided both accountability and confidence at critical decision points.

Without the combined financial and strategic support of the Export Accelerator project, this level of progress would not have been achievable within such a compressed timeframe. The project reduced the commercial risk associated with overseas expansion and enabled CODEL to adopt a structured, outcome-focused approach. Importantly, it has provided a proven, repeatable model for entering additional global markets in the future.

As a result, CODEL is now positioned for sustained export growth, increased turnover and, in time, further team expansion, demonstrating the tangible and lasting impact of the Export Accelerator project.

“The Export Accelerator project gave us the confidence and backing to move decisively into a new international market. The support from Andy Bunn and the East Midlands Manufacturing Network was invaluable in accelerating our progress and reducing the risk of overseas expansion. The results in Southern Africa have exceeded expectations and created a clear pathway for further global growth.”

- Richard Hallam, Managing Director

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Sector: Manufacturing

Location: Rushcliffe

Far UK Ltd was set up in July 2012 and is based in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.

It specialises in the design, development and manufacture of lightweight composite parts and assemblies, using advanced materials such as carbon and glass fibre. Its work spans concept design, engineering analysis, tooling, prototyping and low volume manufacturing with strong capability in sustainable transport applications.

Challenges faced

The greatest barriers to growth for Far UK have been internal capacity constraints, particularly within sales and marketing, which have limited the business’ ability to proactively target new customers and international markets. Its export activity has declined due to these limited resources and reduced travel post-COVID.

As a technically strong but lean SME, Far UK has also faced challenges associated with scaling, managing international compliance and competing with larger global suppliers.

Solution – Support Given

Far UK has taken advantage of tailored one-to-one support from the Accelerator project and East Midlands Chamber Business Adviser, Isan Farooqi. Initially this was through a full business diagnostic and review of the business’ strategy, financial position and internal capacity.

The business secured funding from the Export Accelerator project, with guidance from Insan which has helped Far UK re-establish international activity, including routes to enter European and Chinese markets. It has also had recommendations on export finance, support available from Innovate UK, trade missions and cluster membership (composites/ automotive).

Far UK have also been involved in the Chamber-led East Midlands Manufacturing Network which holds regular forum meetings enabling manufacturers to learn about the latest support available as well as network and collaborate with other makers in the region. As Far UK have grown and entered new sectors, the network has provided the connections required for the business to benefit from mutually beneficial cross-collaboration projects between other members of EMMN, helping the company compete in the global market.

Impact - The Difference it’s Made

The support has given Far UK a clearer strategic focus and renewed confidence in growing its export activity.

The business is now better positioned to engage with new international customers, supported by a more structured plan for trade shows and overseas market re‑entry. This is expected to enhance competitiveness, strengthen the manufacturing order book and safeguard jobs within the business.

Improved clarity around funding routes and export support has also helped Far UK plan investment more effectively, reducing internal constraints on growth.

The company anticipates increased revenue opportunities from Europe and China as a direct result of the engagement.

“The support from the Chamber has been invaluable. Having a clear, structured plan for export activity and an external perspective on our challenges has helped us refocus our efforts and move forward with confidence.

The adviser understood our business, our technical strengths and the constraints we face, and provided practical support that will make a real difference to our growth plans.” 

- Lyndon Sanders, Director

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Sector: Manufacturing

Location: North East Derbyshire

Renewable Innovations & Solutions, trading as GreenChill Systems was established in 2020 by husband and wife team, Paul and Fiona Cropper.

The business is based in Clay Cross, NE Derbyshire and provides renewable energy systems for refrigerated transport.

It specialises in bolt-on renewable systems specially designed for refrigerated trailers. GreenChill Systems deliver zero-emission cooling powered by solar energy and on-board batteries, while retaining the existing diesel engine as a backup. Its systems are retrofit ready which means they can be installed on new and existing trailers. With its real-time monitoring and control, fleet operators can optimise energy use and reduce fuel costs. The team has recently grown to four employees.

Challenges faced

One of the key barriers to growth was the limitation that only one person could work on a vehicle roof at a time. This constraint negatively impacted turnaround times and overall production efficiency. Enabling multiple people to work on a single vehicle simultaneously would not only improve turnaround times but also create opportunities for training during this stage of the installation process.

Another challenge was that GreenChill customers were asking for service and maintenance plans as part of their overall package. This was a complex area that needed specialist support and careful wording to protect the business and minimise the risk of financial exposure.

Solution – Support Given

GreenChill Systems has been supported by East Midlands Chamber Business Adviser, David Smith and Manufacturing Network Manager, Debbie Rogers.

Paul and Fiona have been involved with the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) for the past few years regularly attending Derbyshire meetings. The Network has proved a valuable source of information for business support and an opportunity to connect with and learn from other manufacturers.

Debbie introduced the team to Accelerator and David, who provided a thorough diagnostic of the business to determine priorities and create an action plan. He also supported them with the grant application for the High Growth Accelerator which provided £2,000 funding towards the cost of two genie lifts. This will enable access to vehicle roofs by multiple people and means GreenChill Systems can implement in-house training.

The business also successfully applied for a £450 Growth Voucher which provided specialist legal guidance on the contractual wording required for its new service plans.

Fiona said: “The challenge in creating service plans for our customers was knowing who to ask. David helped me recognise that legal guidance was appropriate and funding from the Growth Voucher for specialist advice provided security for the business. It enabled us to create a product that was good for our customers and our business.”

The team have also taken advantage of funded Accelerator training events to develop their business knowledge.  This includes Creating a Healthy & Sustainable Working Environment, Getting Started with HR Essentials, Practical Guide to Leadership and Management, Harnessing AI for Business and the Finance Peer Network.

Impact - The Difference it’s Made

The High Growth Accelerator grant has helped improve customer turnaround time which will enable GreenChill Systems to become more productive.

Fiona commented: “As we scale up to meet increasing customer demand it is essential that we can up-skill our installation staff. This new equipment purchased via the grant will enable existing and new staff to be trained on the more demanding aspects of our installations leading to smoother, quicker and more stream-lined production. This in turn means we can increase our customer capacity, fulfil orders on time and achieve customer success.”

The legal guidance provided has supported the introduction of service/maintenance plans which its customers were seeking. This adds value to the GreenChill System’s offer and could potentially help the business secure new commercial contracts.

Fiona continued: “We now have a professional Aftercare Pack which gives our customers confidence and comfort in knowing they have choices to ensure their assets will be well looked after but also ensures that the company is protected.”

As a result of the support, installation times will be reduced by 50% going from two days to one, and there is potential for further reductions with an increase in the number of skilled employees.

“As someone new to the business world, it’s encouraging to know that I can call with any question or just to run a scenario by someone who will provide a genuine and friendly response when I’m looking for answers or reassurance.

It has meant so much to our company that East Midlands Chamber offers such invaluable support in many and varied ways and particularly David and Debbie who have been our key points of contact.”

- Fiona Cropper, Director

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Sector: Floristry

Location: High Peak

Norris Master Florists is a design-led floral studio and retail space based in Glossop, Derbyshire.

Founded in 2020 by Master Florist Anja Norris, the business has grown into a multi-award-winning studio, including recognition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and works across retail, weddings, corporate installations and brand collaborations.

There’s one full-time and two part-time employees plus freelance support during key trading periods, including apprentices, with a strong focus on training and developing future florists.

Norris specialises in natural, expressive floral design, creating everything from everyday bouquets to large-scale installations for events, exhibitions and commercial clients. The studio is known for its distinctive style, combining seasonal materials with a sculptural, story-led approach to floral design.

Challenges faced

As the business has grown, one of the key barriers has been a lack of dedicated in-house marketing expertise, especially in relations to strategic content planning and the use of social channels such as LinkedIn for business development.

While Norris has built a strong visual identity and presence on Instagram, there was an opportunity to communicate the breadth, value and commercial relevance of the business more clearly - particularly its corporate installation and high value project work - to a more targeted, decision-making audience.

The business is now at a critical growth stage, where time and resources needed to be allocated with greater precision. This includes actively shifting operational and day to day responsibilities away from Anja to allow a stronger focus on business development, strategic partnerships and long-term growth.

Without a more structured approach to content and messaging, there was a bottleneck, limiting visibility in key markets and reducing the effectiveness of business development activity.

Solution – Support Given

Norris Master Florists has been supported by East Midlands Chamber Business Adviser, Steve Phillips and the Accelerator project. With guidance from Steve on the application, the business successfully received £2,400 in funding towards specialist social media consultancy and support.

Social media business SMMS supported the business in developing a clear, commercially aligned content strategy which included: a content calendar to improve consistency; two LinkedIn content creation days and corporate facing content; a suite of photography and videos, and guidance on positioning for a B2B audience.

Anja commented: “Jo Booth and the team at SMMS gave us clear, practical guidance on how to shift our positioning - and how to move beyond what we’re known for to find and communicate the next layer of the business. Working with them gave us both the structure and the assets to do that. It’s helped us translate what we do visually into something much more commercially clear and relevant, particularly for a corporate audience.”

The content creation days captured the studio, process and founder voice in a way that can now be used consistently across platforms.

Impact - The Difference it’s Made

Support provided has enabled Norris to take a more structured, commercial focused approach to marketing, strengthening its positioning within corporate, events and installation-led sectors. Key impacts include:

• Clearer and more confident positioning when communicating with commercial and corporate clients
• Improved ability to articulate the value and pricing integrity of higher-end, design-led work
• Increased visibility with a more targeted, decision-making audience via LinkedIn
• A strong bank of professional visual and video content to support ongoing marketing and brand storytelling
• Greater consistency in messaging across platforms

The creation of a defined content strategy has improved efficiency saving an estimated 8 to 12 hours a month. The support has also contributed to a shift in how time and resources are allocated within the business. With a clear marketing framework and reusable content, the business is less reliant on reactive founder led content, allowing greater focus on business development, partnerships and higher-value opportunities.

Overall, the support has strengthened the business’s commercial positioning, provided increased visibility, more effective audience targeting and improved potential for lead generation with key growth markets.
 

“The support came at exactly the right point for us as a business. We’re at a stage where growth isn’t just about doing more - it’s about being more focused in how we position ourselves and where we direct our time.

The support has also allowed a shift internally - creating space for me to focus more on business development and the next stage of growth, rather than being pulled into day-to-day content creation. It feels like a much more intentional way of moving the business forward.”

- Anja Norris, Founder

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Sector: Engineering & Manufacturing

Location: Derby

Derby based Aerodyn is an international, highly specialised engineering business that provides instrumentation services and products for turbomachinery applications and slip rings* for aerospace and defence applications.

The company was established in 2007 as a subsidiary of Aerodyn Engineering LLC, which was founded in 2002 and located in Indianapolis, USA. Since 2018, the business is independently owned but still works closely with its sister company in the USA.

With an established customer base, including major firms such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Siemans Energy and international markets the business is in an exciting phase of growth with ambitions around export, investment, operational expansion and future certification.

(*Slip rings are electromechanical devices that are used to transmit power and data between a stationary structure and a rotating component. They are commonly used in systems where continuous rotation is required while maintaining the transfer of electrical signals or power.)

Challenges faced

Some of the barriers to growth related to understanding what local support was available and identifying suitable export opportunities. At the same time, the business was managing increased demand following the closure of another UK business, whose US parent company decided to consolidate its slip ring capabilities in the US, with new contracts ready to be negotiated. However, they did not yet have the capacity to deliver this level of work without expanding their production capability in Derby, investing in machinery and employing more staff. This presented a challenge, as these costs would need to be committed to before any contract income was received.

The business was also dealing with fluctuating revenue linked to delays in defence contracts, which added further uncertainty when planning for growth. Alongside this, they were keen to grow their export market, and an opportunity to attend a trade show in Seoul had also presented itself.

Solution – Support Given

Aerodyn has been working with East Midlands Chamber Business Adviser, Lisa Baggott, and the Accelerator project since summer 2025.

During the initial meeting, Lisa took time to understand the business, its ambitions and the challenges it faced in scaling up. From there, she helped identify relevant support and funding opportunities that could move the business forward. This included guidance with Aerodyn’s successful Export Accelerator grant application, which secured £8,000 towards attending an international aerospace and defence trade show in South Korea to explore export opportunities, as well as supporting updates to the company’s website for its defence-related products.

Recognising the wider scale of the opportunity, Lisa also connected the business to a broader package of support. This included signposting international trade support through East Midlands Chamber, introducing Aerodyn to the East Midlands Manufacturing Network, and making connections to the British Business Bank and Midlands Engine Investment Fund II via Maven. She also supported the business with guidance on its £250,000 Invest to Grow expression of interest to help unlock investment for expansion. Through this process, the business was also given the opportunity to apply for an additional £25,000 University of Derby capital grant towards equipment.

To strengthen support even further, Lisa referred Aerodyn to the Innovate UK High Growth programme, helping the business access additional specialist expertise to support its next stage of growth.

Impact - The Difference it’s Made

The support has led to the creation of two new jobs, taking the team to 27 at the Derby base. Another significant impact has been the realisation, through working with East Midlands Chamber, that there is an excellent local network of experienced advisers and support for SMEs to help realise growth and export ambitions.

“Overall, I find Lisa to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She has provided myself and the business valuable information and insights at a critical stage in the next phase of our business growth and export plan.”

- Chris Claypole, Managing Director

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