Case Studies

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.

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.

Sector: Electrical and Renewables Supplier

Location: South Derbyshire

Swadlincote Electrical Supplies is an independent electrical and renewables supplier located in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.

Founded in 2004 by Directors Steve Morley and Andrew Jones, they provide electrical products, installation, and renewable energy systems for a range of customers from trade, commercial, industrial, on-line and retail. With 7 staff members, it has been operating for 20 years.

Challenges faced

The business has faced significant challenges, over the years but more recently with the current economic climate, costs have been increasing making it more difficult for the business to compete in the market.

Over the past four years, electricity costs have nearly tripled, presenting a serious barrier to the business's profitability and operational efficiency.

The rise of large, well-known online outlets with substantial buying power has made it difficult to compete in price, especially as these competitors often offer cheaper alternatives.

These challenges have intensified as the industry increasingly focuses on price competition, leaving smaller, independent businesses struggling to maintain market share.

Solution and Impact

As a member of East Midlands Chamber, Steve was made aware of the support available through his local Business Adviser, Sonny Lakhani. Sonny conducted a 1-to-1 business review, addressing the challenges Steve was facing, and provided tailored guidance on the support available through the South Derbyshire Accelerator project.

The Accelerator Project is funded by South Derbyshire District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Steve received a Diagnostic Action Plan for business growth, with a focus on placing "renewables at the heart" of the proposed expansion. This personalised support and advice has proven to be incredibly valuable for the business. They have benefited from a variety of services to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and drive growth.

Steve accessed the Energy Grant Readiness Workshop, which helped the business establish its carbon baseline and identify areas of improvement. A decarbonisation plan was developed to support implementation of these improvements. The business was also successful in applying for a Decarbonation Grant, with £7,474 awarded to support installation of solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station at their premises. Additionally, Steve had regular meetings with Sonny, receiving essential ongoing guidance.

The impact on the business has been remarkable. It has become significantly more efficient, and with the upcoming installation of solar panels, its carbon footprint will be greatly reduced. The business has also calculated annual electricity savings of £2,973, representing a 61% reduction.

The decarbonisation support has enabled the business to adopt new techniques and processes and they are displaying real time data of energy usage across the business, as well as an interactive monitor showing production and export information. The business has also recruited an additional staff member to promote its new renewable stock lines, which have already seen positive results. The adviser support has played a crucial role in generating ideas for additional revenue streams and development of a new business model.

By embracing these changes, the business has not only improved its financial outlook but also ensured its long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.

“From start to finish the level of support and nurturing has been fantastic. A special mention for Sonny Lakhani who has gone above and beyond for my business and made time to visit my premises on a few occasions. The face-to-face meetings have been very helpful, overall I am very pleased with the complete package of support and advice I have received and very grateful for the experience.”

- Steve Morley, 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: Window and Doors

Location: Mansfield

Michael Irwin started Integra Window Systems in February 2016 following a ten-year career in the window and uPVC industry.

Michael initially took up managed office space at Mansfield Innovation Centre to grow the business which supplies high-quality uPVC windows and aluminium bi-folding and sliding doors, primarily to trade customers. To help develop the showroom space and allow better demonstration of its products, in 2023 Integra made a move to the i2 building next door. They have three employees.

Challenges faced

The last few years have been challenging and unsettling for the construction sector; Brexit has caused many issues, particularly around supply. The cost-of-living crisis has led to a reduction in demand in the domestic market and general turmoil in the world has affected the stability of the sector. However, through this time Integra has shown impressive growth culminating in the move to its own showroom.

Their primary route to market has been by developing relationships with fitters and building companies. Initially working on his own, Michael has grown the team to three employees and the team are tasked with raising the profile of the business with key customers – and inviting them to see their impressive range of products in their new showroom.

Solution and Impact

Integra has been supported by the Accelerator Project to help deal with some of the challenges and boost growth. The business was previously helped through the UK Community Renewal Fund to develop a targeted marketing campaign.

Accelerator is funded by Mansfield District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is delivered by East Midlands Chamber. Business Adviser, David Smith has provided one-to-one, personalised advice to Michael over the last few years, including a review of the business to see where they are now and where they want to be. Integra wanted to increase the number of contacts it had with local tradespeople and small construction companies. This has predominantly been won through telesales in the past.

Accelerator offers Growth Vouchers up to £2,500 to use for specialist consultancy or training for businesses in Mansfield. David helped Michael apply for a Growth Voucher which has enabled them to secure training from business development consultant, Charles Barnascone specifically around improving telesales skills and techniques. The outcome of this support has meant that the business is maintaining order levels and has aspirations to grow over the next 12 months.

Michael commented: “Continued growth has enabled us to move to dedicated premises to showcase the products available and in turn increase sales. The current jobs have been safeguarded and we expect by mid-2025 we will be recruiting at least one new member to our team.”

“The support we have received from East Midlands Chamber since 2021 has been invaluable. The Accelerator funding was a huge help but the continued support from David Smith was equally as important to the development of the business.”

- Michael Irwin, 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 Mansfield District Council.

Sector: Consultancy

Location: High Peak

Skillslocal, located in Furness Vale in the High Peak, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025. It helps ambitious leaders and organisations thrive through various frameworks, coaching, mentoring, and training.

Its signature framework, flourish, supports organisations, leaders, and teams in growing and leading with compassion and purpose. Currently, Skillslocal employs three people and is looking to expand next year.

Challenges faced

For small businesses a big difficulty is keeping up with technology and finding staff with the right skills to support the future of the business. One of the key challenges as a small business owner is that there are only so many hours in the day, explained founder and owner, Tracy Duggan. And while it’s easy to find people with basic admin skills, it's harder to find someone with good digital marketing skills. It’s also expensive to outsource this.

Solution and Impact

Tracy has taken advantage of a diagnostic meeting with a business adviser and several training events from the Accelerator Project. This includes Forecasts: Cashflow and Sales, A Start-ups Guide to Paid Digital Advertising and How to Safely Update your WordPress Website.

The Accelerator project is funded by High Peak Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Tracy also benefitted from a Growth Grant from the Council. This £6,500 grant allowed her to introduce a new CRM, Learner Management System and marketing database which were essential in launching her new flourish framework for forward-thinking, people and purpose-led organisations, and the step up and standout leadership programme for individuals and teams. This funding has been transformative for the business enabling them to build the tools and infrastructure necessary to scale and innovate.

Tracy explained:

“With this support, we’ve introduced a CRM and marketing database revolutionising how we engage with clients and manage our programmes. This transformation means we can now deliver a more streamlined, personalised experience to our clients while ensuring our operations run more efficiently. The funding has also created one new role and safeguarded two roles.

We’re excited to launch our new leadership programme Step Up and Standout, in the new year. This cohort is targeted to empower purpose-led female leaders with the skills, confidence and tools to drive meaningful change in their organisations. The UKSPF funding has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, allowing us to not only develop the programme but also build the infrastructure to market and manage it effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, the investment has enabled us to expand our offering of short courses. These are compliance-led, allowing us to support even more businesses by providing short bite-sized accredited and accessible, focused training on key topics like leadership skills, health and safety, and health and wellbeing. This means we can reach a wider audience, delivering value to organisations of all sizes, supporting growth and development at every level."
 

“The support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been truly transformative for our business. It’s enabled us to take bold steps forward, invest in the tools we need, and bring our vision to life.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it’s not only helped us prepare for the launch of our new leadership programme but also expand our reach to support even more businesses through our short courses.

This funding has been a game-changer, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have on the businesses and leaders we support."

- Tracy Duggan, Owner and Founder

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.