Business Support
Economic Development Unit
The Economic Development Unit (EDU) can identify sites and premises to meet the requirements of your business, whether it is a new start business, a company looking to expand or a company investigating the possibility of relocating to this area. This is the main role fulfilled by the EDU in terms of business advice and support; however, we work closely with other agencies in North Derbyshire and can refer you to the best source of information to meet your needs.
By clicking on the blue links below you can access the services provided by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, Business Link East Midlands and the Derbyshire Learning & Skills Council.
Business Centres
You can discover the benefits of renting a unit in one of the business centres managed by this Council – Coney Green and Midway. Eckington Business Centre also offers purpose-designed office accommodation for businesses. Westthorpe Business Innovation Centre based at Killamarsh aims to attract innovative and start-up businesses to the area.
Financial Assistance
Under the Financial Assistance title you can find a list of the financial assistance schemes which may be available to companies currently based in, or relocating to, North East Derbyshire.
Business Rates
For more information on Business Rates, including who needs to pay and who is potentially eligible to gain some relief, for more information go to the Business Rates section of the Council's website.
Additional Support and Advice
ACAS
ACAS aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. They provide up-to-date information, independent advice, high quality training, and work with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance.
The ACAS helpline (08457 474747) is available to answer your employment questions in one confidential phone call.
Most popular questions:
- Who is entitled to adoption leave and pay?
- Do employees have the right to be consulted over a transfer of business?
- Do workers have the right to be accompanied at a disciplinary or grievance hearing?
- How much paid holiday must a worker get?
- What rights do part-time employees get?
Website www.acas.org.uk
Connect InvoRed
Do you want investors to put money into your business?
Do you find investors difficult to attract?
Do you attract investors only to lose them to someone else?
The biggest hurdle new companies have to getting investors interested in putting money into their business is that they just aren't ready for it.
The Connect Midlands Invored programme prepares entrepreneurs to meet investors and keep them.
The Streams
Through the Connect InvoRed programme; science, engineering and technology (SET) companaies and high growth businesses can benefit from:
Investment grooming
Pitch and presentation review
Preparation for the investment deal
The programme is delivered through an Amber Stream and a Green Stream.
Amber Stream
Mainly for early stage companies and individuals looking for seed or start-up funds.
The stream consists of a series of workshops by headline speakers, followed by a practice pitch of a proposal to a group of professionals for constructive feedback. The result is a well-honed pitch plus a sound underlying business case.
Green Stream
An accelerated programme for companies with a business model and management team in place, seeking second or third round funding.
The Green Stream offers a one to one consultancy by an experienced mentor over a period up to 12 months, contributing towards the successful completion of funding. Consultants help by reviewing the business strategy through valuation, and in negotiating and closing the deal.
www.connectmidlands.org, telephone 01509 228 702
Chesterfield Library
Provides a business information enquiry service for personal callers and telephone enquiries.
Tel: 01246 209292
Federation of Small Businesses
FSB is a local, independent, non-profit making organisation funded by membership subscriptions which exists to serve the small business and employment legislation and how it affects the small business. It also promotes and organises networking opportunities for small business owners.
Derbyshire and Nottingham branch - telephone 01629 825314, email ro.nottsandderby@fsb.org.uk, www.fsb.org.uk
Food and Drink Forum
Provides information and advice to food and drink businesses.
Tel: 0115 875 8884
Growth Investment Network (GINEM)
The "Growth Investment Network" provides a very useful free source of information on access to finance available to businesses in the North Midlands. This is a web based information service to assist entrepreneurs to locate advisors and sources of finance such as business angels, grant funding, venture capital and expansion funds.
http://www.ginem.co.uk/
j4b
j4b provides information on the financial assistance available. The mission of j4b is to help businesses everywhere of every shape and size find out about any grants, financial assistance, subsidies and help-in-kind that may be available to them.
j4b was set up to find easier ways through the information jungle that puts most businesses off trying to find out about their entitlement. j4b points you in the direction of administrators and organisations that might be able to help you apply for grants.
j4b also provides information about loans. Soft loans are generally loans that are available without the normal security demands placed on borrowers by clearing banks and other commercial lenders.
The j4b website is up-dated continuously, is free to use and provides an excellent starting place for finding out about the financial assistance available.
Contact Details
j4b
First Floor
Alderley House
Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 1AT
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