Free support helps businesses improve efficiencies and growth

Almost 700 Derbyshire businesses have so far benefitted from free support to improve their energy efficiencies and growth, thanks to a project delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

The Accelerator Project, which started last autumn, and funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is already making a tangible difference to businesses across the county.

So far, more than 400 businesses have received an hour or more of business adviser support, which guides them in accessing the most appropriate support, whether it be the raft of initiatives that make up the Accelerator Project, or local authority or national grant funding.

Some 53 businesses have tapped into growth vouchers of up to £2,000 towards specialist training or consultancy advice and 50 have taken advantage of fully subsidised energy audits.

Of the grants and growth vouchers awarded to participating businesses, it is anticipated that 62 jobs will be created or safeguarded as a result of this support.

Among those to have benefitted is Cromford Mills, which has been facing rising energy costs.

It has secured Accelerator support in three key areas: one-to-one sessions with a business adviser, specialised energy consultancy, and training.

Dedicated time spent with the chamber’s head of business support services Paul Stuart has enabled the charity to consider what priority actions it needs to take to fulfil its long-term strategic ambitions.

Fully-funded specialist consultancy has also been provided in the form of an energy audit.

Environmental experts Loreus have undertaken a detailed analysis of the charity’s energy usage, identifying where the mills might reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint, and presenting their findings as a decarbonisation plan.

Éilis Scott said, chief executive of Cromford Mills, said: “We greatly appreciate the invaluable support given through the Accelerator project.

“Specialist advice is helping us address our financial hurdles and review our energy management.

“Paul’s support has also been fantastic, focusing on finding solutions and making informed decisions.”

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “We are already seeing the Accelerator’s fully-funded energy audits making a tangible difference to businesses across the county.

“We all know it makes business sense to reduce energy usage, but every business needs a starting point when it comes to understanding their current usage and before they can consider improving their business operations and practices.

“An energy audit carried out by an expert shows a business exactly what’s needed to reduce costs and provides the evidence needed to apply for a decarbonisation grant.”

To sign up for an energy audit or find out more about decarbonisation grants visit http://www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/accelerator .