Triple hire set to boost local visitor economy growth

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has announced the appointment of three new business advisers to support the recovery and growth of the local visitor economy.

The area’s official destination management organisation has appointed Alison Duckworth, Caroline Sanger-Davies and John Roberts to help deliver support to local tourism and hospitality businesses through the East Midlands Accelerator project.

The project has received £5.27 million from the Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and is being delivered in designated areas across the East Midlands, including in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.

Led by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with, among others, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the University of Derby and The Food and Drink Forum, the project aims to breathe new life into local communities as part of the Government’s commitment to ‘levelling up the nation’ and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

With extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, MPDD’s advisers will provide one-to-one support to help visitor economy businesses access funding, training and specialist advice through the Derbyshire strand of the East Midlands Accelerator project.

Through the project, businesses in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales can apply for specialist consultancy and training support through growth vouchers of up to £2,000.

Flexible grant funding of up to £8,000 (at an 80% intervention rate) is also available to help businesses invest in green solutions and digital technology, as well as providing access to wage subsidies.

Businesses can access support to reduce their carbon footprint (such as funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging points); receive help on how to improve their online presence (such as the implementation of an online booking system); and secure one-to-one mentoring to encourage business growth.

Jo Dilley, managing director at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Caroline, John and Alison have a wealth of experience in the tourism sector and are passionate about supporting the recovery and growth of local businesses.

“The project offers a great opportunity for businesses to access funding and support to help them grow their business, invest in net-zero business practices, boost their skills and create new jobs.

“We encourage visitor economy businesses in Derbyshire to get in touch with our business advisers as soon as possible so we can signpost them to the fantastic support available.”

More information on the support available for businesses can be found here.