4790 Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester firms have received support from an initiative delivered by East Midlands Chamber that aims to boost innovation, development and sustainability.
Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of local authority partners in Derby, Derbyshire*, Leicester and Nottinghamshire, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) backed Accelerator Programme launched in 2023 and hosts a wide range of services.
Accelerator has now been extended until March next year with support to include Erewash businesses in 2025, after its borough council joined the programme.
Summary of Accelerator Programme achievements (in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester across Phase 1 – 2023 to March 2025)
- 143 new businesses created
- 598 jobs created
- 505 jobs safeguarded
- 401 businesses introduced new products, technologies and processes
- Increased export capability at a large number of firms
Accelerator Programme services include:
- Expert business adviser support
- Access to grant funding, where available
- ‘Growth vouchers’ to fund new technology
- Decarbonisation support
- Sustainability events
- Action planning workshops
For businesses looking to upscale, High Growth Accelerator provides support, while those trading internationally can benefit from the Export Accelerator, initiatives funded by UKSPF and delivered by the Chamber for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “The tailored business support and workshops the Chamber delivered under the Accelerator Programme have made a very tangible impact in the region when it comes to business expansion, job creation and safeguarding, and the introduction of new products, technologies and processes.
“Working closely with businesses through one-to-one business advisers, and with some 10,000 delegates through our Accelerator workshops and webinars programme, we’ve developed an even greater understanding of where business needs lie, insights we have taken forward for the new projects.
“With time limited to get registered, I’d urge businesses interested in exploring the wide range of support available to take that first step and get in touch.”
Business wishing to take advantage of the support on offer can complete the registration form and a business adviser will be in contact.
The schedule of upcoming Accelerator training events can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/AcceleratorTrainingEv.
