Case Studies

Sector: Manufacture of recycled plastic garden furniture

Location: Wirksworth, Derbyshire Dales

Award-winning furniture company TDP sets sights on 10,000 Tonnes of plastic waste being recycled into Furniture.

TDP is a family-run business that won the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2023. The company designs and manufactures sustainable, environmentally friendly furniture from recycled plastic. TDP’s customers include schools and care homes seeking to provide attractive and easy-clean, easy maintenance outdoor seating areas and homeowners.

Support Received:

• 1-2-1 Adviser support
• Digital Upscaler
• Derbyshire Dales District Council Business Growth Grant, Oct 2023 of £20,750
• Innovate UK Business Growth
• Innovate UK Business Connect
• Made Smarter
• Accelerator

Outcomes:

• Access to cutting-edge academic knowledge
• Mapping process
• Mapping process
• Digital Roadmap
• Digital Roadmap
• Funding for implementation
• Introduction of AI
• Heatmap of client base
• Marketing Apprentice

TDP Ltd is a family-run business that designs and manufactures sustainable, environmentally friendly recycled plastic furniture. Its customers include schools and care homes seeking to provide attractive and easy-clean, easy-maintenance outdoor seating areas, as well as home owners.

“The insight we received from Growth Hub advisers and input from Innovate UK Business Growth was invaluable. It really helped make our production more energy efficient and sustainable, while our office processes are streamlined. We have exciting times ahead and the support has given us new ways of working that we’re sure will help get us to our goals.”

- Kym Barlow, Commercial Director

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Leading the vegan revolution, one bite at a time.

Sector: Homemade vegan food

Location: North East Derbyshire

Support Accessed:

• Adviser support
• Signposting to Invest to Grow

Outcomes:

• Significant growth in sales and supply chain
• Support through building a network of useful business connections

Sunshine Vegan Deli is a dynamic family run business offering delicious, homemade vegan food. Founded in 2017, the business aims to satisfy the tastebuds of vegans and meat easters alike by offering plant-based hearty foods such as scotch eggs and vegan roasts. The team are passionate about offering high quality meat free alternatives and changing the mindset of customers adapting to a vegan diet, saving animals and the planet.

Like many businesses, Sunshine Vegan Deli was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and as a consequence had to pivot to selling online. This change kickstarted significant growth in the business and diversified the supply chain. The business now supplies to stores, wholesalers and restaurants across the country. The dedicated Growth Hub business adviser was able to help guide the business through this period of growth by signposting to schemes such as Invest to Grow. In addition to this, support was provided when the business moved premises, equipping the business with a network of useful contacts.

“Rich at the Growth Hub has been super supportive, when we moved to new premises in the region he gave me pointers on the best people to talk to and practical help on the technical side of our food business, working in partnership with these guys is a sure way our business will become the success we’ve dreamed of!”

- Sarah Short, Director, Founder and CEO

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Developing a unique holiday experience

Sector: Hospitality & leisure

Location: Whaley Bridge, High Peak

Support Accessed:

• Action Planning Workshops
• Business Diagnostic
• One-to-one Coaching
• Webinars

Naze View Farm is a small-holding farm in the High Peak. It offers self-catering accommodation and a unique alpaca experience. The business was established in 2019 when husband-and-wife team, Paul and Clare Hoggins converted one of their outbuildings into a luxury two-bed selfcatering holiday let. Keen to create a unique destination, they also offer a 90-minute Alpaca experience where guests can walk, cuddle and learn more about caring for
these South American animals.

“The help we’ve received from the Growth Hub, and its workshops, has been invaluable. Whilst I had some knowledge of digital marketing, such intense learning has given us the skills and confidence to know what we are doing is right, so we can do more of it.

It’s also given us the confidence to change tack when needed. Originally, we had considered launching an online shop of quality items made from alpaca fleece and alpaca-related gifts. When we investigated it further, we came to the conclusion that continuing with our current sales approach – selling in-person to local people and
guests – was a better fit to our ethos as a small, personable and friendly business.”

- Clare Hoggins, Co-Founder, Naze View Farm

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A thirst for knowledge

Sector: Provider of brewing supplies and technical expertise

Location: Nottingham City

Support Accessed:

• Digital Upscaler
• Innovate UK
• Peer Networks
• Referrals
• Workshops

Murphy & Son is a supplier of brewing supplies and technology to the brewery and broader beverages industry. The business was established in 1887 and has long been recognised as an authoritative one-stop-shop for brewers across the UK and worldwide.

It has a firm commitment to technology, and has developed a range of processing aids to improve efficiencies in the brewing process, such as clarification aids, shelf-life extenders, enzymes and foam control.

“Whatever our challenge, whether that be export, HR, marketing or improving our business systems, we know there’s a wealth of tailored support available to us from D2N2 Growth Hub. To point us in the right direction and equip us with the skills needed to fulfil our growth ambitions.”

- Charles Nicholds, Managing Director, Murphy & Son

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Fuelling a growing team

Sector: Green Gas Refuelling Infrastructure

Location: Gedling

Support Accessed:

• Business Adviser Support
• Business Investment Fund
• Peer Networks
• Workshops

Roadgas specialises in fleet decarbonisation. It supports fleet and logistics managers with bespoke, on-site biomethane refuelling station infrastructure, and also supplies CNG, LNG, LCNG, biomethane options and hydrogen gases nationally.

“Whenever we’re presented with a challenge or something unknown, my first port of call is the Chamber. We really do lean on its well-connected team who are approachable, personable and experienced, so much so that we see them as an extension to our own business.”

- Becky Rix, Marketing Director, Roadgas

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A clear commitment to CPD

Sector: Independent training provider

Location: Nottingham City

Support Accessed:

• Digital Upscaler
• Peer Networks
• Workshops

Access Training provide high-quality training, apprenticeships and recruitment support to businesses and individuals throughout the Midlands. With offices in both Nottingham and Derby, they specialise in training for individuals seeking to embark upon or develop their careers in sectors such as Housing, Construction, Childcare and in industry-wide topics like Business Administration, Customer Services and Management.

“Where we’ve found D2N2 Growth Hub’s support most helpful is in upskilling our team, particularly when transitioning to new roles. D2N2’s Peer Networks are a great form of learning for anyone experienced in post but new to director level. For us, it’s been an extra layer of support that has brought in new ideas to our business.”

- Corrina Hembury, Managing Director, Access Training

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Providing a complete event solution package

Sector: Global Events Contractor

Location: Treswell, Bassetlaw

Support Accessed:

• Business Investment Fund
• Digital Upscaler 
• East Midlands Accelerator 
• Kickstart wage subsidy
• Peer Networks
• D2N2 Capital Growth Fund

Trans-Sport.TV is a global events contractor that supplies rigging, staging and structures for everything from Royal Events to large-scale televised sporting events such as the Master’s Snooker and Darts at Alexandra Palace where the company takes up a four-week residency.

The business, established over 35 years ago, is built on an engineering background. Managing Director Shaun Cope’s keen eye for detailed design helped successfully pivot to manufacturing when he developed the first camera bracket for use in snooker table pockets.

The business’s firm focus is to build upon its success as a one-stop-shop providing bespoke solutions for televised media events, mainly for clients operating in the UK or taking a temporary operation overseas.

“Knowing what’s out there is the biggest challenge. We are experts in what we are delivering but we can’t be experts in everything we’re involved in. We don’t mix with technology every day so aren’t up to speed on the latest legislation and on subjects like the use of AI in our industry. Knowing that there are people at D2N2 Growth Hub, the Chamber, and Bassetlaw District Council who genuinely care about our business and who we can pick up the phone to call, makes such a difference.”

- Helen Cope, Director, Trans-Sport.TV

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Reaching new heights

Sector: Design and manufacture of lifting & handling solutions

Location: Clowne, Bolsover

Support Accessed:

• Grant Funding:
  • Business Investment Fund
  • Capital Growth Fund
  • Digital Upscaler
  • Green Entrepreneurs Programme 
• East Midlands Chamber Member services
• Peer Networks

Penny Hydraulics is a family-owned business that designs and manufactures vehicle-mounted lifting equipment, goods lifts, winch systems, nuclear equipment and tyre presses. Its end-to-end services also include installation and aftercare.

Its 100-strong team work on projects as far afield as Australia, the Middle East and South America.

As a regular supplier of chandelier and baggage lifting systems to the Royal Households, it proudly carries the Royal Warrant of Appointment.

“Since 2014, we’ve secured no less than £265,000 in grant funding. The support that the D2N2 Growth Hub partners have offered is immeasurable. Not only in pointing us to the right funding at the right time, but in their training and guidance on practical matters such as setting up letters of credit, and completion of post-Brexit import and export documentation.”

- Ashley Holmes, Finance Director, Penny Hydraulics

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

An enterprising approach to support women’s health

Sector: Producer of eco-friendly, non-toxic sanitary products

Location: Derby City

Support Accessed:

• Kickstart Wage Subsidy
• Business advice and support
• Fully funded webinars and workshops

Gift Wellness Ltd is a producer of eco-friendly, non-toxic sanitary products. It was set up by founder, Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed in an attempt to heal from the tragedy of losing her daughter, Halimah, whose life was cut short when she was brutally murdered.

Choosing to channel her grief into goodness and charity work, Zareen set about developing a line of sanitary products providing high quality, affordable sanitary wear, while at the same time restoring dignity to women and girls living in crisis.

In less than a decade, Zareen’s charity, the Gift Wellness Foundation, has delivered over six million period products across the world.

“With the support of D2N2’s workshops and webinars, we’ve really taken the steps we need to develop as an online business, and have built up a healthy bank of monthly subscribers as a result. This programme of support has also undoubtedly built the confidence and ability of our staff, three of whom first joined us on the Chamber’s Kickstart scheme and who are now in permanent employment with us.”

- Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed, Founder, Gift Wellness

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Dressed for success

Sector: Clothing manufacture and distribution

Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Support Accessed:

• Business Adviser support
• Digital Upscaler
• Fully funded webinars and workshops

Images Costumes Ltd is a family-run business that supplies custom-made dancewear, uniforms and active wear to dance schools, individual performers, theatres and production companies across the UK and beyond. These outfits have taken centre stage in a number of shows, from The BRIT Awards to that of Irish-American dance sensation, Michael Flatley.

“Technology really is ever-changing and, no matter how we try, we are never up to date! So the triage of support we’ve received; D2N2 Business Adviser support, workshops, and digital consultancy, has been hugely important to our business.”

- Michelle Webb, Owner and Managing Director, Images Costumes Ltd

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Peer learning at its peak

Sector: Translation and interpreting services

Location: Whaley Bridge, High Peak

Support Accessed:

• East Midlands Chamber Member services
• Peer Networks
• Fully funded webinars and workshops

Peak Translations Ltd is a business with a 45-year standing in translation and interpreting services. Offering support to businesses looking to grow in overseas markets and to communicate in different languages effectively and precisely.

“When you’re the MD, everyone expects you to know all the answers! That’s clearly not the case and D2N2’s Peer Networks have been such a wealth of information to tap into. I know my Digital Marketing Assistant, Emily, has found the D2N2 marketing workshops equally as useful. Overall, it gives me the reassurance that we are keeping up to date with the latest trends and are learning from the experiences of others.”

- Helen Provart, Managing Director, Peak Translations Ltd

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A blast to last

Sector: Powder coating, wet paint spraying and shotblasting

Location: Ilkeston, Erewash

Support Accessed:

• Business Adviser support
• Business Investment Fund grants
• East Midlands Manufacturing Network
• Webinars

Goldbury Paint and Powdercoat Ltd is a third-generation family business specialising in powder coating, wet paint spraying and shotblasting. Established in 1995 and serves a variety of industries from rail and aerospace through to independent artists and the general public.

“I’ve come to really rely on the support I receive from Erewash Partnership, D2N2 Growth Hub and now the Chamber. As a relatively new director, I want to get my hands on as much advice and learning as possible, in the shortest space of time. Whether it’s learning about new funding opportunities, joining the East Midlands Manufacturing Network or joining Growth Hub webinars, I know there’s so much at my disposal.”

- Tom Hough, Director, Goldbury Paint and Powdercoat Ltd

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This case study was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.