Case Studies from 2022

Clowne based Victory Design Ltd began trading in 1987 and specialise in bringing the very best sign making, garment personalisation, digital printing and vehicle safety marking products to clients throughout the UK. They celebrate their 35th year in business in 2022 and have growth still very much at the forefront of their business.

Victory Design were looking to continue their success in producing vehicle wraps, large format banners, digital prints and signage for their trade clients – however, in order to achieve their growth targets, they needed to invest in the latest in print technology. With support from their D2N2 Growth Hub Business Adviser (Cheryl Staples), they were able to obtain a grant towards the costs involved – which allowed them to implement their plans more quickly. On the back of this, they were able to create an additional 50% in new jobs, whilst reducing their waste material to boot. In addition to funding the business has also benefited from the D2N2 Growth Hub webinar programme by attending sessions on
marketing and social media.

Over the last 2-3 years, Cheryl Staples and the D2N2 Growth Hub have supported us in our expansion plans - including supporting some of our staff to work from home during the Covid pandemic, improving efficiencies by investing in better machinery and helping to reduce waste, thereby helping us to become more carbon efficient.
The equipment purchased with the support of the Business Investment Fund Grant (a Roland TrueVIS VG2-640 EcoSolvent Printer), has given us the ability to have prints ready to laminate and fit in 6 hours – rather than the industry ‘norm’ of approx. 72 hours - allowing us to exceed customers’ expectations and fulfil even more orders.
We would not hesitate in recommending local businesses reach out to The Growth Hub – the variety of support on offer means there’s something for all local businesses

Justin Hines - Sales Director at Victory Design 

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O’Connor & Co is a multi-award winning removals and storage company operating in Mansfield, Chesterfield and Sheffield.

The D2N2 Growth Hub in conjunction with North East Derbyshire District Council, has been able to support the business through a whole range of dedicated adviser support. Our Adviser Manager was able to carry out an information, diagnostic and brokerage (IDB) service with Sean which allowed for analysis of several aspects of the business including culture, marketing, finances, KPIs and more. The adviser was then able to work closely with Sean to help improve these areas to enable business growth. O’Connor’s has also benefited from in depth support on business strategy and signposting to funding options.

We’ve worked hard looking at our vision, looking at our culture, our retention, our marketing, finances, KPI’s, kaizens, I could go on, we’ve done everything-setting goals and hitting them. We’ve started fighting back after the deficit of Covid had on our company. I certainly cannot thank them (my D2N2 advisers) enough (even on the guidance on books). Truly helped us through the hardest of times. A personal message to you both: thank you.

Sean O’Connor - O’Connor & Co Director

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Zaremba Marsden is a serene retreat set in Matlock, on the edge of the beautiful Peak District National Park. Offering luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation set in a peaceful and calm environment, guests can relax away from the fast pace and distractions of everyday life. 

Stuart and Marta have been on the entire D2N2 support journey. Initially supported by the D2 Business Starter Programme, serving as a springboard for the launch of this business. The D2N2 Growth Hub were able to provide a business adviser who enrolled them on to the new programme and tailored their support needs to match their business outcomes.

"We've been blown away by the expertise, structure, content and overall delivery of the D2N2 offering. They have provided us with a solid foundation for establishing and securing a successful and profitable business."

Marta Zaremba-Marsden, Co-Owner

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Crystal Clear Consultancy Ltd is a recruitment agency based in Nottingham City specialising in the Care, Education and Construction sectors with over 25 years experience. Currently a medium player in the market the business goal is to become the biggest the best at providing quality staff for service providers, ensuring they are paid an excellent rate whilst reducing their carbon foot print during service delivery. The business strives to Implement technology where possible, helping the planet to become a much cleaner place.

Clear Crystal Director Linda Redmond worked closely with a number of Business Advisers at the D2N2 Growth Hub in order to apply for funding to help develop and grow the business further. After winning a national contract delivering B2B services, the business have now been able to establish the systems needed to meet the demands of the contract. The adviser team also worked hard to enable Clear Crystal to achieve a successful grant application for a Business Consultant to help them put new systems in place.

Richard and his team have worked quickly and hard to enable us to have a successful grant application for a Business Consultant to help us put new systems in place and a new member of staff. Richard and his team have worked effectively and quickly to ensure we received a positive outcome for our grant which we have.

Linda Redmond, Clear Crystal Director

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The Compatriot is an authentic Nigerian restaurant based in Nottingham. Priding themselves on serving freshly made, traditional dishes based on family recipes, passed down between generations.

The D2N2 Growth Hub were able to offer a diagnostic business review, strategic planning and one on one mentoring and support. The Compatriot were also able to access key funding from their local authority during the Coronavirus pandemic, allowing them to keep on trading.

"The tailored and personal support that we received from our D2N2 Growth Hub adviser has been invaluable during what has been a challenging time for most businesses."

Isaac Oyeyiola, Co-Owner

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Okra Outdoors is a Derbyshire based manufacturer of premium active dog equipment. Its Arctic Wolf brand was established in 2010 and makes specialist collars, leashes, harnasses, shock-absorbing lines and accessories for both owners and their dogs, who want to get outdoors and be active.

A D2N2 Growth Hub business adviser worked with Stuart to focus on the longterm goals for the business and helped him to develop a strategy to achieve them. After receiving funding from the Capital Growth Fund, Stuart was able to purchase new sewing machines to increase capacity and output.

"My passions have always been dogs and British manufacturing, so being able to create a business which involves both is a dream come true.

The advice and support given to me by the D2N2 Growth Hub has been tremendous, I would recommend any business looking to grow to get in touch with them."

Stuart Malcolmson, Founder and CEO

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Naze View Farm is a small-holding farm in the High Peak, offering Airbnb accommodation and a unique Alpaca experience. Established in 2019 by Paul and Clare, the couple converted one of the outbuildings into a luxury two bed self-catering holiday let.

A D2N2 Growth Hub adviser carried out a business diagnostic and helped them to develop a three-year growth plan. The Growth Hub were also able to help signpost various Coronavirus funding.

"We have a three-year growth plan and any profit we make is being reinvested back into our business to help us develop the farm further.

The help that we received from the D2N2 Growth Hub and their workshops, has been invaluable. While I had some knowledge of digital marketing, these workshops have given us the skills and confidence to understand that what we are doing is right, and to do more of it."

Clare Graham, Co-Founder

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Live With Wood designs and manufactures bespoke, high-quality handmade wooden furniture and joinery products to customers across the UK. Combining traditional woodworking machinery and techniques to achieve an authentic, timeless finish on every piece of furniture created.

The Growth Hub supported Live With Wood by supplying a business adviser to help with consultancy, providing Mick with an in-depth and objective view of his business to enable him to develop a longterm strategy.

"Running a business can be bewildering at times, especially when you are trying to do everything by yourself. The support that we received from the D2N2 Growth Hub has been great, it's really helped me take a step back and be more objective with where the business is heading."

Mick Pursglove, Director

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Edsons is a fifth-generation family business that has grown to become one of the UK's leading bespoke joinery specialists. Founded in 1885, it has worked on some of the UK's most prestigious and exclusive private residences.

The Growth Hub were able to support Edsons with an application for a £15,000 Business Investment Fund grant towards purchasing new machinery.

"The D2N2 Growth Hub has definitely been a massive help to us. When you're thrown into a grant scheme, going through the process on your own can be quite overwhelming.

Having someone to walk us through it, support our application and ensure we got the message right, was key to our success."

Philip Edson (MRICS), Managing Director

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Impression is a multi-award winning digital marketing agency with offices in Nottingham and London. Offering a wide range of services, including content marketing, SEO, paid advertising and digital PR, plus consultancy and training to clients across the UK and beyond.

The Growth Hub were able to support Impression in three ways. By delivering strategic consultancy on a regular basis, helping them to develop and realise their plans for sustainable growth. By providing Growth Hub-led workshops and webinars for members of the team to attend, to boost their knowledge and skills. The D2N2 Growht Hub were also able to provide access to the Business Investment Fund, allowing them to invest in their staff systems, services and being able to work with bigger clients in the UK and internationally.

"The support we've received from the D2N2 Growth Hub over the years has been invaluable and has enabled us to reach our goals much quicker than if we'd done it on our own."

Tom Craig, Director

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E-Safety Training Ltd is a provider of virtual and school-based online safety training for pupils, education professionals, carers, parents and other adults who work with children. Specialising in delivering specialised safeguarding training programmes in schools, along with classroom-based activities to help children stay safe online and make positive life choices.

The D2N2 Growht Hub were able to support Traci with a diagnostic business review and strategic planning to help develop a three-year growth plan for the business. She was also enrolled in the D2N2 UpScaler project and attended several Growth Hub workshops.

"I'm really good at delivering online safety training, but I'm not so good at running a business, so the support I've received from the Growth Hub has really given me the confidence to just go for it and create a business out of my main passion in life."

Traci Good, Director

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Insight Care Services is a CQC-accredited provider of home and social care services to vulnerable residents across Nottingham. Providing services including personal care and help with shopping, as well as cooking. It supplies HCA/ support workers and nurses to nursing homes, private hospitals and the NHS along with access to health and social care training at NVQ levels 1 & 2.

The D2N2 Growth Hub were able to support the business by performing a business diagnostic, providing consultancy and helping them to develop a long-term growth strategy.

"Our business was born out of a desire to share knowledge, skills and experience with people to help find employment and also to support vulnerable people across Nottingham.

The support that we have received from the D2N2 Growth Hub has enabled us to focus our skills and develop a long-term plan."

Olorunyomi Adeyemi, Director

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