Testimonials

(Image: Asma Seedat, Director and Senior Recovery Worker & Counsellor)

“The support provided by our adviser Jo, has been amazing. Her person-centred approach and her extensive knowledge and expertise enabled me to develop a plan that focused on Jamila’s Legacy short, medium and long-term goals. Jo's advice has also enabled me to access an NTU Digital Coach and a Digital Consultant for me and the team to work on IT and the systems landscape.

The training, advice and support has enabled the team to grow and implement our learning to increase efficiency and sustainability.”

- Rehana Sidat, Founder, CEO/Mental Health Advocate/Trainer

“Joanna from the Chamber was very thorough and really understood which funding would help with the gaps in knowledge we have. She supported us to apply for the Accelerator Growth Voucher.

This funding was used to access help from digital marketing agency, LikeMind Media. I found my calls with Hena really insightful, and it gave me a wonderful chance to look at various opportunities through different eyes.

Now without the need for third party companies, we can go forward and look at various marketing strategies that will bring a different perspective to Nest and the customer journey; and we can also open up our marketing channels through ways we hadn’t considered before.”

- Samantha Gibbs, Owner

“Attending the Accelerator Programme last year was one of the best decisions I made. I had a business idea but wasn’t sure where to start, and I wanted to connect with others in the same situation - entrepreneurship can feel lonely at first! 

The programme helped me refresh my knowledge of business development, understand the support available and meet inspiring people. I highly recommend it to anyone starting their startup journey! It makes it so much easier when you have a clear plan.”

- Irina Protasova, Director

(Image shows team member John Lou)

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the well-organised and excellently delivered workshop; WordPress Masterclass.

I found the session incredibly valuable, it has empowered us to update our website in a timely manner without relying on a third-party company. Once again, thank you for this opportunity.”

- William Lou, Managing Director

Glossop-based business GAP Plastics offers plastic injection moulding services to a range of sectors. It is a major supplier of seamless buoyancy packages well suited to the harsh environment of deep sea oil and gas applications.

Commenting on the support he received from Chamber-appointed energy adviser Sophie Wragg, Steven Fitzpatrick, Manufacturing Director at GAP Plastics said:

“Sophie completed an energy audit in March which was very insightful. The report recommended replacing our current forklift truck with an electric version. This report was then used to apply for funding which enabled us to qualify for 50% funding towards a new forklift truck!”

- Steven Fitzpatrick, Manufacturing Director

"As a business whose unique offer is built around travel, Blue Stamp Travel suffered major disruption as a result of Covid, in both operations and revenue. Despite uncertain times, it has been built back and is now predicting its best-ever revenue year.

Keeping an eagle eye on costs has become more important than ever following the business’s recent relocation to the old bank hall in Daybrook. This 100-year-old building certainly offers real opportunities for improving energy efficiency. A fully funded energy audit gave the business the evidence needed to successfully apply for a decarbonisation grant from Gedling Borough Council.

During the original renovations, 22 solar panels were installed with the intention of adding a battery later down the line. A battery has just been installed and already the property is 100% off-grid with surplus energy being exported to the grid. Financially, this will make a difference from day one and the investment will be repaid very quickly. Equally importantly, the environmental impact of creating green energy is very satisfying."

- Steve Manderson, Managing Director

“The accelerator workshops, provided by the Chamber - both online and in person - have been extremely valuable to our new business.

The facilitators have been of a high standard, with brilliant content.

We have come away with workable action plans to move forward with our business plans and the networking opportunity has been really good.

Overall these courses have been invaluable in helping us with our business set up and we would highly recommend them to other new businesses.”

- Rebecca Lacey, Director

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(Image shows Managing Director, Lee Webb)

“I enjoyed the session today and found it very useful. The coach was engaging and knowledgeable. The content was relevant and serves to reaffirm my belief that video as a medium can be incredibly powerful in business.

I'm not saying we're going to be Spielbergs or a Danny Boyle but in today's social media landscape where attention spans are short, I'm sure we can steal a march at least in our own industry.”

- Matt Norton, Birchover Reclamation

Putting into practice what she learnt at the workshop, Simona Ceple, made her first-ever sale from a newsletter, just 30 minutes after sending it! Her customer used a discount code and purchased some beautiful chairs.

“I am so grateful for this kind of opportunity and help for businesses!”

- Simona Ceple, Founder

By spending time getting to know this wonderful organisation, Business Adviser, Abi Phillips was able to assess diagnostics, and identify what the business needed to put its best hoof forward and develop a Business Action Plan accordingly.

Marketing was a key element of that plan and Chamber trainer consultant Lindsey Newman-Wood deftly hopped into the saddle to offer her support.