Ashfield Accelerator

Introducing Ashfield Accelerator

Ashfield Accelerator is a brand-new business support project designed to help established businesses based in the District of Ashfield to find practical solutions to improve commercial operations leading to sustainable growth.

This project will be delivered by East Midlands Chamber and is funded by Ashfield District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Local businesses will have an opportunity to access specialist support around several key economic drivers, such as: decarbonisation and reducing their energy costs, adopting new technologies, research and innovation, upskilling employees and how to leverage overseas trade markets to reduce supply chain costs and find new customers. This project will run until 31 March 2025.

What support can I access?

Eligible SMEs will work with an experienced business adviser and have access to a range of support, including:

• Help with Net Zero – It doesn’t matter at what stage you are at on your Net Zero journey, this support will help you to reduce your energy costs by implementing energy-saving measures. SMEs employing up to 250 employees will be supported by a consultant to identify their carbon footprint and to develop a practical action plan to make energy efficiency improvements.

• Help with Innovation and Digital Technology – Whether you are looking to commercialise a new product, improve productivity or undertake research, help is available through a range of Innovation and Technology Specialists. They will assist you to explore and adopt new technologies and take advantage of any national programmes such as Innovate UK EDGE and Made Smarter.

• Help with trading overseas – Evidence shows that businesses trading overseas experience higher growth and productivity, and are more likely to innovate. SMEs will receive 1-on-1 support from a specialist consultant to assist them with finding and accessing new markets, sourcing suppliers and distributors to strengthen supply chains reducing operational costs, and to identify any international trade fair.

• Help with training employees – SMEs that operate in Manufacturing, Construction, Health Care, Wholesale & Retail, and Transport & Storage (Logistics) can access a range of training courses to enable their workforce to gain sector specific skills that will increase their capabilities.

• Help with sourcing grants – Advisers will assist SMEs to identify and apply for available funding opportunities which will support commercial growth by increasing operational efficiencies.

• Help with making new connections – Advisors will support SMEs to make new connections enabling them to collaborate with fellow businesses. These networks include: North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network and Nottingham Manufacturing Network available through the East Midlands Manufacturing Network.

• Help to Grow - Management course: Business leaders will be able to develop their strategic skills to increase their business’s long-term productivity, resilience and capacity to innovate on a 12-week executive development leadership and management programme. This course is 90% funded by government (the course is valued at £7500); but participants only pay a fee of £750.

How do I sign up?

If your business is based in the Ashfield area, simply complete the form below to register your interest, and a Business Adviser will be in touch to learn more about your business and to explore what support is most appropriate for you.

Accelerator Events

Alternatively, find out more about the programme through our range of events covering the following themes:

• Email Marketing, CRM and Automation
• Finance & Funding
• HR & Employment Law
• Leadership & Management
• Marketing
• Organic Search
• Paid Digital Advertising
• Sales
• Social Media & Content Marketing
• Sustainability
• Website & eCommerce

Visit our Events Page to find out more about the full programme of Accelerator events

Additional help is available here

Did you know that if you're based in Ashfield, then you can also get additional support which includes help finding local grants, from Ashfield District Council Business Support team: Find Out More

*The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6b of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Find Out More

If you would like to know more about the support available from D2N2 Growth Hub, please complete the form below.