Business support programme helps almost 5,000 firms

A business support programme delivered by East Midlands Chamber has helped almost 5,000 firms in the region.

Run on behalf of local authority partners in Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester and Nottinghamshire, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund-backed Accelerator Programme launched in 2023 and hosts a wide range of services.

To date, the programme, which aims to boost innovation, development and sustainability, has supported 4,790 businesses.

Accelerator has now been extended until March next year with support to include Erewash businesses in 2025, after its borough council joined the programme.

Since Accelerator’s inception, 143 new businesses and 598 jobs have been created, while 505 jobs have been safeguarded.

Just over 400 businesses introduced new products, technologies and processes, while a large number of firms increased their export capability.

The Accelerator programme offers expert business adviser support, access to grant funding where available, ‘growth vouchers’ to fund new technology, decarbonisation support, sustainability events and 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).

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, 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.”

To find out more about Accelerator and to register visit https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/accelerator/.