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Whether you are starting a business or you have been running a business for many years, chances are you will need some help on specific or general issues. We have a wide range of services at our disposal provided by our Economic Regeneration service and partner organisations, including Business Link, the Chamber of Commerce, the Learning and Skills Council and many more.
We receive government funding to provide certain services free of charge, such as guidance on starting a business, and we access subsidies wherever we can, making it possible for small and medium sized enterprises to benefit from advice and assistance that will improve their growth prospects. We aim to give assistance on most business aspects. In addition to on-line information resources, there are specialist advisers who will deal with your needs on an individual basis. This could be something specific, such as an aspect of employment law, or something more general, such as how to increase profits over the next three years.
(Photograph: Christopher Beech Photography)
Our partner agencies that can provide advice to businesses, on a whole range of subjects including the following:Burton College Business Development Unit provides customised training solutions for all types of organisations. Rates are competitive – subsidies may be available – and times and locations are flexible. The College have a range of training options accredited to national standards. It can also develop courses specifically for individual business needs. The wide range of subjects offered includes health and safety, information technology, first aid, management, quality, CIPD qualifications, NVQs, basic skills, training and development, food hygiene, sales and marketing, customer care, engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, manufacturing, electronics, motor vehicle, retail and distribution and languages. The College offers standard training packages and also has the flexibility to customise a training package to meet specific needs, by offering a detailed Training Needs Analysis. It can also advise on accessing Government training incentives.
Business Link aims to provide everything you need to support your business or business idea. Business Link is part of a national network providing an impartial advice and information service to businesses to help companies start, grow and succeed. The site contains a wealth of advice and information on all aspects of running a business – from starting a new business to workforce development. Many of the services offered can be accessed online or, if preferred in person by making an appointment with a business adviser. Business Link also offers a range of training events, seminars and networking opportunities.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) promotes opportunity and independence for all, helps individuals to achieve their potential through employment and works to end poverty in all its forms. The DWP provides services to employers through Jobcentre Plus, The Pension Service, the Health and Safety Executive and Health and Safety Commission, the Child Support Agency and the Disability and Carers Service.
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website provides an overview of all business matters, from regulation to support for innovation. This central government department is charged with creating the best environment for business success in the UK. It aims to promote enterprise, innovation and increased productivity, often supporting initiatives and providing services through agencies such as Business Link.
Derby College offers every sort of course for every sort of student, from a route into university to preparing for the world of work. Derby College has three Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) focusing on construction, engineering and information technology. CoVEs are specialist areas of vocational training which incorporate partnerships between colleges, other training providers, businesses, unions and communities. They aim to produce appropriately qualified and skilled workers with excellent employment and career prospects, which meet the needs of the economy. CoVEs work closely with business and industry to deliver relevant training of the highest standard.
Derby University Business Development Unit aims to provide a single point of access to the range of help for business and employers at the University of Derby. We work flexibly to match company needs with a wide range of solutions, expertise and knowledge. The Business Development Unit was established in 2002 as the gateway to business development, consultancy, research and training solution at the University of Derby. It is an operational brand that delivers a full range of services on a commercial basis through it's operating company DUEL (Derby University Enterprise Limited). Its priority is to understand and effectively service the needs of business and the community, in order to develop, strengthen and achieve a sustainable regional economy.
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce delivers a wide range of services across the County to both its members and the wider business community, and to individuals seeking to gain employment through learning. Chamber members can access a wide range of discounted services, sources of business information and networking opportunities. Working in close partnership with many partner organisations across the East Midlands, it has a mission to create a better future for businesses and individuals.
East Midlands Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is part of a national organisation that operates through local offices. The LSC is responsible for all post-16 education, with the exception of Universities, including the planning, funding and reviewing of further education colleges; work-based learning; adult and community learning; information, advice and guidance for adults; and education-business links.
Prince’s Trust
Shell LiveWIRE
Staffordshire University
Tamworth and Lichfield College
Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) (external link) is an organisation for rural women in business, offering a dynamic member package of practical and specific business services and support for women in rural enterprise including: WiRE Local Network Groups (70 across the UK) offering rural women in business the chance to network and do business with like-minded women, a quarterly glossy magazine, monthly e-newsletter and countless marketing opportunities. WiRE is unique in its approach to business help, invaluable to all rural women in business at any stage, from the established or growing business, to new or potential businesses.
Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Economic Regeneration Service
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 595755
Fax: 01283 595760
Online: contact form
email: economic.regeneration@south-derbys.gov.uk
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