Delegates at the latest in D2N2’s current series of 2015 Business Breakfasts, in Chesterfield today (November 18), were updated on the Local Enterprise Partnership’s work on skills and Devolution.
The D2N2 LEP – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and other organisations which promotes economic growth and jobs creation across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – each year holds a series of free Business Breakfasts, to update the business and wider communities on its current and future projects.
Today’s (November 18) event – the fifth of six autumn Breakfasts – was held at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium. Previous Business Breakfasts have been held (beginning in mid-October ) in Nottingham, Derby, Bakewell and Retford.
The sixth and final D2N2 Business Breakfast in the series will be held next Wednesday (November 25) at Kelham Hall, near Newark. Places are still available and can be booked online HERE.
Speakers at today’s Chesterfield event were D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph, D2N2 European and Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) Officer Richard Kirkland and guest business speaker Melanie Ulyatt; who is MD of care services provider One to One Support Services of Chesterfield, Regional Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire), and D2N2’s new Board Member for Skills.
David Ralph updated delegates on the latest progress on Devolution for the area; which D2N2, business and local authorities have been lobbying for for months. A deal is expected to be announced very shortly, which would see more powers transferred from Whitehall to the local area, helping it to better determine its own economic future.
ESIF Officer Richard Kirkland outlined the help available, particularly for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), in taking on apprentices and developing the skills of existing employees.
Melanie Ulyatt spoke about the increasing professionalisation of the care sector she is involved. As Regional FSB Chair, she said small businesses were not lacking in the “confidence” to try and grow but needed more support, especially from financial instiututions.
“The delegates at today’s Chesterfield Breakfast were very enagaged,” said David Ralph, after the event, “as they have been elsewhere. They heard some valuable information on skills; which D2N2 sees as vital to economic growth, and invests a lot of time and effort into helping companies with.”
For further information on the work of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, particularly on its promotion of skills and employment, and how it can help companies, see its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Home
Media wanting further information about the work of the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
