Successes in the eight key economic sectors promoted by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are highlighted in a news feature appearing in seven Johnson Press newspapers, across north Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire, this week (week commencing March 21).
The double page spread can be seen in this week’s editions of the Mansfield, Ashfield and Alfreton CHADs; and the Belper News, Ripley & Heanor News, Worksop Guardian and Derbyshire Times. They are all part of the Johnson Press plc group and, combined, sell around 90,000 copies per week.
D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, social and community groups, and others which promotes economic growth and jobs creation across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It is one of 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships across England.
Examples of D2N2 area success in its eight key economic sectors – commercial activities where the LEP has a competitive advantage or the capacity to create one – are featured in the newspapers’ article.
D2N2’s eight key sectors are:
- Transport equipment manufacturing – Standard Motor Products Europe, Annesley – a leading manufacturer and distributor of hi-tech vehicle engine products – ‘re-shored’ manufacture of electronic systems and sensors back to the UK, from the Far East, with the help of an £81,000 D2N2 Unlocking Investment for Growth (UI4G) grant.
- Life sciences – Worksop company Chalice Medical, a heart surgery equipment supply firm (pictured above), recently struck a deal with US company CardiacAssist Inc. In 2014 Chalice received £487,500 from D2N2 towards its own £1.95m plans to move to a new site, to expand its business.
- Food and drink manufacturing – Thornbridge Brewery, Bakewell, is an example of sector innovation. It recently opened a branded bar in Den Bosch, Holland, and announced ambitions for one in Finland. Thornbridge previously received a £78,000 D2N2 grant towards its £400,000 growth plan.
- Construction – D2N2 investment in road improvements and other capital schemes has kick-started stalled projects during a period of belt-tightening by councils and companies, providing contractors with an income stream. For example, through its £192m Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocation, D2N2 has co-invested in projects including; £1.1m for the Harworth and Bircotes Access Road, to stimulate North Nottinghamshire employment and housing growth, and £4.86m in the A61 Whittington Moor Roundabout junction improvements, Chesterfield (a Derbyshire County Council scheme).
- Visitor economy – D2N2 is investing £2million in the £46m refurbishment of Buxton Crescent, Buxton, to turn the listed buildings into a five star hotel and spa experience; a major draw for this charming Derbyshire town.
- Low carbon economy – D2N2’s area has an estimated 1,556 low carbon businesses, employing around 28,716 people, according to a 2013 Government report. Example companies include Hybrid Energy Solutions Ltd of Staveley, Chesterfield; which supplies, installs and maintains electric vehicle charge points.
- Transport and logistics – With the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, D2N2 is a major investor in the Markham Vale Enterprise Zone, near Chesterfield. It is home to both transport and logistics sector businesses and food firms which heavily rely on quick deliveries. Great Bear Distribution will move into a 480,000 square foot facility there in summer 2016.
- Creative and digital industries – D2N2 has invested £4.8m from its Local Growth Fund into county-wide schemes, towards widening access to faster fibre optic broadband – £2.63m for Better Broadband for Nottinghamshire and £2.19m for Digital Derbyshire – an essential tool for IT-based companies.
The double page spread’s publication follows a supplement published in both the Nottingham Post and Derby Telegraph on Wednesday (March 23), called Unlocking Growth – Eight key sectors of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. An online version of that supplement can be read by clicking HERE .
For more on D2N2’s work on its eight key sectors see its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Key-Sectors
Media wanting further information about the D2N2 LEP can contact D2N2 Communications Manager Sean Kirby on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
