D2N2 has held the third in its current series of six free Business Breakfasts, with an event in Bakewell.
Businesses representing a wide range of sectors attended the event this morning (Wednesday November 4), held at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell.
Each year the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, community organisations and others which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – holds a series of free Business Breakfasts to update the business and wider communities on its projects, and how they might benefit from them.
Nottingham and Derby have already hosted well attended events in the current 2015 Breakfasts series, today the LEP was at Bakewell; and there are further events to follow in Retford (November 10), Chesterfield (November 18) and Kelham near Newark (November 25). Places at those events are still available. To book online to attend go to D2N2 Events web page www.d2n2lep.org/About/Events
Today’s event featured an update from D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph, particularly on the area’s move towards a Devolution deal; an overview from D2N2 Capital Projects Manager Kevin Hopkinson on the millions of pounds being invested by D2N2 in transport, facilities, broadband and other infrastructure; and a fascinating talk from Richard Smith, Group Managing Director for specialist packaging firm Charapak of Alfreton, on the company’s journey. It was behind the packaging of more than 888,246 ceramic poppies, which had graced the Tower of London in 2014 to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, for distribution to those who’d bought them, raising money for services charities.
David Ralph, D2N2 Chief Executive, said after today’s Bakewell event: “It was good to hear people’s thoughts on our work and to share their views on the big changes coming for the area, such as the upcoming Devolution deal, to grant it more powers. Richard Smith of Charapak gave an excellent talk, showing how the long established company has innovated to access new markets and create new products.”
For more information about the 2015 D2N2 Business Breakfasts, or to book online to attend the remaining three events, go to Events web page www.d2n2lep.org/About/Events
Media wanting more information about the work of the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org