The second in D2N2’s series of six Business Breakfasts for 2015 was held in Derby today (October 21), focusing on the D2N2 Growth Hub’s services for business and the work of the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).
Around 50 delegates attended the event at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre this morning. It was the second of six events due to be held; as part of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s efforts to keep businesses across its catchment of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire updated on its activities to grow the economy and create jobs.
D2N2 Chief Executive David Ralph (pictured) gave an overview of the LEP’s recent activities and its future ambitions, telling his audience that the organisation had moved from planning and strategy to the delivery of practical measures to aid economic growth.
Guest speaker Professor Richard Hall, University of Derby Director of Research and of its Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), gave a presentation on Delivering Affordable Solutions for SMEs, and on the IISE’s hi-tech work with 3D printers and with companies on uses for new materials.
Lindsay Allen, D2N2 Senior Programme Manager for Sector Development, told businesses that the Growth Hub team she heads was there as a ‘one stop shop’ to help start-up and established businesses flourish.
A current example is the £350,000 made available through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), to help businesses create a marketing or business plan for enterprises to boost the Visitor Economy, or tourism , sector in the D2N2 area. Applications for this help will close on January 8, 2016. For more information click HERE.
Further D2N2 Business Breakfast events will be held between now and the end of November, at locations across the D2N2 area. For further information and to book online to attend see the web link HERE.
Media needing further information about the work of the D2N2 LEP can contact D2N2 Communications Officer Sean Kirby on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
