Supporting local businesses

Theme: Supporting local businesses
Project: Innovation Support Programme
Support: Funding enabled the council to support a local business and improve their ordering potential
Delivery partners: Chesterfield Borough Council

How we made a difference

Hardcase International, the Chesterfield-based drum and percussion case manufacturer, has doubled profit and secured a strong pipeline of work after receiving specialist support through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Programme.

Introduced to the programme in May 2024 following a referral from their accountants, the family-run business worked with the council’s Innovation Support Project Manager Adrian to strengthen financial controls and rebuild momentum following disruption to live performance during the pandemic.

Support focused on improving cashflow management, rationalising pricing, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and mapping processes to remove bottlenecks while maintaining quality. Growth planning also explored customer segments and geography, alongside evaluating promotion through digital channels and brand ambassadors.

Now the company reports that profits have doubled, performance is on a growth track, and the order book shows around five months of future trade.

"We are now a year on since our initial introductory meeting and I would highly recommend others to seek out this programme and Adrian’s wonderful support.”

"The Innovation Support Programme helps Chesterfield businesses to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and plan for growth through tailored advice and practical support.”

Dave Eyre, Hardcase International

Theme: Supporting local businesses
Project: Skills Brokerage Service
Support: Funding supported a local business to build their capacity
Delivery partners: Chesterfield College and Chesterfield Borough Council

How we made a difference

Paragon Products UK Limited is strengthening its presence in Chesterfield after relocating its distribution centre to the borough in early 2025.

Following initial recruitment, the business worked with the Skills Brokerage Service to identify further development opportunities for its team and operations.

Through a skills development and action planning session, tailored support was put in place, including the introduction of two T Level students on industry placements from digital and business programmes.

The students have been working on projects to improve performance monitoring systems and support sales growth, helping the business enhance its processes and build capacity for the future. Their contribution has already delivered noticeable improvements across the organisation, with their enthusiasm and fresh ideas making a positive impact.

The collaboration highlights the value of partnership working in helping businesses access local talent, develop skills and drive performance improvement in Chesterfield.

"Through the support of Chesterfield College and the local Skills Brokerage Service we have been able to bring in new skills to the business via the T level industry placement programme to help us develop our systems and processes.

"The students on placement with us from the business and digital curriculums are making a real impact on the business and helping shape how we operate on a day to day basis. The enthusiasm they bring has been excellent and their work is having a measurable impact.”

Jorden Clay, Group General Manager, Paragon Products UK Limited

Theme: Supporting local businesses
Project: Images Costumes
Support: One-to-one business advice, specialist marketing support via a ‘growth voucher’, grant funding and training
Delivery partners: Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Chamber

How we made a difference

Images Costumes designs and manufactures bespoke dancewear and logo uniforms.

Thanks to advice delivered by the Chesterfield Accelerator programme, the company has adopted new technology and is also taking steps to lower its carbon footprint.

Like most businesses, Managing Director Michelle Webb has faced rising costs which have had a challenging impact, particularly around reinvesting in staff and updating technology. Michelle worked with project business advisers to support growth and sustainability.

For example, it was identified that a new CAD system and software would improve pattern efficiency and development. Michelle was referred to the Made Smarter East Midlands digital adaption programme and supported to secure a £8,300 grant to buy new technology.

This is streamlined processes, allowing the business to be more competitive. With this advantage, the support received is helping to safeguard and create new jobs. The company also received a grant for energy efficiency measures.

"Small businesses like ours don’t have dedicated procurement departments so expert knowledge and experience was invaluable. In addition, they were able to bring other areas of support to our attention, such as the energy audit, which we might otherwise have missed. It was exactly what was needed!”

Michelle Webb, Managing Director Images Costumes

Theme: Supporting local businesses – Vision Derbyshire Start-Up project
Project: Heywood House Nursery, Brimington
Support: £10,000 business start-up grant
Delivery partners: Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council

How we made a difference

The UKSPF-funded phase of the Derbyshire Start Up project started in January 2024, helping businesses across the borough to turn their ideas into reality – and create new jobs and opportunities for local people.

Investment in the newly-opened Heywood House Nursery in Brimington has helped to create an exciting new outdoor play area – and with growing numbers of children in their care, the new venture is already growing its workforce.

Having bought a Grade II listed building on High Street, the company undertook substantial renovation works to create a vibrant and welcoming children’s nursery for youngsters aged from three months to five years old.

A business start-up grant of £10,000 allowed the gardens to be extensively renovated and landscaped so that the children can learn and develop in a secure green space – outdoors in nature, whilst having fun with their friends.

Learning in an outdoor environment has been shown to have both developmental and educational benefits and the nursery’s striking feature now acts as a unique selling point, helping to set it apart.

Heywood House started operations with four staff, but this has now increased to seven. They have already exceeded expectations in terms of the numbers of children attending on a daily basis.

"As an organisation, we strive to provide the highest quality care for every child in a safe and friendly environment. This enables all our children to learn whilst having fun and reaching their full potential in preparation for school. We’d like to thank the Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up team for helping us on our way with this new venture in Brimington.”

Matt Bell, Company Director

Theme: Supporting local businesses – Chesterfield Accelerator programme
Project: Black Swan Cyber Security
Support: One-to-one business advice, specialist marketing support via a ‘growth voucher’, grant funding and training
Delivery partners: Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Chamber

How we made a difference

Bitz ‘n’ PC’z Ltd (trading as Black Swan Cyber Security) was started in 2006 by Kevin Walker, providing IT support services to schools and other educational organisations in and around Chesterfield. Today the business supports SMEs and not-for-profits with all kinds of cybersecurity solutions.

Changes within the client sector – together with the impact of rising energy costs and transport – were impacting the company’s business model. Managing Director Kevin Walker reached out to the Accelerator programme for support to diagnose the issues and find a new route to where the business wanted to be.

New market opportunities, a new subscription-based business model and ways to generate extra revenue while reducing costs underpinned the new growth plan, and a package of support to help make this plan a reality was put in place.

This included a grant of £8,000, which has resulted in the development and launch of a new subscription-based eCommerce platform together with branding, messaging and multi-channel promotion to generate awareness, interest and sales.

"The support I received from the adviser has been invaluable. His guidance throughout the process was exceptional. He truly understood my business challenges and helped me pivot into new sectors.

“If you’re seeking growth or want to expand your business, I wholeheartedly recommend the Accelerator project.”

Kevin Walker, Managing Director