EBUSINESS


For more information about upcoming eBusiness Club events, visit www.ebusinessclub.biz or get smart and use this QR code


eBUSINESS CLUB


As the leading provider of digital support in the East Midlands, the eBusiness Club offers workshops, funding advice and consultancy on all aspects of ICT and technology to improve business performance


Growth programme up and running


Businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire are benefiting from free breakfast events, designed to launch and offer information on the highly-anticipated Digital Growth Programmes. These comprehensive fact-


finding sessions cover all aspects of the two ERDF-funded programmes and explain how businesses can benefit from this not-to-be-missed opportunity. The Digital Growth Programmes,


which start in April of this year before concluding in June 2019, will provide support and advice to SMEs in various locations across the region through dedicated advisers. Skills advisers will support


workforce development, while the programmes' digital business advisers will offer one-to-one advise on the implementation of ICT projects. The latter will also provide


provide information and assistance on sought-after grant-funding opportunities of up to 40% - available between £2,000 and £16,000 - for businesses that require assistance with technology and/or digital projects. And the launch events, which


still have some dates to run, have been hailed a success, across all three counties. Hundreds of businesses from


across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire have engaged with the events to date, with up to 600 expected by their conclusion. The popularity of these sessions,


which cover a whole host of relevant, up-to-date digital themes crucial to businesses development and growth, is testament to the fantastic opportunity that the programmes represent to SMEs. Feedback from businesses has


been incredibly important and productive, with 45 minutes of questions from the floor at each event so far. The high level of engagement and


participation also reflects the significant support offered by local councils and business networks in promoting the events throughout the districts and boroughs through their marketing channels and networking events in what has been, and continues to be, a collaborative


50 business network March 2017


FEEDBACK FROM THE EVENTS SO FAR INCLUDE:


“The event was very informative indeed. I liked the detail, in which the planning of the programme was described and the description of both the planned events and workshops and grant funding.”


“Excellent event, many thanks.”


“Really enjoyed this morning’s seminar.”


“Good event, informative and useful. Already registered!”


Diane Simpson, the Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive and Digital Growth Programme Director, addresses SMEs at a recent launch event in Retford


effort between the Chamber and the relevant stakeholders. There is also a heavy emphasis


on delivering launch events in smaller locations, in conjunction with local authority district partnerships. This enabled cross- region feedback and engagement and consultation with the wider business community and gain valuable feedback on demand, future workshop needs and required investment in technology, all of which will inform and help shape the programmes' delivery to meet local needs. A recent launch event in Rushcliffe, for example, was attended by 69 businesses, with the event officially launched by Cllr Simon Robinson, Deputy Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council. In total, Rushcliffe will host 50


strategic action-planning workshops as part of the ditigal growth programmes, with Rushcliffe Borough Council providing match- funding to the project. Rushcliffe Borough Council is


also providing part-funding of a dedicated business adviser. Cllr. Robinson said: "It is vital


that the many SMEs in the borough


have access to new and emerging ICT products and services in order to continue to grow. Supporting our local businesses and helping them grow and prosper is a priority of Rushcliffe Borough Council and so we are committed to delivering this important project alongside all of the partner." Digital Growth Manager, Jon


Egley, added: “Both the number of businesses attending the launch events and the feedback the events have received have been extremely positive and bodes well for what is sure to be a successful programme that will, ultimately, provide growth opportunities to SMEs in our region.” The £7.25m Derbyshire and


Nottinghamshire programme is part-funded by the European


HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AT THESE EVENTS


There are still four remaining launch events taking place in Market Harborough (14 March), Mansfield (16 March), Chesterfield (23 March) and the High Peak (11 April), with limited places still available.


For more information, and to book, please visit www.ebusinessclub.biz, where you will also find more in-depth information about the two digital growth programmes.


Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the Chamber, Derby and Nottingham City Councils, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire County Councils, Rushcliffe Borough Council and the Creative Quarter Company. The £6.7m Leicester and


Leicestershire programme is part- funded by ERDF and Leicestershire County Council and match-funded by the Chamber.


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