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CHAMBER NEWS


New scheme launched to help improve digital skills


A pioneering project to equip autistic individuals and women who want to get back into work with digital skills they need to find a job has been launched, funded by the Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Digital Innovation Fund. The D2N2 Skills Academy offers


a series of free, four-day training programmes to participants across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire - running July, September and October, with the first course having taken place in June. A similar digital project –


targeted at different audiences – will shortly be available to individuals across the Sheffield City Region (SCR). Led by Nottingham City Council,


a range of local organisations are joining forces to deliver the programmes, including Autism East Midlands, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, the Chamber, the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.


‘It has been set up exclusively to help autistic individuals and women’


Its aim is to encourage under-


represented groups across the D2N2 area to get the skills they need for a career in the digital sector. It has been set up exclusively to


help autistic individuals and women (aged 18 and over), particularly those returning to work after a period of absence, out of work or looking for another job. Each subject area comprises four


free training sessions over a four- week period, designed to teach the skills required to become work- ready for a job in the digital sector. Each is delivered by experienced, industry-leading experts. Digital graduate buddies, provided by the universities, will provide practical support, guidance and mentoring at each of the training sessions. The subjects are digital


marketing, data visualisation and cyber security, along with digital essentials, which covers basic


The positive impact of the D2N2 Growth Hub


The D2N2 Growth Hub, which launched in 2016, has helped 54% of the businesses it has worked with to innovate, 27% to invest in new technology and 16% to increase turnover. A further seven per cent have


created new jobs over the past year, with the same percentage of businesses increasing their exports. It also helped 13% of businesses to access funding. Of the businesses which received D2N2 Growth Hub support, 89% would recommend the service to other SMEs, with 64% saying they had taken positive action as a result of the support received. And 81% of businesses have


rated the support they received as excellent or good. The results are from the annual


customer satisfaction survey of the D2N2 Growth Hub. Independent researchers spoke to around 350 of the 1,750 businesses the Growth Hub supported between January 2018 and January 2019. The Growth Hub provides free, impartial advice to help businesses


grow. Its support is available to start-ups, growing businesses and companies ready to scale up their operations. With a vast array of services on


offer from the public, private and third sectors, many businesses struggle to find the best services to fit their needs. The D2N2 Growth Hub fills this


gap by providing up-to-date, valuable and relevant information, guidance and support. D2N2 Growth Hub Manager Chris


Pook said: “It’s clear from the results that the Growth Hub is having a real and positive impact on local businesses, providing them with the support and advice they need to grow. “With the Growth Hub moving


into its next phase, new advisers being recruited and a new grant scheme coming soon, we should hopefully see these results improve further as we continue to support businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which are the lifeblood of our economy.”


‘It’s clear from the results that the Growth Hub is having a real and positive impact on local businesses’


One business that has received


support is CAD for Fashion, an academy which trains budding fashion designers and experienced industry professionals in how to use the latest technology in the fashion sector. Founder Erica Horne said: “I can’t


thank the Growth Hub enough. My adviser has been with me the whole way, offering invaluable support and advice as well as opening my eyes


business network July/August 2019 39 Chris Pook addresses delegates


at the D2N2 Growth Hub’s third anniversary earlier this year


to the huge amount of resources available locally. I have learnt so much from the past nine months and to have my ideas turn into reality is amazing.


digital skills including getting the most out of a range of devices, applications and the cloud. At the end of each course, those


attending will receive a certificate of attainment, along with a comprehensive workbook that can be used as a reference guide. The programme of support will


continue for some attendees, with a selection chosen to complete work placements in local businesses. It is hoped through the programme support and engagement with the business community that a handful of attendees will secure long term work as a result. Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief


Executive at the Chamber, said: “The Chamber’s stated aim is to enhance East Midlands businesses and communities, so we are delighted to be involved with this cutting-edge project.


Diane Beresford “The digital agenda is evolving all


the time, so equipping autistic individuals and women who have been out of employment with the skills they need to forge a new career in this fast-growing sector is key.”


Further details can be found at www.emc- dnl.co.uk/digitalacademy


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