Invest in Derbyshire Dales

04/09/2026

Our latest Derbyshire DalesDerbyshire Dales Business Grant training took place this week whilst next week, the first round of applications will be decided by the Board.
This second round for applications closes at the end September so there is still time to let us know if you are interested and have a project ready to go! The first step is to register your interest at https://www.investinderbyshiredales.org/help/growing-your-business/help-and-support

For those needing a bit more time, round 3 opens 1 January and closes 28 February 2027.

03/09/2026

Rural Action Derbyshire

Event Name: Employers DA Conference
Date: September 14th, 2026
Venue: The Whitworth, Darley Dale

1. Purpose of the Event
This conference is designed to empower employers with the knowledge, tools, and resources to effectively support employees affected by domestic abuse.
By attending, businesses will gain a deeper understanding of the role they play in creating a safe and supportive workplace. Specifically, this event aims to:
• Raise Awareness – Highlight the significant impact of domestic abuse on employees, productivity, and workplace safety.
• Promote Employer Responsibility – Encourage businesses to acknowledge domestic abuse as a workplace issue and take proactive measures.
• Share Best Practices – Showcase effective strategies, policies, and real-life case studies that can be implemented to support employees.
• Encourage Collaboration – Build partnerships between businesses, HR professionals, and support organisations to drive sustainable change.
• Drive Action – Inspire tangible commitments from employers to integrate domestic abuse awareness and response into their workplace policies and culture.

24/08/2026

Round 2 of our Derbyshire Dales Business Grant Scheme is now open! Closing on 30 September, the scheme is aimed at businesses looking to grow and invest in their business.

For more information and to find out about the application process visit
https://www.investinderbyshiredales.org/help/growing-your-business/help-and-support

24/08/2026

📢 Last chance to enter!

The deadline to enter the Visit East Midland Tourism Awards for Nottinghamshire businesses has been extended, and there's only one day left to get your applications in.

There are 14 award categories celebrating the very best of the tourism industry, recognising outstanding businesses and the hardworking people behind them.

👉 Apply now if you're based in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire: https://orlo.uk/Ne2Gm

👉 Derby and Derbyshire businesses can still find out more here: https://orlo.uk/FONaR

24/08/2026

LOCAL PLAN CONSULTATION PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION - ONLINE TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 5-7PM
Join the District Council's Planning Policy team online to find out more about how to submit your response to the 'Regulation 19' consultation on the draft Local Plan. To request a link to the online meeting, please email [email protected]

The draft Plan sets out how the district outside of the National Park should develop over the next 15 years, including where new homes and workplaces will be built. The six-week public consultation is now open and will run from 3 August–14 September 2026.

Public events are being held as follows:

Matlock Town Hall Committee Room on Tuesday 11 August 2-7pm (drop in any time during the event).
Online via Teams on Tuesday 25 August 5-7pm and Tuesday 1 September 12-2pm.
Ashbourne Leisure Centre on Wednesday 9 September 2-7pm (drop in any time during the event).

Find more information including FAQs, guidance, and a copy of the consultation survey questions online: https://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy-and-local-plan/local-plan/current-local-plan-review/local-plan-consultation-2026

14/08/2026

It's great to put a face to a name!

Invest in Derbyshire Dales is the website of the Economic Development Team at Derbyshire Dales We're a small team of 5, including our Director and we're here to help you as much as we can!

Christina is our dedicated business adviser who provides a free, comprehensive service to any established business in the Derbyshire Dales. Steve, Amanda, Nancy and Esther make up the rest of the team, so hello from us!

We're here to help in any way we can :-)

11/08/2026

The Economic Development team at Derbyshire Dales Derbyshire Dales District Council carries out business surveys every couple of years, but between them, it's good to check in and see how things are going.

So, what is your biggest business challenge right now? For example, finding the right staff, high costs, lack of customers, competition etc Let us know via the comments below or, if you prefer, send us an email at [email protected]

10/08/2026

Needing to expand their services, Mount Cook Adventure Centre https://www.mountcook.uk/ applied for a Derbyshire Dales grant towards kitchen equipment to make better use of their space, particularly in terms of dining and being able to offer use of the kitchen to groups.

They were successful and were awarded a Business Development Grant of £19,182 by Derbyshire Dales District Council.

Steve Turner, Chief Executive of the centre, said 'We were really pleased to receive the grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council. It enabled us to make much better use of our space and to enable an increase in dining space.' For more cast studies, visit our Invest in Derbyshire Dales website https://www.investinderbyshiredales.org/help/funding-your-business/case-studies

07/08/2026

Calling all businesses! Have you got any Friday wins that you would like to share?

For some it's the end of the week but others in service or retail may well be gearing up for a busy weekend. Whichever sector your business is in, we hope Friday is full of wins and we'd love to hear about them!

06/08/2026

Derbyshire County Council – Growth & Skills Adult Apprenticeship Funding - supporting SMEs develop their Adult Workforce -webinar

Join our FREE webinars to discover how Derbyshire County Council Growth and Skills Adult Apprenticeship Funding can potentially support your business recruit, develop and retain your workforce.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how Derbyshire County Council's Growth and Skills Adult Apprenticeship Funding Programme can support your workforce development and business growth.
Webinar Dates:
Wednesday 19 August 2026
🕑 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Thursday 20 August 2026
🕑 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Click on the link https://app.rallly.co/invite/O2twU4YPkOeR to confirm your attendance.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

By Leigh McKenzie