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News Releases Opposition spokesman impressed by innovative manufacturer and agency February 1, 2010 A shadow government minister praised regeneration agency Erewash Partnership and a medium-sized engineering manufacturer when he visited Long Eaton. Adam Afriyie, shadow minister for innovation, universities and skills, saw how high-technology is used by specialist education equipment manufacturer TecQuipment when he toured the company on Friday evening (Jan 29). Mr Afriyie spent more than an hour looking around the Bonsall Street premises of the firm which has an annual a turnover of several million pounds and exports around 88 per cent of its output to more than 80 countries worldwide and said he was impressed. The company, which employs more than 60 people, recently introduced a double shift system and took on several extra manufacturing and support workers because of increased orders. "TecQuipment is exactly the type of high-tech engineering and manufacturing company that Britain needs to pull us out of recession," he said. "It is the perfect example of research and development, engineering, innovation and exporting." Simon Woods, managing director of TecQuipment, said: "We have always seized opportunities to demonstrate our capability and in the current economic climate are very proud to be manufacturing and exporting, believing that this very important for any realistic recovery for the UK." Mr Afriyie later went on to speak to members of the Partnership – a public, private and voluntary sector partnership supported by more than 40 businesses - at conference venue Mayfield House on Nottingham Road. "Erewash Partnership is an excellent example of what local enterprise partnerships can achieve," he said. "It’s responsive and voluntary and delivers what the local area needs." Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: "We are always delighted when senior politicians come and see the varied industrial and commercial base that we have in Erewash. "We are particularly pleased to show off TecQuipment, one of the jewels in the crown of the local manufacturing and engineering sector which is performing well. "It is companies like TecQuipment which will help the local economy as the country recovers from the recession." The visit by Mr Afriyie, MP for Windsor, was arranged by Jessica Lee, prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Erewash.
Picture caption: Mr Afriyie is pictured at a flight demonstration wind tunnel that is bound for the Middle East. The model is used to demonstrate how to achieve level and safe flight of an aircraft with different loads and wind speeds. Also pictured are Simon Woods, managing director of TecQuipment (centre) and partnership chief executive Ian Viles (right).
For further information contact Erewash Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
Small company takes on bigger role by sponsoring borough enterprise agency November 17, 2009 ILKESTON company Derwent Analytics has become a sponsor of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership which works to regenerate the borough.The company, based at Falcon Court on the town’s Manners Industrial Estate, makes bespoke solutions which are used in analysing for impurities in liquid processes, checking clean water streams at manufacturing plants and monitoring pollution to ensure product consistency and quality. Earlier this year it announced that it had done a deal with Coca Cola in the UK who are using Derwent Analytics’ know-how to test that the product they sell is the real thing. The company, which employs nine people, was set up in 2001 by chemist Ian Hopkinson and his wife Bev. It has been a member of the Partnership since that time and has now upgraded to become a sponsor. Ian said: “I am committed to the local economy growing and value the help that we had from Erewash Partnership when we started. “We want to ensure that such help for potential new businesses is still there for the foreseeable future.” Partnership chief executive Ian Viles welcomed the company’s move. “I’m particularly delighted that a home-grown business has become our latest sponsor,” he said. “It’s not very often that Ian needs us these days because he’s capable of running his business successfully, but he clearly valued the initial support that the Partnership gave him. “Ian joined the board earlier this year as a director and has now further strengthened his company’s links with us and obviously wants to give something back to help others.”
Director steps up as vice-chairman of borough’s regeneration partnership November 24, 2009 ENTREPRENEUR Simon Woods has become vice-chairman of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership which helps to regenerate the borough. Simon, managing director of Long Eaton-based TecQuipment, was confirmed at a meeting of the board of directors, which he joined last year.
Simon joined TecQuipment in 1973 as an engineering student and
as the company grew and became TQ Education and Training with a
head office at Lockington Simon eventually became educational
products director. But last year, 50 years after the company was formed, the directors de-merged and Simon bought the manufacturing base in Bonsall Street, along with the equipment and intellectual property rights and reverted the company to its original name and products operation. Employing more than 50 people, it manufactures more than 500 products, ranging from the type of equipment used by A-level physics students to that of engineering graduates and exports to around 70 countries. Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said he was pleased at the appointment of Simon - whom he called a very accomplished managing director - particularly in view of the agency’s relationship with the company. When the Partnership was set up in 1994 its first chairman was Richard Edwards, a then director of TQ. “The board sees the manufacturing sector as a key wealth creator in Erewash and important to the future growth of the borough,” he said. “Simon is very enthusiastic about manufacturing and engineering but also the wider economy and the regeneration of the area.” Simon said he was delighted at the confidence that his fellow directors had shown in him by electing his as vice-chairman. “I believe that the Partnership has does a fantastic job in helping businesses, particularly start-ups, in the area and its regeneration. “I think that there is still a strong manufacturing base in the borough and I’m happy to represent and promote that important section of the local economy through the Partnership.” The public and private sector Partnership, which also gives advice and training, is supported by more than 400 businesses.
Finance director adds youth but also experience to Partnership board August 4, 2009 THE finance chief of a large employer in the Ilkeston area has joined the board of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership. Nick Cammack has been finance director of St-Gobain PAM UK at Lows Lane, Stanton-by-Dale, for 20 months.
St-Gobain PAM UK is a supply chain company importing pipes, fittings, and valves for the UK market destined manly for water utilities and distributors. There is also some manufacturing in the form of a flange pipe plant and a pipe-coating facility. The premises at Stanton-by-Dale are the headquarters of the company, employing 160 people. There are two other sites which take the total number of workers to 460. Nick replaces Alan Silvester on the Partnership board, who was human resources director at St-Gobain PAM UK until his recent retirement. There are plans to redevelop the 500-acre site which was an industrial site as far back as the 18th century. Nick says it is important for the Partnership, which is helping to regenerate the borough, to have a voice into how that site is developed. "I have been impressed with the Partnership’s work, but particularly Cotmanhay Enterprise Centre and the new premises for young and growing businesses at Heanor Road and their future development," said Nick At 36, Nick is the youngest member on the board of the Partnership, which is supported by more than 400 organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector. Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: "I’m delighted to welcome Nick whose experience in money matters and industry brings even more expertise to the organisation in these challenging times."
For further information contact Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
Traders and shoppers to benefit from customer loyalty scheme in towns July 7, 2009 A loyalty card scheme to encourage shoppers to trade in Ilkeston and Long Eaton is being launched this weekend (July 11). The 'Shop Nearbuy' loyalty scheme has been created by regeneration agency Erewash Partnership to promote the two town centres and counter the threat from out-of-town shopping malls and major stores in nearby cities. Under the scheme shoppers will be able to collect loyalty card passports from more than 130 outlets in Ilkeston and Long Eaton who have so far signed up to the scheme. These include national chains, independent shops and market traders, and will be displaying promotional posters and stickers. Shoppers who buy goods worth more than £2.50 from the participating traders will receive a stamp for the passport. Once 15 stamps have been collected the shopper should send the card to Erewash Partnership and the Ilkeston Advertiser newspaper. The senders will then be entered in a monthly competition for prizes worth £60, £40, and £25 which can be used at participating shops or stalls in the towns. The scheme is supported by Derbyshire County Council and Erewash Borough Council. It will start in Ilkeston this Saturday (July 11 and roll out to Long Eaton the following weekend (July 18). It will initially run for six months but may be extended if successful. Councillor Geoff Smith, Erewash’s lead member for planning and regeneration, and a director of the Partnership said: "This loyalty card scheme is an excellent idea. "This will bring benefits to shopkeepers and market stall holders and shoppers alike by encouraging a strong customer base. It’s a win, win situation." Janet Hassall, who has book stalls on both Ilkeston and Long Eaton markets, and represents the stall holders, said: "We welcome this latest initiative as it will reward customers who are loyal to the town centres, encourage trade, and strengthen the retail community, including the market traders." Paul Calladine, Erewash Partnership market towns co-ordinator, said: "I’m delighted at the response from local traders in the two towns who are supporting this initiative. If any others want to join they should contact Erewash Partnership for further details."
For more information contact Erewash Partnership market towns coordinator Paul Calladine on 0115 944 3944
Specialist education manufacturer engineers its way to global growth June 2, 2009 A small manufacturing company is defying the recession, exporting its specialist education equipment across the globe which includes helping to train students in war-torn Iraq. Business is growing at Long Eaton-based TecQuipment which underwent a quiet revolution last August, 50 years after it was formed to design and manufacturer equipment for university engineering students. Over the years the company had diversified and become TQ Education and Training, with the head office based at Lockington, but last year the directors decided to de-merge to allow both sides of the business to grow in their separate ways. Simon Woods, educational products director, who had joined the company in 1973 as an engineering student, bought the manufacturing base in Bonsall Street along with the equipment and intellectual property rights, and reverted back to its original name and products operation. The gamble has paid off. The company has increased its annual turnover and exports to more than 65 countries worldwide, expecting to boost this to 70 by the end of its financial year. TecQuipment employs more than 50 people and manufactures more than 500 products, ranging from the type of equipment used by A-level physics students to that used by engineering under and post-graduates. Earlier this year it manufactured and installed at Cardiff University a power system simulator used for training engineering students in how to operate a power station. It is now producing another one for Kuwait and is hoping to have orders for two more from the Far East. One of the company’s top six markets is war-ravaged Iraq, which it has been supplying equipment to 40 years and where Simon will be visiting in July to address a seminar for university lecturers. “Iraq has always modelled its education system on that of the UK so the country has consistently produced a high calibre of university graduates, particularly in engineering,” he said. “Now the market is opening up there again it’s great to know that we are at the forefront of helping the engineers of tomorrow who will be involved in re-building their country.” TecQuipment sells through a network of agents across the world. Simon does not just sit in his office directing operations; he regularly packs his bags and with a handful of colleagues travels abroad to promote the company and what it can offer. So far they have visited 30 countries this year, some of them hostile environments, but safety of staff is always the top consideration, with Simon stressing he would not send anybody to a country where he is not prepared to go himself. “Helping to train others is the ethos behind the company. We feel strongly that education is the platform for some countries to develop. Simon is a strong believer that manufacturing will help the UK out of its current economic problems, and he feels that TecQuipment is showing the way. “Our products are recognised as market leaders throughout the world and that’s down to our design and manufacturing skills in Long Eaton where we produce high quality, high-tech equipment,” he said. He admits he took a substantial personal and financial risk when he bought out and became the owner last year, but is pleased it is showing signs of growth. Now, with changing trends in manufacturing the company is looking for new premises that are more appropriate for the way it operates, but Simon - who is also a director of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership - is adamant that these must be within the area so as to hold on to his dedicated and specialised workforce. For more information contact TecQuipment managing director Simon Woods on 0115 954 0142
Company founder is latest to add experience to agency’s board
May 12, 2009 THE boss of a small but growing manufacturing business in Ilkeston has joined the board of regeneration agency Erewash Partnership Ian Hopkinson, managing director of Derwent Analytics, based on Manners Industrial Estate, says he wants to give something back to the organisation which helped his business when it started and to pass on his experiences to others. A chemist by profession, Ian worked for two companies from 1984-2001. But he and wife Bev then set up Derwent Analytics to exploit a gap in the market for manufacturing bespoke analytical chemical blends. They started off at Quarry Hill Industrial Park, but rapidly outgrew the premises there and moved to their present site a year later. Including themselves, Ian and Bev’s company employs nine people, providing services to manufacturers of analytical instruments and the chemical industry. Last year the company had a turnover of £500,000. Despite the recession and the Easter break, the company had record growth in April and some staff have been treated with holidays for their efforts, a reward the company has given before. Ian said that the Partnership gave 90 per cent of the advice and support that the company needed when it started. In 2004 Derwent Analytics won a small business award as part of the Partnership’s 10th anniversary celebrations. “Without the Partnership there would have been no Derwent Analytics,” said Ian. “I was delighted and flattered to be asked to join the board of the Partnership. I’m very happy to give something back and to help other businesses.” Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said he was delighted to have Ian Hopkinson on the board as a director. “He brings the experience of starting and running a successful business,” he said. “Given what we do as an enterprise agency it’s important to have that entrepreneurial perspective as well as representation from as wide a range of business as possible.” For further information call Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
Partnership’s new board member is firmly set in local business scene! March 10, 2009 The boss of one of the biggest manufacturers in the Ilkeston area has joined the board of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership. Barry Cooper, chief executive of Stanton Bonna, is the second representative of the company on the board, the other being Geoff Nicholls, who recently retired as chairman of Stanton Bonna Ilkeston-born Barry joined the former British Steel Stanton and Staveley company 27 years ago after graduating from Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham, and worked in the ductile iron pipes technical service department. Nineteen years ago he transferred into the concrete division, which became Stanton Bonna, working in its sales department, becoming sales manager then commercial director before taking up his present position four years ago.
The company, which employs 145 people at its site in Littlewell Lane, Stanton-by-Dale makes concrete drainage products and plastic sewer liners and concrete rail products. It has a target turnover this year of £23m and is looking to expand further into the railway sector and provide more employment opportunities for local people. "I’m passionate about the workforce we have and the skills they possess and also the local supply chain which we are keen to develop," said Barry. "I’m impressed by the work that Erewash Partnership does in regenerating the borough and I want to be a part of helping that." Ian Viles, chief executive of the Partnership, a public/private sector organisation backed by almost 400 businesses, welcomed Barry’s appointment. "We have always tried to maintain a board that represents various interests, both public and private, across the borough while retaining a balance of skills and knowledge," he said. "Barry has a wealth of experience which, I am sure, can be put to good use in boosting the Partnership’s vital work in regenerating the borough and supporting enterprise."For further information call Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
News Release
Partnership’s ‘valued’ service reaps rewards for putting customers first
January 27, 2009 ENTERPRISE agency Erewash Partnership has won an award recognising the high level of service it gives to its customers. The Partnership, which gives business advice and training, and promotes economic development and regeneration of the borough, has won Customer First Status, the national standard for customer service. The Partnership is one of only 20 organisations in the East Midlands to have the benchmark. It won it at its first attempt, something that only one in four applicants usually achieve. Accreditation involves being fully compliant with criteria of 32 statements, divided into sections on customer relationships, market awareness and employees. This included interviewing staff. Assessor Mark Wem said that the partnership demonstrated a number of strengths or good practice, including offering an effective and valued service to its associate members, which total almost 400 businesses, despite limited staffing. He also said that the board and management had created a positive and enthusiastic working atmosphere in which employees feel engaged and motivated to support the organisation’s aims. Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: “We are delighted to be one of only a very few organisations in Derbyshire to have won this award, demonstrating excellence in delivering service to our supporters and the wider public. “This is welcome recognition for the board’s policies and the work of the staff who consistently perform well despite limited resources.” The Partnership is one of 36 out of 112 members of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies to achieve the standard George Derbyshire, Chief Executive at NFEA, said: "Achieving the Customer First standard is a huge triumph and is recognition of the inherent team work ethos and customer-focused principles at Erewash Partnership. “We'd like to congratulate the whole Erewash team in obtaining the standard and welcome them to full membership of NFEA, having now achieved the required quality standards." Another commendation was for the number of free events that the Partnership runs throughout the year to help and advise members and create an environment where businesses, many of them start-ups, can flourish to boost the economic well-being of the area. A draft programme has been drawn of events for 2009 which starts with an Inspiration day for Women Entrepreneurs at the Westgate Suite on Westgate, Long Eaton, on Thursday January 29. This will be followed by a lunchtime New Year Resolutions networking and business advice event to be held at the same venue on February 12. Anyone wishing to join the Partnership or attend/exhibit at events should call 0115 944 3944 or e-mail ian@erewash-partnership.com For further information contact Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
News Release Partnership panel to advise businesses on ways to counteract credit crunch
November 11, 2008 RECENT developments in the global economy including the credit crunch and the effects on business will come under scrutiny at an event on Thursday (Nov 13). These will be the main talking points at the annual question time and business exhibition run by regeneration agency Erewash Partnership. Martyn Shakespeare, senior business development manager for The Co-operative Bank at its Derby corporate banking centre, will set the scene. He will give his view of the current banking market and credit crunch and also give advice to businesses or people thinking of starting a business on how to have an effective relationship with their bank. He will also answer questions on business-related matters alongside a panel that will include Partnership chairman Stephen Woolley of Robinsons solicitors, personnel consultant Michael Blake, Michael Allen of Gorings chartered accountants, and David Smith, Derbyshire team leader from Business Link who are sponsoring the event. There will be a number of exhibitors on hand to offer advice and the occasion will also be an opportunity to network with old friends and make new contacts. The event, at Trent Lock Golf Centre on Lock Lane, Sawley, starts at 5pm and includes a free buffet. Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: “The panellists will be ready to answer questions about the economic challenges facing businesses and the package of measures to help them announced by Government and East Midlands Development Agency. “The event will also give local businesses the opportunity to share their experiences and highlight issues they are currently facing.” Arrangements are being finalised for the Partnership’s popular annual Christmas networking event which will be held at The Arena in Rutland Street, Ilkeston, on December 5 from 11.30-2.30pm. With a range of exhibitors and 200 people expected to attend there will be plenty of scope for businesses to show others what they do. Anyone wishing to join the Partnership or attend/exhibit at events should call 0115 944 3944 or e-mail ian@erewash-partnership.com. For further information call Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
Agency shows new businesses and risk-takers how others succeeded
October 14, 2008 ENTERPRISE agency Erewash Partnership is hosting an event aimed particularly at newly-started businesses and people thinking of taking the plunge in the future. Real life examples of starting and growing a successful business will be revealed at the ‘How I Did It’ seminar and exhibition at Ilkeston on Wednesday October 22. At the event speakers, sponsors and exhibitors will pass on their expertise to potential and existing businesses. Other Partnership members will be on hand to pass on their experience and secrets of success as those attending do the all-important networking. Derek Hogg, who manages the Partnership’s business advice team and has many years of experience in helping new and small businesses, will lead the seminar. Lin Hinson, a practising solicitor who started her own niche employment law firm in 2005 will tell of her own experiences. Lin augments her legal skills and knowledge with business advising and is member of the Mentoring for All programme funded by East Midlands Development Agency. “Starting and growing a business is never easy,” says Partnership chief executive Ian Viles. “In the current circumstances it’s even more important to be well-prepared. “You have to take advice, and have a thoroughly researched and properly written business plan. There is plenty of help out there and Erewash Partnership specialises in providing that essential know-how.” There will be a dozen exhibitors offering a wide range of information, including legal, tax, accountancy and recruitment matters as well as advice from Business Link. The event, at The Arena on Rutland Street, starts at 5pm and includes a free buffet. Local people as well as those from the 370 businesses that support the Partnership are welcome to attend but must contact the Partnership in advance on 0115 944 3944 or send an e-mail to info@erewash-partnership.com to reserve a place. For further information contact Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944.
Continental market stalls bring fresh tastes to liven up town centre October 13, 2008
Shoppers will be able to enjoy a taste of Europe on their doorstep when a Continental market is held in Ilkeston next week.The market will be held in Bath Street on Thursday and Friday (Oct 23-24) as an extension to the town’s popular traditional weekly market.Around 20 stalls will be featured, bringing the tastes, aromas, sounds and colours of a typical Continental market to the town’s major shopping area. There will be French bread baked on site, a wide range of meats from a German delicatessen, French cheeses, dried fruits, coffee, olives and other foods to tickle the taste buds.Other stalls hoping to tempt local shoppers will include perfume and jewellery. The market, organised by enterprise agency Erewash Partnership and supported by Erewash Borough Council, follows on from a successful trial event last year. Paul Calladine, market town co-ordinator, said: “The Continental market will have a range of food and other items to lure local shoppers and it is hoped that it will complement the much-loved usual market. “The organisers hope that the additional attraction will bring extra customers, not only from Ilkeston but the surrounding area, to sample the wide range of shops, cafes and pubs in the town.” The Continental market will be open from 9am-5pm each day. For more information call Paul Calladine on 0115 944 3944
Town Centre Radio Security Goes Digital The successful Erewash radio safety system that links shops, traders and pubs with security support is going hi-tech this summer . . . thanks to a £59,000 cash injection. Delighted members of Erewash Local Strategic Partnership secured the bumper grant from Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership to fund the major revamp of the current system, which is used across Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres.
Pictured left to right: Kevin Edwards - DDEP; Cllr Carol Hart; Lorraine Poyser - Erewash Borough Council & Ian Viles - Erewash Partnership Ltd The existing system is owned and managed by Erewash Partnership, which announced the digital switchover this week – revealing that the all-new system will be launched in June and phased in over the following three months. Radio Link works as part of the ShopWatch and PubWatch schemes, offering clubs, pubs and shops vital radio link-ups with Police, Neighbourhood Wardens and the local Police Community Support Officers. Shops and pubs have embraced Radio Link since it was introduced by Erewash Partnership Ltd in 1997 and the system, alongside crime crackdown operations across the borough, has had a positive impact on town centre crime. Now the new funding will help drive the scheme forward with the new digital system that will offer greater control and security. Extra features of the new system include: · A panic override button – a vital feature for any lone workers who find themselves in difficulty. Pressing the button in an emergency situation will override all other features and alert police and all users that help is needed. The incident is also recorded, a feature useful to police for evidence of any crime. · Greater security thanks to a voice scrambling facility, meaning secure transmission – conversations and messages cannot be overheard or tuned into. · An ability for certain groups to be in contact in isolation when confidential information needs to be shared – for example, police officers will be able to talk to each other through a secure channel when necessary. · Text messaging so information can be shared between shops or pubs without alerting customers or suspected offenders through overheard conversations. Philip Poulter, Economic Development Officer for Erewash Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be able to introduce this new system, which will bring so many new security benefits for those working to keep our town centres safe and free from crime. “This new system is particularly exciting because it also offers potential to further develop the whole project in the future – with possibilities of linking in with the CCTV system, for example.” Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Community Services, Councillor Carol Hart, has also welcomed the scheme: “Radio Link offers tremendous security support to the many businesses who are part of the scheme and the launch of the new digital system this summer is an exciting development. The whole project is a great example of partnership working at its best and most effective and I’m sure everyone will welcome this news.” Used as part of the ShopWatch scheme, staff can highlight security issues to police and Neighbourhood Wardens but also alert members and provide, when appropriate, safe haven for lost or missing children. In addition, the PubWatch system offers a radio link between pub security staff and police officers in the event of any incidents – for example weekend alcohol-fuelled problems in and around town centre pubs. This system was used with Erewash Community Safety Partnership’s successful ‘Community Marshalls Project’ over Christmas, when intelligence was passed back to local police about alcohol related town centre crime
Two new directors add wealth of experience to agency’s board April 29, 2008 Two new directors have been appointed to the board of regeneration agency Erewash Partnership. They are Simon Woods, educational products director of Long Eaton-based TQ Education and Training, and Phil Fone, acting principal of South East Derbyshire College. Simon Woods joined TQ in 1973 as an engineering student and worked in a number of roles before taking up his present position four years ago. He is one of the longest-serving employees of the company. The TQ activity in Bonsall Street, Long Eaton, which employs 50 people, designs, manufactures and supplies a range of 700 products both into the UK and throughout the world. There is also a service and training facility at Lockington. Overall, the company employs more than 250 people in the UK and overseas. When the Partnership was set up in 1994 its first chairman was Richard Edwards, a then director of TQ. Simon said: “I am delighted to have joined the board, particularly in view of the company’s previous connections through Richard Edwards. “I feel it is important that the board has a representative from a Long Eaton employer that is competing on the international stage for manufacture and export. The company’s wealth of experience in such issues and the field of education adds another dimension to the board. “Conversely, joining the board gives TQ opportunities for networking and building relationships with local businesses. ”Phil Fone replaces Linnia Khemdoudi who was appointed to the board last July after her appointment as principal of the college which she joined in 2005. She recently resigned to become principal of a college in London. Phil Fone was formerly principal of North Nottinghamshire College. Ian Viles, chief executive of the Partnership, a public/private sector organisation backed by more than 300 businesses, welcomed the appointments. “We have always tried to maintain a board that represents various interests, both public and private, across the borough while retaining a balance of skills and knowledge. “Both these new directors have a wealth of experience in their careers to help boost the Partnership’s vital work in regenerating the borough and supporting enterprise. “I am pleased to have such high calibre people working at board level, and I am particularly delighted to welcome a representative from TQ as a director in view of the work that Richard Edwards did as founding chairman.
BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT, EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR 'THE UK ECONOMY FOR 2008' In Conjunction with: University of Derby and Amber Valley Business Club Partnership seminar gives a positive reflection of vibrant local economy
Photograph Courtesy of DWA Photography More than 130 representatives of local businesses attended an event held by regeneration agency Erewash Partnership looking at the state of the UK economy. The event, held at the Riverside Centre on Pride Park, Derby, (Thurs April 3) was organised in conjunction with the University of Derby under its Enterprising Derbyshire initiative and Amber Valley Business Club. Speakers included Sharan Kainth of Lloyds TSB Business Banking, accountant Kevin Slack, a partner in chartered accountants Mabe Allen and chief executive of Ron Brooks (Toyota) of Ilkeston. There to give specific advice on help for businesses were Maggie Morley, programme development manager of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Management within The Derbyshire Business School at the University, and Derek Hogg, the Partnership’s senior economic development officer. “Speakers gave a summary of the economic situation in general – tough times at present, but the local economy is vibrant and confident,” said Maggie. “This is supported by feedback from a number of businesses that we have surveyed over the last six months showing a significant positive impact with jobs being created or safeguarded. “There was a buzz in the hall. The whole event was very positive with people optimistic about the future and grateful for the opportunity to speak to the business professionals present for their wide-ranging advice.”
Neighbourhood centre celebrates 10th anniversary of improving lives October 22, 2007 AN open day is being held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a centre which has helped thousands of people improve their lives and their neighbourhood.Cotmanhay Enterprise Centre, which was set up in a redundant school building in Bennerley Avenue, is managed by regeneration agency Erewash Partnership and has become a focal point for the local community in what is one of the most deprived areas in England. It will be opening its doors to local people from 10am on Friday (October 26) so that they can see behind the scenes at the work done there to provide training and see recent improvements to facilities costing £40,000. There will also be a chance for contacts - including representatives from local businesses - to meet and chat in a relaxed manner. The centre is a base for various local agencies, such as the community-led Cotmanhay Neighbourhood Management Group, fire service community liaison officers, Erewash Borough Council wardens and sports development officers. But it has been home to thousands of people over the years who have taken courses provided by the Partnership and Derbyshire County Council Adult Community Education to boost skills and training and to help people get jobs. The centre has become a one-stop shop for local people, but the recent improvements have created even more flexibility and new training and meeting space that can be made available to new partners and local small businesses. Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: “The centre is a marvellous example of Partnership-led community regeneration that has been sustained for 10 years and, hopefully, many more to come. “The centre during these years has made a significant contribution to the lives of local people helping them to get jobs, gain confidence and make new friends, point them to other sources of help, and promote community wellbeing. “It has also managed to change some people’s negative opinions of Cotmanhay and boost its image.” Several organisations and businesses, including the neighbourhood management group, the charity Community Concern Erewash, HME Training, Presec Systems and Derbyshire Building Society will be exhibiting on the day. Among those attending will be the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Eileen Knight, borough council leader Chris Corbett, Erewash MP Liz Blackman, Professor Irene Hardill of Nottingham Trent University, co-author of a study into volunteering in Cotmanhay.
Agency wins cash boost for new courses to help people get jobs October 16, 2007 REGENERATION agency Erewash Partnership has won funding totalling £115,000 to run training courses for hundreds of people that could help them into work. The bulk is a successful bid for £93,500 from Cotmanhay Neighbourhood Management Group, a community-led organisation, to run courses until March 2009. The courses are aimed at developing the skills of people in Cotmanhay so that they can participate more fully in the community, which is one of the most deprived areas in England in terms of employment, skills, and health. They will be held at the Partnership-run Enterprise Centre in Bennerley Avenue, Cotmanhay. The project will contribute towards the continuing viability of the centre, which is also used by other public service agencies. The decline of traditional industries such as coalmining, hosiery and knitwear which often recruited staff with few or no qualifications has meant that unemployed people – particularly aged over 40 – are ill-equipped to find jobs elsewhere. The courses being provided are in response to what local people have asked for alongside what employers identified as skills shortages in a study in the area. The idea is to get people into work, move into better jobs, or help them into adult learning. Courses will offer pre-employment support such as job/interview preparation, writing a CV, and mock interviews; training, advice on job opportunities in the area and guidance on other courses, plus an internet club where people can find information for themselves. Partnership staff will go into the community to liaise with agencies and employers to try to secure jobs for local people, set up work experience projects, and offer training to meet employment needs.“This is aimed at people who are trying to better themselves and their prospects,” said Partnership chief executive Ian Viles. “We are going to be as flexible as we can in what we offer to help people.” The Partnership also won £21,500 from the Learning & Skills Council’s Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities Fund to offer similar courses at the Centre for people from a wider area, including Ilkeston, Kirk Hallam, Long Eaton, Sandiacre, Sawley and Langley Mill. It is estimated that the two sets of courses will benefit around 475 people. Although different courses are run throughout the year at the Enterprise Centre, this is the biggest project since one funded by the European Social Fund in 2003-5 that involved 1,300 people. Of these, almost 1,000 did vocational training and others did basic skills training such as confidence building. Enterprise Centre manager Lorraine Clarke said: “The courses that we have run in the past proved popular and we know that they have helped people find jobs or progress up the ladder in work. “We know of at least three people who, having taken part in the courses, have gone on to study at University. “We are hoping that these new courses will prove as popular and help people achieve qualifications and progress at work.”
Partnership collects national award for its enterprising efforts October 2, 2007 REGENERATION agency Erewash Partnership picked up a top accolade at the first ever National Enterprise Awards. The Partnership took the Small Agency Award for those with an annual turnover of less than £250,000. This was open to those who demonstrated a significant and long-term place at the heart of their area’s economic development, defining success in terms beyond the size of the agency’s workforce. This is the first national award for Ilkeston-based Erewash Partnership, a public/private sector partnership which is supported by almost 400 businesses but has only 10 staff, some of whom are part-time.There were 45 entries in six categories in the awards, organized by the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies – which represents more than 130 enterprise agencies in England – and sponsored by directory company Yell. The judges said that the small agency award was a difficult category to consider but praised Erewash Partnership for being “maximum bang for the buck.” “Erewash Partnership has demonstrated great innovation, great engagement with local partners, all with limited help from EU funding,” said the judges. “It has shown the highest level of enterprise development in practice and is clearly a vital part of the local community. "In the last year the Partnership delivered business planning training to more than 75 new and potential businesses, and 65 new businesses were created with support from the Partnership. More than 300 businesses received support through 750 one-to-one advice sessions, and the Partnership delivered training to more than 300 people through its Cotmanhay Enterprise Centre.It held 15 successful business to business networking events that attracted 1,000 people, and it expanded its business database to more than 1700 entries. Hayley Williams, head of communications at the NFEA, said: “Many people think of enterprise on a large scale, but we think it’s important to recognize those smaller, more-focused agencies, such as Erewash Partnership, too. “Staff have their feet on the ground, they know the area and its problems and opportunities and are very passionate about what they do in helping people set up and sustain business.” Partnership chief executive Ian Viles, who was presented with an engraved glass trophy and a magnum of champagne, said: "We believe that we have built something very special – combining support for businesses and economic development work alongside one of the liveliest business networking clubs in the region. “The Partnership staff and board are thrilled to have received independent recognition of this achievement.” Stephen Woolley, Partnership chairman, said: “I’m pleased and proud that the efforts and commitment of the Partnership have been recognized at national level for the part that it plays in boosting local enterprise and the economy.” Chris Corbett, leader of Erewash Borough Council, one of the 10 sponsors of the Partnership, congratulated the staff on a “well-earned and excellent award.” Note: In 1997 the Partnership was a finalist in the Local Government Chronicle Awards for Business partnership of the Year. In 2005 it won the Royal Town Planning Institute East Midlands final in the regeneration category for managing the Ilkeston Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme to revive commercial properties in Bath Street. It was a finalist again this year. For further information call Partnership chief executive Ian Viles on 0115 944 3944
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