In summary
As we welcome the New Year, we remember fondly, our Development Manager, James Illsley, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2024. He made a huge impact on the region and will be greatly missed.
As we build on his legacy, and more forward his plans for the coming year, please stay tuned for updates, special offers, and events. Let’s make this year our best yet—together. Wishing you a successful and joyful 2025!
Featured news and events
Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner's Survey
Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has launched a survey asking the residents of Derby and Derbyshire about the funding they pay towards policing and community safety.
The Commissioner recently unveiled her Police and Crime Plan, the priorities of which mirrored the views of residents across the force area. Now, as she prepares to set her first budget for the 2025-26 financial year, she is asking for their views on any increase in the amount of council tax paid towards policing (the policing precept).
Have Your Say on Digital Skills Needs
Join us for the LSIP Digital Skills Research Event next month.
This is your chance to help shape the future of digital skills in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire!
- Date: Tuesday 14 January 2025
- Time: Arrival at 9.30am for a 10.00am start
- Location: Twin Oaks Hotel, Church Lane, Palterton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 6UZ
- What’s Included: Tea, coffee, and a light lunch
In 2022, the Department for Education tasked the FSB with delivering Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for our region. These plans aim to place employers at the heart of the skills system to ensure businesses and workers are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our research shows that digital skills—whether basic, advanced, or emerging areas like AI, cybersecurity, or data science - are a pressing need for many employers. To address this, we’re hosting a focus group workshop to hear directly from you.
Whether your business is large or small, in any sector, this workshop is your chance to share your experiences, challenges, and future needs. Together, we can influence how skills provision evolves in our region.
Why Attend?
- Collaborative & Friendly Atmosphere: Share your views in a supportive setting—there are no wrong answers!
- Shape the Future: Help ensure the local workforce is prepared for the digital challenges of tomorrow.
- Network with Peers: Meet other employers and stakeholders in the region.
Spaces are limited, so book your place today and make your voice heard!
We look forward to welcoming you on the day.
In other news
EMCCA awarded funding for local transport services
Over £40million is being given to the East Midlands Combined County Authority to invest in bus services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The funding, which comes from the government, will aim to keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) will get the funding as they are now the official Local Transport Authority. The plan is to work closely with partner councils and bus operators to develop the bus network further and discuss how to share the funding to get the best use of it.
This money is part of the Governments wider £955 million to support bus services until 2026. With £712 million going to local authorities to improve bus services, and a further £243 million for bus operators.
Mentor Me
Businesses who do well often have outside help. If you think you could benefit from talking to someone with a lot of business experience, you can find a business mentor at mentorsme.co.uk
Mentorsme will put you in touch with mentoring organisations across the UK who can help you find the kind of mentor that suits you. Plus there's lots of advice on what to look for in a mentor.
If you would like to be a mentor and share your experience with a less experienced business person, the mentoring portal can help you find an organisation which can help.
New nuclear skills regional hub launched in Derby
A new regional hub to help address the skills shortages in the nuclear industry has been launched in Derby.
The Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills has been endorsed by the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board to help develop the future nuclear workforce.
The hub was recently launched at an event hosted by the University of Derby, with Rolls-Royce as the prime sponsor.
Still in the news
Put your Small Business through it’s Paces…
After a successful round of FSB Business Bootcamps throughout 2024, we’re now working up our Midlands programme for 2025! First off the block will be our ‘New Year Refresher’ at Hothorpe Hall in Leicester on 30January 2025 where you’ll get the opportunity to energise, strategise, thrive and fuel your mind, body and business for 2025. This will be followed by our well-established Business Bootcamp at Coombe Abbey in Coventry on 24 March aimed at ‘Igniting your Business for 2025’! All our Bootcamps offer an excellent opportunity to network, hear from an expert panel of speakers on a range of subjects and pick up great advice and tips which you can implement in your business to help drive your success. Book your place now to avoid disappointment!
Further information on the rest of the programme of Bootcamps will be coming soon, so keep an eye out.
Networking Opportunities
If you're interested in doing business in the East Midlands, we've got a varied lineup of events for small business owners, self-employed people and SME supporters:
Wed 18 December - Bakewell In-Person Festive Networking
5pm-6.30pm Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, DE45 1AE
Join us for an exciting Festive opportunity to expand your professional network and build lasting connections with other business leaders in your local community.
Book here
Tues 14 January LSIP Digital Skills Research
9.30am-12.30am Twin Oaks Hotel, Church Lane, Palterton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 6UZ
Book your place at this free workshop aimed at local employers to help inform us about your digital skills needs - light lunch included
Book here
Wed 22 Jan - Bakewell In-Person Networking
5pm-6.30pm Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, DE45 1AE
Join us for an exciting opportunity to expand your professional network and build lasting connections with other business leaders in your local community. Our speaker this month is Rachel Hayward from Ask the Chameleon.
Book here
Thurs 6 February - Derby In-person Networking
8am-10am. The Community Room, Central Co-op Food & Insomnia Café. 471-473 Burton Rd, Littleover, DE23 6FQ
Join us for in-person networking with businesses in and around the Derby area
Book here
There are a range of events across the Midlands region that are open to all, members and non-members alike. Search our FSB Events pages for more details.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your contact for Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire is Linsey Luke. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
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email us: [email protected] - follow us on x: @FSBNottsDerbys
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