East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is working with partners to offer support to local businesses which have been – and continue to be – affected by recent flooding.

A month’s-worth of rain fell in just one day in some areas, resulting in significant flooding for parts of Derbyshire.

And while crucial short-term support is available, including a flooding hardship fund, the Chamber is offering longer-term support by providing free Chamber membership for a year to businesses directly affected by flooding in the Derbyshire Dales, Amber Valley and High Peak.

Those taking advantage of the complimentary membership will enjoy the same wide-ranging, comprehensive benefits available to paid-up standard members.

David Pearson, Director of Partnerships at the Chamber, said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of communities and we’re pleased to offer our support to those affected at an extremely difficult time.”

“The impact of flooding will be felt for some time and by offering free year-long Chamber membership, those affected can be sure that the support available to help them recover and thrive will be available short, mid and long-term.”

“I would urge businesses in the affected areas to fully explore the extensive level of support available to them – whatever challenges they are currently facing.”

Businesses wishing to take advantage of free Chamber membership for a year can contact the Chamber’s Membership team on 0333 320 0333 extension 1 quoting ‘Derbyshire flooding’.

Alternatively, fill in the online application form – leaving the payment section blank – and send to Charlotte Leivers at charlotte.leivers@emc-dnl.co.uk with Derbyshire flooding in the email title.

While this offer is not available to existing members, there are a number of benefits within membership that affected businesses can utilise at this difficult time, including Chamber Legal advice, which can be accessed here.

If you are a business directly affected by the recent flooding and have a specific query, contact the Chamber’s Information team on 0333 320 0333 or email info@emc-dnl.co.uk.

East Midlands Chamber won Chamber of the Year at the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2018

Over 200 delegates attended the 2019 D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Annual Conference on Wednesday 13 November, which took place at Pride Park Stadium.

Delegates included senior representatives from companies of all sizes, local authorities, skills and training providers, community and voluntary services organisations, and others.

They came to hear speakers including Karen Smart from East Midlands Airport), Barry Lewis from Derbyshire County Council, Stephan Hayward from The Framework, and Emma Rigler from Laing O’Rourke.

The conference began with Sajeeda Rose, D2N2 Chief Executive welcoming delegates before outlining how D2N2 is supporting job creation, promoting skills, and helping create the infrastructure needed to grow the economy of its area.

It is doing this through a wide range of business support programmes, funding and major investment; made possible through its access to more than £500million worth of public sector funding, via the UK Government and European Union.

Chair of D2N2, Elizabeth Fagan, then told conference of D2N2s commitment towards a Carbon-Free Tomorrow saying, “Lasting change is not something that is done to us, rather it is something that can only occur because of us.”

The Non-Executive Chair of Boots went on to emphasis the essential space D2N2 occupies in England, “D2N2 is at are the heart of England. The heart of transport, the heart of knowledge, the heart of innovation, science, and culture and so much more.”

The conference drew praise from attendees including John Forkin of Marketing Derby said: “It’s great to see D2N2 evolve a calm, assured & confident pitch as a collaborative catalyst focused on productive & inclusive growth, we at Marketing Derby are delighted to be part of that delivery.”

Seleena Creedon of Silver Birch Creative said: “I was thoroughly engrossed in all that was said. It was clear there was a packed room full of people passionate about the success of our region.”

The Conference was organised by D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. D2N2 is a partnership of both private and public sectors tasked with stimulating the local economy and improving the lives of local residents.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has announced Dawn Edwards as its President for 2019/20.

She received the chains of office from outgoing President Kevin Harris at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting on 7 November.

Dawn is founder and Managing Director of Challenge Training and Consultancy, an award-winning provider of bespoke and accredited leadership, management and business skills training.

Based at its own training centre in Nottinghamshire, it is the largest delivery centre for Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications in the East Midlands, with a prestigious client list.

In 2007, Dawn bought a failing Children’s Day Nursery in Nottinghamshire, which was turned around to create a thriving business with an excellent reputation. The nursery was sold on in 2014, and continues to thrive.

Dawn is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute.

Accolades over the years include being recognised as Nottinghamshire Woman Achiever of the Year in 2003; Nottinghamshire Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010 and voted as one of the top 100 Nottinghamshire Women of Influence in 2011.

Addressing delegates, Dawn said: “My first duty as President is to thank Kevin for the amazing work he has done over the past year. He will be a hard act to follow since he has a natural ability to engage and enthuse others.”

“I’ve been involved with the Chamber for many years and am truly honoured and feel privileged to have been asked to be your President for 2020.”

Dawn has said her key areas of focus for the year ahead will include continuing to drive the skills agenda – an area of significant activity for the Chamber –, helping to create an even more inclusive Chamber as well as focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility as the Chamber continues to deliver on its vision of enhancing not just businesses but the communities they serve.

Eileen Richards MBE, founder and Managing Director of Leicester-based Eileen Richards Recruitment, was named Vice-President for 2019/20.

With over 25 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, Eileen is also Co-Chair of Enterprising Women, Trustee for Hope Against Cancer and Committee Member for Wooden Spoon Children’s Charity.

She was named 2018 Leicester Mercury Businesswoman of the Year and in the same year was awarded an MBE by the Queen in recognition of her dedication to empowering and supporting local businesses.

In one further announcement Steve Midgley, retiring by rotation, was re-elected to the Board unopposed, while Hari Punchihewa retired from the Board with the Chamber’s thanks.

The Chamber’s AGM, chaired by Ian Morgan, Chair of the Board of Directors, also acted as a celebration of its members, with presentations from Bloc Digital, Integrated Transport Planning and Jake and Nayns’, which won the 2019 Chamber Business Awards for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire respectively.

Six award-winning businesses – Air IT, Forsyth Barnes, Futures Housing Group, Integrated Transport Planning, TTK Confectionary and Wildgoose Construction – received their regional British Chambers of Commerce awards and all will go on to take part in the national BCC awards later this month.

No fewer than 105 businesses were also recognised as long-standing members of the Chamber, including Eggleston Steel, which was acknowledged for 90 consecutive years of membership.

Other notable landmarks included Rieke Packaging (60 years), RE Bowers & Freeman and HSBC (both 55 years) and Greygate Chemical Products, Nottingham Post Media Group and Trowell Plant Sales (all 50 years).

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at the Chamber, concluded the formalities by thanking members for their ongoing valued support, while reflecting on 2018/19 and looking ahead to 2019/20, one which he said would be a “year of investment” for the Chamber.

Dawn Edwards receives the Presidential chains of office from Kevin Harris