Future is bright for Kirkby and Sutton with university support programme set to bring almost £20m into Ashfield

The £3.8m Enterprising Ashfield project – funded by the Government’s Town’s Fund – will be delivered by Nottingham Trent University to help businesses of all sizes to evolve and expand in the years ahead.

The package will include offering intensive coaching and mentoring to potential and existing entrepreneurs; support to businesses at different stages of growth; access to graduate talent on short-term placements; and collaboration opportunities with the university to undertake specific research and development activities.

The scheme will also offer access to flexible short courses – designed to meet local skills gaps and boost employment prospects.

With its new hub nest door to West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield, the university says that the project builds on their ongoing commitment to the Ashfield and Mansfield areas.

With its strong track record of delivering growth, the university will deliver support designed specifically to meet the needs and challenges facing Ashfield residents and businesses over the next four years.

Over the course of the project, Ashfield’s economy will benefit from the establishment of 225 new businesses in the area and almost 300 businesses will grow and increase productivity as a result of the support given, the university states.

Around 900 Ashfield residents will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through training and courses provided by NTU and 150 graduates will join businesses bringing their talent and skills to the workforce.

This will result in an additional £19 million boost to the local economy over the next 10 years.

Michael Carr, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange said: “NTU has a proven experience of driving enterprise and innovation within businesses successfully. Over the last 3 years, we have already supported over 2,700 companies, helped nearly 300 entrepreneurs to start and develop a business, and assisted 4,000 people to enhance their skills and job prospects.

“Together with our expanding presence in Ashfield, which includes a potential £1 million investment by NTU to support the planned Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre, Enterprising Ashfield will contribute to future economic prosperity of the area by bringing our values and our expertise and experience to its businesses and residents”

Councillor Matthew Relf, Ashfield District Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “It is fantastic to see the Enterprising Ashfield programme being launched. We have been working closely with NTU to deliver a programme that will have a really positive impact for businesses and residents of Ashfield, not just in the short term but for years to come.

“The Towns Fund investment is enabling programmes like Enterprising Ashfield to provide opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs to access world class facilities, learning and support. Not only will this have a hugely positive impact on the local economy, but it will ensure there are high value jobs and training within the District for the next generation.

“This is a really exciting programme and we’ll be working with NTU to ensure that Ashfield businesses, entrepreneurs and residents take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available.”

Businesses interested in accessing support should contact workingwithyou@ntu.ac.uk.

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