Leicester city businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of fully funded business support to help develop and implement a decarbonisation plan or new-to-the-firm technology.
The support is being offered by the Accelerator project. Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of local authorities in Derby, Derbyshire*, Leicester (city) and Nottinghamshire, the Accelerator project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.
In Leicester, the Accelerator project is focused on two key areas:
- Digital: workshops, specialist support and bespoke consultancy to help businesses enhance their digital use and/or implement new processes to support them to switch to advanced and automated technology.
- Net Zero: energy reduction premises audits, as well as training and consultancy to help businesses gain green business skills and plan their journey towards carbon neutrality and net zero. Access to online sustainability platform Zellar helps businesses showcase the real-time environmental impact of their activities and produce a decarbonisation plan.
Growth vouchers of up to £2,000 are available to businesses adopting energy-efficient or digital practices, and who can demonstrate that these activities will either create or safeguard jobs.
Leicester City Council Head of Economic Regeneration Peter Chandler said: “Our UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme includes specialist advice and support from East Midlands Chamber that will help businesses improve their energy efficiency and use of digital technology.
“By tapping into the expert advice that’s available to them via the Accelerator project, local SMEs will be supported in digitising and decarbonising their business. I’d encourage all local SMEs to find out how support from the Accelerator project could benefit their business.”
At the heart of the Accelerator project is support from dedicated Business Adviser Joanna Moore. Part of the Business Adviser team at East Midlands Chamber, Joanna brings a wealth of experience, having helped hundreds of SMEs to ‘survive and thrive’ as an Adviser on Business Gateway Growth Hub and as a freelance Business Consultant.
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “As well as expertise spanning strategy, business development and operations, Joanna is passionate about promoting environmentally friendly practices and helping businesses grow through digital transformation and workplace innovation. This makes her the perfect choice as business adviser for Leicester Accelerator with its focus on supporting SMEs on their net zero journey and on improved digital capabilities.”
