There is information here regarding the location of the High Peak, key facts, communications, major investments and how we can help you to invest here.
Download the complete Profile of the High Peak (439KB) 
A 30-page investment guide to the High Peak, entitled Prosper in High Peak, is available. To request a hard copy, please phone 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400, or e-mail customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk.
The Borough lies at the north western tip of Derbyshire within the East Midlands region. Approximately two thirds of the administrative area of the High Peak is within the Peak District National Park, but 93% of the High Peak’s population along with its five major towns, all lie outside the National Park boundaries.
The Borough works closely with local and regional partners to support the continued prosperity of the area, particularly the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) and the regional Government Office for the East Midlands (GO – EM).
The Office for National Statistics (External website**) provides a number of statistics and data in relation to High Peak. It is possible to view the latest Labour Market Profile (External website**) for High Peak on the site.
Another source of data on the local economy and strategic plans for the area is Derbyshire Economy Partnership (DEP) (External website**). A profile of the High Peak can also be obtained from the Audit Commission (External website**).
the High Peak lies at the centre of the M1-M62-M60 motorway network. There are two major cross-Pennine routes through the High Peak, the A57 (Manchester/Sheffield) and A628 (Manchester/Barnsley) linking the M67 and M1. In addition the A6/A625 (Manchester/Chesterfield M1) route is the prevailing route for transport to Nottingham/Derby and South East.
The settlements of Glossop, Hadfield and Dinting, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Dove Holes, Furness Vale, Whaley Bridge, and Buxton are served by rail link to Manchester, whilst the Hope Valley, New Mills and Chinley lie on the Manchester to Sheffield line.
Manchester International Airport, the only global gateway to Northern England currently connects over 22 million passengers with more destinations than any other UK airport. The airport is only 30 minutes from Glossop and 45 minutes from Buxton. Current projections indicate that around 50 million passengers will travel through Manchester Airport each year by 2030.
During 2006, readers of eight individual travel trade magazines and judges for the British Travel Awards have voted Manchester Best UK Airport. The airport also has awards for safe parking and environmental practice awards. Over 180 worldwide destinations are serviced by dedicated freighters or passenger airlines and by transferring through other major hub airports; access to anywhere in the world is possible. Manchester Airport has rapidly established itself as a major hub airport of the world.
Manchester Airport World Freight Terminal can accommodate all types of freight and passenger aircraft, and has all the facilities required to offer worldwide carriage around the clock. It is served by nearly 100 freight forwarders and on site agents and currently handles in excess of 140,000 tonnes of freight per year. For further information re Manchester Airport's World Freight Terminal, contact Aviation Business Development on + 44 (0) 161 489 5021. Manchester Airport Tel: +44 (0) 161 489 3000 Fax: +44 (0) 161 489 3813 www.manchesterairport.co.uk (External website**)
There is widespread availability of ADSL broadband throughout the High Peak. Derbyshire and the East Midlands. Since April 2006, all exchanges in the entire region have been enabled for ADSL. Glossop has Symmetrical broadband internet services delivered via SDSL exchange enablement and Hayfield has high speed wireless mesh delivered though innovative Hayfield Digital Village.
As a Local Authority officially recognised as ‘Excellent’ and who won the Local Government Chronicle's principal award, ‘Council of the Year’ in 2007, High Peak Borough Council exists to ensure the Borough is a good place to live and work. The Council, together with its partners, works to promote the High Peak as a location for growth in start-up and new businesses and encourages conditions for business development and expansion.
The High Peak’s market towns have undergone one of the most extensive regeneration and investment programmes in rural England with multi-million pound investment taking place. Between 2000 and 2010 High Peak Borough Council has awarded £20.5 million of external funding to support £40 million of investment in the Borough’s built heritage.
The Buxton Crescent & Spa project is seeing £32m being invested in the refurbishment of the Grade 1 listed building, delivering an 80 bed 4/5 star hotel and thermal day spa, coupled with boutique shops, tea rooms and visitor attraction. The opening of the University of Derby campus has also brought multi million pound investment into the town, together with up to 5,000 new students and associated jobs.
The Pavilion Gardens complex and Gardens have undergone a multi-million pound conservation led investment. The complex which hosts a diverse programme of fairs, markets and events now incorporates the tourist information centre, a restaurant specialising in local sourced products together with an award winning gallery and retail area, selling local arts, crafts and other products. The Pavilion Arts Centre is a new venue which incorporates a studio theatre and conference facility.
Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DEP)
The function of DEP is to bring together business, community, government agencies and local authorities to influence government policy and support the sustainable economic prosperity of Derbyshire. Its purpose is to develop economic strategy, determine priorities for investment and delivery, oversee performance and represent Derbyshire’s economic interests with one voice. DEP has funding schemes available and works with its private sector board to respond to the area’s needs. Contact: PO Box 6512, Town Hall, Market Place, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3YS. Tel: 01773 514970; Email: enquiries@derbyshireeconomicpartnership.org.uk; Website: www.derbyshireeconomicpartnership.org.uk/