In rural areas, higher numbers of people work from home and also higher percentages of people are self-employed.
In the High Peak, 14.5% of people are self employed, compared to the national average of 12% and many of these individuals run creative home based businesses.
High Peak Borough Council offers support to creative businesses through our Arts Development Service. We organise training workshops on topics, such as marketing, sales and information technology, including website design and promotion. We also offer support to talk though business concepts when possible and alert members to new opportunities. We also organise regular networking sessions for 150 creative businesses around the Borough to support business-to-business development and mutual support.
For more information, contact Nigel Caldwell (Arts and Creative Business Manager) on 01663 736423, or email nigel@highpeakcvs.org.uk.
A comprehensive website that details over 400 links to a range of organisations that provide support and information for businesses in the Peak District area. Contains a specific section on creative industries:
The partnership has been working together since 2004 to achieve a more integrated approach towards support for, and the development of, the arts in the area:
This is an opportunity for customers to meet the artists, craftworkers and designers in their own studios, to talk about their work and buy their goods. To register, contact Nigel Caldwell on 01663 736423, or email nigel@highpeakcvs.org.uk
A neworking organisation which supports creative businesses in Derbyshire such as graphic and product design, gaming, advertising, photography, visual arts and crafts with regular events, a resource website, newsletter and on-line database of creative members. For further details,
This homeworking web site provides information and inspiration for homeworkers, with features, top stories, how to guides and free e-bulletin.
The East Midlands New Technology Initiative provides match funded grants of up to £10,000, to small and medium sized businesses, to invest in state-of-the-art technology and gain advanced technology skills through NTI approved courses. As part of the funding package, businesses commit to enrolling their staff on NTI approved courses at local universities and colleges.
A new programme, Raising the Game – Enhancing rural productivity and improving quality of life in the Peak District through Sustainable Micro-Enterprise Development will bring a range of grants to existing small and medium sized businesses and business start-ups, excluding the central wards of Glossop (Hadfield) and Buxton.
Grants from £3,500-plus will be available, with a focus on micro businesses (less than five employees), home based businesses, businesses led by young people (under 30 years) or women; and community enterprises. There will also be separate strand for land based sector businesses. Match funding will be required normally at rate of 50 per cent.
The scheme has been open to applications since late April 2008. Any interested parties should bookmark this web page for further developments and details of how to apply, which will be updated as soon as received.
For further information, email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.