Peak Directions is a comprehensive website that details over 400 links, to a range of organisations that provide support and information for businesses and social enterprises in the Peak District area.
The objective of the Rural Action Zone (RAZ) is to create a high skills - high wage economy in the Peak District. Priorities are to improve the competitiveness of existing businesses, develop the growing knowledge economy, encourage the development of creative industries, promote high quality, sustainable tourism and cultural development, as well as develop the environmental economy. For further information:
The New Environmental Economy is available to businesses located in the Peak District Rural Action Zone (RAZ) through the Peak District National Park Authority. The scheme provides assistance for projects that aim to develop more sustainable, diversified and enterprising rural economies and communities. For further information:
Peak Choice is a farmer-owned co-operative that will sell premium quality beef and lamb direct to consumers through a box scheme. The produce will come from animals born, raised and processed within the Peak District, under good environmental management, and fed on the heather moors and herb pastures. It will be available both through the internet and at selected local catering outlets. To join the scheme, or find more information:
Contact the DEPE team on 0115 988 8300, or visit Rural Development Programme for England 2007–2013 – Guide to funding in the East Midlands (External website**).
The Peak District Rural Action Zone (RAZ) has been awarded Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) funding, provided by the European Union and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) totalling £1.9 million until 2013.
Since October 1, 2008, a new programme, entitled Raising the Game - Enhancing rural productivity and improving quality of life in the Peak District through Sustainable Micro-Enterprise Development can bring a range of grants to existing small and medium sized business and business start-ups, excluding the central wards of Glossop (Hadfield) and Buxton.
Grants from £3,500-plus are available to assist with the following:
Applications and full details can be downloaded from their website (external website**) or alternatively, please contact Amanda Brown at Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (Rural Action Zone), call 01629 816268 or email Amanda.brown@ddep.co.uk.
The College of the Peak works actively to promote education among women and young people, teaching traditional rural skills alongside contemporary ones, to offer a balanced curriculum that meets the needs of an ever-changing area. Dry stone walling, heritage building skills, well dressing and embroidery are just a small sample of the types of training and education that the College of the Peak has supported. For further information:
The Redundant Property Grant, administered through Derbyshire County Council, is a scheme which provides assistance to encourage the owners of redundant buildings to convert them for business use, particularly workspace. The grant is open to a range of prospective applicants, including owner-occupiers, limited companies, charities and co-operatives. The building must be in a rural area. Buildings located in the market towns (Buxton, Chapel–en-le–Frith, Glossop, New Mills, Whaley Bridge) are not covered by the scheme. The scheme will run until March 2008. For more information:
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) provides information on a range of rural support and funding initiatives for farmers, rural organisations and businesses, voluntary organisations, nature conservation organisations, and forestry.
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has published a report which helps farmers evaluate the economic impact of biodiesel production on their businesses.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.