Finding business support in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire

A business in Nottingham and a business in Sheffield can need similar help but use different local support services. The right route depends on the location, project and current programme conditions.

Where should Nottingham and Derby businesses start?

The East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub serves Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Your local council can also explain its business services and business-rates process. Nottingham City Council's support page provides local routes.

Do not assume a service with “East Midlands” in its name covers every East Midlands county. The geographical eligibility needs checking for each programme.

What about Leicester and Sheffield?

For Leicester and Leicestershire, the Business Gateway support finder is a local starting point. Sheffield is in South Yorkshire; use the local council and South Yorkshire business support routes for the relevant project rather than assume the Nottingham and Derby service covers it.

An adviser can help identify the appropriate operator. The operator confirms the current opening, eligible costs and application process.

What information helps an adviser narrow the search?

Explain the business location, activity, trading stage and project. State what the project would change, the likely cost and what the business can contribute.

For example, replacing a shopfront, developing a new product and training staff involve different support. “We need money to grow” leaves the adviser with much more to establish than a specific project and location.

How do grants differ from finance and advice?

A grant has award conditions and may require a contribution or approval before expenditure. Finance must be assessed for repayment and cost. Advisory support can help with a decision without providing cash for the project.

The GOV.UK business finance and support finder provides another route to investigate opportunities. Check the current scheme page and operator rather than rely on an old announcement or copied list.

What should you check before preparing an application?

Confirm the location, business and project criteria, the deadline and whether the scheme still accepts applications. Ask when costs can be incurred and what evidence is required. An adviser may identify a potential match without being able to guarantee an award.

Keep the eligibility reply and scheme conditions with the project plan. If the project changes, check that the approved purpose and costs still apply.

Where does Reeve Consult fit?

We can discuss the scope and cost of a website, payment or automation project. The funding operator determines whether that work qualifies for a particular scheme. A proposal should describe the work clearly so you can assess it against the actual criteria.