Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, pictured right, and Councillor John Lawson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, at the Celebrating Enterprise, Supporting Futures event for Derbyshire businesses.
Hosted by us, in partnership with East Midlands Chamber and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), at Derby's Museum of Making, the event brought together businesses from across the county to celebrate success, discover business support opportunities and explore how employers can help inspire and develop Derbyshire's future workforce.
The event showcased the new Start and Sustain business support programme, delivered by Derbyshire County Council on behalf of East Midlands Chamber, and encouraged employers to play an active role in supporting young people through work experience, apprenticeships, mentoring, careers events and other pathways into employment.
Attendees also took part in guided networking and visited a busy Market Hall-style exhibition featuring local businesses and support organisations, providing opportunities to share experiences, forge new connections and learn more about the resources available to help businesses grow and thrive.
Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, said:
"Supporting local businesses to grow and helping people to gain skills and find jobs is one of our top priorities, underpinning our commitment to building a strong local economy – so it was fantastic to welcome so many businesses, partners and stakeholders from across Derbyshire to this event.
"Bringing together businesses with support organisations, training providers and employment services is essential to helping enterprises access the advice, expertise and opportunities they need to grow, innovate and succeed, while strengthening Derbyshire's economy.
"Derbyshire benefits from a strong network of support, and events like this help businesses discover the practical assistance available to overcome challenges, develop their workforce and achieve their ambitions. They also highlight the important role employers can play in inspiring young people and helping them prepare for the world of work."
Find out more about Start and Sustain