Successful Enterprising Ashfield programme has provided over 1,000 Ashfield residents with free business support

The Enterprising Ashfield project, delivered by NTU on behalf of Ashfield District Council (ADC) began in March 2022, and is the only project of this kind in the UK to be funded as part of a Towns Fund Programme.

This pioneering project demonstrates a unique approach to supporting local businesses by providing bespoke ‘wrap around’ support. This has resulted in significant growth – not just to the individual businesses – but the impact on the wider towns is evident. Consequently, the project has been deemed such a success that it has been extended for an additional six months.

The project has supported 225 entrepreneurs on their journey to starting a new business, helped over 125 established businesses to scale up and grow, linked over 40 businesses to the University’s academic teams to develop innovation, research and development projects, and encouraged the uptake of 69 graduate placements within Ashfield businesses. The programme has supported people of all ages from 17 years old right through to 79 years old, many of whom have not worked with a university before.

The programme consists of a variety of short courses, from AI for business, social media and content creation, website design and presentation skills, of which over 150 have taken place. In addition, the team has also delivered bespoke training courses for local businesses, as well as providing business growth support which has led to businesses securing investment and grants to help with their development. Finally, the team has also supported local business with graduate placements and apprenticeships.

As a result, the team is pleased to be able to offer elements of the programme for an additional six months after the project was due to end in March 2026. This includes business start-up, business growth and research and development support.

Kelvin Eatherington, Enterprising Ashfield Project and Economic Programme Manager said: “We’re delighted with how successful the programme has been – so much so, that we’ve been able to extend our support for an additional six months.

“The impact we’ve seen over the past four years has been incredible. From helping residents take their first steps into self-employment to supporting established businesses to innovate, scale and create new jobs, the programme has truly made a difference to Ashfield.

“What makes this project so unique is the range of support on offer and the willingness of local people and businesses to embrace new skills and opportunities. We’re proud of every entrepreneur, every business owner and every participant who has taken part – their achievements are the reason this extension is possible.

“We’re excited to continue working with the community and to help even more residents and businesses thrive in the months ahead.”

John Bennett, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Director for Place, said: “This programme has been hugely successful in supporting hundreds of businesses across Ashfield with free training and skills development.

“Through this programme we have seen established businesses growing and residents supported to start their own businesses. This means the businesses are employing more local people and gaining a highly skilled workforce.

“We are delighted that Enterprising Ashfield has been extended for six months, helping us to reach more people and businesses in the District, supporting our vibrant economy and watching companies grow.

“I would encourage anyone who would benefit from this programme to get in touch to find out more.”

Longwood Maven - a consulting agency which specialises in supporting trade associations and other membership organisations – received short course, apprenticeship and business growth support from the Enterprising Ashfield programme and said:

“Collaborating with NTU through the Enterprising Ashfield project has enabled Longwood to enhance our interactions with clients. It has also ensured that we are providing relevant products and services to both our current and potential clients. The courses have been incredibly valuable, offering us a much-needed opportunity to step away from client delivery for a few hours each week and focus on our own business needs and aspirations. Enterprising Ashfield is a vital resource for any business in the Ashfield area. It connects us to world-class research knowledge and expertise at the university and provides opportunities to grow, learn and connect.”

To check if you are eligible for Enterprising Ashfield support, or for more information on the Programme, you can visit here.