Economic Plans and Area Information

Derbyshire Dales Economic Plan 2019-2033

The current Economic Plan 2019-2033 [PDF 1.9 MB] sets out how Derbyshire Dales District Council aims to consolidate strengths, build up higher value sectors and derive competitive advantage from quality of place, working closely with partners and businesses.

COVID Economic Recovery Plan 2020-2033

Derbyshire Dales District Council Partnerships

Business Peak District

Business Peak District is a membership organisation that seeks to act as a single voice for businesses in the area covered by the Peak District National Park, High Peak, Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales. Their vision is for a Peak District with a distinctive, high quality rural environment and an enterprising, growing and sustainable rural economy.

Membership is free to businesses in and around the Peak District and it’s environs, across all sectors.

Business Peak District aim to:

  • Help create the conditions required to increase the number of high quality jobs in the area
  • Increase investment in the Peak District
  • Promote better broadband and connectivity
  • Use the special environment of the National Park to provide a competitive advantage for our businesses
  • Promote a single Peak District brand and toolkit
  • Develop more apprenticeship and training opportunities to give businesses the skilled workforces they need and provide local jobs for people
  • Grow the range of businesses in different sectors so the economy has a strong future
  • Give Peak District businesses a voice to help influence the work of the six new Local Enterprise Partnerships overlapping the area

BPD are supported by the Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council, and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. We work closely with the Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire and East Midlands Chamber and Local Enterprise Partnerships.

The Peak District Partnership

The 2024 PDP Think Tank

The 2024 Think Tank, held on the 13th of September 2024 was entitled “Smart Technology and the Urban-Rural Digital Divide: Implications for the Peak District”.

According to the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union, digital transformation offers huge potential to economies and communities across the globe, with smart technology presenting opportunities that will transform the way we live and work. These opportunities are beginning to be realised in urban conurbations, yet in most rural communities the focus remains on ensuring digital connectivity, with little or no work being undertaken to explore the opportunities for innovation arising from smart technology and the digital revolution.

The Think Tank had the following objectives:

1. To provide a forum in which to explore the current and future opportunities arising from the effective deployment of smart technology and digital innovations across a) the business community and b) local communities in the Peak District.

2. To identify the challenges that could limit the realisation of digital opportunities within the Peak District.

3. To identify policy and practical solutions needed to address those challenges and fully realise the opportunities.

4. The output of the event to be analysed and evaluated to deliver a report to support the development of regional long term strategic plans.

The presentations and case studies from the event can be downloaded below:

1. Smart Technology and the Urban-Rural Digital Divide Dr Peter Dewhurst, Chair of the Peak District Partnership & Business Peak District

2. Data, Internet and AI opportunities for rural regions Prof. Stephan Reiff-Marganiec, Head of the School of Computing & Engineering, University of Derby

3. Bridging the urban rural digital divide Ian Stoddart, Digital Connectivity Manager, Derbyshire County Council

4. Staffordshire CC digital infrastrucuture Idris Roberts, Head of Digital Infrastructure, Staffordshire County Council

5. North Yorkshire Digital Strategy Cath Ritchie, Relationship Manager, North Yorkshire County Council

The Call-to-Action document, which will set out the recommendations from this think tank, is currently being developed and once complete will be made available via this webpage.Comments regarding the topic of the 2024 think tank are welcome and can be directed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire

Marketing Peak District Derbyshire logoMarketing Peak District and Derbyshire are the destination's 'tourist board', tasked with promoting the area nationally and internationally. The Council works closely with the team on matters relating to tourism within the Derbyshire Dales.

Help for Your Business

Starting Your Business

When setting up your own business, preparation is key - we're here to provide guidance and signposting to ensure you are well equipped to deal with the journey ahead. Get the information you may need when starting up and running your business, as well as further advice and useful links.

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Running Your Business

Setting up and running a business can be a challenge but help is on hand from Derbyshire Dales District Council and others to help make the journey as painless as possible. Established businesses can get help directly from our business adviser and many other useful resources.

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Growing Your Business

Once your business is well-established and profitable you may want to grow and expand it further. If you are not satisfied with maintaining your current operation and want to increase your market share, and profits, you'll need to develop a solid strategy for business growth.

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Funding Your Business

Whether you are looking to launch a start-up, expand your current business, or become more resource efficient, you will most likely need some financial support. Business funding can come in many forms and we are ideally placed to advise you on the latest and most suitable options.

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More Business Help and Information

  • Business Advice Service

    Looking for grant funding? Need advice on growing your business? Contact us for business support; If we can't help directly, we'll point you in the right direction to find the help you need.

  • Economic Plans and Area Information

    The Council's aims, priorities, and actions, are published in the Economic Plan, which sits alongside our current Covid Economic Recovery Plan.

  • Economic Research and Insights

    Research to inform decisions about our local economy, including insights into the volume and value of tourism, and business needs and trends across the district.

  • Meet The Team

    Whether you are just starting out, or have been in business for some time, we're here to help with all of your business needs.

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    From left to right...

    • Steve Capes - Director of Place & Economy
    • Christina Trindade - Business Adviser
    • Esther Stewart - Monitoring & Business Support Officer
    • Nancy Maitland - Economic Development and Tourism Officer
    • Amanda Brown - Economic Development Manager
    • Gill Chapman - Economic Development and Tourism Officer

    Contact Us