Handmade Design

Handmade Design is a specialist gift shop in the centre of Ashbourne. The shop sells unique, handcrafted gifts and supports over 100 creative small businesses from across the Midlands and the UK. Customers can purchase a wide range of gifts that are sustainable and not mass produced, either in person at the shop in Victoria Square or online.

The £6,268 Business Adaptation Grant is for a professional e-commerce website that fully integrates with existing systems and social media platforms. It will be search engine optimised to increase traffic to the site, with a new design tailored to improve the conversion rate from visitors to customers. The investment means that the business technology and systems matches the in store shopping experience - making it easy and convenient for customers to repeat purchase.

Laura Cooper (Owner) says:

Receiving a grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council is life changing for my small business. The money we’ve received will allow me to take my business to the next level by outsourcing a professional ecommerce website. The grant is going to help me to future proof us for years to come – it’s truly mind blowing.

This grant scheme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

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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