Cromford Mills is a water-powered cotton mill in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The mils, regarded as the birthplace of the modern factory system, were rescued from demolition in the 1970s by the Arkwright Society, a charity. Since then much work has been done to re-invent the site as a centre for heritage, education and business support.

Rising energy costs have recently had a massive impact. The charity secured Derbyshire Dales Accelerator support in three key areas: one-to-one sessions with a business adviser (East Midland’s Chamber’s Head of Business Support Services Paul Stuart), specialised energy consultancy, and training. Time spent with Paul has enabled the charity to consider what priority actions it needs to take to fulfil its long-term strategic ambitions. The charity has been given support too in developing opportunities around hosting larger-scale events.

Fully-funded specialist consultancy has also been provided in the form of an energy audit. Environmental experts have undertaken a detailed analysis of the charity’s energy usage, identifying where it might reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint, and presenting its findings as a decarbonisation plan.

There has been benefit too from training, with the Arkwright Society’s marketing officer attending an Accelerator one-day workshop on Blogging with Authority.

Éilis Scott (Chief Executive) says:

We greatly appreciate the invaluable support given through the Accelerator project. Specialist advice is helping us address our financial hurdles and review our energy management. Paul’s support has also been fantastic, focusing on finding solutions and making informed decisions.

This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Derbyshire Dales District Council.