‘Derbyshire Makes’ advanced manufacturing support programme to boost local businesses (March 2026)

High-tech manufacturing firms across the county are being offered support by Derbyshire County Council to help boost their business.

The county council is working with East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and the University of Derby to deliver the Derbyshire Makes Advanced Manufacturing Support Programme – a series of webinars designed to help local businesses to develop their supply chain and understand how they can benefit from offering apprenticeships.

Expert advice and guidance will be available at the following workshops:

• Building Talent and Partnerships for Advanced Manufacturing Growth – Monday 9th March from 9.30am at Ednaston Business Park, Painters Lane, Ednaston, Ashbourne, DE6 3FA
• Digital Transformation for Advanced Manufacturing SMEs – online workshop – Tuesday 17th March from 9.30am –12.30pm
• Winning Supply Chain Contracts – Monday 23rd March from 9.30am at St Helena, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 7LL
• Sustainability and Operational Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing – online workshop – Friday 27th March from 9.30am –12.30pm.

A business conference focussing on supporting growth and resilience within the advanced manufacturing sector will be held at Masson Mills in Matlock Bath on Thursday 16th April from 8.30am.

The conference will also mark the launch of the second year of the Derbyshire Makes ‘STEAM into ACTION’ project, which aims to work with Derbyshire schools to develop Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) skills in pupils.

Delegates will benefit from networking opportunities and access to a range of support networks and apprenticeship providers.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration Councillor Rob Reaney said: “We want Derbyshire to have great places to live and work. Creating a strong local economy with good jobs is one of our top priorities and initiatives such as the Derbyshire Makes Advanced Manufacturing Support Programme aim to help us achieve our goal by supporting local businesses to grow.”

For more information about the workshops, and to register your FREE place, please visit Advanced Manufacturing Support Project – Business events – University of Derby

For more information about the Advanced Manufacturing Business Conference, and to register your FREE place, please visit Derbyshire Makes: Advanced Manufacturing Sector Conference – East Midlands Chamber