Nottingham City Council teamed up with partners across the city to celebrate the ongoing achievements of the business community.
The authority hosted ‘The Future of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Business Support in Nottingham City’ launch event at the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus. Held within the Advanced Manufacturing Building, it included a diverse range of businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
Part of the Levelling Up agenda, UKSPF is the government’s own domestic replacement for the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) with the aim of building and improving on these funds by giving greater say to local areas and elected local leader over the investments and priorities.
The event served a dual purpose, celebrating the accomplishments achieved through European-funded projects and providing a platform to unveil the future of UKSPF Business Support in Nottingham.
It started with a presentation from Chris Pook, Economic Strategy Manager at Nottingham City Council, who provided an insight into the authority’s SPF delivery plan and shared opportunities for supporting business growth.
Mark Goldby, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network, discussed his experiences from more than three decades in leadership and manufacturing. His presentation offered insight and included a commitment to strengthening industry diversity.
Leaders and entrepreneurs from Nottingham where able to connect, exchange ideas and form business relationships during the event. The exhibition area allowed partners and sponsors to showcase their expertise, services and support.
Representatives were on hand to answer questions from local organisations including:
- University of Nottingham (UON) – Institute of Advanced Manufacturing
- Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
- Medilink Midlands
- NBV Enterprise Solutions
- Visit Nottingham
- Innovate UK
- East Midlands Chamber
Cllr Steve Battlemuch, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth, Economic Development and Property at Nottingham City Council, said: “The launch of UKSPF-funded business support in Nottingham provides a fantastic opportunity to build on the successful business support already delivered across the city in recent years, helping our businesses to succeed and thrive for the future.
“The event exemplified the city’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable business development. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all partners and attendees for contributing to its tremendous success.”
Jo Maltby, Innovation Manager at Medilink Midlands, said: “Medilink Midlands was delighted to join the Nottingham City Shared Prosperity Fund partners at an event to share information about the business support provision available for organisations within Nottingham City.
“The session showcased the individual programmes funded by UKSPF and highlighted Nottingham City Council local business support strategy which will feature some additional grant funding later on this year. It’s a great opportunity to network with other partners and Nottingham-based small businesses who were eager to find out more about the support on offer.”