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Griffiths MillA husband and wife team approached Leader for help in establishing a mini mill to process fibre and fleeces, constructing a small building and installing specialist machinery.
Because of its modest size, a ‘mini mill’ allows smaller quantities of raw fleece (less than 20) to be processed, meaning that customers can be guaranteed that their own processed fleeces will be returned to them if they wish. The mill caters for both large producers and small-scale farmers with specialist flocks/herds, and it is housed in a wooden cabin made from sustainably-sourced timber.
David and Karen Griffiths sell their own carded fleece and fibre, spun yarns and knitted articles via their website, at farmers’ markets and on-site. They envisage that in time their customer base will extend beyond those participating in knitting, felt-making and crocheting to other audiences, such as gardeners, since fleece is ideal for hanging baskets. The project will also provide an educational resource, since small groups could visit the mini mill to learn about the entire process - from livestock rearing through shearing and processing to finished garments.
The project aims to add value to a rural product - fleece - which is currently sold by farmers for less than the cost of shearing. Initially the mill will generate a new business and help local producers of fleece. It will also create one full-time post, but it is hoped that two additional full-time positions would be created in due course.
Total project cost £44,642
LEADER Grant £22,321
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: David & Karen Griffiths
Address: Griffiths Mill, Flacketts Lane, Sudbury, Derbyshire DE6 5HX
Telephone number: 01283 585444
Email address: david@griffithsfarming.com
www.griffithsfarming.com  |
The Osteopathy CentreAfter identifying a lack of osteopathic care in the Hope Valley, an existing practitioner proposed to convert a derelict village building and establish a new practice, offering a professional healthcare service to the rural community.
Funding subsequently allowed the renovation of the Old Smithy to meet exacting environmental standards, including natural and highly-efficient insulation, low energy lights and a low flush toilet. New treatment rooms and a waiting room have been created, providing local people with an accessible clinic in the centre of their community to reduce travel and encourage them to use local facilities. To provide assistance to other local small businesses one of the new rooms is hired out to therapists specialising in complementary medicine, enhancing the choice of services for local people.
The new business initially created one full time job, but as the business moves towards maximum patient capacity it will create a second permanent position. The long-term plan is to expand the clinic further by converting the adjoining barn and creating extra rooms.
Total project cost £35,431.34
LEADER Grant £17,687
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Joanne Barnett
Address: The Old Smithy and Barn, Town Head, Eyam, Derbyshire S32 5RE
Telephone number: 07765 493902
Email address: trackybees@yahoo.com |
The Royal OakA traditional Derbyshire pub sought to provide a low-cost, high-quality experience for visitors to the Peak District by increasing the number of caravan and camping pitches and extending its existing bunk barn.
The landlord of the Royal Oak at Hurdlow realised that there was clear potential to increase the pub’s basic, inexpensive accommodation, and experience showed that it led to a greater demand for beverages and bar meals. Extra funding would pay for landscaping to increase the space for more tents, as well as upgrading the toilet and shower facilities. Further rooms in the bunk house have now been converted, providing more bed spaces and giving greater space for individuals, families and groups to stay and hence use the pub’s other services. The landlord has found that, probably because of present economic conditions, there is a strong demand for low-cost accommodation and he was turning away campers because his site is full. He also reported that in bad weather people will opt to stay in the bunk barn rather than camp, so he was keen to extend both areas of accommodation provision to extend the season.
In terms of outputs, the aim is to secure the existing jobs and increase the number of employees. More customers would inevitably allow the pub to increase its business with local suppliers, since it aims to source locally as much as possible; and more visitors attracted to the location will have a positive, spin-off effect on other local attractions and services.
Total project cost £38,500
LEADER Grant £19,500
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Justin Heslop
Address: The Royal Oak, Hurdlow, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0QJ
Telephone number: 01298 83288
Email address: hello@peakpub.co.uk
www.peakpub.co.uk
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Speedwell Mill ConservationsAn existing woodworking business proposed to further renovate an historic mill building to allow it to expand its operations.
The construction work involved removing a low and unsafe ceiling to allow new machinery to be operated. This also enabled larger materials to be handled and greater all-round efficiencies to be achieved. Funding enabled the installation of a new biomass heater to use off-cuts and all other timber waste, drastically reducing gas consumption and providing for long-term sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of the business. It will also create a warmer building and a better environment for the raw timber. New workspace and facilities will also be created as part of the work, to aid further business development into the field of consultancy.
The intention of the project is to help the business increase its range of products and services and encourage people to buy locally. The aim is to achieve a 10% efficiency in the core business, a 20% increase in profitability, and provide for one more skilled employee.
Total project cost £54,300
LEADER Grant £24,500
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: James Rooney
Address: Speedwell Mill, Millers Green, Wirksworth, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 4BL
Telephone number: 01629 824041
Email address: rooney@surfree.co.uk
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Cantrill Furniture DesignDavid Cantrill’s new cabinet-making business is based in a partly converted cowshed on his father’s farm near Ashbourne. He sought funding to convert the building and develop his new business making high quality wooden furniture from his own designs. He accepts commissions for items, mainly out of oak and ash, and personally oversees all the work - from ordering the wood through to delivery of the finished product.
After four years working for Thomas Hotchkiss Oak Furniture at Foston in Derbyshire, David decided that the time was right to set up on his own. Funding would not only enable the conversion of his workshop but also pay for specialist tools and machinery that are vital for his new business.
David’s materials are sourced from local suppliers within the Derbyshire Dales whenever possible. He aims to market himself through a website and attend selected country shows. Once the business had established itself he hopes to take on an additional worker/apprentice.
Total project cost £11,385
LEADER Grant £5.692
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: David Cantrill
Address: Boundary Farm, Alkmonton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3DG
Telephone number: 01335 330358
Email address dacantrill@aol.com
www.davidsfurniture.co.uk/
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Gourmet ExpressThis new business based on a farm in the Hope Valley and trading as Gourmet Express is producing high quality ready meals for the freezer and also provides a catering service. Louise Hughes together with Emma Glossop uses the kitchen to produce ready meals using local products, especially beef and lamb. They have noticed a surge in demand for locally produced food and an interest in the source of ingredients. Using the finest quality ingredients they are meeting demand for locally produced meals.
The two women boast backgrounds in accountancy, property management and cooking, and they have extensively trialled their products with identified markets including dinner parties, corporate functions and holiday cottages. However, they are also looking to develop a range of economically-priced meals to cater for another important audience.
Leader funding has enabled them to create a fully equipped kitchen in a former garage on the farm. The funding has helped to establish a website where they can promote seasonal menus and special offers and keep in touch with customers. The business will create two full time jobs.
Total project cost £13,978
LEADER Grant £6,988
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Louise Hughes & Emma Glossop
Address: Stoke Farm, Grindleford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S32 2HW
Telephone number: 07968 537431
Email address: emma@gourmetexpress.org.uk
www.gourmetexpress.org.uk/
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Queens Arms Village ShopJane and Steve Allen came forward with plans to open a general-purpose shop in the pool room of their newly-purchased village pub. Taddington had been without a shop for seven years and in addition to numerous letters of local support, a community-led Parish Plan had also confirmed local need.
Jane and Steve’s investment in purchasing the pub meant that they had to seek extra funds to make the adaptations to accommodate the shop. They proposed to install lockable shelving and a fridge in the pub’s pool room and sell convenience goods and general groceries during the day. In the evening the room would return to its traditional use.
The project was warmly welcomed by local people and would clearly be especially useful for elderly residents, many of whom rely on public transport, and for whom the nearest shops are several miles away. In this way the proposals also help to reduce the community’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the shop will serve visitors to the area and the outlying hamlets and dwellings.
An additional, a part time member of staff is to be taken on to help run the shop; and it is anticipated that there is likely to be an indirect benefit to the pub itself, as people are attracted to the shop and the village.
Total project cost £9,020
LEADER Grant £4,500
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Jane & Steve Allen
Address: Queens Arms, Main Street, Taddington, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9UD
Telephone number: 01298 85245
Email address: steve.atob@btopenworld.com
www.queensarmstaddington.com/
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Ashbourne Canine Hydrotherapy CentreAn Ashbourne-based facility helping with the rehabilitation of dogs wanted to purchase a piece of specialist equipment. The water treadmill is housed in a new building separate to the main pool and complements and extends the existing hydrotherapy services. It was also planned to use the new room for physiotherapy, so allowing all areas of the business to develop. Funding was sought for purchase of the treadmill and construction of the new wooden cabin.
Leader’s support will help this highly specialist service increase turnover and expand, safeguard the two full time jobs and allow a self-employed physiotherapist to take on more work, build up her own business and in turn benefit the overall business by paying rental on the new room. In addition, a new part time position will be created, hopefully becoming full time within the year; and a part time admin position is planned in due course. Use of existing equipment is being maximised and the Centre will gain more publicity and promotion, which they have found also benefits the town as customers tend to visit the local shops and use the services after attending the Centre.
Total project cost £39,928.92
LEADER Grant £15,971.57
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Sue Etches
Address: 1 Yeldersley Hall Cottages, Yeldersley, Nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1LS
Telephone number: 01335 344476
Email address: info@ashbournecaninehydrotherapy.co.uk
www.ashbournecaninehydrotherapy.co.uk
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Winster Village ShopLeader was approached to help fund phase 2 of a project to redevelop Winster Village Shop, so that it could meet necessary trading and legal standards, increase the overall retail floor space and incorporate the village post office.
Specifically, a grant was sought to extend the shop (which is already up and running) into an adjoining room, renew flooring and ceiling and carry out electrical work.
The shop was purchased in 2005 and provides a service for both residents and visitors to the area. It serves as an outlet for 10 local food producers/manufacturers; and with the proposed transfer of Winster Post Office the shop will provide another key community service. The project will protect the employment of two full time and seven part time staff. Additionally, an increase of 10 sq m of floor space will allow a greater range of stock, especially from local producers (more suppliers are to be approached) which will improve overall sales and profitability of this young business. The first floor will also be available for development as a residential unit.
Total project cost £24,546
LEADER Grant £10,000
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: David Mitchell
Address: Winster Village Shop, Main Street, Winster, Derbyshire DE4 2DJ
Telephone number: 01629 650683
Email address: djmwinster@btinternet.com
www.winster.org/shops
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Rosie’s Tea RoomWith no other cafe, tea room or coffee shop in Hayfield, the proposal for a new establishment serving eat-in food and beverages looked to provide the large and popular village with a new service for residents and visitors, especially in the mornings when no pubs or restaurants are open.
Meals are made on the premises and food and drink is being sourced locally, working with local producers and suppliers. The tea room will also be used for selling local products, including arts and crafts. In addition, the cafe will sell specialist coffees and blend its own filter coffee, and this is to be promoted via a new website.
Funding has helped to pay for the refurbishment of the former hairdressing salon, including counter and display space, a new and accessible WC, plus various other fixtures and fittings.
The proposals received widespread community support. It was envisaged that 2-3 part time positions would be created and the new staff will undergo formal training in food preparation, hygiene, etc. The new business will act as a stimulus for local suppliers and enhance the appeal of the village and the various services that it offered.
Total project cost £25,786
LEADER Grant £12.893
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Deidre Stables
Address: 39-41 Kinder Road, Hayfield, High Peak SK22 2HS
Telephone number: 01663 744697
Email address: deidrestables@hotmail.com
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Lunar Lift OffThe idea of a family entertainment centre, within walking distance of Ashbourne town centre, was to provide a safe, inviting and exciting indoor environment for young children to play, as well as creating a meeting place for local community groups and clubs. The applicant had carried out extensive research of existing local facilities, contacting local groups to ascertain their needs and inspecting potential alternative sites before selecting what she considered to be the best.
The indoor play centre is designed for specific age groups. In addition, a cafe will also be established, with an emphasis on sourcing local produce and ingredients. Leader funding was sought to fund an aspect of the overall project, part paying for the play structure, fixtures and fittings and play items.
Three full time jobs and two part time jobs are to be created. It is hoped that community clubs will become regular users, initially one per day; and in the long run it is hoped to hire out the facilities to private groups and local businesses.
Total project cost £97,227.62
LEADER Grant £20,000
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Claire Mason
Address: Hallfields Farm, Kniveton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1JR
Telephone number: 01335 345735
Email address: info@lunarliftoff.com
www.lunarliftoff.com
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Salt Block PlantThe project proposed the manufacture of 10kg salt blocks for agricultural animal feed use. The salt would be mined in Cheshire and minerals and vitamins added to the product. An existing, Ashbourne-based customer was already lined up who currently imported the blocks from abroad but was now looking to source them locally. In addition to this major customer, the generation of other business was integral to helping the business develop over successive years.
Since the process required specialist equipment, the set-up costs were inevitably very high, but despite being capital intensive at the start the running costs were envisaged to be reasonably modest and it was potentially profitable in the longer term. Leader funding was required to help purchase the manufacturing equipment and get the operation up and running.
It is planned for the project to create three additional full time jobs. It will also support an existing business and allow it to make significant carbon savings by sourcing its product locally rather than importing it.
Total project cost £154,875
LEADER Grant £20,000
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Chris Hammond
Address: iD Centre, RTC Business Park, London Road, derby DE24 8UP
Telephone number: 07957 975144
Email address: chris.hammond@harlequin-nutrition.com
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Health AcademyThe establishment of a Health Academy was proposed at an existing gym that would offer a wide range of services, including an in-house corrective exercise clinic to provide specialist help for individuals suffering postural problems, joint pain and balance issues. One-to-one coaching and advice is envisaged over a 6-week course, with patients referred by physiotherapists, GPs, etc. The applicants are also looking to work with the sport and leisure industry to help individual sportsmen and women prevent injury and improve their personal performance. Fitness and wellbeing assessments will also be provided by qualified trainers who will go out to local businesses.
Leader funding is to specifically cover the purchase of specialist equipment used to carry out the work, as well as general promotion and marketing.
Two additional staff posts will be created in the first year, as well as a growing number of services and activities to the local community and businesses.
Total project cost £21,865
LEADER Grant £10,932.50
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Matt Sanderson & Giles Woolhouse
Address: Unit 29, Peak Village Estate, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire DE4 2JE
Telephone number: 01629 733123
Email address: info@woodlandsfitnesscentre.co.uk
www.woodlandsfitnesscentre.co.uk
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Catering4ParwichThe primary aim of this innovative project is to establish a professionally run catering business for the wider Parwich area, with a focus on family and community events, such as weddings, parties, funerals and other commemorative functions. It will involve setting up a micro social enterprise and include both paid staff and volunteers. The project will also provide a service for elderly residents and the housebound, supplying locally home-cooked ‘ready meals’ to a village population that has recently lost its general shop and whose public transport connections are very limited. Together with other local businesses, Catering4Parwich is also looking to provide a complete package for local events, teaming up with local florists, party suppliers, and so on.
The initiative will help local people develop their own catering skills, particularly among women and the younger age group, which it is hoped will eventually lead to new employment in the future. Directly it will create new jobs and use and promote local products, as well as maximising the potential of the new, multi-purpose community facility currently being built in Parwich.
Total project cost £18,273.00 LEADER Grant £9,136.50
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Val Kirkham
Address: The Orchards, Parwich, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1QB
Telephone number: 01335 390458
Email address: valandjohn.kirkham123@btinternet.com
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DCS Dynamic IT SystemAn existing company based in Wirksworth and specialising in Legionella Disease control, prevention and risk assessment, was looking to move to new premises as part of its expansion. This involved developing its IT system to create a full client database, production of worksheet and task lists, supplier management and remote web access to the system via new books for its engineers.
Funding was sought to purchase and install appropriate software, as well as training for the existing seven employees and the five new staff posts that are planned over the next three years’ growth. The new IT system will be supplied by a local company, including both hardware and software, as well as ongoing support for the system’s implementation over a long period.
The aim is to allow the business to grow and improve overall productivity, with the goal of increasing the company’s client base by 20% over the next year. The new IT system will help reduce the company’s carbon footprint by allowing it to become paperless; and it will have a positive impact on other local suppliers that the company already uses.
Total project cost £18,159.50
LEADER Grant £8,999.84
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Tracy Wilkins
Address: Station Yard, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4FB
Telephone number: 01629 823101
Email address: tracy@dcswaterhygiene.co.uk
www.dcswaterhygiene.co.uk
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TUMTUM Children’s RangeWhen houseware designers Andrew and Suzanne Stokes noticed how their two small children struggled with ill-thought out children’s cutlery, they decided to come up with some new and expertly designed products specifically suited to little fingers. The Bakewell-based business applied to Leader for funding to develop its TUMTUM range, specifically to cover ongoing set-up costs including the creation of production tools, as well as the launch of the newly-designed products.
TUMTUM’s colourful cutlery for young children includes TUMTUM Tiny, designed for ages 1-3, with handles that make up a simple 2-piece jigsaw. TUMTUM Trainee is for 3 years and over and features non-slip grippy sleeves to encourage controlled eating. Innovations include a ‘scooping corner’ to prevent food from being chased around the plate. They plan to expand the range with specially-designed beakers and place mats, egg cups and baking sets. Some of their products are already stocked by John Lewis shops and the Bakewell Cook Shop.
Marketing of the TUMTUM range involves promoting the local area, as well as other local businesses via sales points. It will also promote a healthy diet of fresh, local seasonal food for children.
Total project cost £40,946.00
LEADER Grant £18,426.00
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Suzanne Stokes
Address: 6 Arden House, Deepdale Business Park, Ashford Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1GT
Telephone number: 01629 815600
Email address: suzanne@thesource-uk.com
www.thesource-uk.com
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Gradbach Scout CampA 50-acre rural camp site in the Dane Valley popular with youth groups sought to upgrade its unsatisfactory temporary toilets by creating permanent, eco-friendly facilities. Plans for the new building include a grass roof and an air source heat pump to supply heat and hot water. Until just a couple of years ago, campers had to rough it in the traditional Scouting manner.
The site is run by local Scouting volunteers who recognised that almost certainly because of the basic facilities it has not been running at full capacity. Improving the services is likely to stimulate more visitors which will enhance the overall attractiveness of the area. Also, since campers are encouraged to buy their provisions locally, it is likely to have a beneficial effect on the local economy. The Scouts also aim to use the new, green loos as a means of promoting an eco-friendly ethos among campers.
Leader funding will part-pay for the new building, which will include separate male/female toilets and showers, as well as disabled facilities. Water-saving fixtures and fittings will be installed throughout and an air source heat pump will heat the new block efficiently and with little cost to the environment.
Total project cost £162,259.00
LEADER Grant £59,987.15
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Mark Rushworth
Address: Gradbach Scout Camp, Old Hall Farm, Gradbach, Quarndon, Nr Buxton SK17 0SU
www.gradbachscoutcamp.org.uk
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Ravenscliffe Farm Nature HolidaysLeader funding was requested to part-fund the development of two disabled access holiday let cottages, one to be fully wheelchair accessible and the other to be designed in particular for families who have a disabled person accompanying them. The applicant already has one holiday cottage on the site, but identified a shortage of accommodation for disabled people in the area. The farm’s tranquil surroundings and rich natural history is a strong selling point, and the application also includes the purchase of a specially adapted vehicle to transport disabled guests around the site, as well as specific wildlife-watching equipment and the long-term development of a wildlife centre.
Initially the business will create one part time housekeeping position and one part time position dealing with property maintenance and customers services. A full time manager/administrator will also be established to oversee all the operations. Visitors will be provided with a welcome pack of locally-sourced products and encouraged to enjoy their holiday in an environmentally-friendly way.
Total project cost £58,000.00
LEADER Grant £29,000
Contact information for Project
Name of contact: Sandra Snow
Address: Ravenscliff Farm, Bradbourne Road, Fenny Bentley, Ashbourne,Derbyshire DE6 1LF
Telephone number: 01335 350674
Email address: info@ravenscliffefarm.co.uk
www.ravenscliffefarm.co.uk
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