Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has been a long-time member of the M&A2020 network and has now cemented that relationship further by becoming a patron. This will further strengthen the commitment to supporting businesses and local people in both Mansfield and Ashfield.

NTU offers a full portfolio of support aimed at businesses looking to start-up or scale-up, management and leadership training, short courses, graduate placements and apprenticeships.

Support available includes our High Level Skills programme, a £25m ESF-funded programme that NTU has been delivering in the area since 2019. These professional short courses provide opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas such as leadership and management, marketing, digital construction, sustainability, recruitment, and diversity and inclusion.

There are no entry requirements, and the courses are fully funded for people who work for local small or medium-sized businesses.

Find out more about the full range of courses available on the NTU website.

In partnership with Ashfield District Council, NTU launched its Enterprising Ashfield project in early 2022. This is a comprehensive package of support tailored to businesses and residents of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Part-funded by the Government’s Towns Fund, the support available includes:

• Graduate placements, including a grant of £1,250 towards their salary over a placement lasting at least 6 weeks.
• The Growth Programme supports businesses, whether early-staged or established, in looking at growth strategies, productivity, business planning, marketing and overcoming barriers to growth
• R&D collaboration with NTU, supporting businesses to access state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and expertise to support research and development and facilitate access to new markets.

Starting a new business

Through our HeadStart programme NTU is supporting people that want to start their own business.

Whether they want to be their own boss, get a side-hustle off the ground, start generating some passive income, or just get a better work-life balance, we can help.

People living, working, or intending to start a business in Kirkby or Sutton can receive free 1-2-1 advice and coaching, free workshops, and training on how to set up your own business. In addition, they can also receive a £1,000 grant to get started after completing the programme.

Courses and professional development for local people

NTU is offering a wide range of fully funded short courses specifically for people that live or work in Kirkby or Sutton. The courses are delivered by professional tutors and industry experts and are a great way to ensure your knowledge and skills stay relevant and up-to-date.

For the full range of courses available, please visit:

Enterprising Ashfield | Nottingham Trent University

You don’t need any prior experience before enrolling, and all courses are delivered locally in Kirkby or Sutton and are part-time to fit around your circumstances.

For more information about the Enterprising Ashfield project, visit the NTU website.

You can also get in touch at [email protected].

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