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It is a multi-million pound project aimed at improving the climate for investment in Ashfield, Mansfield and Bolsover areas.

The programme is designed to encourage and support the growth and development of both new and established businesses in the three Districts with the aim of improving the overall economy and raising the level of enterprise in the area.

Andrew Smith, Head of Economic Promotion and Regeneration for Ashfield District Council commented,

"Our vision is based on increasing the effective penetration of business support and employment opportunity into our disadvantaged neighbourhoods through outreach activity and attracting new investment. Ultimately we want to generate a fundamental change in local attitudes by promoting a new enterprise Culture in the three areas and by attracting new high quality employment."

The programme is halfway through the first three year phase and all initiatives are now up and running with spend on target. All the initiatives within this groundbreaking programme are either aimed at encouraging local business growth or attracting and retaining new investment, with the area already experiencing high levels of commercial property growth.

One of the key priorities of the programme is to ensure that the new investment taking advantage of this boom in commercial property growth is harnessed for the benefit of local people. The Making the Connections initiative is aimed at connecting local people with jobs generated by large scale inward investment projects. The project is picking up speed and key connections are starting to be made with the large commercial development sites in the area and presents a great opportunity for investors to kick start their employment drive.

Simon Carter, Regeneration Manager, Mansfield District Council.

"In order to improve quality of life it is vital that people living in our most deprived neighbourhoods benefit from the growth that has occurred in the local economy. Alliance for Enterprise 'Making the Connection' initiative will help us to build on the three District's Neighbourhood Renewal programmes to connect local people to the many jobs and training opportunities that exist."

While it is recognised that attracting and retaining investment will play a key role in the areas continued economic growth, developing a strong base of thriving indigenous businesses will also be vital. Central to this is both the creation of high quality business start up space and appropriate local business support.

Within the areas of Ashfield, Bolsover and Mansfield there is a general lack of affordable, high quality office accommodation. This affects both new start-up businesses and established companies. Appropriate accommodation is needed to assist businesses in the early stages of growth and to enhance the stability of established firms.

There have been nine new business incubation centres established as a result of the project within the first 18 months. These new office units vary in size but generally are for small start up businesses of less than five people.

The incubation centres provide essential affordable start up space - 'Small space for big ideas'

Councillor Eion Watts, Leader of the Council, Bolsover District Council.

"We all believe that the significance of this initiative it will provide sustained benefits to all our areas and see tangible benefits in supporting and growing local business for many years to come."

In order to compliment the existing support available to both new investors and start up businesses, three new business outreach workers are now in post. All have considerable experience of working in the private sector and can provide experienced business advice to potential investors and large established companies.

Although the business support is provided by the public sector we do recognise that we aren't here to tell you how to run your business. What we can do is put in place the best possible range of support that businesses need.

John Leaver, one of the Outreach Workers, used to be the MD of Helly Hansen (UK) for 13 years commented:

"I see this initiative as a wonderful opportunity for all types of businesses to take advantage of a large pool of business experience which is absolutely free! The entire LEGI programme shows a tremendous commitment to potential investors."

A key goal of the programme as it moves forward will be to ensure that the private sector has a strong role to play in its development. As such links are already starting to be developed with existing local business champions who can help drive it forward. This will not only help bridge the private-public sector divide, but also help the programme tailor its activities to meet the needs of investors.