Thousands of pounds has been awarded to transform dozens of businesses, organisations and projects across the East Midlands thanks to the region’s Mayor.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), led my Mayor Clare Ward, aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “It’s fantastic to see how investment from the UKSPF is making a real difference to communities across the East Midlands.
“UKSPF has been a vital source of local investment and I’m pleased it is continuing this year while government develops its successor. The £25m allocated to the East Midlands will sustain jobs that support community-led services and drive the regeneration of our town and village centres – boosting growth while keeping our places attractive to visitors and investors.”
Recent projects supported by the fund include an arts trail, rural grants and a town centre light show.
Eight giant decorated ducks have appeared across Amber Valley, Derbyshire to celebrate a regional greeting, increase town centre footfall and boost civic pride.
The Ay Up Me Duck self-guided arts trail, funded by UKSPF, has seen pairs of large, selfie-ready duck sculptures located in each of Amber Valley’s four market towns of Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley. Smaller themed ducks have also been hidden in shop windows throughout each town.
They will remain in place until April 25.
For more details, click here.
In Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire, the popular Beeston Bee Trail is growing with an additional six local businesses added to the map and more prizes up for grabs, funded by UKPSF. The expansion comes after early success following the trail’s launch in October 2025, helping to create an even bigger buzz around Beeston town centre.
Mervyn Brown, Beeston Civic Society Bee Trail project lead, said: “Expansion of the Beeston Bee Trail gives new points of interest and opportunities to enjoy exploring the town. The Bee Trail is fun – featuring beautiful illustrations or 12 individual bees makes it educational as well – with prizes added for completion.
“Beeston Civic Society, working in unison with Broxtowe Borough Council, moves another step towards; Making Beeston Better and ensuring that ‘There’s Always a Buzz in Beeston’.”
For more details, click here.
In Chesterfield, funding is helping the town Glow Up with a special celebration.
Residents and visitors are invited to come together and celebrate the completion of the multi‑million‑pound transformation of Chesterfield Markets – with a new event set to illuminate the town centre, and the return of a giant observation wheel.
Chesterfield Glow Up, on March 27-28, from 4-8pm each day, will mark the end of the major regeneration works with an evening of entertainment, family‑friendly activities and light show.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This event is a fantastic way to mark a major milestone in the regeneration of our Market and to welcome people back into a space that has been completely transformed.”
For more details, click here.
In High Peak, £10,000 has been awarded from the UKSPF to Buxton Civic Association to support visitor engagement at Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park. The funding will support a project to deliver new interpretation, alongside measures to improve conservation and security.
Dave Green, association chief executive officer, said: “The project will enhance how visitors engage with Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park, while strengthening our ability to protect and conserve the site for future generations.”
For more details, click here.
In Newark & Sherwood, rural businesses and community organisations have received a share of more than £267,000 through a rural grant scheme, backed by UKSPF.
The latest allocation has supported 12 organisations with up to £40,000 each. Successful applications focused on projects aimed at boosting business and rural tourism, creating welcoming community hubs, celebrating heritage, improving green spaces, and driving sustainability and innovation.
Thorney St Helens Community Hub, for example, has been awarded £40,000 to transform the village’s only public indoor space into a warm, accessible, flexible facility. The project includes installing underfloor heating, levelling and replacing flooring, and upgrading lighting and electrics.
Councillor Claire Penny, Newark & Sherwood District Council portfolio holder for sustainable economic growth, said: “These investments strengthen our rural economy and enhance quality of life for thousands of people.”
For more details, click here.
Published on: 27 February 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development