Business Support Ashfield
Do you run a business based in Ashfield? CGN2 is here to help you grow!
Overview
Ashfield District, in Nottinghamshire, is a place of transformation. With its population rising by nearly 6,800 between 2011 and 2021, the area—anchored by the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Hucknall—is blending its industrial roots with a forward-looking approach to regeneration and sustainable development. Major investments are reshaping its town centres, opening up new opportunities for creative and digital enterprise.
Business demographics
Ashfield is home to around 5,000 active enterprises, most of which are micro-businesses—a fertile environment for entrepreneurs and small creative firms. The economy is diverse, with strong foundations in manufacturing, construction, retail, and health and social care. However, the district is also seeing notable growth in high-performing businesses, especially within manufacturing and digital sectors.
Creative and digital start-ups are gaining ground, supported by council-led efforts to nurture local enterprise. Grants, tailored training, and infrastructure development are all in place to help businesses grow and innovate.
active enterprises, most of which are micro-businesses, are based in Ashfield
Creative and digital landscape
Ashfield is actively fostering its creative and digital sectors through a suite of pioneering programmes. Enterprising Ashfield, led by Nottingham Trent University and delivered on behalf of Ashfield District Council supports businesses, entrepreneurs, and people in Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield. It is funded by the Towns Fund until March 2026.
Meanwhile, Ashfield Creates is making a cultural impact—targeting an audience of 160,000 and supporting over 500 creative practitioners with events, commissions, and skills development. Local institutions such as R.E.A.L. Education are strengthening the talent pipeline through courses in film, 3D modelling, and digital media, giving young creatives the tools they need to thrive.
Regeneration and Investment Initiatives
Over £100 million in investment is helping to reshape Ashfield’s future. A £62.6 million Towns Deal is driving 16 ambitious projects across the district, including the transformation of Portland Square in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Kirkby-in-Ashfield has secured £19.5 million through the national Plan for Towns, ensuring long-term revitalisation of public spaces, infrastructure, and high streets.
These regeneration projects are more than bricks and mortar—they’re creating spaces for creativity, enterprise, and cultural expression. For creative and digital businesses, Ashfield offers not only affordable space but a council that is keen to support innovation and bring communities together through the arts.
More economic data for Ashfield: Nottinghamshire Observatory
Speak to your local adviser
Adrian Williams
Business Adviser
Adrian is an independent and impartial business adviser working with the Create Growth Programme on behalf of NTU’s Enterprising Ashfield programme. Based locally, he is available to guide and support your business growth through this programme and beyond.
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