A Derby entrepreneur has vowed to ensure the voice of small businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is heard after being appointed to a key position.
Bid writing specialist Rachel Hayward has been appointed to the Business Growth Advisory Board of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The LEP is a private sector-led organisation between business and local authorities, which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Ms Hayward, who is based in Derby and Burton, set up her business, Ask the Chameleon, four years ago.
Since then she has secured £4 million in bids, contracts and funding for clients across the Midlands, ranging from entrepreneurs to larger companies as well as charities and public sector organisations.
She has previously been part of the UK-wide Small Biz 100 programme and is an active member of the FSB, which represents and supports small businesses.
Ms Hayward said: “It is an honour to be appointed to this advisory board.
"My role will be to represent the SME business community at a regional level and ensure that our voice is heard.
“My experience both in HR roles in the voluntary sector and now supporting many charities and community organisations with funding applications will, I hope, also highlight the importance of this sector in the wider economy.
“And my role as an associate lecturer at the University of Derby Business School and my wide networking circles will also enable me to share information LEP’s work across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”
