Our borough

Amber Valley has a strong and diverse economy, with a number of market-leading companies supported by a thriving SME and entrepreneurial culture. There are numerous opportunities for businesses to grow in a dynamic business environment.

The borough's economy is supported by over 4,600 SMEs, many of whom are innovators in their field in sectors such as construction, advanced and food & drink manufacturing.

In a post-pandemic world, where quality of life and work life balance have greater currency, Amber Valley's location as a gateway to the Peak District National Park and stunning Derbyshire countryside has become an increasingly important factor in investment decisions.

Amber Valley is growing as a place to live, work and visit. Over the past 5 years, millions have been invested by the private sector with more in the pipeline.

Living in the borough

Over the next 5 Years, 10,744 More people will be living in Amber Valley, thanks to new residential developments including urban villages, Build to Rent schemes and smaller scale conversions to existing buildings.

New communities at the heart of our four market towns of Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley are bringing additional footfall to our high streets, creating market demand for retailers and leisure operators.

Derbyshire ranks top amongst Britain’s best areas for bringing up a family. The cost of living is low and it has one of the lowest house price to income ratios in the UK.

Work

With access to 2.4 million people within an hour, plus over 60,000 students within easy reach of three leading universities - businesses in Amber Valley draw from an extensive talent pool, working in partnership with education providers and partners to produce a talent pipeline that supports their growth and investment plans.

We have 19.5% employed in advanced manufacturing and a growing construction sector – Bowmer & Kirkland, one of the UK's most successful, privately-owned construction and development group based in Heage continue to grow, as well as going above and beyond to deliver meaningful and measurable social value within their businesses, providing work experience, engaging local schools and colleges, along with providing placements for T-Levels and permanent apprenticeships.

Innovative SMEs are choosing Amber Valley, such as Luke Evans Bakery a family business based in Riddings that manufactures bread and confectionery for retail and wholesale. Meanwhile, well-known names in the food production sectors Ferrero recruit substantial numbers from the borough and its surrounding area.

Alfreton

Alfreton is the third largest market town within Amber Valley and has a diverse retail offer benefiting from nationals and local independents.

The main industry of Alfreton was historically coal mining, but after the mines closed in the 1960s local employment shifted to factory, retail, and service enterprises, many of which grew up on industrial estates occupying formerly despoiled colliery lands.

Initially only a few major employers were present, such as Aertex and English Rose, however this changed with the development of several industrial estates to the east of the town, which are now home to international market-leading companies such as:

• - Thorntons Limited, British chocolate manufacturer specialises in crafting high quality chocolate, sweets, toffee, fudge and other confectionery, now owned by the Italian confectionery company, Ferrero.
• - Rock Fall, a multi-award winning second generation family owned business, that has positioned themselves at the forefront of the safety footwear industry through world first innovations that provide solutions to the ever-changing demands of modern businesses.

Belper

Belper offers a true high street experience, is steeped in history with a thriving tourist trade and community spirit along with excellent commercial opportunities making it a destination for business development and growth.

Belper has long been a centre for innovation; in industrial revolution, it was home to Jedediah Strutt, perhaps the most influential industrialist whose son William developed the first fireproof mill (Belper North Mill).

With the Mill now being a World Heritage site cradled in the Derwent Valley along the A6 corridor, the town is not just an iconic and historic landmark but it is also a substantial employment generator with mixed manufacturing economy derived from a number of leading national companies including;

• - Denby Pottery established in 1806 and manufactures at the original site.
• - Vaillant Group UK boasts its "Centre of Excellence" for training and manufacturing.
• - Bowlers, internationally renowned, well-established and leading automotive engineering manufacturer.

Heanor

Heanor has a variety of independent shops and speciality goods and lots of history. The town of Heanor was once the route of the world's longest tramway running from Nottingham to Ripley.

The local economy has grown largely to its industrial connections of agriculture, coal mining, textiles, canals and the railways. Since the closure of the mines the landscape itself has undergone restoration such as Shipley Country Park the former American Adventure theme park.

The shape of the areas industry has now taken on newer and more varied appearances, and there are a number of industrial estates around the town and home to long standing British businesses including;

• - Valeo Foods UK Matthew Walker site in Heanor, have been pudding masters since 1899. The business originally started with a humble farmers son back in 1899 and now ship Christmas puddings all over the world.

Ripley

Ripley has an exciting blend of high street shops and a strong independent retail scene. Shops established over generations continue to flourish and offer specialty goods with a friendly personalised service.

Ripley has been industrialised since the late 18th century. One of the earliest firms to take advantage of local mineral resources was the Butterley Company - pioneering engineers within the railway industry, as well as brick makers and specialising in aggregates. One of the best-known examples of the company's work is the arched roof of St Pancras railway station in London, restored as an international terminal.

Ripley was once served by its own railway station on the Midland Railway Ripley Branch. It was the northern terminus of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Tramways Company and later of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire trolleybus system.

Visit

With over 4 million visitors annually, Amber Valley is a thriving hub of activity, boasting a rich industrial heritage in textiles and coal mining, and home to the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only one in the East Midlands.

Recent investments totalling approximately £214 million have significantly boosted the local economy. Key projects include:

• Spend Summer in the Borough: Increasing footfall and spend in the local area, especially spend and engagement with local businesses.
• Visitor Economy Research and Development: Enhancing tourist accommodations, attractions, and infrastructure.

These initiatives have invigorated the local economy and positioned Amber Valley as a vibrant and attractive destination for investors.

To learn more about our historical sites, scenic countryside, and attractions like Belper River Gardens and Crich Tramway go to our tourism website at www.visitambervalley.com.