Living In
How to apply for planning permission. Historic buildings and conservation areas, village management.
- Visitor Centres
Locations and contact details of our four visitor centres - Pedal Peak District
Route maps, bike hire and how to get fit for free - Guided Walks and Events
Free guided walks suitable for all and other events all year round - Getting here
Make use of the best public transport links for any National Park
Live & Work Rural in the Peak District
Live & Work Rural is a Programme to help new and existing small & medium sized businesses, social enterprises, voluntary & community sector that enhance the special environment of the Peak District.
Even if you just have an idea buzzing around but need help pinning it down, we can help. The L&WR area is wider than the National Park boundary, as we recognise that there are many businesses just outside the Park who contribute to the vibrancy of the National Park.
Live & Work Rural is an advice and support Programme to help turn business ideas into reality or help them to develop and grow sustainably. We can help in a number of ways by:
- Working with you to develop an enterprising idea
- Offering an environmental healthcheck to help reduce the costs to your business and protect the environment
- Signposting to useful business networks, training and groups to improve your supply chains and stimulate new business ideas and opportunities
- Offering training and workshops in relevant subjects and addressing issues facing small rural businesses
- Pointing you in the right direction for advice through Business Link and other grants such as LEADER, SDF or appropriate external funding.
- Assisting with a small seedcord grant fund, typically 40% towards the total project up to a maximum of £3,500
Meet the team:
Our Senior L&WR Officer is Lindsay Allen, Lindsay.allen@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Adele Metcalfe adele.metcalfe@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Dan Yates daniel.yates@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Sharon Batty - sharon.batty@peakdistrict.gov.uk (rural South Yorkshire)
We will be happy to discuss your business idea and the service includes signposting to other help and advice.
We can help if your business idea or community project:
- Links to the Peak District and benefits the environment. We can help you work it out.
- Is sustainable. We’re looking for long-lasting economic and social results and benefits
- Develops networks and better ways to work with others
- Check the map to see if you are in the Live & Work Rural programme area. Contact us if you’re not sure
How the process works
Stage 1
If you wish to email your outline ideas to see if we can help, a member of the team will contact you to discuss your ideas.
Our team has a thorough understanding of the needs of rural buisnesess, and the networks that can make them a success. We have experience of running a business, creating business networks and advising social enterprises & micro businesses on feasibility studies and business planning. With a wide range of knowledge of grant schemes and the support of our colleagues and partners we can assist you to make the right decisions for your business.
Stage 2
You will be assigned a L&WR Officer who will work with you for as little or long as you require. It is a flexible programme and after initial discussions, you may not need to contact us again for a few months as your ideas develop and then you can call us to take forward your ideas onto the next level.
Many of our clients, just need a bit of advice or to talk through their idea and gain confidence that it really can work. However, we’ve helped the following businesses with small grants to help them on their way.
If our service isn’t right for you, we will be able to signpost you to other sources of support and information.
Background to the Programme
Why we’re here for you…
In 2008 the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) carried out a special study of the Peak District economy. It highlighted some interesting points of view and facts about landscape, population and tourism.
Download PDF report (3.8MB) 
Our Business Plan (232KB) was developed to direct the work of the Programme.
Suppliers List
Looking for a local trades person, someone to design your website or do you need another job doing? We are building up a local supplier list of skilled people within the Live & work Rural Programme area for you to make contact with.
Please note that this list is for guidance only and is not comprehensive. The responsibility for ascertaining the competence or suitability of any contractor remains with the person using the list.
If you would like to be added to the list please contact us."
Live & Work Rural Suppliers list 2010 (300KB)
Useful links
Energy Saving Trust - www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Business Link - East Midlands , North West , West Midlands
Peak Directions - www.peakdirections.co.uk
More information
Phone 01629 816338
Email liveandworkrural@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Write
L&WR Administration Officer
Aldern House
Baslow Road
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1AE
Website
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/liveandworkrural
Download our leaflet (815KB)
The Live & Work Rural programme runs from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012.
It is operated by the Peak District National Park Authority in partnership with East Midlands Development Agency and Derby & Derbyshire Economic Partnership
The Live & Work Rural programme is supported by partners:
Business Link, Rural Development Programme for England Peak District Rural Action Zone LEADER Action Group, University of Derby, Peak District & Derbyshire Destination Management Partnership, Natural England, High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Peak Partners for Rural Action (community and voluntary).
Programme area map
click to see full size map
