Derbyshire fashion firm to create new jobs

Amber Valley-based David Nieper made the pledge after being awarded a grant of £100,000 from the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF).

The grant will support The David Nieper Sewing Academy to train recruits in skills that are vital to secure the future of the industry in Derbyshire and to achieve the company’s growth potential.

Managing Director Christopher Nieper said: “Decades of offshore manufacture have left a critical skills shortage in the clothing industry. At David Nieper we remained steadfast in our commitment to developing local British skills and creating local jobs. Thanks to that choice we have experienced growth every year.

“The DEGF grant will enable us to fast-track our Sewing Academy programme. Our trainees will be equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers in fashion manufacturing -from dress making to pattern cutting, design, knitwear and quality control.”

The family-owned business has been manufacturing quality ladies fashions from their factory in Alfreton, for over 55 years. They currently employ around 250 staff and retail to customers around the world.

DEGF was established as a £20 million recirculating grant and loan scheme, following a successful bid into the Regional Growth Fund.

Derby City Council’s Economic Regeneration Team manages and delivers the fund. The council’s deputy leader, Councillor Martin Rawson, said: “Our funding scheme is one of the most successful of its type in the country.

“In this case, we have been able to create new jobs locally but also help to secure the future of the clothing industry in the county.”

DEGF is entering a new phase with the distribution of £12 million of recycled loan funding. Applications are invited from businesses with plans for growth and job creation in Derby and Derbyshire. Call 01332 641628 for more details.