Great things happen when you plug into The Great Grid Upgrade

A Derbyshire business is starring in a new regional campaign for National Grid, shining a spotlight on how investment in the electricity network supports local communities, businesses and public services, and helps them to thrive. 

Hartington Creamery has become the regional star of The Great Grid Upgrade, a campaign showcasing the UK’s biggest grid upgrade and National Grid’s largest programme of investment in a generation. Building on previous national and regional activity, the campaign brings the story of the grid upgrade to life through the experiences of local businesses and community groups, highlighting the vital role electricity plays in everyday life.

Electricity demand in the UK is set to rise sharply as homes, transport and industry switch to cleaner power. With demand set to double by 2050, investment in the network is essential to move more home-grown cleaner energy to where it is needed, supporting local businesses, communities, and economic growth across the country.

Hartington Creamery is a prime example of a company with strong growth ambitions. Rich in Derbyshire heritage, owner Robert Gosling revived the 100-year-old creamery in 2012. Today, the business produces more than 100 tonnes of cheese every year. 

That growth depends on two essentials people and power. When Robert took over the business in 2012, the creamery produced around 22 tons of cheese in its first year. Since then, production has quadrupled and electricity consumption has increased significantly along with it.   

Robert Gosling owner of Pikehall Farm said: “The creamery and the farm have deep roots here in Derbyshire. I am a proud local farmer, with a growing business. The way I see it – every piece of cheese is dependent on three things: our cows, our people, and power. As we grow, so does our need for energy. We can’t scale up without it. 

“Energy doesn’t just keep the lights on — it helps the business grow. As demand for our cheese increases, having a reliable and future‑proof electricity supply is essential. It supports day‑to‑day quality and food safety, while giving us the headroom to expand and plan for the future.”

Robert’s story is one of significant growth. Hartington Creamery plans to increase cheese production from 100 tonnes to 250 tonnes over the next two years, a 150% increase in output. This expansion marks a major milestone for the business, reflecting rising demand for its cheeses and reinforcing the need for electricity infrastructure to support long‑term, sustainable growth.

National Grid Project Director Leanne Evans said: “We need to upgrade the grid in Derbyshire to meet rising demand for electricity and move more home-grown cleaner energy to the places that need it.  This will help businesses like Hartington Creamery thrive and grow, create jobs and support their local communities, while making sure the electricity network is ready for the future.”

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Increasing demand means Derbyshire businesses and communities must be able to have a guaranteed energy supply. As firms plan for the future, they need to know they can count on energy’s role in reliably delivering their project or service as they look to grow.”

The campaign forms part of National Grid’s wider commitment to supporting communities across the country, ensuring homes and businesses have the power they need while enabling economic growth for decades to come.

For more information about the Great Grid Upgrade, visit The Great Grid Upgrade | Powering The Things You Love