News and events for local businesses - January 2018

Devonport dockyard firm Babcock bids for £1.25bn frigate contract

Babcock leads consortium wanting to construct Type 31e ships - and says Devonport will play key role. Devonport dockyard operator Babcock International Group plc has made a bid for the £1.25billion contract to build the UK’s new frigates. Find out more, click here

Development at Bretonside - Plymouth

Project Progress report

Progress work carried out. First section of slab pour to the viaduct undercroft. Preparation of undercroft for remainder of concrete pour ongoing. Formation of retaining wall to Gala Bingo perimeter commenced. Foundations to all continuing through all phases. To find out all the details on McLaren's site report please click here

Plymouth crisp maker Burts Chips bought another factory in a £10m deal

Plymouth snack firm Burts Potato Chips will enter the lucrative “popping” market after swallowing a popcorn factory in a £10million deal. Find out more, click here 

Partners buoyed by constructive devolution meeting

Devolution proposals to push the South West’s growth ambitions have stepped up a gear with a positive meeting between partners and key civil servants. Leaders and Chief Executives representing local authorities from Somerset, Devon, Plymouth, Torbay, Exeter and East Devon alongside the Local Enterprise Partnership met with senior officials from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Find out more, click here

First BAME Business awards comes to Plymouth 

The Voice Online has an invitation only event that will see local businesses, business owners - who have been real community champions - social enterprises, languages schools, university departments, Plymouth City Council, the Mayflower 400 programme and many others come together to witness the start of such an innovative concept and recognise the work of some inspirational individuals. Find out more, click here

UKAEA launches National Fusion Technology Platform

Oxford event offers industry chance to partner with UKAEA on ITER investment. More than 80 delegates from key stakeholders across the UK nuclear sector have heard details of multi-million-pound contracts from ITER that they can target with help from UKAEA after the Government’s recent £86 million investment in UKAEA at Culham. Find out more, click here 

Dstl announces support of 2018’s Year of Engineering

Dstl is backing the Government's pledge to make 2018 the Year of Engineering. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is proud to announce its support of the Government’s pledge to make 2018 the Year of Engineering. As a key campaign partner, Dstl will be promoting its state-of-the-art engineering work to demonstrate the creativity involved in designing solutions for military and security customers. Find out more, click here

UK and France to strengthen links in tech sector and artificial intelligence

Britain and France’s leading tech sectors will be brought closer together with plans for a digital conference - or digital colloque - to promote deeper integration in the digital economy, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Matt Hancock has announced. Find out more, click here

Why Plymouth city centre is going to look very different in the future

City centre chief says leisure will replace retail as more people live in shopping area. Plymouth city centre of the future could look very different from today with more cafes, restaurants – and shops which are smaller and focusing more on providing an “experience” for shoppers. Find out more, click here

MBE honour for Plymouth and Devon skills ambassador

Chairman of Plymouth-based Skills Group, Chris Jeffery, has been awarded an MBE for services to Skills Training and Charity. A woman hailed as a ‘leading light’ for skills training in the South West has been recognised in the New Year’s honours list. Find out more, click here

Dozens of businesses attend launch event at City College Plymouth

The city’s most prestigious business awards have been launched in front of dozens of people at City College Plymouth’s impressive PL1 Restaurant. Find out more, click here

All these Plymouth firms are creating jobs in 2018

Employment is at record levels and several Plymouth firms are expanding their workforce - here are some that are looking for staff. People in Plymouth are among the keenest to move jobs in 2018 – and the way the city economy is going there are plenty of opportunities for employment-seekers and firms looking to fill vacancies. Find out more, click here

Revealed: the top-secret Princess Yacht that looks like nothing else on the water

Plymouth firm enters new market with smaller, faster vessel covered in dazzle camouflage. Luxury boat-builder Princess Yachts has unveiled its “revolutionary” and literally dazzling new vessel – which looks like nothing else on the water and will take the firm into new markets. Find out more, click here

Work begins on Plymouth's newest Starbucks - and this is when its due to open

The new branch will be the coffee chain's second in Plymouth, following the venue based in Drake Circus. Find out more, click here

FREE Mentoring Support to Grow Your Business in the Region

The Growth Support Programme is an EU funded support package for ERDF Eligible businesses based in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. The programme offers an initial 3 hour diagnostic to businesses wishing to grow or expand.Find out more, click here

Test your Innovation and Start-Up Ideas

The One Stop Ideas Shop provides practical a forum for individuals to talk through their inventions/business ideas in a confidential setting, receive face to face expert guidance to enable to them to understand how to protect them and explore any potential for business opportunity. Find out more, click here

University of Plymouth Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Help to grow your business through collaboration and innovation. KTP is the programme that supports innovation and promotes business growth, (part funded by Innovate UK) provides resources and expertise to thriving organisations who wish to innovate, expand or improve their competitiveness and productivity. Find out more, click here

Plymotion at Your Workplace - Free Adult Cycle Training , cycle groups and Walk and Talk

Free Adult Cycle Training , cycle groups and Walk and TalkPlymotion is working with companies to promote sustainable travel and encourage staff to be more active on their journey to work. Plymotion at Your Workplace is a free programme which helps encourage sustainable travel for the daily ommute . There is a range of initiatives on offer including  free adult cycle training, bike maintenance, walk leader training  and travel plan management tools.  Why not have a look at our web pages and our latest business newsletter which you can find here. If cycling in a group might start your new year off in the right direction why not have a look here If walking is more your thing- here’s the  latest Walk and Talk programme here For more information email Plymotion@plymouth.gov.uk 

International Trade

Looking to overseas markets to grow your business is a big decision for any size business. To support you in your growth plans Devon Chamber offers International Trade advice and support, via our International Trade team and our involvement in Devon International Trade Forum. Find out more, click here

Transform Foundation

Transform Foundation aims to encourage investment in digital technologies, skills and marketing in the charity sector. Offering grants to charities (with annual revenue between £350,000 and £30million) to develop websites and advertise through Facebook. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: On going

Horizon 2020: EU Research Programme

EU funding for large-scale, international collaborative research projects. New work programme for 2018-2020: UK businesses, universities, public bodies, charities and healthcare providers can still participate. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: On going

Innovate UK Announces £19M Sector Competitions in Manufacturing and Infrastructure Systems

Funded projects will target opportunities that offer significant changes in productivity and cutting-edge innovations. The competition has two strands: a manufacturing and materials strand, and an infrastructure systems strand. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 31 January 2018

Electric Vehicle Charging, Sustainable Energy Solutions SBRI Competition - Phase One Open

Projects should offer smart grid, storage and generation capabilities, to overcome the current limitations imposed by EV charging infrastructure. The solution should incorporate renewable on-site generation, battery storage, bi-directional smart meters and an innovative software system.  To find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 7 February 2018

European Maritime & Fisheries Fund: Sustainable Blue Economy

International partnerships to make innovative marine technologies market and investor ready or tackle marine litter. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 8 February 2018

EUREKA: PENTA Call 3 Launched

PENTA is a EUREKA Cluster supporting innovation in micro- and nanoelectronics enabled systems and applications along the entire electronics value chain as described by the new ECS Strategic Research Agenda. The focus of Call 3 will be Transport & Smart Mobility, Health & Well-Being and Digital Industry, although projects in other areas will also be considered. To find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 13 February 2018

World Anti-Doping Agency - Call for 2018 Science Research Grants Open

WADA issues a call for proposals for its 2018 Social Science Research Grant Program. For the 2018 Program, in addition to the topics below, WADA’s Education Committee is making an open call for proposals. For more info click here

DEADLINE: 15 February 2018

Applications Open for Mülheim Water Award 2018

People or institutions from Europe can apply with innovative procedures, products, concepts and new findings with a strong focus on practical use and application within water management. Application-ready solutions to meet future challenges in water systems and water analysis will also be accepted. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 27 February 2018

Clean Sky 2 Programme - Seventh Call for Proposals Now Open

A Joint Technology Initiative (JTI), a public-private partnership that brings together companies, universities, public laboratories, innovative SMEs and the European Commission to develop and demonstrate breakthrough technologies for the civil aircraft market and to cut aircraft emissions and noise. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 27 February 2018

Innovate UK launch £19M funding competition to support small and medium-sized firms to develop innovative ideas.

Projects must demonstrate significant innovation that will lead to new products, processes or services in any sector. Projects must last from six months to three years and have total eligible costs of between £25,000 and £1 million
 
DEADLINE: 28 February 2018

Ideas from Europe - Development and Scaling Call for Entrepreneurs

The European Commission has launched a Call for Proposals concerning the further development and scaling of Ideas from Europe (IfE), an initiative developed by the European Commission in close cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Economy and the SME Envoys. IfE is part of the European Commission's efforts to make sure Europe's entrepreneurs can scale their business ideas and do so in Europe. This Call is part of how the European Commission is looking into ways to scale the IfE initiative. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 15 March 2018

Innovate UK Launches Strand 1 Health and Life Sciences Sector Competition

Through this competition, Innovate UK (IUK) is investing in innovation projects that inspire new products, processes and services that address challenges in health and life sciences (H&LS). The aim is to develop innovations that lead to increased agricultural productivity, enhanced food quality and sustainability or improved healthcare outcomes. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 28 March 2018

Second Active and Assisted Living Smart Ageing Prize Launch

Entries need to focus on social participation and quality of life, with the aim to enhance the networks and social experiences of older adults in the real world through innovative digital technologies. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 30 March 2018

$2 Million International GoFly Competition Open for Innovators to Create a Personal Flying Device.

The aim is to foster the development of safe, quiet, ultra-compact, near-VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) personal flying devices that are capable of flying twenty miles while carrying a single person. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 4 April 2018

Applications Open for Techstars London Summer 2018 from Companies across the World

Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market, wherever they choose to build their business. With numerous mentorship-driven accelerator programmes worldwide, Techstars exists to support the most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE 8 April 2018

Weston Anniversary Fund Snapshot

One off grants scheme in 2018 to support Capital projects that will benefit local communities across the UK. Grants range from £30,000 – £150,000. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE 30 June 2018

€2.7 Billion in H2020 Research Funding for Information and Communication Technologies

The 2018-2020 Industrial Leadership Information and Communication Technologies (LEIT) Work Programme covers ICT technology in a comprehensive way, covering technologies for Digitising European Industry, HPC, Big Data and Cloud, 5G and Next Generation Internet. Find out more, click here

£21m to boost UK’s world-class tech sector and spread the benefits across the country

The UK’s world-leading tech sector will go from strength-to-strength after plans unveiled today set out a £21 million investment to create a new national network of regional tech hubs in areas across the country, including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Birmingham.  Find out more, click here

John Brabourne Awards Accepting Applications from Up-and-Coming Film and TV Talent

£15,000 awards available to successful applicants to benefit from professional support and talent development from The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF). The CTBF Grants cover production and development finance, post production and festival distribution, living and travel expenses, childcare, tuition fees, short training programmes and secondments. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE: 31 January 2018

The Barclays Developing Resilience Award

The Prince’s Business Emergency Resilience Group (BERG) and Barclays would like to announce that the Barclays Developing Resilience Award is now OPEN FOR ENTRIES!  This award recognises businesses that support SMEs to prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptive events, such as cyber-crime, floods and storms, fire and other business disruptions, which in turn, benefits the community in which they operate. Find out more, click here

DEADLINE 9 February 2018

DEADLINE: 31 January 2017

DEADLINE: 20 June 2018

Millfields Trust - How Do You Get People Engaged?

Thursday 25 January 2018 | 5pm to 6.30pm | Plymouth

Scott Gould is a Plymouth based author and management advisor who has just released his first book, The Shape of Engagement. With endorsements from best-selling authors and leading figures in marketing and advertising. Distilling 8 years of thinking on the subject of engagement, there are 7 easily digestible frameworks that you can put it to work in your own organisation.

To register click here

Starting Post

Tuesday 30 January 2018 | 5pm to 7pm | Plymouth

The Starting Post is Plymouth’s newest business network for the city’s growing start-up community, for people with a new business or those thinking about starting up. It is there to support the start-up community across all sectors.

To register, click here

TEDxPlymouthUniversity - The Spirit of Discovery

Thursday 1 February 2018 | 6.30 to 10pm | Plymouth

TEDx PlymouthUniversity will showcase new, exciting and inspirational ideas that can be found right here in Plymouth.

To register, click here

City College Plymouth - College Open Day

Saturday 3 February 2018 | 10am to 1pm | Plymouth

There’s a lot to think about when deciding what career path you want to take. Whether you are thinking about starting an Apprenticeship, want to find out more about career specific routes or fancy returning to work, our Open Day is a great chance to receive free, impartial advice and guidance about your options and the other support available.

To register, click here

Innovate UK / Prince's Trust - Ideas Mean Business

Thursday 8 February 2018 | Register to get details  |Plymouth

We are running Innovation Live events for 18-30 year olds, who are not in full-time employment, educationor training, or in a form of under-employment. The programme aims to turn your business idea into a reality through 1:1 coaching and mentoring, supportive funding and includes an allowance for living costs.Sign up now to Prince’s Trust Online and attend your local event to be in with a chance of being awarded.

To register, click here

Innovate UK KTN - Quantum Technology for Transport

Thursday 8 February 2018 | 9.30am to 4pm | Oxfordshire

KTN is holding a workshop on the 8th of February at the Williams Formula 1 centre, bringing together transport professionals and quantum scientists and engineers to explore how new quantum capabilities and technologies can benefit the transport sector. Delegates will also have an opportunity to go on a tour of the Williams F1 centre.

To register, click here

City College - Cyber Attack: prevent, defend, identify, fix!

Thursday 8 February 2018 | 4.30pm to 5.45pm | Plymouth

Information security in today's world is not controlled by any one element... you can have the best firewall in the world, but if your door locks are poor or awareness of using business devices on public WiFi is non-existent, then your firewall cannot help you!

To register, click here

Francis Clark - Finance in the South West 2018 (Exeter)

Wednesday 21 February 2018 | 8am to 1pm | Exeter

The morning is designed for you, the business owner/manager, to get a flavour of the funding options open to you, and to provide time for networking, to make introductions and exchange business cards with those funders/support agencies with whom you would like to engage in more detailed discussions.

To register, click here

Writing a Successful Funding Application: Training

Friday 23 February 2018 | 10am to 1pm | Plymouth

Writing a funding application can be tricky, this workshop will help those new to it and those who want to refresh their skills. This half day workshop will help you to do so.

To register, click here

Department for International Trade

27-28 February 2018 | London

The UK’s Department for International Trade presents the Civil Nuclear Showcase 2018.

To register, click here

One Stop Ideas Shop

Tuesday 13 March 2018 | 8am to 12 noon | Plymouth

Got an idea? Want to know how to turn it into a business?

The One Stop Ideas Shop provides a forum for individuals to talk through their inventions/business ideas in a confidential setting, receive face to face guidance to enable to them to understand how to protect them and explore any potential for business opportunity, by experts including PATLIB UK, Plymouth University, NJ Akers & Co Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, Thompson Jenner LLP and Ashfords LLP.

To find out more, click here

Global Business Accelerator Visit to Canada

Monday 19 - Friday 23 March 2018 | Canada

The Enterprise Europe Network, supported by Innovate UK, has opened a Global Business Accelerator Programme including a company visit to Toronto for companies in the Agri-Tech industry. The programme includes a pitch training and briefing event in addition to post-visit support. Delegates will have the opportunity to meet key industry stakeholders, potential commercial and knowledge transfer partners based in the Toronto and Guelph area for 5 days. Application closing date: Friday 26 January 2018

To register, click here

Innovate2succeed - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Thursday 12 April 2018 | 8.30am to 11.30am | Plymouth

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) is one of the most important changes to data privacy in 20 years. It's an act which will affect businesses of all shapes and sizes so make sure you're prepared.

To register, click here

Plymouth Armed Forces Day - Plymouth Hoe

Saturday 30th June 2018 | All Day event

This hugely popular family-fun event promises a packed line-up.We have advertising opportunities within the official event programme, which may be of interest to you. The 32 page, full colour programme is A5 size, with a 20,000 print run, and is also available as a digital guide which will go onto our website click here and is supported by our social media channels and network of partners.

To advertise your business please email sara.tapp@plymouth.gov.uk  

Learn business skills with Prince’s Trust Online

Want to gain the skills you need to set up your own business? Sign up to Prince’s Trust Online, and learn at your own pace with dedicated support along the way. Join Prince’s Trust Online today and, through a mix of videos, articles, and interactive content.

To get signed up click here 

Department for International Trade

This is the central hub for business and networking opportunities. Search for future events and missions; register online and network with fellow delegates.

Find out more, click here

ICO: Preparing for the GDPR - 12 steps to take now

Access the ICO's 12 step plan to ensure your business is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which, despite Brexit, is here to stay.

Find out more, click here

Startup skills made simple

Join other entrepreneurs gaining the skills to start, grow or join a digital business

Find out more, click here

Made Smarter Review

An industry-led review exploring how UK manufacturing can maximise benefits from increasing adoption of digital technology through a strong industry and government partnership.

Find out more, click here

Oceansgate office space

• Size: 13,670sq ft (93sq m to 1,270sq m)
• Rent: Price on application
• Status: Available to rent
• Address: Enterprise Zone, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4SG