Latest Business news and updates for Plymouth businesses

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Plymouth business news

12 August 2021


Please find below an overview of the latest business advice and guidance. In today's newsletter you will find news and updates including:

  • Help us spread the word about The Hatchling!
  • New campaign supporting Plymouth’s tourism, retail and hospitality sector
  • Sponsorship opportunities available at British Firework Championships
  • The Box shortlisted in Michelmores Law Property Awards
  • Exciting new vision for city leisure facilities
  • New Harbour Master at the helm in Sutton Harbour
  • Start your legal career with Nash & Co Solicitors
  • Outset Enterprise Coaching
  • Latest news from iMayflower
  • Latest news from Oceansgate
  • Virtual events/webinars
  • Funding streams/competitions

If you have any specific concerns or are in need of support, please contact us.


The Hatchling

Help spread the word about The Hatchling


Staff at The Terrace

New campaign supporting Plymouth’s tourism, retail and hospitality sector

A new campaign is working to address the recruitment challenge currently facing tourism, retail and hospitality businesses in Plymouth.

Destination Plymouth’s new ‘Geddon in Tourism’ campaign showcases the wide range of opportunities within the sector. It features a number of familiar faces from businesses across the city, including chefs Mitch Tonks and Chris Tanner, sharing how they got started in the business, became successful celebrities and the skills that they have developed.

With businesses struggling to recruit staff and facing an increase in demand now the summer season is underway, there’s high demand for people to fill vacancies across the sector. A huge variety of roles are available, from chefs to customer service staff as well as wider support roles including marketing, security, operations and finance.

Find out more here


British Firework Championships

Sponsorship opportunities available at British Firework Championships

The world famous British Firework Championships is set to return to Plymouth's waterfront next week, on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August 2021. 

Spectacular pyrotechnics will illuminate Plymouth Sound as six top firework companies battle it out over two nights, each putting on an awe-inspiring ten minute display in an attempt to be crowned the winner.

The big screen above the stage will be on site with on screen advertising available, and if you're looking for some high profile visibility opportunities we'd love to chat about potential sponsorship packages. 

If you're interested or would like to chat through what's available, please get in touch.

Find out more about the event


The Box

The Box shortlisted in Michelmores Law Property Awards

Congratulations to The Box as as the project has been shortlisted in a number of categories by the Michelmores Law Property Awards!

With over 70 nominations across 10 categories, their nine judges reviewed each application in detail at a virtual judging day in July. 

The Property Awards are now in their 19th year and continue to celebrate the very best construction and real estate projects taking place in the South West - from the most prestigious and exciting, to the truly innovative and daring. The Awards also play their part in raising awareness for the sector, and the skills and expertise of those who work within it. 

The Box has been shortlisted in: Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year, Heritage Project of the Year and Building of the Year.

Find out more here


Life Centre

Exciting new vision for city leisure facilities

Plymouth City Council is set to consider major changes to the way its leisure facilities are managed when its contract with operator SLM (Everyone Active) expires next year.

A report being discussed by Cabinet members next week recommends that when the contract ends in March, the operation of Brickfields Sports Centre, Mount Wise Pools, Plympton Swimming Pool, Plymouth Life Centre and Tinside Lido be transferred to a new local authority trading company (LATC), set-up and owned by the Council.

Most importantly, the report says the company would be best placed to run facilities in a way that will meet the Council’s new strategic priorities for the city and the physical activity needs of its communities.

These are reflected in a number of objectives outlined in the Plymouth Plan 2014 to 2034 and Active Devon’s ‘Towards an Active Plymouth’ report, which includes an aim for Plymouth to be the most active coastal city in England by 2034.

As well as tackling health inequality in the city and supporting its most vulnerable residents, the Council is committed to making the most of Plymouth’s natural environment and the role it can play in helping people to stay active and well. The future use of Tinside Lido and Mount Wise Pools, for example, is an integral element of the National Marine Park vision for the waterfront.

Under the new leisure management proposals, separate business cases would also be developed for much-needed capital investment in improvements at Plympton Swimming Pool and upgraded facilities at Brickfields, including a review of its green spaces.

Find out more here


Sutton Harbour master

New Harbour Master at the helm in Sutton Harbour

A new Harbour Master has been appointed to manage Sutton Harbour in the heart of Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.

Mark Veale, a former Royal Navy officer and Warfare Specialist and previously Assistant Harbour Master in Looe, will replace well-known Plymouth figure Pete Bromley as Harbour Master of Sutton Harbour, joining Sutton Harbour Group this summer ahead of Pete’s impending retirement at the end of 2021 after 27 years of service.

Sutton Harbour is the historic heart of Plymouth, and home to both Plymouth Fisheries, one of the largest fresh fish markets in England and a fisheries hub for the South West region, and Sutton Harbour Marina, a luxury 5 Gold Anchor rated marina offering 420 leisure berths.

Find out more here


Nash & Co Solicitors

Start your legal career with Nash & Co Solicitors

Check out the new fantastic video by Nash& Co Solicitors, showcasing the best of our city!

Plymouth can not only offer you the quality of work, but the lifestyle that you've always wanted.

Watch the video here

Nash & Co are currently recruiting lawyers to join their team, find out more: https://nash.co.uk/careers/


iMayflower

Latest news from iMayflower

Plymouth is a creative city with a proud track record and growing international reputation for creative digital and immersive tech. We have come together through iMayflower to ensure that Plymouth makes the most of this platform for the benefit of current and future generations living, studying and working here. 

Their July digest includes:

  • Cultural experiences: Market Hall opening; Film Plymouth; SailGP and Marine Tech Expo capitalising digital and creative tech
  • Business Support and Mentoring: Marine-focused Startup Weekend announced; Ideate opens doors for Seadream Education CIC; Crowdfunder offering free course and cash bonus
  • Innovation and Sustainability: Community Meet-Ups with Smart Citizens; Inform Plymouth’s Immersive Future
  • Strengthening Local Talent: Innovative Placements Scheme; Real Ideas’ Digital Badges; Smart Citizens Programme.

Read the full digest here

To receive regular updates about the iMayflower project sign up here.


Oceansgate

Latest news from Oceansgate

Oceansgate brings together marine-based businesses to create a world-class hub for marine industries, with opportunities for research, innovation and production in a collaborative environment.

Check out their latest newsletter which includes:

  • Marine Tech Expo filmed at Oceansgate
  • Virtual tour
  • About Oceansgate's tenant: Jet Engineering Solutions
  • The Smart Experimental Array at the Marine Biological Association
  • CIOB Construction Manager of the Year Awards 2021
  • Tech South West – New Marine Award
  • Success at VIP SailGP / MBTC event at The Market Hall
  • Next Meet the Expert event

Find out more and subscribe here


Outset

Outset Enterprise Coaching

Are you based in Plymouth and thinking about starting a business or have recently started trading? 

Email enterprisecoaching@outset.org to see how they can help with their free, fully funded support.  

Read the latest newsletter from Outset

"At Outset Enterprise Coaching, we're still working hard to support all of our clients through online sessions, workshops and reviews, and as things start to open up again, we plan to slowly re-introduce more face-to-face activity too, including attending (and hosting!) events."

As part of the Outset programme, fully funded support is available to all Plymouth residents. 

  • Training workshops delivered via Zoom: designed to help attendees polish up on finance, marketing and business skills. Now, more than ever businesses need to stand out from the crowd and get a firm grip on their planning. View the programme here 
  • Mentoring: regular one to ones with an advisor for advice, guidance or just a sounding board.
  • Outset Online: interactive e-learning platform which takes clients through the stages of setting up a business - available at any time to provide a flexible approach to suit them.

Read the latest Outset newsletter here


Events

For further information on the latest events, visit Invest Plymouth's event page.

If you have a Plymouth event you'd like promoted, you can submit your own events here

Plymouth Materials Characterisation Network (PMCP) Launch

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre/University of Plymouth | 24 August

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) at the University of Plymouth has secured EU funding to provide free access to small and medium enterprises within Devon and across the UK until June 2023, and reduced-cost access for large enterprises too.

This free online event will showcase some of their successful partnerships from PMCP, with sponsor talks from JEOL & Oxford Instruments, and partner talks from Language Farm, Pollenize & Plessey Semi-Conductors.

Find out more here

 

Costing, Pricing & Breakeven

Outset | 31 August

If the thought of tackling your business finances has you running for the hills, then this workshop is what you need! Work through the fundamentals of finance, from understanding terminology, to getting to grips with your costs and knowing how to go about setting your prices.

Find out more here

 

Instagram for Business Webinar

Outset | 1 September

Boost your online profile and learn how to use Instagram to engage with customers and grow your business

Find out more here

 

Accelerating Women's Enterprise (AWE) programme from Outset CIC

View their full workshop programme, or some highlighted events below:

Business Start-Up Course 

AWE | 25 August

This fully funded workshop series, delivered over two days, is designed to give your clients a solid foundation when planning to start and develop a successful business. Tailored for women, it will help them to identify both the potential barriers and benefits to starting a business.

Find out more here

 

Costing, pricing & the break even point

AWE | 31 August

Within this workshop, AWE will explore the key elements of costing, pricing and the breakeven point and its application within business.

Find out more here

 

Instagram for Business workshop

AWE | 1 September 

Clients can boost their online profile and learn how to engage with customers & grow their business with this popular social media channel. 

Find out more here

 

Let's take your business into orbit

AWE | 6, 7 & 8 September

Marketing is not rocket science, but once they know your basics, your clients will be able to take their business into orbit! This bootcamp is being run by Dr Liz Ratcliffe who will provide your clients with all her top tips and ideas for getting their marketing strategy right and the tools that will work for their business.

Find out more here


Grants/Funding opportunities

Avery Power Up Business Boost Competition

A national competition is offering a package of grants and consultancy to an up and coming or established small business in the UK which requires support and guidance to reach the next phase of its development.

The competition is open to small businesses and entrepreneurs set up and actively trading in the UK and with an annual turnover not exceeding £500,000.

The deadline for entries is 15 August 2021.

Find out more here

 

IUK Launches Analysis for Innovators (A4I) Round 6

Analysis for Innovators (A4I) is a different type of programme from regular Innovate UK (IUK) grant funding competitions. It is focused on helping individual companies solve complex, long running technical problems affecting existing processes, products or services.

Applications are accepted until 18 August 2021.

Find out more here

 

Geovation Accelerator for Tech Innovators Opens for Autumn 2021 Intake

The aim of the Geovation Accelerator Programme is to help UK-based start-up entrepreneurs develop and launch innovative new prototype ideas that relate to location information or technology.

There are two strands:

  • The PropTech Programme supports innovative technology businesses to revolutionise the property industry using property and geospatial data.
  • The GeoTech Programme is an open call for any tech company creating location-based products and services.

A grant of £20,000 for 12 months is available, along with workshops, masterclasses and up to 1,000 hours of software engineering resource in exchange for share options.

Applications for the autumn intake, which starts on 14 October 2021, are now open. The deadline to apply is Monday 30 August 2021.

Find out more here

 

IUK Launches Global Cooperation Feasibility Studies Competition

Innovate UK (IUK) has launched the Global Cooperation Feasibility Studies Competition to increase the international engagement of innovative UK registered small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to help businesses looking to establish or strengthen international research and innovation partnerships and networks, and aid them to grow and scale up.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 3 September 2021.

Find out more here

 

IUK Announces Transforming Foundation Industry Small Scale R&D Competition - Strand 1 & 2

The aim of this competition is to improve the competitiveness of the Foundation Industry sector (cement, paper, glass, ceramics, metals and bulk chemicals) by helping it to become more environmentally sustainable. Supported projects should address the resource productivity or energy performance opportunities of the sector and its supply chains.

The competition is split into two strands with an overall budget of £1.5 million to fund innovation projects across both strands.

  • For Strand 1, each project’s total eligible costs must be between £25,000 and £75,000.
  • For Strand 2, each project’s total eligible costs must be between £75,000 and £250,000.

The competition opens on 16 August 2021 with a deadline for applications of 29 September 2021.

Find out more on Strand 1     Find out more on Strand 2

 

Developing Automotive Technologies and Growing Capability - Launch of IUK’s APC 19 Competition

The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) provides funding, support and insight in developing automotive technologies. It aims to support the UK’s transition towards net zero product manufacturing and supply chain in the UK automotive sector.

In this competition APC is investing up to £25 million. A project’s total eligible costs must be between £5 million and £40 million and be a minimum of 50% match funded, with a suggested maximum number of six partners.

The deadline for applications is 6 October 2021.

Find out more here

 

IUK Announces Women in Innovation Awards 2021-22

The 2021-22 Women in Innovation Awards aim to fund and support women with innovative ideas and ambitious plans that will inspire others. Applicants must be confident, with the support of an award, that they can make a significant contribution to a pressing societal, environmental and/or economic challenge through projects across a variety of innovation areas.

Applications will be accepted from 23 August 2021 until 6 October 2021.

Find out more here

 

IUK Announces New Round of Smart Grants for Disruptive R&D

The Innovate UK (IUK) Smart Grants provide an opportunity for businesses and research and technology organisations to apply for a grants to deliver ambitious or disruptive R&D innovations with significant potential for impact on the UK economy.

The competition provides funding for innovation research and development (R&D) from feasibility (including market research), through to experimental development stages up to (but not including) commercialisation.

The competition opens on 26 August 2021 and closes on 6 October 2021.

Find out more here


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InvestPlymouth

Keep up to date with news and advice on our COVID-19 business support page 


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