According to the latest publication of Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities, a report which measures the performance and characteristics of 50 UK Cities. Plymouth came 5th highest overall, with particularly strong performance in the variables of income distribution, work-life balance and transport.
In addition, Plymouth was also ranked 1st for the most improved city, with the highest overall change in the Good Growth score from last year to the current year. This ranking highlighted the major improvements seen in Plymouth for measures such as jobs and work-life balance.
Plymouth Marine Business Technology Centre is bowing out on top after delivering an impressive set of results that puts Plymouth and South Devon at the forefront of marine innovation.
Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the project focussed on accelerating innovation in specialist areas of advanced marine autonomy, clean propulsion, advanced materials/manufacturing and using digital technology to expand marine knowledge.
The centre is a partnership led by Plymouth City Council with the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter.
This week, Plymouth championed World Ocean Day (8 June) through an ongoing raft of globally-significant initiatives celebrating its unique connection to the sea.
Britain’s Ocean City, famed for its maritime heritage spanning hundreds of years, is at the heart of 21st century work to protect, preserve and promote the precious resources of the sea.
Its strategic position, as the port city for the southwest overlooking Plymouth Sound, is key to its success in the past, present and future – proving the perfect location to attract scientists, residents and visitors to its innovative, world-leading businesses and cultural hubs.
The University of Plymouth has been verified carbon neutral in further recognition of its pioneering efforts in net zero innovation, research and teaching.
The awarding of PAS 2060 verification, an independent and internationally recognised standard for carbon neutrality, acknowledges the University’s ongoing work to reduce the carbon impact of its campuses and operations.
The Food Standards Agency has launched an online hub where food businesses across the UK can find guidance and advice. The hub covers topics such as setting up a food business, hygiene ratings and managing allergens.
The Government has published a consultation on plans to reduce costly and time-consuming regulatory burdens on business. The consultation is seeking views on non-financial reporting requirements and whether company size thresholds remain appropriate. The consultation closes on 16 August 2023.
Thrive has been extended until the end of July. If you're new to the programme or you have attended any of our Thrive workshops, you are entitled to a FREE 3 hour one to one support session with one of our experienced business advisors. (Sorry, but those that have already had 1-2-1 support with Thrive aren't eligible).
Thrive is available to newly trading and existing businesses only. Pre-starts are not eligible.
Are you interested in boosting your digital skills? Fancy learning about Green Construction?
This June, On Course South West will be offering the Skills For Life, Skills Bootcamps!
Skills Bootcamps are available in digital, technical, construction, and green skills.
They give adults aged 19 and over the opportunity to build up sector-specific knowledge.
Not only are they flexible to suit you, they are completely FREE!
Here at the Growth Hub we know that providing the right resources is key to strengthening your competitive edge in today's challenging marketplace. So to ensure that our future digital support workshops are tailored to your needs and expectations, we're inviting you to take part in a brief survey. It's a great opportunity to voice your preferences and help us understand what topics would benefit your business the most.
This 30 second survey will only ask two questions:
- What type of digital support workshops would you like to see more of in the future?
- What geographical area is your business in?
Your answers will guide us in developing highly-relevant workshops and resources, designed to tackle the issues you face and boost your business success.
Written by the Growth Hub, our free digital guides are a valuable resource for small business owners who are seeking to improve their online digital presence and business marketing. We have just launched two new guides:
Small Business Guide to Instagram: Social media platforms like Instagram can be vital tools for your brand's growth and marketing. This guide offers concise help so you can make the most of Instagram, featuring tips on sizing, reels, stories, and more.
Small Business Guide to Facebook: Facebook is a powerful platform to engage with customers, promote products, and build a strong online presence. This guide offers top tips and best practices, including image sizes, tagging people, and other tips for success.
You can also get the 'Business Guide to Social Media', 'Small Business Owners Guide to using Chat GPT for your Marketing‘ and ‘Digital Information Pack‘. Get in Touch today stating which free guides you'd like to receive and do let them know what guides you'd like to see next.
Devon businesses could gain access to £3,000 worth of industry-leading training in Cyber Skills for £300.
BIT Training is offering 24 delegates in the region a route into the UK’s thriving tech sector which employs more than 1.5 million people and brings £149 billion to the economy.
The skills bootcamp starts on 19 June and runs online over 10 weeks.
Other Digital and Technical Skills Bootcamps are also available; more information here.
This month the Heart of the South West LEP has launched its new brand video highlighting some of the organisations and projects we support to drive prosperity, productivity and progress across the region.
Do take a look and see who's featured!
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