 Plymouth rated top city to live and work in
In a major boost for Plymouth's growing reputation as a vibrant and prosperous city, Good Growth for Cities report by consultancy firm PwC has ranked Plymouth as the best city in Britain for economic performance and quality of life. London, Manchester, and Birmingham were named among the lowest-performing cities in the PwC study.
The annual report assessed cities across 12 criteria, including income, jobs, housing, health, skills, and work-life balance. Plymouth's strong showing in these categories highlights the city's ongoing transformation into a hub of opportunity and well-being for its residents and businesses. The city's focus on sustainable development, strategic investment, and fostering a high quality of life has clearly paid off.
New investment partnership to aid flood risk
Plymouth is set to benefit from significant investments in water management, thanks to a new innovative partnership between Plymouth City Council and Rebalance Earth, a UK-based boutique fund manager focused on aligning finance with nature.
As part of a new memorandum of understanding, Rebalance Earth will collaborate with Ocean City Nature, an arm's length, Council-owned 'habitat bank', to design and ultimately fund investible propositions, through their new innovative nature restoration strategy.
Habitat banks are a form of green finance that ensures that the biodiversity net gain, required by law for large developments, benefits residents and also ensures that natural habitats are looked after and maintained for many years to come.
University shortlisted for two accolades at Times Higher Education Awards
The University of Plymouth has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.
It is in the running for the Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership category, recognising its world-leading research and leadership in offshore renewable energy.
And it has made the shortlist in the Outstanding Estates Team category, following a period of significant investment and transformation right across the University campus.
Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended
Thousands of entrepreneurs and start-ups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes to help them grow the economy and rebuild Britain.
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 and have now been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.
The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
 We recently met with Andy Webb from PTG Workholding and Precision, based at Langage.
They have been manufacturing here in Plymouth for over 30 years and are one of Europe's most respected and leading specialists providing Workholding machining solutions and Sub contract machining.
 Enterprising idea to support Plymouth business
Got a business idea but don’t know how to get it off the ground? Or perhaps you already run a business but could do with extra support? Well, digital help is now at hand.
Plymouth City Council is working with Enterprise Nation to create a Plymouth-focused digital platform that acts as a one stop shop for small businesses or pre-start entrepreneur. It opens a digital door to support services available locally, regionally and nationally, including national campaigns delivered by Enterprise Nation.
Users who sign up to Plymouth Enterprise Hub will be guided through a journey to create their own personalised business support action plan.
Business Finance Week
The British Business Bank is teaming up with various partners nationwide to host Business Finance Week 2024 from September 24th to October 3rd.
Business Finance Week will include a variety of in-person gatherings and online seminars held across different regions of the UK, tailored to businesses at different stages of their financial path.
Health and Wellbeing Trends Guide 2024
Support your employees' physical and mental wellbeing by knowing what health and wellbeing trends are key to tackle in 2024. Our workplace health and wellbeing trends guide details 7 of the key areas of interest this year – and how you can roll these into your health and wellbeing strategy.
Free 1-2-1 Digital Business Support
If you’re a business based in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay, you can get dedicated support and advice from one of the Heart of the South West Growth Hub experienced Digital Business Advisers, Lisa and Peter. Starting with a Digital Business Review, you’ll work together to find digital solutions aligned with your business goals. While they can’t fix your tech glitches they will enable you to effectively navigate the digital world.
 Boost in Tech Talent for Devon and Cornwall
Over 40 skilled IT, Cyber Security, and Project Management professionals are set to join the South West workforce this September, thanks to the Skills for Life Bootcamps by BIT Training in Devon and Cornwall. These intensive 10-12 week courses, led by industry experts, equip graduates with certifications like Prince2, ITIL, and CompTIA, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running.
Digital Leadership for SMEs
Digital Leadership for SMEs is providing training for senior leaders of small and medium enterprises in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay. Hurry to sign up for the remaining training places whilst they are still available.
The training is for senior leaders of SME organisations in the following sectors: Health and Adult Social Care, Manufacturing, Clean Growth (businesses that contribute sustainable and low carbon economic growth).
Free business management course for small businesses
Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new online training course filled with practical advice and resources for small business leaders.
The free short course is an introductory version of the full Help to Grow: Management course to reach even more small businesses.
Essentials is the latest addition to the Help to Grow toolkit supporting UK small businesses to scale up and grow.
Launchpad: marine and maritime in the Great South West – R2 MFA
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £3 million for projects that grow their innovation activities in the marine and maritime cluster in the Great South West. This funding is from Innovate UK.
Closing date: 16 October 2024, 11:59pm
Innovate UK Smart grants
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Competition closes: Wednesday 23 October 2024 11:00am
Cyber Local
£1.3 million is being made available for organisations such as universities, local councils and businesses to provide cyber skills training, and fund organisations developing new innovations in cyber defence across Northern Ireland and England. Delivered by Innovate UK, applications for the scheme is now open and will see grants of up to £150,000 awarded to winning applicants by March 2025.
South West Investment Fund
The South West Investment Fund will deliver a £200 million commitment of new funding to smaller businesses.
The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.
The South West Investment Fund offers a range of commercial finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The new fund covers the entire South West region including Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
 Plymouth Wellbeing Connections 2024
The Wellbeing Team at Livewell Southwest, in partnership with YMCA Plymouth, are proud to bring you “Wellbeing Connections 2024”.
As well as networking, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work with an exhibitor stand.
The event is held on Wednesday 6th November at YMCA Plymouth, between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Tea, coffee and light bites will be available.
Aldermans Opening Their Doors on National Manufacturing Day
Aldermans is throwing open their doors to future makers, showcasing what they do.
Join them on Thursday 26th September 2024 to discover the wonderful world of Manufacturing on National Manufacturing Day.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see what happens in their factory:
- Try out their AR Welding Kit
- Build your own aeroplane
- Learn about the work their apprentices do
- Discover more about engineering career routes
Make UK Meet the Maker: Applied Automation (UK) Ltd
Come join Applied Automation (UK) Ltd on Tuesday 15th October where you can meet the makers behind the scenes! Learn about applied automation technologies and how they are shaping the future. Get a glimpse of the latest tools and gadgets, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for innovation. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to see cutting-edge technology in action!
A unique opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers/suppliers/resellers and network with industry colleagues.
Book your stand for Devon Business Show 2024
The county’s biggest Business Show returns on Wednesday 16 October 2024 with a fresh new format that will promote inclusivity and feature exciting, innovative and interactive displays.
Navigating the Future : Digitalisation of Maritime Sector
In this series of webinars organised by the Enterprise Europe Network in collaboration with the European Digital Innovation Hubs network, get to know the last developments of Maritime sector digital transition and explore collaboration opportunities.
Date Tuesday 24 September 2024
Time: 09:00 - 10:30
Net Zero and Climate Change – Getting Started as Individuals and Enterprises
This 3hr online workshop will explore the concept of net zero and its significance in combating climate change.
Beginning with an overview of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact, we’ll delve into strategies for achieving net-zero emissions considering sectors like energy, transport, buildings and agriculture, where most emissions come from. Through case studies, interactive activities and quizzes, learners will gain insights into how to reduce their carbon footprint, introducing the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The workshop also introduces the carbon handprint concept, a positive forward-looking action that can be taken.
Date: Tuesday 8 October 2024
Time: 9:30 – 12:30
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