 Deal done for biggest sport and health investment in region
A mind-boggling 26 leases and other legal agreements, three key sports teams, numerous sports funding and community organisations – the starting pistol has well and truly been fired on the biggest sport and health investment Plymouth has seen since the opening of the Life Centre.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth Albion RFC, Plymouth City Council and Devonport Community Leisure Limited have now finished the negotiations and deals around parcels of land and buildings in and around the Brickfields site in Devonport.
Babcock to build a further 53 Jackal 3s for the British Army
Babcock, in partnership with Supacat, has been awarded a contract to build an additional 53 High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Jackal 3s for the British Army.
Production will commence on this order in early 2025 at Babcock's Devonport manufacturing facility with delivery of the vehicles expected in early 2026, securing 100 Babcock jobs in the South West.
Tinside refurbishment to kickstart £10 million waterfront regeneration
Work to refurbish and transform Plymouth’s Tinside Lido will get under way next week, following a fun-packed summer.
Tinside is one of three key ‘gateways’ to the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, which aims to help people enjoy being in, on, under and beside the sea.
Congratulations to Cattewater Harbour
Cattewater Harbour have been shortlisted for the British Ports Association SME Port of the Year Award sponsored by SLR Marine Recruitment . The SME Port of the Year award acknowledges smaller ports that have made significant strides in operations and development.
Winners will be announced at the BPA Annual Conference Gala Dinner in October.
City College Plymouth unveils state-of-the-art Engineering & Nuclear Skills building
City College Plymouth has launched its groundbreaking Engineering & Nuclear Skills building, developed in partnership with Babcock International Group, and the National College for Nuclear. This cutting-edge facility further solidifies the College as Plymouth’s anchor institution for skills, leading the way in upskilling the region’s workforce and boosting social mobility through world-class training and education.
Take part in our travel survey
Share how you travel around Plymouth and you could win a £100 shopping voucher!
Complete the survey to help us understand how we move around Plymouth and how it can impact our health and wellbeing.
The survey is open until midnight on 7 October- enter the draw now!
 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.
Digital Supply Chain Hub
The Digital Supply Chain Hub (DSCH) operated by Digital Catapult is designed for professionals in manufacturing and those interested in supply chain innovation and resilience. It provides access to personalised content, training, suppliers, buyers, and experts through a custom dashboard, as well as the ability to connect and message other members on the site.
All members can create a business profile on DSCH at no cost.
Join the Growth Forge revolution
The Tech South West initiative is designed to help tech businesses grow by providing resources, expertise, and a supportive community of tech innovators. On the programme, you'll receive...
- Expert mentoring: Personalised advice from industry experts who can guide you through the complexities of tech entrepreneurship.
- Custom workshops: Tailored to address the specific challenges faced by tech businesses.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with other tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders who can provide insights and opportunities that are crucial for your growth.
- Exclusive resources: Access a wide range of tools and resources essential for scaling your business.
 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).
Connecting Devon and Somerset’s Mobile Boost scheme re-opens
We are pleased to share that Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost scheme has re-opened offering businesses and residents in Somerset and Devon vouchers of up to £1,300 towards technology to improve their indoor mobile coverage and connectivity.
Future Frontiers Fund
The Future Frontiers Fund (FFF) at Cranfield University is enabled by a generous donation from Green Future Investments Ltd (GFIL).
The fund supports the generation of fresh and highly novel ideas, technologies, products and services that address challenges related to tackling climate change, protecting our environment, and delivering a Net Zero future. We are looking to support truly innovative leaps through small grants of approximately £10,000 to test ‘might work’ concepts.
Applications are currently open with a deadline of 11 November 2024
Find a grant
Find a grant is a service that allows you to search government grants.
You can use this service to:
- access government grant funding
- search and filter to find a grant that matches your needs
- find out if you are eligible to apply for a grant
- find out how to apply for a grant
VistaPrint small business grants
Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint are bringing back the Realising the Remarkable programme to help more small businesses thrive.
Twenty businesses will each win a £3,000 grant to boost their enterprises and take the next steps towards growth.
Applications close on 31 October 2024.
UK IPO launches new SME financial support scheme, IP Advance
IP Advance is a tiered funding programme designed to provide the right support to SMEs at the right stage in their innovation journey. It provides targeted advice and support to help businesses better understand their IP, develop an IP strategy, and where appropriate, support to implement that strategy.
 Plymouth and South Devon Freeport - Unlocking growth event
Are you a business looking to grow, innovate, and thrive in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering or net zero tech sectors?
Join this event to explore the opportunities, incentives, and support that the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport can offer to your new and high growth business needs including; tax and customs benefits, skills and training development, and access to a wider innovation ecosystem.
Date: Wednesday 20th November from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Holne Park House (on the River Dart Country Park estate in Ashburton)
Free Sustainability Workshops to Grow Your Business!
Join us for a series of expert-led workshops as part of the Pathway to Net Zero programme, designed to equip Plymouth businesses with the skills and knowledge to thrive while achieving Net Zero goals.
Why Join the Pathway to Net Zero Programme?
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Carbon Accounting: Get expert support from Carbon Sense to track and reduce your carbon footprint.
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Reduce Costs: Learn energy-saving and waste reduction techniques that can lower operating costs.
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Increase Market Appeal: Gain a competitive edge by adopting green practices that attract eco-conscious customers.
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Exclusive Training & Resources: Access 1:1 mentoring, online learning, and interactive workshops with industry experts.
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Sustainability Certifications: Enhance your credentials with recognized certifications that build trust and credibility.
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Zero Cost: The programme is fully funded by Plymouth City Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, providing this invaluable support at no cost to you.
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Make a Difference: By participating, you’ll contribute to a greener future for both your business and the community.
MUKSW Clean Maritime Drop In Session
Essentially a peer to peer coffee morning for those operating in clean maritime. Normally around 30 business, research and government attendees sharing the latest developments and challenges across the board in clean maritime. No set format, just raise your hand and speak, you can show slides, video, whatever you want… just keep it clean.
Date: Monday 28th October 2024
Time: 11:00 – 12:30
Hybrid event for female founders
Microsoft Reactor is hosting an event for female founders on Tuesday 8 October, providing a platform for women entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and investors to engage in discussions about navigating the venture capital landscape.
The event is hyrbid, allowing delegates to join in-person in London or virtually. Speakers include Dama Sathianathan from Bethnal Green Ventures and Juliette Souliman from Portage Ventures, who will share their experiences and advice on securing investment, leading businesses, and making an impact in today's rapidly evolving market.
Revolutionising business support: Micromingles, a game-changing initiative
Micromingles is an innovative business support initiative designed to empower and connect pre-startups, startups, freelancers, and micro-businesses in Plymouth. Developed in collaboration with key partners, including Micronomy, Devon Chamber of Commerce, Diversity Business Incubator (DBI), and Blue Illustrates, it offers an inclusive platform for collaboration, mentorship, and community building.
Date: Wednesday 23rd October
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Location: Cafe Momus
SW Investment Summit | Autumn 2024
Be part of a region-wide investment summit that will highlight an array of funding opportunities in the South West and showcase companies looking to raise capital.
The SW Investment Autumn Summit will bring together over a hundred delegates for a day of learning and insight.
Delivered by Tech South West in partnership with the SW of England Access to Finance Platform.
Investment funds, angel investors, company leaders and others will gather to discuss the investment landscape across the region, including opportunities and challenges in the current economic climate.
Date: Wednesday 23 Oct 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Exeter Science Park, EX5 2FN
Devon Virtual Networking with the Federation of Small Businesses
The FSB friendly virtual networking gives you a chance to network and make new contacts as well as the opportunity to add your details to the chat box. The event host will be Jonathan Keable, FSB Plymouth Leader.
You're sure of a warm welcome whether you're from Plymouth, Devon, or further afield. The event is held on the first Wednesday of each month.
This free FSB virtual networking is open to all businesses - both FSB members and non-members are welcome to attend - so please feel free to share with your networks.
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