 Industrial Strategy Update
Plymouth City Council have submitted their thoughts on the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, which will be published in the spring.
We’ve been talking to our partners across the city and want to see more about
marine and marine autonomy, immersive technology and floating offshore wind –
emerging sectors with huge possibilities for Plymouth and the region.
A huge amount has changed since the last strategy published in 2017 and we are keen to make sure some of the funding for growth is directed here, so that we can help Plymouth businesses achieve their full potential.
A Green paper has been published which sets out how the strategy will target and shape growth, with specific objectives on economic resilience and regional growth. Eight growth-driving sectors will be prioritised across services and manufacturing, based on both existing and emerging strengths:
Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Professional and Business Services.
Make UK launches Industrial Strategy Skills Commission
Make UK launches the Industrial Strategy Skills Commission to find a solution to the growing skills deficit in manufacturing and engineering across the country. Make UK has brought together some of the most qualified experts in education, training and industry to diagnose the wide scale problems in the skills system and create an effective talent pathway into manufacturing.
It is this skilled workforce pipeline which will be critical to the success of the new Industrial Strategy to drive growth and digital transformation in manufacturing over the next few years.
Investment enables microscope facility to expand research and industry work
A University of Plymouth facility that offers research and business the opportunity to examine samples and structures in microscopic detail has moved to state-of-the-art new premises.
The Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre has been working from a base on the University’s city centre campus for around three decades. Following a £2.5million investment, it has now moved into larger and more modern premises at the heart of Plymouth Science Park.
The Tech South West Awards 2024 winners have been revealed
The Tech South West Awards 2024 took place on 21 November at Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium.
With over 350 attendees from across the South West tech ecosystem, the event was a bustling showcase of innovation from across the region.
Congratulations to all the finalists in the Tech SW Awards but a big shout out to the Plymouth businesses that secured a place on the finalists list.
Restoring Seagrass in Plymouth Sound
After years of trialling different techniques to restore seagrass meadows, Ocean Conservation Trust and Absolute Product Design Ltd, have developed a purpose-built deployment device for use by commercial divers.
Introducing the innovative device, fondly named HMS OCToPUS! One unit can be used to inject 2,000 seeds in under 20 minutes, in just one dive, by one diver.
 Business Spotlight: pbmedia
Invest Plymouth recently visited pbmedia for a catch-up meeting with Director Paul Burton, as part of our business relationship programme, to learn more about the award-winning digital marketing agency.
 Future Fit Drop-in Session for Employers
Are you a Plymouth employer aiming for sustainability and lower carbon emissions? Plymouth Energy Community offers in-person advice on energy efficiency and related issues like damp and mould. Tailored sessions and free retrofit home visits are available, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero via the South West Net Zero Hub.
Help to Grow programme
The Help to Grow programme kicks off on 8 January 2025. This 12-week course focuses on business leadership and includes 10 mentoring sessions to help you develop a tailored growth plan.
Sessions run on Wednesdays, with five in-person at The Box, Plymouth, and the rest on Zoom. The course is 90% funded, costing just £750.
Request more information by email at helptogrow@exeter.ac.uk or find out more and register below. Sign up deadline is Monday 16 December.
Kick Off in Business - Help to set up a business or become self-employed
Start and promote your own business in just two weeks with the no-jargon approach. Join over 10,000 successful participants and learn from real business owners. Enjoy 3 months of ongoing support, interactive online sessions, and earn two enterprise qualifications.
Net Zero and Climate Change: Getting Started as Individuals and Enterprises
Gain the knowledge and confidence to take positive climate action in a free three-hour online workshop by the University of Plymouth. "Net Zero and Climate Change: Getting Started as Individuals and Enterprises" explains why our climate is changing, its impact, and how we can combat it.
Wednesday 15 January 2025 from 9.30am to 12.30pm | Online
 Enterprise Nation - Lunch and Learn: Transforming your marketing with AI – the easy way
Everywhere we look, AI is a hot topic. In this webinar, Stephanie Alfonso of Constant Contact will dive into easy ways to level up your marketing.
Key takeaways from this session include using AI to create content for email, text and social media; best practices to keep authenticity in your brand, and tools to make your life easier, build your list and help you stand out from the competition
Thursday 5 December from 12pm to 12.30pm | Online
Enterprise Nation - Lunch and Learn: Five video marketing secrets to boost your online presence
In this Lunch and Learn, Jeremy Mason will reveal five powerful video marketing secrets to instantly boost your online presence, helping you stand out and attract more clients – without needing expensive gear or hours of production time.
Key takeaways from this session include learn how to craft compelling video hooks that grab attention and keep viewers engaged from the first second; discover easy, practical ways to produce high-quality videos using just your smartphone – no fancy equipment required, and master the art of a call-to-action that converts viewers into clients, boosting your leads and sales
Monday 9 December from 12pm to 12.30pm | Online
The UK's premier prize for engineering innovation
The MacRobert Award is the UK's longest-running and most prestigious national prize for engineering innovation.
The presentation of the Award recognises outstanding innovation coupled with tangible societal benefit and proven commercial success.
Originally founded by the MacRobert Trust, the Award is now presented and run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with support from the Worshipful Company of Engineers.
Each year the winning team receives a gold medal, widespread publicity and a £50,000 prize.
SWIG Finance Business Loans for the South & West Country
SWIG Finance is an award-winning ethical finance provider that provides flexible loans and support to start-ups and small businesses with growth aspirations.
Do you need to invest in equipment or tech? SWIG Finance have dedicated funds of up to £250k for new and established businesses looking to invest in productivity.
AI solutions to develop AI competencies in key sectors
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million for Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to support AI upskilling in BridgeAI key sectors. This funding is from Innovate UK.
The competition closes on 29 January 2025 at 11am.
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
SWMAS Digital Transformation and AI Workshop
Understand the potential for digital technologies and artificial intelligence in your manufacturing business.
Join this SWMAS fully-funded workshop, to find out how adopting new technologies could transform your business.
There will also be an opportunity to speak with experienced experts to understand how new technologies can be utilised in your business, and a networking lunch to connect with other like-minded businesses.
Wednesday 4 December from 9.30am to 12.30pm | Exeter Science Park, EX5 2FN
FSB Devon Virtual Networking
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 workshop will be hosted by Jonathan Keable, FSB Plymouth Leader.
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.
Wednesday 4 December 2024 from 10am to 11am | Online
Digital Plymouth Meet Up
You are invited to join the Christmas Digital Plymouth Meetup.
The aim of Digital Plymouth is to bring together our diverse and talented community of digital and creative people while enabling us to recognise and celebrate how many of us there are.
Speakers include Claire Oatway, CEO | Executive Coach, Business Strategist at Neon Juno and Lucy Gibbs, UX Lead at Met Office.
There will be some free food provided on a first-come, first served basis.
Thursday 5 December 2024 at 6pm | Market Hall, 86 Duke Street, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 4PS
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