 Work on first purpose-built units for Freeport underway
It’s all systems go with work on the first purpose-built commercial units within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport now underway.
The Council is delivering four units which are being built on a plot in Beaumont Way, Langage, one of three Freeport tax sites. These sites are being prioritised for new and high growth businesses that can continue the region’s growth success story in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy sectors.
The units range in size from 750 square metres to just over 2,000 sqm. Inside the units will have workshop/production space, with fully fitted offices at ground and first floor level (with lift access) and welfare facilities, including showers.
Just Enough Brave and Altitude Design achieve B Corp Certification
Social and environmental sustainability are at the heart of Plymouth-based branding agency Just Enough Brave and website development agency Altitude Design. For both companies, it’s more than just a badge or a slogan—it’s a fundamental part of how they operate every day.
This week, both companies proudly announced that they have achieved B Corp certification, a significant milestone that highlights their shared dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices.
B Corp certification is a globally recognised standard for companies that meet the highest benchmarks in social and environmental performance. It is a genuine badge of honour, symbolising the positive impact and values of the organisations that earn it. Just Enough Brave and Altitude Design are also proud to be the first communications businesses headquartered in Plymouth to receive this prestigious certification.
New plans revealed to help small firms and improve access to cash
A package of new measures to support small businesses and deliver growth has been set out by the Government.
The package, announced day includes targeted action to unleash the potential of disabled and female entrepreneurs, and a crackdown on late payments.
The announcements is aimed at providing targeted support to small firms and entrepreneurs right across the UK. With particular emphasis on those firms who usually struggled to get access to finance and support.
A new ‘Fair Payment Code’ is being launched to address the problems with late payments, with research showing that SMEs are on average owed £22,000 a year. It comes on top of an earlier announced consultation which will investigate the scale of the problem and best solutions.
Innovate UK Net Zero Review 2024
Innovate UK launches the Net Zero Review 2024, a look back at the impact their work is having in helping the UK to reach its clean growth targets. The report delves into the net zero portfolio, showcasing different technologies in different regions and different sectors and highlighting the technologies and innovations that are having real impact on our economy and society.
UK opens pre-travel requirement to non-Europeans
The UK government is introducing electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for millions of visitors who pass through the UK border every year, including 6 million from the USA, Canada, and Australia. All eligible non-European visitors can apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
 Business Spotlight: Portakabin Plymouth
Invest Plymouth recently visited Portakabin Plymouth for a catch-up meeting with Tom Humphries and Stacey Graham to find out more about Plymouth Portakabin, as part of our business relationship programme.
 Community Headspace Programme
Join a FREE Community Headspace Programme The Mental Health Community is inviting businesses to join the next FREE Community Headspace Programme, a 12-month initiative designed to help you create a more inclusive workplace with a focus on mental health.
The programme offers practical, flexible support tailored to your team’s needs. Over the year, you’ll benefit from specialist training workshops, 1-on-1 advice sessions, shared learning with peers and expert guidance from professionals with lived experience.
Barclays Eagle Labs Funding closes soon
Since its launch in 2015, Barclays Eagle Labs has supported more than 13,000 businesses.
Barclays Eagle Labs are an entrepreneurial network supporting ambitious startups and scaleups. Their mission is to connect the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through their networks, support and expertise, tailored learning and programmes, to help businesses innovate and grow.
The latest round of funding closes for applications on Friday 3rd January 2025.
9 Steps to Buying a Business
Embarking on the journey of buying a business is an exhilarating venture that promises not only financial rewards but also personal fulfilment.
SWIG Finance, understand the complexities involved in this process and are here to help guide you through the steps. Whether you’re looking to buy a small business or acquire a larger company, the pathway to successful ownership involves careful planning and strategic decision-making.
In this article, Start Up Loans Officer, Suzy Lowe, takes you through 9 key steps to help you prepare for buying a business.
 Building on success, BIT Training opens new seats for 2025 Funded Skills Bootcamp in Project Management
Following the success of BIT Training's funded Project Management Skills Bootcamp in the South West, they are excited to announce six remaining seats for their upcoming online training programme starting 13th January 2025.
This intensive funded 10-week Skills Bootcamp equips individuals in Devon and Cornwall seeking to advance their project management careers. Whether employed, self-employed, or looking for a new job, this programme will give trainees the skills and knowledge to enhance their prospects. Trainees will master the fundamentals, gain practical experience through real-world scenarios, learn from industry guest speakers and earn industry-recognised certifications in Prince2® Foundation and ITIL® 4 Foundation.
Enterprise Nation - Grow your business with essential AI tools for beginners
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way businesses operate, making marketing and customer service more efficient and effective.
This beginner-friendly session will introduce you to powerful free AI tools that can help streamline your business processes.
Topics covered in this session:
- Free AI tools for marketing and customer service
- How to start using AI for your business from scratch
- Practical steps to leverage AI for content creation and social media management
Wednesday 8 January 2025 from 1pm to 2pm | Online
Business Info Point - Using Canva for your Marketing
A hands-on, FREE interactive session, showing you how to use Canva.
During this hands-on, interactive session, you will learn how to use Canva. A user-friendly graphic design tool that makes creating custom graphics easy whether using your phone, desktop, or laptop.
Wednesday 14 January 2025 from 10am to 12pm | Online
Net Zero and Climate Change: Getting Started as Individuals and Enterprises
Gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate these concepts and find out how you can take positive climate action in a FREE three-hour online workshop offered by the University of Plymouth. Net Zero and Climate Change: Getting Started as Individuals and Enterprises guides you through why our climate is changing, what that means for us and our planet, and how we can combat it as individuals and enterprises.
Wednesday 15 January 2025 from 9.30am to 12.30pm | Online
Collaborative R&D: Creative Catalyst
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million for projects that develop new innovative products and tools for the UK creative industry. This funding is part of Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst.
Closes: Wednesday 29 January 2025
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.
Closes: Wednesday 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
 Native Makers
Head over to the Native Makers Market at Ocean Studios Royal William Yard, welcoming local makers from around the South West to be part of their curated market platform.
The markets are about collaboration, expect a variety of talented makers, delicious locally-made treats and artisan coffee, creative activities and family friendly fun!
14-15 December 2024 from 10am to 4pm | Royal William Yard
FSB Cornwall & Devon virtual Christmas networking quiz
FSB’s last virtual networking of the year will be hosted by Ness Gale and you'll have a fun Christmas quiz as well as great networking.
Go on - get your festivities off to a good start and book your place. Christmas hats/jumpers optional!
Open to all - you don't even have to come from Cornwall or Devon!
19 December 2024 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm | Online
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