 City College Plymouth and Princess Yachts Forge Landmark Training Partnership
The city’s anchor institution for skills, City College Plymouth, has signed a major agreement with Princess Yachts to boost skills development and employment opportunities in the marine industry.
Formalising the partnership that City College and Princess Yachts has maintained over the years, the College delivers tailored Apprenticeships and adult training programmes, designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers at one of Plymouth’s largest employers and a world leader in luxury yacht manufacturing.
In development of the collaboration, the College will provide high-quality training aligned with industry standards, ensuring that students graduate with the expertise sought by employers. In return, Princess Yachts has committed to supporting students through clear career pathways, with the expectation that successful graduates will move into employment with the company.
 Plymouth to Host the first dedicated large-scale AI event "LifeIn AI"
Plymouth is set to become a hub of AI innovation with the launch of "LifeIn AI", kicking off with a groundbreaking one-day event dedicated to showcasing the region's AI capabilities.
Organised by Plymouth creative agency Brand Biscuit Studio and local journalist Matt Fleming, "LifeIn AI" will take place on Wednesday 9th April 9th 2025 at the Market Hall in Devonport.
 Are you joining the Big Plymouth Travel Challenge?
Get those comfy shoes and bikes out – the Big Plymouth Travel Challenge starts on Saturday 1 March.
Plymouth City Council and Sustrans are challenging people to leave the car at home for more of their everyday journeys next month and try cleaner, greener, healthier ways of getting from A to B.
The challenge encourages people to choose active travel options like walking, cycling, scooting or skating as a way of staying fit and healthy, saving money and helping to improve local air quality.
Thousands of small businesses to benefit from new government buying rules, boosting local jobs, growth and innovation
Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation.
Measures announced by the Government will speed up and simplify procurement processes in the public sector, where £400 billion is spent each year on essential goods and services - driving growth and improving the lives of working people.
The changes outlined includes proposals for a major shake-up of spending rules, with local councils able to reserve contracts for small businesses to maximise spend within their area and help boost local economies.
Units available to let at Langage Business Park
The new units at Beaumont Way are due for completion in Autumn 2025.
Beaumont Way is part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and is situated within the Freeport’s largest tax site at Langage.
Made in the UK Sold to the World Awards 2025
The Department for Business and Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards are now open.
The UK invents, creates, develops, makes and engineers amazing products and services that are sold to the world. These awards recognise and celebrate the exporting success of small UK businesses.
Will your business join them as a 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards winner?
Award entries close: 9 March 2025
Introducing the AI Playbook
The UK government has published its AI Playbook, a practical guide for civil servants and technical teams to responsibly develop, buy, and implement AI to improve public services. With AI already helping to predict weather patterns, streamline MOT inspections, and supporting apprentices at risk of dropping out, the Playbook sets out 10 key principles to ensure AI is used transparently, effectively, and in the public interest. Some key takeaways: AI should be used where it adds real value—not just for the sake of it. Human oversight is essential to ensure AI supports, not replaces, decision-making. Public sector teams should collaborate openly, sharing learnings and best practices.
This guidance builds on the AI Opportunities Action Plan, reinforcing the UK’s ambition to lead in AI innovation while improving efficiency across government.
Promote your business at Plymouth Armed Forces Day
Be part of Plymouth’s exciting Armed Forces Day, as it returns to Plymouth Hoe on Saturday 28 June 2025. Each year Plymouth shows its support to the Armed Forces and celebrates their outstanding contribution to the city and UK.
Plymouth Armed Forces Day is one of the city’s signature events, and last year saw approximately 45,000 visitors throughout the day, and is one of the country’s largest Armed Forces Day celebrations outside of the National Event.
This is a great event to showcase your business to visitors, local residents, service personnel, veterans and military families. We have many pitch and advertising opportunities available, including the LED big screen and official website, with prices starting from £100.
 Business Spotlight: Plan B
The Invest Plymouth Team recently sat down with James Holmes, Production Director at Project Plan B, an innovative Plymouth-based company leading the way in sustainable workwear and uniform solutions.
Be Your own Boss this year
Is 2025 the year you become your own boss? Her Vision, Her Venture is Business Information Point’s (BIP) latest business support programme, designed to inspire and motivate new female entrepreneurs in Devon and Cornwall to do just this! Funded by NatWest, this programme will give you access to remote, one-to-one support with an experienced business mentor who will guide you in exploring business ideas and opportunities.
Your dedicated, local advisor will:
- Work with you to explore how your skills, talents and experience can be developed into a business
- Help keep you motivated and build confidence through your journey
- Guide you through the steps to go from an idea to a viable business, and help you avoid common mistakes when starting out
- Mentor you through any questions or issues you may have to help you develop your idea and get your business off the ground.
So don't wait, make this the year you finally make your business dreams a reality.
Innovate UK Capsules of AI Knowledge video series
The Capsules of AI Knowledge are a series of short video insights produced to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate the often complex and confusing journey to successful AI adoption.
Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your approach, these videos are your starting point to confidently navigate the world of AI adoption.
Bespoke AI and Data Science Advice for SMEs
Get personalised AI advice for your small to medium-sized business from The Alan Turing Institute’s team of independent scientific advisors.
Get personalised AI advice for your small to medium-sized business from The Alan Turing Institute. A team of independent scientific advisors, in collaboration with the Innovate UK BridgeAI programmes strategic partners, are here to guide you in overcoming complex challenges and barriers in AI adoption.
Collaborate directly with scientific advisors, including top experts from The Alan Turing Institute. They’re prepared to work alongside you, offering practical solutions to intricate AI problems and complex business dilemmas.
Ready to transform your business? Express your interest today and embark on your journey towards AI-powered success.
From Zero to AI: Introducing Generative AI for Everyday Business Tasks
The Growth Hub invites you to this free event, tailored for business owners in Devon inc Plymouth and Torbay. (Businesses from Somerset can also attend)
Join this FREE workshop, delivered by Scott Quilter from Techosaurus and Lisa Lessware, Growth Hub's Digital Business Adviser.
This hands-on workshop will demonstrate practical AI applications that you can start using straight away—no tech expertise required!
By attending this interactive session, you’ll learn:
- How Artificial Intelligence can support HR, Sales, Marketing, and Finance functions.
- How it can help you streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and give your small business a competitive edge
- Ways to create engaging social media posts, re-engage clients, and even build robust pricing strategies using AI tools.
- Practical strategies for integrating AI into your daily business operations to save time and boost results.
Date: 20th March 2025
Time: 09:20 – 13:00 (Registration & networking from 9:30am, workshop starts 10am. Teas, coffee & light refreshments provided)
This event is exclusively for small & medium sized businesses (SME's), Micros, and Sole Traders in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay.
 FINAL FREE workshops for Plymouth based businesses
In today’s ever-evolving landscape, embracing digital transformation is essential to the success and sustainability of your business. Book now on to the last remaining workshops whilst you can. The Pathway to Digital programme equips Plymouth-based businesses with the essential digital tools and confidence needed to thrive. And, because it’s fully funded by Plymouth City Council, it’s absolutely FREE.
Leveraging AI for Small Business Success
This session will introduce you to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can transform your small business.
Date: 26 February 2025 (Online)
Time: 9:30am-11.30am
Using Digital Tools to improve your Business
Learn how digital technology can make your business run more smoothly and efficiently using digital tools to improve your business.
Date: 5 March 2025 (Online)
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Microsoft Digital Skills Compass
Take a FREE 10-minute skills check. Get a clear path to better tech skills.
Are Your Skills Ready for a Tech-Driven World?
The Digital Skills Compass is your personalized guide to understanding and improving your technology skills at home, school, or work.
Free, Personalised, and Private
- It takes only 10 minutes to answer 20 easy questions about using computers, mobile devices, apps, or the internet.
- You do not need to provide personal information.
Get Your Action Plan
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See and Improve: See how your skills compare with others. Based on the Digital Skills Compass™ from AI4SP.org.
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Smart Tips: Get simple tips and free resources to improve.
King's Trust Enterprise Programme
If you are aged 18 to 30 and want to start your own business, you may be able to get support from the King’s Trust. The Enterprise Programme offers expert business advice including workshops, 1-to-1 support and mentoring as well as opportunities to apply for funding to help start your business.
The programme provides support through three business stages: business planning; business launch; and business advance. The funding opportunities are a £500 grant to test your business idea during the planning stage followed by a start-up grant (up to £5,000) and start-up loan (up to £25,000) during the business launch or advance stage.
You must be aged between 18 and 30, have a business idea, want to start your business within the next 12 months, and be prepared to commit time to workshops, one-to-one meetings and independent work
R&D Solutions Fund
Businesses can apply for an award of up to £20,000 to support collaborative research and development. The R&D Solutions Fund is offered by the Enterprise Solutions Team at the University of Plymouth and is available to any business interested in working collaboratively on an R&D initiative.
The fund is for early-stage research, feasibility studies or project implementation and can provide access to specialist technical support, facilities and equipment. The funds can be used to cover academic, and/or business partners’ research time.
The deadline is 17th March. Anyone interested in applying will need to register their interest via email.
British Film Institute Short Film Fund
Film producers! Bring your creative vision to life with the BFI NETWORK England Short Film Fund. Secure funding from £5k to £25k for live-action, animation, VR/XR fiction shorts up to 15 minutes.
Applications close: 25 March 2025
Electric vehicle infrastructure grant for staff and fleets
The grant provides small and medium-sized businesses money off the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints and supporting infrastructure for their staff and fleet vehicles.
Closing date: 31 March 2025
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
 Get ready to Dazzle! Devonport’s Festival of Light, Creativity and Heritage
This spring, Plymouth’s Devonport will come alive with a unique free-to-access festival that will take families, residents and visitors on a captivating journey through 200 years of local history.
Building on experience delivering Illuminate and a significant £246,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Real Ideas is bringing an area of Devonport to life between the 27th of February to 2nd of March 2025 with the Dazzle event; a festival of light.
It is the culmination of a series of projects marking the bicentennial of the area’s renaming and honouring its incredible transformation over the centuries.
MUKSW Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition Briefing
This event will provide a briefing on the £30M Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition round 6 plus a whole day of case studies, research and business support. Sign up now as places are limited.
The event will be from 10am to 3pm followed by networking drinks. There will be no dial in option. The idea here is to allow businesses to network and form consortia for SW bids.
Date: Weds 26th Feb
Time: 09:50 – 15:00
Venue: Marine Station, Plymouth, Artillery Pl, Plymouth PL4 0LU
Tech South West Blue and Green Webinar
Companies working in the green and blue tech space are invited to an exclusive webinar, to learn how Growth Forge can help them to grow and scale in 2025. Delivered with support from key partners including Microsoft, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, Program, Bishop Fleming and Future Space, Growth Forge allows founders to tap into 1-1 growth guidance and expertise from across the green and blue ecosystem. The growth programme introduces new tracks in 2025 for companies with a marinetech and cleantech focus.
Date: 25 February 2025 (online)
Time: 09:30 – 10:30
Lead with Confidence in 2025: Resilience and AI Strategies for Leaders
The future is moving fast—are you ready to lead with confidence?
Join this interactive online workshop to explore the biggest changes reshaping leadership in 2025, from AI disruption to building resilience in uncertain times.
This workshop is designed to empower leaders with the clarity and confidence to thrive in today’s fast-moving world of disruption and opportunity.
Date: 26 February 2025 (online)
Time: 12:00
Virtual Devon Chamber Connect
This FREE online event where you can connect with like-minded professionals from anywhere, while also learning more about the valuable benefits of Chamber membership. Each session will spotlight one specific benefit, and in this session, they be diving into Swoop, the online Finance Finder for all your funding needs. There will be time for your to introduce your services to other business owners and make new connections all from the comfort of your own desk, sofa or garden.
Date: 5th March 2025 (Online)
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
FSB Devon Virtual Networking
This friendly networking gives you a chance to network and make new contacts as well as the opportunity to add your details to the chat box. As usual, the host will be Jonathan Keable, FSB Volunteer from Plymouth.
This FREE FSB virtual networking is open to all businesses.
Date: 5th March 2025 (Online)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Digital Plymouth March Meetup
Join the first Digital Plymouth Meetup of the year! There will be an exciting lineup of speakers which will be revealed soon. In the meantime, register now to save your spot and add it to your calendar
Date: 6th March 2025
Time: 18:00 (Free food—first come, first served!)
Location: Market Hall, Devonport
LinkedIn Local- Plymouth
University of Plymouth’s annual LinkedIn Local event is back!
Reconnect with old friends and make new acquaintances where connecting with people is more important than looking for leads or doing business.
Date: 20th March 2025
Time: 17:30 – 19:30
Location: Babbage Building, Babbage Cafe Level 2 Plymouth PL4 6EQ
Cyber in Society - an ESG exploration
This event will bring together industry experts, government representatives, and business leaders to discuss how organisations can strengthen their cyber credentials while contributing positively to society.
Topics will include digital safety in business, regulatory compliance, and the role of emerging technologies such as large language models (such as ChatGPT and Claude) in shaping our digital future.
The conference will be held in partnership with the University of Exeter’s cyber security department and will precede BSides Exeter, creating a powerful cybersecurity focus in the region.
Date: 25 April 2025 (Streamed online via Linkedin)
Time: 9:30 – 16:00
Location: The Forum, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QJ
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