 Fourth Plymouth Book of Wonder
At the recent Plymouth Growth Board, we launched the fourth edition of the Plymouth Book of Wonder, combining some of our favourite facts from the previous three editions, alongside some quirky and fascinating facts about Britain’s Ocean City.
 Young Voices Speak Up: Shaping Plymouth's Future Workforce
Are you a Plymouth business looking to attract and retain top young talent? The "Young Voices" video series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from young people (17-30) about their experiences living and working in the city. These short, powerful videos showcase diverse perspectives and offer valuable insights into building a more inclusive and thriving workplace.
Let's discuss how we can create better opportunities to attract, retain and support young workers in Plymouth.
#PlymouthYoungVoices
Powering up the city’s economy
Plymouth will cement its reputation as the powerhouse of the region with an exciting new plan that aims to deliver 8,000 new jobs, 10,000 new homes and 1,000 new businesses.
The new economic strategy delivery plan details an impressive 55 projects – some of which are already in motion– that will turn this ambition into reality.
Projects range in scale from the recently-established Growth Alliance Plymouth – a partnership between the Council, Babcock and the Royal Navy, working with across government departments to capitalise on the Government's £4.4 billion investment in defence at HM Devonport Naval Base, through to initiatives designed to supercharge Plymouth’s already strong marine sector such as creating a maritime autonomous system centre of expertise.
Altilium reaches 50 employee milestone
Devon-based clean technology company Altilium is proud to announce that it has grown to over 50 employees as it continues to expand its EV battery recycling operations, creating new green jobs and attracting international investment to the region.
The latest expansion follows significant inward investment in the company in the first quarter of 2025, including a $2.5m investment from leading global bank Mizuho Bank and a $5m strategic investment from leading Japanese trading and investment group Marubeni Corporation.
Plotting a course for ports' success
Plymouth should continue to build on the current strengths of its four ports to ensure they grow in a highly dynamic and globally competitive sector – that’s the key signal from the city’s first ever port strategy.
The report concludes that the future success of Plymouth’s ports will be defined by its ability to maintain its unique blend of maritime activities, support a diverse range of skills and jobs, celebrate and protect its environment while implementing sustainable changes towards net zero.
Igniting Plymouth's Creative Spark!
Plymouth Culture has unveiled an exhilarating Creative Industries Plan that promises to catapult Plymouth into the spotlight as a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation.
The creative industries are a powerhouse in the UK, outpacing the national economy by expanding twice as fast between 2010 and 2022, and contributing a remarkable 5.7% to the UK's GVA.
The Great South West region, including Plymouth, has been a hotbed for creative job growth, matching the fastest rates in the country from 2019 to 2022. Now, Plymouth stands poised to become the urban epicentre of this regional boom.
Tackling Poverty Together in Plymouth
Poverty impacts everything from life expectancy to job opportunities and rising costs of essentials like food and energy bills are making it worse. We need to work together to take action and break down barriers.
Plymouth City Council's Building Bridges to Opportunity programme aims to capture how current strategies and initiatives are addressing poverty, identify areas of excellence and gaps, and share learning across the city. By co-developing an anti-poverty framework with partners and residents, the council will create evidence-based, locally informed approaches.
Maritime UK Launches Career Toolkits to Inspire the Next Generation
Maritime UK has launched its new Maritime Career Toolkits, designed to support teachers and Maritime Ambassadors in showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the maritime sector. These toolkits will play a key role in raising awareness of maritime careers among young people and equipping educators with high-quality resources to integrate into their lessons.
The Little Box Expression of Interest
The Box are inviting expressions of interest from local businesses, groups and organisations to take over The Little Box as pop-up vendors throughout the year.
The Little Box is a key permanent feature of Tavistock Place, situated outside the main entrance of The Box under a canopy of mature trees. This space is the perfect location for small businesses, community groups and organisations to engage with audiences.
Applications are open from all whether it is food, drink, craft workshops, community engagement, retail or local makers.
Tickets Now Available for Plymouth Boat Fest 2025
The organisers of Plymouth Boat Fest have announced that tickets for the inaugural event are now available.
Taking place on Saturday 21st June at Plymouth Yacht Haven, tickets are FREE for the one-day festival aimed at celebrating Plymouth’s maritime heritage. The day brings together a range of activities for boating enthusiasts, families, and anyone with an interest in life on the water.
 Business Spotlight: Barbican Theatre Plymouth
The Invest Plymouth Team recently sat down with Claire Honey to find out more about all of the amazing cultural and creative opportunities taking place right here in Plymouth.
Income Generation Toolkit
Learn ways how to generate income for your creative practice or organisation in this FREE toolkit! Together with Micronomy, Plymouth Culture have launched a new toolkit that covers diverse approaches for small organisations and freelance creatives to generate income. The toolkit is designed to empower creatives and organisations with strategies to unlock investments and generate income in ways that go beyond traditional fundraising.
Welcome to Ocean Business b2match 2025!
Innovate UK is organising a B2B matchmaking event on Thursday 10th April 2025.
This FREE matchmaking event will give you the opportunity to meet potential business partners during pre-arranged 20 minute meetings and create real business development opportunities with exhibitors but also visitors, active in the maritime sector.
Who is it for?
- Marine engineering
- Maritime defence
- Environmental monitoring and pollution control
- Ports and harbours
- Marine Autonomous Systems
Tech South West Annual Survey 2025
Take the Annual Survey 2025 and be entered to win two FREE tickets to the Tech South West Awards 2025.
All information provided in the survey will remain anonymous. The findings will help to focus on future projects in 2025, and help to continue pushing for greater investment, policy attention and talent initiatives in the South West ecosystem.
Unlock Your Potential With Supported Internships
Discover how Supported Internships can drive innovation, enhance workplace diversity, and benefit your bottom line.
Supported Internships are structured, work based learning programs designed for young people aged 16-24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These internships combine real-world experience with personalised support to help interns develop valuable skills while contributing to your business.
Supported Internships are a win-win for businesses and the community. By participating, you’re not only helping young people achieve their potential but also driving innovation and growth in your industry.
Next Generation Professional and Financial Services
Helping the professional and financial service sectors to develop and use digital technologies.
Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) are investing £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme.
This programme helps professional service sectors, including accounting and law, and the financial service sectors, including insurance, lending, advisory and payment services, develop and use digital technologies.
 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 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.
No prior knowledge s required, so whether you are a student, professional, policymaker, or simply someone who wants to find out more about why we need to reach net zero carbon emissions, you can register for free.
Date: 10 April 2025 (Online)
Time: 14:00
Enterprise Nation – Lunch and Learn: Financial Planning Workshop
Whether you are a sole trader or a company director, preparing for your business year-end doesn't have to be stressful.
In this FREE Lunch and Learn, Nathan Pretty will provide some key pointers so that you can make the process smoother and avoid unexpected tax bills. He will show you five tips so that you are confident and ready for your accountant to work on your accounts and taxes.
Key takeaways from this session:
- Make staying on top of your finances easier
- Plan for making your tax payments
- Benefits of keeping your records up to date
Date: 28 March 2025
Time: 12:00 – 12:30
Chamber Finance Finder
A free online platform that matches businesses with funding solutions, including loans, equity, and grants. Offers innovative products like VAT loans and invoice finance.
Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6: Pre-deployment trials
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £30 million for innovative clean maritime technologies. This funding is from the Department for Transport.
- Competition closes: Wednesday 16 April 2025 11:00am
Free resources to fuel your business growth
Access to Finance is a free community for growing businesses in the South West of England.
Get involved to stay up to date with funding news and opportunities, gain an understanding of the different types of finance available and how to access them, and build a network of contacts to help your business thrive.
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
Climate Mingle
Join Climate Connections to talk all things climate in Plymouth, from sharing top tips and best practice to the challenges we face. Plus plenty of opportunity to network and mingle with Plymouth's growing climate community all taking action to cut carbon emissions today!
Date: 27 March 2025
Time: 18:00
Location: The Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB
Creative Conversations
Come and join a conversation about 'What are we going to do about culture in Plymouth?'
Join Plymouth Culture for Creative Conversations - an event that will prompt a conversation by posing the question 'What are we going to do about culture?'. This question is timely and pertinent creating the time and space to be able to delve into this with stakeholders from all sectors. Expect engaging conversations, creative problem solving, and meeting likeminded individuals.
Date: 27 March 2025
Time: 09:30 – 16:45
Location: Market Hall, Duke Street, Devonport, PL1 4PS
Business Fest South West 2025
Join Business Fest South West on 2nd April 2025 at Westpoint Arena, Exeter! This event is set to attract 2,000+ visitors from across the South West, including SME business owners, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, and self-employed professionals from a wide range of industries. Business Fest South West 2025 is your chance to engage with some of the UK’s most innovative companies as they showcase their latest products and services. Whether you’re looking to generate leads, expand your professional network, or gain valuable insights, this event offers something for everyone. Book your FREE ticket:
Date: 2 April 2025
Time: 09:30 – 17:00
Location: Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Enterprise Nation – Lunch and Learn: Online Small Business Meet Up – Devon and Cornwall
Are you an existing or budding small business owner? Want to grow your network in a friendly, relaxed, and supportive environment?
Enterprise Nation’s monthly online meet-ups bring together founders from all sectors to share ideas, learn new skills, solve challenges and inspire one another.
Running a small business needn’t be lonely. Register now for your next local meet-up.
Date: 3 April 2025 (Online)
Time: 11:30 -12:30
Micromingles
Micromingles are designed for entrepreneurs, pre-startups, startups, freelancers, and micro-businesses. A place and space that has been designed by Micronomy, Devon Chamber of Commerce, Diversity Business Incubator, and Blue Illustrates. It offers a unique springboard that connects and supports our entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses in Plymouth.
There will be opportunities to share your journeys, as an open mic of cheers and challenges intertwine, setting the stage for real, authentic conversations. We will have a Knowledge Junction where industry, including our partners, extend a helping hand tailored to your business's unique needs - offering free instant value.
Date: 3rd April 2025
Location: Cafe Momus, Mannor Street, Plymouth
Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm
Growth Forge MarineTech Webinar hosted by MUKSW in collaboration with PASD Freeport
Growth Forge MarineTech is a marine-focused acceleration programme delivered by Tech South West in association with Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, funded by UK Government via the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme.
Designed specifically for South West marine tech businesses, the specialist track will provide ambitious scale ups in the sector with the support they need to accelerate their growth plans. Founders on the programme gain 1-1 mentoring and guidance to help you tackle your growth challenges. You’ll meet investors with a remit and interest in investable marine opportunities and be part of a dedicated peer group.
The Marine Tech accelerator will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, connecting fast growing marine tech businesses with industry experts, investors, and invaluable resources. With the marine sector as one of PASD Freeport’s focus sectors (alongside defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean tech) this pilot initiative aligns with the Freeport’s mission of supporting sustainable growth and innovation in the region.
This information webinar is being hosted by MUKSW in collaboration with PASD Freeport
Date: 3 April 2025 (Online)
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
LifeIn AI: Explore, Experience & Understand the Future of AI
A free one-day event with workshops, talks, and demonstrations on AI. This event is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the future of technology, its impact on your business and how it can drive growth
Date: 9 April 2025
Time: 10am
Location: Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4PS
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