 Unlocking Plymouth’s Potential: A City Prepared for Growth
Plymouth stands on the cusp of a transformation—one that matches the scale of the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. As a city with global strategic significance and deep historical roots, we are preparing for a new chapter defined by inclusive growth, innovation, and national importance.
Over the next decade, Plymouth will experience a surge of investment and development driven by two major forces: the Government’s £4.4 billion investment in HM Naval Base Devonport and our bold new vision for city centre regeneration. Both of these developments, while significant in their own right, are now being brought together under a new strategic partnership—Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP)—which unites Plymouth City Council, Babcock International Group, and the Royal Navy in a shared mission: to ensure the city is ready to support and sustain this scale of growth.
 Royal Navy unveil 12 metre uncrewed submarine named after Excalibur
The Royal Navy has unveiled its first uncrewed submarine – paving the way for how the UK could operate in the underwater battlespace.
The 12m experimental vessel, displacing 19 tonnes and at two metres across, is the culmination of the three-year long Project Cetus, and the largest uncrewed underwater vessel trialled by the navy to date.
Over the next two years, Excalibur will carry out extensive sea trials, helping to accelerate the Royal Navy’s use of advanced technologies.
Inaugural line up for Plymouth Boat Fest revealed
Over 50 companies have signed up to exhibit at the inaugural Plymouth Boat Fest this June with displays ashore and on the water at Plymouth Yacht Haven.
Celebrating Plymouth’s diverse marine industry, the event features companies across the Westcountry’s leisure, commercial, technology, conservation and safety sectors. Tickets for the one-day festival on Saturday 21st June are free and aim to breakdown barriers for newcomers wanting to access the waterfront, as well as providing activities and insights for boating enthusiasts and families alike.
Arts University Plymouth crowned University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025
Arts University Plymouth has been crowned University of the Year for South West England at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2025, recognised across four major categories that reflect the heart of student experience in creative higher education. Arts University Plymouth was crowned as the Lecturers & Teaching Quality Winner for South West England, Facilities Winner for South West England, and Student Support Winner for South West England.
Voted for by students and based entirely on over 35,000 verified reviews, the WUSCAs are the UK’s only higher education awards driven solely by student opinion. These honours reflect both national and regional recognition for excellence in areas that matter most to students.
Plymouth Science Park welcomes leading mental health charity Devon Mind
Plymouth Science Park announced that they have welcomed Devon Mind, one of the region’s leading mental health charities, to its thriving community of innovative and socially-focused organisations.
For over 40 years, Devon Mind has been empowering individuals across the county who are experiencing mental health difficulties. The move to Plymouth Science Park marks a significant milestone for Devon Mind, creating new opportunities to collaborate with like-minded organisations and enhance their service delivery across the region.
South West Investment Report Reveals Deep Tech Dominates
Tech South West has published its Q1 2025 South West Investment Briefing Report, providing a detailed analysis of investment trends, opportunities, and challenges. The rise of angel investors and the strength of the region’s deep tech companies have been revealed in a new Investment Report on the South West of England’s technology sector.
Support our Armed Forces with a military discount
As part of Armed Forces Week next month, Plymouth will be celebrating with two brilliant events: Strength of Spirit Games Rehabilitation Triathlon on Thursday 26 June, and Plymouth Armed Forces Day Saturday 28 June, both taking place on Plymouth Hoe.
If you would like to promote your business and support the Armed Forces, you can by offering a military discount, which we will include on our website and social media channels.
You can also include any goodies or a discount voucher to the 100 participants of the Rehabilitation Triathlon taking part. This will go into their participant goody bags.
If this is of interest, please get in touch AFDmedia@plymouth.gov.uk
Government to launch £360m Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund
A major investment will modernise Britain's fishing fleet, enhance workforce skills, and revitalise coastal communities to boost tourism. British fishing and coastal communities will benefit from £360 million investment to drive growth and boost the sector for the future as the Government launches its Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.
The Fund will invest in new technology and equipment to modernise Britain’s fishing fleet, deliver new training and skills to back the next generation of fishers and promote the seafood sector to export our high-quality produce across the world.
The government will work with the industry to target investment where it matters most. The investment comes alongside a new twelve-year fisheries access agreement with the EU securing long-term certainty for British fishing fleets.
Green Hydrogen Innovation Award goes to Carlton Power
Congratulations to Carlton Power Limited who have been recognised for their leadership and innovation in the UK’s energy transition by winning the A Word About Wind Green Hydrogen Innovation Award.
One of Carlton Power's three HAR1 projects is located at Langage within Plymouth and South Devon Freeport; it is an industry leading project that will use renewable energy to produce green hydrogen fuel to decarbonise industry, and in the future, transport and heating.
 Business Spotlight: Security Management South West
The Invest Plymouth team recently caught up with Ken York, Director of SMSW, to learn more about the company’s wide ranging security services and its vital role in safeguarding Plymouth and the wider South West.
 Plymouth Enterprise Hub – Free Support to start and grow your Business
If you’re based in Plymouth and want to access free support to start or grow your business, sign up to Plymouth Enterprise Hub to make a business action plan tailored to your needs. Plus, access local support from Plymouth City Council, Heart of the South West Growth Hub and Invest Plymouth.
GSW Marine and Maritime Launchpad – New Innovators Drop-in session
Drop in session for businesses interested in the GSW Maritime Launchpad Funding for New Innovators to find out more about how to apply and receive advice on potential partnering and support opportunities from partners across the Maritime UK South West Business Adviser Network.
The aim of this competition is to support ambitious UK registered micro and small businesses to develop highly innovative ideas that have a clear route to commercialisation and business growth. New Innovators is for companies that have not previously received Innovate UK funding.
Make UK Manufacturing Awards Entry
Entries for the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025 are open until Friday 27 June 2025. Choose the categories you would like to enter from the list below.
Make sure you familiarise yourself with all the categories, as you may be eligible to enter more than one.
Regional judging will take place from July – September 2025, and apprentice interviews for the regional awards will take place in September 2025. Further information on apprentice interviews will be sent out in July once the submissions deadline has passed.
Regional shortlisted businesses will be announced in September 2025.
Q2 of Britain’s biggest and longest-running private business survey is live!
The Devon Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) gathers insights from businesses each quarter on changes across key areas such as sales, exports, cash flow, investment, recruitment, and the main challenges they face. It offers valuable data on the state of UK business.
Your input is vital in highlighting the issues affecting your business to policymakers.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships business information sessions
The University of Plymouth’s Innovation Funding Team together with Enterprise Solutions are hosting a series of free, business information sessions.
These online events will show how different businesses can benefit from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project and explore other services for business that are available from the University.
Join to discover how to use KTP to supercharge your business but also to find out more about different ways to work with our University. Registration open to UK businesses only.
 Unlock digital success in just four weeks
Join Enterprise Nation for a FREE, four-week email course to learn how digital tools can help you grow your small business. Each week, you'll discover strategies you can put in place to boost sales, supercharge your marketing, take advantage of AI and more.
SEO for Summer: How to Get Your Business Found on Google
Sunshine's coming, and so are the customers! Everyone's hitting Google to find the best summer deals – are they finding you? Don't let your business get lost in the holiday crowds. This webinar is showing you how to make sure your website pops up right when people are searching for what you offer.
Date: 3 June 2025 (Online)
Time: 10am
 Funding for UK SMEs Developing Maritime and Transport Solutions
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK can apply for support through the Transport Accelerator: Maritime 2025, a six-month initiative targeting innovation in the maritime and transport sectors. Connected Places Catapult, in collaboration with a consortium of delivery partners, will lead the programme.
The accelerator is aimed at businesses with solutions operating at technology readiness levels (TRL) 5 to 8. Up to eight SMEs will be selected to receive tailored support, including market analysis, value proposition development, strategic pricing, and financial planning. Mentoring and access to partner testing facilities will also be offered, depending on the nature of each solution.
Applications Close: 16 June 2025
UK Global Screen Fund
The UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF) is designed to boost international development, production, distribution, and promotional opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector.
The UKGSF targets support across the screen sector, including film, TV, documentary, animation and interactive narrative games content.
Financed by the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and administered by the BFI, the UKGSF is focused on accelerating export growth and deepening international relationships with the UK. Aimed at boosting the international competitiveness of UK screen content whilst growing the revenues, reach and partnerships of domestic independent businesses, the fund is constructed to help develop and produce projects with international appeal, support the worldwide distribution of UK content, and encourage collaboration with international partners.
Applications Close: 19 June 2025
New Innovate UK RTO Catapult grants now open
Grants of up to £15,000 are now available to help South West innovators tackle R&D challenges with expert support from the UK’s Catapults and RTOs.
Innovate UK’s newly relaunched RTO Catapult grant scheme is now live, offering up to £15,000 to support early-stage innovation projects in the South West.
Delivered through the Innovate UK Business Growth service, the grant enables ambitious businesses to access cutting-edge facilities, expert guidance, and sector-specific knowledge from the UK’s leading Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs) and Catapults.
From new product testing and regulatory advice to partnership building and market analysis, this funding helps unlock real commercial value.
Santander Opens 2025 Awards for Early-Stage and Growing UK Businesses
Applications are now open for the 2025 Santander X UK Awards, which provide equity-free financial support to early-stage and scaling businesses. The awards are available in three categories: University, Startup and SME, with a total of nine prizes on offer across the groups.
Funding is intended to help businesses cover costs related to launching or expanding their operations. Cash awards range from £5,000 to £30,000 depending on the category and placement. The top prize in the SME category is £30,000, while University and Startup first-place winners will receive £15,000 and £20,000 respectively.
The University category is open to UK university-linked businesses preparing to enter the market. At least one team member must be a student, graduate (2019 onwards), university employee or be involved in an incubator, accelerator or spin-out. Startups must be legally incorporated in the UK, earn up to £250,000 annually and show evidence of innovation and scalability. SME applicants must be UK-based, legally incorporated and generating over £250,000, with a team of 25 to 250 employees.
Applications Close: 16 July 2025
Build your brand and win £1,000 with Adobe Express
Enterprise Nation and Adobe Express have re-launched Brand Builder to help small businesses unlock their creativity. The programme consists of a free content hub, an email course and a competition.
Through the programme, small businesses can access resources to learn how to create content with ease and also get multiple chances to win £1,000 cash grants and marketing mentoring.
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
 Plymouth Armed Forces Day - Saturday 28 June 2025
Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will return to Plymouth Hoe on Saturday 28 June 2025.
Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come along and show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.
This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, parades, hands-on displays and challenges, military vehicles and equipment, thrilling demonstrations and entertainment.
Digital Plymouth June Meet Up Speaker Announcement
Digital Plymouth are thrilled to welcome Richard Potter, Director of Digital Strategy at Microsoft, to Digital Plymouth this June. In his talk, “Transforming work in the new era of AI,” he’ll explore how organisations can navigate and harness the power of AI-enabled tools.
From making sense of the technology behind AI to understanding the real-world opportunities it presents, Richard will share lessons from those already embracing this shift, and what it means for the future of work and society. With 20+ years leading digital innovation at scale, Richard brings sharp insight and practical perspective to one of the biggest shifts in tech today.
Date: 5 June 2025
Time: 6pm
Location: Real Ideas Market Hall, Plymouth
You're Invited: Valuable Values Book Launch Party!
Join Owen Jones from Upshot for the launch of his new book – Valuable Values, a short, practical guide to identity and personality in business.
If you're interested in getting a fresh new perspective on brand, identity, personality and values, it's one not to miss! An evening of entertainment, food, drinks, and a little about the story behind it.
Date: 5 June 2025
Time: 6pm
Location: Steel Brew, Royal Willliam Yard Plymouth
Planning: Scale, Sale & Succession for Your Business
This exclusive event being delivered by Wolferstans is designed for business owners and senior leaders looking to scale their business, prepare for a future sale, or put a robust succession strategy in place.
Gain valuable insights and independent advice to support your long-term decision-making. In collaboration with:
- Debrett’s: A leading corporate advisory and investment firm that works with clients and partners over the long term to create and realise shareholder value.
- Succession Wealth: A national financial advice firm with a large team of Wealth Planners experienced in delivering high-quality independent advice to help clients realise their unique financial dreams and aspirations.
Date: 11 June 2025
Time: 1pm to 4.30pm
Location: The View Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Devon Chamber Crunchy Breakfast: AI, Automation and Productivity
Join Devon Chamber for a fantastic breakfast and networking event with topics you can bite right into. These events are in the form of panel Q&A's with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and debate the hot topics of the day. This session will be themed around AI, Automation and Productivity in business. They have a great line up of panellists who will be able to share top tips and discuss shared challenges. But they also want to hear from you, your challenges, learns and knowledge.
The panel will include:
- Gavin Jones, MD at Elixel
- Christina Wilkins, Founder of brand Biscuit and LifeIn AI Plymouth
- Josh Hoole, Operations Director at Smart Working Revolution
- Andy Doyle, AI Consultant at Program
SW of England Digital Conference 2025: Powering Your Business Growth
The South West of England Digital Conference is designed for ambitious SMEs looking to accelerate their digital journey. Taking place at Exeter College’s Digital and Data Centre, the event will feature hands-on workshops, expert talks and practical sessions covering everything from AI adoption and data-led decision making, to digital strategy and team building. If you’re ready to build digital confidence across your business, this is the event for you.
Date: 18 June 2025
Time: 9am to 4pm
Location: Digital and Data Centre (IoT), Exeter College, Hele Road, EX4 4JS
Book your stand for the Devon Business Show 2025
The county’s biggest Business Show returns to Plymouth Life Centre on Wednesday 15 October, promoting inclusivity and featuring exciting, innovative and interactive displays – plus some exciting new touches for 2025!
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