 Skills Launchpad Plymouth celebrates four years of support from Barclays
Skills Launchpad Plymouth has marked four years of generous in-kind support from Barclays Bank as it relocates to a new Plymouth City Council skills and employment hub at Cobourg House, Mayflower Street—now co-located with Careers Plymouth, On Course South West, and the Connect to Work programme.
Local businesses in finals of Make UK Manufacturing Awards
City College Plymouth and AIS have been shortlisted as regional finalists in the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025 South Region. This recognition, achieved against strong competition, highlights the dedication and excellence of everyone involved.
Hydrogen-powered vessel achieves world-first trial
ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel PIONEER has successfully completed the first continuous, remote 24-hour offshore operation with zero emissions. This milestone marks a new step in maritime decarbonisation. The trial demonstrates the potential of hydrogen power in commercial operations and supports the UK’s ambition to lead global maritime innovation.
Applied Automation has introduced a four-day working week for all staff across the business from 1 September, while continuing to provide full five-day operational coverage for customers. The new structure is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting employees, promoting healthier work-life balance and creating sustainable growth for the long term.
£1m Apprenticeship Talent Fund
Virgin Media O2 is making up to £1 million available to help small businesses, charities, social enterprises and local authorities recruit and train apprentices. The initiative is particularly focused on encouraging more women into STEM and supporting people from global majority backgrounds. This investment aims to boost talent pipelines and create real career opportunities that drive long-term business growth.
University of Plymouth partners with Royal Navy and Robosys
The University of Plymouth is upgrading its uncrewed vessel Bauza with advanced VOYAGER AI systems through a new partnership with the Royal Navy and Robosys. The vessel will gain collision avoidance, autopilot and anti-grounding functions to enable efficient ocean data collection. The project also includes Robosys’s USV Remote Control Waistpack, allowing wireless operation in all weather conditions, integrated with the University’s Remote Operations Centre.
Plymouth's Oshen chosen for NOAA Hurricane Mission
Plymouth’s ocean technology scene is powering a ground-breaking US hurricane research mission, with local company Oshen set to deploy its autonomous ‘C‑Stars’ into the heart of storm season.
Looking for further business news? Visit our news section on Invest Plymouth to read more.
 Business Spotlight: Close Brothers Asset Finance
For nearly four decades, Close Brothers Asset Finance has been a trusted partner to UK SMEs, offering tailored funding solutions that empower businesses to invest, grow, and thrive. With a strong presence across the UK, including in Plymouth their team combines deep industry knowledge with flexible financial products such as hire purchase, leasing, and refinancing.
BIT Training Skills Bootcamps
BIT Training has opened enrolment for its next wave of Skills for Life Bootcamps, starting 29 September. Courses include Microsoft Cloud, Agile project management, project fundamentals and an AI Project Management Accelerator. The training is fully funded for job seekers and highly subsidised for employers, with funding support covering up to 90% of costs for businesses seeking to upskill staff.
Skills Bootcamp: Future Climate Leaders
Launching on 11 September, the 14-week Future Climate Leaders programme offers more than 60 hours of specialist training to equip participants with knowledge and confidence to lead on climate action within their organisations. The programme is fully funded for self-employed individuals, and heavily funded for SMEs and larger organisations, offering over £2,000 worth of training support.
Tech South West AI Session
Tech SW will host an online panel on 12 September where four local practitioners discuss how AI is being applied in real businesses. Speakers will share both successes and setbacks from AI deployment. The interactive discussion is designed to give businesses practical insights into building AI solutions and overcoming project challenges.
Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps
Devon County Council has launched the sixth year of Train4Tomorrow, offering more than 2,000 adults fully or partly funded training in high-demand sectors. Courses are available in trades, HGV driving, EV charging, AI/data skills, and early years education.
This latest delivery is part of the government’s Skills for Life initiative and brings employer-designed training to support access into growth industries.
A free Bid Writing Masterclass will take place at Exeter Future Skills Centre on 23 September. The session is aimed at SMEs and local organisations. The practical workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of writing competitive, successful bids for funding and contracts.
Tech Hub: ESG Tools for SMEs
Enterprise Nation will host a free webinar on 10 September with Denise Taylor PhD, PIEMA, providing insights on how SMEs can track and report social and environmental impact. The session will cover practical steps and digital tools that businesses can use to advance their ESG and sustainability strategies.
Looking for further business support and training? Visit our section on Invest Plymouth to read more.
Manufacturing Facility Support Programme
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership is offering up to £500,000 per project through its Manufacturing Facility Support Programme. The fund supports UK firms in making early steps towards scaling manufacturing capacity. Applications must be submitted by 19 September and are designed to help companies strengthen supply chains and move closer to securing significant capital investment.
Innovate UK has launched the Sovereign AI Proof-of-Concept competition, making at least £1.6 million available to validate new AI technology architectures and components. The competition is open to South West innovators, with Kene Partners available to advise SMEs and scaling businesses on preparing strong submissions.
DRIVE35 Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation
Two competitions have opened under Innovate UK’s DRIVE35 Innovation Fund, aimed at accelerating zero emission vehicle innovation. Projects may cover collaborative development or demonstration of new solutions. Applications close on 1 October. This is part of the UK Government’s wider DRIVE35 programme supporting a net zero automotive sector.
Venture.Community Accelerator
The Venture.Community Accelerator is inviting applications from early-stage UK startup founders seeking mentoring, financial support and access to investor networks.
The programme is open year-round and supports scalable ventures at pre-seed and seed stage to achieve sustainable long-term growth.
Looking for funding opportunities? Visit our section on Invest Plymouth to read more.
 Seafest Plymouth
Seafest returns to the waterfront on 13 to 14 September, celebrating Plymouth’s rich maritime heritage with a packed programme of entertainment and activities. The festival will showcase sustainability, the city’s connection to the sea, and provide interactive experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Hydrogen SW Maritime Partnership
Hydrogen South West and Maritime UK SW are coming together on 16 September for an online meeting to discuss the role of hydrogen fuels. The session will explore development opportunities for decarbonising the region’s maritime and wider sectors.
Climate Mingle
Plymouth Energy Community is hosting Climate Mingle on 25 September, an evening of advice and conversation on reducing household and business energy use. Attendees will hear from experts on retrofit measures, grant availability, renewable solutions, and get practical tips for saving money on bills.
The Devon Business Show takes place at Plymouth Life Centre on 15 October. The event is the largest in the county, bringing together hundreds of businesses and organisations. The show will feature inclusive, innovative and interactive displays, with new elements designed to engage and connect businesses this year.
Net Zero and Climate Change Workshops
The University of Plymouth is running free online workshops on 1 December and 24 February 2026. Sessions will provide an introduction to greenhouse gas emissions, net zero strategies, and interactive quizzes. The workshops are open to professionals, students, policymakers and residents interested in understanding the basics of achieving net zero.
Net Zero Expo Plymouth
The Net Zero Expo takes place at Boringdon Park Golf Club on 13 November. The one-day exhibition is Plymouth’s only dedicated net zero business event.
The agenda will include talks, workshops and networking designed to connect businesses with partners, technologies and strategies to drive low-carbon transition. More details coming soon.
What's on at The Box this September
Check out the packed calendar of activity at The Box this September, including exhibitions, The Box's 5th birthday celebrations and events.
Find more details on each event, as well as our full event list on our website.
|
