News and events for local businesses - 24 February 2015

Plymouth Growth Board and Economic Development Department

2014 update

There have been many significant achievements in Plymouth in 2014. It has performed well against key performance indicators with unemployment continuing to fall, GVA growth rates above the national average for the third consecutive year, business start-ups increasing and overall visitor spend also on the up.

Click here to download the 2014 review.

South West Microcredit Fund

Fund available until the end of 2015

The South West Microcredit Fund is able to provide loans up to £7,500 and is available to new and existing businesses in Plymouth who haven't been able to raise all of the finance they need from traditional sources.

To date, more than £1.1 million has been lent to nearly 200 businesses across the region, with over £500,000 having been lent to 94 businesses in Plymouth.

The fund is available until the end of December 2015.

Click here for more information.

Seed Fund

Support available to promote the development of new food brands in the South West

Now in its third year, the Seed Fund was established to support new food brands in the South West to become successful and inspiring businesses. The key aim of the fund is to give back to the South West region and showcase the food talent within its borders.

The fund offers one annual winner a year-long support package worth £100,000. This includes expert marketing, design and business resources that will equip the business with a strong brand and packaging, and business planning and mentoring support.

The fund is looking for applications from those who are passionate about food, have innovative ideas and the energy, desire and determination to build a successful food brand and business. Applicants must be based in the South West.

The deadline for entries to the 2015 round is Tuesday 7 April 2015.

Click here for further information.

Photo City Plymouth: a Camera Kids initiative

Date: Thursday 19 February - Sunday 1 March 2015
Time: 9am - 6pm
Venue: City Business Park, Somerset Place, Stoke, Plymouth PL3 4BB
Cost: FREE

A photography community for young people

Based at City Business Park in Stoke, Photo City Plymouth is an innovative project that is looking to develop the creative potential of young people through stimulating their imagination and social interaction. It comprises creative, educational and interactive photography workshops for ages seven and upwards, exploring Plymouth communities, health, careers and much more.

The first three projects are titled 'Inspired', 'Keep your lifestyle in focus' and 'An eye on careers'. Future projects will include building both film and digital cameras.

The project will enhance the local and national curriculum and teach youngsters about their local communities, as well as a wide range of other topics. It will also highlight photography as a potential career option for young people.

Drop in and find out how you can get involved, whether you are a school, business or parent.

For business - come and find out how you can become a partner on future projects

For schools - come and check out the wide range of project-led photography books

For parents - bring along the kids to find out about the photography club for young people

For more information, follow the link at the bottom of this newsletter or contact Camera Kids as follows:

• thecamerakids@gmail.com
• 01752 656062
• 07779 017334

Formation Zone: Get ready for business

Date: Thursday 26 February 2015
Time: 9am - 12noon
Venue: Formation Zone, Room 106, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus
Cost: FREE

For people with brilliant business ideas

Drop in and meet the friendly team and find out how the award-winning Formation Zone can help you turn your plans into reality.

Formation Zone is holding a number of open mornings to find out about the support available.

You don't need to be a Plymouth University student or graduate for Formation Zone support - anyone with an innovative idea in the creative, hi-tech, marine, environmental, advanced engineering or health and wellbeing sectors can apply.

Further sessions will take place on 14 May, 24 September, 10 December.

No appointment needed - just drop in.

Click here to find out more about Formation Zone. 

Plymouth Studio School: open event

Date: Saturday 28 February 2015
Time: 11am - 1pm
Venue: Plymouth Studio School, University of St Mark & St John campus, Derriford, Plymouth
Cost: FREE

Looking to start your career in sport now?

If you are 14 - 19 years old and looking for a career in sport, the new Plymouth Studio School - opening in September 2015 - is looking to sign you. It combines academic and professional qualifications with hands-on work experience and world-class sports facilities to provide an exciting new way to learn.

This open event is open to all.

Click here to pre-register for the event, apply for a place or meet the Principal for a chat.

Email info@plymouthstudioschool.co.uk or call 01752 305300.

Fairtrade Plymouth: a celebration of 10 years of Fairtrade

Date: Thursday 5 March 2015
Time: 5pm 
Venue: St Andrew's Minster, Royal Parade, Plymouth
Cost: FREE

Plymouth will continue its tradition of being a front running city in supporting Fairtrade as it plays host to a number of events this Fairtrade Fortnight which runs until Sunday 10 March.

Plymouth was one of the first cities to be given Fairtrade City status, for showing commitment to raising awareness and promoting the use of Fairtrade goods which give farmers in the developing world a fair price for their produce.

A Plymouth Fairtrade Service is being held in St Andrews Church on Thursday 5 March. All are welcome.

Follow the link at the bottom of this newsletter for more information.

Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair

Date: Saturday 7 March 2015
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth
Cost: FREE

If you are considering an apprenticeship in manufacturing and/or enginering either this year or next, this event is for you. Parents, guardians and other family members are also very welcome to attend this event organised by Plymouth Manufacturers' Group.

An impressive array of local manufacturers will be exhibiting and, between them, they will be taking on literally hundreds of apprentices. They include:

• Aldermans
• Algram
• Babcock International
• BD
• Centrax TCL
• Hellermann Tyton
• Hymec Aerospace
• KPM
• MGB Engineering
• PTG Precision Engineering
• Pipex px
• Plessey
• Princess Yachts International
• Rittal-CSM
• Source
• UTAS UTC
• Vi-Spring
• The Wrigley Company

There will be demonstrations, activities and sample products.

Click here for more information, take a look at PMG's Facebook page or follow the links below.

National Apprenticeship Week

Date: Monday 9 - Friday 13 March 2015
Time: Various - click here
Venue: Various - click here
Cost: FREE

There is a wide range of events and activities planned for National Apprenticeship Week taking place next month.

• Plymouth Manufacturers' Group is holding an apprenticeship recruitment fair at Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday 7 March between 10am and 4pm.
• A pop-up shop will be set up in Plymouth Guildhall from Monday 9 - Friday 13 March.
• The Skills Group is holding an apprenticeship afternoon at Plymouth Hair Academy on Tuesday 10 March. It is also holding an apprenticeship afternoon and an employer networking event at Langage on Wednesday 11 March.
• Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust is holding an apprenticeship information event at Derriford Hospital on Tuesday 10 March.
• City College Plymouth is holding a course information drop-in session on Wednesday 11 March.
• Plymouth City Council is holding an apprenticeship information event for businesses on Thursday 12 March.

Click here for more information on the above events.