News Archive

Doug Richard offers chance to academics to become entrepreneurs

Doug Richard offers chance to academics to become entrepreneurs

Original Dragons' Den star Doug Richard will be hosting a day of seminars at Plymouth University on how academic institutions can become more enterprising.
GAIN backs 'Pitching for Management' Plymouth launch

GAIN, the Growth, Acceleration and Investment Network, is backing a new series of events that offer fast-growth companies the chance to find senior executives and non-executives to help with the next stage of growth. Pitching for Management, the fastest growing entrepreneurial event concept in the UK, has announced that it will be opening in Plymouth on 20th February, having successfully launched in Exeter last year as part of an expansion into 20 cities around the UK.
Plymouth Matters newsletter

Plymouth Matters newsletter

The sixth edition of the Plymouth Matters newsletter contains information on topics including the South West being named as the country's first designated marine energy park, Round 3 of the Regional Growth Fund, and Plymouth University being awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of its world class marine and maritime research, teaching and training.
New Plymouth base for Toshiba Ensures Company Stays in City

New Plymouth base for Toshiba Ensures Company Stays in City

Internationally renowned electronics manufacturer, Toshiba has committed to a new base in Plymouth, ensuring that the company will continue to use the city as the home of its UK operations.
Beacon re-launches as latest addition to GAIN

Beacon re-launches as latest addition to GAIN

Beacon, the South West peer-to-peer business network, has been re-launched as a cornerstone of GAIN having been taken over by Plymouth University from the South West RDA. Beacon was first set up in 2003 as a way of identifying and bringing together top performing businesses to share best practice and boost the economy. But with the demise of the RDA, Plymouth University has stepped in to re-energise Beacon. It will now be based at Tamar Science Park as a key plank of GAIN.
Revolutionary helicopter company chooses Plymouth as UK base

Revolutionary helicopter company chooses Plymouth as UK base

Pegasus Helicopter Group PLC has announced its plans to base its UK management headquarters at Tamar Science Park in Plymouth, Devon. Pegasus is an international company that is developing revolutionary two and five seat helicopters, employing a unique pressure jet technology which negates the need for a tail and tail rotor. Pegasus intends to market and sell its Pegasus Helicopter to the civilian and military markets worldwide.
Beacon companies more confident than a year ago

South West businesses are more confident about their prospects for the next 12 months than they were a year ago, despite the continuing Eurozone debt crisis and sluggish economic recovery. That is the verdict of a survey conducted by Beacon, the South West peer-to-peer business network that has been relaunched this week having been taken over by Plymouth University from the South West RDA.
Plymouth selected for €55M European marine project

The University of Plymouth is one of only two UK universities selected to take part in a landmark pan-European marine project worth €55M.
Doug Richard to make keynote speech at launch of Big GAIN Dialogue

Doug Richard to make keynote speech at launch of Big GAIN Dialogue

International entrepreneur and former Dragon Doug Richard will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Big GAIN Dialogue on how business innovation can be stimulated and supported in Plymouth and wider region.
Major Success For Plymouth GAIN Investment Initiative

Major Success For Plymouth GAIN Investment Initiative

GAIN has brokered a major investment in an innovative Plymouth based company, Real Visual, based at Tamar Science Park.
First clients move into Tremough Innovation Centre

Cornwall's latest state-of-the-art business innovation centre has welcomed its first clients.
Plymouth's creative sector worth £250 million a year - and growing

Plymouth's creative industries sector has expanded rapidly into a £250 million a year success story for the city's economy - with significant potential for more growth and jobs over the next decade.
South West makes splash as first Marine Energy Park

The UK's first Marine Energy Park is to be created in the South West, giving the region a leading international role in the development of marine renewable energy.
Water Babies joins Beacon network

The world's largest baby and toddler swimming company has become the latest business to join Beacon, the peer-to-peer business network.
First international client confirmed for new marine facility

A British-Italian wave energy company has become the first international client to inwardly invest in Plymouth's marine renewables sector.
Be quick off the mark to apply for a Creative England business loan

Be quick off the mark to apply for a Creative England business loan

You will have to move fast for this - the the South West B2B Investment Fund is offering match-funded loans of between £30-70,000, but the closing date is this Friday.
Heart of the South West LEP launches a £100k fund to improve forestry

An exciting £100k package of business support opportunities that could increase the value of the South West forestry and timber industry is being offered to businesses through the SW Timber Business Development Programme.
Autumn Update from Chris Pomfret, Chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership

It seems amazing but we are in Mid October and summer has passed us by without ever really arriving! However, there has been no lack of action from the LEP.
Bristol Channel has massive renewable energy potential without need for a barrage

Bristol Channel has massive renewable energy potential without need for a barrage

A combination of innovative technologies could generate significant low carbon energy and economic benefits from the Bristol Channel without the need for a large scale barrage, a new report claims.
Wolf Minerals sets up UK headquarters in Tamar Science Park

Wolf Minerals sets up UK headquarters in Tamar Science Park

Wolf Minerals, the company leading the project to reopen the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine near Plymouth, has established its UK base at Tamar Science Park (TSP).
South West jobless rate improves but construction output falls

The South West has the lowest rate of unemployment of all regions, according to the latest Economic Indicators, published December 2012.
Regen SW advises Guernsey on plans to create renewable energy hub

Guernsey is considering ways it can act as a renewable energy hub and to provide financial products and services to the cleantech sector as well as unlocking its own tidal, wave and offshore wind resources to generate clean energy for home use and for export.
Global economy still creating difficult environment for West of England businesses

Continued global economic challenges are presenting a difficult environment for the West of England. Global and national economic pressures continue to be reflected in the West of England, with national trends being mirrored locally; however it could be argued that the severity is not as prominent as it is for many other parts of the country.
19-10-12: Ministers approve £3.9 million business growth fund bid

19-10-12: Ministers approve £3.9 million business growth fund bid

Fresh cash injection for pioneering fund
Generation of renewable energy in South West doubles

Generation of renewable energy in South West doubles

The generation of renewable energy in the South West has more than doubled in the last year creating thousands of new jobs.
Expert help to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint

Expert help to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint

Devon and Somerset firms can reduce their costs and carbon footprint with expert advice and grant funding through the Improving Your Resource Efficiency service.
£1 million grant fund to transform rural micro-businesses in Devon and Somerset

Entrepreneurs from Devon and Somerset are being given new opportunities to boost profits and create jobs with game-changing grants of over £10,000 each, the Heart of the South West (HotSW) Local Enterprise Partnership has announced.
TSB offer up to £10m in fast-track and collaborative research and development projects

The Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £10m in fast-track and collaborative research and development projects that stimulate innovation across the key enabling technology areas of advanced materials, biosciences, electronics, sensors and photonics and information and communications technology.
UK firms urged to explore export opportunities with Russia

UK firms urged to explore export opportunities with Russia

British firms are being urged to explore new trade opportunities with Russia as a three-day trade mission to the UK's fastest growing major export market begins.
Crowdsourcing crime prevention is an expanding business

Crowdsourcing crime prevention is an expanding business

In normal circumstances crime doesn't pay but in the case of the start-up Internet Eyes, shoplifting is proving lucrative.
£1m worth of loans available now to young entrepreneurs

£1m worth of loans available now to young entrepreneurs

Do you have a brilliant idea for a business but need a little help or need funding to kickstart your startup? Then if you are between 18 and 25 years of age and want help to launch your business, there is a new loan service to get you started.
Plymouth University's state-of-the-art Marine Building is open for business

Plymouth University's state-of-the-art Marine Building is open for business

The new Marine Building positions Plymouth University as a global centre for research, innovation and enterprise in the marine and maritime sectors.
NHS screening programme opens Tamar Science Park office

NHS screening programme opens Tamar Science Park office

The NHS has opened a new office at Tamar Science Park to combat a disease that affects one man in 25 and kills around 15,000 people in the UK each year.
Free Breakthrough advice for growing South West businesses

Fast growing businesses in Devon and Cornwall are being given the opportunity to find out about support available through Santander's Breakthrough Programme, at a free seminar being held at Tamar Science Park.
How partnerships could help businesses win share of £11.2m for offshore wind innovation

How partnerships could help businesses win share of £11.2m for offshore wind innovation

Regional businesses can unlock a share of a multi-million pound call for innovation in the offshore wind industry through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).
Funding support for Young Entrepreneurs

A new project aims to help young entrepreneurs to set up new businesses or to develop an existing business.
ICO3: A company born out of a commitment to create strong links between business and academia

ICO3: A company born out of a commitment to create strong links between business and academia

A Case Study of Plymouth University and private enterprise working in partnership
Free expert advice sessions to be offered at the Plymouth Business Show 2013

Free expert advice sessions to be offered at the Plymouth Business Show 2013

Free 'Ask the Expert' advice sessions on a range of topics are to be held at the Plymouth Business Show 2013. Anyone at the show will be able to claim a free 15 minute one-to-one consultation with an expert, during which they will receive personalised information and advice.
Unique marine energy device successfully tested in University's Wave Tank

Unique marine energy device successfully tested in University's Wave Tank

A potentially revolutionary device developed in the region for generating marine renewable energy has been successfully tested in Plymouth University's Wave Tank.
Cornwall's Innovation Centres in European spotlight

Cornwall's Innovation Centres in European spotlight

Cornwall's three innovation centres have been highlighted by the European Commission for their work in helping small business to grow.
West of England LEP Christmas Review

The West of England LEP has formed a strong organisation, established a good reputation with Government and actually topped a league table judging LEPs for their effectiveness, the authority's Annual Conference was told.
ONS review: Economy stagnated in 2012

Summary: The UK economy has stagnated during 2012.
£2.9m Rural Growth Network investment for Devon and Somerset

Devon and Somerset have received a £2.9m investment that is expected to create more than 700 jobs across the area.
Neuroscience research pioneers new methods in business support

Neuroscience research pioneers new methods in business support

Technology more commonly used for lie detector tests and diagnosing brain disorders is helping to pioneer new methods of business support in Cornwall.
LEP announces £1.5m investment in Proper Cornish business

A £1.5m investment in a local business that will create 50 new jobs and safeguard 183 more has been announced by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.
BT's fibre network reaches fifteen million premises

BT's fibre network reaches fifteen million premises

BT has announced it has passed more than fifteen million premises with its fibre broadband network, meaning more than half of UK homes and businesses can now access much faster speeds.
Tamar Science Park welcomes new creative technology client

Tamar Science Park welcomes new creative technology client

Tamar Science Park (TSP) has strengthened its position as a focal point for technology, science and the creative industries in Plymouth by welcoming Stasis Media, the second of two digital media companies to move to the Park in as many months.
£1.1m innovation boost for SMEs and Start-up firms to help develop new ideas

Start-Up firms and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are being offered a £1.1 million innovation boost to help them develop new ideas, improve processes and target new markets.
Seasalt celebrates £120k investment from Business Catalyst Fund

Seasalt celebrates £120k investment from Business Catalyst Fund

Cornwall-based Seasalt, the fast-growing coastal fashion brand, has secured a £120,000 investment from the Business Catalyst Fund to support its continued growth.
Two pioneering health organisations join Tamar Science Park

Two pioneering health organisations join Tamar Science Park

Two organisations leading the way in health technology research and development have become the first businesses to join Tamar Science Park in 2013.
Cornwall's National Solar Centre is launched with a commitment to help SMEs

Cornwall's National Solar Centre is launched with a commitment to help SMEs

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker has officially launched Cornwall's National Solar Centre (NSC) saying its expertise could help the UK lead the world in solar technology.
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT THE WEST OF ENGLAND LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT THE WEST OF ENGLAND LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Paul Wilson as Chief Executive.
International Trade Commissioners share expertise at export event

International Trade Commissioners share expertise at export event

International Trade Commissioners will be travelling to Plymouth later this month to speak at an exciting event which will give businesses expert advice on how they can export their goods and services to the international market.
First Great Western franchise to continue until 2015

First Great Western franchise to continue until 2015

The First Great Western franchise will continue beyond its current end date of 31 March 2013 for at least a further two years.
Get a Starter for 10 for your South West creative business

Get a Starter for 10 for your South West creative business

Starter for 10 is a competition to find the very best of South West creative businesses and support them in their quest to take an innovative new product to market within six months.
UK's largest lifting services company expands into Aerohub at Newquay

Ainscough Wind Energy Services, a subsidiary of the UK's largest lifting services company the Goldman Sach's owned Ainscough Cranes, is expanding its operations by establishing a new base on the business park of Aerohub Enterprise Zone @ Newquay Cornwall Airport, the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership has announced.
Explore how best to position Plymouth for health service changes

Business leaders and healthcare professionals from across the South West are to discuss how major changes to public healthcare services can benefit Plymouth.
West of England LEP Quarterly Economic Bulletin

January 2013
Somerset County Council Economic Bulletin December 2012

The Oxford Economic forecasts suggest that Somerset will not return to pre-recession levels of output, productivity or employment until 2015.
Francis Clark Seminar to help small businesses establish funding

Francis Clark Seminar to help small businesses establish funding

Francis Clark are hosting a seminar which brings together people representing the funding and support streams potentially available to SMEs.
Call for South West businesses to support transport investment campaign

Call for South West businesses to support transport investment campaign

South West Chambers of Commerce (SWCC) are calling for businesses to speak up in support of a dedicated lobbying campaign for improved investment in the South West transport infrastructure.
Cornwall LEP makes bid to Enterprise Zone Infrastructure Fund

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership is to make a bid to the Enterprise Zone Infrastructure Fund to develop projects at Aerohub@Newquay Airport.
Crown Estate to invest in the UK's first wave and tidal energy array projects

The Crown Estate has announced it is considering investing in the UK's first wave and tidal energy array projects, in support of its strategy to encourage growth of the emerging industry.
Help to create a social enterprise available from West of England LEP

The West of England LEP to set up network to help increase jobs in social enterprises.
Superfast broadband to create jobs and £750m boost to Devon and Somerset economy

Superfast broadband to create jobs and £750m boost to Devon and Somerset economy

A £94m project to transform broadband speeds for businesses and residents across Devon and Somerset within the next four years has been announced.
Tamar Science Park welcomes third new client of 2013

Tamar Science Park welcomes third new client of 2013

Telephone network operator Tamar Telecommunications has become the third new business to join Tamar Science Park (TSP) in as many weeks, marking a dynamic start to 2013 for the Park.
Peoplefund.it and Crowdfunder merge to create UK's leading crowdfunding network

Peoplefund.it and Crowdfunder merge to create UK's leading crowdfunding network

Two South West crowdfunding web sites are to merge this month creating the UK's leading crowdfunding network.
PWGF has been springboard to more success for Whetman Pinks

PWGF has been springboard to more success for Whetman Pinks

It has been a remarkable year for all at Whetmans. A Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in Jubilee year, followed by a massive boost of funding and now success in the Employer of the Year category of the Western Morning News 2012 Business Awards.
Ten-fold deployment of marine renewable energy needed to mitigate worst effects of climate change

Ten-fold deployment of marine renewable energy needed to mitigate worst effects of climate change

A large-scale and rapid deployment of marine renewable energy is necessary to reduce the carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning which are leading to ocean acidification, global warming and climatic changes, says Dr. Martin Attrill, director of Plymouth University's Marine Institute.
World first for Plymouth University as it receives Social Enterprise Mark in Higher Education

World first for Plymouth University as it receives Social Enterprise Mark in Higher Education

Plymouth has become the first university in the world to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark in recognition of its long-standing history of support for the sector.
Plymouth University report highlights economic benefits of Marine Conservation Zone network

A new report by Plymouth University highlights the socio-economic benefits to be gained if the Government adopts a network of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) around UK shores in 2013.
Plymouth's ambitious plan to create more than 2,000 jobs

Plymouth's ambitious plan to create more than 2,000 jobs

An ambitious proposal to create more than 2,000 jobs in two years is being launched by Plymouth City Council.
Ministers say they are committed to raising apprenticeship standards

Ministers say they are committed to raising apprenticeship standards

The Government has said it is committed to raising skills in the workplace through the Apprenticeship programme.
Huge demand for Plymouth University and the Western Morning News Growth Fund 2 (PWGF2)

The PWGF2 Fund has been temporarily suspended because of exceptionally high levels of demand.
Plymouth well-placed as a city to do business in

Plymouth well-placed as a city to do business in

Plymouth has been placed 26th out of 74 towns and cities to do business in, according to the Santander UK Town and City Index.
KEO digital announces expansion plans and new centre in Cornwall

KEO digital announces expansion plans and new centre in Cornwall

The team behind River Cottage reveals plans to set up new world class digital hub and aim to create new skills and expertise in Cornwall.
Research project to benchmark best practice for companies in Plymouth

Research project to benchmark best practice for companies in Plymouth

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a forward-thinking research project in partnership with youbecome® to find out how effective Plymouth businesses are in managing their people in difficult economic times.
New funding for young entrepreneurs to boost their start-ups into growth

New funding for young entrepreneurs to boost their start-ups into growth

School for Startups, the team behind Windows of Opportunity, is offering a unique programme to give your business a funding boost.
More South West districts benefit from high-speed fibre broadband

More South West districts benefit from high-speed fibre broadband

BT today announced a further expansion of high-speed fibre broadband in Bristol and Dorset, which is expected to help create jobs and boost the local economy.
City College Plymouth to sponsor 2013 Plymouth Business Show

City College Plymouth will be the lead sponsor of the 2013 Plymouth Business Show, which will be held this summer on Wednesday 26 June 2013.
Building for Jobs investment fund is launched by Plymouth City Council

Plymouth City Council has unveiled a fighting fund of £20 million to invest in the city's economy and help create the right conditions for growth.
Marine Data Exchange to boost "Blue economy"

A new internet portal, which will allow the public to freely access a wealth of data about the UK's territorial waters and beyond, has been launched in a bid to boost the "blue economy".

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