Grants & Finance News - Love Business East Midlands

12th May 2021

Nottingham investments to further the university’s commitment to sustainability

The University of Nottingham is taking a further step in its commitment to sustainability after appointing investment manager Cazenove Capital to manage its £59.4 million endowment portfolio and £9.5 million medium-term investment fund.

11th May 2021

University nanotechnology spinout raises £180,000 in seed funding round

Loughborough University’s latest spinout, Figura Analytics, has raised £180,000 in seed round funding from private investors and the UK’s leading early-stage investor SFC Capital.

10th May 2021

Nottingham based advanced software provider embarks on international expansion following further funding from MEIF

EkkoSense Limited (“EkkoSense”), an advanced software and technology provider, has received a seven-figure cash injection from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (“MEIF”), East & South East Midlands Debt Finance fund managed by Maven Capital Partners (“

28th April 2021

Scheme launched to attract businesses into Derby city centre

A £1.75 million initiative has been launched by Derby City Council to encourage more businesses to locate in the heart of Derby.

23rd April 2021

Derbyshire sports firm celebrates record-breaking year despite Covid restrictions

A DERBYSHIRE sports firm which runs “exciting and creative” PE lessons and holiday clubs for children has recorded a record-breaking year – despite only being fully-operational for five months of the year.

21st April 2021

Leicester-local appointed by SME bank to support East Midlands’ businesses

Leicester-local, Reena Pithwa, is heading up the new Midlands Relationship Management division at Allica Bank, helping to launch its direct-to-SMEs banking offering.

21st April 2021

Food Innovation Centre turns the spotlight on alternative proteins as Better Nature celebrates £1.6m crowdfunding success

An ambitious plant-based food company supported by the Food Innovation Centre in its infancy has raised £1.6 million via crowdfunding.

19th April 2021

Midlands charities receive £30,000 from The Cadbury Foundation

Seven charities from across the Midlands have been chosen by employees at Mondelēz International sites throughout the region, to receive a donation of up to £5,000.

19th April 2021

Derbyshire insulation manufacturer lands £250,000 funding package

One of the UK’s leading building insulation manufacturers, YBS Insulation (“YBS”), has received a £250,000 loan to progress its growth plans.

15th April 2021

HR platform built for remote working raises further £1.3m

A HR software platform which helps companies to manage remote workers has raised a further £1,275,000 to fund its rapid expansion.

14th April 2021

The Chesterfield College Group helps businesses make the most of the new apprenticeship bonus scheme

Apprenticeship experts from Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group, are helping businesses to make the most of an apprenticeship bonus scheme which offers up to £4,000 to employers who recruit an apprentice.

8th April 2021

£300k NPIF funding provides a lift for Chesterfield manufacturer

A Chesterfield company has secured a £300,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

7th April 2021

Grantham College to Receive £1.5m for Engineering and Construction

An engineering and construction skills facility at Grantham College is to be upgraded thanks to a grant of £1.5 million from the Getting Building Fund.

6th April 2021

Chesterfield cultural venues receive a further funding boost

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them through the Covid-19 restrictions and ensure they can continue offering unique experiences for Chesterfield residents and visitors.

30th March 2021

STEPNELL REPORTS RETURN TO PROFIT IN 2021 AFTER A CHALLENGING 2020

CONSTRUCTION contractor Stepnell says that despite a difficult 2019/20, the company has experienced a sustainable return to profit of £1 million, with a strong order book for this year and into 2022.

30th March 2021

SKG Capital to invest £20 million as it targets regional retail acquisitions

SKG Capital, the retail special situations family office, has said it will invest £20 million in retail and consumer businesses over the coming year.

29th March 2021

MEIF invests £100 million into Midlands’ businesses

£100 million has been invested in the region’s small businesses through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).

29th March 2021

A Notts shed manufacturer is warning prices could be set to soar due to a global shortage of timber.

Britons could soon be paying up to fifty per cent more for their garden sheds due to a global shortage of timber.

29th March 2021

STEPNELL MEETS MAJOR MILESTONES ON MULTIPLE MIDLANDS RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES

NATIONAL contractor Stepnell has made significant progress on three residential projects, based in Leicester.

26th March 2021

Food Packaging Firm a ‘Cut Above’ with 'Expert' £1.1M Machine

After a highly successful 2020, an award-winning Nottingham packaging manufacturer has invested £1.1 million in a new cutting and creasing machine.

26th March 2021

Nottingham biotech firm raises £2.3m for ‘game changing’ test to combat bovine TB

A University of Nottingham spin-out which has developed a rapid test that could be a ‘game changer’ in combatting tuberculosis (TB) in livestock has secured a £2.3m investment to help bring its product to market.

25th March 2021

Robinson’s 2020 Annual report highlights another strong year – strategically, financially and sustainably

Chesterfield, UK – March 2021 - Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging – has published its 2020 Annual report showcasing a successful year with a revitalised business strategy, increased sales, a radical re-brand and mill

25th March 2021

D2N2 LEP awards £7.99m to Nottingham City Council to facilitate Broadmarsh redevelopment

The award will allow for preparation of the site as part of the wider Nottingham Southside redevelopment.

22nd March 2021

Koi Sports is match-fit for future growth

For many businesses, 2020 was possibly a year they would rather forget.

22nd March 2021

GROWTH HUB SUPPORT FOR FOOD AND DRINK SECTOR IS A RECIPE FOR GROWTH

Food and drink producers have had to adapt and diversify over the last 12 months in order to survive.

19th March 2021

Local school undergoes ambitious upgrades following successful CIF bid

MAC Construction Consultants oversee project at South Wigston High School

18th March 2021

Over £23m to be invested in council housing across Chesterfield

More than £23 million is to be spent improving and increasing the housing supply across Chesterfield – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to enhance the borough’s housing offer and meet the needs of residents.

17th March 2021

Hockley Hustle Presents An Album of Collaborations To Raise Funds For Homeless Support Charity Emmanuel House

An album of collaborations featuring an intriguing line up of established and emerging artists from Nottingham has been put together by Hockley Hustle after a successful bid to secure Arts Council funding.

17th March 2021

How the life science sector has shot up the investment agenda as vaccinations are rolled out

The past twelve months have showcased the importance of medical developments like never before. Innovation in the life sciences sector has been headline news around the globe and all aspects of the healthcare system have been under the microscope

16th March 2021

Magma advise on sale of market leading mortuary solutions business

East Midlands based Magma Corporate Finance have advised on the sale of Flexmort - the market leader in flexible mortuary cooling solutions –who has been acquired by a group of investors led by Noar, Limited (“Noar”).

16th March 2021

LEP approves £2.1 Million Grant for Extension at Stamford College

A construction and automotive skills facility at Stamford College is to be extended thanks to a £2.1 million grant from the Getting Building Fund.

15th March 2021

LEADING HOUSEBUILDER REVEALS LATEST INVESTMENT IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Nottingham-based housebuilder, Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, has built 622 homes in its operational area during the past year and contributed over £102m to the UK’s economic output.

15th March 2021

Business Lender Deliversover £6m to Help SMEs in the East Midlands and South East Midlands

First Enterprise – Enterprise Loansare delighted to announce they have delivered£6.7 million of Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) small business loans to SMEs in the East Midlands and South East Midlands.

9th March 2021

ZERO-CARBON COURIER EXPANDS FLEET FOLLOWING FUNDING WIN

Nottingham based cycle courier, Veload has been awarded over £11,000 in grant funding from Nottingham City Council’s Workplace Travel Service to expand its fleet of cargo bikes and broaden its zero-carbon last-mile delivery operations in the city.

9th March 2021

Engineering firm secures £100,000 loan to prepare for busy summer ahead

A Nottinghamshire engineering company which suffered a slowdown in trade due to the pandemic has received a £100,000 CBILS-backed loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, that is managed by Mercia and

4th March 2021

BUDGET 2021: UHY NOTTINGHAM’S RESPONSE

Ian Dickinson, tax director at UHY Hacker Young in Nottingham, said: “The government’s announcement that East Midlands Airport is going to be granted freeport status – one of just eight places across the UK – is welcomed news for the region. It will bring

4th March 2021

Jones Homes secures Help to Buy Funding at developments in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire

Jones Homes has secured Government funding aimed at supporting first-time buyers onto the property ladder.

4th March 2021

Derby accountancy and business advisors simplify Rishi Sunak’s 2021 Spring budget

THE extension of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to those who have previously been left out in the cold so far is a much-needed boost, says the co-founder of a Derby accountancy firm.

4th March 2021

Growth Hub welcomes Chancellor’s budget support for business

Leicester and Leicestershire’s Growth Hub has welcomed the measures announced in today’s budget by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

4th March 2021

CBILS backing helps Notts business deliver 28 million PPE items to support frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic

A Nottinghamshire-based creative agency, which drew on its international export expertise to keep the nation safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, has successfully delivered more than 28 million items of personal protective equipment after securing a six fig

3rd March 2021

Budget Comment | Dr Nik Kotecha OBE

“The Chancellor had a tricky balancing act to walk, but it’s clear this year’s budget is all about supporting businesses and individuals in order to grow the economy.

3rd March 2021

Budget Reaction

Nicholas Smith, Director and Head of Tax at Duncan & Toplis

3rd March 2021

£25.2m investment for Staveley announced

Town leaders have welcomed a multi-million pound funding boost which will pave the way for significant regeneration in a former mining community in North Derbyshire.

3rd March 2021

Budget will help many with final push, but much more needed on employment costs and those overlooked, say small firms

Responding to the Chancellor’s Budget Speech in the House of Commons, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Development Manager Natalie Gasson-McKinley, said:

3rd March 2021

Cut employer costs to complement furlough extension, small firms urge

Responding to the announcement that the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) will be extended and sole traders with a 2019/20 tax return will be included in the next rounds of Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grants Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

2nd March 2021

Budget 2021: East Midlands business leaders calling for fundamental changes to digital taxes and Business Rates

The government should expand digital taxes to cover a wider range of online sales according to a poll of over 1,000 business leaders by accountancy and advisory firm BDO LLP.

2nd March 2021

Pandemic and Brexit to trigger real estate ‘return on investment’ shift in East Midlands

Research by RSM has indicated that the pandemic and Brexit could act as catalysts for a shift in commercial real estate returns on investment in favour of the East Midlands.

2nd March 2021

FURLOUGH EXTENSION AND VAT REDUCTION: EAST MIDLANDS FIRMS’ BUDGET WISHLIST REVEALED

East Midlands SMEs are calling on the Chancellor to announce an extension to the furlough scheme when he delivers his Budget tomorrow, according to the latest data from Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer research.

2nd March 2021

INVESTING IN RADICAL SUPPORT FOR WOMEN FOUNDERS

Two Nottingham entrepreneurs have received a cash boost for their company so they can support even more women to set up and grow their own business.

2nd March 2021

Asset Intelligence Announces Line-up for 2021 Investment Conference

Asset Intelligence, the Leicester-based financial consultancy, today announces the speaker line-up for its annual investment conference, now in its fifth year, held in association with the School of Business at the University of Leicester.

1st March 2021

MERRITTS INVEST £400k ON NEW 58 TONNE CAPACITY PICK AND CARRY CRANE

Having already invested in a new £380k on a new Nooteboom trailer and Versa-Lift 40/60 forklift, heavy machinery moving specialists, Joseph Merritt Group PLC, has just taken delivery of a new fully electric cabin cruiser crane.

1st March 2021

New £5billion business grants will provide much-needed lifeline but suppliers likely to need additional help, say small firms

Responding to news that the Government will issue £5billion of new grants to businesses in England, FSB Development Manager Natalie Gasson-McKinley said:

1st March 2021

DERBYSHIRE DUO EXPAND BEER BREWING BUSINESS

Ripley-based Pentrich Brewing Co has received a £150k investment to help expand its production of cask beers. The funding was provided by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) through First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans.

1st March 2021

LEICESTERSHIRE GIN DISTILLER SECURES £250,000 MEIF FUNDING TO BOOST GROWTH

A Leicestershire gin distiller business has secured a £250,000 investment to scale-up its operations and create new jobs.

1st March 2021

LINCOLNSHIRE CHOCOLATIER SECURES £250K BOOST TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND

A Stamford based chocolatier business has secured a £250,000 MEIF loan to help meet increasing demand for its products from the UK and overseas. This is alongside boosting its marketing campaigns to drive sales in 2021.

1st March 2021

DERBY MANUFACTURER SECURES £100K BOOST TO CREATE NEW JOBS

Derby-based manufacturer, Complexia, is set to expand and create seven new jobs following a £100,000 investment.

1st March 2021

Cherwell Valley construction firm to build B2B portfolio following £225k funding boost

HNB Construction Services Ltd (HNB) has secured a £225k loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) Debt Finance, managed by Maven Capital Partners (Maven), backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

26th February 2021

Vital funding for community groups confirmed

Community groups in Chesterfield are set to benefit from more than £30,000 of funding that has been provided through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhoods Fund.

25th February 2021

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE SURGES IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Business confidence in the East Midlands rose 18 points during February to 10%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

25th February 2021

Decision on unique inland freeport expected imminently

A decision on the unique inland Freeport bid, submitted by the LLEP and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnerships on 5 February 2021, is expected imminently. The LLEP and key stakeholders, including local authorities and businesses, are excited about the economi

25th February 2021

£6.4m warehouse underway at Wakefield Hub

Regional contractor G F Tomlinson has commenced works on a new 65,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Wakefield Hub for Newmarket Lane Ltd, a joint venture between developers HBD and Yorkcourt.

25th February 2021

First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans Supports Hundreds of Businesses During Coronavirus Pandemic with £7m Lending Milestone

First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans are delighted to announce that a record-breaking number of business loans have been provided to support businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

25th February 2021

NEW EURO TARIFFS AND CHARGES – AND HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT PAYING TOO MUCH

Leaving the EU and its former trade deals has meant that there has been an explosion of new regulations, tariffs and ways of reporting to Customs and HMRC to contend with, and many more still yet to come as deals are negotiated and confirmed.

24th February 2021

BELMAYNE JOINS TASKFORCE TO AID THE VULNERABLE

Dronfield-based chartered financial planners, Belmayne, are supporting an industry-wide initiative to recognise vulnerability and ensure all consumers receive high quality advice.

24th February 2021

Chesterfield businesses encouraged to check eligibility for grants

Chesterfield businesses are being urged to check if they are eligible for business grants which can help them cover costs during lockdown.

24th February 2021

Digital health checks help businesses do more with technology

Adopting digital solutions can mean better customer experiences, improved productivity, enhanced security and more, but knowing where to start can be a stumbling block for many business owners.

24th February 2021

Support grows for East Midlands Freeport Bid

Nottingham and Derby City Councils support bid for East Midlands Freeport

23rd February 2021

ASPIRING ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES SUCCESSFUL ORGANIC SKINCARE BUSINESS THANKS TO START-UP LOAN

A De Montfort University criminology graduate has secured a £4,800 start-up loan from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans to turn her passion for organic skincare into a successful business.

23rd February 2021

BDO calls for targeted tax incentives to boost Midlands manufacturing

Two thirds of manufacturers (65%) would commit to greater investment in the regions if incentives for capital expenditure were increased, a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has found.

22nd February 2021

Sizeable Grant Brings Sinfonia Viva Plans A Step Closer

Sinfonia Viva, the Grammy-nominated Orchestra of the East Midlands, is forging ahead with plans to bring high quality music back into the lives of thousands of people thanks to a major grant from one of the most respected charitable institutions in the UK

22nd February 2021

Budget predictions

Nicholas Smith, Director and Head of Tax at Duncan & Toplis. Looking back at last year: One thing we learned from last year’s budget is that the response to COVID-19 will dominate everything.

22nd February 2021

Fabrikat deal lights the way

The two owners of leading steel fabrications business, Fabrikat, the UK’s leading independent designer and fabricator of lighting columns and guardrails, recently sold the business to a Management Buy-Out (MBO) team in a deal funded by Duke Royalty Limite

22nd February 2021

Erewash Borough Council and Beeston-based J Tomlinson set to transform one of Ilkeston’s most distinctive buildings

A major renovation scheme that is expected to create over 90 local jobs and increase local productivity has commenced in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

22nd February 2021

Top Midlands IT company sponsors DIS

Leading IT and telecoms company Wytech has become the latest sponsor of the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS).

22nd February 2021

£500,000 support boost for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire manufacturers

Small to medium-sized manufacturers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have received a £500,000 support boost to help them overcome challenges and make the most of new opportunities.

19th February 2021

Accountants help East Midlands businesses access over £2.9 million in R&D tax credits

Companies in the East Midlands have accessed more than £2.9 million in tax credits to support R&D with the help of Duncan & Toplis.

19th February 2021

SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS FOR MIDLANDS BAKERY

A Midlands-based artisan doughnut bakery has been named a Small Business of 2020 by Lloyds Bank, after growing its annual turnover by three hundred per cent last year.

19th February 2021

£290,750 award for Nottingham Playhouse’s community work

Nottingham Playhouse has successfully secured funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation’s Weston Culture Fund, with much-needed cash going towards free participation projects, and the creation of a new community and gallery space.

19th February 2021

BGF invests £4.25m in Derbyshire house builder

Woodall Group, the owner of Midlands house builder Woodall Homes, has received a £4.25 million investment from BGF, the UK’s most active growth capital investor. Funding will be used to support the accelerated acquisition of land in prime locations, to un

19th February 2021

Bridge Help launches new co-funding division

Chesterfield-based commercial bridging loan company, Bridge Help has launched a new co-funding division of the business.

16th February 2021

£290,750 award for Nottingham Playhouse’s community work

Huge win for theatre’s community and participation work

12th February 2021

Coming soon…

Love Business News is set for a major relaunch in 2021 as we continue our quest to give businesses in the Heart of the Midlands – Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire & Leicestershire – a voice.

4th January 2021

Vital work to put heritage at the heart of Nottingham

A panel set up to support and protect Nottingham’s heritage treasures has been looking back at its achievements as the city approaches a new year.

24th December 2020

£25m Staveley Town Deal Submitted to Government

Ambitious plans for the Staveley area worth over £25m have been submitted to the Government for approval as part of its Town Deal programme

19th December 2020

Sygnature Discovery invests £3m to expand high-throughput screening and translational oncology capabilities

Sygnature Discovery, a leading independent integrated drug discovery and pre-clinical contract research organization, is strengthening its high-throughput screening (HTS) and translational oncology service-offerings by investing £3 million in new instrume

19th December 2020

Let the Bells Ring Out For Christmas!

Britain’s last remaining bellfoundry saved with £3.45m National Lottery funding

18th December 2020

New Centre of Excellence at Chesterfield College to receive £500,000 from D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

A new Centre of Excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies will be built at Chesterfield College after the scheme was awarded a £500,000 grant from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

14th December 2020

Chesterfield College helps employers access £2 billion of government funding to recruit young people

Chesterfield College is helping employers make the most of government funding to grow their workforce and help young people into employment.

7th December 2020

Derby manufacturer secures £100K boost to create new jobs

Derby-based manufacturer, Complexia, is set to expand and create seven new jobs following a £100,000 investment.

4th December 2020

Chevin Fleet Solutions to create 20 new jobs following £1.5m MEIF boost

Derbyshire-based fleet management software provider has secured a £1.5m funding boost to develop its cloud-based product and create 20 new skilled jobs.

3rd December 2020

Digital Turbine Centre secures D2N2 funding

A new Digital Innovation Centre showcasing the latest in augmented and virtual reality and 5G-related innovations will be created at Nottinghamshire County Council’s Worksop Turbine centre.

1st December 2020

Mansfield housing development awarded D2N2 funding

The Lindhurst Development in Mansfield has been awarded a £3 million grant from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

27th November 2020

App founded by NHS surgeon secures million pound seed investment

MediShout, the app for frontline hospital staff to resolve facilities and equipment issues, has closed a £1 million seed round from Venture Capital fund Episode 1, supported by law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

23rd November 2020

Cooper Parry reports double-digit growth for FY20 and the first half of FY21

For the year ending 30 April 2020, Cooper Parry’s continuing business revenue grew organically by 10% to £31m, with average partner profits increasing by 22%.

22nd November 2020

Family-run childcare group secures Top-Up support package from Lloyds Bank

An independent childcare provider in Leicester is keeping its doors open after receiving funding from Lloyds Bank via the Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme Top Up, launched on Tuesday 10th November.

21st November 2020

Monkey vs Owl Expands Residential Lettings Online Capabilities

Fast-growing residential lettings company Monkey vs Owl (MOVO) has expanded its online platform to provide a national service for property landlords.

20th November 2020

Media students’ work helps Mansfield prepare for cash boost

Media students from West Nottinghamshire College have played a key role in highlighting ambitious plans for redeveloping Mansfield district.

20th November 2020

Russell Roof Tiles reveals investment in tech

Burton based Russell Roof Tiles (RRT) has revealed the extent of its investment in technology over the past 12 months, as part of its continued commitment to increasing production efficiencies and strengthening its customer service.