Grants & Finance News - Love Business East Midlands

6th October 2021

Business ramping up in the Midlands as SMEs actively seek future funding

SME look for average of £170,000 to finance growth 45% of Midlands SMEs set to apply for funding in the next year.

4th October 2021

“Step up to the plate”, firms urge Government, as they publish Budget asks ahead of Conference

“Small businesses want to turn the page after a torrid 18 months”, the UK’s largest business group has told the Chancellor in its Autumn Budget submission, but they are being held back by rising costs, supply chain disruption, and forthcoming tax hikes.

4th October 2021

PKF SMITH COOPER’S CORPORATE FINANCE DIVISION CELEBRATE THEIR ‘DEAL OF THE YEAR (UNDER £10M)’ WIN AT INSIDER’S 2021 EAST MIDLANDS DEALMAKERS AWARDS

On Wednesday 29th September, Nottingham’s Belfry hosted the renowned Dealmakers Awards ceremony, where a host of companies located in the East Midlands celebrated their dealmaking achievements throughout the past year.

29th September 2021

Careers scheme piloted in Derby to be rolled out across East Midlands after Government funding boost

A ground-breaking programme which aims to inspire children and challenge the way they think about work is being rolled out across the East Midlands after the pilot scheme was hailed a huge success.

22nd September 2021

HARNESS THE POTENTIAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO 'SUPERCHARGE RECOVERY’ FOR THE EAST MIDLANDS

The University of Nottingham has joined leading Russell Group universities in calling on the Government to harness the jobs, skills and investment universities bring to the community as they look to recover from Covid-19.

20th September 2021

NOTTINGHAM BID PROVIDE A BOOST FOR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with local tourist attraction Nottingham Castle to help boost the business of several local independent businesses by providing them with the opportunity to showcase their products in the brand-

17th September 2021

NOTTINGHAM 3D PRINT AND DESIGN COMPANYEXPANDS THANKS TO £51K INVESTMENT

A Nottingham company specialising in 3D printing and design services has expanded thanks toa £51,000 investment

16th September 2021

Over whelmed by Free Business Support Offers? Get focussed and Open the Door to Growth

Neil Coles benefited from the recent Small business Leadership programme at Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University

14th September 2021

Recovery grant helps IT business serve more customers

A forced office move and reduced revenues due to the global pandemic meant Ashby de la Zouch-based business IT support provider UKBITS, faced an uncertain future last year.

11th September 2021

B-HIVE RECEIVES FUNDING TO DEVELOP CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR FOOD WASTE REDUCTION

Leading Agri-tech company B-hive Innovations will host a Future Leaders Fellowship and lead a research project, which will early detect potato diseases and defects before they hit supermarket shelves.

9th September 2021

Over 15,000 small business owners apply for a single £25,000 Covid-19 recovery grant

Over 15,000 self-employed people and hopeful entrepreneurs have applied for a single £25,000 Business Boost grant from business insurance provider Simply Business – an award designed to help SMEs cope with the lasting impact of coronavirus.

8th September 2021

Pioneering 5G Connected Forest project making ‘excellent progress’

Pioneering work which aims to introduce cutting-edge digital technology to enhance the visitor experience in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s legendary Sherwood Forest is making ‘excellent progress’.

2nd September 2021

New Digital Innovation Centre leads the way in supporting businesses and students

As work continues to install the latest digital connectivity to support around 40 businesses based in Nottinghamshire County Council’s Worksop Turbine business centre, a new Digital Innovation Centre in the building has already started supporting local st

31st August 2021

Council bids for £20m of Government money to further boost Chesterfield town centre transformation and cultural offering

Plans to create a modern and extended customer experience at the Stephenson Memorial Hall – which houses Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre, and Museum – are at the heart of a bid for almost £20m worth of Government funding submitted by Chesterfield Borou

22nd August 2021

MEIF Debt Finance backs Derbyshire brewery with £150,000 funding package

Howard Town Brewery (“Howard Town Brewery”) has secured a £150,000 funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (“MEIF”) East & South East Midlands Debt Finance fund, managed by Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”) and backed by the Coronavirus Bu

22nd August 2021

Lightbulb moments lead to growth for West HR

Many agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed various aspects of life including the way we learn. For Melton Mowbray-based West HR, online learning had already started to feature within their training delivery.

18th August 2021

Lightbulb moments lead to growth for West HR

Many agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed various aspects of life including the way we learn.

17th August 2021

Nottingham Community Groups set for cash injection

Thousands of pounds to support community projects in some of Nottingham’s most deprived neighbourhoods is being offered by social impact company Castle Cavendish.

15th August 2021

Leicestershire window business doubles workforce due to innovation

13th August 2021

Extra funding for trials means extra Hope!

Leicestershire and Rutland’s very own cancer charity, Hope Against Cancer, have succeeded in achieving another amazing funding result.

13th August 2021

MERRITTS INVEST £250K IN NEW VERSATILE 16TE CAPACITY PICK AND CARRY CRANE

East Midlands based, heavy machinery moving company, Joseph Merritt Group Plc has taken delivery of a new fully electric JMG MC-160 pick and carry cabin cruiser crane.

12th August 2021

Derby engineering consultants secure seven-figure funding package, as it targets growth within renewables

11th August 2021

IR35 CHANGES REINFORCE IMPORTANCE OF CONTRACTOR AND CLIENT RELATIONSHIP, SAYS ACCOUNTANCY FIRM

THE INTRODUCTION of the new IR35 off-payroll changes demonstrate the importance of building a strong employer-contractor relationship to avoid confusion when applying the new rules, according to a senior manager at national accountancy firm UHY Hacker You

11th August 2021

Starting a Small Business? Professional Accounting Services Can Help You Succeed

Small business owners who are just starting out should seriously consider seeking assistance from professional accountants.

4th August 2021

News release: £250K awarded to Nottingham College to give young people life-changing work experiences abroad

Up to 100 students from Nottingham College will be given once in a lifetime overseas work experience opportunities thanks to the College’s success in attracting over £250K in funding from the Turing Scheme.

30th July 2021

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE RETURNS TO GROWTH IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Business confidence in the East Midlands bounced back from a dip in June, rising seven points during July to 38%, the second highest score of any region across the UK, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

30th July 2021

LANDMARK DERBY BUILDING PLANNING APPROVED FOR NEW STUDENT SCHEME

Plans to transform a Derby office building into new purpose-built student accommodation has today been approved by Derby City Council. The £14m redevelopment will take 12 months to complete and will start immediately.

29th July 2021

Allica Bank loan enables £900k site purchase for My Car Import

A six-figure commercial mortgage from Allica Bank has supported the UK’s leading vehicle importing company in acquiring a new £900,000 operating site to satisfy the increasing demand for its services.

28th July 2021

Nottingham medtech company raises £1.6m for 3D printed implants

A Nottingham-based company which has developed a new biomaterial used for 3D printing medical implants has completed a £1.6m funding round.

28th July 2021

BGF tops £50 million invested in the Midlands

BGF – the UK & Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – has invested more than £50 million in the Midlands in the first half of 2021.

28th July 2021

Smart, self-configuring factories on horizon thanks to new £5m research centre

A new £5m research centre aims to put UK manufacturing on the map for the sustainable and scalable production of high-value, customised products using smart and connected factories.

28th July 2021

HIGH-END RESTAURANT CHAIN EXPANDS INTO NOTTINGHAM FOLLOWING £200K INVESTMENT

A new high-end Asian restaurant chain based in Nottingham is due to open its doors thanks to a £200k investment.

20th July 2021

Derby financial adviser offers help to colleagues across the world after sharing his thoughts on imposter syndrome

The founder of a Derby financial advice company who gave a talk to fellow professionals online about self-doubt and feeling like he is “winging it” says he has been contacted by people all over the world looking help and support.

20th July 2021

Microlise to list on the London Stock Exchange

Microlise, a leading provider of transport management software to fleet operators, is set to list on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange as Microlise Group plc on 22 July 2021.

20th July 2021

£5m business growth fund launched in Derby

A £5 million business growth programme has been launched in Derby, to help local businesses innovate and expand.

15th July 2021

Biotech firm that ‘could revolutionise woundcare’ raises £1.8m

A biotech company with a product that helps to heal eye injuries and could revolutionise treatment of other wounds has raised a further £1.8m.

15th July 2021

£54m construction project in Loughborough creates flexible facility for a growing CRO

Loughborough’s life sciences hub Charnwood Campushas recommissioned its world-class synthetic and chemistry research facility to the highest standard to cater to the needs of its newest occupier and leading pre-clinical discovery contract research organis

15th July 2021

Grant enables Translink Express Logistics to go green

Distribution and warehousing business Translink Express Logistics, based in Narborough, is well on its way to becoming a greener business after introducing real-time track and trace service for palletized goods.

15th July 2021

MILLER HOMES TO INVEST MORE THAN £750K INTO THE DERBYSHIRE ECONOMY

A £750,000 investment by Miller Homes East Midlands is set to be injected into the Derbyshire village of Smalley as part of the housebuilders’ latest neighbourhood, Smalley Chase.

15th July 2021

Half year revenues up sixty percent at Woodward Group

Midlands-based mechanical and electrical contractors Woodward Group has reported a strong first half to 2021, with turnover up 60 percent from the same period last year.

15th July 2021

East Midlands’ businesses to require further finance for Covid-19 recovery

A survey commissioned by the British Business Bank has found that small businesses in the East Midlands will need additional finance as they recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

8th July 2021

East Midlands Steel Construction System Included in Multi-Million Dollar US Investment Programme

Steel Bricks™, a pioneering modular steel construction system manufactured in the East Midlands, has been included in a multi-million dollar funding programme to be delivered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) aimed at making advanced nuclear construc

7th July 2021

Bursary boost for female tech students

Women interested in studying computer science have been able to apply for a bursary worth £12,000 – the first of its kind ever offered at Nottingham Trent University.

30th June 2021

Greenlight for £1.7m Investment

Burton based pioneering pitched roof tile manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles, has been given the greenlight for £1.7m plant and building works at its Scottish plant.

30th June 2021

EAST MIDLANDS BUSINESS CONFIDENCE REMAINS STRONG DESPITE DIP

Business confidence in the East Midlands remains high at 31% despite falling for the first time since January 2021, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

29th June 2021

Research reveals huge performance gaps between organisations with different levels of resilience

New research in a report launched by MHR International, the HR, payroll, and analytics experts reveals staggering differences in employee performance within UK and Ireland organisations based on their level of workforce resilience.

28th June 2021

Groubook announces investment round on Seedrs

Nottingham-based technology start-up Groubook has officially announced the launch of its crowdfunding campaign through the crowdfunding equity platform Seedrs.

23rd June 2021

Central England Co-op members rewarded for their loyalty with share of £570,000 payout

Central England Co-op can today reveal that it has shared out over £570,000 among its members as a reward for their loyalty.

21st June 2021

HOMEBUILDER LOOKS BACK ON £8.5M COMMITMENT TO DERBYSHIRE AS COMMUNITIES COMPLETE

As two more of its developments in Derbyshire are close to completion, David Wilson Homes is preparing to bid a fond farewell to its communities in the county.

21st June 2021

Circle Of Light Awarded £100,000 To Expand Life-Changing Music Programme For Young People

The groundbreaking Circle of Light music project is expanding across the East Midlands and inviting young people to sign up for its innovative programme to improve their mental health and equip them with the tools to shape their own future.

21st June 2021

Unlocking finance for your start-up | Virtual event | 8 July 2021

The event will give start-ups, entrepreneurs and support agencies in the East and South-East Midlands an update on the finance available from the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans scheme.

18th June 2021

Campervans and kitchens top Derby savers’ wish-lists with “bigger and better holidays” delayed until 2022

Camper vans, new kitchens and bookings for “bigger and better” holidays in 2022 are at the top of Derby people’s lists when it comes to ways in which they plan to spend their lockdown money, according to a city financial adviser.

18th June 2021

Derbyshire schools to benefit from Government cash injection to improve quality of physical education teaching

SCHOOLS in Derby and Derbyshire are set to receive more Government money to help them prioritise physical activity as they look to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

18th June 2021

Moneyfacts Awards 2021 winners announced

Celebrating 20 years of the Moneyfacts Awards, Tuesday 15 June was a spectacular day, as Moneyfacts announced the winners of the highlight of the personal finance industry calendar.

16th June 2021

Nottingham renewable energy manufacturer secures £125k investment

A Nottingham company that manufactures biogas generators,which turn food waste into energy,has safeguarded its order fulfilments thanks to a £125,000 investment.

16th June 2021

UK equity investment increases, with the East Midlands securing £76m in 2020

The British Business Bank’s Small Business Equity Tracker 2021 published today (Wednesday 16 June) shows that equity investment in the UK’s smaller businesses increased by nine per cent in 2020 to £8.8bn, the highest annual investment amount since the dat

14th June 2021

British Business Bank appoints new Director for the Midlands

The British Business Bank has appointed a new director to its UK Network team in the Midlands, in a move that will strengthen the Bank’s on-the-ground presence. Dale-Black’s role will cover the East Midlands and West Midlands.

28th May 2021

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE STAYS AT THREE-YEAR HIGH IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

Business confidence in the East Midlands remained steady during May, matching April’s three-year high of 40%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

28th May 2021

Local contractor backs sustainability to play key role in regional growth across Nottinghamshire

Willmott Dixon, the privately owned construction and interiors company based in Nottinghamshire, publishes its accounts for the 12 months to 31 December 2020.

28th May 2021

Relocation leads to accelerating growth for Nottingham K9 accessory brand as NG adds bite to move

A rapidly-expanding Nottingham based business which provides premium K9 accessories from dog collars, harnesses and leads and soon to introduce their first tech-savvy product has relocated to larger premises and is set to create new jobs after help from N

28th May 2021

Employers Offered Cash Boost For T-Level Placements

Technical education regional pioneers Derby College Group (DCG) have welcomed a Government initiative to encourage more employers to provide students with work experience as part of their study programme.

25th May 2021

As small businesses reopen, data reveals that 77% think they are overpaying for their energy

As small businesses across the UK get ready to fully reopen, owners are making difficult decisions to find areas within their business plan to save money and reduce costs that can be reinvested in driving growth

24th May 2021

£50m invested in businesses as MEIF and NPIF focus on net-zero

The British Business Bank’s regional funds - the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) - have enabled more than £50m of investment, including from the private sector, into small businesses in the Midland

20th May 2021

Maven launches series of business growth clinics across the East & South East Midlands to boost funding support

Regional fund manager launches 1-2-1 support sessions for local businesses to help address funding and support needs across East & South East Midlands

18th May 2021

Start Up Loans set to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs in the East Midlands following the pandemic

Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, today sets out its commitment to unlock the talent of thousands more people across the UK by helping them to start their own business.

17th May 2021

EAST MIDLANDS RESIDENTS SPEND AN EXTRA £1,278 AS THEY INCREASE TIME ONLINE

People in the East Midlands have, on average, spent an additional £1,278 each on online shopping in the past year, the latest Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index has revealed.

17th May 2021

The Robot Exchange secures £500k MEIF backing to drive robotic automation

Exchange has secured a significant £500k investment from leading private equity investment firm, Foresight, through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (“MEIF”).

17th May 2021

Green aviation facility given £7.6m boost by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

The UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facility to be catalyst for green economic recovery in the aerospace sector

14th May 2021

Leading Leicester professor receives £2.2m for major type 2 diabetes research project

A Leicester researcher is set to investigate the potential link between people with type 2 diabetes, foot ulcers and heart disease.

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