VentureFest North East is returning to Civic Centre, Newcastle on Tuesday 18^th March.  A completely free event, the day is packed with speakers, workshops, exhibitors, funding opportunities and networking.

If you’re looking to grow your business through innovation, then VentureFest North East is the place for you.

Get your FREE ticket today – https://supernetwork.org.uk/venturefest/

#VFNE25

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• UMi launch Get Funding service to support businesses to access the best grants, finance and investment.

Specialist providers of business support, finance and funding, UMi, launches industry changing Get Funding service to make it easier for the 60% of SMEs who struggle to identify where to find the finance they need. Get Funding offers tailored support through a streamlined one-stop shop approach, helping businesses access grants, finance, and investments best suited to their needs.

Find out more – https://www.weareumi.co.uk/inside-umi/posts/new-one-stop-shop-simplifies-access-to-funding-for-uk-businesses

• Connect, Innovate, Grow. VentureFest is back for 2025.

VentureFest North East is the region’s leading innovation event, offering businesses a platform to explore emerging technologies. With workshops, networking, and expert insights, it helps companies stay competitive and drive growth. Entrepreneurs and industry leaders can connect and discover new ways to evolve their businesses.

– Tuesday 18th March 2025 9:00am – 17:30pm

– Civic Centre, Newcastle

Book your place – https://supernetwork.org.uk/venturefest/

• Calling High-growth Businesses. Access Investment in Sunderland.

Learn about the Northstar Venture Sunderland Fund and funding options for sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, Low Carbon, Healthy Ageing, and Creative Sector. You’ll also discover the Innovation SuperNetwork Investment Readiness Toolkit to help you scale.

– Wednesday 19th February 9:30am – 12:30pm

– North East Business Innovation Centre, Sunderland

Book your place – https://events.weareumi.co.uk/northstar-event-on-access-to-finance/registration/Site/Register

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Delivered by UMi, the event will be one of Tees Valley’s biggest, giving the business community an opportunity to reconnect with existing contacts and meet new ones, capitalising on the growing opportunities in the region.

Free to attend for delegates, this year’s event expects to see more than 750 visitors descend on Teesside University to learn new skills and take part in a series of seminars and workshops.

There will also be an exhibition, packed with more than 100 local exhibitors showcasing their products, services and support. After a successful early bird promotion, stands are already selling out fast.

UMi chief executive Nicki Clark said: “The agenda for this year’s Tees Valley Business Summit is packed with insight and learning for business leaders across the region to help them do more and go further. Start-ups and established businesses alike will gain inspiration from the fantastic speakers who will be sharing their insights on the day.”

The Summit is free to attend, to see what’s on and to book your place visit www.TeesValleySummit.co.uk

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With over 22 years in finance and business development, Julie’s expertise underpins UMi’s aspirations to make an even greater impact in helping businesses understand and access finance, as well as UMi’s broader growth through acquisitions and investments.

Beyond professional credibility, UMi and Julie are driven by similar values. Julie is deeply involved in organisations and charities like SmartWorks and Discovery Learning Trust, being a board trustee of both, aligning perfectly with UMi’s commitment to making a positive impact in local communities.

Nicki Clark, CEO at UMi said: “We are thrilled to welcome Julie to UMi. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Julie for a little while and I’m delighted she wants to continue developing her career in UMi.

“As UMi continues to expand its reach and impact, Julie’s leadership will play a pivotal role in driving our development.

“I’m really excited about what we can achieve with Julie onboard.”

Julie Cuthbertson, Director of Strategic Projects at UMi said: “I am delighted to be joining this dynamic team. UMi’s commitment to supporting businesses and making a positive impact on communities is something I really value, and I’m eager to contribute my expertise to furthering that mission.

“Having already met some of the talented individuals at UMi, I’m excited to start working towards strategic initiatives that will drive growth, innovation, and positive change across the UK.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of UMi, and I am thrilled to play a role in shaping it’s future success.”

Julie’s appointment at UMi marks an exciting chapter in the company’s journey of growth and innovation. With her skills, experience, and shared dedication, Julie truly embodies the ART of UMi – adventurous, responsible, and togetherness.

With Julie on board, UMi is poised to make even greater strides in supporting businesses across the UK, driving economic growth, and fostering positive change.

The news of Julie joining the team follows closely behind another exciting development at UMi – the acquisition of Innovation SuperNetwork (Innovate NE) – a partnership which provides a range of opportunities.

Over the past eight years, Innovation SuperNetwork has convened hundreds of organisations from across the region to simplify and improve access to finance and specialist support for innovation, helping more than 1700 businesses. The company has also managed the region’s digital cluster since 2018 and via the Northern Investor Hub, it has built an investor community with more than 200 angels and funds, successfully connecting qualified deal flow from across the North and leveraging more than £40m of investment for businesses.

Since 2007, UMi has worked with more than 600,000 businesses across the UK, defraying £300m in grants and loans, leveraging £650m of private investment, creating or safeguarding 40,000 jobs and facilitating contract wins worth £185m. Alongside its extraordinary network of partners, UMi currently deliver major local and national business support services across the UK, including the National Business Support Service, supply chain engagement activities for Manchester Airport Group, UMi Debt Finance Scotland and Start Up Loan’s Post Loan Support, amongst others.

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Managed in partnership by UMi, and UNW LLP, this exciting new scheme is the successor to The Growth Fund and North of Tyne Growth Fund, which concluded in the summer of 2023.  

The Business Growth Fund comes with many more opportunities for companies in the region. 

The scheme is funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and Sunderland City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). 

The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, aiming to improve the standard of living across the UK by investing in communities, supporting local businesses, people, and skills. Because of this the Business Growth Fund is available to a much broader range of businesses. 

So, whether you’re an early-stage business or well-established, you may be eligible to benefit from this funding opportunity and drive growth in your company. 

About the Scheme 

1. Funding uses: The grants are designed to stimulate and accelerate business investment in new assets such as technologies and processes that will improve productivity and encourage growth. Projects must also create new and better employment opportunities, increase productivity and profitability, and grow wages.
2. Funding available: The scheme offers a substantial £3.5 million total funding, which means there’s a lot to go around. Grants are available from £20,000 upwards and will support up to 30% of total eligible project costs, so businesses can tailor applications to suit their specific needs.
3. Timeline: The fund launched in November 2023 and remains open until December 2024. This extended timeframe allows businesses to plan their growth projects and prepare their applications thoroughly – if you need help with this, check out our video on how to structure you grant application.

UMi, an organisation known for its support of SMEs, has been awarded the contract to help deliver the Business Growth Fund and are well-equipped to steer the course.  

The fund is managed and delivered by experts in UMi’s Investment Centre team, who have an extensive track record of delivering this kind of support and are committed to helping businesses to do more and go further. 

With this experienced group at the helm, it is expected that around approximately 27 businesses from the region will benefit from funding, assuring applicants of a fair evaluation and distribution of grants. 

Dave Jones, Project Manager at UMi said: “The new Business Growth Fund is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the North of Tyne area, Gateshead, and Sunderland. It builds on the legacy of the previous schemes, providing more accessible and substantial funding opportunities for businesses.  

“With UMi’s involvement and an experienced management team, this scheme is your gateway to successful growth. 

“I would encourage any company looking to grow through capital investment to get in touch with our team” 

Cllr Carl Johnson, NTCA Cabinet Member for Investment and Resources said: “This is an exciting prospect for businesses with ambitions to grow, and for us who want to see their plans succeed. 

“We are committed to supporting businesses through periods of uncertainty and it’s programmes such as this that allow us to deliver and improve people’s lives. That’s why we’re here; to provide opportunities, create jobs and to put in place the right programmes to get our businesses and our people ready to grow and flourish when the time comes.” 

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Our broad range of businesses, both large and small, are the lifeblood of the city’s economy, creating jobs and opportunities for people in Sunderland, so giving them the best chance to succeed by supporting investments that unlock growth potential is vital.  We’re delighted UMi, a firm, experienced in working with businesses, will be able to provide this assistance to firms in Sunderland.” 

Cllr Malcom Brian, Cabinet Member for economy said: “Our aim is to support all businesses to thrive, we are dedicated to ensuring that we can provide opportunities to support businesses in Gateshead through support and training.  

Now with the expertise of UMI and in partnership with them will be able to offer businesses a unique opportunity to access dedicated funding to help them deliver on projects which will support the growth of the local economy.”  

The Business Growth Fund is an opportunity to transform your business through growth and innovation. Start your journey to business success get in touch with our team via the Business Growth Fund website, or emailing via:businessgrowthfund@weareumi.co.uk 

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Following significant investment to bring the 10,000 sq. ft. premises up to the highest environmental and sustainability standards, Durham-based B Corp certified business UMi have now moved into their new office space at Navigators Point.

The office space, based in Belmont Business Park located approximately two miles northeast of Durham city centre, has undergone extensive work since its purchase nine months ago. It now reaches Grade A office standard and has also seen significant improvements to its energy efficiency levels, in line with UMi’s commitment to secure net zero status well before 2045.

The organisation’s move to Navigators Point, formally Allergate House, reflects its commitment as an employee-owned business, to investing in the creation of workplace that enables the team to thrive, whilst also providing a collaborative hub which can be used by other businesses and partners.

The new office name is inspired by UMi’s own, which comes from the abbreviated form of Ursa Minor – a constellation explorers and pioneers have been using for centuries to help navigate and find their way.

Nicki Clark OBE, Chief Executive of UMi said: “After many months of hard work on improving the building and its environmental credentials, we’re really excited to welcome our team, partners and businesses to our new home.

“Since 2007, we’ve worked with more than 600,000 businesses across the UK, making it easier for each of them on their business journeys. Moving into Navigators Point marks a momentous occasion for us in our own journey.

“It’s also fitting that Meg, who had looked after us for more than 15 years in Seaham and selflessly postponed her own retirement to see us out of our old office, was our special guest to cut the ribbon and officially open our new home”.

To find out more about the wide range of business support available from UMi, visit www.weareumi.co.uk

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The awards took place at on 28^th June at Middlesborough Town Hall where ten export businesses were recognised across a variety of categories including New to Export, Micro Exporter of the Year and one overall winner, Kendamil, named Export Team of the Year.

This year’s category winners include:

• New to Export – Quantum Science Limited, Warrington
• Export Team of the Year – Chemian Technology Ltd, Darlington
• E-Commerce Exporter of the Year – Double Eleven Limited, Middlesbrough
• Emerging Markets Exporter of the Year – Brandon Medical, Leeds
• High Growth Exporter of the Year – Paralloy Limited, Middlesborough
• Large Exporter of the Year – Kendamil, Kendal
• Small Exporter of the Year – Watermans Corporate Enterprises Limited, Rotherham
• Micro Exporter of the Year – Semperfli Fly Tying Materials Ltd, Selby
• Most Entrepreneurial Exporter of the Year – Fabulosa, Nantwich
• Net Zero Exporter of the Year – CAV Systems, Consett

First launched in 2016, the Northern Powerhouse Export Awards celebrate the achievements of the region’s top exporters, whilst championing and supporting others to start or continue expanding export activities.

Since the awards began, nominees have represented a total export turnover of up to £1.6 bn. This year’s nominees alone represent up to £442m of export turnover generated in the Northern Powerhouse in 2022.

The awards help to provide exporters with recognition of their contribution to the regional economy and to allow UMi to support them to better understand industry challenges, leveraging the expertise of event partners in supporting businesses to sell their goods and services overseas.

Nicki Clark OBE, UMi Chief Executive said: “Congratulations to this year’s winners recognised at the Northern Powerhouse Export Awards. The standard of applications was truly incredible, with many businesses demonstrating true resilience in the face of some challenging trading conditions. Every winner has shown a desire for future growth and we applaud them for their continued drive to achieve excellence in the region’s export industry. We’re proud to offer support to business leaders through campaigns like this and through our support package, UMi Sat Nav. Sincere thanks to the Department for Business and Trade for their continued support and to our strategic partner Tees Valley Combined Authority for supporting this year’s event.”

Exports Minister Lord Offord said: “Exporters are crucial to our mission to grow the economy, so I’m thrilled to see such a diverse range of businesses and sectors recognised at this year’s Northern Powerhouse Export Awards.

The variety of businesses represented highlights the entrepreneurship and innovation of the region’s export community, and I’m looking forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.”

Siobhan Fotheringham, International Business Director, from Kendamil, said: “This means everything to us, it feels amazing to have won the Overall Exporter of the Year award. All our staff work relentlessly and it’s amazing for a UK business to be able to significantly grow in export and market share, as well as showcase the great production and manufacturing capabilities we have in the UK. We’re proud to be on the world stage representing the UK and will keep striving for future success.”

Following the awards, a digital publication will be released which will include interviews with key stakeholders and winners, alongside practical resources to help businesses to export.

To find out more, visit www.northernexportawards.co.uk.

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The Northern Powerhouse Export Awards, brought to you by UMi in association with the Department for Business and Trade, are now OPEN for nominations!

From Manchester to Middlesbrough and South Shields to Sheffield, they will be accepting nominations from export businesses based in all 11 of the Northern Powerhouse LEPs.

Shining a spotlight on the export success stories of the past year, the campaign will champion and inspire businesses no matter where they are on their exporting journey.

This year there are 11 categories, including E-Commerce Exporter of the Year, Net Zero Exporter of the Year, and the night’s main award, Northern Powerhouse Exporter of the Year.

As a successful nomination, you will:

🏆 Get recognised as one of the North’s leading exporters.

🎙️ Raise your profile by featuring in the UK-wide campaign including an interactive digital publication, interviews and roundtables.

🤝 Join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and export enthusiasts.

🥳 Celebrate your success with the team at the Celebration Event.

Who’s it for?

Exporters based in Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Humber, Lancashire, Leeds City Region, Liverpool City Region, North East, Sheffield City Region, Tees Valley, York, North Yorkshire and East Riding.

How do I get involved?

Visit the official website www.NorthernExportAwards.co.uk to nominate your business.

Awards Timeline

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