Invest Devon

Pitching for Management - Exeter and Plymouth events

jamie.evans — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:15:43 +0000

Two pitching for management events are being run in association with UKBI in Devon on 20th Feb in Plymouth, and 21st Feb in Exeter. http://www.pitching4management.com/

This is an interesting play on angel pitching. They take a small number of businesses who recognise they have management needs and get them to pitch to people who can and want to help, including having management roles in the companies.

The aim is to get four to six companies in the local area who need an injection of expertise, whether mentor, non-exec or senior management. This is has already been a great success in a range of places across the country. The events will be ideal for any companies who wish to grow and see a lack of human resource currently holding back their growth prospects.

To book please register here:

Exeter

Plymouth

For further information please contact Modwenna Rees-Mogg on 01761 452 248 or email: modwenna@angelnews.co.uk

Bespoke Devon based bike manufacturer with a new work-life cycle

jamie.evans — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:52:39 +0000

An Exeter-based company behind a new lifestyle brand has been established with a business model that gives 10 per cent back to charity.

RULE is to launch the first of its products later this month – a range of custom-built Style Bikes, from which 10 per cent of the profits made, will go to support injured Royal Marines. The bikes are assembled to order in Devon from a large choice of different components and are aimed at the upwardly mobile cyclist.

For further information click here.

Devon based Crowdfunder invited to Downing Street

jamie.evans — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:42:55 +0000

The co-founder of an Exeter-based company which secures finance for enterprises from members of the public has briefed the Cabinet Office’s Red Tape Challenge task force on his pioneering business funding model. For more information click here.

Apprenticeship campaign runs in North Devon

tom.dixon — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:22:04 +0000

101 Days: Employer Event

If you are a business owner unsure of how an apprentice could benefit your business, join North Devon + at the 101 DAYS: Employer Event on 10th February 2012 to learn more…

Common misconceptions that will be addressed include:
I don’t have time to take on an apprentice
There’s no apprenticeship out there that suits my business
I can’t afford it

If you agree one or more of these statements, then this Employer Event is for you. Last year they had 124 businesses through the doors with 126 new apprenticeships pledged across Northern Devon. This year they will be exploding the myths and out-dated thinking around apprenticeships, so don’t miss out.

Friday 10 February – 8.00am – 12.00pm at the Barnstaple Hotel

Regeneration cash to help drive South West economy

tom.dixon — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:58:36 +0000

Almost £20 million of Government “fix-it” cash is to be lavished on the Westcountry to revive stalled housing developments, shopping centres and business parks.

In November, the Western Morning News reported two regional regeneration bodies were to be given spending money from the so-called Growing Places Fund.

Now Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has confirmed the Devon and Somerset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is to get £14.5 million.

New support available for high growth businesses

tom.dixon — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:22:27 +0000

If your business can demonstrate ambition, innovation and high growth potential, Business West now offers three high impact business growth services to drive your success – and as they’re funded by European Region Development Fund, there is no charge.

Coaching for High Growth offers structured and focused coaching support, helping companies to build upon their own capabilities to achieve accelerated growth.
Available to businesses with a turnover of £1m plus.
Coaching for High Growth provides an independent business coach to work alongside the senior management team, supporting strategic decision-making, organisational development and management capability.
Three programmes available: Starting a High Growth Business; Coaching for High Growth; and Understanding Finance for Business.
Website: Growth South West

A comprehensive list of other business support and funding is available on this website here.

Ecotricity invests in Devon inventor's seawater generator

tom.dixon — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:19 +0000

A Devon inventor’s electricity from seawater generator could be sited at 200 points around the UK coastline.

Energy firm Ecotricity wants to develop a commercial Searaser for testing off Falmouth in Cornwall and put hundreds around the coast in five years.

Dale Vince of Ecotricity said the potential was “enormous”.

The Searaser machine works by using wave energy to pump water up to container tanks and the water is then released to a hydro-electric turbine.

Searaser is the brainchild of British engineer Alvin Smith from Dartmouth.

He came up with the idea about 10 years ago while he was playing with an inflatable ball in a swimming pool.

The machines will protrude about 1m above sea level

Searaser pumps seawater using a vertical piston between two buoys – one on the surface of the water, the other suspended underwater and tethered to a weight on the seabed.

Park extension eases lack of modern units

tom.dixon — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:24:16 +0000

A shortage of modern industrial stock in Exeter is being eased by the immediate availability of new design and build trade, distribution and industrial buildings on an expanding business park.

Freehold and leasehold premises are being offered at Hill Barton Business Park, where work is currently underway on the first phase of a 20 acre extension project.

The park occupies a strategic location off the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth Road, two miles to the east of Junction 30 of the M5 motorway.

Timber business invests to grow

tom.dixon — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:36:10 +0000

AN East Devon timber merchant has increased productivity and begun to expand after investing over £200,000 in new machinery.

PI & MD Salter, based on Church Hill in Honiton, works with organisations such as the Forestry Commission and Euroforest to fell trees responsibly and turn them into timber products.

Plymouth becomes UK base for jet helicopter firm

tom.dixon — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:31:46 +0000

The firm behind a “revolutionary” helicopter has established a base for its UK operation in Plymouth.

Pegasus Helicopter Group PLC has chosen the Tamar Science Park as the home of its UK management headquarters, saying that it was the ideal place for staff, customers and distributors to meet.