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UMi has supported iPac Packaging Innovations at many stages of their journey over the years. Most recently, they crossed paths again through the Durham Business Growth and Productivity Programme when UMi helped iPac secure grant funding to develop their operations and enable growth.

For years, many founders have believed that raising equity in the North East is next to impossible – particularly for women and those in emerging sectors like climate tech. But Amy Mooney, Founder of Mutha Cuva, is turning that assumption on its head.

A new platform from Sunderland-based Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events is set to change the way promoters discover, book, and work with independent music venues, and thanks to support from the North East Digital Technologies Launchpad, funded by Innovate UK, they’re turning their bold vision into a commercial reality.

UMi was the Delivery Partner for the North of Tyne Growth Fund (NTGF) that provided grant support to SMEs across the North of Tyne region in the North East of England.

Lant Medical has secured £500,000 investment from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, and two angel investors from the Northern Investor Hub to design a clinical trial for a promising new non-antibiotic treatment, designed to eradicate cancer-causing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). 

With more than 25 years’ experience behind them and a solid reputation across the North of England, G2M Testing has become a trusted name in geotechnical and materials testing. But running a tight ship, delivering fast, reliable results and keeping customers happy can only take a business so far - especially when space is tight.

The government’s Business Support Service for England offers advice and guidance to new and existing businesses. It has information on national and local schemes, grants and loans to help businesses start and grow.

Running from January 2020 to August 2023, the North of Tyne Growth Fund was established to provide grant support to SMEs in Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle local authority areas. Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the scheme was aimed at capital investment projects that showcased potential for both growth and job creation. 

UMi Debt Finance Scotland provides loan capital to small and medium sized businesses across Scotland. The £12m fund helps accelerate the growth of businesses in Scotland, complementing other private and public sector forms of funding. The Fund typically advances loans of £25,001 and £250,000 to support actively trading Scottish businesses. 

VentureFest North East 2025 was the return of the region's premier innovation conference. The event brought together over 700 entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and industry leaders for a day dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Tees Valley Securing Investment addressed long-standing barriers facing the region’s businesses in accessing money by connecting enterprises with investors and funds. The project received £880,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s UKSPF programme of support. 

Ignite Space was a two-day national event designed to open doors to the fast-growing UK space economy. Delivered by UMi on behalf of the UK Space Agency, both in 2024 and 2025, the event was hosted at the iconic locations of the National Space Centre in Leicester and Leeds Royal Armouries

These two campaigns showcased the remarkable achievements of the businesses who received funding support from Digital Enterprise (DE) through two digital publications and an in-print version for DE30, as well as a wrap-up event for each project.

The Tees Valley Business Summit is an annual event that welcomes exhibiting businesses, industry leaders, owners and managers from across Tees Valley, alongside a busy schedule of workshops and networking.