Inside UMi

Innovation is the driving force behind progress, and nowhere is that more evident than at VentureFest North East. To help businesses take action, the VentureFest 2025 digital publication has been created to support innovators on their journey. 

The family-run TWR Group, which supplies commercial customers across the UK, has relocated its entire operation to a new 65,000sq ft facility on Commercial Road, Hendon. With support from UMi, the business secured a £50,000 grant towards the refurbishments through the Business Growth Fund. 

UMi is proud to announce that it has been officially re-accredited as a Real Living Wage Employer by the Living Wage Foundation for the second year running.

The B Local North East event, powered by Muckle LLP, brought together a diverse group of businesses and professionals to explore how enterprises can drive positive social and environmental change.

Gardenside Lodge, a peaceful retreat in the heart of County Durham, is on a mission to grow its business while reducing its carbon footprint, supported by Durham Business Growth.

Celebrating the very best in regional innovation, the North East Innovation Awards was a stand out feature of this year’s VentureFest North East – a flagship innovation event that brings together entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and industry leaders for a packed agenda designed to spark growth and unlock potential.

A Morpeth-based business precision engineering company has secured a £174,000 grant from the Business Growth Fund. This funding will support Clifton Engineering’s ambitious expansion plans, enabling it to enhance its polyurethane moulding capacity and invest in new machines and cutting-edge technology.

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).