As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on November 26, the overarching consensus among economists is that the fiscal landscape is defined by challenge. Major firms like Grant Thornton and BDO agree that the government faces a formidable fiscal shortfall, estimated to be between £20 billion and £40 billion, necessitating tax-raising measures … Read more
The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) today announced a major funding package of around £55 billion to support research and development (R&D) across the UK over the Spending Review period ending 2029/30. The funding is described as a real-terms increase and is intended to back breakthroughs in health, clean energy, artificial intelligence and … Read more
Research England’s announcement of a £9.7 million investment in the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) over the next four years signals a significant opportunity for businesses seeking innovation funding and partnerships. This funding commitment represents more than just financial support—it’s a clear indication that university-business collaboration is now recognised as a critical driver … Read more
The Government has announced that its plug-in van and truck grants will be extended until at least 2027, giving UK businesses more certainty when planning the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme offers up to £2,500 off small vans, £5,000 off large vans, and between £16,000 and £25,000 off electric trucks, helping to reduce … Read more
The UK government’s newly launched Electric Car Grant (ECG) on July 16, 2025, injects £650 million into incentivising the uptake of new electric vehicles (EVs), offering discounts of up to £3,750 on eligible models priced under £37,000. While ostensibly a boon for businesses looking to electrify their fleets, a deeper dive into the scheme reveals … Read more
The UK Government’s recently unveiled Creative Industries Sector Plan, a cornerstone of its broader Industrial Strategy, has largely been met with a favourable, albeit cautiously optimistic, response from industry stakeholders. The plan, which aims to significantly boost investment and growth in the sector, is seen as a crucial step towards acknowledging the creative industries’ vital … Read more
Just before yesterday’s Spending Review, an ambitious £86bn in funding was announced for Research and Innovation projects. We were expecting this announcement back in the Spring Statement as part of the Modern Industrial Strategy. Of course the devil is in the details but overall it looks encouraging if your business fits a specific funding profile. This money … Read more
Contrary to what some might believe about the complexities of securing European funding, new data reveals a significant success story for the UK. Since re-joining the EU’s Horizon research funding programme, British scientists have been awarded an impressive £500 million in grants. This puts the UK in a strong fifth position overall among all beneficiaries, … Read more
Securing funding can be a game-changer for small businesses. A recent report shed light on the landscape of business grants managed by local authorities in the South West of England, offering valuable insights for those seeking financial support. Here’s what you need to know: Winning Isn’t as Tough as You Think The average success rate … Read more
We have seen many comments recently on both the work involved and the success rates in applying for Innovate UK grants. It seems that there is some concern over the time and expense involved in putting together applications that receive high scores, but subsequently don’t win any funding. The recent announcement of £948m to Innovate … Read more