A university spinout whose novel gene-editing tool offers potential to develop new drugs and safer ways to treat genetic disorders has raised £2m. Forge Genetics has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through appointed fund manager Mercia Ventures. It will enable the company to expand its commercial work developing bacteria strains for
Tozaro, the Mercia-backed company that is a pioneer in the field of cell and gene therapy, has secured funding for an international project that could provide new treatment options for cancer patients. The company, formerly known as MIP Discovery, is part of a UK-Canadian consortium that aims to provide greater access to life-changing cell therapies
UK tech companies are pressing ahead with US expansion plans despite the threat of tariffs, according to Mercia Ventures. It says the current uncertainty has failed to deter businesses from targeting what is likely to be their biggest potential market, although it may slow their rate of progress. Will Clark, Managing Director of Mercia Ventures,
An energy consultancy that offers a unique service monitoring the performance of commercial solar systems has won a major contract from a leading US soft drinks brand. Test Consulting has been commissioned to monitor solar installations at over 50 bottling plants throughout North America. The company has raised £150,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance,
One of the UK’s leading motorway crash barrier contractors has undergone a multi-million pound management buy-out backed by funding from Mercia Debt. The buy-out of Protek Fencing hands control of the business to Managing Director Kristoffer Sharp and Commercial Manager Matthew Pickering, and paves the way for the retirement of former Contracts Director Scott Clayton. The Leeds-based company
A company that has helped deliver some of the UK’s most high-profile bridge infrastructure projects has raised almost £1.4m in debt funding to support its further growth. The funding for EKSPAN is the largest loan to date from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse
A company that makes the self-service kiosks used to place orders in Argos stores and fast-food restaurants has secured funding to help it roll out the world’s first self-sanitising kiosk at locations worldwide. Lazenby Group’s kiosks are used for numerous day to day transactions – at leading coffee chains, cinemas such as Odeon and Cineworld,
A Gateshead company whose energy management app rewards consumers for switching off appliances at peak times has raised a further £700,000 from the North East Venture Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures, and private investors. The latest funding will enable equiwatt to roll out a new SaaS (software
A Newcastle biotech company whose unique laboratory gut model is used to trial new drugs and foodstuffs without the need for animal testing has raised a further £750,000 from the North East Venture Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures. The funding will help Aelius Biotech to expand its
A Hull family business that provides hampers for clients including Jaguar Landrover, EE and ITV is set to double its capacity following a £277,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). Peach Hampers provides bespoke hampers branded with