A former radio presenter who launched a gut-friendly toothpaste after suffering health problems has raised £1.8m to help him expand sales internationally. Ollie Gallant, who also runs the popular Gutology Podcast, has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Mercia Ventures, alongside Active Partners and existing angel investors. A former
Ben, the London-based platform using AI to help global enterprises manage employee benefits, has raised $27.5m (£20.8m) to accelerate its product roadmap and strengthen its go-to-market capabilities to meet the growing demand. The round was led by Mercia Ventures with strong participation from existing investors Atomico, Cherry Ventures, DN Capital, and Seedcamp, along with new
A Doncaster-based company that designs telecoms systems for the national rail network has secured a £150,000 loan to support its growth. MRC Engineering has raised funding from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) to invest in new technology and create
A fast-growing eco-friendly cleaning brand has raised £1.9m to continue its expansion and get its products on to more supermarket shelves. OceanSaver’s dishwasher tablets, laundry detergents and cleaning spray refills compete with the leading brands on price and performance but are free from plastic and harmful chemicals. They are already stocked by Tesco, ASDA, Co-op,
A new £35m fund that aims to nurture the next generation of high-growth North East businesses has attracted over 50 applications within three weeks of its launch. The North East Accelerate Fund, which is managed by Mercia Ventures, offers up to £1m investment for early-stage companies across the region. Mercia says the assessment process is
Uniphy – a UK company whose technology could replace dashboard controls in cars and transform the way we operate appliances – has raised a further £3m to help prepare for mass production. The funding is from existing investors NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern
A logistics company that transports theatre sets and equipment for many of the leading West End shows has secured a £2.5m investment to fuel its expansion following a management buy-in. Paul Mathew Transport is the UK’s leading supplier of transport services to the theatre and live entertainment industry, with clients including the Royal Shakespeare Company,
High Temperature Materials Systems – the UK company pioneering a new type of advanced composite materials – has appointed award winning innovation specialist Annalisa Gigante as Chair. Annalisa has a wealth of experience in translating research into real-world impact. She has held senior roles in global organisations across life sciences, chemicals and digital technologies, and
A Yorkshire indoor climbing operator has secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to expand its business with the launch of a third venue. Freeklime, which currently has centres in Huddersfield and York, has already
A Yorkshire company that has found a way to improve ocean health through the cultivation of seaweed and shellfish is set for expansion after securing a six-figure loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). SeaGrown, which operates