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A Solihull-based business which has created a fully integrated digital workflow platform, has secured a £250,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).)

The funding will be used to recruit five additional staff and focus on further development of their product and services.

CareCube’s platform has been designed to track and manage patient information for cardiology and heart centres by simplifying the scheduling process. The digital touch screen interface is vital in saving staff time and it supports the NHS’s need to reduce waiting lists.

The platform is used in hospitals across the UK including the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The installation of the new system to the NHS database is executed gradually to back up existing patient information to the system, with procedures in place to test the system before its final switch.

Tim Coutts, Co-Founder and CEO of CareCube Solutions, said: “We are providing a system designed by cardiologists, for cardiologists. Our digital platform ensures patients, nurses and consultants have real-time information to keep all parties informed of the status of a patient while they are on-site, providing an unrivalled patient experience. This funding will enable us to continue developing our technology and invest in marketing which will support our business.

Chris Bailey, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, said:  “Digital solutions for labour intensive tasks are a priority in the medtech sector. The market for this product both in the UK and overseas is in demand owing to the size of waiting lists. CareCube’s solution is impressive due to its ease of use and integration, supported by an experienced management team with relevant medical and medtech experts. The FSE Group is excited to see the business grow and support the NHS as it recovers from the strain of the pandemic.”

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said:  “The MEIF continues to support medtech businesses like CareCube that aim to support the NHS and wider sector with innovative new technology. We would encourage SMEs in the Midlands looking to level up with funding to create new jobs and expand to consider MEIF funding.”

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

The FSE Group, MEIF Debt Finance Fund provides loans between £100,000 and £1.5million to help growing SMEs across the Midlands region.

Fox Robotics, a company that helps improve efficiency and automation for soft fruit farms across the UK, has completed its latest funding round. This round will allow Fox Robotics to continue their R&D, increase its manufacturing operations and provide more job opportunities.

Fox Robotics, based in Farnham, Surrey and Martlesham, Suffolk, is an innovator in robotics technology.

Henry Acevedo, Founder and CTO of Fox Robotics, knew that robotics would be used more as technology improved. One of the areas Henry first saw the opportunity to revolutionise using robotics was the logistics operations within warehouses, defence, aerospace, and healthcare industries.

In 2017 Fox Robotics was founded and developed its first prototype, a robot which could transport materials around a factory, warehouse, or other industrial flooring environments. During a sustained outreach programme, Henry Acevedo, Founder and CTO of Fox Robotics, decided to pivot the company’s focus from warehouse automation to agricultural logistics with a primary focus on soft fruits.

The Hugo RT TM is an autonomous mobile robot that allows fruit pickers to spend more time picking fruit and less time transporting it. The robot is designed to travel up and down the rows of soft fruit, particularly strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, in glasshouses, polytunnels and outdoors. Hugo RT TM has been designed to be used all year round, ensuring farmers use this technology to its maximum potential.

Ben Butlin, Interim CEO at Fox Robotics, said, “The agricultural sector uses robotics in parts of their processes such as warehousing, and is now in a position where new technology is not just wanted, but needed. It was always clear that farming had a high reliance on human pickers.  After the Brexit vote in 2016, it was obvious that this would become a problem, and this has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. There is a shortfall in pickers which the Hugo can help mitigate by taking on the role of fruit transporter, leaving the fruit pickers free to stay out in the field. We are delighted to be helping such a strong British industry whilst simultaneously advancing robotic technology.

Paul Lyristis, Senior Fund Manager, at The FSE Group, which manages the Enterprise M3 Growth Fund on behalf of the LEP adds: “We were extremely impressed by Fox Robotics knowledge and passion. Not just in terms of technology but also their resolve to work closely with existing data and procedures, integrating their robots into systems rather than overhauling current processes. There is no other company taking on the challenge of helping fruit farmers utilise robots out in the field in this way. Exciting times lay ahead for the team and the future of Agri-Tech thanks to Fox Robotics.”

Kathy Slack, Director, Enterprise M3 LEP, comments: “It’s great to see a company like Fox Robotics benefit from the EM3 Growth Fund. High-tech innovation contributes enormously to both regional and national economic growth and this is another example of how R&D continues to thrive in the EM3 area. We’ve all seen the challenges faced by the growing industry in recent times, especially around the availability of labour. This project is a perfect example of how robots can support this key sector. I’m delighted that EM3 has been able to help enable innovation activities which will benefit the sector and increase the job opportunities for local people.”

The Enterprise M3 Funding Escalator is £10million initiative funded by Enterprise M3 LEP. The escalator, which includes an expansion loan scheme, a trade finance loan scheme and an equity growth fund, provides eligible companies with loans and equity funding between £50,000 and £300,000 for activities that will deliver high-growth and employment opportunities across the EM3 area.

Hayle based Triskel Marine, a world leading disruptive technology company in the marine industry sector, has secured £350,000 investment to safeguard 19 roles and strengthen the team with the addition of a sales manager and an operations manager.

Triskel Marine uses its Integrel (which stands for Intelligent Generation of Electricity) technology to collect excess energy from a boat’s inboard engine and stores it in batteries for later use. The system replaces the need for a standalone generator without compromising engine performance. Stored energy can be used later to power lights, ovens, air conditioning, refrigerators and water makers, reducing marina hook-up costs.

Trevor Howard, Managing Director of Triskel Marine, commented: “We are really pleased that our product is seen as the future of power generation in boats. This power source can also be applied elsewhere, completely replacing a stand-alone generator by using ‘spare’ capacity from the existing inboard engine and working in partnership with other power methods where needed, for example solar power. We look forward to offering this solution with optimum efficiency, to both existing and new yacht owners resulting in fuel savings of up to 25%. With Integral you can do two jobs with one engine and less fuel.”

Tim Williams, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added “Triskel Marine has an innovative product and an experienced management team with good connections in the industry. Trevor’s business has demonstrated that the removal of noisy and costly diesel generators will reduce fuel, maintenance, and shore power costs for vessel owners. We look forward to the next stage of development.”

The £40m Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund provides debt and equity finance from £25,000 to £2 million to help growing small businesses across the region. It has been established by the British Business Bank in partnership with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Cornwall’s marine sector is renowned for its innovation and this CIOSIF loan will help Triskel Marine continue its growth and create jobs. It’s another example of how our regional funds are investing in a more sustainable future.”

John Acornley, LEP non-executive director and chair of the CIOSIF Advisory Board, said: “Triskel Marine’s hybrid propulsion system is an important step towards reduced emissions and greener sailing. I’m delighted to see the fund supporting another innovative Cornish business whose technology has global applications.”

CIOSIF is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

For more information about the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund including how to apply, please visit www.ciosif.co.uk  or follow the fund on Twitter at @CIOSIFBBB2

Read more about Triskel Marine at https://integrelsolutions.com/

A Birmingham-based company specialising in large-scale digital advertising has secured a £250,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group, Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme.

The funds will be used to support the design and build of two new digital screens and create six new jobs.

Engage Outdoor Media provides advertising space on large scale digital screens in areas of high road traffic. Handling a number of owned and leased screens throughout the UK, the company finds sites, negotiates long-term leases and obtains planning permission before erecting the screens and selling the advertising space to a range of commercial and public sector clients. 

The MEIF loan will fund the build of two new screens in Birmingham and Leeds, as well as job creation for new finance and sales staff required to support the increase in work volume.

Growth that stalled in the Out of Home (OOH) advertising industry during the pandemic has now picked up again, with the Advertising Association forecasting OOH growth of almost a third this year. The trade body Outsmart announced the highest ever quarterly OOH revenue growth in 2021, with the digital share of this revenue significantly higher than its pre-pandemic share.

Ian Bullingham, founder and MD of Engage, commented: “I started Engage Outdoor Media in late 2018 to create a more dynamic and flexible digital OOH offering and we quickly completed the installation of our first three roadside screens. The pandemic hit our market hard, however, we overcame the challenges and have now built 15 new digital advertising billboards across the Midlands and the North.

“Our FSE investment manager’s thoughtful, caring and thorough approach exceeded my expectations; we will continue to work with her for additional funding later this year.”

Kerry Haughton, Investment Manager for The FSE Group, appointed fund manager for MEIF Debt Finance Fund, added: “Engage Outdoor Media has developed a strong base with regular clients and referrals, and an established relationship with Birmingham’s premium advertising agency. They are increasing their ability to provide the sites required by the growing digital advertising market and through strategic use of owned and leased sites they are spreading risk and increasing revenue. This, together with a strong and dedicated MD, positions the company for future growth and we are excited to be working with them to realise this.”

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Investment Manager , at the British Business Bank, said: “It is fantastic to see the MEIF supporting SMEs in the region’s creative industries. Birmingham-based Engage Outdoor Media will use MEIF funding to expand the reach of its digital marketing services – also boosting the local economy with the creation of six new job roles. We encourage other businesses in the West Midlands to consider the MEIF funding options available.”

Anita Bhalla, Interim Chair at the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) said: During a challenging two years, businesses received targeted assistance and grants from GBSLEP and GBSLEP Growth Hub. Many business owners benefitted from this support as they could maintain their operations and workforce whilst also pivoting to the changing local economy. Now as we adjust to a full reopening, we are committed to helping our businesses grow. That’s why this latest MEIF funding for Engage Outdoor Media is so critical. It will allow them to scale up their operations and create new employment opportunities which supports our GBSLEP vision of driving inclusive economic growth across the region.”

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

The FSE Group, MEIF Debt Finance Fund provides loans between £100,000 and £1.5million to help growing SMEs across the region.

The Room, the MediaTech marketplace has achieved 200% YoY growth and has expanded its client base welcoming new partnerships with Charlotte Tilbury, Red Bull and Virgin.

The business is a joint venture between Sky Sports host Alex Payne and marketing executive Tanya Hamilton-Smith. Having spent their careers understanding respectively the power of fandom (Alex as the face of English Rugby broadcasting) and brands (Tanya formerly of JWT and BBDO) they have developed a powerful proposition to bring together the worlds of Brands and Influence in a marketplace solution that provides a much needed antidote to the fog of paid posts and sponsored media. 

This new model is designed to drive trust and loyalty by creating an authentic and truly rewarding experience. Brands swap products & experiences in exchange for media created by influential people. This media performs better, is greater in terms of volume of content created and has the all important benefit of being truly authentic. 

Back in 2021, The Room raised investment from the TVB Growth Fund, which is managed by The FSE Group, who were joined by a number of angel investors from across the technology and private equity sectors. Throughout 2021 and into 2022 The Room have been focussing on the development of their global product and expanding their message about the importance of Brand Love across new sectors in the UK and beyond.

Alex Payne, Co-Founder at The Room said, “We are lucky enough to have an enviable and incredibly experienced group of shareholders around us who have all contributed to the success we’re seeing.  Tanya and I are looking forward to the next, Global chapter of growth for The Room and gearing up to a Series A raise later this year.”

Bradley Jones, Equity Portfolio Manager at The FSE Group: “Having known Alex & Tanya over the past few years before making an investment, we have been able to truly understand how the business has developed and professionalised its differentiation. As the world of social media develops, The Room is at the forefront of enabling brands to reach new customers through transparent authentic conversations in place of an influencer being paid to like a product. I am excited to continue to work with The Room team as they continue to scale the business through this next stage of growth.”

The TVB Growth Fund is part of Thames Valley Berkshire Funding Escalator, an £11.3m initiative funded by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP to support job creation and economic prosperity in Berkshire. The escalator, which also includes four separate loan schemes, provides eligible companies – from start-up to established – with loans and equity funding between £50,000 and £300,000 for activities that will deliver high-growth and employment opportunities.