Inside UMi

Twelve of the region’s respected business figures came together to select the final 50 North East Business Titans: The Top 50 Business Leaders Shaping the Future of the North East.

Ten years ago, the first B Corps were certified in the UK. A decade later, this powerful and diverse community of over 2,600 businesses is thriving through placing purpose and profit hand in hand.

FUEL is a UK-wide roadshow to help businesses understand, prepare for and access the finance they need to fuel their growth or overcome cashflow hurdles.

With the help of a £1,000 grant, The Special Lioness is transforming support for parents and carers of children with disabilities. Through welcoming meetups, creative activities, and peer networks, families are finding connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

With more than 25 years’ experience behind them and a solid reputation across the North of England, G2M Testing has become a trusted name in geotechnical and materials testing. But running a tight ship, delivering fast, reliable results and keeping customers happy can only take a business so far - especially when space is tight.

UMi has supported iPac Packaging Innovations at many stages of their journey over the years. Most recently, they crossed paths again through the Durham Business Growth and Productivity Programme when UMi helped iPac secure grant funding to develop their operations and enable growth.

With support from UMi through the Durham Business Growth and Productivity Programme, Encore secured a grant to unlock the full potential of their new automated warehouse. The site was disconnected by the previous tenant, meaning not only the purchase of the assets was needed, but also new software created from scratch to breathe life back into the systems.

The Meet A Mama project in Consett is helping new mothers overcome isolation and build lasting friendships. Supported by the UMi Fund, Clart About’s sensory café offers a welcoming space for mums to connect, share experiences, and focus on wellbeing.