WE ARE UMi

18/06/2026

The conversations don’t end when the event finishes.

We’ve launched the FUEL Companion Guide – a digital publication designed to sit alongside the FUEL Business Finance & Funding Roadshow, helping you reflect, learn and build on what happens in the room.

As FUEL travels across the UK, the guide will continue to grow – capturing insights, expertise and real conversations from every location. Whether you attended an event, supported the roadshow as a partner, or are discovering FUEL for the first time, it’s a practical resource you can return to whenever you need it.

Because understanding finance and funding shouldn’t feel overwhelming – and you don’t have to navigate the landscape alone.

📖 Explore the FUEL Companion Guide: https://ow.ly/NOVl50Zb6Hg

18/06/2026

Exhibiting isn’t about visibility.
It’s about positioning.

At Tees Valley Business Summit 2026, you’re not just another logo in the room.
You’re placing your business at the centre of the region’s commercial conversation.

You’ll be:

✔ Meeting decision-makers with active budgets
✔ Building relationships with future partners
✔ Showcasing your expertise to 700+ engaged delegates
✔ Positioned alongside 80+ ambitious exhibitors

If growth is on your agenda for 2026, your stand should be too.

Less than 2 Weeks to go... Secure your exhibition space! - https://ow.ly/jion50Z5spk

Tees Valley Business Summit

17/06/2026

⏳ Last chance to join the fully funded the Digital Knowledge Exchange - Deadline 19 June

If you’ve been meaning to get a handle on digital in your business, but haven’t known where to start, Digital Knowledge Exchange (DKE) gives you the space, support and practical guidance to turn ambition into action.

https://ow.ly/AXAm50Z71ph

No jargon. No overwhelm.

Just clear steps, real support, and progress you can see, with:

✅ Free access to online digital resources (12 months access worth £99.99)
✅ Practical guidance across digital marketing, productivity, cyber security and AI
✅ The opportunity to receive additional support such as workshops, events or adviser input

Over 650 businesses have already used DKE to build confidence, strengthen systems and unlock new opportunities.

Registrations close on 19 June - https://ow.ly/AXAm50Z71ph

16/06/2026

AI is dominating conversations across every sector - but what does it really mean for leaders and organisations in practice?

Join Durham University Business School for an engaging panel discussion, led by Durham University Business School's Executive Dean Kieran Jude Fernandes:

📍 Beyond the Hype: How AI will change your leadership journey
📅 Tuesday 30th June
🕕 6pm – 8pm
📍 Durham University Business School, Waterside Building
🎟️ Free to attend

We’ll be bringing together leading voices from industry and academia to explore:

✔️ The real opportunities and challenges of AI adoption
✔️ What AI means for leadership and organisational culture
✔️ How businesses can move beyond the headlines and create meaningful impact
✔️ The skills leaders will need in an AI-driven future

Our panel includes experts from OpenAI, Transmission Dynamics, https://ow.ly/9FUV50Z70OB, Blue Onion and Alba Graduate Business School.

The evening will also include networking opportunities with professionals from across the region, alongside food and refreshments.

Register here: https://ow.ly/Ng1z50Z70Tf

Get ready to explore how AI can transform the way you lead and make decisions in your career.

16/06/2026

We’re supporting Innovate UK Business Connect as they shape the next iteration of the BridgeAI programme – and your insight can make a real difference.

If you’ve explored or adopted AI in your business, we’d really value your perspective. The short survey takes around five minutes and will help inform future support across sectors.

👉 Take part here: https://ow.ly/5XGF50ZcfgT

If you know others who could share their experience, please feel free to pass this on before the deadline. Every response helps build a clearer picture of AI adoption in practice.

Thank you for taking the time to support this.

This questionnaire is designed to gather insights on AI adoption across sectors. Please answer honestly and thoughtfully. Your responses will help shape the BridgeAI programme and inform sector priorities.

15/06/2026

We’re excited to be launching a new monthly drop-in session at The Key, Newcastle Helix, designed to make business funding clearer, more accessible, and easier to navigate.

If you’re exploring funding for your business, or simply want to understand what’s available, come along for an informal chat with the UMi Get Funding team. No pressure, no jargon — just practical guidance tailored to your goals and ambitions.

We’ll help you understand the options available and connect you with the right support to move forward with confidence.

📍 The Key, Newcastle Helix, NE4 5TF
📅 Thursday 18 June
🕙 10am–4pm

Just drop in, grab a coffee, and let’s talk.

15/06/2026

Running a business can be rewarding, but financial difficulties can feel isolating.

In this five-part podcast series, Liz Barclay explores the reality of business debt, the impact it can have on wellbeing, and the practical steps business owners can take to regain control.

You’ll hear honest experiences from Graham Lloyd Evans, alongside expert advice from Grace Brownfield at Business Debtline on managing cashflow, communicating with creditors, and getting support early.

🎧 An insightful listen for any business owner or manager.

Listen now 👇 - https://ow.ly/mzLo50Z4BzE

13/06/2026

💡 Turning surplus into social impact

At UMi Commercial Ltd, we believe businesses have the power to make a real difference when resources are shared, repurposed and put back into the community.

As an employee-owned certified B Corp, we’ve supported organisations across the UK since 2007 with advice, funding solutions and business services — and we’re proud to extend that impact through initiatives like A Good Thing.

Recently, our Office Manager Jean Royal shared how we’ve been donating surplus equipment through the platform — including induction loop kits, wheelchair ramps, projectors, lighting equipment and more — all now being put to good use by organisations that need them.

Jean described the process as “very smooth” and said we were “blown away by the number of responses”.

We were pleased to see the equipment go on to support organisations, including:

✅ Citizens Advice Newcastle — improving accessibility for clients using hearing aids
✅ Northbourne Street Youth Initiative — supporting improved access with a wheelchair ramp
✅ Trauma Stop UK CIC — using portable storage boxes to support safe spaces and services

👉 Read more about the story - https://ow.ly/6VzM50Z1ExG

Donor: UMi Commercial LTD Location: Durham, north-east England What was donated: 2 portable leaflet stands 1 lighting/recording rig 2 portable induction loop kits 1 induction loop receiver 31 lockable, portable boxes 1 portable wheelchair access ramp 2 portable projectors Sector:

12/06/2026

Could your next project unlock ?

Join us for a clear, practical guide to and the with Angela Mikola (Clive Owen LLP)

Tuesday 14 July 10:00-11:00

Sign Up - https://ow.ly/QHOA50Z70qM

Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub

12/06/2026

Great to join the Accelerator Launch this week at the University of York Innovation Centre, delivered in partnership with NatWest Group.

It was great to see founders, investors and partners come together with a shared focus on strengthening York and North Yorkshire’s innovation ecosystem. The ambition is clear: to support spin-outs, start-ups and scaling businesses across biotech, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, and help them turn ideas into impact through the right support, networks and access to finance.

A real highlight was Simon Allen, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at UMi, joining the panel to share two programmes we deliver in partnership with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

✅ Great Ideas: supporting businesses to develop and test new innovations, move from concept to commercialisation, and access grant funding of up to £60k
✅ Get Funded: helping businesses become investment ready, strengthen financial planning and secure the right finance with confidence

If you are working on a new idea or preparing to raise finance for growth, you can find out more below:

🔗 Great Ideas: https://ow.ly/pAkt50Zawbu
🔗 Get Funded: https://ow.ly/w17a50Zawbt

NatWest York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority University of York