Powering Up The UK:

Founded by a team of industry veterans— Jim Odell, Justin Urquhart Stewart, Paul Newsham, Martin Taylor, Michael Mcdowell, and Tony Backhouse—Regionally Ventures is committed to bridging the funding gap for high-growth regional businesses across the UK. With 70p of every £1 traditionally invested in London, regional businesses represent a valuable, yet often overlooked, segment of the market.

With Labour’s new Power and Partnership strategy replacing the previous levelling up agenda, we’re seeing a fresh focus on decentralisation and empowering local councils to take the lead in regional growth. This move from the government hands the reins to regional authorities, allowing them to steer economic growth based on their unique strengths. At Regionally Ventures, this approach aligns with our mission to support the growth of businesses across the UK’s regions—particularly in sectors such as technology, ESG, and manufacturing.

The Problems Faced By Levelling Up

The previous “Levelling Up” model faced some criticism for its complicated competitive bidding process, which often left councils jumping through bureaucratic hoops to secure funding. Many found the process cumbersome, costly, and with no guarantee of success. It meant that councils had to devote significant time and resources to bids that ultimately might not result in funding, leading to much frustration. Levelling Up was also criticised for political bias, as marginal seats disproportionately benefitted from early rounds of funding, raising concerns about fairness. Where funding was granted, projects were often delayed due to inflation, rising construction costs, and logistical challenges, further compounding the frustration.

A Shift Towards Long-Term Stability

Labour’s proposed approach focuses on longer-term funding settlements, reducing the need for councils to compete continuously for resources. This provides greater stability for local authorities, allowing for more effective planning and execution of projects. Keir Starmer introduced the Take Back Control Act as part of this vision, aiming to devolve more power to mayors and local authorities, particularly in areas such as transport, skills, energy, and planning.

In a similar vein, Starmer, this morning (Monday 14th October) pledged to “rip up the bureaucracy that blocks investment” at the International Investment Summit, in London. His focus is on removing regulatory barriers that slow down key infrastructure projects. As an example, he highlighted the delay of the East Anglia Two wind farm, which was held up by regulatory processes for over two years. This is exactly the kind of bureaucratic bottleneck that can stifle growth and needs reform to ensure timely investment in critical areas such as energy, AI, and life sciences.

Private Capital: Filling the Gap

While this proposed policy shift provides much-needed support for regional councils, the need for private capital still remains crucial in bridging the gap left by government funding. Ensuring continued support for regional investment, regardless of political changes, remains crucial to sustaining local economies and delivering on the promise of regeneration. That’s where Regionally Ventures comes in. By connecting regional businesses with our extensive investor network, we help transform ambition into reality. Our role extends beyond simply providing capital—we offer comprehensive advisory services through the Regionally Way, ensuring businesses have the strategic guidance needed to grow sustainably.

Supporting Women-Led Ventures and ESG Growth

A cornerstone of our mission is to support women-led ventures, a group that as we know has traditionally struggled to secure investment. With the growing focus on impact investing, we are seeing increasing interest from investors who are not only seeking financial returns but also want to create social and environmental value. This focus on ESG principles—environmental, social, and governance—positions regional businesses as key players in the future economy.

"At Regionally Ventures, we believe in the power of regional businesses to drive the UK’s economic future. By providing the support and network they need, we help them realise their full potential. Our advisory services, through the Regionally Way, ensure that businesses not only secure the capital they require but also receive the strategic guidance necessary for long-term success. It’s about more than just investment—it’s about driving growth that benefits communities across the country." — Jim Odell, CEO of Regionally Ventures

So, What’s Next for Regional Businesses?

As the government’s Power and Partnership strategy takes shape, it’s clear that regional businesses will play a central role in driving the UK’s economic recovery. At Regionally Ventures, we remain committed to empowering businesses across the UK, ensuring that they have the financial backing and strategic support they need to thrive.

Our mission is clear: bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity, helping regional businesses succeed in this evolving economic landscape.

Get in touch if you’d like to know more.