Cornwall games studio TruePlayers has successfully completed a funding round that includes a £140,000 investment from the British Business Bank via The FSE Group. The latest funding follows a 2022 investment made by FSE and will help the company build on its recent commercial momentum and growing interest from both gamers and new commercial channels.

Launched in 2021, TruePlayers originally focused on mobile‑first titles before pivoting to concentrate on PC and console gaming in response to market changes. Their latest release, FireHawk FPV, is a high‑fidelity drone‑flying simulator that has already sold more than 10,000 units. Designed with highly realistic physics and controls, the game has picked up strong community reviews and caught the attention of organisations exploring new simulation‑based training tools.

This new round of funding will allow TruePlayers to continue developing FireHawk FPV, including introducing new game modes, adding more community‑driven gameplay features and launching multiplayer, which is one of the most requested additions from players. The investment will also support the studio in bringing the game to new gaming platforms, opening the door to larger audiences. Alongside consumer growth, the business is expanding discussions with commercial partners about using FireHawk’s hyper‑realistic controls for training.

The funding takes the total British Business Bank investment to £365,000 via its regional Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). Although CIOSIF is closed to new investees, FSE is able to further support businesses that have previously benefited from the fund.

Adrian Ruiz Langan, CEO of TruePlayers, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what our small team has achieved over the past two years. FireHawk FPV has demonstrated clear commercial potential and opened doors to major new markets. This follow‑on support from FSE enables us to accelerate development, expand our team with essential expertise, and pursue both gaming and B2B opportunities with confidence. We’re excited for the next phase of growth.”

Matt Browning, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “TruePlayers has shown real resilience and creativity in evolving their strategy and delivering a commercially successful title in FireHawk. The team has demonstrated technical capability and clear market understanding, proving a strong demand for what they’re building. Their early traction in the new commercial avenues highlights the wider potential of their technology. We’re pleased to continue supporting the team as they take this next step.

Funding through CIOSIF came to an end for new investees in December 2023 but wider funding is now available through the British Business Bank’s £200m South West Investment Fund providing loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m.

CIOSIF has been 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.

The FSE Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Silvester as its new CEO.

Julie brings extensive experience from nearly two decades at FSE with a proven track record in UK regional fund management, early‑stage equity, and venture debt. Having been part of FSE’s leadership team since 2006, she has played a pivotal role in growing the organisation’s funds under management and establishing FSE as a leading regional fund manager.  

In her most recent role as Managing Director, Fund Management, Julie oversaw investment activity across six UK regions, led investment strategy and policy implementation, and built diverse, high‑performing teams.

Julie also brings more than a decade of City‑based experience in leveraged and corporate finance from her earlier career at NatWest Markets and Hawkpoint Partners.

Speaking about her appointment, Julie Silvester said:
“I’m honoured and excited to lead FSE into its next phase of growth. I look forward to bringing together our team and investment partners to fuel scaling businesses underserved by traditional funding, with socially responsible development capital that genuinely moves the needle for communities and regional economies.”

Martin Rigby, Chairman of FSE, welcomed the appointment:
“Julie’s depth of experience, strategic mindset, and long‑standing commitment to FSE’s mission make her the ideal fit as our next CEO.  Her vision will help ensure that FSE continues to expand its impact, backing ambitious businesses that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream finance while generating attractive returns for its investors.”

Julie succeeds Paul Marston, who has led the organisation for the past six years. The Board is indebted to Paul for his incisive leadership and unflagging commitment during a period of unprecedented economic and business challenge.

Julie’s appointment comes at a time when impactful investment and regional economic development are more important than ever. Her commitment to FSE's purpose of championing innovative businesses and supporting sustainable growth will contribute to greater prosperity across the UK's regions.

Newquay based Green Park Pharma has secured £500,000 equity funding from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group, as part of a £2.2million pre-series A funding round with the option for a further £4.5m investment in later rounds.

Green Park Pharma specialises in developing liquid formulations of existing medications. The company's patented technology provides solutions for the currently unmet clinical needs of an estimated 20-40% of patients globally who struggle to swallow tablets.

Developing a liquid formulation from a solid medication is traditionally done by a pharmacist, reconstituting medicines from dried powder, but these liquid forms have a limited shelf life and often need refrigeration. Green Park Pharma’s advanced technology can create equivalent products in a stable, ready-to-use liquid form that is fully licensed, and patent protected.

Richard Reavley, Green Park Pharma Group CEO said: “Difficulty taking tablets is a common problem in paediatrics but extends to adults experiencing swallow impairment, including those suffering from serious conditions such as stroke, dementia and some forms of cancer. Our liquid products are effective and stable at room temperature with a long shelf life, improving medication adherence, dosage accuracy and convenience for the NHS, patients, and caregivers. We are thrilled to receive this investment, which will help us make a significant impact on the global pharmaceutical landscape.”

The investment will enable Green Park Pharma to expand its operations and workforce, with plans to create ten new roles over the next three years as part of its strategy to enhance global reach and operational capabilities.

Anna Staevska, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “Green Park Pharma's robust business model and patented technology present a unique opportunity that we’re excited to be a part of. The secured funding positions the company well for rapid development and market penetration and we look forward to working with them on this journey.”

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager, British Business Bank said: “Green Park Pharma is an excellent example of an innovative, high-growth business that the South West Investment Fund was created to support. Their liquid-based medicines address a clear clinical need for alternative drug delivery and this investment reflects our commitment to increasing access to equity finance for ambitious businesses across the region.”

Green Park Pharma is led by industry veterans with extensive experience in pharmaceuticals, product development, and strategic partnerships. With a proven track record of launching over 40 products globally, the team is committed to delivering innovative healthcare solutions and well-equipped to drive the company's ambitious growth plans.

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.

Ace High Sports, an early-stage video game studio based in Bournemouth, has secured £300,000 in equity funding from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, via appointed Fund Manager, The FSE Group.

The investment is part of a £0.6 million funding round that also includes private investors, alongside additional grant funding from the UK Games Content Fund.

The funding will accelerate Ace High Sports’ growth strategy, enabling it to pioneer a new genre of sports-led card games while building a distinctive and highly scalable games portfolio. The company’s first title, Touchdown Poker, is scheduled for release in 2026. Fusing the mechanics of Texas Hold’em with the excitement of American football, the game gives players a dynamic experience that sees them bluff and blitz their way to a winning score.

Mike Hawkyard, Ace High Sports CEO and Co-founder, said: “This investment is a major step forward for Ace High Sports. With support from the South West Investment Fund, FSE and our other investors, we can scale the business, grow our team and bring Touchdown Poker to life across multiple platforms. Our goal is to create games that feel instantly familiar yet completely fresh, and this funding allows us to make that happen. Touchdown Poker is just the beginning of a portfolio that will redefine how audiences engage with sports and traditional card games.”

Matt Browning, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Ace High Sports demonstrates the qualities we look for in a growth business: experienced leadership, innovative product design, and a scalable commercial model. With strong advisory support, scalable plans, and validation from the UK Games Content Fund, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on growth in the creative industries, and we are excited to be working with them as they grow.”

Paul Jones from the British Business Bank, said: “The creative industries, including games development, is an important growth sector in the South West, and Ace High Sports is a good example of the innovative, high-potential businesses the South West Investment Fund was set up to support. Our investment will help Ace High Sports accelerate development while supporting skilled job creation here in the region. We’re delighted to back their ambition and look forward to seeing the company scale and succeed.”

The global video games market is forecast to generate around $600 billion in annual revenue by 2030[1], with sports titles and card games expected to deliver strong, sustained growth. By creating sports‑themed card-based games for PC and mobile, Ace High Sports is well-positioned to meet evolving player demand for fresh twists on familiar experiences.

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.

Carbon-negative rum producer Two Drifters Distillery has secured a loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund (SWIF), via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, enabling the business to increase production capacity and expand trade distribution in both domestic and international markets.

The Devon distillery is a rum producer making its spirit entirely from scratch — fermenting, distilling, ageing and bottling on-site. Two Drifters operates an all-electric distillery powered by 100% renewable energy and applies a self-imposed internal carbon tax to guide procurement and operations toward the lowest-carbon options available. This framework positions the brand as one of the UK’s most sustainability-led rum producers.

The loan will allow the distillery to scale production to meet rising demand from the on-trade and retailers, and support continued overseas expansion, where interest in British rum — and sustainable production — is growing.

Co-founder Dr Russ Wakeham said:

“This support comes at exactly the right moment. Demand for our rum is increasing in the UK and internationally, and this loan allows us to build stock, strengthen production and keep full control of the business as we grow. The South West Investment Fund understands the needs of manufacturers, which makes it an ideal fit for us.”

Co-founder Gemma Wakeham added:

“We’ve always believed that British rum can stand alongside the best in the world — and that it can be made more sustainably. Running an all-electric distillery, using renewable energy, and applying our own internal carbon tax keeps us accountable to that. This funding will help us produce more, serve more customers and build the Two Drifters brand across new markets.”

Investment Manager at The FSE Group, Hannah Sprague added:

"Two Drifters is a great example of a South West business combining innovation with sustainability. Their approach to carbon-negative production and renewable energy is impressive, and we’re pleased to support their plans to grow both in the UK and overseas. It’s exciting to see businesses like this driving positive change in the drinks industry."

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.

Edinburgh based media production company LS Productions is targeting more global contracts after delivering high-profile campaigns for top brands, including recent work for Glenmorangie featuring Harrison Ford, as well as expanding into original content following the release of ‘Irvine Welsh - Reality is Not Enough’, which closed this year's Edinburgh Film Festival. 

The 360 production company has successfully secured a £800,000 growth loan from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, to build on its successes to date and expand its reach beyond Scotland.   

Founded in 2006, LS Productions is one of the UK’s largest independent production services companies, delivering high-profile campaigns and productions for some of the world’s biggest brands, agencies and studios including Nike, Google, Dior, and Apple TV. The experienced team has produced a variety of Grammy-nominated, BRIT, and BAFTA award-winning work across fashion, advertising, film, and TV for clients all over the world. 

LS Productions provides end-to-end production management, as well as a location and logistics database via its proprietary, AI-driven platform.   

The funding will be used for a range of activities including sales & marketing initiatives; new staff hires and scaling of proprietary technology. 

Marie Owen, CEO and co-founder of LS Productions, said: “The goal is to take our award-winning capabilities into new markets and this loan will allow us to accelerate our growth plans significantly, ultimately enhancing our ability to secure major international productions. Creative industries are a hugely important contributor to Scotland’s economy, and we are excited to use this investment to continue driving innovation, create more jobs and encourage even more major brands to work with a Scottish-based production company.” 

David Young, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “LS Productions is an award-winning production company with a strong track record of delivering high-profile projects for key industry players. Expertise across multiple industry segments position this talented and experienced team to capitalise on the opportunities in this multi-billion-pound industry and we look forward to working with them as they continue their growth journey.” 

LS Productions’ focus on an ambitious global growth trajectory will in turn help strengthen Scotland’s production infrastructure and economy by creating jobs, supporting local talent, creating value across the supply chain and reinforcing Scotland as a world-class filming destination and production control hub. 

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at Nations & Regions Investment Funds, the British Business Bank, added: “LS Productions has built a strong reputation from Scotland, working with some of the biggest names in film, fashion, and advertising. Its plans to expand globally while continuing to invest in people, technology, and local infrastructure are exactly the kind of ambition the Investment Fund for Scotland was designed to support. This funding will help create new opportunities for Scottish talent and strengthen the country’s position on the global production stage.” 

The purpose of the British Business Bank’s £150million Investment fund for Scotland is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Scotland. The fund will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.  

PALLITE Group Ltd, the Wellingborough-based manufacturer of sustainable supply-chain products, has achieved significant international growth with support from The FSE Group. Since receiving its first Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) loan via FSE in 2021, PALLITE has increased staff numbers by over 30%, expanded into six new overseas offices, and boosted global sales by 125%.

The MEIF funding enabled PALLITE to maintain momentum during a challenging period marked by COVID-19 and Brexit, while advancing its strategic expansion plans. Alongside its UK manufacturing base, the company now also operates facilities in Milwaukee and Belgium, and will commence manufacturing in Surabaya, Indonesia in early 2026.

PALLITE’s commitment to sustainability has earned it multiple accolades, including the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation (2023), the UK Warehousing Association Sustainability Award (2022), and the Prix Stratégies Logistique de l'Innovation Durable (2025) in France. Its innovative honeycomb cardboard pallets, crates, and PIX® storage solutions deliver significant carbon footprint reductions, helping businesses address Scope 3 emissions and meet evolving ESG requirements.

Recent regulatory developments, such as the UK Government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging fees coming into effect in 2025 and 2026, are accelerating demand for eco-friendly solutions. PALLITE is well positioned to support companies transitioning to sustainable practices, offering products that weigh over 80% less than traditional wooden pallets—delivering cost efficiencies and substantial CO₂ savings.

Robert Audas, Chairman of PALLITE Group Ltd, said: “The MEIF funding from FSE enabled PALLITE to sustain momentum across our existing markets while continuing to advance our strategic expansion plans. During a period of significant uncertainty arising from both COVID-19 and Brexit, FSE provided the crucial stability and confidence needed to support our UK manufacturing operations and remain on course with our growth objectives, including the successful opening of our manufacturing facility in the United States in 2022.”

Chris Bailey, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “PALLITE is an outstanding example of how innovative, sustainability-driven businesses can scale rapidly with the right financial backing. Since our first investment in 2021, the company has achieved exceptional growth in sales, employment and international footprint, while remaining firmly committed to reducing environmental impact. We are proud to have supported PALLITE on its journey and look forward to seeing the impact of its next phase of global expansion.”

With a customer base that includes many of the world’s leading brands and top global logistics providers, PALLITE’s next phase of growth will focus on internationalising its product lines and investing in new designs to meet evolving market needs. The company continues to demonstrate how British manufacturing innovation, backed by targeted growth finance, can compete and lead on a global stage.

Springpod, the award-winning careers technology platform, has secured a second £650,000 loan from the Greater London Investment Fund (GLIF), managed by The FSE Group, to fuel its next phase of growth and innovation.

Springpod delivers a market-leading digital platform offering virtual work experience programmes, university subject tasters, apprenticeship pathways, and recruitment solutions. The company’s services, provided free to students aged 14–18, empower schools to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks and advance world-class career guidance across England.

Since The FSE Group’s initial investment in 2022, Springpod has more than doubled annual revenue and engaged over one million students in its programmes. The company has raised £5.3 million in new equity, expanded into the United States, and added high-profile clients such as Amazon, Barclays, and Network Rail. Springpod’s commitment to innovation has been recognised with industry awards, including Innovator of the Year and EdTech Innovation of the Year in 2024.

The latest funding supports strategic expansion through key hires in Greater London, targeted marketing, and continued development of Springpod’s platform. New AI tools will deliver tailored coaching programmes and interact in real time with students, helping to prepare them for real world situations in a safe environment and at their own pace.

Sam Hyams, CEO and Co-Founder of Springpod, commented: “Our mission is to democratise access to quality work experience and careers education. The FSE Group’s continued support enables us to scale our impact, enhance our product suite, and respond to the dynamic demands of the market. We are excited to accelerate our growth and deliver new solutions that empower the next generation.”

Stephen Mitchell, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Springpod has demonstrated impressive, continued growth and innovation since our original investment. Their team have also been focused on diversification of the client base, now delivering their valuable proposition to corporates and education partners in both the UK and USA. They are positioned well for continued expansion and we are delighted to continue supporting their growth journey.”

The UK market opportunity for Springpod is estimated at £1.1 billion annually, with digital transformation reshaping recruitment and education pathways. Springpod’s platform serves the entire student development journey and sits at the intersection of virtual work experience and university engagement.

With their marketing leading solutions and continued innovation, Springpod is poised to meet the increasing demand for scalable digital outreach to early-talent audiences.

Torbay-based QLM Technology, located at the EPIC Centre, has secured £1million in equity funding from the South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group.

The investment is part of a £3.5 million funding round to support the development and commercial scaling of QLM’s advanced methane monitoring technology.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and the drive to reduce emissions is central to global climate targets. However, many leaks remain undetected or unquantified. With tightening international legislation requiring companies to monitor and report methane emissions, QLM says its breakthrough solution provides an essential tool for industry.

QLM’s innovative quantum lidar camera can see, locate and quantify methane at distance with high sensitivity, speed and accuracy. The company’s solution delivers autonomous, continuous, real-time monitoring at scale and low cost. The technology aims to help operators across oil and gas, utilities, wastewater, waste and biogas sectors to meet regulatory and environmental standards.

The new funding will support continued product development across software and industrial applications and will help expand QLM’s channel partnerships and market reach.

Paul Hughes, CEO of QLM, said: “We’re delighted to receive this investment from The FSE Group and the South West Investment Fund, which will help us accelerate development and expand deployment of our unique lidar-based methane detection systems. Our mission is to give operators the tools to detect and prevent methane emissions quickly, accurately and cost-effectively, helping to reduce one of the most harmful greenhouse gases and make real progress toward global net-zero goals.”

Ralph Singleton, FSE’s Head of Equity South West, added: “QLM has developed a world-class, IP-protected technology backed by a strong management team with deep industry experience. Their solution addresses a clear and growing global need, supported by legislation and increasing environmental accountability. We’re pleased to back a company that is not only commercially strong but also making a meaningful contribution to tackling climate change.”

 Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager, from the British Business Bank said: added: “This investment in QLM Technology demonstrates how the South West Investment Fund is supporting the region’s most innovative businesses to grow and compete on the world stage. QLM’s cutting-edge methane detection technology has the potential to make a genuine impact in the fight against climate change, while creating skilled jobs and strengthening the South West’s position as a hub for clean-tech innovation.”

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.

The fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.

Founded by a powered wheelchair user, Glasgow-based Freedom One Life is targeting new customers in the USA following a funding boost to support the overseas expansion of its manufacturing.

The business was born as a result of Alex Papanikolaou’s own experiences of using a powerchair, after being diagnosed cerebral palsy just a few weeks after birth and beginning to use a wheelchair at age 12. Feeling dissatisfied with every model he tried over the years, Alex founded Freedom One Life in 2013 and started developing designs for a better powered wheelchair option.

In recent years, the business has focused on exporting, with international customers now representing around 50% of sales. The distribution network currently includes partners in Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Norway, and it is actively seeking additional opportunities elsewhere in Europe and the USA.

Supporting the firm’s ambition to bring its flagship Series 5 model to even more wheelchair users across the globe, Freedom One Life recently secured a £500,000 loan through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, delivered via The FSE Group.

An estimated 40% of the global market for powered wheelchairs is based in the USA, making it a key target for Freedom One Life. The business is also investing in further research and development work to increase manufacturing capacity and lower the costs of production, making the chair more accessible to a wider range of users. The team will also be expanding as the company grows, and Freedom One Life will be looking to add even more lived experience to the design and marketing team.

Led by Alex, the company’s goal since launch has been to combine lived experience with industry-leading design, developing several prototypes and progressing to achieve medical device certification. The Series 5 model champions independence, giving users a mobility product that is comfortable, compact, and reliable, enabling users to live the life they choose without the constraints of inferior or unsuitable powerchairs and was road-tested over 40,000km in real-world conditions. Powerchair users fed into every stage of the design process, from concepts to testing.

Alex Papanikolaou said: “So many powerchairs are not fit for purpose, and our research showed that people were full of frustrations and disappointments after being forced to accept the industry standard. Freedom One Life was built upon the experiences of so many powerchair users – including myself – who deserve the best possible product to help them live their lives to the fullest.

“The Series 5 is now being used by over 100 people all over Europe, and we love being sent incredible stories and photos from our customers who are out and about doing new and wonderful things that they didn’t previously think were possible. Now, we are setting up to break into the USA and see it as a huge opportunity to bring the product to even more people who will see the benefits of a more resilient and comfortable powerchair.

“Being a disabled business founder has not been without challenges, but I am incredibly proud to represent the community and show that success and growth are possible, especially with the right support. The funding from the Investment Fund for Scotland will be critical as we head into this next chapter.”

Launched in October 2023, the £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland aims to improve access to finance and boost the Scottish economy, with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million available to help small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead. The fund is part of the Bank’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth by supporting smaller businesses across Scotland.

Mark Sterritt, Director, Nations and Regions Funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “Alex’s story is truly inspiring and his passion for improving the lives of other power wheelchair users has led to an incredible journey so far of product development. The business is on the cusp of further growth and it is great to be able to offer support via the Investment Fund for Scotland to help the business reach the next stage. Addressing imbalances in access to finance is one of the key reasons the fund was set up, whether in terms of geographical regions or under-represented groups, including disabled founders like Alex.”

Jim Pritchard, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Working with Alex and the Freedom One Life team has been hugely inspiring. From our first meeting it was clear that this isn’t just a business, it’s a mission to transform the lives of powerchair users, built on Alex’s own lived experience and determination to create something better. Seeing how the Series 5 is already giving people more independence is incredibly powerful, and we’re excited that this funding will help bring that same freedom to even more users across the globe.”