123 jobs created in Charnwood by Town Deal funding so far

More than 60 new businesses have been supported and aroudn 123 roles created as part of a scheme funded by the Loughborough Town Deal.

The New Business Wayfinder supports local entrepreneurs with new technology to launch and grow their businesses.

The Wayfinder also offers a large programme of events, engagement activities, insights and expertise to start-ups to help entrepreneurs build up their network. The project is led by Loughborough University’s business incubator, LUinc. and is funded through the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project.

The New Business Wayfinder aims to create high-value jobs and increase the number of resilient, future-focused businesses in the community, with around 123 new jobs created within Charnwood so far, along with many more temporary paid work opportunities in growing startups.

The Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. It has backed 11 projects which in total are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.

Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said: “The Town Deal's principal aim is to support the local economy and promote growth across the town. This project plays a vital role in helping to support those local businesses and to encourage our budding entrepreneurs.”

Pete Hitchings, Loughborough University Business Incubator manager, said: “We’ve been pleased to join forces with Loughborough Town Deal and Charnwood Borough Council to raise the profile of Loughborough as a startup hub which is creating and sustaining jobs, fostering new businesses, retaining talented people and attracting new founders. 

“Our strong collaborative working has been reported as good practice nationally, and we’re seeing growing interest from UK and global investors.”

Loughborough University offers shared workspace located at the Science and Enterprise Park and the Careers & Enterprise Hub in the town centre – which was also funded through the Loughborough Town Deal.

Both locations are equipped with a range of high-quality technology for digital and physical prototyping. They include audio and visual recording equipment, virtual and augmented reality technology and a dedicated fabrication lab. 

High potential startups engaged through Wayfinder are offered the chance to join a complementary startup accelerator programme comprising more intensive training, coaching and mentoring and funding pitches to help their business develop and progress.

YUMI Sleep is a sleep‑technology startup business which has been supported by the New Business Wayfinder.

Founded in March 2025, owner Richard Naylor has developed a patent‑pending modular mattress system that extends product life and reduces waste, giving consumers long-term value.

Since launching, YUMI Sleep has secured a letter of intent from a leading UK retailer, identified new premises, built a growing team, won pitch competitions, and received pro‑bono support from a major global legal firm.

The company has also been recognised by Innovate UK as a high‑growth‑potential business alongside joining Loughborough University’s LUinc. incubator, which has been instrumental in preparing for its first funding round.

Richard said: “The support from LUinc. has been outstanding. The community is a hive of knowledge that I simply wouldn’t have accessed if I’d been building the business alone.

“Even as someone who isn’t a Loughborough University alumnus, I was welcomed with open arms, and the programme has been invaluable in helping me avoid common start‑up pitfalls and stay on the right track. I’d encourage anyone in Charnwood thinking of starting a business to reach out.

“After benefitting from the programme, I’ve tried to give back by joining the new BusinessConnect inCharnwood committee and organising a pitch event with the John Lewis Partnership, giving fellow founders the chance to present to a major national retailer. It’s a privilege to be part of such a positive and collaborative community.”

Loughborough University’s Healthy and Innovative project received £2.46 million of funding from Loughborough Town Deal.

There are five elements to the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project.

These include the expansion of SportPark Pavilion 4, encouraging active and healthy living, supporting initiatives that promote active travel, and developing the Impact Hub to analyse the health and strength of Loughborough to help policy makers and community leaders plan for the town’s future.