The UK’s economy benefits greatly from the travel and transport sector, which plays a key role in linking regions and encouraging growth. In 2023, the East Midlands saw several companies securing significant investment to drive innovation and development in this space.
This article highlights the top 10 travel and transport companies in the East Midlands based on the highest amount of fundraising and evaluates how the region compares to others in the UK, using key fundraising benchmarks.
Top Travel and Transport Companies in the East Midlands
This data reflects fundraising raised in 2023 by UK companies officially registered and active on Companies House within the travel and transport industry.
- Shone
Total amount raised: £169k
Location: East Midlands
Shone provides AI-driven predictive transport software aimed at optimising supply chains and fleet management. The company’s 2023 fundraising will help further develop their AI technology and expand their market reach. - The Apertus Group
Total amount raised: £200k
Location: East Midlands
The Apertus Group specialises in sustainable transportation solutions, focusing on green logistics and renewable energy integration. Their recent fundraising will support the development of environmentally friendly supply chain solutions. - Gunthorpe in Rutland
Total amount raised: £393k
Location: East Midlands
Gunthorpe in Rutland offers luxury accommodation services, targeting the high-end travel market. With nearly £400k raised, the company is looking to expand its operations and enhance customer experiences. - Zak Mobility
Total amount raised: £520k
Location: East Midlands
Zak Mobility is pioneering mobility-as-a-service solutions, focusing on sustainable transport options in urban areas. Their AI-powered platforms aim to improve the efficiency of public and private transport networks. The company raised over half a million pounds in 2023 to accelerate their growth and enhance their technological offerings. - Great Northern Classics
Total amount raised: £547k
Location: East Midlands
Great Northern Classics is a hub for classic vehicle restoration and craftsmanship. The company raised over £500k in 2023 to expand its facilities and promote heritage skills in automotive engineering. - Viritech
Total amount raised: £621k
Location: East Midlands
Viritech focuses on advanced hydrogen technology, developing solutions for zero-emission transport. Their 2023 fundraising will be used to further the development of hydrogen fuel cells, helping reduce the carbon footprint in heavy-duty vehicles. - TheCarCrowd
Total amount raised: £1.0m
Location: East Midlands
TheCarCrowd offers a unique investment platform for car enthusiasts, enabling people to co-own classic and luxury vehicles. With £1.0m raised in 2023, the company is expanding its portfolio, blending the excitement of car ownership with a new investment model. - UK Rail Leasing (UKRL)
Total amount raised: £1.5m
Location: East Midlands
UK Rail Leasing provides comprehensive rail solutions, specialising in leasing locomotives and rolling stock to freight and passenger services. Their 2023 fundraising will go towards expanding their fleet and improving services across the UK. - Alpkit
Total amount raised: £1.5m
Location: East Midlands
Alpkit, known for its high-performance outdoor gear, is a prominent player in the travel and tourism sector. Their 2023 fundraising will help expand their product range and establish more retail outlets, contributing to the region’s growing reputation for adventure tourism. - HVS
Total amount raised: £30m
Location: East Midlands
HVS is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution. In 2023, the company raised £30m to further develop its hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Their innovative approach to sustainable transport is setting new standards in the industry, making significant contributions to reducing carbon emissions.
How is the East Midlands Performing?
Using regional fundraising benchmarks from 2023, we can critically evaluate how well the East Midlands is performing in the travel and transport sector compared to other regions in the UK.
Total Fundraising Amount
In 2023, the East Midlands secured a total of £35.4 million across nine companies, a strong figure compared to Yorkshire and The Humber, which raised just £3.7 million. However, the East Midlands is still outpaced by regions like the East of England, which raised £93.9 million, and London, which saw a staggering £1.07 billion in total fundraising. This suggests that while the East Midlands is growing, it is still significantly behind the major economic hubs in attracting large-scale investments.
Average Fundraising per Company
The East Midlands boasts an impressive average fundraising amount of £3.9 million per company. This is above the national average when compared to other regions like the East of England (£3.6 million) and Yorkshire and The Humber (£374,000). In fact, the only region significantly outperforming the East Midlands in terms of average fundraising per company is London (£9.3 million). This indicates that while the total number of companies in the East Midlands may be smaller, the region attracts relatively larger investments for its businesses.
Top Fundraising Company
The top fundraising company in the East Midlands, HVS, raised £30 million in 2023, a significant sum compared to the top company in Yorkshire and The Humber, which raised £2.14 million. This positions HVS as a major player not just in the region but also in the national landscape, especially in the area of sustainable transport solutions.
How does the East Midlands compare to other regions in the UK?
While the East Midlands performs relatively well in terms of average fundraising per company, it faces challenges when compared to larger regions like London, which continues to dominate the UK’s investment landscape. London attracted over £1.0b in total fundraising in 2023, dwarfing the East Midlands’ total of £35.4m. Nevertheless, the region’s focus on sustainability, particularly in electric vehicles and mobility solutions, is positioning it as a critical contributor to the UK’s green transport goals.
The Future of Travel and Transport Companies in the UK
The East Midlands is poised for continued growth in the travel and transport sector, driven by technological advancements and a focus on sustainability. Companies in the region are not only supporting the UK’s wider transport landscape but also setting an example with their innovative approaches to mobility, logistics, and tourism. With rising interest from investors, the region is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the future of UK transport.