Celebrating a year of supporting local businesses through Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley
Published: 02 December 2024
This past year, in collaboration with Dudley Council, Oxford Innovation Advice has achieved remarkable success through the Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley Programme. This initiative has delivered personalised one-to-one tailored support to 440 companies, cementing its vital role in advancing local business development.
As part of the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) in Dudley Programme, Oxford Innovation Advice (OI Advice) have hosted 34 events over the year, including workshops, one-to-one clinics, and networking opportunities, all aimed at enhancing business skills and forging connections among local businesses. A standout achievement has been the launch of the peer-to-peer group, fostering a collaborative environment for businesses to share knowledge, best practices, and grow together.
Helping local businesses secure necessary funding has been another major success of the programme. So far, 45 companies have applied for local authority grants after following guidance from OI Advice. Additionally, the programme has facilitated over 770 referrals to a broad business support ecosystem. This network connects businesses with essential resources like the Investment Readiness Programme, Innovate UK, Made Smarter, DBT, High Growth Accelerator, and the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.
The impact of the programme is amplified by the dedicated work of three local business growth advisers, who have been instrumental in guiding businesses towards success. The positive feedback from participants shows the significant impact the initiative is having on their business’s growth and development.
To find out more about the Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley Programme and how it can help your business, contact us today.