Free Support for Business Innovation: New Hubs Empower Local SMEs

Small businesses across the West Midlands now have access to free support for adopting new technologies, thanks to a £2.4 million investment. This funding, part of a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Innovate UK, has led to the creation of Innovation Hubs in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, and Warwickshire. These hubs are designed to help SMEs boost innovation, upskill staff, and overcome growth challenges.

What Are the Innovation Hubs?

Each hub is run by a leading local college, offering SMEs access to expert guidance and cutting-edge facilities. The focus is on key growth areas like digital technology, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and cybersecurity.

• Birmingham: Led by BMet at Matthew Boulton College, with centres specializing in dental technology, cybersecurity, and AI.
• Black Country: Led by Walsall College, focusing on advanced manufacturing, engineering, and other key technologies.
• Coventry and Warwickshire: Led by Coventry College, with a focus on digital and green technologies.

How Can These Hubs Help Your Business?

The Innovation Hubs provide a range of services to drive business growth through technology adoption. They can help you:

• Identify barriers to growth caused by outdated or underutilized technologies.
• Map out the skills and training your team needs to integrate new technology solutions.
• Connect to additional resources such as local authorities or funding opportunities for technology investments.

What’s the Cost?

There’s no direct cost for SMEs to access these services. The hubs are fully funded to support businesses in adopting new technologies and developing sustainable growth plans. This is a valuable opportunity for SMEs to transform their business and stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

Just a Few Examples of Support You Can Access:

•    Alongside support for Industry 4.0 technology, University College Birmingham offers new pathways to help businesses tackle sustainability challenges using advanced tools in its new Centre for Sustainable Construction. The hub also focuses on cybersecurity, helping businesses prepare for growing threats and identify training needs to safeguard operations.
•    City of Wolverhampton College’s hub creates a safe environment for exploring new ideas. Through workshops on AI, green technology, and cybersecurity, they provide the essential expertise and resources needed to improve efficiency and resilience, contributing to regional economic growth.
•    Solihull College and University Centre offers a thorough needs analysis to pinpoint your specific technology adaptation requirements. Businesses can benefit from bespoke training, expert consultancy, and free working spaces for collaborative meetings and networking.
•    Known for its hands-on support with product and service innovation, business process innovation, and additive manufacturing, Dudley College’s innovation team is helping businesses stay ahead with cutting-edge solutions. Their "Scan Wednesdays" initiative allows local businesses to explore advanced laser and photo scanning technologies at the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology.
•    Coventry College helps business leaders adopt innovations in digital and green technologies through innovation and growth plans, workshops, and practical demonstrations. Support is also available for recruitment, grants, and net-zero initiatives, with mentoring to help businesses navigate these opportunities.

This comprehensive support is designed to help SMEs in the West Midlands thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. Whether you need help with adopting new technology, addressing skills gaps, or connecting to financial resources, the Innovation Hubs are here to ensure you have the tools and expertise needed to succeed. Don't miss the opportunity to transform your business with free, expert-led support.

How to Get Free Support

To register your interest in getting support from any of the Innovation Hubs across the West Midlands regions, please visit https://skillswmw.com/contact/ and complete the short ‘Contact Us’ form.

Alternatively, contact a BGWM Business Adviser for advice on where to start with innovation and growth.