West Midlands-London partnership to boost tech firms’ global growth plans
A collaboration between the investment promotion agencies of the West Midlands and London has been announced, with the aim of helping the region’s high-growth tech companies to achieve their global ambitions.
‘Grow Global’ is a 12-month export programme for London-based scale-ups, established by London & Partners – the business growth and destination agency for London.
The new partnership agreement, in collaboration with the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), will see the programme extended beyond London for the first time, with 10 high-growth tech companies from the West Midlands offered exclusive spaces.
The announcement was made during “Global West Midlands: The Tech That Makes Tomorrow Work” – a dedicated event hosted by the WMGC during Birmingham Tech Week 2023.
Neil Rami, chief executive at the West Midlands Growth Company, said: “The expansion of London’s Grow Global programme to the West Midlands is a direct recognition of the scale and international potential of the West Midlands’ tech sector. It also reinforces the best-in-class expertise of WMGC in driving the region’s – and nation’s – international agenda, with the West Midlands recording the UK’s highest level of foreign direct investment growth, last year.
“Building on our existing investor support package, the Global Growth Programme, this is yet another string to our bow of strategic interventions to position the West Midlands firmly on the world stage. We have a fantastic relationship with London & Partners, and look forward to continuing pooling our expertise as part of our ongoing and fruitful partnership.”
Available to West Midlands companies from January 2024, the programme will help participants to navigate the complexities of global expansion, providing them with a package of support, business development opportunities, and event activity to fast-track their overseas growth. This includes access to specialist workshops, sector-focused networking events, introductions to funding partners and corporates, as well as the opportunity to participate in international trade missions.
Janet Coyle of London & Partners said: “The Grow Global programme has a successful track record of supporting London business growth on the international stage. Now, as we consider expansion, we simply cannot overlook the vibrant £800 million strong tech sector in the West Midlands, which has rightfully secured its position as second only to London, making it one of the UK’s top hubs for global investment and emerging technologies.
“We want to help build on this impressive growth and that’s where the Grow Global programme comes in. It offers practical support across various areas, including expert advice, workshops, events, and trade missions, to name a few. London businesses have already reaped the benefits and we are thrilled to extend the Grow Global programme to high-growth tech businesses in the West Midlands, starting today during Birmingham Tech Week.”
The programme will be delivered by London & Partners, alongside WMGC, with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The application process will be made available via the Invest West Midlands website.
