£3m programme launched to support business growth in the region
Two new support programmes, valued at £3m, have been launched by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) to support the growth of the region’s businesses and to help others move into new transport markets.
The two programmes named High Growth Accelerator and Supply Chain Transition Programme have been made possible through the £70m Commonwealth Games legacy money.
The Supply Chain Transition Programme will assist small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding their customer base by securing new orders in emerging sectors of the economy, such as aerospace, very light rail, light electric vehicles, and micro-mobility, including e-scooters and cargo bikes.
Up to 160 businesses will benefit from various services, including workshops, intensive one-on-one coaching, peer support, and meet-the-buyer events.
BGWM is delivering the programme in collaboration with C&W Business Solutions (electric light vehicles and very light rail), Midlands Aerospace Alliance (aerospace), and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), a part of the University of Warwick (micromobility).
The High Growth Accelerator will target 50 high-potential businesses in the region, offering them customized support to overcome barriers to sustainable growth.
Birmingham-based Gateley Global will deliver this programme, providing assistance with data-driven strategy development, access to research and development facilities, guidance on issues like intellectual property, and support in areas such as governance and tax.
Business Growth West Midlands is delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “We’re setting a new course for the region’s economy – one that will ensure our region is at the front of the race to develop the jobs and industries of the future.
“These new support programmes we are launching through Business Growth West Midlands will provide 200 businesses with the help and guidance they need to accelerate their growth and find new markets in three important sectors, helping to drive our transition to a green economy.”
