Chambers of Commerce and Crowe UK: Driving Innovation across Greater Birmingham & the Black Country

How important is Innovation?

Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, and the West Midlands has long been at the forefront of technological and industrial development. In recent years, the region has emerged as a hub of innovation, with local businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions working together to propel economic success.

Innovate UK Business Growth, the Government's innovation agency, has played a pivotal role in helping companies secure significant investments and grants, and in nurturing clusters of emerging industries.

The newly elected Mayor of the West Midlands has emphasised the importance of boosting productivity and driving economic growth, with innovation at the heart of this ambition.

This event, hosted in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, and Crowe UK, offers local businesses the opportunity to hear from key stakeholders—including senior local government representatives, Innovate UK Business Growth, and leading academic institutions—on how they can support your business's growth and innovation strategies.

What to expect on the day:

Join us for an inspiring and informative event where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from influential voices in innovation. Expect insightful discussions with Councillor Sharon Thompson, representing the West Midlands Combined Authority, on how local businesses can leverage innovation to drive growth and productivity. You’ll also hear from experts at Innovate UK Business Growth, leading universities, and businesses that have successfully scaled with support from these organisations.

The day includes interactive panel discussions on scaling businesses and unlocking growth through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), alongside a keynote address from Councillor Sharon Thompson. There will also be plenty of opportunities to network, share ideas, and explore how to access support for your business’s growth and innovation journey.

Why Attend?

  • Hear from Cllr Thompson on how the region is supporting innovation and helping businesses commercialise new ideas to boost productivity.

  • Gain insights from innovation experts who can help your business develop new products, win new customers, and drive revenue growth.

  • Learn from successful businesses that have been supported by Innovate UK Business Growth and local universities, and find out how they’ve raised productivity and accelerated growth.

  • Connect with like-minded businesses that are leading innovation in their respective industries and eager to form partnerships and collaborations.

Who Should Attend

  • Small & Medium-Sized Businesses looking to commercialise ideas, develop new products, and access free support and advice to grow.

  • Companies wanting to embed new processes and knowledge within their firms to maintain or gain a competitive edge.

  • Businesses seeking expert guidance to implement innovative solutions and take their business to the next level of growth.

Event Partners:

  • Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

  • Black Country Chamber of Commerce

  • Crowe UK

  • Innovate UK Business Growth

  • Aston University

  • Birmingham City University

Agenda:

9.30 am – 10.00am: Registrations

10.00am –10.05am: Welcome and introductions

  • Ross Prince, Office Manager Partner, Crowe
  • GBCC Representative to chair the event, Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs, GBCC
  • Welcome from BCC representative, Jan Jennings, Black Country Chamber of Commerce

10.05am -10.40am:      First Panel Discussion – Supporting businesses to scale and grow across the region

  • 1st speaker – Representative from Innovate UK Business Growth – Bill Welch, Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist
  • 2nd speaker - Johnathan Dudley, Crowe UK
  • 3rd & 4th speaker – Business leader that’s been supported by Innovate UK Business Growth, James Elvins, CBO of Rocket GX & Pamela Aculey, CEO of Mixd Reality.

10.40am – 11.15am:     Second Panel Discussion – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – how to unlock growth & investment

  • 1st speaker – Representative from Aston University on how they’ve helped businesses via the KTP programme, John Richards, Director of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Aston University
  • 2nd speaker – Representative from BCU on how they’ve helped businesses via the KTP programme, Ruth Edwards
  • 3rd speaker – Black Country business that’s been supported by Aston, Iain Collis, Managing Director of Metal Assemblies LTD
  • 4th speaker – Greater Birmingham business that’s been supported by BCU, Paul Fairbrass, SBS Insurance Services Limited

11.15am – 12.00pm: Driving Innovation across Greater Birmingham and the Black Country

  • Keynote speech, Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands (including Q&A with audience members).

12.00pm – 1.00pm – Lunch and networking

Register Now!

Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this exciting event and gain valuable insights to help your business thrive.

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