Chamber’s Business Growth Studio receives major backing from university
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Business Growth Studio – designed to help SMEs thrive in today’s competitive business landscape – has received backing from a major university.
University College Birmingham has agreed to become a Pioneer sponsor – the top level of sponsorship – for the Business Growth Studio over the next two years.
Launched earlier this year, the Business Growth Studio is a toolkit featuring essential resources - offering Chamber members access to a dedicated programme of workshops, a wealth of digital resources and a high impact conference all designed to aid small businesses through different stages of their journey.
Free to all GBCC members, the Studio brings together expert insights, tools and support from across the Chamber network.
David Paulson, Executive Dean of the Business School at University College Birmingham, said: “University College Birmingham exists to Put Knowledge to Work, helping SMEs across the West Midlands to grow by developing their existing and future workforce.
“As a former SME managing director myself, I know how critical it is to hire and retain staff with a can-do attitude and the skills to keep you growing.
“At UCB, we’re focused on producing the talent you need - adaptable, pragmatic, down-to-earth graduates with up-to-date knowledge that they use to get things done, and we are proud to sponsor the GBCC’s Business Growth Studio.
“It’s a fantastic initiative that will help you develop yourself and your existing staff, boosting your company’s productivity and helping you grow sustainably.
“We look forward to helping your business thrive, and to providing you with the SME leaders of the future.”
Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO at the GBCC, said: “We are delighted that University College Birmingham have agreed to become a headline Pioneer partner for our inaugural Business Growth Studio.
“Exclusively for members of the Chamber, the Business Growth Studio focuses on supporting SMEs around the key pillars of business growth and navigating through the different stages of their development journey.
“Given UCB’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurialism and harnessing an ecosystem that empowers SMEs to grow, we felt it was the perfect match to partner with them on such a high-profile programme.”
Resources and material in the Business Growth Studio are designed to cover six key pillars of business growth:
- Growth Foundations – strategy, finance, marketing and operations
- Growth Through People – leadership and people management
- Sustainable Growth – environmental and social impact
- Innovation for Growth – improve, adapt and create
- Tech for Growth – tech, AI, cyber security and digital transformation
- Global Growth – international trade, exporting and growing globally
Access the Business Growth Studio.
The member-exclusive Business Growth Studio Conference is taking place on 1 October at Edgbaston Stadium – with speakers and panellists including former Dragons Den star Piers Linney, Absolute Collagen co-founder Maxine Laceby and former cabinet minister Greg Clark.
Book a place at the Business Growth Studio Conference.
Pictured: Raj Kandola and David Paulson
