Pioneering programme set to unlock West Midlands growth by stimulating supply chain innovation in high potential industries

BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition is a cutting-edge programme of support delivered on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and fully-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will focus on identifying and supporting priority businesses across the region and helping them to access innovative new revenue streams including those created by the region’s three Investment Zone sites.

It will do this through a combination of workshops, intensive one-to-one coaching, peer to peer support and events that host buyers from organisations seeking to diversify their supplier base in the West Midlands.

The first event is set to take place on Tuesday December 10 in Birmingham and will focus on helping businesses to unlock growth potential and explore best practice in bidding for public and private sector contracts. The event will hear from key buyers from Government departments including the Department of Transport as well as private sector stakeholders and entrepreneurs who have successfully won key contracts that have boosted their business.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Our Investment Zone is focused on creating high-quality jobs in industries like health technology, future housing, and smart energy, which are vital to the future of our region. This programme will help local businesses adapt and grow so they’re ready to seize these opportunities, while also equipping young talent and our workforce with the skills needed to fill these roles.

“I’m determined to ensure the West Midlands becomes the best place to do business, with an economy that creates real opportunities and benefits people across our communities.”

Malcolm Cohen, Managing Director, Advice at business growth specialist Newable said: “The scale and ambition of this programme of support means we can work together to help businesses thrive by increasing their awareness of commercial opportunities coming from new supply chains; develop skills and capacity to win fresh and larger supply chain contracts from the priority sectors and compete more effectively in the local economy.”

Emma Jones, CBE, founder and CEO of small business support platform Enterprise Nation, one of the consortium partners, said: “Winning new contracts from fresh sectors including Government acts like an accelerator for small businesses. This programme is an incredibly powerful way to evolve the region’s priority business community and provide a boost for the West Midlands economy by helping them to win new orders in growing areas of the economy.”

Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) said: “Supply Chain Transition, exists to support suppliers in the West Midlands in transitioning into high-growth sectors and securing lucrative contracts. If you'd like to diversify your customer base by winning new orders in growing areas of the economy, then this isn't one to miss out on.

“I highly encourage you to apply for a place at this event, to understand what and how the private sector is buying - with key corporate stakeholders.”