New Programme to Boost West Midlands Growth by Driving Supply Chain Innovation

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 49 seconds

Tech

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Quick Read: The BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme aims to drive growth by helping businesses access new opportunities in high-potential industries like health tech, smart energy, and future housing.

A groundbreaking initiative is set to accelerate economic growth in the West Midlands by fostering supply chain innovation in high-potential industries such as health tech, med tech, future housing, and smart energy.

The BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme, delivered by a consortium of supply chain experts, business leaders, and procurement specialists, aims to open new revenue streams for businesses across the region. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the programme is designed to help local firms adapt to emerging opportunities, including those within the region’s three Investment Zones.

The initiative will support businesses through workshops, intensive coaching, peer-to-peer networks, and events featuring key buyers looking to diversify their supplier base. The first event, scheduled for December 10 in Birmingham, will explore best practices for securing public and private sector contracts. Attendees will hear from Government buyers, including representatives from the Department of Transport, as well as private sector stakeholders and entrepreneurs who have successfully won significant contracts.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of WMCA, emphasised the programme’s potential

“Our Investment Zone is focused on creating high-quality jobs in vital industries like health technology, future housing, and smart energy. This programme equips local businesses to seize these opportunities while preparing young talent with the skills needed to fill these roles. We’re making the West Midlands the best place to do business and ensuring economic growth benefits everyone in our communities.”

Malcolm Cohen, Managing Director at business growth consultancy Newable, underscored the programme’s ambition:

“The scale of this initiative will help businesses thrive by boosting awareness of new supply chain opportunities and building their capacity to secure contracts in priority sectors. It’s about empowering them to compete more effectively in the regional economy.”

Emma Jones, CBE, founder of small business platform Enterprise Nation, praised the programme’s impact on small enterprises:

“Winning contracts from sectors like government acts as a powerful accelerator for small businesses. This programme provides an incredible opportunity to evolve the West Midlands’ priority business community while fuelling regional economic growth.”

Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, encouraged businesses to engage with the initiative:

“This programme supports suppliers in transitioning into high-growth sectors and securing lucrative contracts. For businesses looking to diversify their customer base, this is an unmissable opportunity to learn how key corporate stakeholders are buying.”

The BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme aligns with the region’s focus on creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening economic resilience through targeted industry support.

What's new

Midlands Propels Towards £1.5 Billion FinTech Economy with New Innovation Lab

The Midlands’ burgeoning FinTech sector has taken a leap forward with the launch of a cutting-edge FinTech Innovation Lab at Warwick Business School’s Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology. Supported by multimillion-pound investments, this new initiative aims to enhance research, develop advanced skills, and position the West Midlands as a global hub for FinTech innovation.

Over the next decade, FinTech is expected to contribute £1.5 billion to the Midlands economy and generate 4,600 new jobs. The lab will serve as a cornerstone of this transformation, fostering talent and collaboration between academia and industry.

Advancing FinTech Talent and Research

The lab is spearheaded by Professor Ram Gopal, head of the Gillmore Centre, who emphasised its dual focus on research and talent development.

“One of its key roles will be to create the next generation of talent in FinTech.”

Gopal said. The inaugural cohort is expected to include 60–80 students, with plans to expand to 100–120 in subsequent years.

Photo Credit: Warwick Business School

The lab offers a physical space where businesses and startups can collaborate with students to “sandbox” innovative solutions. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-powered computers, VR headsets, and large wall screens, the lab is already pioneering tools such as GillmoreAI, a generative AI platform for academic insights on FinTech, and dashboards for tracking cryptocurrencies and FinTech stock performance.

Spotlight on PropTech

A major focus of the Gillmore Centre is property technology (PropTech), one of the fastest-growing segments of the West Midlands’ tech industry. Around 40% of the region’s professional technology firms operate in the PropTech space.

With a £1.25 million anonymous donation, the centre has launched a dedicated research group to tackle inefficiencies in real estate finance. Professor Gopal highlighted the potential of combining PropTech and AI to reduce decision-making biases and streamline operations in the sector. He said

“Real estate is one of the biggest sectors of FinTech, but it’s riddled with inefficiencies. AI can help people make decisions that are both less prejudiced and more successful.”

Building the Future of FinTech

The Gillmore Centre was established five years ago with a £3 million donation from alumnus Clive Gillmore, founder of Mondrian Investment Partners. Its latest initiative, the FinTech Innovation Lab, reinforces its commitment to propelling the Midlands into the forefront of global financial technology.

By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and emerging talent, the lab is expected to play a pivotal role in creating transformative solutions and supporting the Midlands’ journey to becoming an international FinTech powerhouse.

By Anushka Malhotra

9 Dec