What’s happening in the West Midlands Tech Sector.

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Keep up with all the latest news in tech within the region.

Midven and FundingHero Launch £1m Partnership to Propel West Midlands High-Growth Businesses

Midven has unveiled a £1 million partnership with FundingHero, aimed at supporting the region’s most promising high-growth businesses. This collaboration is set to provide companies with the tools and funding they need to secure substantial equity investments and scale their operations.

The initiative will be spearheaded by FundingHero’s accelerator program, which equips businesses with the skills and strategies to navigate the equity investment landscape. The next cohort, starting in January 2025, promises to connect businesses with significant funding opportunities.

Investment Opportunities for Promising Startups

During the program’s demo day, participating businesses will pitch to investors, including Midven’s team. Companies may receive term sheets of up to £1 million from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund, subject to approval, due diligence, and contractual agreements.

The program focuses on businesses with proven initial traction and high growth potential, seeking to raise between £250,000 and £3 million in angel or venture capital funding.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to discovering and nurturing innovative businesses in the West Midlands,"

said Rupert Lyle, Fund Principal for the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund, managed by Midven.

"FundingHero’s accelerator has an impressive track record in preparing companies for successful investment rounds."

Comprehensive Support for Entrepreneurs

Led by CFO and founder Jim Shirley, FundingHero offers a blend of workshops and tailored one-on-one support, ensuring businesses are well-prepared to attract and manage equity investments.

"Our program is designed to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to secure funding," said Shirley. "By partnering with Midven, we’re enhancing the opportunities for high-growth businesses to thrive in the West Midlands."

Driving Innovation and Growth in the Region

The partnership comes as part of a broader effort to bolster the region’s startup ecosystem, positioning the West Midlands as a hub for innovation and investment. With Midven and FundingHero’s combined expertise, the initiative seeks to unlock growth potential for companies across diverse industries.

By Anushka Malhotra

18 Nov

Coventry Automotive Firm Futura Design Accelerates Growth with £25K Grant

Futura Design, a Coventry-based automotive prototyping company, is poised for significant growth after receiving a £25,000 grant to invest in cutting-edge equipment. The funding, awarded by the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will help the company meet rising demand from leading brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, and Aston Martin.

Boosting Capacity with Advanced Equipment

The grant covers nearly half the cost of a state-of-the-art paint booth, enabling Futura Design to enhance its colour and finishing capabilities for high-end prototypes. This investment comes in response to growing demand, particularly from emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

"This additional paint booth increases our capacity and allows us to recruit more staff, which is integral to our growth strategy," said Daniel Abel, Director at Futura Design. "We are also preparing to meet the rising demand for EV prototypes while continuing to support aerospace, marine, and public transport sectors."

Photo Credit: Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

Expanding Footprint and Expertise

Earlier this year, Futura Design opened a new purpose-built design centre in Leamington Spa, further strengthening its prototyping and paint development services. The facility features advanced amenities such as a CMF (Colour, Material, and Finish) suite, a polishing tunnel, and a viewing garden, supporting the company’s efforts to remain at the forefront of innovation.

Founded in 1987, Futura Design has seen its annual turnover rise to £22 million, up from £18 million the previous year. The company employs over 50 staff and plans to expand further as part of its growth trajectory.

Collaboration Drives Success

The grant application was facilitated by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which identified the funding opportunity and supported Futura Design through the process.

"We pride ourselves on creating opportunities for local businesses,"

said Russell Grant, Business Advisor at the Chamber.

"Futura Design is a perfect example of how collaboration can unlock growth and help companies navigate challenges like scaling demand."

Leadership in a Green Revolution

The funding also aligns with Coventry City Council’s broader initiatives to support businesses in the green industrial revolution. Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration, and Climate Change, praised Futura Design’s progress:

"This is a fantastic example of how local collaboration can drive economic growth. Futura Design is leading in an emerging sector, creating jobs, and addressing climate challenges."

The council encourages other businesses to explore the range of support available, from grants to advisory services.

Looking Ahead

Futura Design’s investment signals a bright future for the company as it expands its prototyping capabilities and embraces opportunities in the growing EV market. The firm’s dedication to innovation and collaboration reinforces Coventry’s reputation as a hub for automotive and green technology excellence.

By Anushka Malhotra

15 Nov

West Midlands Secures New Funding to Boost Innovation and Support SMEs

The West Midlands is set to further cement its reputation as a leader in technological innovation and SME development, with extended funding announced for two flagship programmes: the Innovation Accelerator and the Made Smarter initiative.

These multi-million-pound programmes have already played a transformative role in the region, fostering job creation, advancing technology, and driving economic growth. To date, they have helped local businesses create or up-skill nearly 5,000 jobs and secure more than £70 million in public and private sector investment.

Empowering Innovators and Manufacturers

The Innovation Accelerator has provided expert guidance and funding to over 700 businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs, enabling the commercialisation of cutting-edge products and technologies. Meanwhile, Made Smarter has assisted nearly 450 manufacturing firms by helping them adopt digital tools and machinery to boost productivity.

Both initiatives are now poised to expand further, thanks to the new funding unveiled in the government’s recent budget. The funding will be overseen by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), ensuring targeted investment in the region’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.

Leaders Speak Out

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, emphasised the region’s historical and ongoing leadership in innovation.

He said:

“Our region has been at the forefront of innovation for centuries. With this new funding, we can continue investing in businesses, universities, and the brightest minds to solve real-world challenges, create jobs, and boost our economy on the global stage.”

The success of the West Midlands was recently celebrated at the European Capital of Innovation Awards in Lisbon, where the region was named among the top three cities for innovation in Europe. While the top honour went to Turin, Italy, the West Midlands received €100,000 in prize money to further its innovation initiatives.

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle praised the region, stating:

“The West Midlands exemplifies how regional collaboration between mayors, businesses, and universities can drive economic transformation. This new funding is a testament to the cutting-edge work happening here.”

Driving Innovation Across Sectors

The Innovation Accelerator will continue to foster groundbreaking projects in health, clean energy, and digital infrastructure, supported by funding through Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research collaboration programme. Horizon and its predecessor, Horizon 2020, have already contributed £356 million to West Midlands projects.

Looking Ahead

Dean Cook, executive director of place at Innovate UK, noted:

“Through the Innovation Accelerator, we have nurtured groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future of the West Midlands and beyond. Being a runner-up in the European Capital of Innovation award is a testament to the region’s thriving ecosystem.”

With these programmes extended and new grants available, the West Midlands stands ready to lead in innovation, bridging gaps in talent, technology, and industry needs.

Read full press release here.

By Anushka Malhotra

14 Nov

UK Government Launches £500 Million Initiative to Fund Thousands of Science and Tech Degrees

In a significant move to address the UK’s urgent need for tech talent, the government has announced a £500 million funding drive to support thousands of new advanced degrees in science and technology. This initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap, which experts say is holding back both the technology sector and the wider economy.

Photo Credit: Alecsandra Dragoi, DSIT

Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the funding package will cover over 4,700 post-graduate degrees across 45 universities. The Labour government, elected on promises of economic growth, is looking to the tech sector as a cornerstone of the UK’s future. The degree funding, valued at £564 million and allocated through three UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) councils, will focus on critical fields such as biology, engineering, and environmental sciences. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

"Investing in the next generation of scientific minds is essential for developing the innovations that drive economic growth," “This £500 million investment will allow bright students to pursue their talents, ultimately leading to advancements like life-saving drugs and cleaner energy sources that benefit everyone.”

The skills gap has become a pressing issue across both private and public sectors. A recent Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) survey found that 38% of SMEs in the IT sector report hiring challenges due to skill shortages. Public sector agencies are also feeling the effects; last year, a Public Accounts Committee report warned of the need for increased digital expertise within the civil service, where only 4.5% of employees hold roles in digital, data, or technology.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the higher education sector, calling it a “vital engine of growth” for the UK. She also announced a broader initiative, Skills England, to ensure access to relevant training for young people and adults alike. Phillipson added:

"Our goal is to provide real opportunities in tomorrow’s economy, especially for areas like clean energy that are crucial to a sustainable future.”

By focusing on skills that will propel emerging industries, this government-backed initiative seeks to establish a sustainable pipeline of talent, aligning education with the country’s economic and environmental goals.

By Anushka Malhotra

13 Nov

Goldilock Thrives in the West Midlands, Citing Ideal Conditions for Cybersecurity Innovation

With the UK’s tech sector booming, the West Midlands has emerged as a prime location for cybersecurity growth—expected to surge from £118 billion in 2022 to £287 billion by 2029. At the centre of this innovation is Goldilock, a cybersecurity startup based at the University of Wolverhampton’s Science Park, which credits the region’s ecosystem and talent pool for its rapid progress.

Goldilock’s Project Manager, Joshua Mark Bradley, shared insights on why the West Midlands was a clear choice for the company, noting its proximity to the Wolverhampton Cyber Research Institute (WCRI) and an array of tech startups focused on diverse aspects of cybersecurity.

“Our hardware-based approach is unique, and being part of this dynamic environment, close to such resources and expertise, is a huge advantage for us.” Bradley explained.

Photo Credit: University of Wolverhampton

The strategic importance of the West Midlands in cybersecurity was underscored in December 2023, when the UK government chose the region to launch its National Cyber Strategy. Bradley highlighted the abundance of skilled talent in the area, from software developers to product designers.

“We recruit from a broad radius, and we’re finding adaptable, multi-skilled candidates ideal for our growing team.”

Goldilock’s achievements further strengthen the region’s reputation. In September 2024, it advanced to Phase II of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. This prestigious initiative provides funding and support for the company’s physical cybersecurity solutions, which isolate networks from internet threats through instant disconnection—a unique hardware approach in a field dominated by software solutions.

“Our work with NATO’s DIANA has elevated our profile, not just for Goldilock but for the West Midlands.”

said Bradley. The company is also a participant in the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) For Startups program and has completed successful projects under the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA). Goldilock was further recognised in the UK’s Most Innovative Cyber SME competition in 2023.

Bradley attributes Goldilock’s growth to the collaborative and adaptive nature of the West Midlands.

“If I had to sum up the region, I’d say it’s creative, innovative, and adaptive. The West Midlands doesn’t follow trends; it creates them, embracing technology and new methods.”

Goldilock continues to push boundaries, exploring materials resistant to extreme conditions to enhance its products.

“Ultimately, we aim to secure every aspect of the nation’s critical infrastructure—from transport to energy supply. We’re set to expand, and we’ll be doing it here in the West Midlands.”

Bradley affirmed.

With its strategic location, top-tier talent, and cutting-edge cybersecurity ecosystem, the West Midlands is poised to be a major player in the tech industry’s future.

By Anushka Malhotra

13 Nov

UKTN Unveils In-Depth Report on West Midlands AI Sector

As AI takes centre stage worldwide, the UK has set its sights on leading the global race in AI innovation and regulation. The West Midlands, already renowned for its automotive and tech sectors, is emerging as a key player in this national ambition. To track the region’s progress and potential, UKTN has released its West Midlands AI regional tech report, exploring the current state of artificial intelligence development and investment in the area.

With AI poised to redefine industries globally, the West Midlands is making strides to capture the opportunities this technology offers. According to UKTN’s report, the region’s AI ecosystem has shown steady growth, supported by an increasing number of AI-focused startups and active engagement from local authorities.

Report Highlights: Startups, Investment, and Regional Strengths

The report takes a deep dive into the region’s emerging AI startups, spotlighting the most promising companies and the areas in which they operate. It also details the levels of investment backing these companies, showcasing the growth potential for AI innovation in the region. Additionally, UKTN outlines the region’s current strengths and challenges, emphasizing the need for further support to position the West Midlands as a leading AI hub.

Despite its progress, the report notes that the West Midlands still faces challenges to fully harness AI’s potential. Key areas for growth include investment scaling, tech talent development, and infrastructure to support the expansion of AI-based solutions.

AI’s Role in the Future of the West Midlands

UKTN’s report provides insights into the future of AI in the West Midlands, laying out what the region needs to remain competitive in the UK’s broader tech landscape. It examines the role of the government and private investors in accelerating AI growth and considers how these efforts align with the UK’s ambition to be at the forefront of global AI innovation.

For those interested in learning more,

the full report is available for free on UKTN’s website

, providing a comprehensive view of the West Midlands' evolving role in the AI revolution.

By Anushka Malhotra

13 Nov

CyberQ Group Secures Dual Nominations in 2025 Cyber Insurance and West Midlands Awards

CyberQ Group, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has been shortlisted for two high-profile awards, cementing its reputation for excellence in digital security and business innovation. The company has received nominations in the Cyber Insurance Awards Europe 2025 and the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards 2025.

The recognition reflects CyberQ Group’s sustained impact on both the cybersecurity and business sectors, positioning the company as a frontrunner in innovation and international trade.

Cyber Insurance Awards Europe 2025

At the Cyber Insurance Awards Europe, set to take place on February 5, 2025, in London, CyberQ Group is a finalist in two categories:

- Cyber Security Solution Provider of the Year

- Cyber Security Consulting Services Provider of the Year

Hosted by Intelligent Insurer, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the cyber insurance industry. These nominations highlight CyberQ Group’s role in equipping businesses with state-of-the-art solutions to combat evolving digital threats.

CEO Chris Woods expressed his gratitude for the nominations:

"We are incredibly honoured to receive these nominations, which affirm our dedication to delivering exceptional cybersecurity services and solutions."

West Midlands Business of the Year Awards 2025

CyberQ Group is also competing in two categories at the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards, hosted by TheBusinessDesk.com. The awards will be held on February 13, 2025, at the Macdonald Burlington in Birmingham. The categories include:

- International Trade

- Investment

The awards showcase the region’s most innovative and impactful businesses, with nominees selected for their contributions to growth and excellence.

A Legacy of Innovation

These nominations follow a stellar 2024 for CyberQ Group, during which it received the Highly Commended accolade in the Defence Innovator of the Year category at the Innovation Awards. This recognition underscores the company’s focus on pioneering cybersecurity strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Commitment to Excellence

Chris Woods highlighted CyberQ Group’s mission:

"Our team’s expertise, commitment to innovation, and global reach enable us to safeguard businesses against the threats of today and tomorrow. These nominations are a testament to our ongoing mission to lead in cybersecurity excellence."

CyberQ Group congratulates all nominees and looks forward to the upcoming ceremonies. As it continues to expand its footprint, the company remains dedicated to driving growth, resilience, and trust across industries worldwide.

By Anushka Malhotra

13 Nov

TMG Expo 24 to Bridge the West Midlands Skills Gap in Manufacturing

On November 14th, more than 40 prominent manufacturing and engineering companies from across the West Midlands gathered in Telford for the inaugural Training and Manufacturing Group (TMG) Expo. This new event, organised by In-Comm Training and sponsored by FBC Manby Bowdler, sought to address the region’s manufacturing skills gap by connecting industry leaders with educators, advisors, and young talent.

Held at In-Comm Training’s Technical Academy on the T54 campus, the event promised a valuable networking opportunity for decision-makers, engineers, educators, and aspiring young professionals. Exhibitors included major industry players such as Accura Engineering, Collins Aerospace, Guhring, and Bruderer UK, along with companies offering expertise in recruitment, marketing, law, and workwear.

Paul Hodgetts, Business Development Manager at In-Comm Training, said,

“We work with hundreds of employers across the region committed to developing talent pipelines for the manufacturing sector. The idea for TMG Expo emerged from discussions with these companies, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with forty firms signed up and hundreds of attendees expected.”

The Expo aimed to bridge the skills gap by showcasing career opportunities, fostering partnerships, and offering practical workshops to students and young job-seekers. A key feature of the event was the “state of the nation” speech by David Gaughan, Head of Employer Services at the West Midlands Combined Authority, along with a STEM Workshop that introduces attendees to hands-on engineering challenges.

Bruderer UK’s Managing Director, Adrian Haller, emphasised the event’s importance:

“Skill development is a critical challenge in manufacturing, so we’re eager to support an event that tackles these issues. The industry needs fresh talent, and it’s a fantastic career field for young people. The Expo aimed to help demonstrate the exciting opportunities manufacturing offers.”

This three-hour event was free to attend and ran from 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 14th. TMG Expo 24 offered a unique chance for industry professionals and students alike to explore the many paths available in manufacturing and engineering, promoting a vibrant future for the sector in the West Midlands.

By Anushka Malhotra

12 Nov