Groundbreaking programme launched to unlock SME growth opportunities
A groundbreaking new programme has been launched to unlock new opportunities for SMEs to growth.
Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Newable and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and provided by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), hosted the launch event for the groundbreaking BGWM Supply Chain Transition programme.
This fully funded initiative is designed to help SMEs in the West Midlands diversify their customer base and unlock growth opportunities by transitioning into the high-growth sectors of health and med tech, future housing and smart energy systems.
Funded by the UK Government and provided by Business Growth West Midlands, the programme provides:
- Personalised support: One-to-one guidance from experienced Supply Chain Advisers.
- Sector-specific interventions: Tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each business.
- Workshops and networking: Opportunities to upskill, connect and enhance market positioning.
This collaborative approach equips businesses to streamline operations, improve profitability and create value across supply chains.
The event, held at NatWest’s Accelerator hub in Birmingham, brought together government policymakers, supply chain experts and local entrepreneurs to explore how the programme can foster innovation and growth in the region.
Emma Jones, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, welcomed attendees and introduced Dan Carins, business policy manager at WMCA, who outlined the programme’s mission to strengthen local businesses and supply chains.
Dan emphasised the programme’s focus on "transition," aiming to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits by empowering businesses to innovate and meet customer needs.
He highlighted the challenges SMEs face in navigating public sector procurement and shared how the programme addresses these hurdles, including support for accessing Innovate UK funding and export markets.
A panel discussion, hosted by Thom Webb, deputy managing director at Newable, featured insights from Sandra Sewell (Crown Commercial Service), Amardeep Gill, (Trowers & Hamlins LLP) and Shirley Cooper (SME Crown Representative).
The panel stressed the importance of being procurement-ready, from understanding certifications to leveraging public sector frameworks.
Experts including Bob Roopra, health-Tech specialist at Konduit Ltd, and Louis Sebastian, partner at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, provided actionable strategies for SMEs, including shaping tender requirements to suit innovative solutions, safeguarding intellectual property early in the process and collaborating with larger firms to access new markets while ensuring fair terms.
Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at the GBCC, said: “The launch of the fully funded BGWM Supply Chain Transition programme marks a significant step in unlocking new growth opportunities for SMEs in the West Midlands.
“By providing the tools and knowledge needed to transition into high-growth sectors such as health and med tech, future housing and smart energy systems, this programme sets the stage for businesses to diversify their customer base and secure new contracts.
“We're thrilled to see the energy and ambition from local businesses at the launch event and look forward to supporting them in their journey to success.”
