Prime Highlights:
- Hundreds of West Midlands manufacturing SMEs will receive expert support and funding through the £12.5 million WM Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition programme.
- The initiative will help businesses pivot into high-growth, tech-driven sectors like electric vehicles, clean tech, aerospace, and digital technologies, creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs.
Key Facts:
- The programme offers fully funded advice, access to a £6 million R&D grant fund, and advanced management training for senior leaders.
- The West Midlands Investment Zone’s three key sites, Coventry-Warwick Gigapark, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, and Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor, are expected to generate 30,000 jobs and attract over £5.5 billion in investment, while retaining £1.5 billion in local business rates over 25 years.
Key Background:
Hundreds of manufacturing businesses in the West Midlands are set to receive expert guidance and funding to capitalise on new economic opportunities, driven by the region’s flagship Investment Zone initiative.
SMEs in the area can now apply to join the WM Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition programme via the Business Growth West Midlands website. The programme is backed by £12.5 million secured for the sector by Mayor Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The initiative aims to create and safeguard thousands of jobs by helping businesses transition into high-growth, technology-driven manufacturing markets. Sectors identified for growth include advanced engineering, electric vehicles and battery technology, clean tech, health and medical tech, aerospace, and digital technologies.
“The West Midlands has manufacturing in its DNA,” said Mayor Richard Parker. “As technology transforms how we produce goods, it’s vital to modernise production, upskill our workforce, and support business leaders with training, funding, and guidance. Opportunities are emerging in this new era for manufacturing, and we want local businesses and residents ready to seize them.”
The programme will provide SMEs with fully funded practical advice, access to a £6 million research and development grant fund, and advanced management training for senior leaders. The first year of delivery will be led by Supply Smarter West Midlands, a consortium including C&W Business Solutions, Manufacturing Technology Centre, WMG at the University of Warwick, and partners from the West Midlands Combined Universities Partnership, Birmingham City University, Coventry University, and the University of Wolverhampton.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of CW Growth Hub Group, highlighted the programme’s potential, saying it will strengthen local supply chains, help SMEs build resilience, and support innovative solutions in decarbonisation and advanced manufacturing.
Local businesses like Birmingham-based precision engineering firm Brandauer are already planning to take advantage of the scheme. CEO Rowan Crozier noted that the programme would accelerate their move into power storage and advanced battery technology.
The West Midlands Investment Zone, anchored by Coventry-Warwick Gigapark, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, and Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor, is expected to create 30,000 jobs and attract over £5.5 billion in investment, with £1.5 billion in business rates retained locally over 25 years.
