Innovation 50 to recognise Midlands’ most innovative companies

The Innovation 50, a search for the Midlands’ most innovative companies, has been launched by Law firm Mills & Reeve to recognise and celebrate forward-thinking firms across the region.

Entrants have until Friday 16 June to enter online.

The campaign, in partnership with TheBusinessDesk.com, follows Birmingham being recognised for its rising position on global city rankings, being dubbed as an “International Middleweight” alongside Melbourne and Tel Aviv by the World Economic Forum. The city is just two places away from being recognised as a “Knowledge Capital”.

Entrants will be assessed for results that their innovations have delivered to their business, customers and the wider community across five sectors:

• manufacturing, engineering and utilities
• creative and digital
• science, technology and healthcare
• retail, consumer and leisure
• financial services.

The best 50 innovators from across the region will be featured in a printed copy of the Innovation 50, distributed across the region and available for download online on September 4, providing featured businesses with huge profile opportunities.

The expert panel is:
Steve Allen, head of Birmingham Office, Mills & Reeve
Anita Bhalla, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chamber
David Hardman, chief executive of Innovation Birmingham
Markus Keller, ‎head of corporate banking, Birmingham, HSBC
Amanda Lowe, managing director of Story Comms
Tim Softley, pro-vice-chancellor for research and knowledge transfer, University of Birmingham
Alex Turner, editor, TheBusinessDesk.com

Steve Allen, head of the Birmingham office at Mills & Reeve, said: “The Midlands is a burgeoning area for industry, hosting some of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative companies. From manufacturing to creative and digital, we are proud of the contribution that it makes to the UK and world economies. There is an air of excitement in the region currently and as the UK gets to grips with the impacts of its uncoupling with the EU, there is no doubt that the leaders in innovation will have a vital role to play in navigating this new landscape.

“The Innovation Index is an excellent opportunity to assemble the most enterprising firms, bring together some of the region’s biggest influencers and celebrate the talent the Midlands has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re a big firm, or a small operation, innovation plays a crucial role in making sure a business continues to grow, develop and reach its potential.

“At Mills & Reeve, we pride ourselves on our own commitment to innovation, and look forward to collating and sharing the Innovation 50. We encourage all businesses to get involved and enter.”

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, added: “Innovation is at the heart of the Midlands’ historic and continuing success. I’m proud to be part of this campaign which will recognise and celebrate our region’s most dynamic and innovative businesses.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from businesses large and small, and seeing how they are adapting, improving, and benefitting their customers and communities.”