TechWM sets sights on expansion for businesses in 2024

TechWM, a leading advocate for economic development and technology in the West Midlands, has launched its strategy for expansion in 2024. Building on a successful 2023, which saw significant partnerships, strategic appointments, and the largest Birmingham Tech Week to date, the non-profit has unveiled its blueprint for future growth and increased collaboration across networks.

In an exciting move, TechWM is seeking individuals to join three newly established working groups dedicated to Investment, Skills, and Support. These groups, led by industry veterans Paul Faulkner, Lord Kulveer Ranger, and Janet Coyle CBE, respectively, aim to spearhead transformative changes and contribute to the region’s digital economy strategy. Faulkner brings expertise from his time at RCL Partners, Ranger offers insights from his role at techUK, and Coyle shares her experience from London & Partners.

These working groups will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s digital landscape, with their recommendations set to be highlighted at the West Midlands Tech Review in April 2024. Participants are expected to engage actively in monthly meetings and various networking events, bringing a commitment to drive progress and leveraging their networks to support the implementation of the group’s proposals.

Commenting on these new groups, Paul Faulkner, who is Chair of Investment on the West Midlands Tech & Digital Advisory Board, said:

“Connection and collaboration is at the heart of innovation and change, without it we would be in an endless echo chamber with no additional perspective to learn from. This is why, for the Tech & Digital Advisory Board, it is crucial that we expand and do so with intention. 

“The choice to build out these three core working groups is one that we, at TechWM, feel will not only benefit each respective area (Investment, Skills, and Support) but will also bring in a range of expertise and perspectives to the Tech & Digital Advisory Board as a whole. 

“The West Midlands tech ecosystem has long been on a steady upward climb and we feel that learning from what we have been doing well – and perhaps not so well – whilst making the most of the talent the region has to offer, will be strong fuel for growth and positive change.”

To further boost collaboration, education and support opportunities in the West Midlands and help businesses and providers navigate the ecosystem effectively and efficiently, TechWM has also announced Tech Connect. This brings together an online support platform, in-person connection hub at iCentrum, tech support programme, and a series of live events and workshops. All shaped to help the region’s tech founders scale up their businesses.

Yiannis Maos, CEO of TechWM, adds:

“At TechWM, our goals are driven by the mission to ensure that the region’s tech ecosystem is encouraged and empowered to flourish and grow, to both national and international height. We firmly believe that this goal cannot be achieved unless we work together, and that’s exactly what we hope our 2024 plans will encourage people to do!

“The expansion of our offerings, both online and in person, will hopefully encourage tech and digital businesses and leaders to find the support they are looking for. Additional support from new members of our core working groups will, we feel, further bolster this empowerment and support; helping the region as a whole reach the common goal of becoming a global tech superpower.”