**West Midlands**: A new Supply Chain Transition Programme kicks off to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in diversifying their customer bases. The initiative includes a key networking event with industry leaders and aims to strengthen the region’s position in transport innovation.
A new initiative aimed at aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West Midlands has successfully launched the Supply Chain Transition Programme, designed to help these businesses diversify their customer bases and engage with emerging sectors such as very light rail, light electric vehicles, and micromobility. The programme is executed on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority and Business Growth West Midlands, facilitated by C&W Business Solutions, which is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group.
The highlight of the programme will be the Meet the Buyer event scheduled for 4 February at the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) in Dudley. This event will provide a platform for registered businesses in the programme to connect with prominent buyers and customers from evolving sectors. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker is set to deliver the keynote address at the event, following a series of tailored support initiatives and workshops aimed at preparing SME manufacturers for opportunities within these innovative sectors.
Participating SMEs will have the chance to engage with key customers, including Watt Electric Vehicle Company, Aurrigo, Midland Metro Alliance, Unipart, and Simworx, regarding their current and future procurement needs. The event serves as a networking opportunity, allowing SMEs to engage with industry experts, public and private sector organisations, and fellow participants to exchange knowledge and explore strategies for diversification.
Mayor Richard Parker highlighted the West Midlands as a “global leader in transport innovation,” referencing developments such as the groundbreaking very light rail system initiated at the BCIMO and advances in electric vehicle (EV) technologies. He expressed a strong hope for local businesses to seize the supply chain opportunities presented by these changes, aiming to foster job creation and enhance the region’s business landscape.
Industry leaders also acknowledged the importance of the Supply Chain Transition Programme. David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, conveyed the necessity of sharing industry experiences and understanding future demands, particularly given the rapid changes within the automotive sector. He noted the company’s focus on manufacturing automated vehicles and expressed interest in connecting with suppliers who can provide essential components like hydraulics, interiors, and electrical parts.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group, underlined the programme’s overwhelming success, citing its oversubscription as a testament to the high demand for such support among traditional industries seeking to expand and become more resilient. James Black, innovation manager at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the event’s headline sponsor, underscored the innovative capabilities of the manufacturing SMEs involved, stating that collaborative initiatives such as the Meet the Buyer event promote supply chain resilience and help businesses to thrive.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour BCIMO’s engineering hall and test track, which facilitates the development and demonstration of future rail technologies. Although the Supply Chain Transition Programme is currently at full capacity, SMEs interested in this form of support can reach out via the designated contact email for future opportunities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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