Two of the area’s leading business organisations are among the major sponsors of a Midlands event which brings together entrepreneurs and businesses to support growth through innovation.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and the University of Warwick Science Park are attending Venturefest West Midlands at The Gallery Suite at the NEC in Birmingham on Thursday, July 4.
The free event includes a packed programme of inspiring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, panel sessions and an exhibition with the focus firmly on innovation.
The CWLEP will have a stand focusing on innovative projects which have been supported by themselves and the CWLEP Growth Hub while the University of Warwick Science Park will be promoting its business support programmes.
David Hope, programme development manager for CWLEP, will lead a panel discussion called The Future of Mobility: Opportunities for West Midlands Business between 12.25pm and 1.10pm.
Chris Thompson, chief executive of Enable ID in Stratford, and Steven Bell, general manager and bike share market specialist of Pashley Cycles in Stratford are taking part in this discussion along with Andy Page from Transport for West Midlands and Monique Seth from Birmingham-based Conigital.
Paula Deas, operations director at the CWLEP, said Coventry and Warwickshire has a great tradition for innovation and it will be a key cornerstone of the area’s future economy.
“Coventry and Warwickshire is the Knowledge Capital of the UK with a long-standing tradition of leading-edge innovation and this is a key event for innovative businesses or businesses with aspirations to develop new products, services or technologies,” she said.
“It will give them the chance to meet key finance and support providers like ourselves and the University of Warwick Science Park.
“We are hosting a workshop on the Future of Mobility which will focus on how West Midlands businesses can contribute to and benefit from growing market opportunities, including electric and connected and autonomous vehicles, digital and ultra-light rail and logistics, and journey information systems.
“There will also be sessions on sustainability and green innovation, digital and technology skills, and opportunities presented by upcoming major engineering projects and cultural events so businesses in these areas will really benefit from attending.”
David Grindrod, chief operating officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, said hundreds of businesses are expected to attend Venturefest West Midlands.
He said: “It is a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to meet like-minded people to gain advice on growing their innovative products and services as well as finding out about the support available.
“The West Midlands Industrial Strategy has identified the future of mobility as a priority area for innovation and it is a sector in which we are particularly strong in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“By coming along to this event, businesses, particularly SMEs, will learn more about how they can benefit to make the most of this significant market which is expected to grow and grow in the short and long-term future.”
To register to attend this free event, go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/venturefest-west-midlands-tickets-55289406102
