Dudley businesses discover innovation support at expo event

The Innovate Dudley Expo offered a wide range of tips on how to boost innovation, including how to develop new products, streamline current production processes, and get financial support to turn ideas into reality.

Local businesspeople gathered at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley, home of rail technology organisation BCIMO, for a busy day of panel discussions, roundtable sessions and networking.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address from Professor Deborah Leary OBE, the founder of forensic technology business Forensic Pathways and scale-up director for Innovate UK.

Prof Leary shared her insights from more than 20 years at the forefront of innovation in her industry, developing her unique idea of a transparent stepping plate for crime scene investigators into a leading business in the forensic sector. She emphasised the importance of listening and anticipating potential market trends.

The first panel discussion focused on developing an innovative mindset. Panellists discussed the importance of listening to ideas from employees on the shop floor and adopting a can-do attitude to driving changes in the business.

Protecting intellectual property and financing innovation were the key topics for the rest of the morning, before guests took part in two interactive roundtable sessions in the afternoon. Rachel Cheetham from Innovate UK walked through how to draw up a road map for innovation in your business in the first session.

Broadcaster PJ Ellis, who acted as host for the event in the main hall, then led a 'pitch your problem’ networking session, which gave entrepreneurs the chance to get advice from their peers on tackling obstacles to innovation.

In the exhibition space, advisers from Innovate UK, the British Business Bank, and Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley were on hand to discuss support, alongside a range of local firms showing off their innovative products.

Brierley Hill-based Eighty3 Design were a particularly popular attraction, showcasing their interactive cat-themed video game complete with costume.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

From robot waiters to industry-leading advanced manufacturing, it was a pleasure to hear about the many ways that Dudley borough businesses are embracing innovation and new technology.

The next step is to make sure that more of our firms are making use of the help on offer from organisations like Innovate UK. Funding and support are available to help businesses to become more efficient and develop new ideas.

Events like the Innovate Dudley Expo are an important part of connecting our borough’s entrepreneurs with the right people and organisations to take their businesses forward. It was fantastic to see so many of them in attendance.

The expo was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and organised by Dudley Council.

More information on upcoming business events in Dudley borough is available on the Dudley Business First website.