Dudley manufacturers invited to innovation conference

Focused on supply chains, the first Venturefest Mobile Hub will be hosted by the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley on Wednesday 15 November at 2pm.

Panellists will discuss their businesses’ supply chain journeys and offer advice on how Dudley manufacturers can get into the supply chain and access new markets.

Experts from local manufacturers Thomas Dudley, testing specialists Darvick, business growth advisers Innovate UK EDGE, Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, and Midlands Aerospace Alliance will be sharing their supply chain experiences and insights.

A range of business support groups will also be in attendance, including the new Business Growth West Midlands organisation. BCIMO will also be sharing details about opportunities with its Clean Future Accelerator programme and soon-to-be-launching Commercial Investment Hub and Catalyst support eco-system.

The event is being managed by Venturefest West Midlands, which has been bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators and investors across the region since 2015.

This is the first time Venturefest has taken its leading innovation conference series outside of Birmingham. The organisation is best known for hosting its annual exhibition and Pitch Up, where entrepreneurs pitch directly to investors in front of a live audience.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said:

Venturefest is one of the biggest names in business networking in our region and I’m delighted they have selected Dudley as the place to launch their Mobile Hub series of events.

It demonstrates the level of confidence in Dudley manufacturers and their drive to innovate and will be the perfect occasion to showcase the ambition and creativity present in our borough.

This event will be a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, establish new connections with other businesses, and learn more about the wide range of support on offer from Business Growth West Midlands and other organisations.

Neil Fulton, chief executive officer of the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, said:

We are thrilled to be hosting the first Venturefest Mobile Hub in the series and we look forward to welcoming local businesses and support organisations to our unique facility.

To top off the formalities, we would like to invite attendees to join us for post-event drinks, canapes, and a tour of our brand-new meeting and event spaces.

After the conference, there will be a drinks reception from 5pm to 7pm and a tour of BCIMO’s events and meeting facilities. Places at the event can be registered via Eventbrite.

Dudley Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority are supporting the conference, which is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK.

Dudley Council’s contribution has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.