Overseas companies encouraged to join West Midlands Global Growth Programme

The West Midlands Global Growth Programme has been designed to address the key challenges faced by innovative companies at every stage of development when entering the UK market.

Over nine months, its free package of support includes sponsored innovation centre workspace, access to sector specific programmes and bespoke professional services assistance, covering areas including UK subsidiary set-up, introductions to local networks, UK VISA assistance and marketing.

The latest programme builds on WMGC’s previous support for new investors with new partnerships with Bruntwood SciTech, STEAMhouse, University of Wolverhampton Science Park and the University of Warwick Science Park. 

Building on the success of the pilot programme, the 2024 Global Growth Programme will be delivered across five hubs located across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry to offer tailored support for a broader range of sectors, including health tech, clean tech, digital tech and future mobility.

During the 2022/23 financial year, the West Midlands saw the greatest growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in the UK, surpassing London and outstripping the country’s average by fivefold. 

Following the recently agreed Deeper Devolution Deal, the region’s drive to attract more FDI into the region will be supported by WMGC’s co-development of an international strategy, along with the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade.  

In a statement, Sabarinath C Nair, CEO at Chennai-based XR simulators developer Skillveri, said: “Being part of the West Midlands Global Growth Programme gave us a real head-start on our UK growth journey. In particular, having access to free desk space at Innovation Birmingham – where we had dedicated consultancy and networking opportunities on our doorstep – has helped us to hit the ground running and thrive in the region from day one.”  

With 40 places available on the West Midlands Global Growth Programme for 2024, WMGC is now accepting applications. Businesses can find out whether they are eligible to apply and register their interest here.