, Mayor of the West
Midlands, has today announced a new multi-million-pound support
package to help businesses expand and take on more staff.
The package, part of his plan to fire up the region's economy,
will include up to £15 million of direct grants to support growth
and decarbonisation alongside thousands of hours of free,
hands-on expert advice delivered through Business Growth West
Midlands (BGWM).
Since being elected last year, the Mayor has already backed
thousands of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with £10
million of growth funding.
The money has helped various sectors, including manufacturing,
technology and high street businesses, expand their premises,
increase their workforce, and buy new hi-tech equipment.
Expert advice, funded by the Mayor, has also helped businesses to
win new contracts, break into lucrative overseas markets, boost
turnover, and attract additional investment.
The Mayor said: “Our region's economy has stagnated for too many
years. When I was elected I said I wouldn't sit back and let that
continue – and I haven't.
“I've backed the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of
thousands of businesses to help them grow, take on more staff,
and bring life back to our high streets.
"And this year, we're going even further – with another £15
million of funding and more of the practical support they need to
succeed. That means more opportunities for local people to get
good jobs and careers that make a difference to their lives.
“Our business community is the lifeblood of our economy. They are
key to making the West Midlands a great place to live, work, and
do business. That's why I will keep giving them what they need
succeed and help us get back to growth.”
One of the businesses that has had funding and growth support is
A&M EDM Ltd, an engineering solutions company based in
Smethwick. Its £62,000 growth grant helped to buy new machinery
needed to enhance its operations.
Managing director Mark Wingfield said: “We received a grant from
BGWM in 2024 towards the purchase of a CNC machining centre. The
support enabled us to accelerate this investment and increase our
capacity to meet aerospace customer demand for precision machined
components. The funding application was a straightforward process
and has really helped our ambition to grow.”
BGWM, working on behalf of the Mayor and West Midlands Combined
Authority (WMCA), provides the region's businesses with tailored
packages that help them grow, adopt digital technologies,
transition to new supply chains, and access funding
opportunities.
Find out more about the business support and funding
opportunities available to all SMEs across the region at www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk.
