Free AI Programme Helping West Midlands Small Businesses Unlock Growth

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 4 seconds

Growth

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Quick Read: A free AI training programme is helping West Midlands small businesses bridge the AI skills gap, unlocking growth and efficiency through expert-led training.

A new AI training programme is empowering small business owners in the West Midlands to bridge the AI skills gap, as research reveals that while entrepreneurs are eager to embrace AI, many lack the necessary training to do so effectively.

A study by Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT Group, found that 68% of small business owners believe AI could significantly boost their growth. However, many struggle with understanding and integrating AI into their operations.

To tackle this challenge, Small Business Britain and BT Group have launched the AI for Small Business programme—a free, six-week online course designed to upskill small business owners with essential AI and digital skills. The programme features expert-led webinars and an interactive community platform to help businesses make practical use of AI for marketing, efficiency, and security.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT, said:

“We know AI can be overwhelming for small businesses. This course simplifies AI and provides hands-on training to help entrepreneurs maximise its potential.”

The programme, which covers topics such as AI fundamentals, marketing, and security, will conclude with a four-week series of workshops in May, focusing on AI-powered marketing strategies.

Jeevan Punj, founder of Telford-based Elite Hampers, praised the programme:

“AI has been an incredible asset for us, saving time and improving workflow—especially in marketing. We're excited about how AI will continue to enhance our business.”

Entrepreneurs can access the AI for Small Business sessions on demand via the Small Business Britain website. Those interested can join the waitlist at smallbusinessbritain.uk/ai-for-small-business.

What's new

West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator Unlocks Nearly £50M in Private Investment

The West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), led by the University of Birmingham, has generated an impressive £49.4 million in private co-investment within its first two years, significantly surpassing its original £14.5 million public funding allocation.

Funded through the Innovation Accelerator programme, coordinated by Innovate UK, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and UK Research and Innovation, WMHTIA has become a leading force in advancing health technology innovation across the region.

The majority of the private investment—£36.3 million—was directly committed by investors to enterprises supported by the Accelerator. This achievement represents a threefold return on the initial public investment, demonstrating the strong investor confidence in the region’s health tech sector.

Powering Health Innovation Through Collaboration

The WMHTIA brings together 21 partners from academia, industry, and the NHS to help healthtech companies develop, validate, and commercialise cutting-edge medical technologies. So far, companies supported through the programme have also secured an additional £10 million in national public grants from agencies including NIHR, Eureka, and Innovate UK.

Including both public and private contributions, the total investment leveraged by WMHTIA now stands at £67.3 million.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham:

We’re proud to support startups through the riskiest stages of innovation so more life-saving technologies reach patients. This exceptional investment proves what’s possible when academia, the NHS, and industry work together to drive economic growth and better health outcomes.

In March 2025, the Innovation Accelerator programme was extended with a further £30 million, including £4 million for the WMHTIA to continue supporting the region’s innovators in 2025/26.

Backing the Future of Health Tech

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands:

The West Midlands is leading medical tech innovation—from faster diagnoses to shorter hospital stays. Healthtech isn’t just improving lives; it’s creating secure, high-value jobs that drive inclusive growth.

Dean Cook, Executive Director of Place and Global, Innovate UK:

This programme shows how place-based innovation can unlock greater business investment in R&D. By connecting the region’s strengths, we’re creating high-value jobs and building globally significant innovation capability.

The WMHTIA continues to strengthen the region’s reputation as a national hub for health technology, with far-reaching benefits for patient care, job creation, and regional economic development.

By Anushka Malhotra

24 Jun