Insight and inspiration on offer for Dudley firms at innovation expo

The Innovate Dudley Expo is a full-day event on Tuesday dedicated to helping local businesses to make use of support to develop new products and processes and map out ways of innovating within their business.

The expo will be held at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley, home of the rail industry technology organisation BCIMO, starting at 9am.

It has been organised by Dudley Council and fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is also part of the West Midlands Business Festival, which has been organised by Business Growth West Midlands.

Professor Deborah Leary OBE will be the keynote speaker at the expo, sharing her wisdom from more than 20 years at the forefront of innovation in the forensic technology and private intelligence industries.

There will also be panel discussions featuring local businesses that have made use of support to transform their products and processes.

These will include tips on developing an innovative mindset, protecting intellectual property, and accessing financial help.

In the afternoon, entrepreneurs can take part in two roundtable sessions, where they can “pitch their problem” and get help to tackle their obstacles to innovation, while the other session will focus on business planning for innovation.

Guests will also be able to explore the exhibition space at the expo, where they can get inspired by the innovations of fellow local businesses and connect with support services.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "The ability to innovate and come up with new ways of doing things is an enormously proud part of our borough’s history.

"Dudley gave the world its first working steam engine and changed the game in the iron and glass industries. Our businesses are still pushing the envelope today, especially our high-tech manufacturers.

"This expo will be one of the biggest business events we’ve held in Dudley borough. 

"It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to find out how technology can take their businesses to the next level."

Broadcaster PJ Ellis will host the events in the main hall. He is also an experienced business mentor, having secured more than £1million in funding for start-ups, and currently presents the BBC Radio WM breakfast show.

PJ said: "I’m buzzing to be hosting the Innovate Dudley Expo!

"If you’re a business looking to access grants and funding, this event is the place to be. It’s a great chance to make some really useful connections, all taking place at a brilliant venue.

"I can’t wait to see as many people there as possible on March 11."

Tickets must be booked in advance on the Dudley Business First Eventbrite page.