 SMEs in the West Midlands are being encouraged to sign up for support through Business Growth West Midlands and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS).
Eligible businesses can get a free energy audit with an advisor to help identify any potential ways that the business could lower their energy bills, which can include things like replacing lighting for more energy efficient bulbs, installing solar panels or replacing older and more energy-consuming boilers.
The advisor can then help the business to apply for government grant funding to help towards the cost of any changes.
Entries are now open for the Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards 2026.
This is your chance to celebrate your achievements, showcase your impact and gain recognition for your contributions to the region.
There are a range of categories designed to honour outstanding accomplishments in business, including:
- innovation
- social impact
- sustainability
- community support
Whether you’re a thriving business, a community-focused organisation, or an inspiring individual, your achievements deserve to be recognised!
Entries are open until Friday 28 November at 12pm.
 The Coventry & Warwickshire Food and Drink Producers Network, which is delivered by Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council, hosted an event on 8 October 2025 at Dhillon’s Brewery, Coventry.
The event bought together local food and drink producers as well as hospitality businesses for an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals to discuss issues facing this sector. The event provided the opportunity for networking, collaboration, and sharing industry insights as well as highlighting positive measures to help local businesses. Attendees heard from guest speaker Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director of BID Leamington, who presented her insights relevant to the local sector and experiences of raising her concerns for the hospitality sector at a national level, including providing evidence to the House of Commons Business & Trade Committee. Dhillon’s Brewery detailed its exciting collaboration with Coventry City Football Club, with details of the development of special edition beers to strengthen local branding and engagement.
Coventry and Warwickshire’s food and drink sector generates over £650m for the local visitor economy and the network has been established to connect local food and drink producers and buyers across Coventry and Warwickshire to share issues, solutions, and opportunities through quarterly events.
If you would like to find out more about the network and get involved, please email business@coventry.gov.uk or visit the website.
The Innovate UK Further Education Investment Fund (FEIF) project in Coventry and Warwickshire is helping local SMEs towards lower emissions with the latest green and digital technologies.
It connects businesses with expertise, resources and tailored guidance to drive innovation through product development, business process efficiency and technology adoption.
FEIF provides access to specialist knowledge, training and collaborative opportunities, enabling SMEs to reduce their carbon impact while boosting long-term resilience in a rapidly changing marketplace.
The project is delivered through the four partner colleges across the region: (Warwickshire College Group, Coventry College, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College and Stratford Upon Avon College.
For details or to register your interest, email employers@coventrycollege.ac.uk
The West Midlands Combined Authority and 4 Day Week Global are offering a fully funded, no-obligation training and coaching programme designed to help organisations redesign work for sustainable performance.
This programme will help you to:
- Learn proven methods to redesign work for greater efficiency and productivity
- Gain tools and techniques you can immediately apply in your workplace
- Access 1:1 expert coaching to shape solutions for your business
- Explore whether a reduced-hours model could work for your team at your own pace
- Hear about global case studies from organisations that have improved performance and staff wellbeing by working smarter, not longer
Register for an information session to learn more about the programme and be able to ask questions!
 Business Growth West Midland's 'The Growth Room Podcast' has been launched this week, which shares stories, strategies and supports West Midlands businesses to grow. From founders and advertisers to entrepreneurial leaders, the podcast dives deep into what it really takes to scale, innovate and thrive beyond the start-up phase.
Episode 1: "How the West Midlands is Growing" with West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker is now available.
 This International Trade Week event is for businesses who have international growth ambitions - “Made in the UK, Sold to the World: Exporting For Growth Roadshow” on Tuesday 4 November, 9am-3pm at Copthorne Hotel, The Waterfront, Dudley.
Why attend?
- Gain strategic insights from DBT leaders and regional experts
- Hear real-world export experiences and advice from the Export Champions
- Discover the practical support available from DBT, UK Export Finance and other local trade partners
- Access skill-building workshops on pitching, digital growth, Free Trade Agreements and market trends
- Receive tailored one-to-one advice from trade specialists and global DBT representatives
- Build connections during the speed networking session to forge partnerships and explore collaboration opportunities
Find all the latest business-related events across the West Midlands:
Investing in Coventry opens your business to bespoke support including:
- Commercial property searches and location advice
- Planning advice and business rates information
- Local intelligence demographics, sector analysis and more
- Introductions to local networks and organisations
- Information on funding and innovation support
- Recruitment and skills development support
- Help with PR and promotion
- Export support
📧Email: business@coventry.gov.uk
💻Website: www.coventry.gov.uk/investincoventry
⌨LinkedIn: Invest Coventry
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