The University of Wolverhampton Business School has launched a new Strategic Leadership & Management Course, designed specifically for ambitious leaders in healthcare, engineering and manufacturing. Delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, this short course combines latest research with practical application to equip your leadership team with the skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic business environment.

The next cohort start date is 24 March  and is delivered online with some in-person workshops at WLV Business School and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton. The cost is £3,000 per participant, though free spaces are available for residents from Wolverhampton local authority area postcodes if over 19, employed by or running an SME and on less than £32,000 a year.

For more information and to book a place please click here

Innovate UK Creative Catalyst is hosting a dynamic learning programme designed for creative founders, facilitating cross-industry collaboration and driving real-world solutions aligned with emerging tech trends.

The Creative Edge of Innovation is a highly-focused programme, bringing together innovators from across the creative industries to connect, network and build use cases demonstrating cross-sector collaboration and commercial potential for creative founders, facilitating cross-industry collaboration and driving real-world solutions.

It is for businesses in the creative industries developing innovative products or with a commercial product or service, looking to understand collaboration opportunities or explore new content creation avenues

Up to two individuals from each business may attend but these individuals must be founders, owners or senior leaders/decision makers. At least one individual from each business MUST attend each session to ensure continuity throughout the programme

4 February 2025, London - Session 1: Setting the Challenge

18 February 2025, Online - Session 2: Leveraging Market Research

5 March 2025, Online - Session 3: Collaborative Innovation Management

18 March 2025, London - Session 4: Sharing the solution trends

For more information please click here

Enterprise Nation is collaborating with Monzo to provide financial support to help you develop your next business idea, game-changing new product or service, or growth strategy. Three small businesses will receive cash grants: £10,000 for first place, £8,000 for second and £7,000 for third. Applications are now open – please submit by 28 February 2025. 

Eligible applicants will receive a free six-month subscription to a Monzo Business Pro bank account. This offer is subject to Monzo’s T&Cs and eligibility criteria, and is only for new Monzo Personal and Business customers. To be eligible to apply, your business must: 

be based in the UK; have a UK business bank account or be willing to open one if you win; be a registered business or registered as self-employed with proof of UTR; have been trading for at least three months and no longer than 72 months; not be undergoing insolvency, examinership, receivership or any related or similar process, and if requested, be willing to share its success story of how it used its cash grant. 

For more information and to apply please click here

Over the past 12 months we have run a Net Zero grant programme to support investment in energy efficiency measures. Whilst this funding has now been fully committed, Sustainability West Midlands is holding an exciting in person event in February focused on achieving net zero emissions without any capital expenditure. You will be able to learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and discover innovative solutions to help your organisation reach its sustainability goals.

 Date and time:    12 February 2025   10:00 am– 4:00pm

Location:    Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, Springfield Campus, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JR

To book a place please click here

The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. Over 18,000 businesses across the UK have already joined their training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started.

So, whether you’re new to exporting or looking to develop your knowledge even further, there is an event for you and your business. Customise your learning journey at a pace that suits you, all designed and delivered by specialist trade experts.

Just sign up to create a free account and then book the training suitable to your business. For more information please click here 

Business Growth West Midlands facilitate regular webinars across a number of themes. Here are a couple coming up this month.

Writing Website Content to Rank Well In Google

Tuesday 4 February 2025   10:00 to 11:30am

Online (information to be sent post registration)

Wondering how to ensure your website shows up on Google? Join this webinar and learn how to write content that gets noticed! In this insightful session, you will discover the essential techniques for identifying customer-searched keywords and using them to maximise your web pages for top-ranking positions on Google. For more information and to book a place please click here

Overcoming Objections and Closing the Deal with Confidence

Tuesday 11 February 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am Online (Teams)

Addressing objections effectively is a cornerstone of successful sales. In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn to anticipate and overcome common objections, turning them into opportunities for building trust and advancing the sales process. The webinar will also focus on proven closing techniques that empower you to seal the deal with confidence in your own personality style. For more information and to book a place please click

Investing in Employee Skills for Long-Term Growth

Tuesday 11 February 2025     10:00am - 11:30am

Online 

This course is designed to equip business leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to foster a culture of continuous learning and skills development within their organisations. Participants will learn strategies for effective training programs, methods to assess and meet employee needs, and techniques to drive long-term growth through skills enhancement. For more information and to book a place please click here

For details of all BGWM events please click here

If you have any queries relating to business support, growing your business, or some of the challenges you are facing, then please call the council's Business Support helpline on 01902 555572 or complete the online enquiry form here

To support your business enquiry and growth our team can conduct a free business diagnostic and connect you quickly to the right support.