On 14th June 2022, Innovation Policy and Practice returned – back in person!
‘Financing Growth through Innovation in the West Midlands‘
Business leaders from different sectors shared their stories of accessing finance to grow their businesses though innovation, considering the needs, opportunities and challenges at different stages, this session was hosted by the NatWest Accelerator Hub in Birmingham.
Each speaker reflected on what we do well and how we could better support businesses in the region to access finance to scale through innovation. As usual, the panel of speakers will have a chaired discussion with the audience to hear wider perspectives and discuss the issues raised.
We were also delighted that we were (once again) able to network over drinks and pastries before the session began.
Agenda:
| Time | Details | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 08.45-09.30 | Refreshments and networking (delegates encouraged to arrive by 09.00 at latest as it takes a while to get through security) | |
| 09.30 | Welcome to IP&P, IAWM/ WMIP update and introduction to session | Pam Waddell, Director of the Innovation Alliance WM |
| 09.40 | Welcome from NatWest Accelerator Hub | Debbie Lewis, Regional EcoSystem Manager, NatWest |
| 09.50 | Case studies: Funding Growth through Innovation | Charles de Rohan, NED and former CEO, Binding Site Group Ltd Carlton Cummins, Co-founder & CTO at Aceleron Energy |
| 10.20 | Panel/ audience discussion – what we do well and how we could better support businesses in the WM to access finance to scale through innovation? | Debbie Lewis, NatWest Accelerator Hub (panel Chair) Charles de Rohan, Binding Site Group Carlton Cummins, Acceleron Energy TBC – Early stage business founder Chelsey Bird, Founder of Hy-Met (entrepreneur on NatWest Warwick Clean Transport Accelerator) |
| 11.00 | Close and optional tour of NatWest Accelerator Hub |
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