Chance for SMEs to get up to speed with tech
GREATER Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has teamed up with online retail giant Amazon to launch a new accelerator programme to help small businesses.
A cohort of 25 companies will be selected to take part in the free Amazon Innovation Accelerator, which the chamber said would showcase the latest trends and strategies.
Over the course of the programme, participants will aim to develop their knowledge and skills on topics such as creating a culture of innovation, data, digitalisation and robotics, sustainability and social value. The programme’s core workshops will take place at Amazon’s new robotics fulfilment centre near Sutton Coldfield, which opened last year.
The accelerator programme is open to businesses with operations in the West Midlands that are in the manufacturing, engineering, logistics, retail or related industries.
Applicants must employ at least 50 members of staff or have a turnover of more than £5 million and be able to commit a senior member of staff to participate in the full programme.
Chamber chief executive Henrietta Brealey said: “We know one of the top challenges – and opportunities – for businesses today is keeping pace with advances in technology and business practices.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Amazon on the Amazon Innovation Accelerator.
“They are world-renowned for their cutting-edge approaches to technology and innovation.
“The accelerator is a valuable opportunity for businesses in the region to gain direct access to that knowledge and understand how to apply it in their own organisations.” Neil Travis, regional director at Amazon UK, added: “The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is all about driving growth in small- and medium-sized businesses and we’re excited to be working with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and companies from across this region.”
The deadline to submit an application is May 10.