West Midlands 5G (WM5G) has launched a 2-day programme to help businesses in the Black Country region discover the transformational benefits of digital technologies to drive efficiencies and growth.  The interactive Digital Festival is designed to inspire and equip business owners and those interested in accelerating tech in their business, with the skills and knowledge to apply a range of tech solutions.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the programme is available to SMEs interested in embracing digitisation and improving operations through tech, digitalisation and connectivity. With over 500 businesses already supported, WM5G’s Digital Festivals are open to all types of qualifying small to medium sized enterprises in businesses in the Black Country 

The event will be on 28-29th September, and each day of the festival will bring a range of different speakers, topics and compelling content, setting out why it’s important to stay ahead with all things digital and tech, including the latest in tech use cases, masterclasses in social media marketing and inside knowledge on how local entrepreneurs succeeded and the lessons they learnt. 

The festival is designed to support business owners and those interested in tech and innovation at all levels, participants don’t need to have a tech background to join the event. Day 1 of the programme is focused on exploring the art of the possible, hearing from keynote speakers and involvement in panel discussions, and on day 2 participants are encouraged to discuss a live business problem with peers and experts, and gain hands on support and advice to identify practical solutions to support their business growth plans.  

Lesley Holt, Director of Acceleration & Adoption, said: “Connectivity and digital technology has the ability to revolutionise the way that businesses grow and adapt to ever-changing operational environments. 

“By supporting the progression of their digital journey, businesses can future-proof themselves, and be match-ready for their next growth phase.  The purpose of the programme is to drive adoption and advancement of tech and connectivity our programme content is designed to facilitate this in an interactive and supportive environment.  

“We are looking forward to meeting with all organisations at our Digital Festival and to supporting them on their journey to digitalisation.” 

You can read more about the Digital Adoption Programme and sign up to attend the Digital Festival on the WM5G website: WM5G.org.uk 

ENDS 

Notes to editor: 

For further information please contact:  

Joanna Seabright, Marketing Director, WM5G joanna.seabright@wm5g.org.uk 

Clare McKee, Innovation Partnerships Manager, WM5G Clare.McKee@wm5g.org.uk 

The programme is fully funded for SME businesses registered or trading in the Black Country LEP Region. 

Qualifying SMEs definition: The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.