Walsall companies back innovation support service

More than 40 Walsall companies have already signed up to a new business support programme that is building on the town’s reputation for ingenuity.

The £300,000 Winning Opportunities in Walsall (WOW) initiative is working with manufacturers, professional services firms and technology companies to help them embrace all aspects of innovation in a bid to protect and create hundreds of local jobs.

Funded by Walsall Partnership through Walsall Council, the programme offers a bespoke mix of free, strategic one-on-one mentoring, signposting and collaborative support.

It is also due to launch its next series of specialist clinics, which will involve ten interactive workshops covering business strategy, branding and idea generation.

“Our first seminar kicks off on the 3^rd August and is the start of a 8-week programme of activity that will introduce companies to WOW and what we can do for them, before taking them through a host of essential business topics,” explained Roy Bayliss, Project Lead.

“Each of the sessions will focus on providing a hands-on approach to tackling key issues that will help firms win sales, launch new products and develop long-term growth plans.”

“Most will be undertaken in small groups to maximise how the support can be tailored to the delegates needs and then hopefully they can be channelled into more intensive assistance through WOW.”

Developing individual business strategies, idea generation and customer targeting all take place in August and are then followed by marketing, positioning and branding.

There will also be a special session on Guerrilla Marketing and the novel techniques you can use to get your business to stand out from the rest. This could include publicity stunts, innovative product placement and viral campaigns.

“All of the workshops are free of charge, but places are limited so it’s a case of first come, first served,” added Roy.

“The programme has only been going since the Spring, yet we’ve already had more than 40 firms sign-up and this shows the appetite that currently exists in Walsall to become globally competitive.”

He continued: “There has never been a better opportunity for local companies to look at how they can be more innovative and this doesn’t have to be just about developing new products...innovation can be in the way you work with your suppliers, the way you serve your customers or the way you train your staff.”

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Many businesses are having to re-think their approach as they work to meet the challenges - and opportunities - that the current economic climate brings.

"The WOW initiative, which is just one of the initiates supported by Walsall Partnership and the Councils’ Think Walsall Business Support team, offers free, practical support to enable them to do just that.”

To book your place, please contact 07521 520 227 or visit www.wowwalsall.co.uk21 520 227