Economic Development Team, Dudley Council
Call +44 (0)1384 812001 • dudley.businessfirst@dudley.gov.uk
INNOVATE | INVENT | INSPIRE
We're thrilled to invite you to the Innovate Dudley Expo, which will take place at BCIMO's Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley on Tuesday 11 March 2025.
This unique event will showcase the best of innovation in Dudley borough and offer practical and useful advice on how to boost innovation in your business.
Learn from our insightful panel discussions with innovation experts, take part in our two thought-provoking roundtables, and explore our exhibition space where innovative local businesses will be showcasing their inventions and processes.
You will also have the opportunity to connect with local and national innovation support services, who can help your business to transform your products and production line.
We're proud to be part of the inaugural West Midlands Business Festival, a series of events featuring the best of business in our region and inspiring collaboration among entrepreneurs.
Agenda and Speakers
09.00 Registration and Networking
09.45 Welcome Address – PJ Ellis and Councillor Patrick Harley
10.00 Keynote Speaker – Professor Deborah Leary OBE
10.20 Panel One: Innovative Mindset for Entrepreneurs - Facilitated by Eamonn O’Connor, Innovate UK Business Growth
Martin Dudley, Thomas Dudley
Mark Jones, Midtherm
Rebecca Cottingham, Eighty3 Design
Alexander Lacey, Bella Italia/Big Table Group
11.00 Coffee Break
11.20 Panel Two: Intellectual Property and What It Means for Your Business
Helen Drought, IP Office
Peter Neath, Saucestream
12.00 Coffee Break
12.20 Panel Three: Financing Your Innovation
Gaynor Matthews, Innovate UK Business Growth
Helen Fortune, Investment Readiness
Tracy Sherratt, British Business Bank
13.00 Networking Lunch
13.45 Afternoon Address – PJ Ellis
14.00 Roundtable One: Innovation Business Planning - Facilitated by Rachel Cheetham, Innovate UK Business Growth
15.00 Coffee Break
15.15 Roundtable Two: Pitch Your Problem Networking Session - Facilitated by PJ Ellis
16.15 Future of Business Support – Paul Mountford, Dudley Business First
16.30 Close & Networking
Exhibitors
BGWM in Dudley
Innovate UK Business Growth
DBT
Black Country Chamber of Commerce
FE Colleges
Halesowen College
Statht Ltd
Provision House
BCIMO
Eighty3
Warwick Manufacturing Group
Find It In
Brit Game Designs