University of Wolverhampton to be hub of new business programme

A new initiative is being launched in partnership with University of Wolverhampton which is aiming to connect entrepreneurs with investors, industry experts and business support.

The West Midlands Accelerator Cluster will be centred around the university's new NatWest Group Accelerator Hub which opened this month in the institute's National Brownfield Institute in Grimstone Street.

This new hub provides co-working space, mentoring, networking opportunities and access to NatWest's accelerator programme for up-and-coming entrepreneurs and business start ups.

The West Midlands Accelerator Cluster will connect the entrepreneurs based there and at other business growth programs across the region with Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham and the University of Warwick.

It is aimed at those working in the clean energy, advanced manufacturing, future mobility and digital innovation sectors.

Spanning the West Midlands Combined Authority area, the new scheme is aiming to help entrepreneurs and small businesses access networks and support beyond their location or sector.

It is intended to create the first co-ordinated cluster of its kind in the region, with the long-term goal of turning innovation and ideas into commercial growth, higher productivity and new jobs.

According to the West Midlands Tech Review 2026 published earlier this year, the region's digital economy is valued at £15.8 billion, with tech scale-ups generating more than £10.3 billion in annual turnover.

Plans for the new cluster were unveiled by Andy Hague, chief executive of regional business body TechWM, as part of Birmingham Tech Week.

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Mr Hague said: "There is no longer such a thing as a non-tech business.

"AI is changing how companies operate across the West Midlands and the Accelerator Cluster is about giving more entrepreneurs a clear route to turn that change into growth."

Pam Sheemar, regional accelerator director at NatWest, added: "The West Midlands has no shortage of entrepreneurial talent in tech.

"The opportunity is helping more founders turn great ideas into successful, scaling businesses.

"The West Midlands Accelerator Cluster connects local entrepreneurs with NatWest's wider ecosystem of founders, investors, industry experts and specialist banking support.

"By creating accelerator pathways across this growing cluster, we can help more businesses access the networks, expertise and finance they need to grow with confidence."