150 West Midlands digital businesses to receive free support

Birmingham City University’s (BCU) STEAMhouse is offering funded memberships to local digital small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) aimed at boosting the West Midlands digital ecosystem.

The funded memberships are being delivered through the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, with STEAMhouse one of only two partners in the Midlands.

Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, said: “We are excited to announce this funding for Birmingham City University. Using our Ecosystem Partnership Programme, we are allocating funding to organisations that are already plugged into their national and regional ecosystems. 

“Our support for Birmingham City University and similar organisations highlights our ongoing commitment to support the tech sector, which is vital to the continued growth of local economies across the whole of the UK.” 

STEAMhouse membership offers SMEs a range of exclusive events, tools, knowledge and mentoring opportunities in order to develop their skills, products and services as part of efforts to boost the region’s digital industry.

For Joanna Birch, Director of Innovation, Enterprise and Employability at BCU, the programme is another example of positive impact STEAMhouse is having on the local economy: “The funding received through Barclays Eagle Labs will help make the STEAMhouse even more accessible to local businesses across our region. 

“Our membership programme is set up to encourage collaboration across industries and I’m excited to see what kind of businesses come forward to take up the paid membership offer.”

“We will we continue to champion the uptake of digital innovation in the West Midlands because it supports the growth of local businesses today and ensures our graduates have high quality career opportunities in emerging industries, available right on their doorstep.”

Successful applicants to the scheme will also be able to access the new Digital Labs at STEAMhouse. Following £2.5 million of investment, the 90m² specialist technology lab is designed to demystify digital innovation through hands-on experiences with the latest kit, strategic development workshops, digital skills training, and community events.

Key equipment including 3D printers, virtual reality (VR) technology, motion capture suits and even a professional podcasting setup is all available for use, for free, thanks to the grant.

Members also get access to events that discuss topics including immersive media, AI and VR. These sessions are led by industry leaders and workshops offer an opportunity to network with other businesses and experts while providing hands-on skills development.