Midlands

Discover events, stories and useful resources in your local tech cluster

Our Entrepreneur Engagement Managers (EEMs) are helping to build a national network of ambitious tech entrepreneurs.

I’m Naomi Watts, your EEM on the ground in the Midlands.

Having helped more than 150 digital tech businesses through incubation, connections, events and mentoring, I understand and actively promote the importance of collaboration and peer learning to take startups to the next level.

This page is your directory to help you find the best resources available in the region. Contact me for help with plugging into our UK-wide entrepreneur network, applying for Tech Nation’s growth programmes, and everything inbetween.

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Midlands in stats

For more stats on UK tech, discover Tech Nation report 2019

7.74Digital tech turnover (£bn)

20,420Digital tech business count

117,000Employment in digital tech

229Digital tech productivity per worker (£000s)

From the community

Click the headings below to hear from community leaders, read the latest ecosystem developments and view founder case studies

Community insight
Developments: Birmingham – Leicester – Nottingham – Malvern
Case studies: Birmingham – Leicester – Nottingham – Malvern

Birmingham

David Hardman, MD, Innovation Birmingham

Opportunities?

The largest city in the UK after London has woken up. Inward investment and huge infrastructure projects (including the two HS2 sites in the region) – set alongside projects like the 5G testbeds and the Commonwealth Games, and the fact that Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe, with under 25s accounting for nearly 40% of the citizenship – means that with a new dose of confidence the city is thriving.

Challenges?

A major current challenge is one of perception. The quality of life in Birmingham is high, disposable income is higher than in most cities in the UK and the cultural scene in the city is booming. But we need this not to come as a surprise to those arriving at New Street Station or driving into the city from Spaghetti Junction.

Leicester

Peter Hitchings, Startup Leicester Co-working Project Lead, University of Leicester

Opportunities?

There is a concerted push across the city to help new innovative and scalable businesses. New opportunities in Leicester include more flexible workspaces for early-stage and maturing tech businesses, complementing some excellent follow-on facilities across the city. Exciting events in the pipeline will focus on exploring tech to enable social innovation, and finding and supporting female tech entrepreneurs.

Challenges?

The main current challenge is getting a critical mass of entrepreneurs aware of each other and helping each other out on a “give first” basis. The numbers are there but we are working on bringing more entrepreneurs together and getting the word out about what help is available. Leicester is filled with bright people working on game-changing innovations so we’re excited about the potential of bringing more of them together to create new tech businesses.

Nottingham

Ken Nettleship, Business Expansion Specialist, Invest in Nottingham

Opportunities?

One of the most exciting prospects for the city’s tech community is the development of the Nottingham Cross-Reality (XRI) Centre which will further enhance the city’s VR/AR cluster. XRI will be a collaboration between the public sector, local universities and tech community and will see the creation of a dedicated tech hub and business support programme to develop a high-quality ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs in the VR/AR sector.

Challenges?

As with a lot of cities in the UK, a tightening in the local talent pool is one of the main challenges for the tech community. We’re seeing some great initiatives by groups such as Tech Nottingham to raise the profile of the employment opportunities in the city and help retain grads. Another is the Tech 1000 programme, a public/private sector initiative which is looking at developing the next generation of tech talent in the city.

Malvern & Worcester

Linda Smith, CEO/founder, BetaDen

Opportunities?

Increased levels of investment and supporting more tech startups and scaleups will create wider devtech opportunities here. The security tech sector has historically been the bedrock of ‘Cyber Valley’ and, as the pace of digital dependence increases, there is a need for wider emerging solutions in AI, IoT, Security By Design and Machine Learning across manufacturing, production technologies, social care and many diverse societal applications.

Challenges?

One lies in convincing skilled and graduate talent that Worcestershire really has increasing (and exciting) tech opportunities, new transport links, and state-of-the-art technology creation environments. Another is building and creating enough business premises designed for rapidly developing tech companies, which is being addressed in Worcestershire’s Vision for 2040.

After winning the bid to become a 5G test bed in September 2018, the first 5G rail station was launched at New Street in partnership with Vodafone.

Birmingham celebrated Women In Tech for an entire month as part of the new #Didfest initiative. DIDFest (Diversity in Digital Festival) will continue every year with a focus on different minority groups in tech and digital to help inspire behaviour change.

Solihull College and University Centre was listed as one of 12 FE providers to work with the Department for Education to set up an Institute of Technologies (IoTs), a £170m fund split between the 12 winners. The IoTs are expected to open in September this year. Dudley College of Technology was also a successful applicant.

The inaugural Leicester Startup Week was held in November with events all over the city to celebrate and promote the city’s growing startup scene.

A collaboration between the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, University of Leicester, De Montford University, and Leicester City Council is seeing organisations and entrepreneurs from across the city join forces to develop co-working space and nurture startup activity including mentoring, networking and social events.

The University of Leicester opened its new Leicester Innovation Hub in September 2018 to enable collaboration with industry and to turn research expertise and business ideas into innovative products, services and processes.

Nottingham-based Locate Therapeutics was the first firm to receive equity finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) in May 2018. Headquartered within MediCity in Nottingham – an incubator space for companies specialising in medical technology – Locate Therapeutics, a spinout from the University of Nottingham, develops a targeted drug and stem cells delivery system.

The opening of Toton Innovation Campus will create around 10,000 new jobs and will sit alongside a new commercial and residential space as identified in the recently launched East Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy.

Nottingham-based ENSEK received a place on the latest Tech Nation Future 50 programme alongside 23 other high-growth tech businesses across the UK. The programme requires companies to have 50% year-on-year growth for a minimum of two consecutive years.

Worcestershire’s first commercial tech accelerator BetaDen was launched in September 2018 and is acting as a platform for designing and developing emerging technologies for industry/commercial applications.

The Worcestershire 5G consortium switched on the UK’s first ever live 5G factory trial at Worcester Bosch, marking the first time that British industry has deployed this next-generation technology, which allows manufacturers to test the potential of 5G applications.

Heart of Worcestershire College launched the new Centre of Digital Engineering (CODE). This modern, state-of-the-art campus includes a Virtual Reality Studio, equipped with both virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) reality headsets. The centre will work closely with local employers and partners to develop its curriculum to address skills shortages in the digital and technology sectors.

Yiannis Moas, cofounder and CMO, Hyve

What is Hyve?

Hyve is a Customer Advocacy Platform (using a SaaS model) that turns happy customers into advocates that spread positive word of mouth, generate ideas, help with marketing and deliver support to other customers. Our customers see an increase in organic revenue, a lower cost of acquisition and more brand affinity.

Why Birmingham?

Birmingham is a fantastic and diverse city full of incredible talent, which has made it the ideal location to start a business. Its burgeoning tech scene allows us to collaborate with likeminded businesses and people who share our vision. I believe that Birmingham will be seen as the tech capital of the UK and we want to be a big part of that when it happens.

National and international focus

Our aspirations are to have offices around the world, specifically in Europe, the US and APAC where we see a huge opportunity for growth. We are already building partnerships in these regions so that when we are ready we can quickly build on these foundations. We are also looking to expand in the UK and would ideally have people operating in London, Manchester and Scotland.

Chris Woods, founder and director, CyberQ Group

What is CyberQ Group?

The CyberQ Group is a UK-based cyber innovator delivering world-class cyber innovation, services, and consultancy. From our inception to being selected to participate in the 2016 Cyber London Accelerator program (CyLon), the CyberQ Group has experienced significant commercial success.

Why Birmingham?

Birmingham has become fertile ground for more than iron and steel. It is a powerhouse of innovation and is currently the most robust economy outside London. Birmingham has begun to establish itself as a thriving technology hub known as ‘Silicon Canal’ or ‘TechBrum’ among the city’s technology entrepreneurs. Its variety of tech-friendly workspaces, a rich mix of investors and tech specialists make the city the UK’s top region for innovation.

National and international focus

CyberQ Group is a global cybersecurity innovator with capabilities in the UK, Australia, India, South Africa, and the Philippines. Locally, we partner with Birmingham-based businesses such as Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund (BHSF) and Probrand. Nationally, we partner with Logicalis as well as tap into the US market through partners such as CenterGrid.

Pete Rowe, Cofounder and commercial lead, Deep Branch Biotechnology

What is Deep Branch Biotechnology?

Deep Branch Biotechnology transform the polluters of today into the producers of tomorrow. Our process takes carbon dioxide gas directly from industrial emissions and converts it into single cell protein. This protein is used as a more sustainable alternative to soy or fishmeal in animal feed. Rather than industries releasing carbon emissions directly into the atmosphere, we provide an opportunity for them to use them to add economic and societal value.

Why Nottingham?

In many ways, Nottingham really is home for Deep Branch Biotechnology. The University of Nottingham’s Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), where we met while completing our PhDs, and BioCity, the incubator and accelerator that helped shape the business in its formative days, are both based here. There’s a real buzz around biotech in Nottingham at the moment, with a diverse range of companies taking on some of the world’s biggest challenges.

National and international focus

We’re an international team and this is reflected in our outlook. We love Nottingham as a city and our connection with the SBRC will mean we’ll always have a base here. However, to be true to our mantra of making the biggest positive difference in the smallest possible timeframe, we need to operate internationally. Currently, we’re in the process of finding the best landing spot for our first commercial production facility. There are multiple factors that will ultimately determine where this will be and we’ve had some really interesting approaches from all over Europe and the US.

Jon Slade, CEO, ENSEK

What is ENSEK?

ENSEK is an enterprise SaaS platform for the energy supply market, enabling retail energy companies to operate in the market and provide better customer experience through modern technology and the power of data.

Why Nottingham?

Nottingham is our home, providing a really strong talent pool for us as the business grows. The region possesses excellent technology and energy credentials, with leading universities. It’s also centrally located for our nationwide client base.

National and international focus

Our clients operate throughout the UK and are made up of many large household names along with a number of smaller new challengers to the market. We are assessing opportunities for international expansion and will be looking to enter our first non-UK market next year.

Lotanna Ezeike, founder and CEO, XPO App

What is XPO?

XPO is an app that allows micro-brands to securely pay Instagram influencers with ease. This is done by offering an in-app service which secures all payments from request until the end of the influencer campaign. Think Paypal but for influencer marketing.

Why Leicester?

Most would say London is the place to be when building your startup. However, studying at Uni of Leicester let me appreciate the silent bliss. Away from the hustle and bustle of London, in Leicester, you actually have the time to think things through and I personally believe it’s been better for my mental well-being.

National and international focus

Influencer marketing isn’t something that can be confined to geolocation; however, it has always been a goal of mine to run programs for university students who are interested in tech. We want to be the industry standard payment solution for influencer marketing in the UK through our automated solution, enabling SMEs to compete on a level playing field with global brands. We have plans to expand to India as the market and population size would support our business model. Our end goal looks to potential acquisitions from a bigger media company – preferably Instagram themselves!

Sophie Hainsworth, CEO and cofounder, Loyalfree

What is Loyalfree?

LoyalFree is a multi-award-winning innovative mobile phone app which promotes digital loyalty schemes, offers, and interactive trails. Founded in 2016 by my cofounder Jason Nesbitt and I, the company works with entire towns and cities, helping that area to increase footfall and spend using innovative technology.

Why Leicester?

Leicester is our hometown and perfectly placed in the middle of the country, and it has a well-connected train line, allowing us to easily travel around the country in line with the demands of our business. It also provides an affordable location for running a business and is rich with a budding local community of other tech startups.

National and international focus

As a business, we have already expanded our work across, and outside of, the East Midlands. We work across the breadth of the country – from Southampton to the Lake District. Current plans include more expansion across the UK as well as international opportunities with place management bodies outside of the UK. We are currently visiting Japan to share our work at the World Towns Leadership Summit and understand the international scope for the growth of the business.

Nicola Whiting, Chief Strategy Officer, Titania

What is Titania?

Titania is a software development company – we are world leaders in intelligent configuration analysis and cybersecurity auditing software. Our solutions help businesses and government organizations gain certainty around their network risks and how to manage them.

Why Worcester?

Worcester is our home town; it’s a vibrant thriving city, full of history and culture with fantastic lifestyle opportunities. It’s also centrally placed for engagement with multiple research Universities and is in the heart of “Cyber Valley”. (Cyber Valley is area recognised as one of the primary locations in the UK for the research, development, and commercialisation of cybersecurity products and services.)

National and international focus

Titania supports both local and national cybersecurity initiatives, but our clients are global, with over 90% of our business being overseas. Our clients are large enterprises and organisations that have to comply with strict industry or government regulations. Our largest market is America where clients include the Army; Navy; Air Force; and Marines; over 37 Federal Agencies; global Banks and critical national infrastructure bodies.

Latest news from the region

Enter the archive

Support for founders

Meetups & networks

Research shows that collaborative tech ecosystems with thriving meetup scenes are more likely to succeed. As a founder, making the effort to get out to meetups and network events can lead to serendipitous encounters with people in the community who can give your business a boost.

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Birmingham – Silicon Canal Tech Drinks
Birmingham – Tech Wednesday
Birmingham – Hacks/Hackers Birmingham
Birmingham – Birmingham Entrepreneurs Meetup Group
Birmingham – Fusion Technology Meetup Birmingham

Leicester – Leicester Startups
Leicester – Open Coffee Club
Leicester – The Innovation Centre
Leicester – Innovation Hub
Lincoln – Digital Lincoln

Nottingham – Women in Tech Nottingham
Nottingham – Tech Nottingham
Nottingham – PHP Minds
Nottingham – Nottingham Artificial Intelligence Meetup
Nottingham – Notts Techfast

Nottingham – Drink :// Digital Meetup
Nottingham – dotnetnotts
Nottingham – Nottingham Programmers Meetup Group

Coventry – Coventry Tech

Stafford – Staffs Web Meetup

Lincoln – Digital Lincoln

Co-working space

Co-working isn’t just about the free coffee – it’s a more flexible alternative to working out of traditional office space and brings the benefits of being part of a community. There’s no better way to build out your network, discover new routes to collaboration and discover the best tech events to attend. We’ve picked out some of the best co-working spaces in the region.

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Birmingham – The Custard Factory
Birmingham – Alpha Works
Birmingham – Innovation Birmingham
Birmingham – Fazeley Studios
Birmingham – The Transfer at the Old Printworks
Birmingham – Spaces
Birmingham – Impact Hub
Birmingham – Grosvenor House
Birmingham – The Moseley Exchange
Birmingham – The Loft Workspace
Birmingham – ihub
Birmingham – Longbridge Technology Park

Derbyshire – Oberio Business Hub

Leicestershire – Leicester Coworking Space
Leicestershire – Co Lab Loughborough

Lincoln – The Co-Creative

Malvern – Wyche Innovation Centre
Malvern – BetaDen
Malvern – BLOOM.SPACE

Matlock – Cromford Creative

Nottingham – Accelerate Places
Nottingham – University of Nottingham Innovation Park
Nottingham – MinorOak
Nottingham – Business HQ
Nottingham – Works Social

Stoke-On-Trent – MyCleverHub

Walsall – Urban Hax Makerspace
Walsall – The Hub

Wolverhampton – The Hub at Ashmore Park
Wolverhampton – Spark

Skills support

From learning how to develop software to nailing the art of self-promotion, helping your team brush up on its digital and soft skills can be financially rewarding while reducing reliance on others. We’ve highlighted some of the best code clubs, incubators, accelerators, bootcamps and other support services in the region.

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Birmingham – School of Code
Birmingham – Digital Innov8ors
Birmingham – Barclays Eagle Lab
Birmingham – Serendip Smart City Incubator
Birmingham – Aston University – BSEEN
Birmingham – Natwest Entrepreneur Accelerator
Birmingham – GBSLEP Growth Hub
Birmingham – PwC Scale Midlands
Birmingham – Steamhouse
Birmingham – Birmingham Enterprise Community

Ipswich – School for Social Entrepreneurs

Nottingham – Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham – Nottingham Enterprise Zone
Nottingham – Tech Nottingham

Shropshire – e-Innovation Centre

Wolverhampton – Black Country Growth Hub

Malvern – Malvern Pi Jams (Students)
Malvern – Malvern Pi Jams (Adults)

Finance & investment

Securing finance and raising investment can be vital when it comes to taking your startup to the next level. Whether you’re seeking angel, VC or bank finance, we’ve picked out a range of investors, funds and support networks in the region.

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