Economic Development Team, Dudley Council
Call +44 (0)1384 812001 • dudley.businessfirst@dudley.gov.uk
INNOVATE | INVENT | INSPIRE
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.​
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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
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11.00 Coffee Break
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11.20 Panel Two: Intellectual Property and What It Means for Your Business
Helen Drought, IP Office
Peter Neath, Saucestream
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12.00 Coffee Break
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12.20 Panel Three: Financing Your Innovation
Gaynor Matthews, Innovate UK Business Growth
Helen Fortune, Investment Readiness
Tracy Sherratt, British Business Bank
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13.00 Networking Lunch
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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
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15.15 Roundtable Two: Pitch Your Problem Networking Session - Facilitated by PJ Ellis
16.15 Future of Business Support – Paul Mountford, Dudley Business First
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16.30 Close & Networking
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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