West Midlands Growth Company Launches UK Market Entry Program During London Tech Week 2025

West Midlands Growth Company Launches UK Market Entry Program

The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 UK market entry program during the highly anticipated London Tech Week. This program, which has been successful for three consecutive years, aims to support international technology companies in establishing a foothold in the burgeoning West Midlands region.

What’s New for 2025?

The WMGC is inviting applications from eligible companies for 15 exclusive spots in this unique initiative. This year’s program will kick off with a special breakfast event, the West Midlands Breakfast Takeover, on June 11, hosted at The Shard in partnership with Warwick Business School. This event will showcase the world-class innovation strengths of the West Midlands, offering high-growth companies valuable insight into market opportunities and regional advantages.

The 2025 edition of this global growth program follows the remarkable success of the 2024 initiative, which enabled 17 innovative UK and international companies to generate over 300 jobs in the West Midlands. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of the program in facilitating international companies' entry into the UK market.

Program Highlights

The WMGC’s UK market entry program is a nine-month, fully funded support initiative designed specifically for international tech firms aiming to penetrate the UK market. Participants will receive fully subsidized workspace in one of six innovation hubs located in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Coventry. In addition, they can choose from 20 specialized support packages tailored to four key sectors: health tech, clean tech, digital technology, and future mobility. These packages are designed to maximize market entry success by providing access to business networks, R&D assets, and regional innovation centers.

The program also offers personalized support to streamline the investment process for international businesses in the UK, covering aspects from market entry to visa assistance and housing arrangements. It enjoys backing from a variety of partners focused on innovation, such as Innovate UK, Connected Places Catapult, and Midlands Innovation.

Success from Previous Editions

The previous year’s global growth program was made possible by financial partners, including Connected Places Catapult and Midlands Innovation. During the West Midlands Breakfast Takeover, guest speaker Taras Matselyukh, CEO of the Dutch company OPT/NET, will share his insights about participating in the program and how it influenced his decision to invest in Birmingham.

Neil Rami, CEO of WMGC, notes the remarkable opportunities available for integrating into the West Midlands business ecosystem: “There has never been a more promising time to be part of the West Midlands. Its thriving tech sector, global talent pool, and exceptional R&D infrastructure create an ideal environment for innovative international businesses looking to accelerate their development plans.”

In the past two years, the program has proven to be a successful model, providing dynamic international companies like OPT/NET with the necessary support to achieve their growth ambitions in the UK. As 2025 approaches, Rami looks forward to engaging with a new wave of promising businesses.

Why Birmingham?

Matselyukh emphasizes Birmingham's appeal, citing its strong pool of potential customers and world-class R&D ecosystem as critical factors for OPT/NET's establishment in the UK. With support from the West Midlands growth program, the company has quickly formed valuable partnerships and solidified its market presence while continuing to develop its flagship product, OptOSS AI.

A total of 15 places are available for the 2025 program. Interested businesses can check eligibility criteria and express their interest through WMGC’s official channels.