Supercharging SME innovation to turn ideas into results

Innovation is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for SMEs looking to stay competitive, embrace new opportunities, and future-proof their businesses. That’s why North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is working at the heart of the region’s business community to help SMEs turn bold ideas into practical results.

As a key partner in the Driving SME Innovation in the West Midlands programme, funded by Innovate UK, NWSLC is helping businesses across a variety of sectors to adopt digital and green technologies, improve productivity, and unlock growth.

At the centre of this support are the college’s innovation hubs, which provide access to expertise, facilities, and tailored business guidance. These include the MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) – a state-of-the-art centre focused on electric vehicles, decarbonisation, robotics, automation and AI – and an immersive technology room at its campus in Nuneaton, where businesses can test, visualise and refine digital concepts before bringing them to market.

Charlotte Ward, Innovation Practitioner at NWSLC, said: “We know that SMEs often face barriers when it comes to innovation. Our role is to remove those barriers by offering hands-on support, advanced facilities and practical advice that makes innovation accessible and achievable.

“We’re here to help companies navigate change, boost productivity and become more future-ready.”

Through a structured three-step process – identifying business needs, creating an innovation plan, and delivering tailored training – SMEs are supported whether they are just beginning their innovation journey or scaling up to meet growing demand.

Free and low-cost opportunities are available, including workshops this autumn where businesses can experience the innovation centres first-hand, explore funding options, and connect with peers and industry leaders.

Find out more at www.nwslc.ac.uk/innovate/