The Business Growth Studio
Partnership Proposal 2025-26
The Business Growth Studio UNLOCKING BUSINESS GROWTH - TOGETHER
Our region is a powerhouse of innovation, talent, and connectivity. From world-class universities to global industry leaders, Greater Birmingham has all the ingredients for success.
Yet, despite these strengths, the region faces a challenge: business growth is not keeping pace with other UK regions. The five-year survival rate for businesses in the West Midlands is the lowest of any region in the country at just 34.7% (compared to a UK average of 39.4% in 2023).
At a time of fragile business confidence, The Business Growth Studio is a catalyst for change. Designed to equip businesses with the insights, connections, and tools that they need to survive and thrive, this initiative will deliver high-impact resources, expert-led workshops, and a flagship conference—all focused on driving sustainable business success.
This is where you come in. By partnering with us, you will be at the forefront of a movement to empower businesses, strengthen the local economy, and shape the future of enterprise in Greater Birmingham. Align your brand with growth, resilience, and innovation, connect with growth minded businesses and join us in making a lasting impact.
The Business Growth Studio
The Business Growth Studio is brought to you by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813. For a short overview of our work and impact during 2024: click here.
The Business Growth Studio
High quality programme: The Business Growth Studio provides a digital hub, expert-led in-person workshops, and a flagship one-day conference—all designed to inspire and drive business success, with a focus on SME business leaders. Year one of the Studio programme will culminate in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards
2026 – the region’s largest celebration of business success.
Backed by research & expertise: The GBCC has extensive experience in designing and delivering programmes to support business success. We are a trusted partner for public and private sector alike. The Studio builds on The Business Commission West Midlands: A Roadmap for Business Growth 2024, an influential, private sector-led report, delivered by the GBCC, drawing on consultation with over 500 regional businesses and stakeholders.
The Business Growth Studio KEY DATES
The Business Growth Studio THE BUSINESS GROWTH STUDIO THEMES
Bringing together resources from across the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce network in one place, the Business Growth Studio is a platform for inspiration and collaboration.
Growth Through People: Leadership & People Management
Innovation for Growth: Improve, Adapt, Create
Growth Foundations: Strategy, Finance, Marketing & Operations
Global Growth: Trading Internationally
Sustainable Growth: Environmental & Social Impact
Tech for Growth: AI & Digital Transformation
The Business Growth Studio THE DIGITAL HUB: INFORMING BUSINESS GROWTH
Each theme will be presented as its own Growth Essentials Hub featuring:
Partner Content: Featured thought leadership content from our Business Growth Studio Catalyst and Pioneer Partners aligned to the theme in question and presented prominently on the page.
GBCC Authored Resources: How to guides, briefings or top tips style pieces authored by the GBCC. Available for GBCC members only.
Peer Content: A wide selection of blog post style content authored by GBCC members, aligned to the theme in question.
The Business Growth Studio THE DIGITAL HUB: INFORMING BUSINESS GROWTH
GBCC Topics Themes
An introductory guide to financing your business Growth Foundation
Top 5 tips for cost effective staff development in a small business Growth Through People
What good looks like: ESG case studies by business size Sustainable Growth
From KTP’s to GBIP’s: The support that could give your small business an edge Innovation Growth
The biggest bang for your buck: Where to implement AI and digitalisation in your business Tech Growth
Entering a new international market: Your SME business checklist Global Growth
The Business Growth Studio THE WORKSHOPS: SUPPORTING BUSINESS GROWTH
Each workshop will be built around clear learning outcomes for participants and follow one of two formats: Expert led workshops, featuring interactive or reflective exercises to support application of knowledge.
Peer learning workshops, featuring roundtable discussion with guest experts and SME case studies to support knowledge sharing.
They will primarily be aimed at small business owners and leaders. A minimum of 10 Business Growth Studio workshops for will take place between June 2025 and May 2026 for c.30 delegates per workshop.
Workshop topics have been selected based on feedback on the primary business pain-points and opportunities impacting businesses from a focus group of GBCC members. Workshops will be free to attend for GBCC members only and will take place at locations across Greater Birmingham.
All sponsors will have a presence during the workshop programme. We will work in partnership with our Pioneer partners on the full design and delivery of a workshop of their choosing.
The Business Growth Studio
Growth Foundations
Market Research Made Easy: Effective & Affordable Strategies for Small Businesses
Thriving Under Pressure:
Strategies for Small Business Success
Growth Through People
Mastering People Management:
Encouraging Excellence and Driving Performance
Rethinking Recruitment:
Attracting & Selecting Talent
Sustainable Growth
Driving Change: Without Dedicated In House Resource
The Commercial Opportunities of ESG &
Sustainable Business
WORKSHOP TOPICS THEME
Innovation for Growth
Continuous Improvement:
Creating a Culture of Innovation at Work
Tech for Growth
AI & Digital Transformation: What Really Works for Small Businesses?
AI & Automation:
Things That You Didn’t Know You Could Do with Microsoft Global Growth
New Market Entry –
How to Create and Effective Strategic Plan for Global Growth
The Power and Potential of Partnership in International Trade
The Business Growth Studio THE CONFERENCE: INSPIRING BUSINESS GROWTH
The Business Growth Studio Conference will take place on the 1st October 2025 at Edgbaston Stadium. It will feature panels and keynote speakers aligned to the six themes of The Business Growth Studio. Speakers will include:
Leading Government representatives on the policy direction for business growth
Founders who have successfully scaled/are scaling their businesses
Experts with exceptional perspectives on key topics
The event will welcome c.150 delegates, primarily SME business leaders. The conference will be free to attend for GBCC members. It will be collocated with the GBCC’s annual Expo offering delegates an opportunity to both learn from experts and meet hundreds of local businesses.
Recent speakers at GBCC conferences have included:
Lord Hunt, Minister of State at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker
Steve Hewitt, former CEO of Gymshark
The Business Growth Studio THE GBCC AWARDS: CELEBRATING BUSINESS GROWTH
The GBCC Awards will take place on Thursday 14th May 2026. They will mark the culmination of the first year of The Business Growth Studio.
They are the largest and most high-profile celebration of business success in the region, welcoming 1,000 business and civic leaders.
Pioneer Partners will receive sponsorship of an award category at the 2026 GBCC Awards. Award category sponsorship offers:
Access to award winners: invitations to a post-awards reception (winners, judges & sponsors) and opportunity to request introductions to award winners and shortlisted organisations.
Profile & Promotion: thank you in awards articles and media releases. Logo presence on the GBCC website, awards media board, awards brochure, main screen and thankyou from the host. Invitation to present the award on the night.
Plus: 5 delegate places including drinks package and 3 course meal.
The Business Growth Studio BECOME A BUSINESS GROWTH STUDIO PARTNER
Connect with growth minded SME business leaders
Position your business as leading experts in your sector and the region
Make a difference –support regional business growth
The Business Growth Studio BECOME A BUSINESS GROWTH STUDIO PARTNER
The Business Growth Studio EXAMPLES OF PAST PROGRAMMES:
During 2024, the GBCC devised and delivered two campaigns focused on supporting knowledge sharing and adoption of business best practice: Growth Through People and The Sustainable Business Series. Collectively, these campaigns delivered:
6 workshops and 2 half-day conferences for 250 delegates (primarily senior representatives from SME businesses)
83% learned something new they can apply in their role or organisation
Net Promoter Score: 63
2024 Campaign Sponsors:
OUR PATRONS
We hope that you have found this proposal of interest and look forward to discussing your involvement in The Business Growth Studio.
E: info@birmingham-chamber.com
T: 0121 454 6171
W: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
Please note: Partnership opportunities are subject to alignment with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's (GBCC) values, purpose, and agreed policy positions. The GBCC reserves the right to review and approve or decline agreements to ensure consistency with its mission and principles.