Accelerator scheme turbocharges SME growth

A business consultancy has marked a major milestone after delivering the first year of a programme designed to “turbocharge” SME growth across the West Midlands.

Gateley Global, part of professional services group Gateley, which was founded in Birmingham in 1808, has wrapped up the inaugural year of its High Growth Accelerator Programme, delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority. 

The scheme supported 50 SMEs from sectors including automotive, telecoms and tech, offering more than 100 specialist services ranging from IP valuation to access to finance, with officials saying it has been “transformative” for businesses and local people.

Participants gathered at Gateley’s Birmingham office to celebrate the results, with the programme forecast to deliver an 11-to-1 return on investment.

With year two now under way, WMCA will continue to fund the initiative as Gateley Global delivers tailored support to a new cohort of ambitious firms across the region.

Rebecca Bekkenutte, managing director of Gateley Global, said: “The programme has been a vital resource for participating businesses, providing the tools and support needed to help them grow and succeed. 

“Its alignment with the region's focus on SME development has been a key factor in its success. 

“We’ve seen results for all businesses around productivity, job creation, revenue growth and expansion through investment and trade, and we’re thrilled to begin the second year of the programme.”

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, added: “When businesses succeed, we bring in opportunities that mean everyone can succeed. 

“And that’s why I pledged to break the cycle of sluggish growth and back them all the way to lead our great region into a new era of prosperity.

“We’re already getting results. 

“The High Growth Programme has turbocharged 50 ambitious local businesses, helping them to overcome barriers and seize new opportunities. 

“They’ve already won £4 million in new investment and together, they’re on track to add another £15 million to their turnover. 

“That’s good for business and transformative for local people. 

“We’re creating career opportunities and giving them the skills they need to grab them. 

“That’s how we’re going to deliver real change and better futures for everyone.”

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