Why SMEs should embrace skills for growth initiatives 

One of the biggest barriers to growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) isn’t securing finance or finding the right space, it’s about having the right skills in place.  

Over 90% of employers want to collaborate with education providers, yet most haven’t done so in the past five years. Skills West Midlands & Warwickshire (Skills WM+W) bridges that gap, helping SMEs turn skills into a strategic advantage. 

SMEs are the lifeblood of our regional economy. Yet, many face a persistent challenge: finding and retaining skilled talent in a rapidly evolving market. 

Why skills are critical for business growth 

A lack of the right technical, digital and leadership skills can halt business expansion. Skills WM+W addresses this challenge by connecting businesses with training providers, apprenticeships and bootcamps tailored to meet the specific needs of today’s businesses. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Business Growth West Midlands’ purpose: to help businesses innovate, compete, and grow sustainably. 

How BGWM and Skills WM+W work hand-in-hand 

• Integrated support. BGWM advisers can connect SMEs with Skills WM+W resources, ensuring that skills development is a key component of every growth strategy.
• Access to funding. Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, BGWM provides businesses with financial support to invest in training and workforce development.
• Innovation Hubs. Backed by the Innovate UK, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Skills WM+W’s innovation hubs complement BGWM’s growth initiatives by driving technological adoption and improving productivity and growth for our SME base. 

The opportunity for SMEs 

Engaging with Skills WM+W isn’t just about filling immediate vacancies, it’s about preparing your business for the future. SMEs that invest in skills see improved recruitment, retention, and innovation outcomes. BGWM simplifies this process by offering a single point of contact for both growth and skills support. 

Why SMEs should get involved: 

Address skills shortages. Access specialised training, apprenticeships, and bootcamps that are tailored to meet your business needs. 

Boost productivity & innovation. Leverage innovation hubs and digital skills programmes to stay competitive and drive progress. 

Simplify engagement. A single regional platform makes it easy to access the right training and support. 

Enhance recruitment & retention. Investing in skills leads to better employee loyalty and eases hiring challenges. 

Shape the future workforce. Play a role in influencing curriculum and training priorities to align with real-world business needs. 

Ready to future-proof your business?  

Contact a Business growth West Midlands adviser today for more information.