Membership organisations that support business growth
Recommended partners and networks for your business growth journey.
Our partners
Business Growth West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority work with many organisations to develop the local economy beyond our immediate activities.
They may act as a critical friend, delivery partner or fulfil other important roles in the region. We encourage businesses to find out more about the organisations relevant to them with the information below.
General business membership organisations
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Membership for sole traders and small firms offering legal advice, insurance, campaigning and local events — helpful for micro and small business protection and voice.
Chambers of Commerce. Regional business networks offering local events, international trade support, lobbying and profile-raising — useful for visibility, tenders and connections.
Institute of Directors (IoD). Board-level peer networks, governance training, influence and executive development. Good for leadership and strategic support.
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Businesses can benefit from joint promotion, security, cleaning and events delivered through the BID model, as well as networking and other opportunities. Use a search engine to see if your business falls within a BID.
West Midlands Growth Company. Regional partnership programme delivering strategic visibility, investor links and large-scale regional initiatives — useful for organisations wanting influence and partnership on growth projects.
Sandwell Consortium. Local network and membership options connecting Sandwell businesses to council-led support, training and funding opportunities. Good for micro businesses and SMEs in Sandwell.
Women in Business Association (WiBA). Long-standing West Midlands women’s business network offering local groups, mentoring, events and peer support — useful for female founders and leaders.
Women in Business Network (WIBN). Multiple local chapters providing regular networking breakfasts, introductions and personal development for women in business.
Business in the Community (BITC). CSR and responsible business network — supports companies wanting to embed social value, volunteering and sustainability into growth plans.
Sustainability West Midlands. Networks and practical support on sustainability, net-zero and social value for organisations wanting to embed environmental and community impact in growth plans.
Sector-specific organisations:
Aerospace
Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA). Core network for aerospace firms across the Midlands — helps supply-chain businesses win contracts with OEMs, access cluster events and technical collaboration.
Construction
CITB West Midlands. Construction industry training, grant and apprenticeship support — essential for builders, contractors and SMEs wanting to access skills funding and compliance help.
Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Trade membership for builders / small construction firms — offers warranty, legal support and credibility to win local contracts.
Creative
Create Central. The Creative Content Production and Gaming Cluster is a vibrant collective of dynamic sectors including film, television, games, animation, high-end TV, branded content, vlogger/influencer content, VFX, immersive technology, and other creative content businesses.
Creative UK / West Midlands Create Growth. For creative and cultural businesses — access sector programmes, IP/advice workshops and networks tailored to film, gaming, design and other creative firms in the West Midlands.
Engineering
Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET). Engineering & technical professional membership and local event networks — good for skilled engineering teams, CPD and professional credibility.
Logistics and distribution
Connected Places Catapult. Supporting regional growth by connecting businesses, institutions, and innovators in logistics. It fosters collaboration between public, private, and academic partners to drive innovation, develop skills, and influence policy.
Manufacturing
BCIC West Midlands. Industrial Cluster bringing together manufacturers in every supply chain across the wider West Midlands.
Made in the Midlands. Membership organisatioin for manufacturers — marketing, trade-event presence, peer networks and the ‘Made in’ accreditation to boost supply-chain credibility.
Med tech
Medilink West Midlands. Life-sciences and med-tech membership — raises profile with the NHS, universities and investors and opens routes to clinical partnerships and innovation support.
Professional and financial services
SuperTechWM. Driving technology and innovation-led growth for the BPFS sectors in the West Midlands.
Tech
TechWM. Regional tech hub and community — great for digital firms seeking peer events, investor introductions and visibility within the West Midlands tech ecosystem.
The Technology Supply Chain. Active, West-Midlands-rooted network connecting manufacturing, engineering and tech firms to buyers, innovation partners and funding opportunities.
Smart energy systems
WM Smart Energy Systems Cluster. Companies in the West Midlands that specialise in technology, products and services, designed to support a smart, flexible and efficient energy system could benefit from this publicly funded programme designed to provide a connective fabric for companies operating in an ever-changing energy system.
Social enterprise
Social Enterprise West Midlands. Free (and low-cost) membership for social enterprises offering peer networks, funding signposts and local procurement opportunities.
