DRIVE35 Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund

A new pilot programme for the automotive sector.

About the opportunity

The West Midlands Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund (SRTF) is a programme that's part of the national DRIVE35 initiative, which aims to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and strengthen the automotive sector. 

This programme provides capital grants of £250,000 - £3,000,000 to support businesses in the West Midlands to scale, diversify, and build critical capacity for EV supply chains. 

The programme is delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority, funded by the Department for Business and Trade. Note that this programme is subject to final approval from the WMCA Board in March 2026. 

Funding for the SRTF programme will be released in phases across the four year period to March 2030. As opportunities will be available at different points throughout the programme, businesses should consider when potential access to the grant best aligns with their own investment plans and delivery timelines. 

The programme aims to: 

Support existing West Midlands automotive companies to scale and diversify into wider electrification value chains. 

Attract and grow new technology companies through inward investment. 

Eligibility criteria 

Full eligibility criteria and guidance will be published when SRTF opens for expressions of interest in Spring 2026. 

Below is an outline of the key requirements to help businesses prepare. 

Geography 

Projects must be delivered in any of the following local authority areas: Birmingham, Cannock Chase, Coventry, Dudley, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth (inclusive of Mira Technology Park), Redditch, Rugby, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Stratford-on-Avon, Solihull, Tamworth, Telford and Wrekin, Warwick (inclusive of Greenpower Park) 

Technical requirements  

Projects must: 

• Support industrialisation of EV manufacturing and supply chain transformation at scale
• Be centred around a proven, technically viable, and economically feasible product, process, or technology.
• Fit within the programme’s broad scope, including activities related to: EV manufacturing growth; parts, components, systems, materials; tooling; production processes; and technologies across the full EV supply chain. 

Additional requirements 

Projects must also: 

• Be led by a UK-registered, West Midlands region active business.
• Demonstrate economic value for money, strategic alignment, and commercial viability.
• Meet minimum 50% private match funding requirements.
• Pass all financial due diligence and subsidy control checks. 

Register your interest

SRTF is delivered as a competitive application process. 

Applications are not yet open and the programme remains subject to WMCA approval. 

Expressions of interest will open in Spring, with further opportunities released throughout the four‑year programme period. 

To register your interest, please email SRTF@wmca.org.uk.  

You can also:

• Read more about the national programme. Applications are not yet open for West Midlands businesses.
• Complete the short form below to alert a Business Growth West Midlands Adviser to your interest in this opportunity. 
• Fill in this market engagement survey.

Subsidy Control 

In accordance with UK Subsidy Control requirements, this programme is delivered under a formally submitted Subsidy Scheme (submitted on 03 March 2026). Further information can be accessed here and within the Scheme Conditions here.