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Information and communication technology companies in the West Midlands are to have their talents displayed in a “shop window” of opportunity following the launch of a new “umbrella” organisation that has been established to promote ICT growth within the small to medium enterprises (SME) sector.

Operating under the name of The West Midlands ICT Hub, the organisation will be part funded by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and driven by Birmingham Technology Limited, the management company responsible for Aston Science Park.

AWM believes that the West Midlands has the potential to become the “Digital Foundry of the World” and that by developing a Cluster of ICT businesses and partners it has the opportunity to restore economic advantage to the region. To date, there are eight support projects within the West Midlands ICT Cluster, with two, iCentrum and Photonics Cluster UK, based at the Science Park.  In the past some opportunities to exploit the capabilities of regional ICT enterprises to a wider audience have been restricted but through the Hub this process will be far easier.

“Under the ‘umbrella’ of The Hub, there will now be a single point of focus which will inform the outside world of the initiatives available within the West Midlands,” said Dr Derek Harris, Chief Executive of Aston Science Park. “Key priorities will be to promote existing initiatives, improve business collaboration and gain access to additional funding opportunities.”

He added:  “The Hub will provide an independent one-stop-shop for information on the ICT Cluster to any business or business support organisation – and the aim is that the beneficiaries will be businesses in the West Midlands. The Hub will also be a ‘shop window’ for the region’s ICT capabilities and initiatives and provide support in order to create commercial opportunities for some 3,000 businesses operating within the ICT sector.”

Through an ePortal, The Hub will provide a single point of reference for the West Midlands to ICT organisations and companies, pinpointing the availability of publicly-funded business support initiatives, while also promoting improved collaboration within the regional ICT Cluster and increasing engagement with SMEs in the sector. There will also be an online directory of products and services which will be of assistance to non-ICT companies seeking appropriate local suppliers.

Mike Musson ICT Cluster Manager at AWM added: “I believe that the West Midlands ICT Hub offers all partners including businesses within the ICT Cluster the opportunity of collaboration and building a much stronger industry.”

After an initial funding period of three years, it is envisaged that The Hub will become self-sustaining as a result of revenue generation which will include corporate sponsorship, a subscription-based service and advertising.

Hugo Russell has been appointed as The Hub’s first Project Manager. As Project Manager of The Hub, Hugo will ensure the delivery and direction of the project, as well as having responsibility for marketing, information gathering and the promotion of business relationships.