UK launches Scaleup Pathway linking London technology with Midlands manufacturing
Imperial College London and the University of Warwick are convening the initiative, which aims to help innovative companies reach commercial production.
The UK has launched the Scaleup Pathway to connect technology development in London with manufacturing expertise in the West Midlands. Convened by Imperial College London and the University of Warwick, it is intended to help companies commercialise research and expand production while retaining manufacturing capacity in Britain.
WestTech London is working with the West Midlands on the initiative. Businesses will be offered access to finance, skilled staff, specialised premises, production facilities and supply networks as they develop. The West Midlands Combined Authority and the Greater London Authority are supporting the pathway, alongside councils across both regions.
Speaking for WestTech London, Professor Hugh Brady, President at Imperial College London, said closer connections between regional strengths would help businesses obtain the expertise, infrastructure and investment needed to grow. He said the pathway would help British innovations scale within the UK.
WestTech London has 1,000 frontier innovation companies generating annual turnover of more than £9 billion and employing over 20,000 people. The West Midlands produces over £22 billion in manufacturing output annually.
The announcement comes ahead of planned reindustrialisation proposals in the West Midlands. The region intends to combine existing programmes with new investment, innovation and business-support initiatives to expand Britain's productive capacity.
