About this Event
In partnership with NGED, Energy Systems Catapult, Smart Energy Systems Cluster, and University of Birmingham.
Join industry leaders, manufacturers, energy experts, policymakers, innovators and supply chain businesses from across the West Midlands for BCIC West Midlands' flagship annual conference. This one-day event will explore how the region can strengthen its industrial competitiveness by reducing energy costs, accelerating the transition to smarter energy systems, and capitalising on new market opportunities in sectors such as nuclear, defence and smart energy technologies.
The morning session will combine keynote presentations, expert panels, case studies and interactive workshops, giving delegates practical insights into ways industrial companies can lower energy costs by getting paid for flexibility and grid balancing, accessing low cost electricity through industrial clustering, infrastructure opportunities and funding support. Participants will also contribute to discussions that will help shape future regional priorities and identify barriers to growth.
The afternoon will focus on new business opportunities for West Midlands manufacturers in the nuclear, defence and smart energy markets globally. Sessions will be led by people with practical experience in each market.
Whether your focus is reducing operational costs, entering new markets or supporting the region's transition to a more resilient industrial economy, this event will provide valuable insight and connections.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Arrival: Coffee & networking
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:35 AM
Welcome & introduction
Host: Matthew Rhodes
Info: Director, BCIC WM
🕑: 09:35 AM - 09:50 AM
How the West Midlands can lead UK reindustrialisation
Host: Cllr Stephen Simkins
Info: Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands
🕑: 09:50 AM - 10:30 AM
How electricity network companies support industry in Holland
Host: Odile Niers and Iddo Rootliep
Info: Stedin has pioneered ways of supporting manufacturers in Rotterdam and across the Netherlands from its position as operator of the local electricity grid there. They will share their experiences.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Partnership with NGED - Announcement and Introduction to the next session
Host: Emily Spearman and Matthew Rhodes
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Coffee break and exhibition
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
How NGED and West Midlands industry can partner to cut electricity costs
Host: Emily Spearman, Innovation Director
Info: Practical opportunities in Worcester and across the region.
Facilitated tables with NGED planners and BCIC WM facilitators
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Industry First report launch
Host: Report sponsored by MACE and BCIC WM
Info: A report on the strategic actions national and regional Government needs to take to keep manufacturing in the West Midlands
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Opportunities for WM strategic capabilities
Host: Prof. Jonathan Radcliffe, University of Birmingham
Info: Supply Chain opportunities in Smart Energy Systems, Nuclear, and Defence.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Facilitated discussions on supply chain opportunities
Host: Major General Robin Anderton-Brow
Info: Separate groups facilitated by SES, Defence, Nuclear groups with feedback to group What are the unique or strongest capabilities we might have for these markets; featuring Major General Robin Anderton-Brown and guests from the Midlands Regional Defence & Security Cluster
What are the barriers for you accessing them? What capabilities do you have to offer?
🕑: 03:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Feedback to plenary
Info: Lead by room facilitators
🕑: 03:45 PM - 03:55 PM
Funding opportunities
Info: Opportunities from Local Innovation Partnership Fund, Supply Chain Transition Fund, and Made Smarter.
🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:00 PM
Conclusion and next steps
Host: Michael Drury, CEO BCIC WM
🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Pub Quiz (optional)
Info: Join BCICWM for a pub quiz in the Bosta Room at Cherry Reds on the subject of Life in the UK! Prizes! Recognition! Achievement!
Event venue & nearby stays
The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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