Working with Oxford Innovation Advice through Business Growth West Midlands
Growing a manufacturing business today takes more than technical expertise and hard work. It requires access to the right advice, the right funding opportunities, and the right people at the right time. For us, working with Oxford Innovation Advice through the Business Growth West Midlands programme in Dudley has been an extremely positive and valuable experience.
From the outset, the support has been practical, relevant, and firmly grounded in the realities of running and growing a business. Rather than generic guidance, the focus has been on helping us understand what support is actually available, which opportunities are worth pursuing, and how to approach them in a structured and credible way.
Navigating funding streams and grants
One of the most challenging areas for any growing business is understanding the funding landscape. Grant schemes and support programmes can be complex, time-consuming, and often difficult to interpret. Oxford Innovation Advice have been instrumental in helping us navigate this space with clarity and confidence.
Their guidance around funding streams and grants has helped us identify relevant opportunities, understand eligibility criteria, and shape projects so they align with funder priorities. That insight has saved time, reduced uncertainty, and allowed us to focus our efforts where they genuinely matter.
Broader business support that adds real value
Beyond funding, the wider business support has been just as valuable. Advice around growth, innovation, investment planning, and strategic development has been thoughtful, well-informed, and tailored to our business rather than theoretical models.
Equally important has been knowing who to speak to. Oxford Innovation Advice are excellent at connecting businesses with the right contacts – whether that’s regional bodies, innovation partners, or specialist support – and making introductions that actually lead somewhere.
Peer groups, networks, and local events
Another standout benefit of the Business Growth West Midlands programme has been access to peer group networks and local business events. These aren’t superficial networking sessions; they bring together businesses facing similar challenges and ambitions.
The opportunity to share experiences, compare approaches, and learn from others operating in the same region has been genuinely useful. Those conversations often provide new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and reinforce that many of the challenges of growth are shared across industry.
The role of Donna Watkins
A particular mention must go to Donna Watkins, whose support throughout the process has been outstanding. Her knowledge of funding mechanisms, combined with a practical understanding of how businesses operate day to day, has made a real difference.
Donna’s approach is supportive, clear, and proactive. She brings structure to complex topics, keeps momentum moving, and ensures that advice translates into action rather than sitting on paper.
A programme that genuinely supports growth
Overall, working with Oxford Innovation Advice through the Business Growth West Midlands programme in Dudley has been an extremely positive experience. The combination of funding guidance, strategic business support, strong networks, and high-quality personal engagement has made them a trusted and valuable partner in our growth journey.
For businesses looking to better understand the support available to them – and to make informed, confident decisions about growth and investment – this is a programme that genuinely delivers.
