West Midlands Business Festival

This session, led by West Midlands Combined Universities (Birmingham City University, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton), brings together regional experts to explore how AI adoption and cyber resilience can accelerate business growth and scalability across the West Midlands.

Through dynamic panel discussions, real-world case studies, and sector insights, attendees will learn how AI can improve productivity, customer experience, operational efficiency and innovation capability, while cyber resilience safeguards business continuity and builds investor and supply-chain confidence.

Aligned to West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) priorities, the event showcases how digital transformation, responsible AI adoption and robust cyber practices underpin regional economic growth.

Participants will leave with practical strategies, tools and support pathways to strengthen their organisation’s digital maturity, reduce risk, and unlock competitive advantage.

Keynote: Gen AI Masterclass for small businesses by Professor Zeeshan Pervez, Director of CYBRAI (Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence), University of Wolverhampton.

Panel Session 1: From Awareness to Action: AI, Cyber & Digital Adoption for SMEs AI adoption, cyber resilience, pitfalls, university support.

Speakers:

• Professor Paul Noon Coventry University (Host)

• Richard Fallon, Director, Technology Supply Chain

• Professor Iain Rice, Birmingham City University

• Professor James Brusey, Coventry University

• Professor Zeeshan Pervez, University of Wolverhampton

Panel Session 2: Building the Skills to Scale: Leadership, Micro Credentials & Workforce Readiness.

Speakers:
• Professor Paul Noon Coventry University (Host)

• Dan Carins, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

• Prof Roya Rahimi, University of Wolverhampton

• Andrew Neilson, Birmingham City University

• Oliver Fisher, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer SpringPod

The session concludes with networking, connecting SME owners and leaders with universities, growth partners and other local businesses.

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Location

STEAMHouse, Belmont Row, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7RQ