Companies across the West Midlands have received a major boost this week with the merger of two of the region’s leading business support providers.

West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium (WMMC) and Winning Moves have joined forces to create a powerful organisation that is promising to help more than 1500 growing firms every year.

The not-for-profit body will be able to call upon more than 200 specialists, offering one-on-one support, accredited training programmes and access to a software portfolio featuring the globally renowned Benchmark Index.

The merger will also provide the perfect platform to bid for new regional and national business support contracts and in leveraging funding opportunities from the ERDF and the Regional Growth Fund.

Lorraine Holmes, Chief Executive of WMMC, explained: “This is a really great fit, as there are so many synergies between the two organisations that, when you put them together, can enhance even further the level of business support we can provide to SMEs and growing enterprises.

“We obviously have the proven track record in delivering dedicated manufacturing assistance, whereas Winning Moves has helped over 30,000 firms to start and grow since 1996.”

She continued: “By joining forces, we can offer our clients the complete service rather than just completing part of the journey before passing them on to another organisation. It’s business support simplification in the purest sense of the word.”

Adrian Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Winning Moves, picked up the story: “We want firms to turn to us first when they are looking for assistance in overcoming challenges, exploring new markets and making the most of opportunities.

“Together, we can support in excess of 1500 firms ever year and have a host of new contracts we can bid for. This could lead to the possibility of even more support for the region’s business community.”

He added: “Another strategic aim is to build strong links with the Local Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities.”

WMMC, which is located at Wolverhampton Science Park, is responsible for delivering the hugely successful Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) across the West Midlands, the North West and the North East.

It works closely with strategic partners, such as the EEF and the Warwick Manufacturing Group, to provide SMEs with support on strategy, lean manufacturing, new product creation and supply chain development.

Established in 1996, Winning Moves operates from offices in Birmingham and Stafford, providing expert consultancy to start-ups, high growth business and firms looking for accredited leadership and management training.

It currently delivers the Growth Accelerator programme across Bromsgrove, Birmingham, Solihull and Staffordshire, runs the Stoke and Staffordshire business helpline on behalf of the local LEP and operates business information portal www.winning.co.uk.

Lorraine concluded: “WMMC and Winning Moves will continue to trade independently, but will be pooling resources, skills and capabilities to ensue businesses have access to the best assistance in the UK.”

For further information, visit www.winningmoves.co.uk or contact 01902 838300