Oxford Innovation Advice has been appointed to deliver two significant business support programmes in Worcestershire, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to local authorities in driving inclusive economic growth and supporting high-potential SMEs.
Commissioned by Worcestershire County Council, the new contracts will see Oxford Innovation Advice deliver a comprehensive package of support to businesses at different stages of their growth journey. This includes a targeted business coaching programme, Enterprising Worcestershire, for entrepreneurs and micro enterprises and a new, high-impact growth pathway, Advance Worcestershire, designed to unlock innovation, improve productivity and stimulate external investment across the county.
Together, the programmes represent a coordinated approach to strengthening Worcestershire’s business base – supporting entrepreneurs to build resilience while enabling established SMEs to scale, innovate and compete.
Supporting growth through tailored business coaching the ‘Enterprising Worcestershire Business Coaching Support’ programme will provide intensive, one-to-one support to at least 110 small businesses and sole traders across the county.
Delivered through flexible coaching engagements, the programme is designed to build the confidence, capability and leadership skills of entrepreneurs, translating into measurable improvements in business performance.
Targeting businesses with up to four employees, the support will focus on strengthening core business fundamentals – helping owners develop strategy, improve decision-making and build resilience for sustainable growth.
This intervention plays a critical role in the wider economic ecosystem, ensuring that more businesses survive, stabilise and progress into higher-value growth pathways.
Introducing Advance Worcestershire: a new pathway for scale and innovation.
Alongside this, Oxford Innovation Advice will deliver the newly branded Advance Worcestershire programme, providing a step-change in support for established SMEs ready to scale.
Advance Worcestershire will work with 90 growth-focused businesses, typically trading for over three years with established teams, to address barriers to growth and unlock opportunities in manufacturing advancement, innovation and investment readiness.
Through a combination of expert advice, strategic planning, and access to peer networks and masterclasses, the programme will support SMEs to improve productivity, adopt new technologies, and secure investment – ultimately creating higher value jobs and strengthening the regional economy.
Delivering impact for policymakers and funders.
These programme wins highlight Oxford Innovation Advice’s continued leadership in designing and delivering place-based business support that aligns with national and local economic priorities.
Regional Director, Catherine Bray comments: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be leading these two transformational programmes for Worcestershire. Winning these contracts is a real testament to the impact our work is having across the region and the strong partnerships we’ve built with Worcestershire County Council. Together, we’re building a dynamic pipeline of SMEs that will drive innovation, productivity and long‑term economic prosperity across the county.”
By integrating coaching with advanced growth support, the approach ensures a strong pipeline of SMEs progressing from start-up to scale-up, maximising the return on public investment and delivering measurable outcomes including job creation, productivity gains and innovation adoption.
The programmes also demonstrate the value of long-term partnerships between delivery organisations and local authorities, combining strategic insight with on-the-ground delivery to reach businesses that may not traditionally engage with support.
A joined-up approach to SME growth
With delivery commencing in April 2026, Oxford Innovation Advice will work closely with Worcestershire County Council and local partners to ensure the programmes reach a diverse range of businesses across the county.
Gary Woodman, Assistant Director for Economy at Worcestershire County Council, said:
“Supporting businesses at every stage of their growth journey is central to our ambitions for Worcestershire’s economy. These two programmes provide targeted, high-quality support – from early-stage entrepreneurs to established SMEs ready to scale. By working with Oxford Innovation Advice, we’re ensuring that local businesses have the skills, confidence and capability they need to innovate, grow and create higher-value jobs across the county.”
By championing SMEs at every stage of their journey, from early development through to innovation-led growth, Oxford Innovation Advice continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economies and supporting the UK’s ambitions for productivity and inclusive growth.
For more details, visit: www.advance-worcestershire.co.uk
