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114 Portfolio courses in Coventry

Portfolio Management Skills: In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

Portfolio Management Skills: In-House Training The main purpose of this workshop is to equip and enable people in a portfolio management office and PMO to effectively and efficiently support the Executive Leadership and Operational Management to plan, implement, manage, and evolve portfolio management in their organization. There is a deliberate focus on preparing you to become a strong and effective change advocate for meaningful portfolio management that delivers objective measurements of benefit contribution towards the strategic objectives to lead, manage, and continuously improve portfolio management governance, processes, and frameworks with and through the direction of a portfolio practice, principles, and delivery boards. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Articulate the benefits of portfolio management Link the initiatives in an organization with its strategic objectives Participate in the introduction of portfolio management in an organization Create or improve the portfolio governance structure Lead the inventory of ongoing and new initiatives Assist the executives in the prioritization of initiatives through the use of Multi-criteria Analysis and other selection tools Support the executives in balancing the portfolio based on the optimal use of resources and priorities Create a portfolio delivery plan Define thresholds and variance reporting criteria Assist the executives and the financial team in the definition of Stage Gate Funding Lead the Stage Gate reviews Analyze the benefits that are being realized by the initiatives Foundation Concepts Definitions Benefits of Portfolio Management Objectives of Portfolio Management Portfolio Life Cycles Governing the Portfolio Portfolio Governance structure Roles and responsibilities Initial activities when starting portfolio management Prioritizing Initiatives Prioritize purpose Multi-Criteria Analysis Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Strategic alignment Balancing the Portfolio Allocating resources and budgets Communicating decisions of initiatives status Planning the Portfolio Planning review cycles Using Stage Gate Funding Setting thresholds and variance reporting Tool examples Managing the Portfolio Delivery Project and Program Life Cycles Stage Gate Reviews Loop back to Prioritize, Balance and Plan Interaction with the Portfolio Delivery Board Project, Program and Functional Managers' roles and responsibilities

Portfolio Management Skills: In-House Training
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,695

SAFe Lean Portfolio Management: In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

SAFe® Lean Portfolio Management: In-House Training Create a culture of innovation, flexibility, and speed where all people in the portfolio can effectively execute as one unified team. In this course, you will gain the practical tools and techniques necessary to implement the Lean Portfolio Management functions of Strategy and Investment Funding, Agile Portfolio Operations, and Lean Governance. You will have the opportunity to capture the current and future state of the portfolio with the Portfolio Canvas tool and identify important business initiatives for achieving the future state. You'll be able to establish portfolio flow with the Portfolio Kanban and prioritize initiatives for maximum economic benefit. The course also provides insights on how to establish Value Stream Budgets and Lean Budget Guardrails and measure the Lean portfolio performance. What you will Learn Describe the importance of LPM Connect the portfolio to enterprise strategy Implement Lean budgeting and guardrails Establish portfolio flow with the Portfolio Kanban Support operational excellence with APMO and CoPs Coordinate Value Streams Measure the LPM performance Build a plan for LPM implementation Introducing Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) Establishing Strategy and Investment Funding Applying Agile Portfolio Operations Applying Lean Governance Implementing the LPM function

SAFe Lean Portfolio Management: In-House Training
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£2,995

Portfolio Management. Fixed Income Investment

5.0(10)

By GBA Corporate

Overview The comprehensive course will cover the fundamentals of portfolio management, and delve deeper into risk and return. Participants will develop their understanding of how and why investors allocate money to fixed income, the numerous issues that impact risk and return, and the mechanics of portfolio construction.

Portfolio Management. Fixed Income Investment
Delivered in Internationally or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,718 to £3,626

Best Practice in Portfolio Management in Upstream Oil and Gas

By EnergyEdge - Training for a Sustainable Energy Future

About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) This 4 half-day Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) course presents the principles and best practices of portfolio management in the upstream (E&P) oil and gas industry. The VILT course is equally valuable for small independents, large integrated international companies and national oil companies. The VILT course consists of presentations, case studies, illustrative practical exercises and syndicate discussions. Particular emphasis is given to pragmatic portfolio management approaches and solutions which can be implemented swiftly without recourse to major investments in planning and portfolio management software. The VILT course will draw on examples from your expert course leader's 35+ years' experience in the oil and gas industry as an explorationist, upstream vice-president and management consultant. The VILT course handout will comprise softcopy slides used in the presentation and a softcopy workbook for the exercises. Participants will gain proficiency in portfolio management techniques, understand how and why to undertake this activity and be able to apply key concepts directly in the business of their teams / divisions. The VILT course will be presented over 4 half-days, using Microsoft Teams or Zoom and a proprietary set of VILT tools. Participants will be asked to complete a pre course questionnaire (PCQ) addressing their objectives and experience, and attend a session to familiarise themselves with VILT tools before course commencement.     Training Objectives To present the tools, concepts and principles of portfolio management To define the quantitative metrics which are used to describe projects in a portfolio To understand the benefits of portfolio management at different stages of the upstream business: in strategy development, opportunity screening, business development, drilling prospects, conducting appraisal of discoveries and developing fields To put portfolio management in the organisational context by describing the role of the portfolio management team and examining how value assurance (quality control) is best conducted on portfolio data for projects and assets To demonstrate how portfolio management contributes to improved business performance By the end of the VILT course, participants will understand: Key concepts and principles of portfolio management How to design a simple portfolio database and describe complex projects in a small number of objective metrics How to segment the portfolio into meaningful units How to use portfolio data in making business choices and decisions at the strategic and tactical levels The extent to which it is meaningful and reasonable to make comparisons across different portfolio segments How the portfolio management team can support the wider business in decision-making Target Audience This VILT course is specially designed for exploration and development geoscientists, E&P economists and finance staff, and E&P managers. Both technical and non-technical staff will benefit from the concepts presented. Companies are encouraged to send participants from different functions and seniority levels to gain great benefits especially those which would like to implement the concepts presented in this VILT course. Course Level Basic or Foundation Training Methods The VILT course will be delivered online in 4 half-day sessions comprising 4 hours per day, with 2 breaks of 10 minutes per day. The VILT course will be presented in an interactive workshop format that allows for discussion. Course Duration: 4 half-day sessions, 4 hours per session (16 hours in total). Trainer Your expert course leader draws on more than 35 years of experience managing, reviewing and directing projects in all aspects of the exploration business: from exploration business development (new ventures), through prospect maturation and drilling, to the appraisal of discoveries. He has more than 30 years' experience with Shell International, followed by 10 years consulting to NOCs in Asia Pacific, Africa and South America and independent oil companies in the United Kingdom, continental Europe and North America. Other than delivering industry training, he has worked on projects for oil & gas companies of all sizes, including independents, national oil companies and (super)-majors, private equity firms, hedge funds and investment banks, and leading management consulting firms. He is an alumnus of Cambridge University. He has M.A and Ph.D. degrees in geology and is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London as well as a respected speaker on management panels at international conferences. Professional Experience Management consultancy & executive education: Advice to investment banks, businesses and major consulting firms. Specialist expertise in upstream oil & gas, with in depth experience in exploration strategy, portfolio valuation and risk assessment. Leadership: Managed and led teams and departments ranging from 3 - 60 in size. Provided technical leadership to a cadre of 800 explorationists in Shell worldwide. Member of the 12-person VP team leading global exploration in Shell, a $3 bln p.a. business and recognised as the most effective and successful among its industry peers. Accountability & decision-making: Accountable for bottom-line results: in a range of successful exploration ventures with budgets ranging from $10's million to $100's million. Made, or contributed to, complex business decisions / investments, taking into account strategic, technical, commercial, organisational and political considerations. Corporate governance: Served as non-executive director on the Boards of the South Rub al Khali Company (oversight of gas exploration studies and drilling in Saudi Arabia) and SEAPOS B.V. (exploration deep-water drilling and facilities management). Technical & operations: Skilled in exploration opportunity evaluation, the technical de risking of prospects, portfolio analysis and managing the interface between exploration and well engineering activities. Unparalleled knowledge of the oil and gas basins of the world, and of different operating regimes and contractual structures, ranging from Alaska, Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, through to the Middle East, former Soviet Union, Far East and Australia. Safety: Following an unsatisfactory audit, became accountable for safety performance in Shell's exploration new ventures. Through personal advocacy and leadership of a small team, delivered pragmatic and effective HSE systems, tools and staff training / engagement and a dramatically improved safety record. R&D: Experience in the 3 key roles in R&D: scientific researcher, research manager, and 'customer' for R&D products. After re-defining Shell's exploration R&D strategy, led the re-structuring of the R&D organization, its interface with 'the business' and approaches to deployment and commercialization. Strategy: Accomplished at formulating competitive strategies in business, R&D and technology deployment, translating them into actionable tactics and results. Defined the exploration strategy of PDO (a Shell subsidiary in Oman) and latterly of Shell's global exploration programme. Professional education, behavioural/motivational coaching: Experienced in organisational re-design, change management, leadership education and talent development. Commercial skills: Personally negotiated drilling compensation claims, educational contracts and E&P contracts, with values of $5 million to $100+ million. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations

Best Practice in Portfolio Management in Upstream Oil and Gas
Delivered in Internationally or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,960 to £3,699

Portfolio, Programs, & Project Offices Practitioner: In-House

By IIL Europe Ltd

Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O®) Practitioner: In-House Training P3O® is the AXELOS standard for the design of decision-making processes regarding changes in organizations. P3O provides a guideline for the design of portfolio, programme, and project offices in organizations. The P3O Practitioner Course is an interactive learning experience. The P3O Practitioner-level content provides you with sufficient knowledge and understanding of the P3O guidance to design, implement, manage or work within any component office of a P3O model. It enables participants to successfully complete the associated P30 Practitioner exam and achieve the qualification. In this course, you will be prepared to successfully attempt the P3O Practitioner exam and learn how to implement or re-energize a P3O model in their own organization. What you will Learn At the end of the P3O Practitioner course, you will be able to: Define a business case to get senior management approval for P3O Build a right P3O model to adapt to the organization's needs, taking account of the organization's size and portfolio, programme and project management maturity Identify the elements, roles, and functions deployed in a generalized P3O model Use tools and techniques in running the P3O and advising those who shape the portfolio of programmes and projects Introduction to P3O What is the purpose of P3O? Definitions What are P3Os? Portfolio, programme, and project lifecycles Governance and the P3O Designing a P3O Model Factors that affect the design Design considerations What functions and services should the P3O offer? Roles and responsibilities Sizing and tailoring of the P3O model Why have a P3O? How a P3O adds value Maximizing that value Getting investment for the P3O Overcoming common barriers Timescales Why have a P3O (Extension)? The P3O Business Case The P3O Model Blueprint Vision Statement Demonstrating the Value KPIs The Benefits of Claimed Capabilities Benefit Realisation and Strategic Objectives Benefit Profile How to Implement or Re-Energize a P3O Implementation lifecycle for a permanent P3O Identify Define Deliver Close Implementation lifecycle for a temporary programme or project office Organizational context Definition and implementation Running Closing Recycling How to operate a P3O Overview of tools and techniques Benefits of using standard tools and techniques Critical success factors P3O tools P3O techniques

Portfolio, Programs, & Project Offices Practitioner: In-House
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,995

Portfolio, Programs, and Project Offices Foundation: In-House

By IIL Europe Ltd

Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O®) Foundation: In-House Training P3O® is the AXELOS standard for the design of decision-making processes regarding changes in organizations. P3O provides a guideline for the design of portfolio, programme, and project offices in organizations. The P3O Foundation course is an interactive learning experience. The P3O Foundation-level content provides you with sufficient knowledge and understanding of the P3O guidance to interact effectively with, or act as an informed member of, an office within a P3O model. It enables you to successfully complete the associated P30 Foundation exam and achieve the qualification. In this course, you will be prepared to successfully attempt the P3O Foundation exam and learn how to implement or re-energize a P3O model in their own organization. What you will Learn Individuals certified at the P3O Foundation level will be able to: Define a high-level P3O model and its component offices List the component offices in a P3O model Differentiate between Portfolio, Programme, and Project Management List the key functions and services of a P3O List the reasons for establishing a P3O model Compare different types of P3O models List the factors that influence selection of the most appropriate P3O model for an organization Define the processes to implement or re-energize a P3O Benefits: Fast-track programme for those who want to achieve P3O Foundation qualification Practical case study and scenarios Attractive slides and course book Introduction to P3O What is the purpose of P3O? Definitions What are P3Os? Portfolio, programme, and project lifecycles Governance and the P3O Designing a P3O Model Factors that affect the design Design considerations What functions and services should the P3O offer? Roles and responsibilities Sizing and tailoring of the P3O model Introduction to P3O What is the purpose of P3O? Definitions What are P3Os? Portfolio, programme, and project lifecycles Governance and the P3O Designing a P3O Model Factors that affect the design Design considerations What functions and services should the P3O offer? Roles and responsibilities Sizing and tailoring of the P3O model Why Have a P3O? How a P3O adds value Maximizing that value Getting investment for the P3O Overcoming common barriers Timescales How to Implement or Re-Energize a P3O Implementation lifecycle for a permanent P3O Identify Define Deliver Close Implementation lifecycle for a temporary programme or project office Organizational context Definition and implementation Running Closing Recycling How to Operate a P3O Overview of tools and techniques Benefits of using standard tools and techniques Critical success factors P3O tools P3O techniques

Portfolio, Programs, and Project Offices Foundation: In-House
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,995

Education & Training (HABC Level 3)

5.0(50)

By First Safety Training Services

If you are looking to get into teaching, or are currently working for an FE College, Independent Learning Provider or Local Authority, this is the course for you.

Education & Training (HABC Level 3)
Delivered In-Person in Nuneaton
£552

Management of Portfolios (MoP) Practitioner: In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

Management of Portfolios (MoP®) Practitioner: In-House Training In this MoP® Practitioner course, participants will have sufficient knowledge and understanding of how to apply and tailor the MoP guidance and to analyze portfolio data, documentation, and roles in relation to a given situation. MoP helps organizations ensure if the investments are done in the right, change initiatives, and implementing them correctly. This is achieved by: Prioritizing the programs and projects in terms of their contribution to the organization's strategic objectives and overall level of risk Managing the programs and projects consistently to ensure efficient and effective delivery Maximizing the benefit by providing the greatest return from the investment made What you will Learn Define the business case to get senior management approval for portfolio management Plan the implementation of portfolio management Select and adapt MoP principles, practices, and techniques to suit different organizational environments Evaluate examples of MoP information including documents and role descriptions Analyze the solutions adopted in relation to a given scenario Introduction Overview MoP Portfolio Definition Portfolio Management Roles Portfolio Management Documents MoP Practitioner Assignments Portfolio Management Documents Portfolio Delivery How to Implement Practice Exam MoP Practitioner Exam (taken online, after the class has ended)

Management of Portfolios (MoP) Practitioner: In-House Training
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,995

Management of Portfolios (MoP) Foundation: In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

Management of Portfolios (MoP®) Foundation: In-House Training In this MoP® Foundation course, participants will acquire the sufficient knowledge and understanding of the principles, cycles, practices, techniques, roles, responsibilities, documents, and organizational context within which portfolio management operates. MoP helps organizations ensure if the investments are done in the right change initiatives and implementing them correctly. This is achieved by: Prioritizing the programs and projects in terms of their contribution to the organization's strategic objectives and overall level of risk Managing the programs and projects consistently to ensure efficient and effective delivery Maximizing the benefit by providing the greatest return from the investment made What You Will Learn Individuals certified at the MoP Foundation level will be able to: Define the scope and objectives of portfolio management and how it differs from program and project management List the benefits of applying portfolio management Explain the context it operates in List the principles upon which successful portfolio management is based on List the different approaches to implement MoP List the factors required to maintain the progress and assess the success of portfolio management State the purpose and key content of the major portfolio documents Define the scope of key portfolio management roles Introduction: MoP Scenario Background of the Methodology The MoP Principles Senior Management Commitment Governance Alignment Strategy Alignment Portfolio Office Energized Change Culture The MoP Definition Cycle Roles and Responsibilities The MoP Delivery Cycle Management control Benefits management Financial management Risk management Stakeholder engagement Organizational governance Resource management The MoP Framework Recap

Management of Portfolios (MoP) Foundation: In-House Training
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,995

PfMP Exam Prep: In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

PfMP® Exam Prep: In-House Training This is an intensive PfMP® Exam preparation course. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. First and foremost, this is an intensive PfMP® exam preparation course. Over the course, we go beyond exam prep to provide selected practice in applying key portfolio management skills, tools, and techniques. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. The journey zooms in and out between governance context and specific operational activities. The ultimate goal is practical application, with the bonus of certification along the way. What You Will Learn By the end of this program, you will be able to: Align and manage the portfolio, strategically, to satisfy organizational objectives and priorities, through benefit realization Articulate and emulate the role of a portfolio manager Apply the principles and skills of a portfolio manager to your real-world environment Study and prepare for the PfMP® Examination Apply for the certification, per the PMI PfMP Handbook and pass the initial panel review on your application Getting Started Course Overview Details of the PfMP® Certification process Foundation Concepts Projects, program, and portfolios A portfolio management process Strategy and value The role of the portfolio manager The role of key stakeholders Life cycle management The Portfolio Life Cycle Overview of Life Cycle Portfolio Management Information System (PMIS) Governance within the Portfolio Life Cycle Strategic Management Strategy concepts Supporting documentation and the strategic plan Planning and optimization Organizational risk appetite Managing strategic change Governance Management Overview and Guiding Principles The Concept of Governance Effective Design Factors Governance Roles Capacity and Capability Management Overview and Guiding Principles Capacity Management and Planning Supply and Demand (Management and Optimization) Organization Capabilities (Assessment and Development) Performance Management (Reporting, Analytics, and Balance) Stakeholder Engagement The Importance of Stakeholders Overview and Guiding Principles Definition and Identification Analysis and Planning Communications Approaches and Management Value Management Overview (Guiding Principles, Definition, and Components) Negotiating Expected Value Maximizing Value Assuring Value Realizing Value Measuring and Reporting Value A Look at Tools Risk Management Overview and Guiding Principles Portfolio Risk Planning Portfolio Risk Identification Portfolio Risk Assessment Portfolio Risk Response Examination Content Outline (ECO) Overview Structure Strategic Tasks Mapping Governance Tasks Mapping Performance Tasks Mapping Risk Tasks Mapping Communication Tasks Mapping List of Knowledge and Skills Exam Prep and Practice Overview Documenting experience Submitting the application Preparing to sit for the exam

PfMP Exam Prep: In-House Training
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,695

Educators matching "Portfolio"

Show all 6
Mayer Environmental Ltd.

mayer environmental ltd.

London

Mayer Environmental is an established consultancy and training provider which is a specialist in the metals, waste, recycling and resource management sectors, the training division is known as MET Academy. MET Academy is an independent training provider which is located close to the M6, in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. We have a proven track record in providing a range of outstanding work based training and assessment solutions to regional and national employers within the waste, recycling and resource management sectors. We offer a wide range of up to date, flexible and relevant training opportunities, which can be delivered on your premises or ours. Training is delivered throughout the UK and training has been delivered within Europe and the US. We deliver a range of vocational training programmes which are designed to meet the operational and strategic needs of our learners and employers. Our portfolio includes Apprenticeship training, Functional Skills, nationally accredited training programmes and short courses which can support continuous professional development but also ensures compliance with the appropriate regulators. Our strategy is focussed on maintaining and developing excellent working relationships with employers and appropriate bodies within the sector to ensure that we are delivering training which is truly employer-led. Prior to commencing any training within any organisation, we will work with the employer to develop a training package that supports and enhances short and long term strategic aims. For the individual training is a great motivator and can support you to reach your full potential and facilitate career progression. We offer a free consultancy service to businesses who wish to work with us to use training as a mechanism to facilitate change, succession and continuous improvement.

Nine Arches Press

nine arches press

Warwickshire

NINE ARCHES PRESS was founded in 2008 and emerged from an awareness of the local literary landscape and a desire to provide a platform for new and emerging poets. As a result, Under the Radar magazine was set up first, and Nine Arches Press swiftly moved onto publishing pamphlets by October of that year. By the following year we had brought out our first two full-length poetry collections, and a further batch of poetry pamphlets and issues of the magazine. Since 2008, Nine Arches has continued onwards and upwards, publishing poetry and continuing to develop Under the Radar magazine. In 2010, two of our pamphlets (The Terrors by Tom Chivers and The Titanic Cafe closes its doors and hits the rocks by David Hart, both now out of print) were shortlisted for the Michael Marks Poetry Pamphlet prize. Next, Mark Goodwin's book Shod won the 2011 East Midlands Book Award. In 2017, All My Mad Mothers by Jacqueline Saphra was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Poetry Prize. Our titles have also been shortlisted for the Michael Murphy Prize, and in 2016 David Clarke's debut poems, Arc, was longlisted for the Polari Prize. To date we have now published over seventy poetry publications, and 20 issues of Under the Radar magazine (and counting). In addition to publishing, we are keen to participate in the wider creative community of writing, listening, reading and sharing. We run regular creative writing workshops, and offer workshops and masterclasses at a variety of festivals. We also co-run Leicester Shindig, a bi-monthly poetry open mic night, at The Western in Leicester, and are involved in a variety of live poetry events both regionally and nationally. Nine Arches Press places a high value on good, concise editing and in working closely with all of our authors and poets to ensure high-quality publications that we will both be proud to put our names to. Our status as an independent press gives us freedom to take risks and closely support the writers whose work we really believe in. Nine Arches’ aim is to publish bold, diverse and distinctive new writing, an invitation to an adventure in poetry for our readers. When looking for new writers to publish, the priority is always towards work that will excite, surprise or delight readers. With eclectic and wide-ranging tastes inspiring and informing Nine Arches Press, we do not believe in defining a 'type' or genre of work to publish, beyond saying that the main criteria is to select high-quality original work with a unique voice all of its own. We are also keen to increase the amount of poetry we consider and publish by writers from diverse backgrounds, and actively encourage submissions from writers who have been traditionally under-represented in poetry publishing in the UK. Nine Arches Press is proud to have become a member of Inpress, the UK’s specialist in selling books produced by independent publishers, in January 2013 – our titles are now represented by Inpress and our trade distribution is handled by NBN International. We kindly acknowledge the support of Arts Council England and we are a National Portfolio Organisation (from April 2018).

Digital West Midlands

digital west midlands

London

We are pleased to share that WMCA have now launched the West Midlands Digital Roadmap, which was unveiled recently at WM Venturefest. Please see the official press release below: WMCA unveils plan for region’s digital future The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has launched its plan to give the region a digital reboot, with an aim to tackle digital exclusion, reach net zero and support a post-Covid recovery. The WMCA Digital Roadmap was presented at Venturefest West Midlands, one of the region’s top business events for digital entrepreneurs. This year’s keynote speaker was Ben Francis, the West Midlands-based founder of billion-dollar sportswear brand Gymshark. The plan outlines five missions to digitise the region, including becoming the UK’s best digitally connected region and increasing access to digital opportunities by tackling digital exclusion. The plan will build on the successes of the region’s 5G testbed and its innovation in transport, and make the most unique regional opportunities like HS2, the Commonwealth Games, and Coventry City of Culture. The Digital Roadmap was launched at Venturefest by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands. He said: “This Roadmap sets out an ambitious plan for the West Midlands – to become a technologically advanced, forward looking digital economy, where everybody has access to the internet and data is used to improve our public services. Imbedding the latest technology into our economy will also help us reach net zero, where innovation still has a huge role to play in reducing the burden on us to change the way we live our lives. “Growth has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, but despite the adversity, there is also opportunity. The pandemic has accelerated the switch to digital and highlighted the need for a better-connected economy. To bounce back, we must weave digital into the way we do business. This means more digital bootcamps to train us for the jobs of the future; more digital devices to connect our residents to opportunities; and more innovation to help us reduce our carbon footprint and save the planet.” The Roadmap has been developed over the last six months and has been approved by the WMCA Board. As well as aiming to make the West Midlands the most digitally connected region in the UK, the roadmap aims to address the issue of the ‘digital divide’. Since the start of the pandemic many firms have quickly adapted to their employees working from home and communicating online. However, lots of small business have struggled to adopt technology fast enough and some families have struggled with home schooling due to a lack of devices or unaffordable connections. The plan sets out to ensure the region remains number one in leadership on 5G, there will be an accelerated full fibre rollout, and 4G connectivity will be boosted. The roadmap highlights key sectors to support where the region is already globally competitive: Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) in Coventry; data-driven healthcare in Birmingham and Solihull, and the gaming industry’s ‘Silicon Spa’ in Warwickshire. Venturefest West Midlands was founded to provides entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to meet, engage and exchange ideas for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of science and emerging technologies. It is led by the WMCA along with local enterprise partnerships, universities and business organisations. Also speaking at the event was Kari Lawler who launched a start-up at the age of 14 and is also a member of the Young Combined Authority said: “Through my AI youth initiative, YOUTH4AI I have been able to communicate to young people the importance and possibilities of AI. “The West Midlands has a young population which will benefit from a decrease in the digital divide and an increase in digital connectivity.” Cllr Patrick Harley, WMCA portfolio lead for Culture and Digital and leader of Dudley Council said: “Digital connectivity is going to be vital to our economic recovery and harnessing digital innovation will enable economic growth for the next decade and beyond. “This roadmap will help us realise the potential of digital to transform our economy and build economic resilience, firmly putting the West Midlands on the map as the most digitally connected region.”