Empowering SME’s. Lessons from CWCC’s Digital Overhaul
Guest blog by Clare Golby, Digital Transformation Manager at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce #StrongerTechEconomies #Midlands
At Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce we know that meaningful change starts from within. My role as Digital Transformation Manager is all about improving how we here at the Chamber of Commerce leverage technology as an organisation, ensuring that we’re equipped to support businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire in the most effective ways possible.
Driving Digital Transformation from Within
Change starts at home, and I am privileged to lead our organisation’s ambitious journey towards becoming one of the most digitally integrated Chambers of Commerce in the UK.
By focusing on smarter, more efficient internal systems, we’re not only future proofing ourselves but also setting a working example to our members of what’s achievable when you embrace digital transformation.
Building Strong Foundations
One of the biggest challenges for any organisation is recognising when old systems are holding you back, then knowing where to start looking for new ones. Over time, workarounds and outdated tools can lead to inefficiencies that eat up time and resources. My job is to identify those pain points and find solutions that make a real difference.
At Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber we’ve been overhauling our IT infrastructure, including implementing cloud-based systems and looking at how we can integrate AI platforms into our digital landscape to improve how our teams collaborate both internally and with clients. These changes might not be visible externally, but they’re crucial for ensuring we can deliver better support for businesses across the area. What we are doing could be replicated in any number of the businesses we support, enhancing productivity, user satisfaction and business resilience.
Empowering SMEs: The Backbone of Our Economy
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the bedrock of Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy. Yet, as I have often stated, the path to digitalisation is not without its challenges. Businesses operating on tight budgets face difficult decisions when fiscal pressures increase, risking delays to crucial digital upgrades. For our region to keep pace with national and industry-wide advancements, it’s essential that SMEs are supported, by organisations like ours, to fully embrace digital transformation.
The West Midlands is home to a vibrant and fast-growing tech sector, and we’re determined to play our part in strengthening it. For Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, this means continuing to invest in our own digital capabilities, ensuring we remain a reliable and innovative partner for the businesses we support.
Work Smarter not Harder
Most SME’s are not tech industry experts, nor do they have the capacity to employ someone full time in this field. They are however delivery experts in their own field.
Digital transformation may seem like a daunting task but organisations, like Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and TechUK are here to help, connecting businesses to the right industry experts who can help them understand and achieve their goals.
Leading by Example
Although my role is internal, the work we’re doing has a ripple effect. By demonstrating how digital transformation can streamline operations and improve outcomes, we’re providing a blueprint for the businesses we support.
Our recent move to modernise IT systems across the Chamber of Commerce has already shown tangible benefits. It’s proof that even long-standing organisations can evolve and adapt to new ways of working—and that doing so doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
In any organisation digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new technology—it’s about changing how we think, work, and deliver value and then adopting the righttechnology to support improved outcomes and business sustainability.
West Midlands Impact Day: Celebrating Tech and Digital Innovation
Welcome to the West Midlands Impact Day, where we proudly showcase a diverse collection of articles and videos highlighting the transformative power of technology and innovation.
techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here
Meet the Investors: Leeds
Meet the Investors is a series of events helping UK tech SMEs navigate scale-up finance. Each event connects SMEs with investors and experts to share insights, funding tips, and networking opportunities.
techUK’s Scottish Parliamentary Reception, 28 October
This reception will provide attendees, including MSPS, with an insight into techUK’s upcoming work, and the opportunity to discuss how the tech sector can grow in Scotland. Places are limited and we are currently operating a waiting list.
UK DES25 will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the role of digital innovation in driving economic growth, business competitiveness, and global talent development. As part of UK DES25, techUK will release the latest data from the Local Digital Index, showing the strength of different local tech ecosystems across the UK
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Francesca Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
