Empowering SME’s. Lessons from CWCC’s Digital Overhaul

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 Over time, workarounds and outdated tools can lead to inefficiencies that eat up time and resources.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 right technology to support improved outcomes and business sustainability.

Nations and Regions Programme activities

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