Business owners in Birmingham will hear from former Dragons’ Den investor Piers Linney MBE tomorrow (Wednesday 7 October) as HSBC UK’s Strategies for Success series arrives in the city.
The free event, part of HSBC UK’s Small Business Growth Programme, will also feature Jason Sahota, Chair of Tech West Midlands, alongside HSBC economists and experts from Microsoft and Wired. Speakers will offer practical ideas on leadership, productivity, technology and sustainable growth.
Piers Linney MBE will speak to business owners and decision makers from Birmingham and the surrounding areas about spotting opportunities, overcoming setbacks and scaling with confidence. Jason Sahota will bring a regional perspective, reflecting on the West Midlands’ growing technology sector and the value of stronger relationships between businesses, investors and local partners.
The programme will include:
- Practical guidance on leadership, business growth and scaling
- Insights into artificial intelligence and technology from Microsoft and Wired
- The latest macroeconomic outlook from HSBC economists
- Opportunities to connect with other local business owners and decision makers
- Real world examples from businesses that have successfully grown and adapted
Piers Linney MBE said: “Ambition creates opportunities, but lasting growth requires clear decisions and the confidence to act. Successful businesses stay focused on the problem they solve, listen to customers and adapt when plans change.
“Today’s technology gives smaller companies new ways to improve productivity, understand their markets and compete at scale, but strong leadership and disciplined execution remain essential. I look forward to sharing practical lessons with Birmingham’s entrepreneurs and discussing how they can use their strengths, networks and technology to take the next step with confidence.”
Jason Sahota, Chair of Tech West Midlands, said: “The West Midlands has a diverse and ambitious technology community, with founders and businesses developing solutions that can support growth across the region and beyond. Tech West Midlands brings together the people, organisations and opportunities that can help that ecosystem build momentum.
“As a company working across the region’s technology ecosystem, our role is to connect founders, investors, corporates, universities and policymakers. The Birmingham event is an opportunity to share what we are seeing across the sector and discuss how collaboration, access to expertise and stronger networks can help businesses scale.”
Mark Lupton, Regional Director, West Midlands, SME Business Banking, HSBC UK, said: “Running a business can be demanding, particularly when owners are balancing immediate priorities with decisions about future investment. This event gives businesses a chance to hear directly from experienced leaders and consider approaches they can apply to their own circumstances.
“By bringing together business insight, local connections and practical examples, Strategies for Success is designed to help owners identify the actions that matter most for their next stage. We want this to help SMEs build resilience, invest with purpose and contribute to the West Midlands economy.”
Following events in 2025, the 2026 Strategies for Success series is visiting 10 locations across the UK between September and November. The Small Business Growth Programme provides free resources, events, guidance and training to help small businesses start, develop and thrive.
