Launching digital accelerator offering 50 funded feasibility reports to local SMEs

Birmingham-based AI and software consultancy B13 scooped the “pioneer” award at Birmingham’s flagship annual business event.

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business Awards 2026 ceremony, held at the ICC in central Birmingham, was attended by 1,000 guests and honoured outstanding businesses from across the West Midlands. 

B13 received the accolade in recognition of its work to make AI and bespoke software development accessible and commercially viable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The GBCC introduced the “pioneer” award to celebrate businesses demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering meaningful change within the Greater Birmingham business community, combining innovation, impact and accessibility.

Tom Haworth, founder of B13, said: “Bespoke software built around your business, at half the cost of traditional development, on a simple monthly subscription. No big upfront capital investment. No bloated SaaS platform full of features you’ll never use. That’s the model and the innovation the judges recognised.”

A practical roadmap for regional SMEs

The award follows the launch of B13’s Guide for Manufacturers, a free resource helping UK-based SME manufacturers understand how digitalisation and AI can improve speed to quote, profit margins and return on investment.

Today (May 26) B13 will partner with Tech WM to launch the West Midlands Digital Accelerator, offering 50 funded feasibility reports to local SMEs.

B13 specialises in bespoke AI and software development, enabling businesses to map operations and develop digital tools within a fixed scope and price through its trademarked Venture Mapping process.