Free business support to offset the impact of Covid-19

Covid-19 has dramatically changed the way we live our lives and run our businesses. Amongst the many consequences of Covid-19, SMEs have suffered from forced closures, disruptions to supply chains and a great level of uncertainty.    

The Birmingham Energy Institute’s SME Engagement Programme, ATETA, is offering SME businesses based in the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire free support to offset the impact of Covid-19.

Eligible businesses can receive support in writing funding applications, drafting proposals and Solidwork/CAD drawings of products. 

Businesses can also gain access to expertise from our world-leading researchers and explore how their businesses might save costs, develop new products and improve processes. Research and application advice is available in the following subject areas:

  • Energy Storage
  • Strategic Elements and Critical Materials
  • Thermal analysis
  • Thermodynamic assessment of various systems including power generation and cooling systems using Matlab or EES Software
  • Solar systems analysis
  • The potential use of robotics in production lines
  • Computational fluid dynamic simulation
  • Mechanical Engineering, including design, modelling, tribological testing, drawing and knowledge management
  • Evaluation of waste materials and conversion to fuels and chemicals
  • Upgrading and enrichment of liquid fuels
  • Recovery of fibres from composite materials and their reuse in new materials
  • Process simulation 

Speaking about this offering of support, David Terry, Business Engagement Manager for ATETA said: “I am delighted that our academics from across the Birmingham Energy Institute have been able to extend this free offering of support to SMEs. Covid-19 has drastically impacted how SMEs operate and so we are hoping this free support can help businesses overcome some of the challenges they are facing and unlock business opportunities.”

Businesses interested in receiving this support should register their interest via ateta@contacts.bham.ac.uk