The partnership will see Gateley offer expertise and mentoring to entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses based at STEAMhouse; support students and graduates by giving them exposure to real-world business challenges, skills development, and collaboration opportunities; and create avenues for academics and researchers to apply knowledge and creativity in practical, industry-linked settings.

The partnership dates back to Gateley’s early support for BCU in the early days of business incubation at Millennium Point and builds on years of support for numerous STEAMhouse members through mentoring, business advice, and legal guidance.

In addition, Gateley’s branding will also feature prominently across the £70m state-of-the-art campus and provide the group with access to STEAMhouse’s podcast studio to create additional content.

The move also supports BCU’s ‘Strategy 2030’, reinforcing the University’s position as an anchor institution supporting business and industry in the region.

Sam Meiklejohn, partner at Gateley, said: “Birmingham has a vibrant innovation community and STEAMhouse sits at its very heart.

“This partnership allows us to support the next generation of entrepreneurs coming out of the region and helps to turn those ideas and ambitions into commercial ventures that drive long-term growth and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the city.”

Professor Nick Morton, academic director of partnerships and STEAM, said: “Our partnership with Gateley is about more than space sponsorship – it’s about creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect, collaborate and learn from each other.

“Whether it’s students gaining real-world experience, researchers applying their expertise in industry settings, or businesses accessing fresh ideas from emerging talent, this partnership demonstrates how we’re delivering on our Strategy 2030 and our role as an anchor institution for the city and region.”