Amazon Innovation Accelerator
WITH AMAZON AND AMAZON WEB SERVICES (AWS)
If you are interested in participating, nominating a colleague, or have follow up questions, please reach out directly.
About the Amazon Innovation Accelerator (AIA)
The AIA is an exclusive initiative that invites small business owners into Amazon’s operations across the UK to understand first-hand how we have scaled. With support from local chambers of commerce, it provides small businesses in the UK with free training and unique best practices on how to innovate and grow.
What do businesses benefit from?
The program provides small business owners with:
- Practical training workshops on topics including leadership and management, continuous improvement and adopting a growth mindset.
- Insights into Amazon’s approach to innovation and adopting new technologies, including a walk-through of one of Amazon’s sites to see the tech in practice.
- Virtual masterclasses with guest speakers on topics including data, digitalisation, sustainability and social value.
- Networking opportunities with Amazon’s teams and other participating businesses.
Previous attendee testimonials
“The main current challenge that we face is the impact of next gen technology, specifically AI. Working with Amazon today will give us an insight into a large organisation with structured innovation thinking and that will filter down into an SME like us. A lot of what we’ve seen today is relevant to us. Even though we have a few dozen members of staff, we know we can get more innovation out of our people and make sure that our business is a better one from them to work in.” - Leon Calverley, Founder & Director, Door4
“It’s great to learn from Amazon and see what we can apply to our business. It’s a challenge every day to be more innovative and supply our customers with different products and solutions. One of the things I’ve learned already is that, no matter what size your business is, so much depends on the culture that you foster within it and how you engage with people. We’re a much smaller business than Amazon, but there’s still things that we can learn and apply.” - David Probert, Business Development Director, Seddon Plant & Engineers
“This programme is a fantastic example of industry working to support small businesses and local communities." - Kevin Hollinrake MP, Business Minister, UK Government
Agenda
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Day 1 [10:00 AM - 17:45 PM]
Welcome – Program Introduction
Fulfilment Centre – Approach to Innovation
Fulfilment Centre Site Tour
Introduction to AWS
Culture of Innovation
Working Backwards – Frame the Challenge
Closing
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Day 2 [10:00 AM - 17:45 PM]
Welcome - Program Recap
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
Fulfilment Centre Site Tour
Creating a Mechanism within Your Business
Local Authority/Partner Session
Closing
Event Schedule
The Accelerator will be available in seven locations across the country:
- Bolton (27th March - 23rd April)
- Swansea (TBA)
- Sutton Coldfield (7th June - 28th June)
- Stockton-on-Tees (11th June - 3rd July)
- Dunfermline (30th August & 23rd September)
- Wakefield (17th September & 15th October)
- Dartford (12th September & 4th October)
Disclaimer: the event dates mentioned (with*) are tentative and subject to change. We will communicate the final confirmed dates closer to the event. Please email aia-uk@amazon.com for more information.
How can businesses apply?
Small to Medium sized businesses employing 10 or more staff and generating a turnover of at least £1 million are eligible to apply for participation in the Accelerator.
Businesses can apply to be part of the cohort in one of the locations listed above. Application forms for some regions will open closer to the start date.
Bringing the best from
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally. Small and medium business enterprises are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster.
Amazon supports over 12,000 small businesses in the North West to grow and export. It has also invested over £3.2 billion in the North West since 2010, including creating over 6,000 full and part-time jobs.
Fife Chamber of Commerce exists to strengthen our local business community in Scotland through knowledge, key partnerships and valued connections.
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest accredited Chamber of Commerce in the UK, representing the 10 Local Authority areas in Greater Manchester. We promote commerce, community and culture in the region. We are an independent, not-for-profit company that exists to support businesses and create the best climate for the region to thrive.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.
If you are interested in participating, nominating a colleague, or have follow up questions, please reach out directly to aia-uk@amazon.com.