Birmingham Council Partners With Maybe* to Support 300+ Local Businesses

Over 57% of small businesses in the West Midlands now use AI, and 84% view it as a positive force for growth. Birmingham City Council partnered with Maybe* to deliver AI-driven digital support and training that gives more than 300 local businesses access to round-the-clock assistance.

Why the timing matters

AI adoption among West Midlands small businesses remains below the UK national average, with many owners citing uncertainty about where to start. The council’s work with Maybe* addresses that gap directly by providing practical tools rather than abstract advice.

Construction firms benefiting from HS2 and regeneration projects, along with professional-services companies, are already using AI to handle invoice chasing, scheduling and compliance paperwork. These sectors show how the technology fits existing local workflows without requiring new technical staff.

Evidence from recent local activity

Free hands-on training for owners with zero technical background took place in Birmingham on June 12, 2026, and featured Anthropic’s Claude for Small Business tool. The session formed part of the wider Maybe* rollout that the council has already extended to more than 300 firms.

Businesses that complete the training receive ongoing access to the Maybe* platform, which handles routine digital tasks and answers questions at any hour. Owners who have taken part report faster progress on admin tasks that previously consumed hours each week.

West Midlands firms planning next steps can register for future council-supported sessions through the Maybe* service or check the Birmingham City Council business-support pages for upcoming dates. The focus remains on straightforward, no-code applications that match the needs already identified by local sectors.