More than 15 businesses have taken part in the Amazon Innovation Accelerator at the company’s state-of-the-art robotics fulfilment centre in Warrington.
The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is a unique training initiative that brings small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into Amazon’s operations to see first-hand how the company approaches innovation. Through a behind-the-scenes view of its operation in Warrington, the Accelerator gives local businesses the chance to learn from one of the world’s largest and most dynamic companies.
Launched in 2023, the Amazon Innovation Accelerator is a free training programme that combines in-person workshops led by senior Amazon leaders, site tours, demonstrations of the company’s latest technologies and online learning. The programme was created by Amazon to help SME’s boost their productivity though the adoption of proven strategies in areas such as automation, machine learning, and operational efficiency.
Participating businesses from the North West benefitted from learning about Amazon’s innovation culture and working practices that they can apply in their own businesses.
“After the success of last year’s Amazon Innovation Accelerator, we’re excited to be expanding the activity this year to cover a total of twelve locations across the UK,” said Amazon’s UK Regional Director Neil Travis. “Our aim with the Accelerator has always been to support UK businesses to grow and create a culture of innovation in their own teams. We’re looking forward to continuing this, driving growth in businesses like ChroME in Warrington and across the country.”
ChroME is one of the businesses that attended the Accelerator in Warrington. Kate Harrison, the founder of the business, shared their experience and encouraged others to apply for the free programme.
ChroME is a revolutionary new modality that fuses ancient healing practices with modern-day life by utilising colour as a tool for wellbeing.
“I love helping people bring colour back into their lives and businesses,” says Kate. “For over 20 years, I worked with colour every single day in my career as a stylist. Wanting to understand the deeper science and energy behind it, I went on to study advanced diplomas in chromotherapy, colour psychology, and colour healing. That’s when I truly learned how to harness the power of colour to support emotional and mental wellbeing – not just for myself, but for others too.”
Kate discovered the Amazon Innovation Accelerator through a LinkedIn post shared by a friend. She explains: “I thought it sounded really interesting, especially the tech side of things. That’s where I see a huge gap in what I’m doing and something the Accelerator could really help with. For instance, I want to develop an AI-powered tool that helps people use colour to improve their wellbeing. I can clearly visualise what I want, but I need support in turning that into a tangible, user-friendly digital experience.”
Kate is now working with AWS to bring many of the ideas sparked during the Accelerator to life.
“I’m a creative by nature and not very tech-savvy, so having access to a knowledgeable team to guide and support me has been invaluable,” she says.
One of the highlights of the Accelerator experience for Kate was the tour of the fulfilment centre: “It wasn’t just about showcasing cutting-edge technology – it was about the solutions-focused mindset behind it all. ChroME is all about offering real, practical solutions to improve wellbeing, and that’s something Amazon does brilliantly. I was inspired by the culture of openness, innovation, and possibility.”
Would she recommend the Accelerator to other small business founders?
“One hundred percent I would—even if you think you’re too small or not ready. The truth is, you’ll never feel ready. But change is happening, and it’s exciting. So take the leap and go for it!”
The programme is part of Amazon’s ongoing commitment to supporting local economies and driving innovation in the communities where it operates.
SMEs operating across all sectors that are looking to embrace digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and scale their business using proven innovation strategies, should apply for participation at future events. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.aia.growthstudio.com
