Telford attracts global AI firm

A pioneering tech company has chosen Telford as its UK base to launch a ground-breaking platform designed to help small businesses grow faster and more efficiently.

Aspire Pinnacle (trading under Aspire Vita) is now based at The Quad – Telford & Wrekin Council’s digital, skills and enterprise hub in the heart of Telford Town Centre. Their move strengthens the Borough’s position as a growing destination for innovation, digital skills, and high-quality job creation.

Their new platform, Aspire Blueprint, uses artificial intelligence to automate the production of tailored business advisory reports. This can help business support providers such as Invest Telford, growth hubs, consultants, and councils to deliver high-value advice to more SMEs more efficiently.

Mahesh Pappu, founder and CEO of Aspire Vita, said: “We believe we’ve built a highly impactful product. Aspire Blueprint saves weeks of manual work and gives small businesses the kind of insights that are usually only accessible to larger firms.

"Being based in Telford and at The Quad in particular has provided the perfect launchpad to develop and scale the platform with the support of Invest Telford and the UKSPF grant.”

Aspire Vita relocated to the UK in 2022 through the Global Entrepreneur Programme, with the support of European Innovation and the Department for Business and Trade. They are one of several new international investors choosing Telford for its connected location, growing digital sector, and supportive business environment.

Pavan Kumar Gathala, the co-founder and CTO of Aspire Vita, said: "AI is reshaping how local businesses operate, driving efficiency, smarter decisions, and sustainable growth. Aspire Vita empowers businesses with tailored AI solutions that solve real challenges, enhance performance, and unlock new opportunities. We're here to make innovation accessible, practical, and impactful for every local enterprise."

Tim Luft, director of European Innovation, said: “Aspire Vita is a brilliant example of how international innovators can scale successfully in the UK with the right local support. Telford has shown again that it can offer the environment, connections and ambition that globally minded tech companies need.”

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for the economy, said: “We’re proud to welcome Aspire Vita to Telford. Their decision to base themselves at The Quad - a centre for digital innovation and learning - reflects our ambition to bridge the skills and employment gap through meaningful business investment. Aspire Blueprint is an exciting example of how digital tools can help small businesses and communities thrive.”

Aspire Blueprint is now being piloted with partners in Telford, with early interest from local retail advisors and business support teams.

To find out more about investment opportunities in Telford, visit: www.investtelford.co.uk

Pictured: from right to left, Nigel Birch (European Innovation), Pavan Kumar Gathala (Aspire Vita), Cllr Ollie Vickers (Telford & Wrekin Council), Mahesh Pappu (Aspire Vita) and Tim Luft (European Innovation)