Description

BRIC Talks Event No.2 - Brownfield Remediation Technology

About this Event

Own or occupy a brownfield site or thinking about buying such a site or renting premises on one? Not sure about the advantages and disadvantages? Want to know more about what might be involved in developing brownfield land or the latest techniques available to support your development?

BRIC Talks could be a good place for you to start. The talks will focus on topics which help underpin the successful development and re-use of brownfield sites such as tax incentives, new building scanning techniques and assessment of sites, followed by time for networking.

BRIC Talks - Event No.2

We are delighted to host the second in a series of talks and networking events. We have the pleasure in welcoming Paul Pearson of Dunton Environmental Ltd who will discuss Brownfield Remediation Technology. The cost of remediation can often deter many developers from utilising brownfield land, especially as heavy contamination can make it an even more daunting and challenging task.

Paul will be providing an overview of the latest technologies being utilised in brownfield remediation to deliver a cost effective service, such as turning waste into an asset with Duntons innovative circular economy business model.

This event is being held on Tuesday 3rd December 2019, 9am - 10.30am

Location: ECMS building, University of Wolverhampton, Springfield Campus, Cambridge Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JR.

Arrive: 9am for 9.15am start

Introduction by BRIC team – 9.15am

Guest Speaker – 9.20 – 9.40am

Networking – 9.40 – 10.15am

Register:

We look forward to welcoming you to this event. Please register your attendance via Eventbrite. If you have any queries, please email the BRIC team at BRIC@wlv.ac.uk

About us:

This series of events has been created by the University of Wolverhampton Brownfield Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) which supports the regeneration and re-use of brownfield sites for social, domestic and business purposes. The Centre, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is able to provide assistance to qualifying Black Country SMEs in areas such as:

• Soil Scanning

• Soil Analysis and Remediation Techniques

• Building and Ground Scanning

• Geographic Information Systems

• Water Contamination, Ground Stabilisation and Demolition

www.wlv.ac.uk/bric

Twitter: @BRICerdf

About our guest speaker

Paul Pearson is SHEQ Director at Dunton Environmental Ltd. A highly qualified health and safety expert with vast experience in assisting clients with health and safety matters on a consultancy basis, including auditing and monitoring of health and safety systems. Paul is an expert at devising bespoke training packages on all matters relating to health and safety within the construction sector, as well as general health and safety in the workplace

https://duntonenvironmental.com/

Travel to the event:

The University of Wolverhampton Springfield Campus, where the ECMS building is housed, is currently under development. Due to building works, there is no on-site parking and street parking is limited. Wolverhampton railway station is only a 5-10 minute walk away as are local pay and display car parks operated by Wolverhampton City Council. The following link identifies the nearest car parks which are located at Faulkland Crescent and Broad Street.

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/city-centre-car-parks

Description

Welcome to the launch of the West Midlands Creative Scale Up Programme.

The West Midlands Creative Scale Up Programme is a 2 year programme funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport that aims to help Creative Businesses in the region with support including Access to Finance, Marketing, Value and Pricing, Intellectual Property and Contract Law, Business Growth and Scaling Up and Sales, Pitching and Presenting support.

The Programme aims to work with a raft of Creative Businesses across the region including screen, gaming, VR, AI, performing arts, marketing, PR, design, architecture, galleries, theatres etc…

Those businesses with an interest in receiving investment will then be introduced to a number of different investors and funding streams through Showcase Events which will happen biannually.

Agenda:

09:15 Arrival and Networking

09:50 Introduction to the Creative Scale Up Programme (Fiona Latter Programme Manager, West Midlands Creative Scale Up Programme)

10:00 Welcome address / Formal Launch of the Programme (Andy Street – Mayor of the West Midlands)

10:15 Introduction from Simon Blake, Deputy Director for Creative Industries, Department of Culture, Media and Sport

10:30 Break

10:40 Introduction from 3 Creative Businesses based in the West Midlands (Fiona Latter)

10:45 Imagineer

11:05 Vermillion Films

11.25 Simworx

11:45 Break

11:55 The Bull Ring for the Creative Scale Up Programme (facilitated by Bart Dalton Consulting)

5 x Creative Scale Up Workshop providers to ‘pitch’ their workshops to the audience

This is an opportunity for those businesses who are interested in participating in the WM Creative Scale Up Programme to find out more about the different types of business support that will be offered throughout the duration of the Programme.

12:35 Question and answer session.

12:45 Closing remarks (Fiona Latter)

12:50 Lunch and Networking

1:45 End of session

To ensure your place please register your attendance.

Description

BRIC Talks Event No.3 - Application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) within brownfield development projects

About this Event

Own or occupy a brownfield site or thinking about buying such a site or renting premises on one? Not sure about the advantages and disadvantages? Want to know more about what might be involved in developing brownfield land or the latest techniques available to support your development?

BRIC Talks could be a good place for you to start. The talks will focus on topics which help underpin the successful development and re-use of brownfield sites such as tax incentives, new building scanning techniques and assessment of sites, followed by time for networking.

BRIC Talks - Event No.3

We are delighted to host the third in a series of talks and networking events. We have the pleasure in welcoming Matthew Guy, of Geomatrix Earth Science Ltd, who will discuss the Application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) within brownfield development projects.

This event is being held on Tuesday 28th January 2020, 9am - 10.30am

Location: ECMS building, University of Wolverhampton, Springfield Campus, Cambridge Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JR.

Arrive: 9am for 9.15am start

Introduction by BRIC team – 9.15am

Guest Speaker – 9.20 – 9.40am

Networking – 9.40 – 10.15am

Register:

We look forward to welcoming you to this event. Please register your attendance via Eventbrite.

If you have any queries, please contact the BRIC team via email BRIC@wlv.ac.uk.

About us:

This series of events has been created by the University of Wolverhampton Brownfield Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) which supports the regeneration and re-use of brownfield sites for social, domestic and business purposes. The Centre, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is able to provide assistance to qualifying Black Country SMEs in areas such as:

• Soil Scanning

• Soil Analysis and Remediation Techniques

• Building and Ground Scanning

• Geographic Information Systems

• Water Contamination, Ground Stabilisation and Demolition

www.wlv.ac.uk/bric

Twitter: @BRICerdf

About our guest speaker

Geomatrix Earth Science Ltd are a specialist provider of hardware and software for exploration geophysical surveying, covering all current techniques. Over the past 17 years, Geomatrix have built up a profound knowledge of each geophysical technique and are retained as exclusive sales representatives by many of the leading geophysical instrument manufacturers and sustain one of the largest lease pools of geophysical equipment within Europe.

Matthew Guy has been employed by Geomatrix since completing his post graduate MSc course in Archaeological Prospection in 2011. Whilst at Geomatrix Matthew has specialised in the application and development of geophysical instrumentation, regularly providing consultation and training to geophysical contractors. In addition to his duties at Geomatrix, Matthew currently sits as the Chair of the Near Surface Geophysical Group, a special interest group of the Geological Society of London, and is a member of the EuroGPR committee.

https://www.geomatrix.co.uk/

Travel to the event:

The University of Wolverhampton Springfield Campus, where the ECMS building is housed, is currently under development. Due to building works, there is no on-site parking and street parking is limited. Wolverhampton railway station is only a 5-10 minute walk away as are local pay and display car parks operated by Wolverhampton City Council. The following link identifies the nearest car parks which are located at Faulkland Crescent and Broad Street.

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/city-centre-car-parks

Description

On 13 December at 11am we are joined by Charlotte Nichols of Harvey and Hugo to discuss how to drive your sales with smarter marketing.

If you're interested in how Public Relations should tie into your marketing strategy, this is the webinar for you. We're going to be covering as much as possible in this session to give you all the advice you need to start your own PR campaign for your business in 2020.

We'll also delve into how to build in values to reflect your companies culture.

Charlotte Nichols grew a successful PR that focusses on building their clients’ brands by telling their stories. In today’s world of attention overload, it can be hard for your story to be heard above all the noise. We help make sure your story is seen, shared, watched and most importantly felt through creative traditional and digital campaigns. Ultimately, we help our clients’ messages reach the hearts and minds of their target audiences.

Join us! You'll even get the chance to ask your own questions at the end of the session.

Description

Running a business in today’s challenging environment can put unwanted pressure on business leaders. You may find yourself constantly juggling work and life pressures, as well as supporting the staff that you lead.

In the Stress Management Society’s ‘Excelling Under Pressure’ Workshop, you will learn what stress is, how it affects your daily life, when it is beneficial and when it is harmful.

In this workshop we will explore some of the flawed strategies that people commonly use to deal with stress and provide practical exercises and techniques designed to help you de-stress at work and at home.

We cover three key areas
• Understanding stress; giving people the skills to recognise the signs, symptoms, causes and effects of stress
• Creating and maintaining a healthy work balance; these practical techniques and strategies will include time and prioritisation management
• Increasing personal resilience; tips and tricks for SME Leaders

Why attend?
The event would suit business owners keen to find out more about how stress can affect their daily life, including when it is beneficial and when it is harmful. Delegates will learn how to recognise the symptoms of stress in both themselves and their teams and what tools and techniques are at their disposal to de-stress.

We want to support as many local businesses as possible, so therefore can only accommodate one attendee per company.

This will be an interactive event hosted by Santander and delivered by the Stress Management Society.

Register to attend by the 30th August.

Description

This is your chance to join fellow Black Country business owners and entrepreneurs to chat over a complimentary tea or coffee after work in a friendly, informal environment.

In January, we will be joined by Lucy Cross, Business Development Manager at the Black Country Growth Hub. She will talk to us about How the Growth Hub can support your business through collaborative working

Lucy offers an individual signposting service across the region to help drive business growth. Come along to find out how your local Growth Hub's specialist staff can use their knowledge to ensure that you, the customers, access all the support available to you to ensure the best chance of growth for your company.

In addition, FSB representatives will be on hand to talk to you about ensuring that you get the most from your FSB membership. Of course there will be time to mingle and circulate with your promotional literature and those all-important business cards!

This networking evening is free and open to all small business owners, self-employed and entrepreneurs. Non-members are welcome.

Complimentary soft drinks and snacks will be provided. You can buy your own drinks from the brewery if you wish.

Agenda:

• 18.00 – 18.30 Registration & Open Networking
• 18.30 – 19.00 Introductions & Elevator Pitches (Optional)
• 19.00 – 19.15 What’s the FSB all about?
• 19.15 – 19.45 30 minute Keynote Presentation
• 19.45 – 20.00 Presentation Q&A & Business Clinic
• 20.00 – 20.30 Open Networking

There is parking available at the trading estate. Please see a map of the location here.

We look forward to welcoming you! Don’t forget to download our Business Networking - 10 top tips.

For general enquiries regarding the event, please contact Elanor.Godbold@fsb.org.uk

Description

The Black Country Growth Hub team will soon be heading out to various locations within the Black Country to reach local businesses and provide FREE and impartial business support.

You won’t be able to miss the brightly coloured double-decker bus popping up all over the region from Monday 18th November to Thursday 21st November 2019.

The tour will feature some great local specialists such as Catax, Natwest, Talbots Law, Forresters, People Plus and Higgs & Sons - speaking on a number of different topics from recruitment to intellectual property.

Jaspal Sohal, Head of Black Country Growth Hub said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to find out exactly what we do and how we can help them. The Black Country Growth Hub is completely free and impartial support service, and our specialists have been chosen to provide help on topics such as finance, new business, intellectual property and legal advice. We understand it can be difficult for businesses to be aware of what support programs are available in the region, so this is the perfect opportunity to meet with our team and get support to help their journey towards business growth.”

Whether you’re interested in growing your business, implementing a new innovative process, recruiting apprentices, finding networking opportunities, moving your business to the Black Country OR have a different enquiry – come along and speak to the team!

Pre-book your appointment when a member of our team or a local specialist by clicking here

Click here to go to our bus tour page to find further information

Full Schedule:

Description

FREE 1 Day Course - Understand how your business can take advantage of Additive Manufacturing Technologies

About this Event

Objectives of Training:

• Understand which Additive Manufacturing Technologies exist
• Understand how your business can take advantage of Additive Manufacturing
• Fully understand different Additive Manufacturing processes, materials and applications
• Gain an overview of where and how Additive Manufacturing has been used to create alternative solutions
• Understand the processes involved in designing a part for Additive Manufacturing

Description

This event provides adult social care employers with the opportunity to learn about and explore the recruitment and retention of people who may face barriers to employment, including people with criminal convictions.

Attendees will hear from leading policy figures, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) and Care Quality Commission (CQC), about the advantages of recruiting from a wider talent pool and attracting a diverse range of candidates for roles.

The event will also feature case studies, Q&A with an expert panel and an interactive and engaging legal briefing delivered by Dominic Headley, Director of Dominic Headley & Associates, one of the leading safer recruitment experts in the UK. This event will help delegates to:

• understand the benefits of open recruitment and widening your talent pool
• improve the diversity of their workforce
• learn how to recruit people safely and fairly from different backgrounds
• understand how to minimise any potential or perceived risks that might be involved
• find out how to access further support from Skills for Care, DWP, DBS and key employability support organisations to address workforce supply.

Description

Roll Up, Roll Up, for a new-style exhibition for the Black Country!
 
A fun, entertaining and informal way to meet new customers and talk to a range of businesses providing offers, discounts and promotions.

Time is precious and exhibitions are an amazing way to explore a range of products and services all under one roof and one day!
 
Exhibitions are also a great way of experiencing product demonstrations, networking with new people and making connections and talking to different suppliers about how they can help you, your teams and your business. 
 
On the day, you'll get a chance to meet with exhibitors and:
 

• Explore a range of promotions, discounts and offers
• Learn more about different products and Innovations from over 80 exhibitors
• Develop your understanding about what Is In the marketplace and find solutions which could help you
• Meet with prospective new partners, customers and prospects
• Take part in our business card tombola on the day to win some great prizes

 
Refreshments will be available to purchase on the day

Description

The ‘Enterprise for Success’ programme has been designed to help support SMEs to accomplish their business ambitions.

Enterprise for Success is led by Solihull MBC and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

You can book directly onto one of our 2 day workshop programmes specifically designed and created in partnership with successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. The workshop will cover a range of steps to growth, and will look at developing or redefining your business strategy and preparing your product/service for market, aligning your marketing strategy with your overall business strategy.

We do recommend that that you take advantage of our easy to use Business Diagnostic Tool and complete the online questionnaire in advance of attending a workshop. It should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. After you submit all the required information, you will receive a Business Analysis Report detailing your results. You will also receive a one-to-one Business Growth Consultancy session with Birmingham City University’s SME Growth Advisor, who will discuss your report with you in further detail and formulate a bespoke strategy unique to your business. The Business Diagnostic Tool can be accessed by clicking https://bcu-survey.growmycompany.co.uk/index.php/692579?lang=en

Please register to attend Workshop 1 which is 2 separate workshops - Day 1 is on Tue 18th Feb and Day 2 is on Thurs 27th Feb 2020.

Workshops:

Round 1 Tuesday 18th and 27th Feb

Round 2 Tuesday 21st and 28th April

Round 3 Tuesday 21st and 28th July

Round 4 Tuesday 22nd and 29th September

Round 5 Tuesday 17th and 24th Nov

Description

The Middle East is a diverse, hugely lucrative but also challenging export market. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the UK’s largest civil export market in the region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Arab world and an important export partner.
Western and Arab cultures have very different views on how to do business and it is important to get a deeper understanding of what these differences are and how to overcome perceived barriers. 

This half-day training will help you to improve your communication with partners in the region. Knowing your way around the do’s and don’ts in business culture will save you from uncomfortable miscommunications. The Middle East is a difficult market to penetrate, so it is important to get it right.
 

The training will cover:

• Arabic business culture: religion, beliefs, values, attitudes and customs
• Arabic business and economic environment
• Arabic business communication and negotiation style
• Challenges and solutions for doing business in this region
• understanding and overcoming common trade barriers / pitfalls
• market entry and protecting your business
• ease of doing business
• e-commerce strategy

Who is this workshop for?

This event is funded by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth Project. In order to attend you must be an SME registered within the West Midlands.

Description

eCommerce is here to stay — and growing at a rapid pace. The online opportunities to expand your company's brand presence and global reach are huge!

Join us in 2020 for Go Global: Grow your Digital Footprint, a free Midlands Engine event focused on selling via international online marketplaces. This event is for you if your business ticks one or more of the following criteria:

• a Midlands based SME with a turnover of £500k+
• are already exporting, with a web presence
• have a strong domestic business, have an e-commerce site and are ready to export through an online marketplace 

Expect a thought-provoking start to the day with a panel session hosted by Jatin Bhurabhai, Ecommerce & Marketplaces Consultant from DIT, where you will hear from: 

• Candy Kittens - Jamie Laing & Ed Williams, Founder and Managing Director 
• BrewDog - David McDowall, Group Chief Operating Officer 
• Ohh Deer - Laura Philbin, Sales Manager 

Description

Walsall Works will be hosting the borough’s largest recruitment event this year!

Come along and meet with over 80 employers and providers offering hundreds of employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

The Walsall Works Expo will take place on Thursday 5 September 2019. The Event will be held at The Hub, Walsall College, Littleton Street West, Walsall WS2 8ES from 10.00am – 4.00pm

Description

The B2B exhibition attracts 100 exhibiting businesses and a footfall of over 1,500 visiting businesses from across the Midlands. The Midlands Business Network Expo is an excellent platform for networking, brand recognition, promotion and business connectivity in the region. 

If you are looking to increase your business network, spread product brand awareness, find new sales opportunities and increase your sales pipeline then this is the perfect event for your business. Come along as an exhibitor or a visitor and showcase your business at the biggest B2B expo in the Midlands. 

Why should I attend the Midlands Business Network Expo?

• Make valuable business connections within the Midlands

• Generate sales leads for your business 

• Identify new customers

• Promote your brand

• Develop your skills and gain business insight 

Description

This event is brought to you by The UK Circular Plastics Network and WRAP.

Creating a circular economy for plastics through the reuse of plastic packaging – when is it worth it and what opportunities can it bring in the fast moving consumer goods sector?

This free event will give you the insights to make more informed choices about re-use in your business.

Guest speakers will include:

Waitrose – Ben Thomas | Greenpeace – Louise Edge | Sheffield University – Sarah Greenwood | Plus many more to be announced.

Eligibility: Attendees must be members of The UK Plastics Pact and/or UK Circular Plastics Network.

The event will be chaired by Peter Maddox Director at WRAP. Topics of discussion and debate will be:

• Defining plastics reuse and what this means.
• The benefits of plastics reuse and why is it important.
• Plastics reuse in practice – presentations from organisations using reuse systems.
• Understanding the barriers and opportunities to implementing reuse.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided but please note that all food will be vegetarian.

There will also be insight into government funding for this sector in a session delivered by Sally Beken of The UK Circular Plastics Network and Innovation Lead on the Sustainable Smart Plastic Packaging challenge at Innovate UK.

Description

Join us on Friday 31st January for our first quarterly Manufacturing Forum for 2020.
The Forum returns to The Black Country Living Museum for a regular home throughout the year.

As well as the opportunity for networking with local manufacturers, the session will see a presentation from Manufacturing Growth Manager, Helen Fortune. Following feedback from members, we know that funding is hard to come by, so this is a fantastic opportunity to come and engage with the Manufacturing Growth Programme and find out how your business can secure extra funding for areas such as Strategy, Finance, Sales and Leadership.

The morning will also see an update from the Chamber on recent work in the manufacturing sector, from our engagement with government departments, to increasing our Brexit support packages.

Description

This is a practical session to help exporting businesses prepare for Brexit.

When and where?

Location Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Coxwell Avenue, Wolverhampton WV10 9RT

Date 11 October 2019

Time 08:30-13:30 

Why attend?

The Government is accelerating Brexit preparations so that it is ready to leave the EU on 31 October.

This is one of a series of Department for International Trade events to help you prepare for Brexit.

What will you learn?

You’ll leave the event with a personalised action plan covering:

• paperwork needed to continue exporting
• impact to supply chains
• changes to regulations and contracts
• where to find tariff information, commodity codes and duty rates
• what you might need to speak to customers and employees about
• moving goods across borders
• business travel to the EU
• providing services to EU clients
• how to treat personal data

Who is this event for?

All exporters, particularly those exporting to the EU. There are several events like this running across the country. Please visit the main page to see the full list of events.

Please note places are limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is required.

Description

BRUNTWOOD WORKS PRESENTS: AN EVENING WITH MIKE BANDAR

Want to grow your business? Join us at this intimate evening event, hosted by Bruntwood Works, as we interview award-winning entrepreneur Mike Bandar, founder of Turn Partners and Hopper HQ, on his successful business journey.

YOUR EVENT AGENDA

18:00: Registration and welcome drinks

18:30: Welcome from Bruntwood Works and Enterprise Nation

18:40: Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, interviews Mike Bandar

19.30: Drinks and networking

20:00: Event close

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation
Emma started her first business in 2006 and sold it after just 15 months. She then founded Enterprise Nation which is now the UK’s most active small business network.

Mike Bandar
Mike Bandar is a founding partner of Turn Partners, a start-up studio focused on the acquisition, turnaround and creation of digital businesses. Mike led the turn around of the niche-dating agency Toyboy Warehouse, achieving over a 2000% revenue growth in 18 months. Turn Partners are also behind Hopper HQ, the Instagram scheduling tool, now working with the world’s biggest brands and agencies across 75 countries.

Mike is a graduate from Aston Business School and has owned and operated businesses since the age of 15. Using his current and practiced understanding of the start up, enterprise and investment world, Mike regularly provides training to budding and developing entrepreneurs through various programmes including corporate and university based incubators and accelerators.

In 2017 Mike was featured on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list to receive a British Empire Medal for ‘Services to Young Entrepreneurs in the West Midlands’. Mike has recently been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Aston University for his contribution to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, making him one of the youngest ever recipients of a DSc. His main focus is now within Turn Partners as well as providing startup and enterprise training to individuals, institutions and corporates across the world.

THIS EVENT IS POWERED BY:

Bruntwood
Bruntwood own, let and manage outstanding buildings, workspace, and retail space. They are a leading property partner to over 3,000 businesses across Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, Leeds and Birmingham. From start-ups and SMEs to multinationals, we work with at least one business in every sector.

Bruntwood is led by one purpose: creating thriving cities. Its deep connection with the places it works in sets it apart; and for more than forty years, everything Bruntwood has achieved has been with this purpose in mind.

Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network and we have helped thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Enterprise Nation membership gives you access to exclusive opportunitiesto grow your business and connects you with like-minded entrepreneurs and business experts who can help. Membership is just £10 a month and you can cancel at any time.

Description

SMMT is hosting a webinar for companies in the automotive sector who are looking to start exporting or explore new markets. We will not be giving you sales pitches, but a series of case studies based on real world examples – with opportunities for questions too.

Our expert panel includes Santander Corporate and Commercial Bank, UK Export Finance and leading fuel cell developer Intelligent Energy, who will share their experience of markets in Europe, the USA and Asia. There will also be an overview of SMMT’s 2020 international programme.

At the end of the webinar, you will have an overview of opportunities to grow your international business in 2020, with key steps to take to improve your chance of success. Welcome and Introduction – Matthew Smith, Senior International Manager, SMMT

Licencing to Suzuki, selling to the USA, delivering value in India: Our success through different approaches in different markets - Joanna Richart, Business Development Director, Intelligent Energy

Helping UK businesses to Internationalise – Paul Brooks, UK Head of Manufacturing & Automotive and Sean Edwards, Director - Strategic Partnerships, Santander

Win better business with forward financial thinking – Phill Potter, Senior Export Finance Manager, UK Export Finance

Description

The Building Success webinar series is designed to provide inspiration, practical advice and tools.

Financial Planning – delivered by Charlotte Thompson & Emma Fadlon, KTN’s Knowledge Transfer Managers for Access to Funding and Finance, and hosted by the Knowledge Transfer Network.

When starting a company, it’s important to establish a financial reporting structure. This is not as complicated as you might think.

In this webinar we talk about the basics required and the resources that can help you without needing to spend a lot of money.

The Building Success webinar series is designed to provide inspiration, practical advice and tools, and highlight opportunities for innovation support to accelerate your innovation journey and is part of Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme.

The Women in Innovation campaign was established in 2016 with a simple aim: to get more women innovating in business. You can find out more about the programme here.

Description

From recruitment to the end of employment, this informative and interactive workshop will provide an overview of HR Management together with the relevant Employment Law. This will help you manage your people and deal with the issues that arise effectively and with confidence.

Through a mix of practical exercises, small group discussions and recent case law, you will leave this workshop with practical tips on managing people that you will be able to put into practice as soon as you step back into the workplace.

Who is it for?

This workshop is aimed at line managers or those who have supervisory or team leader responsibilities and day-to-day management of others, in addition to those new to managing others.

Where is it being held?

Hosted by the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) at their dedicated centre at the University of Wolverhampton Springfield Campus

Places are limited so booking early is recommended.

Description

The Black Country Growth Hub team will soon be heading out to various locations within the Black Country to reach local businesses and provide FREE and impartial business support.

You won’t be able to miss the brightly coloured double-decker bus popping up all over the region from Monday 18th November to Thursday 21st November 2019.

The tour will feature some great local specialists such as Catax, Natwest, Talbots Law, Forresters, People Plus and Higgs & Sons - speaking on a number of different topics from recruitment to intellectual property.

Jaspal Sohal, Head of Black Country Growth Hub said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to find out exactly what we do and how we can help them. The Black Country Growth Hub is completely free and impartial support service, and our specialists have been chosen to provide help on topics such as finance, new business, intellectual property and legal advice. We understand it can be difficult for businesses to be aware of what support programs are available in the region, so this is the perfect opportunity to meet with our team and get support to help their journey towards business growth.”

Whether you’re interested in growing your business, implementing a new innovative process, recruiting apprentices, finding networking opportunities, moving your business to the Black Country OR have a different enquiry – come along and speak to the team!

Pre-book your appointment when a member of our team or a local specialist by clicking here

Click here to go to our bus tour page to find further information

Full Schedule:

Description

Generating ideas, good ideas, for your business, products or services is often just as challenging as the process of developing these into reality.

Ideation is simply the generation of new ideas. It offers a more structured and focused approach to brainstorming, product design and service design. It forms part of a more structured method of capitalising on embryonic ideas that sees businesses generating more change, more improvements, better decisions, more successfully and more frequently.

This 3 hour session introduces you to Ideation and you will discover how the methodology:

• Generates a stream of new ideas for business growth
• Motivates staff and encourages participation
• Supports initiatives like Agile, Lean and Kaizen
• Generates new product and service ideas
• Challenges conventional wisdoms

The session is open to SME businesses seeking to innovate for growth or struggling to get innovation right.

In order to take part you will need to:

• Be an Owner, Director or Senior Manager of a UK SME
• Have the desire, capability and authority within the business to affect change.
• Ideally have some employees and be ambitious to grow.

Description

Stuck in a creative rut? Looking to expand your industry network? Or simply bored of your colleagues/friends/family/sofa (delete as appropriate)?

Then join the Birmingham Publicity Association for another Midlands Media Mingle, which will give anyone working within the creative industries – be it advertising, design, journalism, sales, radio, TV or writing – the chance to meet new contacts, find out more about opportunities and projects within the region and extend their professional network.

The next MMM will be at The Lab at the Alchemist, on Wednesday 4th September 2019, and is free to attend for both members and non-members of the BPA.

So spread the word, grab your colleagues and we’ll see you there from 6pm!

A bit about the Birmingham Publicity Association….

Dedicated to bringing the creative industries in the Midlands closer together, the BPA has existed since the 1930s and each year selects key charities that its members wish to support.

The organisation will award its chosen 2019 charity, Acorns Children’s Hospice, with the funds raised over the course of the year at its Christmas lunch on December 6th.

Individual membership of the BPA costs £40, while corporate membership for 10 people costs £100.

Visit www.thisisthebpa.co.uk to find out more.

Description

Old Bank Business is an EXCLUSIVE, monthly, breakfast networking group specifically for local, SME's in the Black Country. This event will be run on the last Wednesday of each month..

Is your business 1 or 25 years old or even older? Then this networking group is for you.

Come and join us, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet the sort of people - who will help you grow your business.

Meet other local SME's from your area, create lasting relationships and collaborate with like-minded people who have the same goals & challenges as you.

The format for the Old Bank Business is simple: Each month we will be inviting a speaker who will give you great, relevant information for 20 minutes and then the rest of the meeting is for you to get to know everyone in the room.

This event is exclusive and tickets will be strictly limited - we want the room to be full of quality connections and we won't be inviting the "professional networkers" who just collect business cards.

Book your ticket now as once we reach our limit, that's it until next month. Also, no admittance will be allowed without a ticket.

Our NatWest / Royal Bank Boost programme provides support for your business that goes beyond just finance. As your local Business Growth Enabler I can connect you with the right people and the right knowledge to boost your business and help it grow. We have a team of over 70 Business Growth Enablers in the UK who have supported more than 250,000 customers through free events, individual consultations and networking.

Description

Speed networking is a fun and effective way of making new business contacts and letting the world know what you and your business are all about.
At this structured, fast-paced event you'll get the chance to meet all of the other businesses there, so that's the potential for over 40 new contacts!
 
Once you've met everybody, time is provided for you to continue to network and to arrange follow-ups with those people you'd like to have further conversations with so you can develop those all-important business relationships.
 
And there's no need to worry about who to talk to or what to say either as the facilitated, interactive format of the event will get you chatting to everyone else in no time! You will gain confidence for networking in the future and take away some hints and tips to practise.
 
Our facilitator is Mike Grocott of Intercog Limited who has experience of working with companies at a range of Chambers of Commerce.
 
This new speed networking follows a proven format that works well for everyone, for all levels of experience or confidence. So even if you have attended similar events previously do give this style a chance and see if it works for you.

Description

Following the Conservatives' victory in the General Election, the UK is almost certain to leave the European Union in January 2020, entering a year of transition during which the future trade relationship with the bloc is to be negotiated.

To help prepare businesses for the year ahead, the Institute of Export & International Trade will be delivering a one-hour webinar covering:

- What the Withdrawal Agreement Bill means for UK businesses

- What businesses should expect during the transition period

- The potential crunch points ahead in the trade negotiations

- What businesses can do to prepare for a new trade arrangement with the EU

- An update on government grant funding for training in Customs processes - including completing Customs Declarations

We will also be running an extended live Q&A as part of this webinar. You can ask question in advance via the registration form below. Open to Export webinars are powered by the Institute of Export & International Trade – the UK’s only professional body representing international trade, recognised by the World Trade Organisation and the International Chamber of Commerce as a 'Small Business Champion'.

Catch up with all webinars at opentoexport.com/webinars

Description

Choosing the right legal structure for your business – Sole Trader v Limited Company

Description

NATWEST INVITES YOU TO THIS COMPLIMENTARY EVENT HOSTED BY LUV4 MARKETING.

Is Your Marketing Achieving The Results For Your Business?

Leads drive growth. We will take you through the platforms that drive leads to your business together with how to have your campaigns running profitably from month 1

Whatever your efforts to date, you will take away key learnings of how to drive leads into your business from multiple sources and the difference between each

Also learn;

– How to benefit from a £11,000 government-funded digital marketing apprenticeship.

– Have a 90 day plan you will believe in

– Have the confidence to grow

Description

Transform your Sales Leadership and build a high-performance sales culture

Wednesday 18th September at Hagley Golf Course  – 9am for 9:30 through to 12:30pm with excellent networking opportunities with your peers both before and after the sessions.  

• A masterclass for the Midlands’ finest business and sales leaders
• Tear up the playbook and create a world-class sales or business development team
• This workshop is not for the faint-hearted – it will be lively and interactive, there will be zero PowerPoint!
• Strap yourself in for a rollercoaster ride on a quest for the truth

5 things you will take away

• New strategies and tactics to transform your team
• How to hire ‘A player’ sales people with winning attitudes and habits
• Maximise your ROI on your Sales department
• Differentiate yourself from your competitors and move away from traditional USPs and Features and benefits selling
• Valuable insights into the psychology of B2B selling and what really motivates decision makers to take action

Who is this aimed at?

• Sales and business leaders who recognise any of the following frustrations:
• Unpaid consulting by your people, giving away your solutions without first getting commitment
• Your people are reluctant to prospect and use prospecting avoidance strategies to hide this
• Sales people playing the ‘quote and hope’ game in the absence of more effective behaviour
• Not enough high quality new appointments coming into the sales pipeline

5 things you will take away

• New strategies and tactics to transform your team
• How to hire ‘A player’ sales people with winning attitudes and habits
• Insights into how to maximise the ROI on your sales department
• Genuinely unique ways to differentiate yourself from your competitors and move away from traditional ‘USP’s and features and benefits selling
• Valuable knowledge of the psychology of B2B selling and what really motivates decision-makers to take action

Description

Employing people with convictions in adult social care

This full-day workshop will help employers understand their rights and responsibilities when dealing with applicants or existing staff and volunteers who have criminal records (or have been subject to allegations). It will enable them to carry out effective risk assessments so that they can make informed decisions about the person’s suitability for the role.

It will provide delegates with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to strike the balance between safeguarding their service users and addressing any barriers that may prevent the organization from accessing a vast potential talent pool of 11.7 million people with convictions.

Delegates will also receive a delegate pack which contains sample policies and resources based on the Safe and fair recruitment guide.

The workshop will help delegates to:

• Understand and apply the relevant legislation that has an impact on recruitment including: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA), the ROA Exceptions Order 1975 (as amended 2013) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)/Data Protection Act 2018.
• Determine what level of criminal record check is appropriate for different job roles, responsibilities and environments within adult social care.
• Understand how to implement safer recruitment policies and practices.
• Use the tools provided to develop effective risk assessment policies and procedures.
• Learn how to interpret and manage criminal record disclosure information to inform the risk assessment process.
• Learn how to gather other necessary information to carry out effective risk assessments on applicants, or existing staff and volunteers who have criminal records or have been subject to serious allegations.

This workshop is free to attend however places are limited.

Description

The Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is organising a free briefing and consortia-building workshop to promote Round 9 of the Agri-Tech Catalyst Competition.

There is up to £5 million of funding available from the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) for early-stage feasibility studies, mid stage industrial research and late-stage experimental development. Projects must work on agri-tech and food chain innovations with partners in eligible African countries.

The aim of this workshop is to enable potential applicants to get a better understanding of the competition process, rules and scope. The workshop is also designed to help with networking and consortia building, and offers a great opportunity for delegates to pitch their capabilities to potential collaborative partners.

Please note, to ensure an appropriate mix of delegates from different sectors, and across industry and academia, we are operating a 'registration of interest system'. If you would like to attend this event, please complete the registration form and we will confirm allocation of places in due course.

Draft Programme

09:30  Registration
10:00  Introduction to the workshop, Knowledge Transfer Network
10.10  Overview of Innovate UK and relevant funding opportunities, Innovate UK
10:20  Introduction to the Agri-Tech Catalyst Competition Round 9 and competition scope, Innovate UK
10:40  Overview of the key opportunities and needs of farmers and food systems actors in Africa, and DFID specific requirements, Department for International Development
11:00  Types of projects, eligibility criteria, application process and assessment criteria, Innovate UK
11:30  Q&A to speakers
11:45  Refreshments
12:00  Facilitated networking activities, Knowledge Transfer Network
13:00  Lunch and networking
13:30  Delegate pitches with project ideas
14:30  What makes a good collaborative R&D project 
15:10  An opportunity for discussions and consortia building
16:30  Close

Further Information
Full details of the competition, eligible countries and deadlines will be available via the Innovate UK competition page in due course.

Disclaimer
The organisers reserve the right to amend/cancel the event, do not book any travel until you receive confirmation that you have been formally allocated a place to attend direct from the KTN.

All best endeavours will be made to undertake the event as shown above. However, the event organisers reserve the right to alter or cancel, without prior notice, any of the arrangements, timetable or plans relating directly or indirectly to the event. The event organisers are not liable for any loss or inconvenience caused as a result of such alterations. 

Description

Overview

Lean Principles are essential in today’s business world promoting standardisation procedures, which eliminate the waste of manufacturing resources, time, manpower, space and many other aspects within an organisation. It is a business strategy that involves everyone in an organisation making sustained continuous improvement “without large capital investments” focusing on eliminating waste in all systems and processes of an organisation. The improvement activities are undertaken to provide a better service and more value to the customer.

Aim of the Course

To provide all delegates with a good understanding of Lean Principles and how waste reduction will improve business performance and the customer experience. This event is suitable for all levels from shop floor to senior management.

Course Objectives

At the end of this workshop delegates will be able to:

• Explain the 5 Lean principles and the benefits of applying these to the business
• Understand the 7 production wastes and how to reduce them
• Run value added activities and waste management
• Explain and demonstrate the massive benefits gained by the implementation of Lean

Course Content

• Introduction​
• The Need for Change​
• Introduction to Lean and Continuous Improvement​
• The 5 Lean principles
• Waste​
• Culture/Leadership​
• Questions

Benefits

• Each workshop will offer practical group exercises which are informative and fully participative
• Help identify challenges and offer practical solutions to take back into your business
• Develop the skills of your employees
• Actions that you can apply in your business
• Are aimed at improving productivity, efficiency and profit and providing improved customer service and value to your customers.
• Can offer a terrific way to motivate your employees, encourage team work and collaboration
• Share your real-life manufacturing experiences with like-minded business people

A&M EDM Limited Factory Tour

At the end of this workshop, A&M EDM Limited will be providing a factory tour to showcase their products and their Lean processes, if you’d like to join the tour please advise when booking your place onto the workshop.

Description

We would be delighted if you could join us for this informative breakfast and networking event.

The NatWest Accelerator programme will be open for applications until 28th February. This programme has been tailored to empower entrepreneurs at any stage. It’s an amazing journey that is fully funded, and you don’t even have to be a NatWest customer

If you know a business owner that has the desire to grow / scale their business and would benefit from an accelerator such as this we would welcome the opportunity to let you, our fantastic networks know more about the programme.

We will also give you a tour of the entrepreneurial hub space and an opportunity to meet some of the entrepreneurs on the programme.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Description

Sign up for the opportunity to meet buyers, network and obtain information on forthcoming contracts and tenders. Talk to procurement professionals from top companies from across a range of sectors.

Confirmed exhibitors include Blakemore's, Apetito, Banner, CIC, CITB, City of Wolverhampton College, City of Wolverhampton Council, Evans Halshaw, Exponential-e, Faithful & Gould, Findit, Galliford Try, Harper Group Construction, Hobson Health, ISG, Lion FPG, Marston's, Midland Metro Alliance, PHS, Speller Metcalfe, University of Wolverhampton, Wates, Willmott Dixon + many more.

All attendees who register can receive 4 free tickets to the Autumn evening of racing which follows the event, courtesy of Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Your details will be forwarded to Wolverhampton Racecourse so that you can claim your free Autumn evening of racing tickets.

Car parking is available at the venue.

This event, sponsored by Willmott Dixon and supported by Wolverhampton Racecourse, will feature a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) construction zone.

Description

LOOKING FOR A REGULAR NETWORKING MEETING IN THE BLACK COUNTRY?
 
Third Week Wednesday #TWW is a regular monthly event held at Casino 36 in Wolverhampton.
The event is for everybody and anybody looking to do business in the Black Country, no matter what the size of your company or the sector you work in.

FREE TO ATTEND!

Free to attend – booking is preferable to be featured on the delegates list but you can just turn up.

JOIN OTHER BUSINESSES

The event is run by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and has a loyal and regular following with the added bonus of taking place during the Twitter hour #BlkCountryHour – creating more opportunities to raise your profile.

Description

Minerva Investor Group 9 (MIG 9) Meeting - for potential business angels

This is the second meeting of this newly formed Group.

A light buffet will be available after the presentations (around 12.30) to network with the companies and other attendees.

Please contact Carol Bull on either 024 7632 3122 or carol.bull@uwsp.co.uk for further information or if you would like to attend.

Description

Are you interested in employing someone with an offending background but are unsure how to do so safely? Free half-day safer recruitment workshop hosted by Black Country Talent Match.

Many employers tell us that they are struggling to find people with the right talent, skills, abilities and mindset to fill their vacancies.

With over 11 million people in the UK (around 20% of the workforce) holding a criminal record, can employers afford to turn their backs on these potential employees? Many of these individuals have committed relatively minor offences, come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have a wide-range of skills and abilities – yet they face immense barriers to working. Employers also struggle to understand their legal rights and responsibilities when considering applicants from this vast potential talent pool.

Dominic Headley will be delivering this free workshop on behalf Black Country Talent Match. Dominic, who is formerly of NACRO (a leading social justice charity) is now a specialist consultant in criminal record policy and safer recruitment.

Black Country Talent Match works closely with local prisons to provide support for young people upon release from custody. Employers are invited to our follow up session, hosted by HMP Oakwood, to see first hand the work that the prisons are doing to rehabilitate and educate young people in their care. Employers will have a chance to meet and talk with young people who are approaching their release dates. 

Description

The Black Country Growth Hub team will soon be heading out to various locations within the Black Country to reach local businesses and provide FREE and impartial business support.

You won’t be able to miss the brightly coloured double-decker bus popping up all over the region from Monday 18th November to Thursday 21st November 2019.

The tour will feature some great local specialists such as Catax, Natwest, Talbots Law, Forresters, People Plus and Higgs & Sons - speaking on a number of different topics from recruitment to intellectual property.

Jaspal Sohal, Head of Black Country Growth Hub said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to find out exactly what we do and how we can help them. The Black Country Growth Hub is completely free and impartial support service, and our specialists have been chosen to provide help on topics such as finance, new business, intellectual property and legal advice. We understand it can be difficult for businesses to be aware of what support programs are available in the region, so this is the perfect opportunity to meet with our team and get support to help their journey towards business growth.”

Whether you’re interested in growing your business, implementing a new innovative process, recruiting apprentices, finding networking opportunities, moving your business to the Black Country OR have a different enquiry – come along and speak to the team!

Pre-book your appointment when a member of our team or a local specialist by clicking here

Click here to go to our bus tour page to find further information

Full Schedule:

Description

NatWest would like to invite you to this exciting “Effective Bid Writing & Funding expertise for SMEs, Start-ups and Third sector workshop“

This will give you an overview of how to write better bids and funding applications. and inspire you to become a more confident bid writer/fundraiser.

We will have bid writing expert Paul Hanna who has more than 20 years of experience in supporting and educating organisations with their bid writing and funding - he will talk through his expertise on what funding might be available and how to increase your organisation’s income through grants and writing winning bids.

We will cover a range of topics:

-Discovering funding opportunities and deciding what is right for you.

-Introduction to different tactics you can use to argue Need.

-Impact & Outcomes.

-Budgeting tips.

-Reasons why applications get rejected

-Increasing success rate

-Q&A

Attendees will leave workshop with clearer understanding of bid writing processes and procedures, a good understanding on what is required to write successful bids and the chance to network with other local businesses.

All information used in this presentation you are registering for is produced for information purposes only and is for the sole use of the attendees at the presentation.

Whilst we feel this topic is beneficial to business owners, the views expressed are not intended to be and should not be viewed as individual advice or as a recommendation by RBS, NatWest or any third party. You should seek independent advice in respect of issues that are of concern to you.

To the maximum extent permitted by law we expressly disclaim all representations, warranties, or assurance of any kind, expressed or implied, that are made to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this presentation and do not accept any obligation to update or correct any information contained herein.

During the event photographs may be taken on behalf of the host with a view to posting on social media to promote services offered to customers. If you do not wish to be included in the photographs please notify us.

For the avoidance of doubt RBS/NatWest does not produce the materials for all presentations. This disclaimer applies equally to any materials or presentations produced by a third party.

By registering for this event you agree that you have read and expressly agree to the use of your personal data submitted as part of your event registration by Eventbrite in accordance with their:

• Terms of Service:(https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/support/articles/en_US/Troubleshooting/eventbrite-terms-of-service?lg=en_GB),

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• Privacy Policy (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/support/articles/en_US/Troubleshooting/eventbrite-privacy-policy?lg=en_GB), which Eventbrite may update from time to time.

Description

Following on from the success of the first Construction Futures Forum in 2018, this conference, hosted again by University of Wolverhampton’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment, is the second in a series to facilitate knowledge transfer between industry and academia. The focus of the event is to address construction industry challenges and develop a best practice centre of excellence.

The Construction Futures Forum: Excellence in Industry seeks to expand upon 2018 discussions in line with regional and national policies within the construction arena, in particular those around lifelong, affordable homes. Furthermore, it will look to develop discussions based upon current opportunities and challenges within the construction processes in terms of efficiency and emerging technologies.

The objectives are to create a knowledge hub in construction futures for the practitioner community and a forum for:

• disseminating knowledge on cutting-edge work on construction sector projects

• interaction between local government agencies and industry in the region

• announcement of major projects in the construction sector in the region

• interaction between industry and academia on future research and training needs.

Discussion points

• Lifelong, affordable housing

• Brownfields

• Upfront Costs

• Supporting lifelong development from cradle to cradle

Description

Sandwell College, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, Sandwell Council and West Midlands Combined Authority, is hosting a networking event offering you the opportunity to hear about local training and development that could help your construction business.

When? Wednesday 4 September

Where? Sandwell Business Solutions Centre, Spon Lane B70 6AW

What time? 7.30am – 9.30am

How much does it cost? Free

To book your place email marie.mathews@sandwell.ac.uk or jayne.acquaye@sandwell.ac.uk

Description

Are you a Walsall-based business operating a fleet of goods vehicles or involved in Distribution and Logistics?

Do you want to know more about the £78 million investment in the M6 junction 10?

Join us on Wednesday 29th January at our next Transport & Logistics event, as we hear from a range of influential speakers.

Topics on the table include M6 junction 10 (Highways England and John Sisk & Son); The strategic value and plan for Midlands Infrastructure (Midlands Connect); the M6 toll and how it benefits Walsall; and the future of haulage looking at Electric Vehicle technology.

09:00 Breakfast baps, informal networking and mini expo

09:45 Formal welcome and remarks from Walsall Council

10:00 Presentations from stakeholders

11:00 Panel Q&A with the presenters

The panel will be moderated by Dan Turner, Walsall Council's Employment Growth Manager.

This event is the perfect opportunity for local companies to come together and celebrate a world-class, strategically relevant, diverse sector – right here in the heart of the Black Country.

Description

Sandwell Networkers Meeting brings together local community and voluntary organisations, social enterprises, businesses and service providers working or delivering services in Sandwell, to share information about themselves and what they do to benefit residents living or working in Sandwell.

Arrival and refreshments 9.30am for a prompt 10am start.

Description

Robotics and Automation Networking Forum

Join us on 18th September for our half-day ROBOTT-NET Open Lab event which will be focused on providing a networking forum for you to explore innovative industrial robotics technologies, and understand how they can provide huge benefits for manufacturing. You will have the opportunity to speak with experts in robotics and automation along with other likeminded individuals.

The event will consist of numerous round-table discussions about ground-breaking robotic and automation technologies, and how they can be utilised by businesses. Key topics on the day will include human robot interaction, understanding intelligent automation, connectivity on the shop floor and bridging the gap to SMEs.

This free event is hosted by The MTC, as part of the ROBOTT-NET program that combines forces of four leading research technology organisations, which also includes: Tecnalia (Spain), Fraunhofer IPA (Germany), and the Danish Technological Institute (Denmark).

Why Attend?

• Understand how robotics and automation technology could provide advantageous results for your business.
• Network with individuals, including those who have implemented automation technology.
• Discuss your thoughts and ideas with engineers who have worked on ground breaking projects.
• Gain an understanding of the next steps in your automation journey.
• Learn about ROBOTT-NET Pilot projects.

Agenda

09:30am
Registration and networking

10:00am
Welcome with Jeremy Hadall

10:15am
Keynote speech by Redland Sanders, Technical Director at DHL’s Robotics Division, Digital Manufacturing

10:45am
ROBOTT-NET update

11:00am
First session of round tables

12:00pm
Second session of round tables

12:45pm
Event summary and close

01:00pm
Lunch and networking

What is ROBOTT-NET?

ROBOTT-NET exists to help make the best ideas in industrial robotics a reality; for the benefit of technology developers and European manufacturing. The project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme which has continued to explore and develop the latest automation technology within industrial production.

Anyone with a concrete idea, challenge or development project could initially able to apply to the program and 64 of these projects were selected to receive the support of ROBOTT-NET. This support came in the form of a voucher which entitled applicants to 400 hours of free consulting with robotics experts from all over Europe.

Eight of the original 64 projects have since been chosen to receive further assistance from ROBOTT-NET. These projects will be teamed with a real-world case and the technology implemented in a pilot until they are ready for market.

The pilot will help the companies develop their voucher work through proof of concept level and accelerate it towards commerciality. It will be a medium-scale research installation that will last for up to 18 months developing the robot-technology and business case explores in the voucher stage and applying it to an industrial application demonstration at an End User’s site.

Venue

The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Pilot way, Ansty Business Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU. Get directions.

Delegates will be provided with lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Free parking is available at the venue.

Description

The follow up session from the Talent Match workshop held on October 29th.

Black Country Talent Match works closely with local prisons to provide support for young people upon release from custody. Employers are invited to our follow up session, hosted by HMP Oakwood, to see first hand the work that the prisons are doing to rehabilitate and educate young people in their care. Employers will have a chance to meet and talk with young people who are approaching their release dates. This will be held at HMP Oakwood .

Employers can attend either session on its own but will benefit more from attending both sessions where possible.

Please contact esearle@bctalentmatch.com if you have any queries

Description

Future Link is Black Country's latest network for young business professionals
Future link connects young professionals living, working or doing business across the Black Country - creating opportunities to grow, develop and become a part of a vibrant and supportive network.

Working together with Sohcial - a local creative marketing agency, Future Link brings you the first masterclass of 2020 delivered by managing director, Theodore Hoffman. 

Social Media
Everyone is telling you that social media is the key to success, but how do you actually use it?

Sohcial understands how to cut through the noise, reach your audience and helps take you from your core business values to how to be successful on social media, with practical in-workshop activities.

Theodore will work with you so you know how to decide which tools, content and technology will work best for you or your business.

This workshop is suitable for all young professionals looking to enhance and develop their knowledge of social media for both personal and business use. 

Description

Old Bank Business is an EXCLUSIVE, monthly, breakfast networking group specifically for local, SME’s in the Black Country. This event will be run on the last Wednesday of each month.

Your business maybe 1 or 25 years old or even longer, then this networking group is for you. Come and join us, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet the sort of people – who will help you grow your business.

Meet other local SME’s from your area, create lasting relationships and collaborate with like-minded people who have the same goals & challenges as you.

The format for the Old Bank Business is simple: Each month we will be inviting a speaker who will give you great, relevant information for 30 minutes and then the rest of the meeting is for you to get to know everyone in the room.

This event is exclusive and tickets will be strictly limited – we want the room to be full of quality connections and we won’t be inviting the “professional networkers” who just collect business cards.

Book your ticket now as once we reach our limit, that’s it until next month. Also, no admittance will be allowed without a ticket.

Any questions please email info@oldbankbusiness.co.uk

Description

We will be hosting an all day business surgery at West Midlands House in Walsall on Wednesday 29th January 2020

Come and see our dedicated business development team with any enquiries you may have

Simply book your FREE slot at the link below to confirm

What do we do?

Black Country Growth Hub provides free and impartial support to businesses and entrepreneurs of any size, sector or status across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Our dedicated business development team can help businesses with a wide range of enquiries such as:

• Wanting to grow your business
• Starting a new business
• Recruiting apprentices or graduates
• Finding business property
• Support with procurement processes
• Implementing new innovative procedures
• Finding networking opportunities

What kinds of businesses do we support?

We are committed to helping every business or entrepreneur in the local area, as long as you are based in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall or Wolverhampton – we are here to help! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been trading for years or if you’ve simply got a great idea that you need help with, we can help at any stage with any kind of business.

Description

The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham is delighted to announce that as part of the new Aerospace UP project, we will be hosting a two day interactive workshop “Driving Innovation in the Workplace through Lean Six Sigma” for SMEs based in within the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership area.

This 2 day introduction to lean thinking will be an interactive opportunity for local businesses to explore the potential of lean and six sigma in their working environment.

Led by a Lean Practitioner and Six Sigma Master Black Belt with over 25 years of experience the two sessions will cover areas from strategic direction setting and execution, to delivery and staff engagement. Other topics will include waste & value identification, Kaizen, SIPOC, Process Flow Mapping, Standardisation of Work Flows and many more! Established principles and tools of the Toyota Production System methodology will be integral to building knowledge and understanding for all businesses and operations at any stage of their growth.

• The first half of this workshop will be on 27th May 2020

• The second part the following week on 3rd June 2020

The workshop is split into two parts which will allow participants to go away and apply the techniques they have learnt in Part 1, before returning for the second half of the workshop to feedback their findings the week after.

This free event has a maximum of 22 places. Attendance is limited to one employee per small or medium business with a registered address within the Black Country LEP area. A small or medium business is defined as having less than 250 employees, no more than 25% of the organisation being owned by an enterprise that is not itself and SME, an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance sheet not exceeding €43 million.

Upon registering for the event through this page, we will email attendees individually with an enrolment form to complete which when returned will enable us to confirm their eligibility and booking. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Email: pmc@nottingham.ac.uk

Phone: 0115 748 6224

If you are not sure what LEP area your business resides in, you can search your postcode here. Identical workshops are being organised in other Midlands LEP areas. Please see our Eventbrite page here for further workshop details.

This event is part-funded via the European Regional Development Fund, therefore we are required to evidence if you are a small to medium enterprise. There will be a form or two that will need to be completed on the day. The form is to ensure you are a small to medium enterprise and capture any business support you have received over the last 3 years to ensure you haven’t exceeded the €200,000 State Aid limit.

Description

The Black Country Growth Hub team will soon be heading out to various locations within the Black Country to reach local businesses and provide FREE and impartial business support.

You won’t be able to miss the brightly coloured double-decker bus popping up all over the region from Monday 18th November to Thursday 21st November 2019.

The tour will feature some great local specialists such as Catax, Natwest, Talbots Law, Forresters, People Plus and Higgs & Sons - speaking on a number of different topics from recruitment to intellectual property.

Jaspal Sohal, Head of Black Country Growth Hub said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to find out exactly what we do and how we can help them. The Black Country Growth Hub is completely free and impartial support service, and our specialists have been chosen to provide help on topics such as finance, new business, intellectual property and legal advice. We understand it can be difficult for businesses to be aware of what support programs are available in the region, so this is the perfect opportunity to meet with our team and get support to help their journey towards business growth.”

Whether you’re interested in growing your business, implementing a new innovative process, recruiting apprentices, finding networking opportunities, moving your business to the Black Country OR have a different enquiry – come along and speak to the team!

Pre-book your appointment when a member of our team or a local specialist by clicking here

Click here to go to our bus tour page to find further information

Full Schedule:

Description

The award-winning programme which is tailored to the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, has announced new funded places and is offering a webinar where prospective programme participants can find out more

Description

The Start-Up Business Club networking events is the place to introduce your company,  to make, and build up your business connections.  Learn from experienced professionals and develop the skills and understanding needed to ensure your dream of running a successful business becomes a reality.  This is the perfect time to practise your network skills, and socialise with other like-minded entrepreneurs looking to take their new business to the next level.   

SPONSORED BY HIGGS & SONS
Venue:      Sandwell Sixth College  (The Old Public Building)
Time:  9.30 – 11.30
By the way did I mention    BREAKFAST BAPS INCLUDED !!
 
This month’s networking event is kindly sponsored by Sandwell College – The Fab Lab Team. 
 
At this event we will be taking a tour of the FAB LAB; equipped with superb 3D printers, laser cutters and much more, the Fab Lab offers great facilities and support, it’s a hidden gem !
 
 
The idea of our event is to help support start-up companies and inspire those entrepreneurs amongst you who have an idea and require the assistance in making a prototype ready to take to market.  
 
 
Anne Scrimshaw, who heads up the team, will be on hand to meet, chat and offer advice with any projects.
 
The apprenticeship team from the college will also be there to advise you on the best route to take, and the processes involved, in taking on an apprentice.

Description

'We are doing some exciting work here at BCU Business School with a Business Growth Diagnostic Tool that analyses the performance of your business. Upon completion, a four page feedback report covering five key areas of business is produced; allowing you to reflect on your current business practice.

So join us for one of our dynamic workshops where you will receive your personalised report and gain a great understanding of what your report means for your business. You will have the opportunity to complete the diagnostic online before you come so we can produce your personalised report, and discuss with other likeminded business owner / mangers.

We can identify your business challenges and offer guidance and solutions, all with the aim of achieving growth.

Building a successful enterprise can be a long arduous journey. At Birmingham City University we recognise that endeavour so we support the individuals and their teams on their growth journey.

Begin your growth process through our comprehensive business diagnostic tool to understand your business growth and how you can improve it. We will help you identify your growth potential and support you through this.

All you need to do is complete the diagnostic online and we will do the rest.

You will also get the opportunity to learn how Metro Bank can support your business.

08:15 - 08:45 Registration, Breakfast & Networking

08:45 - 09:00 Metro Bank & BCU Introduction

09:00 - 10:30 Diagnostic Session

10:30 - 11:00 Networking

'

Description

#FSBConnect Stourbridge last Tuesday

This is your chance to join fellow Black Country business owners and entrepreneurs to chat over a complimentary tea or coffee after work in a friendly, informal environment.

The next event is Tuesday 29 October from 6pm to 8.30pm in the Tap house at Beat Brewery.

We will be joined by Eileen Murphy from Informed Training:

“Harnessing the Power of your CRM”

We hear a lot these days that Companies invest in CRM Licences, but many of the users only seem to only touch the surface of the functionality. We wish to look at why that is, discuss solutions to this, and share ideas as to how Companies can utilise their systems better, getting more value from their investment and time.

In addition, FSB representatives will be on hand to talk to you about ensuring that you get the most from your FSB membership. Of course there will be time to mingle and circulate with your promotional literature and those all-important business cards!

This networking evening is free and open to all small business owners, self-employed and entrepreneurs. Non-members are welcome.

Complimentary soft drinks and snacks will be provided. You can buy your own drinks from the brewery if you wish.

Agenda:

18.00 – 18.30 Registration & Open Networking

18.30 – 19.00 Introductions & Elevator Pitches (Optional)

19.00 – 19.15 What’s the FSB all about?

19.15 – 19.45 30 minute Keynote Presentation

19.45 – 20.00 Presentation Q&A & Business Clinic

20.00 – 20.30 Open Networking

There is parking available at the trading estate. Please see a map of the location here.

Next month's speaker:

We will be joined by Executive Coach Jane Hooper.

We look forward to welcoming you! Don’t forget to download our Business Networking -10 top tips

For general enquiries regarding the event, please contact Elanor.Godbold@fsb.org.uk

The FSB Events Privacy Policy can be found online here.

09-23830-P9629

Description

What all startups should know...

6:00pm - 7:30pm

As an entrepreneur, it is important to know when to take the next step to become a full time business owner.

Join Barker Brettell and guest speakers for an evening of beers and nibbles downstairs at Purecraft Bar & Kitchen as we discuss 'when is the right time to go full time?'.

Our panel this month will comprise of:

• HausBots
• Orecor

Agenda

6:00pm - Arrival

6:30pm - Panel discussion

7:00pm - Networking & nibbles

More information to follow, but in the meantime, if you have any questions contact kirsty.siviter@barkerbrettell.co.uk

This is a complimentary session and anyone with an interest is welcome to attend. Please feel free to forward to friends, connections and colleagues.

Description

Do you have a business in Kingswinford? Want to meet up with other business owners? Get some “Blazing tax tips” at the same time?

A great FREE way to meet other local businesses in the area.

A friendly and fun meet up that starts with everyone just having a chat and getting to know each other.

You will have the chance to introduce yourself and your business to others before a couple of short but informative presentations are made to the group by other business owners from within the group.

Ended by time to speak to other businesses or ask questions to those businesses who have presented.

At this event we will presentations from Carl Ford and Jodie Philpotts of Blaze Monroe Associates Limited.

Food and drink is not provided at this event as it is a free event. However, food and drink can be purchased from the bar.

Organised and hosted by Blaze Monroe Associates Ltd, Kinver - Accounts headaches? Let us take that away.

Description

Overview

The Industrial Strategy sets out Grand Challenges to put the UK at the forefront of the industries of the future, ensuring that the UK takes advantage of major global changes, improving people’s lives and the country’s productivity.

Transforming Food Production is recognised as a key driver of Clean Growth under the Industrial Strategy.

The £90 million Transforming Food Production programme aims to integrate current world-class UK capabilities (digital technologies, artificial intelligence, engineering, biological, environmental and social sciences) into precision approaches both within new novel production systems and traditional agricultural systems to target net zero emissions.

Transforming Food Production objectives

• Create integrated data-driven solutions to drive primary agricultural productivity whilst driving towards net zero emissions
• Embed adoption of precision approaches to bridge the productivity gap, strengthening connections between researchers, businesses and practitioners
• Stimulate the establishment of novel high value production systems to position UK technologies at the forefront of new industries
• Drive growth in UK precision technology companies, creating high value jobs and adding value in the UK agricultural value chain
• Develop export opportunities and increase investment into UK research and innovation

Participants are welcome to attend both morning and afternoon sessions or just one session

Morning - The Next Phase of Transforming Food Production

At this event, you will be provided with:

• Industry experts' views on why we need to transform food production and what transformation looks like
• An overview of the competitions and activities to be launched over the coming six months as part of the next phase of the Transforming Food Production programme

Afternoon - Competition briefing sessions

1. International - China competition - up to £5 million to work with Chinese partners to develop new precision farming technologies while targeting net-zero emissions.

The briefing will provide information about the competition objectives, eligibility, scope and timeline.

2. Future food production systems competition – up to £20 million to transform food production systems, improve productivity and sustainability, and help the industry move towards net zero emissions by 2040.

The briefing will provide information about the competition objectives, eligibility, scope and timeline as well as application guidance advice –from the Innovate UK competitions team.

For more information on the Future Food Production Systems competition, please click here.

Agenda - Subject to change 

10.00 – 12.30 – The Next Phase of Transforming Food Production  

• “Why we need to transform food production” – guest speaker
• Panel comprised of food industry experts - discussion and questions
• Transforming Food Production (TFP) - “What is new? Alignment to net zero and call to action for future competitions” – Katrina Hayter, ISCF Challenge Director, Transforming Food Production

13:15 - 17:00 Future Food Production Systems & International China Briefings

• Competition scope briefing TFP, International China Competition
• Competition scope briefing - TFP Future Food Production Systems
• Application guidance briefing – TFP Future Food Production Systems

Description

Old Bank Business is an EXCLUSIVE, monthly, breakfast networking group specifically for local, SME's in the Black Country. This event will be run on the last Wednesday of each month..

Is your business 1 or 25 years old or even older? Then this networking group is for you.

Come and join us, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and meet the sort of people - who will help you grow your business.

Meet other local SME's from your area, create lasting relationships and collaborate with like-minded people who have the same goals & challenges as you.

The format for the Old Bank Business is simple: Each month we will be inviting a speaker who will give you great, relevant information for 20 minutes and then the rest of the meeting is for you to get to know everyone in the room.

This event is exclusive and tickets will be strictly limited - we want the room to be full of quality connections and we won't be inviting the "professional networkers" who just collect business cards.

Book your ticket now as once we reach our limit, that's it until next month. Also, no admittance will be allowed without a ticket.

Our NatWest / Royal Bank Boost programme provides support for your business that goes beyond just finance. As your local Business Growth Enabler I can connect you with the right people and the right knowledge to boost your business and help it grow. We have a team of over 70 Business Growth Enablers in the UK who have supported more than 250,000 customers through free events, individual consultations and networking.

Description

THE START-UP BUSINESS CLUB IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY HIGGS & SONS
 
VISIT OUR ENTERPRISE HUB EVENT,    A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR START-UP’S AND PRE-STARTS TO ACCESS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED IN ONE PLACE.

Business Advice:
Come along and speak to the experts from Access2Business & SWEDA, plus the Princes Trust, regarding turning the dream of being your own Boss into reality.  Discuss their Business Planning,  Sales, Finance & Marketing Workshops, Coaching and Mentoring Programmes.

Funding & Grants:
The Black Country Growth Hub will be on hand to discuss your needs.  
Learn more about Innovation Vouchers, Intellectual Property and EnTress Projects.

Talk to DRS-Business Solutions regarding Finance, Cashflow, Forecasts, &  how the process works of applying for a Small Business Loan.

Finally, speak to representatives from  SPEED Programme on what Marketing Grants are available, should you meet the criteria.
 
Support for Growth Training Programmes;
We will have representatives from NatWest Entrepreneur Hub, and Black Country Chamber will be discussing their own Business Development Programme especially for start-up’s and SMEs. The team from Dudley Business First will also be in attendance.
 
Legal & Commercial Support;
Meet our Start-Up Business Club sponsor, Higgs and Sons Solicitors and Chamber member, Timmins Whittaker Insurance Brokers who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding protecting your business.
 
We have all the experts all under one roof for you to talk to and seek advice from, book your place today.  Can you afford to miss this ?

Please note; although there is limited car park spaces actually at Dudley Archives venue, the Travel Lodge next door are happy for you to use their car park, and there is also a pay and display car park within walking distance.

Description

Find out about what innovation is, how collaboration stimulates innovation and what it means to your business growth.

Description

Are you a business eager to understand the meaning and value of innovation and the link between innovation, collaboration and growth? Innovate UK is coming to the West Midlands to support the area’s growth ambitions and sector strengths.

Put this date in your diary to meet experts who can help you take your business to the next level.

It’s hosted by organisations that focus on helping businesses collaborate, innovate and grow: Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Network, Europe Enterprise Network, the Catapult Centres in collaboration with regional and local partners including Innovation Alliance West Midlands and local Growth Hubs in the West Midlands.

The event will be opened by Dr Ian Campbell, Chief Executive of Innovate UK, with keynote address from Sarah Windrum, CEO of the Emerald Group, Board Member of West Midlands Combined Authority and Board Director of Coventry and Warwickshire LEP. There will be plenty of opportunities to hear from and talk to representatives of the Catapult centres in the West Midlands (specifically High Value Manufacturing and Energy Systems), as well as local Growth Hubs and universities about their work with and support to businesses.

What you will learn:
 

• What makes a business successful

• What is innovation and how you can get involved

• How collaboration can fuel your innovation capability and business growth

• The latest funding opportunities from Innovate UK, the National Funding Agency which supports business-led innovation

• How to prepare for and write successful funding bids

• What are the West Midlands sector strengths and growth priorities

• How to connect to regional and local support networks and programmes you need to succeed

This event is for you if you are:
 

• A business that hasn’t engaged with us before and wants to find out more about how we can help

• A small or medium size business or an academic organisation interested in innovation

• Someone who is part of the innovation support organisation / ecosystem

Description

The award-winning programme which is tailored to the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, has announced new funded places and is offering a webinar where prospective programme participants can find out more

Description

The natural world is in crisis: recent analysis in the State of Nature 2019 report shows that one in seven UK species are at risk of extinction. 80% of city dwellers don’t think they spend enough time in nature and this affects our wellbeing.

The Wildlife Trusts are developing Nature Recovery Networks; making space for nature to benefit people and wildlife. Our vision is for Birmingham and the Black Country to have more wildlife, more wild places and more people with a strong connection to the natural world.

Businesses play an important role in this mission, from new developments creating space for nature, sourcing sustainable resources or reducing carbon emissions.

Find out what role your business can play in nature’s recovery and hear about our partnership project Salmon in the Stour; working to improve the River Stour and its tributaries for wildlife and people.

Date: Tuesday 29th October 2019

Time: 9am – 11am

Venue: Sadler’s Brewhouse, Conyers Trading Estate, Lye, DY9 8ER

Speakers include:

• Dr. Rachel Lombardi, Director of Business Development, International Synergies Limited.

International Synergies Limited use their experience and knowledge in applying industrial symbiosis to support businesses to utilise material streams, energy, water and other assets more efficiently, yielding greater overall productivity and adding to the bottom line.

• Chris Plester, Sustainability Specialist, Safety, Health & Sustainability, National Grid

National Grid have partnered with the Wildlife Trust on a number of projects to enhance biodiversity and to increase ecosystem services on their sites and have recently joined us on a Wild Work Day – encouraging employees to support our conservation projects and connect with nature.

Vegetarian breakfast provided. Venue adjacent to Lye Train Station / parking on the Trading Estate. Meeting on 1st floor – no lift.

For more information contact Emma Thompson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Birmingham and the Black Country Wildlife Trust on 07718 109570 or email emma.t@bbcwildlife.org.uk

Description

Traditional (light rail) tram systems are an attractive low emission option for sustainable transport. In the UK, trams are highly successful in attracting people out of their cars and onto public transport, saving 22 million car journeys annually. However, the high cost of such systems make it almost impossible to generate a positive business case in all but the largest UK cities. The Very Light Rail (VLR) initiative will significantly reduce the cost of rail transport solutions through delivery of lightweight, self-propelled vehicles in a unique, world-first system.

9:00 REGISTRATION AND COFFEE

9:30 Welcome and Opening Remarks

- Archie MacPherson,

CEO WMG HVM Catapult

- Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member

for Jobs and Regeneration, Coventry

City Council

9:45 Keynote Address -

The need for change

- Steve Berry, Head, Highways Maintenance Branch, Local Transport Funding and Growth Division, Department for Transport

10:05 What is Very Light Rail and what does it offer?

- Nick Mallinson, Programme Manager VLR, WMG

10:25 Coventry Very Light Rail project

- Colin Knight, Director of Transportation and highways, Coventry City Council

- Nicola Small, Programme Manager

for VLR, Coventry City Council

- TBC, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire

- Cost of Urban Very Light Rail, TBC, Rider Levett Bucknall

11:00 COFFEE AND NETWORKING

11:30 The Very Light Rail National

Innovation Centre

- Alan Lunt, Strategic Director Place & Deputy Chief Executive, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

11:50 Very Light Rail Revolution project – the foundations for Coventry VLR

- Tim Burleigh, Head of External

Relations, Eversholt Rail

- Martin Pemberton, Managing Director, TDI

12:15 VLR as part of the future West Midlands transport ecosystem

- Mike Waters, Director of Policy, Strategy and Innovation, Transport for West Midlands

12:30 What standards will apply to VLR systems and how will approval be achieved?

- Bridget Eickhoff, Principal Infrastructure

Engineer, RSSB

12:45 LUNCH & NETWORKING DRINKS

13:45 What is best practice for delivery of a safe VLR system?

- Peter Howarth, Independent Competent Person for the Coventry Very Light Rail project

14:00 How VLR can inform and complement traditional rail

- David Rowe, Head of Strategy Research & Development, Network Rail

14:15 Potential for private sector involvement

- Robin Butler, Managing Director, Urban and Civic plc

14:30 Panel Q&A

15:15 Closing remarks

- Nick Mallinson, WMG

15:20 Coffee and Networking

- Tours of WMG and/or drop in sessions with experts

16:00 END

Description

We are delighted to announce that our Polymer Innovation Network (PIN) event returns on Wednesday 2nd October. The event theme is 'Plastic's Place in our Sustainable Future'. The agenda will be confirmed shortly.

As usual, we are inviting expressions of interest from those who would like to deliver a two-minute PIN 'hotshot' on a particular product or service of their choice, related to the theme.

For those new to PIN, it is a unique networking event for all users, makers and processors of plastic and has successfully brought this important community together to help bridge the gap between industry and R&D.

Based at WMG's impressive International Institute for Product and Service Innovation at the University of Warwick, in Coventry, PIN now boasts over 500 active members.

Find out about the latest materials research from WMG, current industry trends and future technologies whilst meeting and collaborating with other likeminded businesses and colleagues from the WMG SME Group.

Please contact Dr Paul Milne at p.milne@warwick.ac.uk to reserve your hotshot talk or discuss any queries you may have regarding this event.

This event is free to attend and dinner will be provided.

Description

Come and join us for the launch of the Science in Industry Research Centre (SIRC).

The Science in Industry Research Centre (SIRC) is a new project based at the Wolverhampton Science Park and run by the University of Wolverhampton. SIRC will support businesses to develop new science based products and processes. The centre will support SMEs in the Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, The Marches as well as Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire.

Eligible applicants benefit from initial fully-funded support to refine their product concept and its development requirements (typically a minimum of 12 hours support from SIRC specialist staff).

For businesses with an innovative product of high potential, additional support can be provided by specialist academic, technical and research staff at the University of Wolverhampton in the form of:

• Intellectual Property (IP) review and guidance

• IP grants

• Scientific research

• New product design & prototyping

• Laboratory testing

SIRC is now open for applications and is expected to close early 2022.

There is free onsite parking at the Wolverhampton Science Park, please follow signs for the Technology Centre (PA Building).

Please report to the registration desk which will be situated on the mezzanine outside of the Stephenson Room.

Refreshments will be provided.

SIRC is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Description

“A healthy workplace is one where employees and managers work together to protect and promote their health, safety and wellbeing and the sustainability of the business.” – World Health Organisation

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised workshop which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and provide help on a first aid basis. This course won’t teach you to be a therapist, but just like physical first aid, it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis.

People are the most important resource in the workplace. Without your employees, the workplace cannot function efficiently. This is why we are delivering this workshop for businesses, to show you how to best look after your employees.

The course is designed to give you: an understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma, provide basic knowledge of some common mental health issues and an introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining wellbeing. Mental health is part of our overall health.

£34.9 billion – cost of work-related mental ill-health to UK employers each year

£3.1 billion – cost of replacing staff who leave their jobs due to mental ill-health each year

Every Mental Health First Aid course with Prosafe is delivered by our quality assured instructors trained by MHFA England. They have qualified with the MHFA England Instructor Training programme accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health, and are trained to keep people safe and supported while they learn.

Please note: manuals will be required on the day for delegates to engage fully and make the most of the training. The cost is £30 + VAT payable in advance to Prosafe. Please contact us for more information, EnTRESS@wlv.ac.uk.

Description

Wednesday 27th May - Wednesday 3rd June 2020

This two day interactive workshop is a great opportunity for businesses to learn how to drive innovation and productivity in the workplace

The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Nottingham is delighted to announce that as part of the new Aerospace UP project, we will be hosting a two-day interactive workshop “Driving Innovation in the Workplace through Lean Six Sigma” for SMEs based in within the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership area.

This 2-day introduction to lean thinking will be an interactive opportunity for local businesses to explore the potential of lean and six sigma in their working environment.

Led by a Lean Practitioner and Six Sigma Master Black Belt with over 25 years of experience the two sessions will cover areas from strategic direction setting and execution, to delivery and staff engagement. Other topics will include waste & value identification, Kaizen, SIPOC, Process Flow Mapping, Standardisation of Work Flows and many more! Established principles and tools of the Toyota Production System methodology will be integral to building knowledge and understanding for all businesses and operations at any stage of their growth.

• The first half of this workshop will be on 27th May 2020

• The second part the following week on 3rd June 2020

The workshop is split into two parts which will allow participants to go away and apply the techniques they have learnt in Part 1, before returning for the second half of the workshop to feedback their findings the week after.

This free event has a maximum of 22 places. Attendance is limited to one employee per small or medium business with a registered address within the Black Country LEP area. A small or medium business is defined as having less than 250 employees, no more than 25% of the organisation being owned by an enterprise that is not itself and SME, an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance sheet not exceeding €43 million.

Upon registering for the event through this page, we will email attendees individually with an enrolment form to complete which when returned will enable us to confirm their eligibility and booking. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Email: pmc@nottingham.ac.uk

Phone: 0115 748 6224

If you are not sure what LEP area your business resides in, you can search your postcode here. Identical workshops are being organised in other Midlands LEP areas. Please see our Eventbrite page here for further workshop details.

This event is part-funded via the European Regional Development Fund, therefore we are required to evidence if you are a small to medium enterprise. There will be a form or two that will need to be completed on the day. The form is to ensure you are a small to medium enterprise and capture any business support you have received over the last 3 years to ensure you haven’t exceeded the €200,000 State Aid limit.

Description

Need extra staff? Trained for free to meet your needs? Free CSCS card?

Through the Construction Gateway we are working with small, local businesses like you to build a ‘work-ready’ bank of construction workers.

You tell us what skills you’re looking for to help you on jobs and help grow your business, and over four weeks we’ll train potential candidates.

Once we’ve delivered the training and issued the CSCS cards, all you have to do is give them a job interview and hopefully discover a new member of your team!

To find out more about the Construction Gateway and how it could benefit your business, join us for a chat and a brew and your complimentary breakfast sandwich on Thursday 30th January 2020 - drop in anytime between 7.30am – 9am at Walsall College, Green Lane Campus, Long Acre Street, Walsall WS2 8HX

Description

Get the support and guidance you need to become self-employed. Whether you’re thinking of starting a business or already up and trading, learn the crucial elements on how to market your brand effectively and gain exclusive access to trading through eBay.

With expert guest speakers including Bert Bassett eBay UK Business Development Director.

This FREE event is being held at:

The Hayward Suite, The Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton WV1 7QV

Tuesday 24th September 2019 – 10:00AM UNTIL 1:00PM

Book Your Space Now!

Description

Part of our series of Access to Finance workshops we’re running through the AIM for GOLD programme.

Aimed at SMEs which have been trading for more than 12 months within the 3 LEP areas including The Black Country, The Marches and Stoke & Staffordshire.

Findings from the Scaleup Survey in 2018 suggest that while 74 per cent of scaleups rely on external finance to support growth, four out of ten scaleups do not have the right funding in place to fulfil their current ambitions

Agenda:

8:30 - Welcome, Networking & Refreshments

8:50 - Introduction to the Black Country Growth Hub and the AIM for GOLD programme

8:55 - Venture capital from Midven

9:10 - Finance from Maven

9:25 - Finance from Business Growth Fund

9:35 - Finance from UK Steel Enterprise

9:45 - Support and finance from Barclays High Growth & Entrepreneurs Team

9:55 - Q&A followed by Networking

10:30 - Close

Description

Why your manufacturing or engineering business needs social media

As we approach a new decade, it is more important than ever for companys to have an active presence on social media. Traditionally, the manufacturing and engineering sector have not needed to proactively market their business but with increasing global competition and technological advances, being seen by a wider audience is crucial. Online marketing and in particular, social media, is an effective way to grow your business but for beginners it can also be confusing, daunting and even a little scary.

This 90-minute session will present a basic overview of what social media is, how it can work for your business, and an overview of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Topics such as how to create content, what is a hashtag, how to schedule posts and social media selling will be covered as well as a Q&A.

This course is aimed at the manufacturing and engineering sector. for either business owners or employees who are responsible for managing business social media accounts. Delivered by Josie Hadley, founder of OMG! Online Marketing Growth Limited, it is designed to help you understand how social media can play a crucial role in your companies’ online presence.

You will leave this session feeling inspired and eager to get started on professionally maximising your business opportunities on social media, with a better understanding of what channels will work for your business.

About Josie

Josie Hadley MA MCIM is a leading authority for online marketing having worked in this fast moving and exciting arena for over eight years. She has extensive knowledge and appreciation of both SMEs and multi-national brands – working with clients such as Pirelli Tyres and Moet & Chandon – gained from almost 30 years’ experience, in differing industries.

Josie launched her business, Online Marketing Growth Limited, in 2015 after realising the growing potential to businesses who did not have a strong online presence. She is passionate about social media and manages a wide portfolio of clients’ accounts - giving her daily contact with each platform and keeping her fully abreast of current trends and working practises. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

For the Black Country Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Awards, Josie was a judge for the category of ‘Best Use of Social Media’ – invited to do so in recognition of her knowledge and expertise in this area, by this respected organisation. She also hosted two events as part of the Black Country Business Festival 2018 and received fantastic feedback.

As a fully accredited trainer, Josie not only has the knowledge of online marketing, but also the skills and qualifications to share this with others. She has delivered training and presentations to over 1000 delegates in various forms and most notably, on behalf of eBay, NatWest Commercial Bank and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Description

This is a practical session to help exporting businesses prepare for Brexit.

When and where?

Location Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Coxwell Avenue, Wolverhampton WV10 9RT

Date 11 October 2019

Time 13:00-17:00 

Why attend?

The Government is accelerating Brexit preparations so that it is ready to leave the EU on 31 October.

This is one of a series of Department for International Trade events to help you prepare for Brexit.

What will you learn?

You’ll leave the event with a personalised action plan covering:

• paperwork needed to continue exporting
• impact to supply chains
• changes to regulations and contracts
• where to find tariff information, commodity codes and duty rates
• what you might need to speak to customers and employees about
• moving goods across borders
• business travel to the EU
• providing services to EU clients
• how to treat personal data

Who is this event for?

All exporters, particularly those exporting to the EU. There are several events like this running across the country. Please visit the main page to see the full list of events.

Please note places are limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is required.

Description

The Black Country Growth Hub team will soon be heading out to various locations within the Black Country to reach local businesses and provide FREE and impartial business support.

You won’t be able to miss the brightly coloured double-decker bus popping up all over the region from Monday 18th November to Thursday 21st November 2019.

The tour will feature some great local specialists such as Catax, Natwest, Talbots Law, Forresters, People Plus and Higgs & Sons - speaking on a number of different topics from recruitment to intellectual property.

Jaspal Sohal, Head of Black Country Growth Hub said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to find out exactly what we do and how we can help them. The Black Country Growth Hub is completely free and impartial support service, and our specialists have been chosen to provide help on topics such as finance, new business, intellectual property and legal advice. We understand it can be difficult for businesses to be aware of what support programs are available in the region, so this is the perfect opportunity to meet with our team and get support to help their journey towards business growth.”

Whether you’re interested in growing your business, implementing a new innovative process, recruiting apprentices, finding networking opportunities, moving your business to the Black Country OR have a different enquiry – come along and speak to the team!

Pre-book your appointment when a member of our team or a local specialist by clicking here

Click here to go to our bus tour page to find further information

Full Schedule:

Description

Finding finance to start and grow a business is tough – finding finance to start and grow a social enterprise can seem even tougher.

There are several options available, and this event will feature presentations from a range of them, including grants from the School for Social Entrepreneurs and UnLtd.

This event is part of the Access to Finance series of workshops delivered through the AIM for GOLD programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

There is no car parking available on the College site, but there are public pay & display car parks nearby, and West Bromwich Central tram stop is immediately adjacent.

8:30 - Arrivals, tea/coffee, networking

8:55 - Introduction to the Black Country Growth Hub and the AIM for GOLD programme

9:00 - School for Social Entrepreneurs

9:15 - UnLtd

9:30 - CIEF

9:45 - Resonance WM

Description

The new style speed networking was a success in late February. Thirty businesses joined forces to participate in the event. Well known facilitator Mike Grocott of Intercog Limited structured the meeting with warm up exercises which helped everyone get to know each other and added a lively atmosphere to the engagement.
At this speed networking event you sit at round tables and take your chance to introduce yourself to the other networkers in a structured and managed routine.

Speed networking is a fun and effective way of making new business contacts and letting the world know what you and your business are all about. At this structured, fast-paced event you’ll get the chance to meet all of the other businesses there, so that’s the potential for over 40 new contacts!

Once you’ve met everybody, time is provided for you to continue to network and to arrange follow-ups with those people with whom you’d like to have further conversations, to continue to develop those all-important business relationships.

And there’s no need to worry about who to talk to or what to say either as the facilitated, interactive format of the event will get you chatting to everyone else in no time! You will gain confidence for networking in the future and take away some hints and tips to practise.

Our speed networking follows a proven format that works well for everyone, for all levels of experience or confidence. So even if you have attended similar events previously do give this style a chance and see if it works for you.

For any queries, please contact Penny Griffiths on 01902 912316 or pennygriffiths@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

Description

BRIC Talks Event No.1 - Tax Incentives to Support Brownfield Development

About this Event

Own or occupy a brownfield site or thinking about buying such a site or renting premises on one? Not sure about the advantages and disadvantages? Want to know more about what might be involved in developing brownfield land or the latest techniques available to support your development?

BRIC Talks could be a good place for you to start. The talks will focus on topics which help underpin the successful development and re-use of brownfield sites such as tax incentives, new building scanning techniques and assessment of sites, followed by time for networking.

BRIC Talks - Event No.1

We are delighted to host the first in a series of talks and networking events. We have the pleasure in welcoming Ben de Waal, of The Fiscal Incentives Group Ltd, who will discuss Tax Incentives to Support Brownfield Development

This event is being held on Tuesday 5th November 2019, 9am - 10.30am

Location: ECMS building, University of Wolverhampton, Springfield Campus, Cambridge Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JR.

Arrive: 9am for 9.15am start

Introduction by BRIC team – 9.15am

Guest Speaker – 9.20 – 9.40am

Networking – 9.40 – 10.15am

Register:

We look forward to welcoming you to this event. Please register your attendance via Eventbrite.

If you have any queries, please contact the BRIC team via email BRIC@wlv.ac.uk.

About us:

This series of events has been created by the University of Wolverhampton Brownfield Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) which supports the regeneration and re-use of brownfield sites for social, domestic and business purposes. The Centre, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is able to provide assistance to qualifying Black Country SMEs in areas such as:

• Soil Scanning

• Soil Analysis and Remediation Techniques

• Building and Ground Scanning

• Geographic Information Systems

• Water Contamination, Ground Stabilisation and Demolition

www.wlv.ac.uk/bric

Twitter: @BRICerdf

About our guest speaker

Ben is a Director and owner of The Fiscal Incentives Group having previously been a director at AECOM with overall responsibility for the company’s residential sector in the UK. He commenced his career in tax incentives with Crosher & James in 1995 before they were acquired by Davis Langdon in 2000. He became equity partner in 2002 and remained so until they were acquired by AECOM in 2010.

Ben is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor specialising in tax incentives and has been advising clients on capital allowances since 1995. He set up a new team in 2001 to respond to the new land remediation relief legislation and continues to help clients benefit from tax incentives by combining his specialist knowledge in tax with an in depth knowledge of the construction industry.

www.tfigroup.co.uk/

Travel to the event:

The University of Wolverhampton Springfield Campus, where the ECMS building is housed, is currently under development. Due to building works, there is no on-site parking and street parking is limited. Wolverhampton railway station is only a 5-10 minute walk away as are local pay and display car parks operated by Wolverhampton City Council. The following link identifies the nearest car parks which are located at Faulkland Crescent and Broad Street.

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/city-centre-car-parks