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

WEBINAR

We all have goals, certain things we strive for. A certain level of turnover, multiple product streams, outsourcing development. Setting goals quite often isn’t a struggle but sticking to them and building those goals into everyday decision making can often be challenging and so quite often, we lose control and sight of what we really want – particularly when life throws us a curveball like COVID19! In this session, we’ll take a look at revising long-term visions to keep you inspired and motivated through these challenging times. After that we’ll break those visions down into milestones that feel manageable and give you a clear list of actions, allowing you to feel in control and feel your own progress towards those big ticket goals.

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

£2.5 million to be invested in innovation projects that develop a new service or product.

West Midlands 5G (WM5G), in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), West Midlands Combined Authority and in collaboration with Innovate UK, will invest up to £2.5 million in innovation projects that develop a new service or product. These must improve road and rail operational efficiency, provide better-connected transport or improve the experience for travellers.

Additional information on the 5G – enabled road and rail transport trials in the West Midlands competition call:

Project applications must focus on one of the use cases listed in the specific themes below and be suitable for trial in the West Midlands using the live 5G environment. They must demonstrate how 5G is essential to developing your new service or product and offers a significant enhancement compared to current mobile communications.

• Improvements in the operation of roads to reduce congestion, emissions and improve safety.
• Improvements in train, tram or bus services to enhance the operational efficiency or service offered.
• Better joined-up public transport services (bus, train, tram).

These projects must improve road and rail operational efficiency, provide better-connected transport, more cohesive travel solutions and transport information, or improve traveller experience.

Please note:

Projects up to 12 months long have a maximum grant funding of £500,000.
For projects up to 12 months long, maximum grant funding is £1.0 million.
The grant must be no more than 50% of the total eligible project costs.

This is the first competition of its kind and will be followed by other competitions in due course.

We are running two briefing events to help potential applicants:

10th March 2020 – Birmingham (Available via Webcast)
18th March 2020 – London

KTN Events and Coronavirus

While it remains safe to do so, KTN will continue to run and attend events. Responsibility for health and safety at these events is primarily held by the venues. However, KTN will work closely with all venues and partners involved to ensure that staff, speakers and delegates are protected. You will therefore be likely to see increased hand gel, tissues, wipes and masks (where appropriate) handed out at events. 
It is possible that due to an assessed risk, an event may be postponed or cancelled at short notice in order to protect the health of our attendees. Where this is the case, we will endeavour to let you know as soon as possible.
Please do not travel to events should you feel unwell, and please follow the published Public Health England advice, which you can find here.

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

Only 12% of all engineers are women in the UK, and only 46.4% of girls 11-14 would consider a career in engineering, compared to 70.3% of boys and only 22.2% of students starting A Level Physics in 2018 were female.

But it didn’t start out that way as at A-Level more girls get A*-C grades than boys – including Further Maths, Maths, ICT and Design and Technology. (Engineering UK, 2018)

So what happens to deter women and girls from this exciting field of study and work? And can you imaging if more girls stayed in technology and engineering, what would they be designing and creating for our future use?

Enabling Technologies and Innovation Competencies Challenge ETICC project, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) offers support and expertise from an academic team and use of university facilities – laboratories and equipment – for research and development of new products with the application of the below technologies. The project is designed to stimulate innovation in small/medium businesses and help businesses grow. This event was developed for women and is dedicated to International Women's Day.

Come and find out more about women in innovation, technology and strength.

Join us for a show of our capabilities.

When? Friday 6th March 2020 9.30am – 3pm

Where? The Shakti Rooms, 3rd floor, Newhall Street, B3 3RB

Why? Because we will deserve new and exciting opportunities

Description

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

Description

This is one of a series of Fully Funded workshops from FOCUS DIGITAL delivered by Coventry University Enterprises Business Solutions

If you are a trading SME based within the following areas: Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire or Greater Birmingham and Solihull (more developed area), and would like to know more about YouTube videos and how they can enhance your business, Focus Digital are offering you the chance to attend a Fully Funded one day workshop (6 hours), with the option of an extra 6 hours of one to one graphic design support.

You are asked to arrive promptly at 0830 for registration ready for an 0900 start. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

This 1 day event will cover the following:

• What is Youtube and the benefits of promoting your product/company with videos on the platform
• What can you video to successfully promote your business
• Setting up and promoting your YouTube channel
• How to make your video - techniques, tips and tricks for a compelling video
• An opportunity to practice your new skills by creating your own short video

DATA PROTECTION: This workshop is provided free to you if you meet the eligibility criteria. We will keep all information you provide confidential and treat it in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1988 and General Data Protection Regulation 2016.

This project is part funded by European Regional Development Fund

Eligibility Criteria:

Is your Company based within the eligible LEP areas (Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham & Solihull (more developed area))?

You are an SME with less than 250 employees?

Does your company have either an annual turnover not exceeding €50m (£35m) OR an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43m (£30M)?

Is your company owned or part owned by one or more companies?

If yes, does the owning company and group fall within the definition of an SME?

(if no - company not eligible)

Has your company received public funding of more than €200,000 under De minimis regulation in the last 3 years (If yes - company not eligible)?

Is your Company in financial distress?

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

Are you Logistics Smart?

The goal of the workshop is twofold: to provide an overview of the current challenges for improving logistics and transport operations; and to identify and share best practices in order to reduce environmental and financial costs.

The workshop will involve presentations from key players in the UK freight logistics and transport sector and a roundtable with experts from industry and academia.

Join us for best practices to reduce your environmental and business costs 

 Why attend?

• Understand the key logistics & transport developments to improve your logistics and environmental performance 
   
• Gain practical insights and examples of how SMEs can improve their environmental performance and reduce costs
   
• Meet and learn from industry leaders
   
• Explore long term collaboration opportunities with Aston university Logistics and Sustainability experts

     Please Note: This workshop is open to eligible SMEs in the Black Country ( Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton) 

 SME Eligibility:  

Description

WEBINAR

Preparing and looking into the future and how we can deal with the impact on world trade.

Description

• Brexit, growth in overseas markets, particularly developing markets means UK companies need to explore how to increase sales internationally.

• In the today’s globally and culturally diverse business environment, foreign language capability is one of the most important business skills necessary to build relationships with customers, overseas clients, buyers and suppliers.

This FREE half day Workshop will provide a tool kit in order to:

• Identify a market, how to enter a market and how to standardisation of modify your marketing strategy in order to successful build international sales.

• Outline the range of linguistic services available in order to execute your plan.

• Provide insights into the current research on language capability required its impact on significant global firm level market outcomes.

• Benchmark your capability against other firms with significant global growth.

• Outline the range of support service available to accelerate your international plans.

Includes Free Buffet Lunch and opportunity to network.

Description

The University of Birmingham’s successful Rail support programme launches in the Black Country focused on working with both rail and non-rail companies to help grow and access the rail sector by understanding the range of opportunities and need for innovation particularly in digital.

08:30 Registration & Networking breakfast

09:05 The Rail Opportunity

09:30 How can Digi Rail Support

10:00 1:1 Sessions/ Depart

The University of Birmingham’s successful Rail support programme launches in the Black Country focused on working with both rail and non-rail companies to help grow and access the rail sector by understanding the range of opportunities and need for innovation particularly in digital.

08:30 Registration & Networking breakfast

09:05 The Rail Opportunity

09:30 How can Digi Rail Support

10:00 1:1 Sessions/ Depart

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

WEBINAR

This session will look at the impact of COVID-19 on international trade and supply chains. Impacts are constantly evolving and the session will attempt to outline current impacts and possible future impact on businesses

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

WEBINAR

We are in the early days of a Government financial initiative to support British businesses and the CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) has been put in place to assist them access finance through partially funded loans and other types of finance. We will be sharing the background, how to apply and what to prepare to maximise a faster response.

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 Start-Up Business Club masterclasses are the perfect 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. 

Take your business to the next level by increasing your digital marketing activity and introducing videos for your business. Come and join us to hear from guest speakers who are experts in their field. 

• Site Geek - Expert in Digital Marketing
• Breathe in Media
• NatWest Bank 

** This event is for Start-Up Businesses Only - Please only book on if you fall in this criteria **

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

WEBINAR

This webinar provides an overview of the support available to help employers and their staff in addressing Coronavirus (COVID-19) – including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, refunding eligible Statutory Sick Pay costs, furloughed employees and more.

Description

Join this interactive workshop to gain the confidence to venture into familiar and unchartered markets... 

Designed for manufacturers that are selling or seeking to sell directly or indirectly into overseas markets. This interactive workshop will give businesses the confidence to venture into familiar and unchartered markets, where opportunities may exist to sell their goods overseas.

what we will cover:

• How businesses trade internationally (direct or through intermediaries)

• The regulatory requirements of the intermediary areas (as you go global)

• Due diligence

• The market entry barriers – how to overcome

• Methodology to reduce risk

• Developing the ‘Agreement’:

  • Contract provisions – what a contract should look like

  • Risks mitigation

  • Agents and Distributors

  • Managing the agreement

  • To do - complete a template/draft agreement

Is this masterclass right for me?
This half-day workshop is appropriate for delegates from exporting companies who are looking to update and enhance their exporting skills.

Please note this training workshop is funded through our EU co-financed SME International Growth Project. We therefore require West Midlands SME attendees to please complete a project enrolment form. You can either bring this along with you on the day of the workshop or sign and scan back to me. If you have already signed a declaration form, there is no requirement for you to complete this again.

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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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

Brexit, growth in overseas markets, particularly in developing markets, means UK companies need to explore how to increase sales internationally.

In the today’s globally and culturally diverse business environment, foreign language capability is one of the most important business skills necessary to build relationships with customers, overseas clients, buyers and suppliers.

Essentially communication and language are a prerequisite for any kind of trade, helping improve efficiency of interactions.

This FREE half day Workshop will provide a tool kit in order to:

• Identify a market, how to enter a market and how to standardisation of modify your marketing strategy in order to successful build international sales.

• Outline the range of linguistic services available in order to execute your plan.

• Provide insights into the current research on language capability required its impact on significant global firm level market outcomes.

• Benchmark your capability against other firms with significant global growth.

• Outline the range of support service available to accelerate your international plans.

Includes Free Buffet Lunch and opportunity to network.

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

WEBINAR

Our mindset shapes everything we think and everything we do. It is present in every decision we make and yet quite often, these decisions are made for us by our unconscious and could often be holding us back under the guise of ‘self-preservation’ or when we find ourselves having to react quick, such as with the ongoing CV19 situation.  In this session we’ll take a deep dive into The Power of Mindset. We’ll be taking a look at how our mindset is formed, altered and just how powerful a force it can be both for good and not so good. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of your own mindset, with clear actionable tips on how you can develop your own in areas that will accelerate your business.

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

WEBINAR

This webinar outlines practical measures that can be taken, best practice in terms of updating and communicating policies and the duty of care responsibilities of the employer.

We also provide detail of the Government support and resources being made available to employers. Included in this session:

• Practical steps that can help reduce the spread of the virus • Effective ways of communicating with employees

• Equipping managers with accurate information and resources

• Self-isolation, time off, sickness certification and sick pay

• What to do if an employee becomes ill

• Altering working hours, shift patterns and working arrangements

• Remote working and increasing the use of technology

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

Running a business can be lonely, frustrating and all consuming - so why not take a little time out and join us for a breakfast networking event on how mentoring support could help you grow your business.

The City of Wolverhampton Council and the Mentoring for Growth Programme have partnered up to share with you the support that is available locally.

The aim of the event is to update you on a range of business opportunities in our region including mentoring and growth support.

To demonstrate the benefits of mentoring, our guest speaker is Damini Sharma, Managing Director at Om Group who has herself experienced the Be the Business Mentoring for Growth programme at first-hand, so is able to share her insight and experience with us.

Description

WEBINAR

Click below to join Festival of Enterprise's crowdcast

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

ohnathan Dudley our Head of Manufacturing will be joined by Geraldine Bolton, Chief Executive at the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), Rachel Eade MBE, and Tim Warrington, CEO of Bots.co.uk, a first of its kind robot hire scheme.

Johnathan and guest speakers will discuss what the future holds for the manufacturing industry and on which key areas businesses should focus their efforts in 2020 and announce the results of our recent Manufacturing survey over breakfast.

What we will cover

We will discuss the following topics, as well as key outcomes from the manufacturing survey.

• Trends that are shaping the manufacturing industry.
• The opportunities and challenges that the sector faces, including Brexit, Industry 4.0 and the launch of 5G.
• The future of robotics and AI.

Who should attend

This event will be of value to anyone in the manufacturing sector who has an interest in or responsibility for business growth and planning.

Description

Free webinar: 'Taking your business overseas'

Hosted by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the Department for International Trade (DIT)

Book onto our free webinar for business owners and advisers to learn about:

• best practices for exporting
• essential ingredients for exporting success
• support available from IPO and DIT

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

This fully-funded business innovation workshop is tailored for companies in manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors. It is hosted at Make.UK Technology Hub and includes the tour of Make.UK apprenticeship training facilities.

The workshop gives delegates knowledge of three key enabling technologies - digital, materials and photonics - and an opportunity to identify resources, skills and expertise to grow and develop their business through innovation and application of these technologies to development of new products.

Description

WEBINAR

Alex helps ambitious brands and driven entrepreneurs tell their stories via the power of podcasting.

He founded his podcast agency, Screw It, Just Do It after the success of his own podcast changed his life.

From initially launching his own show and receiving just two downloads – clearly his wife & his mother – to last year getting a #1 rated business show all over the globe, from the UK to Uganda, his podcast – Screwitjustdoit – is now downloaded in 140+ countries.

Alex passionately believe that everybody deserves to be heard & everybody should have their own voice.

He’s on a mission to help ambitious brands & driven entrepreneurs who want to educate their existing customers about their products and services, and attract more like-minded listeners to become paying customers.

Alex and his team have helped create and launch numerous podcasts into Apple’s iTunes Top 20 chart from corporate brands through to regional startups.

He has a long-standing history with audio, having started his career at BBC Radio in the 1990’s before deciding to travel the world working for Virgin Atlantic Airlines.

Alex recently spent a number of years in the entrepreneurship space, working with Sir Richard Branson’s not-for-profit Virgin StartUp, helping entrepreneurs get funding & mentoring.