Business Growth West Midlands

🌍 Happy Global Recycling Day! ♻️ Recycling and embracing a circular economy are key to tackling climate change and driving global sustainability. BGWM is committed to supporting businesses on their journey to sustainability. We aim to help businesses save money on energy, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve net zero through expert advice, decarbonisation programmes, and grants. 🌿 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/euEQEGPy If your business is an SME in the West Midlands, you could be eligible for a free energy assessment and grants from our Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS). 🌲 Find out more about BEAS: https://lnkd.in/eHERF63x #GlobalRecyclingDay #Sustainability #NetZero #CircularEconomy #BusinessGrowth #Decarbonisation #BEAS #BusinessEnergyAdviceService

Join Us at the Wolverhampton Business Support Roadshow! 🚀 📅 Date: Tuesday, 8 April 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00 - 12:30 (Registration & Refreshments from 09:30) 📍 Location: Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR Are you a Wolverhampton business owner looking to grow, scale, or access valuable support? Don’t miss this FREE event designed to connect you with expert guidance, funding opportunities, and local business resources. ✅ Discover Business Growth West Midlands support programmes ✅ Explore grants, services, and initiatives available to you ✅ Network with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts This is your chance to unlock key opportunities and drive your business forward! 🎟 Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eJdVtTja City of Wolverhampton Council

#WMBF25 wrap up 🎉 Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen incredible innovation, collaboration, and ambition from businesses across the region. With 97 events, thousands of attendees, and countless connections made, it’s been an unforgettable celebration of the West Midlands’ business community. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, supported, and helped make this festival such a success. Your energy, passion, and dedication to growth and innovation are what make the West Midlands a powerhouse of opportunity. We can’t wait to do it all again next year, bigger, better, and bolder! 🚀 See you at #WMBF26! 💬 What was your biggest takeaway from West Midlands Business Festival? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇 West Midlands Combined Authority | Walsall Council | Coventry City Council | Birmingham City Council | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council | Dudley Council | Sandwell Council | City of Wolverhampton Council | Dudley Business First

#WMBF25 Day 9 recap! 🌟 🧠 The Future of SMART Technology in Construction Innovate UK lead an insightful event exploring the future of SMART technology in construction. We delved into how the industry is evolving, becoming more intelligent, and integrating cutting-edge innovations. 👨💼 Business Funding Summit 2025 Lead by the Investment Readiness Programme this was a great opportunity for decision-makers from start-ups and established SME businesses to attend, network, and explore the various funding options available.  ☕ Breakfast with David Milton An exclusive workshop aimed at helping business owners maximise value and achieve a successful exit strategy. 🏰 SPARK Europe Showcase We joined SPARK at Millennium Point Birmingham, for a morning of networking opportunities with industry experts and insightful presentations from leading researchers. ♻️ WASTE NOT, WANT NOT We had a great time hearing from Dominic Grosvenor of Barr & Grosvenor Ltd, Christian Byron from Aston Centre for Growth's Green Advantage Sustainability Programme, and other sustainability experts. Going green isn't just good for the planet—it's great for saving money and boosting your business strategy. 🗺️ Growing Global Delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, this dynamic event offered expert insights on global growth strategies for 2025, catering to both seasoned international traders and those 'global curious' looking to take their first steps. 🔮 Skills for the Future: Upskilling and Reskilling the Workforce Covering the must-know strategies for workforce development and shared tips on how to future-proof your team.  🚀 The Mindful Business Owner: Avoid Burnout, Boost Success Take a deep breath, running a business is no small feat! This 2-hour Introduction to Mindfulness Workshop helped us discover how to reclaim focus, manage stress, and show up as the best version of ourselves. ✅ Unlock UK GDPR Compliance – Without the Legal Jargon This is the second part of the UK GDPR and the Data Act 2018 sessions, where we learnt about how to process personal data lawfully and essential dos and don'ts.  🏫 Coaches, Trainers & Consultants: How to Land High-Paying Clients This transformative masterclass equipped us with a clear strategy to identify and connect with ideal corporate clients in a way that gets responses. 🎭 Beyond the Logo: A Hands-On Branding Workshop This event focused on the importance of logos and emphasised that branding goes far beyond just a logo. It's about creating an identity, telling your story, and shaping how your audience perceives you. 💬 Links 4 Business Networking: Getting started in business The Highlife Centre - A workshop designed for new businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them overcome hurdles. We covered essential topics like finance, marketing, IT, and legal awareness. West Midlands Business Festival Check out the rest of our events - https://lnkd.in/eZxWjDft

#WMBF25 Day 8 🌟 As we approach the final stretch of our first ever West Midlands Business Festival, we hope you’ve been having an incredible experience! Here’s a look at yesterday's and recent highlights: 🤖 Accessible AI for SMEs and its Practical applications At Curzon Building of Birmingham City University we experienced an in depth talk to learn more about AI's practical applications and discover how it can drive innovation in business by the credible Dr Kifayat Khan, PhD -arranged by Jill Middleton and hosted by Raaj Shamji! 🎭 Co-ops for Creative Freelancers & Social Enterprises - Black Country Living Museum provided a unique setting to explore the benefits of co-operatives with insights into how this business model enhances resilience, inclusivity, and productivity! 🍷 Network & Drink: Shaping Birmingham’s Cultural Heart Late in the evening on Tuesday wrapped up with an evening networking session featuring Alex Nicholson-Evans at Hotel Du Vin, leaving delegates with fresh ideas on how to integrate creativity into their strategies. 🏫 Your Business, Our Campus - City Learning Quarter We began our day at the City of Wolverhampton College, exploring the exciting opportunities that the brand-new city centre campus will bring! 👩🏾🤝👩🏽 Celebrating Women in Business So many inspirational stories - it was wonderful to have the opportunity to network and be inspired female entrepreneurs at University of Wolverhampton Science Park! 😎 Connect, Collaborate, and Grow: Join Us for the Launch of R:U:D:E Attire Inspiring live demos, music, and entertainment showcased the energy and creativity at the launch with Carl Jolly 🌍 Making Changes to your Business: Sustainability and Business Re-modelling An online event led by Dr Inge Hill FRSA FIOEE focusing on changes you can implement to make your business more sustainable. 👏 Wellbeing in the Workplace The Kaleidoscope Plus Group hosted an interactive seminar explaining how focusing on employees' mental well-being can positively impact the bottom line by fostering a culture that attracts and retains talent. 🦾 Using AI for SEO AI and SEO were demystified as we learnt about AI's role in search engines and content creation, while also addressing the essential dread and processes to ensure AI enhances rather than harms your rankings. 🚀 Non-Member Networking We had a fantastic taster session of a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce networking event at Albert's Schloss! As the festival continues tomorrow, you can check out our other events here - https://lnkd.in/eZxWjDft Tell us about your experience so far in the comments 👇

#WMBF25 Day 7 recap🌟 🌱 University of Birmingham: Spotlight on Sustainability & Decarbonisation   Featuring. Dr Roshan Boojihawon, Lee Jackson & JAS BAHRA shared insights into compliance, collaboration, and decarbonisation strategies, helping businesses take meaningful steps toward net zero. 🚀 Innovate Dudley Expo 2025  Innovation was on full display in Dudley! Businesses showcased cutting-edge solutions, while attendees engaged in fireside chats and discussions on how to drive business growth through innovation. 🤝 Aston Centre for Growth Networking Event  A morning of networking and idea-sharing. A keynote session on business growth set the stage for engaging discussions, followed by open networking where new partnerships were formed. 🤖 Is AI Good for Your Business? delivered by IceBlue AI remained a hot topic as experts broke down its benefits and challenges for businesses, covering AI adoption strategies, risks, and opportunities, leaving attendees with a clearer vision of how to integrate AI effectively. 🎯 Recruitment Speed Day  Led by Verko Consulting, this session focused on making recruitment more inclusive and efficient. Job seekers connected with employers in fast-paced, one-on-one conversations, while businesses explored flexible and part-time hiring solutions to attract top talent. 📲 Selecting the Right social media for Your Business  This webinar helped business owners cut through the noise of digital marketing. Attendees learned how to choose the right platforms for their audience and implement strategies that maximise engagement without spreading themselves too thin. 🚺 Solihull’s International Women’s Day We joined Clare Rudge & Charlotte Bowden for a day of empowerment and connection! Attendees gained insights from keynote speakers including, engaged in panel discussions, and joined skills-based workshops, leaving with fresh ideas and strategies to break barriers in business. 👥 Leading Teams with Confidence Jessica Shields led an interactive session on leadership styles and communication, equipping attendees with practical tools to boost team engagement and performance. 📚 AI for Work & Business: Training for Non-Techies! Tosin Oguzie from Klimb Digital demystified AI, covering ChatGPT, prompting techniques, and ethical considerations, giving businesses the confidence to start using AI effectively. 🌍 The Power of Social Value in Business Experts from public and private sectors shared how embedding social value strengthens tender applications while driving meaningful community impact. 🍷 Network & Drink: Shaping Birmingham’s Cultural Heart The evening wrapped up with a relaxed session featuring Alex Nicholson-Evans, Birmingham City Curator. Attendees gained insights into the role of culture and placemaking in business success, leaving with fresh ideas on how to integrate creativity into their strategies. 💬 Did you attend any West Midlands Business Festival events? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#TransformationTuesday: Brockhouse Group Ltd Energy Efficiency Journey! We’re excited to share our latest case study video, showcasing how Brockhouse Group Ltd., a company with over 135 years of engineering excellence, is embracing innovation and sustainability with Pro Enviro! 🔍 Key Highlights: ✅ Grant Support: Brockhouse secured a 50% match-funded grant of £29,344.25 to drive their energy efficiency improvements. ✅ Carbon Savings: A projected annual reduction of 156.2 tonnes of CO₂. ✅ Energy Savings: A massive 827,600 kWh/year in reduced energy consumption. ✅ Cost Savings: Estimated £36,100/year in energy cost reductions! 💡 This is what transformation looks like—turning challenges into opportunities! By investing in energy efficiency, Brockhouse Group is future-proofing its operations, cutting costs, and making a real impact on carbon reduction. 🎥 Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eDQ2JPff To register for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, visit here: https://lnkd.in/gYHSrgKa #TransformationTuesday #CaseStudy #EnergyEfficiency #NetZero #SustainableManufacturing #CarbonReduction #CostSavings #ProEnviro #BrockhouseGroup Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme Business Growth West Midlands West Midlands Combined Authority Black Country Industrial Cluster Black Country Chamber of Commerce Dudley Council Sandwell Council City of Wolverhampton Council Walsall Council Ashmita Chitlangia Gurdas Singh (ACIM) Rose V. Clare Ireland Maria Covlea WMG, University of Warwick Coventry City Council Oxford Innovation Advice Aston University

#WMBF25 Day 6 🌟  Day 6 is here, and we kicked off the week with a bang! Let's dive into the highlights of this action-packed Monday: ✨ Coaching for Success: Strategies for Growth, Confidence, and Impact  Led by the experienced leadership coach Clare Roberts-Molloy Ltd, this workshop was designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their leadership skills and enhance business performance. ✅ Unlocking Talent with Age-Inclusive Hiring  In the morning, Mike Mansfield lead an insightful webinar delving into the challenges facing the labour market, highlighting the untapped potential of workers over 50, which makes a compelling business case for age inclusion. 👔 Achieving Success with Business Standards During this expert-led online session, we clarified the complexities of ISO implementation. The session covered step-by-step approaches, shared insightful case studies, and highlighted key pitfalls to avoid. 🍋 Champagne Marketing on a Lemonade Budget delivered by Lindsey Newman-Wood from Passion Marketing Solutions When life gives you lemons... you know the rest! Marketing can be a mystery, but in this engaging workshop, we uncovered some trade secrets and gain practical tips for marketing your business on a budget while achieving maximum impact. 🔧 From Steel to Silicon: Past Lessons, Present Opportunities, Future Visions  Hosted at the historic Black Country Living Museum, the event opened with a warm welcome from David Middlemiss, Director of Development and External Affairs at BCLM and Pam Waddell OBE from Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands. This unique business networking event celebrated the region's evolution. From the steel tools and manufacturing innovations that shaped our past to the West Midlands' ambitious vision of becoming the UK's Silicon Valley (But with more morals). The event highlighted our rich heritage and future aspirations. And that’s a wrap! Did you attend any West Midlands Business Festival events yesterday? and what were your stand out moments!? Let us know in the comments section below 👇   Check out our other events too - https://lnkd.in/eZxWjDft Walsall Council | Coventry City Council | Birmingham City Council | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council | Dudley Council | Sandwell Council | City of Wolverhampton Council | West Midlands Combined Authority

Exciting News! 🎉 #VenturefestWM will be celebrating its 10th anniversary! This free, one-day event is all about driving business growth through innovation 💡 . Whether you're a startup, entrepreneur, or business leader, this is the perfect opportunity to explore fresh ideas and connect with like-minded innovators. Event Highlights: 📈 Empowering Entrepreneurs: Discover new business models and growth opportunities 🤝 Unlocking Startup Growth: Dive into alternative equity models and strategic collaborations 🌍 European Partnership Opportunities 🚀 Success Stories: Hear inspiring stories from the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator …and more! Don't miss out, register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/dpv3UR9 Pam Waddell OBE | Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands #WestMidlandsInnovation #WMPlanforGrowth #MinervaBirminghamPitchUp

#WMBF25 Day 5 recap🌟 Week two has begun! and we have a host of fantastic events lined up for you! But first, here are Fridays highlights! 😁 💬 Unlocking Leadership Excellence in Professional Services  We start strong with CAPE Coaching and Development hosting an exclusive roundtable event tailored for leaders in professional services. Held at the Weightmans offices in Birmingham, this immersive session allowed participants to explore actionable strategies, share best practices, and uncover insights to shape the future of leadership in their firms. 🍽️ Leadership in Action: Exploring Trends and Innovations Across Industries  Participants enjoyed a breakfast hosted by the Maxival Centre for Skills Development. This event brought leaders together in a dynamic, interactive format to explore key industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. 💬 Surviving, Thriving & Diversifying in Solihull: A Symposium  At the Core Theatre in Solihul, we enjoyed a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, inspiring keynotes, workshops, and practical tips on navigating the creative business landscape in 2025. 🌌 The Unconventional Convention - 2.0  Participants had the opportunity to experience otherworldly VR scenarios created by students from Coventry University's College of Arts & Humanities. The future is here!  🔓 Unlock UK GDPR Compliance – Without the Legal Jargon  Confused by GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018? Luckily, we had 'GDPR George,' an expert with years of UK GDPR experience, for an interactive, engaging, and jargon-free workshop that makes UK GDPR compliance simple and actionable. 💼 Escape the Sales Hamster Wheel: Master Business Development Loops  This event was perfect for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises looking to enhance their sales techniques and close deals effortlessly.  The day concluded with a networking opportunity, complete with drinks and nibbles – what more could you ask for!? 🤝 Wheels in Motion: A networking and wellbeing event for professionals  Later in the afternoon, we laced up our skates for a fun event designed for business professionals. Participants explored the joy, fun, and health benefits of roller skating while networking with like-minded individuals. 💄 Starting out in the Beauty industry  Hello Skin Clinic hosted an event providing valuable advice for those starting out in the beauty industry. Attendees also got to enjoy drinks and nibbles and even a short makeup treatment! Did you attend any events at West Midlands Business Festival? What did you learn? Let us know in the comments 👇 Make sure to check out our other events - https://lnkd.in/eZxWjDft Walsall Council | Coventry City Council | Birmingham City Council | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council | Dudley Council | Sandwell Council | City of Wolverhampton Council | West Midlands Combined Authority