PROSPER SPRING DIGITAL

THE REGION’S LONGEST-RUNNING BUSINESS PUBLICATION 

BLACK COUNTRY 

PROSPER 

SPRING 2024 

Aiming for the top 

How training has boosted four young professionals’ careers

WELCOME TO PROSPER 

We are ready for future opportunities 

With Black Country businesses reporting greater confidence than the national average, the enhanced 

Chamber of Commerce team will be supporting members in more ways than ever before as they capitalise 

on the opportunities ahead despite the surrounding economic challenges, says Sarah Moorhouse, CEO 

Welcome to the first Prosper magazine 

of 2024, a year that will see the Black 

Country Chamber of Commerce play a 

leading role in supporting members and 

growing the local economy. 

No doubt there will be challenges 

ahead, but the Chamber is here for you. 

We are working to represent you, support 

you in unlocking new opportunities and to 

help you build on our region’s proud 

heritage to generate future economic 

success. 

Ready for 2024 

The optimism of Black Country 

businesses for the future is encapsulated 

by the responses to our Ready for 2024 

campaign, which you can read about in 

these pages. 

Companies that took part revealed 

plans for growth and investment in 

technology, innovation and colleague 

development, so there is a lot to feel 

positive about. 

We want to celebrate our member firms 

of all sizes who are looking to build 

success in the 12 months ahead, with 

many of you wanting to make the most of 

Chamber support to do so. 

It was noticeable how many of you 

wanted to prioritise working with other 

Black Country businesses when choosing 

suppliers and partners, which really 

highlights the importance of collaboration 

between our members. 

The optimism felt in our region in the 

face of the adversity we are all 

experiencing with the economic 

backdrop, was seen clearly when the 

Chamber hosted its first ever Quarterly 

Economic Survey data reveal event in 

January. The key takeaway from the QES 

was that Black Country firms were viewing 

2024 with greater confidence than the 

national average; 71% believe that their 

turnover will improve in the next 12 

months, well above the UK average of 

56%. 

We strongly encourage all businesses, 

whether Chamber members or not, to 

complete the Quarterly Economy Survey, as 

it is closely watched by national 

policymakers, including the Treasury, the 

Bank of England and the Office of Budget 

Responsibility. At a local level, we use the 

data when meeting with MPs and council 

leaders to develop economic strategies 

and policies to promote growth and 

enterprise. So why not make a note to join 

our next QES event in April? It will be an 

excellent opportunity to gain valuable 

insight into local and national data, hear 

from guest speakers and network. 

A year of change? 

One thing is clear: 2024 will be a year 

where voters decide the future course for 

the country and its businesses, with the 

economy a key focus. Not only is a 

General Election on the horizon, but we 

have the West Midlands mayoral election 

coming up in May. 

Among the frontrunners, Andy Street 

has a huge following, but with Richard 

Parker promising fresh ideas, it will be 

interesting to see whether it is loyalty or 

the appeal of something new that wins 

over the voters. 

New services 

Just as change is a constant for our 

member businesses, we are enhancing 

our offering to give you the best possible 

support for 2024 and beyond. 

We have a new team dedicated to 

supporting our members. Strong, 

purposeful and enthusiastic, we want to 

do our best to deliver what you want from 

us, so please reach out – we are ready to 

help. 

Two new appointments will help us 

deliver even more fantastic events this 

year. Stephanie Sullivan has joined the 

Chamber as Head of Marketing and 

Communications, while Marie Shuker has 

been appointed our new Events and 

Project Officer. 

As we mark International Women’s Day 

on March 8, it is great to see how many 

women we have taking up senior roles 

within the organisation. 

The arrival of Prosper means we are 

nearly a quarter of the way into 2024. 

Despite the challenges, we know our 

members are ready to embrace the 

many opportunities ahead, and as you 

will see in the following pages, the 

Chamber is committed to supporting 

you in more ways than ever before. 

As I have said consistently, we have 

your back and will work with you as we 

shape a new future. 

Contact Sarah via 

sarahmoorhouse@ 

blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

PROSPER SPRING 2024 03

CONTACTS 

Editor 

Osborn Communications 

prosper@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

Membership 

Sian Roberts 

Sales and Marketing Director 

07714 740818 

sianroberts@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

Publisher 

Chamber Media Services 

4 Hilton Road, Bramhall 

Stockport, Cheshire 

SK7 3AG 

Advertising 

Colin Regan 

01942 537959 

colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk 

Production 

Rob Beswick 

0161 426 7957 

07964 375216 

rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk 

Cover Photography 

Young professionals plot their way to 

the top. See page 26. 

Photographers: Cover, Shahida Shah. 

Inside feature photos on pg 26-28 by 

Paul Gallagher. 

with thanks to Dr Euripides Altintzoglou, 

FHEA, Course Leader (Photography), 

Senior Lecturer (Fine Art) University of 

Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton School 

of Art ; and Sam Wood. 

BLACK COUNTRY 

PROSPER 

THE CHAMBER PATRON GROUP 

26 Aiming 

for the top 

Black Country Prosper Magazine is the official magazine of the 

Black Country Chamber of Commerce. 

It provides news, views, interviews, opinion and debate along with 

information and insights. 

Prosper is the region’s longest running business publication . 

Produced on a quarterly basis, the magazine is supported by an array of the 

Black Country’s most influential business leaders and is read by business owners 

throughout the region and further afield. 

To find out more about advertising in Prosper, contact 

Colin Regan on 01942 537959. 

The work of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce is supported by these strategic 

business partners working together to make the region a better place for business. 

Although every effort is taken to ensure 

the accuracy of material contained within 

this magazine, neither the Black Country 

Chamber of Commerce nor Chamber 

Media Services can accept any 

responsibility for omissions or 

inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising 

content. 

The views expressed in this publication 

are not necessarily those of the Chamber. 

The carriage of adverts in this publication 

does not constitute an endorsement of 

the products or services advertised. 

All articles within this publication are 

copyright Black Country Chamber of 

Commerce. Consent from the Chamber 

and the publisher must be obtained 

before any articles are reproduced either 

in printed form or electronically. 

READ ONLINE 

We’re delighted that Prosper is back in a 

printed version, but you can still read it online. 

Go to https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/ 

news/prosper-magazine/ 

Follow the Chamber on 

Twitter: @BCCCmembers 

Instagram at 

@blackcountrychamber 

LinkedIn: 

Search blackcountrychamber 

Facebook: @BlackCountryChamber 

Search BlackCountryChamber 

54 

BWCM to review 

regional transport 

links in bid to 

boost economy 

O4 PROSPER SPRING 2024

CONTACTS & CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

11 

Helping 

hand for 

start-ups 

10 

Chamber 

celebrates 

two major 

tender 

wins with 

local 

authorities 

36 

Landmark for Paycare 

60 

Academy’s social 

media training 

success story 

25 

Dare to 

dream 

- and 

don’t 

be 

afraid 

to have 

a go 

50 

INSIDE... 

Chamber Awards 2024 launched 

What’s in store: ‘Ready for 2024’? 

Members’ News 

The Platinum Group, Patrons and 

the Start-Up Business Club 

Events – Training – Professional Development 

Cadent is 

fired up by 

Chamber 

Platinum 

link 

19 


FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE 

Andy Street: We are investing in skills and 

training, driven by input from business 

The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) 

carried out by the Black Country 

Chamber provides a valuable barometer 

of its members’ views, and the latest 

results show encouraging signs around 

business confidence. 

However, it also indicates that 

concerns remain over how skills may be 

impacting on recruitment plans, a 

long-standing issue in our region which 

we continue to work to improve. 

Businesses are right to flag this up. As 

someone who spent decades in business, 

I understand just how vital a skilled and 

trained workforce is. 

I thought I would use this column to 

outline what has been achieved in terms 

of skills and training in our region, and 

some of the initiatives that continue to 

drive improvements. 

Concerns over skills here date back 

decades, but it’s important to recognise 

that we have come a long way. In 2007, 

the West Midlands was considered to be 

the worst qualified UK region, with a fifth 

of young people leaving school with no 

qualifications. 

However, since 2019, the West 

Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) 

has had devolved control of the region’s 

£130m adult education budget – funding 

further education providers and working 

with them to equip people with the skills 

actually needed by employers. 

Investment in Level 3 training here has 

increased from £4.4m to £37m a year. 

In 2020, the number of people with 

NVQ Level 3+ qualifications across our 

seven boroughs increased by 120,000 to 

1,444,000. At the same time, the number 

of people with no qualifications reduced 

by 66,700 to 223,800 – down 23 per cent. 

More people are attaining NVQs than 

ever before. Backed with £150 million 

from the Government, courses provide 

training in everything from clean energy 

and construction to digital skills and HGV 

driving. 

Perhaps the best example has been 

our ‘bootcamp’ concept, which provides 

funded flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, 

giving people the opportunity to build up 

sector-specific skills and launch a new 

career. 

Last year, we launched our most 

comprehensive scheme yet, increasing 

the threshold for free job training by 

£12,000 – which means that anyone on or 

below the average regional wage of 

£30,000 can access free Level 3 training. 

This is the most generous free job 

training offer in the UK. 

All of this progress has been informed 

by input from the business community. 

However, as the QES testifies, the 

impact of years of underinvestment in 

skills here persist. The wider West 

Midlands still has over a million people 

with no qualifications, at a higher 

proportion than the national average. 

This is unacceptable. 

There remains much to be done. Our 

trailblazing Deeper Devolution Deal will 

give us more power over nonapprenticeship 

adult skills and Post-16 

technical education, another piece in the 

jigsaw. 

We are also making a £7.5m investment 

into ‘Path 2 Apprenticeships’, to provide 

young adults from 19-29 with the 

knowledge and skills they need to secure 

good apprenticeship jobs. This will create 

3,300 training places to help tackle the 

issue and encourage more young people 

into apprenticeships that lead to a job. 

For years, our region suffered from 

chronic underinvestment in training. With 

the valuable input of businesspeople, we 

are making real progress in creating a 

workforce that has the skills that 

employers need. 

Find out how the WMCA can help 

with apprenticeship training costs 

by CLICKING HERE 

06 PROSPER SPRING 2024

CHAMBER NEWS 

Your Chamber, 

working for you 

Black Country Chamber of Commerce has made a number of strategic 

appointments to enhance the way it communicates with the full range of 

target audiences. New team members have joined to deliver our marketing, 

communications and events, all in line with our overarching goal of adding 

real value to business leaders across the Black Country and beyond. 

In 2024 we will continue to amplify the voice of members to showcase, 

celebrate and champion the Black Country business community. 

Experienced marcomms 

professional to lead on 

Chamber messaging 

Stephanie Sullivan: 

Joins the Chamber 

with extensive 

experience of 

marketing large 

membership 

organisations 

Black Country Chamber of Commerce 

has appointed an experienced new Head 

of Marketing & Communications to play a 

leading role in our drive to re-energise the 

local economy in 2024. 

Stephanie Sullivan joins the Chamber 

having recently worked in marketing for 

National Trust. 

Drawing upon extensive experience 

with membership organisations, 

Stephanie will support the Chamber in 

delivering on its mission to promote and 

meet the needs of business and industry 

across the Black Country, and to help 

create the best community in which to 

live, work and do business. 

Stephanie brings a wealth of marketing 

and communications experience, 

including more than five years with the 

National Trust, the UK’s second largest 

membership organisation. 

In her new Chamber role she will draw 

upon her wider marcomms experience 

from her time working for Yale UK and 

Finning UK. 

Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse said: 

“We are pleased to welcome Stephanie to 

the Chamber to take up a role which will 

enhance the its visibility and help grow 

our membership portfolio. 

“With strong experience in marketing 

membership organisations, we have 

recruited a new colleague who meets our 

brief of adding a dynamic individual who 

is a pro-active, creative and highly 

experienced in leading marketing and 

communications. 

“We are proud of the positive impact 

which the Chamber has upon local 

business life. Our latest recruitment drive 

shows we are always striving to bring in 

talented people, to strengthen our 

growing team and expertise.” 

Stephanie said: “I am pleased to be 

joining the Chamber at an exciting time in 

its history as it builds on its heritage to 

help members by making the process of 

doing business easier and helping the 

local economy by removing barriers 

limiting growth. 

“It is an exciting role in which I believe I 

can add value based on my previous 

experience and my understanding of the 

value which members place on being part 

of a network like the Chamber. I look 

forward to working with the team to 

achieve the goals ahead of us.” 

The Chamber is delivering on a brief to 

promote its work as a modern business 

membership organisation. As part of this 

drive, the Chamber is updating its 

marketing and communications to reach 

target audiences across a growing 

number of platforms including its website 

and social media channels, events and 

external media including press. 

“We are proud of the positive impact the Chamber has 

upon local business life. Our latest recruitment drive 

shows we are always striving to bring in talented people, 

to strengthen our growing team and expertise.” 

Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse 

Stephanie can be contacted at 

stephaniesullivan@ 



CHAMBER NEWS 

Chamber strengthens news and content offer 

The Chamber has enhanced its offering 

around news and content as part of its 

refreshed drive to re-energise marketing 

opportunities for Black Country members 

in 2024. 

Having joined the Chamber in early 

2023 to co-ordinate our web and social 

media output, Lauren Shepherd has 

been promoted to Digital Marketing and 

Communications Manager. 

Lauren, a former University of 

Wolverhampton graduate, was promoted 

in recognition of the impact of her 

creativity and digital marketing expertise 

upon the work of the external affairs 

team, who lead on all member and 

external communications for the region’s 

longest running business support 

organisation. 

Sian Roberts, Sales and Marketing 

Director, said: “Lauren’s promotion is well 

deserved and reflects her fantastic work 

and contribution to the Chamber in her 

first 12 months.” 

In addition, Osborn Communications 

has been appointed to handle press and 

public relations work, promoting the 

Chamber as a positive membership 

group for Black Country businesses while 

celebrating member success stories. 

As well as securing front page news for 

the Chamber over Christmas, Osborn has 

helped the leadership team reach radio 

audiences as part of its brief to deliver 

news to be shared via our website and 

social media, as well as member channels 

such as emails and external media. The 

agency has also helped to produce the 

Chamber’s well-established business 

publication, Prosper. 

Chamber CEO Sarah 

Moorhouse with 

Chris Leggett and the 

team from Osborn; 

above, Lauren 

Shepherd 

CEO Sarah Moorhouse said: “We are 

delighted to work with Osborn, which has 

grown since winning our Start-up Award 

in 2021 and has helped a range of our 

member companies to grow their profile.” 

Submit stories for Prosper to 

prosper@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

or upload them to 

www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

Marie aims to take Chamber events to next level 

Black Country Chamber has appointed a 

new Events & Projects Officer to play a 

leading role in co-ordinating our full range 

of annual events. 

Marie Shuker is joining the Chamber to 

help deliver everything from the annual 

Chamber Awards night through to 

breakfast briefings, the Economic 

Conference and member exhibitor shows. 

Marie brings a wealth of event 

management, customer service and 

stakeholder engagement experience 

from her time as Events Manager at the 

University of Wolverhampton and also 

BMet College. 

Marie said: “I am delighted to be joining 

the Chamber for what promises to be an 

exciting year for events. 

“Knowing the region and the business 

community well, the opportunity to join 

the Chamber to bring together a diverse 

range of companies through our events 

was very appealing. I look forward to 

helping the Chamber celebrate the best 

of the region, establish opportunities for 

networking and support the growth of the 

local economy.” 

High on Marie’s agenda will be the 23 rd 

annual Black Country Chamber 

Business Awards, a dazzling celebration 

of the businesses shaping our vibrant 

economic landscape. This year’s event 

will be held at the newly 

relaunched The Halls 

Wolverhampton, on 

November 21. 

Sian Roberts said: 

“We are pleased to 

welcome Marie to our 

team to help us 

deliver our vibrant and 

diverse events 

Marie Shuker 

programme. 

“Our events generate excellent 

feedback from members and partners so 

we look forward to delivering a varied 

programme in the year ahead.” 

Each year the Chamber brings together 

a variety of corporate partners and 

stakeholders to create impactful events 

and experiences. 

As well as flagship events such as the 

Economic Conference and the annual 

awards, which saw 500 people attend a 

black tie dinner in November, the 

Chamber delivers a growing 

number of briefings, forums 

and knowledge sharing 

sessions. 

More on awards: see pg 30 

Click for full detail of 

the Chamber events 

programme 


CHAMBER NEWS: HELP FOR START-UPS 

Black Country Chamber wins two 

tenders to support start-ups 

As part of our drive to boost the region’s economy, the Chamber has secured two 

tenders to help new businesses and shape the success stories of tomorrow. 

The Chamber of Commerce is to deliver support services for start-up businesses to 

grow economic prosperity and employment opportunities in Walsall and 

Wolverhampton. These build on our track record of helping fledgling firms to grow, by 

providing support which helps young companies to take their next steps. 

Far left, Chamber 

CEO Sarah 

Moorhouse with City 

of Wolverhampton 

Council Leader, Cllr 

Stephen Simkins 

and left, with Cllr 

Adrian Andrew, 

Deputy Leader and 

Portfolio Holder for 

Regeneration at 

Walsall Council 

The Black Country Chamber of 

Commerce is to deliver support services 

for start-up businesses to grow 

economic prosperity and employment in 

Walsall and Wolverhampton. 

Following two successful tender 

applications, the Chamber will provide 

services for new and growing 

businesses on behalf of Walsall Council 

and City of Wolverhampton Council as 

part of their drive to build their local 

economies. 

The Chamber plans to deliver both 

programmes of support through its 

current Start-up provision. The 

Chamber launched the Start-Up 

Business Club in 2018 to provide 

platforms and opportunities for 

businesses looking to grow, connect 

and become part of a thriving network. 

The Club contributes to the growth of 

a new business by providing a 

supportive environment and valuable 

connections including a dedicated 

business relationship manager. 

Under the City of Wolverhampton 

Council’s ‘Our City Our Plan’ strategy, 

the Chamber of Commerce team will 

offer local firms in the early stages of 

development a suite of activity to help 

them start up, scale up and thrive. 

With funding from the Government 

through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, 

the start-up programme, which will run 

until March 2025, will support 

Wolverhampton residents as they 

engage with and access skills that allow 

them to launch new businesses that will 

go on to grow and thrive. 

The scheme aims to increase the 

number of new enterprises, ranging 

from sole trader and micro business to 

SMEs and large enterprises, including 

social enterprises. 

Following the successful Walsall 

tender application, the Chamber will 

help new and growing businesses 

through the Business Growth Walsall 

programme. 

Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse said 

the contract wins would enable the 

Chamber to create more prosperity 

among start-up businesses in both 

areas. She said: “We are delighted to 

have secured these contracts; this is a 

vital service provision for new and 

growing companies looking for expert 

support to transition from start-up 

stage to being a fully-fledged business 

set up for success. 

“The Chamber has a proud history of 

supporting new businesses to grow by 

creating an environment conducive to 

success and improving business 

“The Chamber has a proud history of supporting new businesses to 

grow by creating an environment conducive to success .... 

We will look to engage with the full range of Wolverhampton and 

Walsall start-ups, particularly those in growth sectors such as 

technology, creative and digital, as well as those emerging markets 

such as the green economy.” 


CHAMBER NEWS: HELP FOR START-UPS 

Start-Up 

business 

leaders at the 

first training 

session at 

IGNITE 

performance through training, 

information, networking and support. 

“We will look to engage with the full 

range of Wolverhampton and Walsall 

start-ups, particularly those in growth 

sectors such as technology, creative and 

digital, as well as those emerging 

markets such as the green economy.” 

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of 

Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: 

“We are pleased to be working with the 

Chamber to deliver a programme which 

will make a tangible contribution to the 

economic future of Wolverhampton. 

“We appreciate that getting the right 

advice and support is key to business 

success and, with our partners, it is vital 

we help businesses access the tools they 

need. 

“Our overarching priorities include 

building a thriving economy in all parts of 

the city, so we look forward to seeing 

more start-ups grow and create 

employment opportunities through this 

scheme.” 

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy 

Leader and Portfolio Holder for 

Regeneration at Walsall Council said: 

“We are looking forward to working with 

the Black Country Chamber to deliver a 

programme that will help provide 

start-up businesses with the essential 

skills and support they need to thrive. 

“Supporting start-up businesses will 

help Walsall build a modern and 

competitive economy, create 

employment opportunities and 

encourage regeneration in the town.” 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a 

central pillar of the UK government’s 

Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 

billion of funding for local investment by 

March 2025. The Fund aims to improve 

pride in place and increase life chances 

across the UK investing in communities 

and place, supporting local business, 

and people and skills. 

To find out more about our start-up provision 

contact Alison Trinder, Start-Up Business - 

Account Manager & Membership 

Relationship Manager via email 

alisontrinder@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

or visit 

www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

First cohorts take part in 

Chamber start-up sessions 

Start-up businesses in Walsall and 

Wolverhampton have taken the first 

steps in their journey by completing the 

initial Black Country Chamber of 

Commerce training sessions (see left). 

The Chamber’s in-depth support 

through its Start-Up Business Club will 

help start-ups grow and boost the 

economy and job opportunities in 

Walsall and Wolverhampton. 

The first Wolverhampton business 

owners joined an event at IGNITE, the 

business workspace and start-up 

centre supported by the University of 

Wolverhampton and the Chamber of 

Commerce, on February 19. 

Alison Trinder, our Start-Up Business 

Account Manager & Membership 

Relationship Manager, said: “We were 

pleased to see so many businesses 

express an interest in joining the first 

cohort, which will be among five to be 

held over the next year. 

“The first session covered the choice 

of going self-employed or forming a 

limited company, and its impact on 

insurance, legal responsibilities and tax 

considerations. 

“We have been delighted with the 

range of companies in the first cohort. 

Further cohorts are coming soon so 

with around 20 businesses in each, we 

are keen to hear from entrepreneurs 

who would like to join later groups.” 

Fledgling companies looking to join 

the next two cohorts, which will begin 

in April and July, should contact the 

Chamber to register. 

The first sessions for the Business 

Growth Walsall programme were held 

on February 6, with more meetings 

planned for mid-March. 

The programme will allow Walsall 

residents to get specialist support to 

engage and access skills to plan, begin 

and thrive in business. 

Alison added: “It has been great to 

engage with new businesses in Walsall 

through delivery of the programme on 

behalf of Walsall Council. 

“Although the economic picture is 

challenging, many people want to run 

their own business but can be daunted 

by the new skills needed and the range 

of responsibilities.” 

Previous Start-Up Club members 

have praised Alison for her efforts. One 

wrote: “I have seen firsthand how she 

takes the time to understand your 

business so that she can tailor the 

support she offers. She goes above 

and beyond to support us and has 

connected us with other companies 

who have helped develop our business.” 

To join the future cohorts, contact 

Alison Trinder (see left) 


CHAMBER NEWS: MEET THE TEAM 

Meet the team: The people 

behind the Chamber 

Sarah Moorhouse 

Chief Executive 

Officer 

Lorna Taylor 

Finance Director 

Siân Roberts 

Sales & Marketing 

Director 

Membership Team 

Gail Arnold 

Head of Premium 

Membership 

Sales & Business 

Relationship Managers 

Gemma 

Shakespeare 

Finance & Export 

Documentation Team 

Andrew Wells 

Assistant 

Accountant 

Malcolm Reid 

Export Documentation 

Assistant 

Marketing and 

Communications 

Stephanie Sullivan 

Head of Marketing 

and Communications 

Lauren Shepherd 

Digital Marketing and 

Communications 

Manager 

Steve Salt 

Mandy Perry 

Finance & Export 

Assistant 

Owenia Francis 

Apprentice 

Content Creator 

Richard Hobbs 

Alison Trinder 

Start-up Business 

Manager 

Tracey Jovicich 

Membership 

Administrator 

IGNITE Hub 

Laila Hudson 

IGNITE Hub Customer 

Service Advisor 

Daniel Parkes 

IGNITE Hub Customer 

Service Advisor 

Marie Shuker 

Events & Project 

Officer 

Gemma Edwards 

Policy & Impact 

Officer 

Osborn Communications 

Press, PR and Prosper 

Contact Us: 0330 024 0820 

Membership: membershipteam@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 


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CHAMBER NEWS 

Our first ever Quarterly Economic Survey Data Reveal event saw 50 business representatives join us to 

hear the exclusive insights on the local economy from the results of our most recent member research. 

The data, based on surveys completed by a record number of member businesses, showed the 

improvement in confidence on growing turnover in the Black Country was above the national average. 

As we stage these events throughout this year, you can play your part by completing the survey and 

attending our data reveal events to hear the results first and network with leading lights from our region. 

Almost three-quarters of Black Country 

businesses believe their turnover will 

improve in the next 12 months despite 

the economic challenges they face, the 

most recent economic survey by the 


has shown. 

The data, based on surveys completed 

by a record number of local Chamber 

member businesses, showed the 

improvement in the Black Country was 

above the national average. 


Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey 

(QES) for Quarter 4 gave an up-to-date 

picture of the performance of the Black 

Country business community. 

The results showed 71 per cent of 

businesses believed turnover will improve 

in the next 12 months, up from 55 per 

cent three months earlier. 

This contrasts with national results 

from the British Chamber’s QES, which 

showed 56 per cent of firms were 

expecting an increase in turnover. That 

was the highest level since Quarter 1 of 

2022 when Covid restrictions were lifted. 

The last Black Country survey of 2023 

found 58 per cent of respondents said 

they expected profitability to improve in 

2024, compared with 45 per cent in the 

previous quarter, yet the survey showed 

recruitment, wage inflation and rising 

energy costs are the biggest pressure 

points for businesses. 

The results were announced at the 

Chamber’s first ever Quarterly Economic 

Survey Data Reveal event, at the 

University of Wolverhampton Science 

Park on January 11. 

The event was led by Gemma Edwards, 

Black Country Chamber’s Policy and 

Impact Officer. 

The key findings: 

n Business confidence had grown 

with 71 per cent of respondents believing 

turnover will improve in the next 12 

months, compared to 55 per cent in 

Quarter 3. 

n Profitability hopes were high: 58 per 

cent thought their profitability will 

Challenges remain 

but QES reveals 

boost in business 

confidence 

improve, compared to 45 per cent in the 

previous quarter. 

n Sales were also up, 36 per cent of 

firms reported, an increase from 26 per 

cent in the last survey. 

n Recruitment was still a struggle 

though fewer firms were looking at hiring: 

just over half (57 per cent) attempted to 

recruit over the past quarter, down from 

71 per cent in Quarter 3. 

Gemma Edwards said: “We had our 

biggest response yet from members for 

this survey, and they have given us a 

snapshot of the feeling across the Black 

The Chamber’s 

Gemma Edwards 

reveals the QES data 

Country. Different sectors raised the 

same concerns around labour costs, 

utility costs, and struggles to find 

sufficiently trained staff. 

“Business confidence remains high, 

and it was encouraging to hear that our 

members were investing in new operating 

systems and technology to improve 

efficiencies, increase the workforce and 

expand services on offer.” 

Black Country Chamber CEO Sarah 

Moorhouse said: “It is encouraging to see 

our local members feel more positive 

than the national average, although the 


CHAMBER NEWS 

Left, pictured at the event are, from left, 

Lesley Holland, Juniper Training, Sian 

Roberts and Sarah Moorhouse, Black 

Country Chamber, Daniel Degg, City of 

Wolverhampton College, and Gemma 

Edwards, Black Country Chamber 

75% 

50% 

Save the date for QES 

Quarter 1 report 

Date: Thursday, April 4 

Time: 10am-11:30am 

Venue: Black Country and Marches 

Institute of Technology, 

Zoological Drive, Dudley DY1 4AE. 

Cost: Free for members. 

Join us at our second QES breakfast 

meeting, where we will reveal the 

results from our Q1 2024 Quarterly 

Economic Survey. 

You will be the first to hear how peers 

in the Black Country business 

community are feeling about their 

prospects as 2024 gets under way. 

We will also exclusively reveal Black 

Country data, alongside the national 

data, to give you a fuller picture of the 

local and national economy. 

25% 

0% 

Q4 Q3 Q4 Q3 Q4 Q3 Q4 Q3 

Business Confident that Sales increases Recruitment 

confidence in Profitability planned 

turnover rising improving 

For further details, 

and to book, 

click here 

Below, Daniel Degg delivers his 

presentation on the current situation 

around recruitment and skills 

difficulties firms are facing across 

recruitment, wage inflation and price 

increases for raw materials are still 

concerning. 

“However, it is good to see signs of 

positivity in business confidence of 

improving profitability and turnover in the 

next twelve months, and that businesses 

are looking to invest in training and 

equipment.” 

The survey event also included a 

discussion with Daniel Degg, Head of 

Employer Engagement and Business 

Development at City of Wolverhampton 

College, around the upskilling 

opportunities to retain staff provided by 

local college training courses. 

Lesley Holland, Managing Director at 

Juniper Training, shared best practice on 

the ways the apprenticeship training 

business had adapted to support staff 

and improve their skills. 

See overleaf for full QES data 


CHAMBER NEWS 

The full Black Country Chamber of Commerce QES 

Quarter 4 2023 summary findings included: 

Business Confidence - turnover to 

grow next 12 months 

Sales Trends: Domestic and Export 

n 36 per cent of firms reported an increase in domestic sales, up 

from 26 per cent in Quarter 3, while 42 per cent reported no 

change and 14 per cent reported a decrease. 

n 6 per cent of firms reported an increase in overseas sales while 14 

per cent reported no change. 13 per cent reported a decrease. 

n 31 per cent of businesses saw an increase in domestic orders this 

quarter while 5 per cent of businesses reported an increase in 

overseas orders. 

Recruitment 

n Just over half (57 per cent) of Black Country firms attempted to 

recruit over the past quarter, down from 71 per cent in Quarter 3. 

n 62 per cent of firms across the Black Country experienced 

recruitment difficulties in Quarter 4 compared to 71 per cent in 

Quarter 3. 

n The majority of firms in the region found it difficult to recruit 

skilled/ technical staff. 

Black Country 

% response 

Profitability to grow 

next 12 months 

National 

% response 

Business Resilience 

n Rising labour costs are rivalling the rise of utility prices as a 

pressure point for businesses this quarter. 

n Labour costs and utilities are among the highest concerns for 

firms across all sectors in the region at 43 per cent and 47 per 

cent, respectively. 

n Cashflow has increased for 26 per cent of firms while investment 

plans have increased for equipment and training for 20 per cent 

and 24 per cent of Black Country businesses, respectively. 

Black Country 

% response 

Sales increases expected in 

next 12 months 

National 

% response 

Business Confidence 

n 71 per cent of Black Country businesses believe turnover will 

improve over the next 12 months compared with 55 per cent in 

Quarter 3. 

n 58 per cent of Black Country businesses believe profitability will 

improve over the next 12 months compared to 45 per cent in Q3. 

Black Country 

% response 

National 

% response 

National trends: Confidence returns – just 

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce results were 

released after the latest British Chamber of Commerce’s 

Quarterly Economic Survey, the UK’s largest independent 

survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP 

growth, showed a small rise in business confidence. 

The national results showed the percentage of firms 

expecting an increase in turnover over the next year (56 per 

cent) had risen to the highest level since Q1 2022 when Covid 

restrictions were lifted. The data also revealed that more firms 

expect price hikes, ending the downward trend of the last two 

years. 

The survey, conducted in November, of over 5,000 firms 

across the UK – 91 per cent of whom are SMEs (fewer than 250 

employees) – showed: 

n Business confidence improved in Q4, with 56 per cent of 

UK businesses expecting an increase in turnover in the next 

twelve months. 

n Sales: Despite this boost, most firms continue to report no 

improvement to sales, cash flow or investment. 

n Downward trend in price growth expectations ends with 

more expecting their prices to rise over the next three months. 

n The hospitality sector continues to struggle 

disproportionately, with nearly a third (32 per cent) of firms 

reporting a decrease in investment. 


CHAMBER NEWS 

Broadcast and 

production 

company joins 

Platinum group 


Commerce has welcomed training, 

broadcast and production specialists 

BlackRook to its Platinum Group. 

The Platinum Group is the Chamber’s 

exclusive platform which sees senior 

leaders come together to tackle the 

challenges which impact their 

organisation and to explore opportunities 

to improve the region’s prospects. 

The BlackRook Academy team of 

industry trainers run digital skills 

bootcamps funded by the West Midlands 

Combined Authority. 

Working in partnership with City of 

Wolverhampton College, BlackRook’s 

social media content creator training is 

free for the unemployed and is offered at 

heavily subsidised rates for employers 

wanting to upskill members of their team. 

BlackRook works with businesses to 

build online audiences across B2C and 

B2B platforms in a budget-friendly way, 

including coaching on creating highquality 

video and stills using a 

smartphone. 

It has trained all the BBC’s UK digital 

apprentices over the last six years, as well 

as spokespeople at BMW. 

The award-winning BlackRook Media 

production team works in broadcast, 

events, and documentary corporate 

video, serving clients across industry 

sectors in the UK and overseas too – with 

extensive work across the EMEA and 

APAC regions. 

The BlackRook companies are run by 

Managing Directors Alan Rook and Lucy 

Rook. Academy MD Lucy said: “We are 

proud to base our operations in the Black 

Country. In all parts of our business we 

prioritise building our project teams using 

local talent – whether the services we 

deliver are here in the region or abroad. 

“Joining the Chamber’s Platinum Group 

was an easy decision for us. We are 

ambitious and are certain we can learn a 

great deal from Chamber colleagues. We 

also hope to share knowledge that will 

help promote our region’s amazing 

success stories.” 

Black Country Chamber’s head of 

premium membership, Gail Arnold added: 

“I’m thrilled to welcome BlackRook to the 

Platinum Group. 

“The Group provides positive impact 

for its member businesses, providing 

regular meetings and confidential 

peer-to-peer discussions enabling 

strategic leaders to expand their 

networks, tackle business challenges and 

work together to promote the region 

locally and nationally.” 

For more information 

on the Platinum 

Group, click right 

The Chamber’s Gail 

Arnold with Alan 

Rook and Lucy Rook. 

New businesses sign up to the Chamber 

Black Country Chamber has welcomed a 

diverse range of businesses on board 

since the previous issue of Prosper was 

published in December. 

The members are drawn from across 

business sectors and locations across 

the Black Country, from Start-Up to 

Platinum members, covering 

everything from a leading regional gas 

distribution company, to a saddlemaking 

business and an education 

college. 

New arrivals in January included 

Albion Saddlemakers Limited; 

BlackRook (BlackRook Media Limited 

/ BlackRook Academy Limited); Caico 

Candles and Crafts; Kidderminster 

College; Nobeel; and Seymour John 

Recruitment Ltd. 

New members in December 

included Cadent; Digital Office Ltd; 

Fives Bronx Limited; and Halcyon Care 

(West Midlands) Ltd. 

Sales and Marketing Director Sian 

Roberts commented: “I am thrilled to 

welcome all our new members and 

look forward to our team working with 

each of them in 2024. 

“It is great to see so many 

organisations recognising the many 

benefits of Chamber membership, 

which include business guidance and 

support, networking and marketing 

opportunities, training and 

development and financial savings. 

“With our new members spanning 

across so many sectors, from 

manufacturing all the way to 

education, they will bring a wealth of 

skills and expertise to the Chamber 

that will benefit all members.” 

Sian added: “We would encourage 

members to connect on social media 

and via our networking events to 

build links for future positive 

relationships.” 

Keep up to date with 

the latest arrivals by 

visiting the Chamber 

website, right, where 

full details can be found 


CHAMBER NEWS 

New appointments to Chamber board at AGM 

The new-look Black Country 

Chamber of Commerce board 

was appointed at our Annual 

General Meeting as part of 

the drive to re-energise and 

refocus. 

Paul Hull, Director and 

co-owner of KMB Shipping 

Group, based in Tipton, has 

joined the board, while Jatinder 

Sharma, Principal and Chief Executive of 

Walsall College, has been reappointed. 

Named the Black Country Chamber’s 

Business Person of the Year at our 2022 

awards, Paul Hull leads Queen’s Awardwinning 

KMB Shipping Group, a freight 

forwarding company that has provided 

global import and export transportation 

solutions for more than 35 years. 

In a 27-year career with KMB Shipping, 

Paul has progressed from apprentice to 

managerial then director roles, before 

becoming co-owner after leading a 

management buyout in 2018. 

A qualified accountant and highly 

experienced leader, Jatinder Sharma has 

held a number of senior positions in both 

the private and public sectors and is a 

passionate champion of the vital role that 

skills and training play in the 

development of the West Midlands 

economy. 

Jatinder was awarded a CBE in the 

2023 New Year Honours for his services 

to further education. With a workforce of 

more than 1,000 staff, Walsall College is 

Jatinder Sharma 

currently engaging with over 

800 employers in the design, 

development and delivery of 

apprenticeship provision to 

1,300 learners. 

Speaking after the AGM, 

Chamber CEO Sarah 

Moorhouse said: “I am delighted to 

have board members with the calibre of 

Paul and Jatinder as we shape an exciting 

future. 

“After my first year as CEO I was 

pleased to report to the AGM on the 

progress made by the Chamber to 

promote and meet the needs of 

businesses across the Black Country.” 

The AGM received the report of the 

directors and the accounts for the year 

ended 31st March 2023. 

The report summary statement looking 

back on the previous year’s performance 

said: “This Is The Black Country was our 

2022/2023 campaign designed to 

champion the region as a great place for 

business. 

“It concluded in March 

2023 following 12 months of 

activity and has become a 

template for co-ordinated, 

focused lobbying and 

communications.” 

Other milestones 

featured in the statement 

included exceeding budget 

Paul Hull 

Cadent’s hot on Platinum benefits 

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Cadent, the UK’s 

largest gas distribution network provider, to its Platinum Group. 

Cadent supplies gas to 11 million UK homes and businesses across the UK 

and manages the National Gas Emergency Service on behalf of the gas 

industry. 

Elliott Nelson, Network Director for Cadent in the West Midlands, said: 

“Joining the Platinum Group will help us grow connections within the 

region’s business community and to play our part in shaping the local 

economy. 

“We recognise the opportunities which being part of the Chamber will 

bring and look forward to working with fellow members on areas of common 

interest to make the most of the opportunities ahead.” 

Black Country Chamber’s Gail Arnold said: “I’m delighted such a wellestablished 

business as Cadent has joined this successful and expanding 

group. It’s a pleasure to see fantastic businesses such as Cadent work with 

other members, sharing best practice meetings and ultimately forging 

strong and trusted business relationships.” 

“during a year of many changes”, 

maintaining membership retention level 

at 90 per cent and holding a successful 

2022 awards evening after years of Covid 

restrictions. 

In total, the Chamber logged 392,551 

individual engagements with businesses. 

“The Black Country is one of 

the most remarkable places 

on the planet, full of inspiring 

people and breath-taking 

businesses...” 

The focus for the current year, the 

summary said, includes re-energising the 

Chamber’s value proposition, 

reinvigorating the membership offer, 

refocussing the commercial approach 

and revitalising its marketing and 

communications. 

The annual report added: “The Black 

Country is one of the most remarkable 

places on the planet, full of inspiring 

people and breath-taking 

businesses. Thank you to our 

members – we are simply 

nothing without you.” 

The AGM, attended by the 

Chamber board and member 

businesses, was held at the 

Technology Centre at the 

University of Wolverhampton 

Science Park on December 1. 


CHAMBER NEWS 

Start-up Club ready to build on 

first five years of success 

Fresh from celebrating its fifth 

anniversary, the Black Country Chamber 

of Commerce Start-Up Club is ready to 

help the next generation of new 

businesses launch. 

The Start-Up Club is the place for 

owners of fledgling businesses to make 

new connections, learn from industry 

experts and develop the skills and 

understanding required to take a 

business to the next level. 

The challenges faced by new 

enterprises can be daunting. In the UK, 

recent research by Fundsquire, a global 

start-up funding network, showed 20% of 

small businesses fail in their first year, 

and around 60% closed within the first 

three years. 

Against this backdrop, the Club limits 

its intake to be able to provide 

concentrated support for each company 

and as a result has helped more than 300 

people to begin trading since 2018. 

The impact of the Club has helped the 

Chamber win two successful tender 

applications to provide services for new 

businesses on behalf of Walsall Council 

and City of Wolverhampton Council to 

support the local authorities’ drive to 

build their local economies (see pg 10). 

The Start-Up Business Club provides 

platforms and opportunities for 

businesses looking to grow, connect and 

become part of a thriving network. 

It contributes to their growth by 

providing a supportive environment and 

valuable connections with the local 

business community. All activity is led by a 

dedicated business relationship manager, 

with workshops addressing start-ups’ 

specific needs and providing networking 

opportunities to meet peers also taking 

their first steps. 

Start-up Business Manager Alison 

Trinder said feedback from members is 

consistently positive, as each intake see 

the benefit of the Chamber’s support. 

One business owner recently posted 

on social media: “You do amazing work, 

Alison. I’m proud to be part of the 

Start-Up Club Alumni!” Another said 

Alison had helped her business with 

“incredible work”. 

The Club celebrated its fifth 

anniversary when members past and 

present attended a Christmas networking 

event in Dudley (below). 

Representatives attended from a range 

of business sectors, including financial 

services through to facilities 

management and creative teaching. 

As well as enjoying mince pies and 

refreshments, attendees had the chance 

to look back on the growth of the club for 

new businesses over the last five years. 

Alison Trinder said: “It was fantastic to 

see so many businesses join us to 

celebrate the Start-Up Club’s fifth 

birthday and to look back on the progress 

we have made to date. 

“Since we launched, new businesses 

have had to cope with the pandemic, 

dramatic shifts in the economy and a 

major conflict. 

“To all those who have not only 

survived but thrived, I say they should be 

proud of their achievements. 

“People can join at any time and at any 

stage of their start-up journey. 

Membership lasts for two years, during 

which we will provide tailored support 

and services.” 


on the Start-Up Club, 

click right 

“You do amazing 

work, Alison. I’m 

proud to be part 

of the Start-up 

Club Alumni!” 

1420 

PROSPER SPRING 2024

MEMBERS’ NEWS 

Trek partners donate 

digital kit to end 

Morocco’s IT desert 

Chamber Platinum Group member 

employment support specialist Steps 

To Work has announced a partnership 

with a training company to donate 

laptops to boost education in 

Morocco. 

The initiative was born out of the 

Acorns Hospice Trust’s Sahara Trek, 

which Steps To Work CEO Paul 

Cadman took part in, and aims to 

provide technological resources to 

those in Morocco who are most in 

need. 

During the charitable expedition, 

which raised an impressive £105,570 

for Acorns Hospice, Prof Paul Cadman 

met up with Matt Jones, founder and 

MD of Oxbridge, leading to a 

partnership that extends the spirit of 

giving beyond monetary aid. 

Steps To Work, in alignment with its 

mission to support individuals into 

employment and further training, will 

now equip communities in Morocco 

with the tools necessary for digital 

inclusion. Twenty laptops have been 

donated to individuals who need 

them. 

“We are thrilled to be able to 

contribute to the advancement of 

education in Morocco through this 

initiative,” said Paul Cadman. “Our 

Sahara trek was a testament to 

human resilience and compassion, 

and this partnership with Oxbridge 

allows us to extend our impact beyond 

the trek itself and to support more 

individuals.” 

Matt Jones said: “In Marrakech I 

spent some time at an educational 

centre. They were keen to understand 

how things worked in the UK, and it 

was clear that their children 

were lacking exposure to 

digital skills through a 

shortage of 

equipment. 

“This felt like 

something we 

could help solve, 

and after a chat 

with Paul, we 

made it a reality.” 

Prof Paul 

Cadman 

Merry Hill primed 

to build upon 

footfall and 

sales increases 

Merry Hill, one of the UK’s top ten retail 

and leisure destinations, is primed to 

welcome a string of new additions on the 

back of positive results for 2023. 

The centre celebrated a landmark 12 

months with brand additions and 

year-round entertainment driving a 9.4% 

rise in footfall and 7% increase in sales 

last year compared to 2022. 65 new 

brands signed or reconfirmed their 

commitment to the centre, and 30 

opened new stores, representing more 

than 30% of units. 

New openings included community 

focused concept store Nike Unite, KENJI, 

and major fashion brands such as Vanilla, 

Suit Direct and schuh Kids. 

The leisure offering at the centre also 

continued to improve. Visitors were 

offered a new entertainment centre by 

Hollywood Bowl and dining spots 

including pan-Asian restaurant 

wagamama, ASK Italian, Starbucks, Big 

Smoke Burger, as well as the UK’s first 

Sides fried chicken restaurant outside of 

London. 

Other entertainment highlights 

included a retro world of gaming at 

Arcade Alley, bringing the community 

together to play sport at Play United, an 

immersive Halloween pop-up experience 

in House on the Hill and a new Christmas 

event, The Marvellous Merry Maze. 

Looking ahead, community-driven 

fitness operator XF Gym Merry Hill will be 

making its UK debut this summer. 

XF, alongside lifestyle, technology and 

entertainment retailer Harvey Norman, 

will fill a significant portion of the former 

Debenhams space. Chicken wing 

restaurant Wingstop will also join Merry 

Hill’s food and drink offering in the first 

half of this year. 

Jonathan Poole, centre manager at 

Merry Hill, said: “The past 12 months 

have been hugely successful for Merry 

Hill as we continue to see major brands 

invest and thrive at the centre. 

“We’re taking the centre experience to 

the next level by introducing exciting new 

fashion, food and drink, and leisure 

experiences, while delivering hours of 

entertainment. 

“The quality of the brands coming to 

Merry Hill has been made possible by the 

hard work of our teams and retailers. It’s 

“It’s been a pleasure to see how well 

received these new openings have 

been, leading to an increase in 

footfall and the continued success 

of our new and existing retailers, 

growing sales...” 

been a pleasure to see how well received 

these new openings have been, leading 

to an increase in footfall and the 

continued success of our new and 

existing retailers, growing sales year-onyear. 

“We are constantly striving to enhance 

the centre for customers of all ages and 

interests, with more exciting additions 

and announcements coming throughout 

2024.” 



Award-winning digital 

agency develops new 

planning permission app 

Award-winning digital agency VOiD 

Applications has developed a unique 

new app aimed at assisting users to 

achieve permission for planning 

applications quickly and cheaply. 

The Wolverhampton-based agency, a 

2023 Chamber award winner, delivered 

PreApp for Lichfield-based town planning 

experts NextPhase. 

It combines real-time data and 

professional experience to help users 

through the pre-application stage to 

improve the likelihood of consent. 

The online system, which covers all 

planning authorities in England and 

Wales, assesses data in relation to 

planning decisions, time frames and 

costs in each user’s council area to 

accurately determine how often each 

council gives planning permission for 

each user’s type of proposal, how quickly 

they provide the decision and what is 

needed to support each case. 

The outcome provides users with an 

understanding of their chances of gaining 

planning permission, the costs expected 

for an application, the average expected 

time for a decision, the specific 

weaknesses and strengths of each case 

and what can be done to improve their 

chances of permission. 

VOiD Applications won the Excellence 

in Professional Services award at the 

Black Country Chamber Business Awards 

in November, and also made the shortlist 

for the Excellence in Science, Technology 

and Innovation award. 

VOiD Applications managing director 

Chris Carter commented: “We really 

enjoyed working in partnership with 

NextPhase to design this app. 

“As web and app developers, we 

specialise in building bespoke systems 

with custom functionality for our clients, 

so we were keen to embrace the 

challenge of creating a new app from 

scratch. 

“What is unique about this app is that it 

combines data with analysis from town 

planning professionals to provide clear, 

site-specific advice for each case.” 

NextPhase managing director 

Christopher Whitehouse commented: 

“PreApp provides a solution to a service 

provided by local planning authorities 

that is often slow and expensive. 

“The app has been specially designed 

with property developers and home 

improvers in mind. Anyone wanting to 

achieve planning permission for an 

extension, new build or major 

development project can benefit from it. 

“VOiD Applications did a great job of 

collaborating with us to develop the app. 

“Listening carefully to our brief at all 

times, they managed to transform an 

aspirational idea into a very practical 

solution.” 

Appointments 

Experienced property 

specialist joins solicitors 

Enoch Evans Solicitors has appointed 

Natalie Mellors to its commercial 

property team. 

The law firm – a Gold Chamber 

member – said the appointment was 

part of a planned growth programme. 

Having worked at other law firms, 

Natalie has a proven track record of 

success in the field of commercial 

property law, with extensive experience 

advising on complex property 

transactions, negotiating leases and 

providing legal advice on property 

development projects. 

Natalie (left) with Enoch 

Evans’ Sukhie Shemar 

Experienced engineer to 

support group growth 

Leading security specialist GMS Group 

has appointed a new Senior Project 

Engineer to support the 

commissioning of security systems for 

new and existing clients. 

Dave Williams (below, left, with CEO 

Neil Male) joins Tividale-based GMS 

with over 30 years’ experience in the 

electrical, fire and security sector. 

Dave spent the last eight years of his 

career in a similar role, where he 

oversaw security installation projects 

for a number of corporate and 

government contracts. 

Dave will be responsible for 

providing new and existing clients with 

tailored security solutions. 

VOiD won the Excellence in Professional 

Services award at the Black Country Chamber 

Awards last year 



Cybersecurity specialists land 

place on NATO scheme 

Chamber Gold member Goldilock Secure 

has been selected for a prestigious 

NATO-backed programme. 

Based at University of Wolverhampton 

Science Park, Goldilock is joining the 

DIANA Accelerator Programme as one of 

30 companies taking part, following a 

rigorous selection process which saw 

1,300 firms apply. 

The cybersecurity company’s unique 

physical disconnection solution was key 

to its selection. 

The DIANA accelerator programme is 

designed to equip businesses with the 

skills and knowledge to navigate the 

world of deep tech. It is aimed primarily at 

start-ups with business models based on 

high-tech innovation in engineering or 

significant scientific advances. 

Goldilock also qualifies for its dual-use 

innovation, a term used to recognise 

technologies with applications for civilian 

purposes that also have applications in 

military. 

The six-month programme consists of 

ten modules that allow participants to 

develop viable dual-use ventures, 

building on Goldilock’s innovative 

technology which is already available in 

the civilian sphere. 

The team will gain a comprehensive 

understanding of the dual-use landscape, 

leveraging insights and experience 

gained via Defence and Security 

Accelerator, National Cyber Security for 

Startups and Department for Business 

and Trade programmes. 

Companies on the DIANA accelerator 

programme can gain access to grants to 

support technology development and 

demonstration, as well as the chance to 

use test centres across the NATO 

Alliance. They will also benefit from 

mentoring from scientists, engineers, 

industry partners, end users and 

government procurement experts, along 

with access to pathways to market within 

the NATO enterprise and 31 Allied 

markets. 

Goldilock’s Drawbridge solution is 

gaining global recognition both within the 

defence sector and the cybersecurity 

industry more widely, and its acceptance 

and other growth opportunities mean it is 

planning to expand operations by 

doubling the size of its workspace at the 

Science Park. 

Goldilock CEO and founder Tony Hasek 

said: “The global cyber threat theatre is 

growing rapidly, fuelled by increasingly 

sophisticated and brazen criminal and 

nation-state actors. No organisation large 

or small, is safe. 

“Given the increasingly innovative 

cyberattack techniques being used, a 

paradigm shift in cyber defence thinking 

is required.” 

Goldilock strategic advisor for defence, 

General Sir Chris Deverell said: “The 

global threat landscape is evolving 

rapidly, and with the emergence of 

state-aligned actors, concerns around AI, 

and the continuation of Russia’s invasion 

of Ukraine, the threat to critical national 

infrastructure is intensifying. 

“We will work closely with NATO and 

other participants to develop and 

implement new and innovative solutions 

that will help to protect our nations and 

their citizens.” 

Clearly, the cap fits... 

Bus users are continuing to enjoy discounted single bus 

fares after Platinum member National Express West 

Midlands confirmed its continued participation in the 

Government’s £2 single fare cap scheme until the end of 

2024. 

The initiative has been warmly received by customers 

across the region with over 12.5 million National Express 

West Midlands bus passenger journeys made using the 

single fare offer since the beginning of the year. 

Anybody making three or more journeys a day will 

continue to benefit from day tickets at £4.50, providing 

unlimited travel within the nBus zone and on all National 

Express West Midlands buses. 

National Express West Midlands passengers using 

contactless can Tap and Cap and will find their fare cap is 

automatically applied so they never pay more than they 

should – as long as they tap on with the same card or 

device. 

Alex Jensen, CEO for National Express UK, Ireland and 

Germany said: “Bus travel is simple, cheap and easy and 

there’s never been a better time to get onboard.” 

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: 

“Buses are the backbone of public transport in the West 

Midlands, which is why it’s so important we keep fares low 

and affordable.” 

For more information about bus tickets and services, visit 

www.nxbus.co.uk. 



Another acquisition takes Talbots Law 

onto a new high street 

Legal firm and Chamber Gold member 

Talbots Law has notched its third 

acquisition in eight months to continue 

its growth journey. 

The Stourbridge-based business, 

which has boosted its workforce to nearly 

450, bought Scaiff in Worcester to 

establish its first presence in the city 

centre. 

All 16 staff were retained, with 

ambitious expansion plans in place to 

recruit a further 10 solicitors and 

administrative employees in the year 

ahead, along with significant investment 

in sympathetically refurbishing the Grade 

II listed offices. 

Dave Hodgetts, Talbots Law chief 

executive said: “While we have offices in 

Kidderminster and Bewdley, we’ve never 

had a high street presence in Worcester. 

This acquisition gives us an immediate 

footprint in a city and area rich in 

potential. 

“Scaiff LLP has been operating here for 

more than 30 years and has a proven 

track record of offering family, personal 

injury, wills and probate and residential 

conveyancing services to local people. All 

this expertise is being retained, and will 

be supplemented by the additional 

services we can offer.” 

Scaiff managing partner Simon Shaw, 

who will stay on after the deal, said: “Our 

existing clients will benefit from having 

access to a larger team and new legal 

specialisms that we have not been able to 

offer before. 

“On the flip side, we are bringing 

considerable personal injury expertise to 

Talbots, which I know is an area it is keen 

to grow in.” 

Other recent acquisitions by Talbots 

Law have included Sarginsons in 

Coventry and Wright Solicitors, with 

offices in Dudley and Bewdley. 

The mergers and acquisitions activity, 

combined with strong organic growth, 

has seen revenues rise from £22m to 

£24m in 2023, with a £30m target set for 

2025. 

This will be achieved by further deals in 

strategically identified parts of the West 

Midlands and, longer term, the possibility 

of moving into the east of the region. 

Lenders combine to back home care agency acquisition 

An entrepreneur has completed the 

acquisition of a Telford home care agency 

after securing £350,000 in funding from 

lending specialists UKSE and BCRS 

Business Loans – both Chamber 

members. 

Rick Kaul purchased Supreme Home 

Care to become one of the first to 

receive investment from the newly 

formed West Midlands arm of UKSE, 

which joined the Chamber last year. 

The Tata Steel subsidiary provided 

£200,000 towards the purchase, with a 

further £150,000 from Platinum member 

BCRS Business Loans. 

As a result, 130 jobs have been 

safeguarded with a potential to create an 

additional 50 new roles. 

Supreme Home Care, based in Telford, 

provides emergency, rehabilitation and 

long-term care to adults with a wide 

range of physical and mental needs, as 

well as respite at home support. 

Providing strategic loan and equity 

packages of up to £1m to generate 

growth, UKSE’s West Midlands team 

creates local job opportunities and 

bolsters the economy by supporting 

SMEs across the region. 

BCRS Business Loans provides 

funding to West Midlands and Wales 

businesses that are struggling to access 

finance from traditional lenders by 

offering loans from between £10,000 and 

£150,000 to support growth and recovery 

From left, Steve Grice of 

UKSE, Rick Kaul of Supreme 

Home Care and Louise 

Armstrong of BCRS 

Business Loans 

plans. Welcoming the 

investment, Rick Kaul 

commented: “I plan to create 

additional job opportunities 

as we expand into complex 

critical care support and 

specialised care for adults 

and children. We will be 

working with Telford College 

to provide level 3- level 6 

health and social care 

apprenticeships. 

UKSE area manager Steve Grice said: 

“Supreme Home Care is a strong 

example of a growing company that is 

sustaining valuable jobs in the region,” 

while Stephen Deakin, Chief Executive at 

BCRS Business Loans, said: “It is great 

news that the funding will secure the 

future of Supreme Home Care.” 


COVER STORY: STARS OF THE FUTURE 

We’re heading 

for the top 

‘To be able to work 

while learning was 

attractive to me. ...’ 

Georgie Newport 

Future business stars vouch for 

the benefits of on-the-job training 

As businesses across the Black Country equip the next generation of employees with 

the skills to capitalise on future opportunities, young people are making a positive 

impact across a range of industries as they grow. 

In this issue’s cover story, we celebrate the progress of the future stars who have 

joined in entry level roles and are now established as team members with greater 

responsibilities. 

The Black Country Chamber is promoting training as the way forward for our 

businesses as they adjust to the changes in their markets, impact of new 

technology and the challenging economic environment. Our first ever Quarterly 

Economic Survey Data Reveal event saw business representatives hear the 

exclusive insights on the local economy from our most recent member research. 

The survey showed skills and recruitment remain a challenge for members. Just over 

half (57 per cent) of Black Country firms surveyed attempted to recruit during the last 

quarter of 2023, down from 71 per cent in Quarter 3. A further 62 per cent of firms 

across the Black Country experienced recruitment difficulties in Quarter 4, while 

investment plans for training have increased for 24 per cent of Black Country businesses. 

But as our four cover stars show, young people are ready to make the most of the 

opportunities ahead of them. When given a chance, the next generation can play a 

significant role in a business where they are offered the opportunity to grow and learn as 

they earn. 

Meet our four talented colleagues: 

ABBIE DANKS, apprentice solicitor 

with Talbots Law, based in 

Stourbridge, is two years into a six 

year apprenticeship with the law firm, 

which has offices across the West 

Midlands and Worcestershire, having 

first joined in 2020. One of the first to take up a Level 7 

Solicitor Apprenticeship with the firm, Abbie is client 

facing and working on cases alongside colleagues, 

making her a valued team member. 

MATT JEAVONS, planning manager at 

JJX Logistics in Kingswinford, 

completed a Business Administration 

Level 3 apprenticeship with the 

leading haulage company in 2022. 

Having started in the warehouse office 

he has progressed to become a transport planner and 

then a planning manager at the company, which serves 

customers across the UK and all around Europe. 

JOSEPH MOSELEY, engineer at Thomas 

Dudley in Dudley, started with the 

company in 2019 as a CNC pattern maker, 

producing tooling for the foundry while 

completing a Level 3 Metal Casting, 

Foundry, and Patternmaking Technician 

apprenticeship. He has moved up to a 

degree-level apprenticeship and is working 

towards becoming a Level 6 manufacturing engineer. 

GEORGIE NEWPORT is employed by 

Wolverhampton-based water safety and 

legionella specialist Nant as scheduling 

and communications manager, working 

with field engineers serving sites across 

the UK. She joined the business in 2017 as 

a technical Level 3 Business Administration 

apprentice and has since taken up training 

opportunities to progress her career with the company. 


What made you consider an 

apprenticeship as an entry to 

employment? 

Abbie Danks, Talbots Law: I never 

really saw the ‘university experience’ as 

something that excited me or was 

essential. I was more motivated by 

getting into the workplace as soon as 

possible and having that crucial firsthand 

experience of working in a law firm. 

The apprenticeship route allowed me to 

do just that. 

Matt Jeavons, JJX Logistics: I was not 

enjoying college and wanted to start 

working. I have always preferred being 

more hands-on and learning on the job, 

so an apprenticeship seemed the perfect 

solution for me. 

Joseph Moseley, Thomas Dudley: 

Apprenticeships offer fantastic 

opportunities by supporting the 

transition from full-time education to the 

working world. You can continue to 

develop academically through your 

college- or university-based studies and 

develop hands-on skills that can only be 

gained in the workplace at the same time. 

This experience is vital within industries 

such as engineering, as there is no 

substitute for getting involved and getting 

your hands dirty. 

Georgie Newport, Nant: To be able to 

work while learning was attractive to me. I 

previously worked for Sainsbury’s so had 

limited admin experience and wanted a 

new challenge. I liked that I could 

complete my apprenticeship during 

working hours and have the freedom 

to gain a qualification whilst carrying 

out my role. 

How has your career 

progressed and 

what does your role 

today involve? 

Abbie, Talbots Law: I 

joined in 2020 straight 

out of sixth form college 

as an administrator in the 

dispute resolution 

department, assisting 

with file management. I 

progressed to being a 

paralegal, undertaking 

tasks to assist with members 

of my team. I was able to take 

ownership of debt recovery cases 

and manage and assist with 

those from the beginning to the 

end. 

I now assist with contentious 

probate cases. I manage my 

own small case load under 

supervision, which has given me 

the opportunity to push myself by 

researching new legislation and 

processes, as well as developing my 

legal drafting. 

Matt, JJX Logistics: I started off in the 

warehouse office doing picks and 

bookings in. I was also giving a helping 

hand in the warehouse. I then moved into 

the main office where I was involved in 

managing the unloading systems and 

customer services. I quickly discovered 

my desire to work in transport and 

started to pick it up. I became a transport 

planner which led to me becoming 

planning manager. 

Joseph, Thomas Dudley: Since 

completing my first apprenticeship, my 

development has been continuously 

supported. I’ve enrolled in a four-year 

university course at Aston University and 

completed training days that aid my 

“I have already preferred being 

more hands-on and learning on 

the job, so an apprenticeship 

seemed the perfect solution for 

me...” 

Matt Jeavons 

“I manage my own small case load 

under supervision, which has 

given me the opportunity to push 

myself by researching new 

legislation and processes, as well 

as developing my legal drafting.” 

Abbie Danks 

day-to-day work. 

I have moved into a technical role, 

supporting new product introductions 

across the foundry. By doing this, my 

exposure to the overall casting process 

has vastly increased and allowed me to 

develop strong relationships with 

colleagues across the business. 

Other exciting opportunities have 

arisen, such as attending overseas 

industry events and mentoring. 

Georgie, Nant: My career has changed 

massively. I started as a technical 

apprentice and then quickly progressed 

to senior administrator, help desk team 

leader, help desk supervisor and finally to 

the role I have today, which is scheduling 

and communications manager. 

My apprenticeship has helped me 

experience a great deal within the 

business; it opened my eyes to the 

potential of my role and now I have a 

greater depth and knowledge of the 

company. I am looking at how I can 

support my team to progress through an 

apprenticeship route. When I speak to 

potential new recruits it is great to be 

able to share my journey with them. 

Continued on page 28 


COVER STORY: STARS OF THE FUTURE 

Continued from page 27 

What has vocational training taught you 

that a full-time college or university 

course could not have done? 

Georgie, Nant: University or college is 

more structured, and learning based with 

no guarantee of a job at the end of it. I like 

that I have been able to gain an additional 

qualification while having the security and 

stability of a full-time job. I developed 

vital skills such as time management, 

confidence, accountability for my 

workload and teamwork. 

Joseph, Thomas Dudley: There are 

social aspects that cannot be taught in 

full-time academic environments as well 

as skills for self-management and 

time-keeping. Running both training and 

full-time work simultaneously is certainly 

not without its challenges but without 

application, a large amount of knowledge 

gained in a full-time college or university 

course is lost. Apprenticeships are 

tailored to your industry and knowledge is 

reinforced by seeing things live every day. 

Abbie, Talbots Law: My apprenticeship 

has provided me with the chance to excel 

in the legal profession and develop real 

life skills and confidence that I did not 

have previously. In a classroom you do 

not get the hands-on experience of 

dealing with clients and managing and 

progressing their case in real time. 

Matt, JJX Logistics: I have been given 

hands-on experience; everything I 

learned came with practical outcomes and 

solutions that I could actually see the 

effect of, rather theoretical scenarios. It 

was proper ‘real life’. 

What are the biggest misconceptions 

about apprenticeships? 

Georgie, Nant: That apprenticeships 

are just for school leavers! It was a 

misconception I had myself, and it is not 

true. At Nant we have had a range of 

apprentices from different ages and 

stages in their career. It is great to have 

that diversity of experience and opinion. 

The course tutors are great at 

understanding your learning style and 

adapting their approach based on how 

you learn best. This could be through 

recorded interviews, observations in the 

workplace or annotated images to 

evidence your learning. 

Joseph, Thomas Dudley: It felt like 

apprenticeships were discouraged at 

school and almost regarded as an inferior 

option to the academic route. This is 

wrong; there are huge benefits and perks 

as an apprentice, and paths open as a 

direct result. 

Abbie, Talbots Law: People don’t 

realise the level of education available 

through apprenticeships. Degree level 

apprenticeships are still relatively new, so 

many still think particular careers are only 

achievable by obtaining a degree, but the 

qualifications through an apprenticeship 

are the same as undergraduate degrees. 

If you were recruiting, would you be 

keen to take on an apprentice and what 

value do you feel they add? 

Matt, JJX Logistics: Definitely! It gives 

the apprentice a chance to explore the 

business and see which area they are 

best suited to, as well as learn about the 

world of work, the company and the 

industry at a manageable pace. 

Abbie, Talbots Law: Apprentices add 

significant value to a workplace. Not only 

do apprenticeships nurture the next 

generation of lawyers, they diversify the 

workplace, bringing in new and fresh 

ideas and contributions. 

Apprenticeships give employers the 

opportunity to produce and retain quality 

employees, who will not only have the 

necessary qualifications and theoretical 

knowledge, but will also have essential 

work skills that can only be obtained 

through experience. 

Georgie, Nant: Nant has had many 

apprentices join and progress into 

different roles. The company sees the 

value of apprenticeships, and it’s 

rewarding to watch that person grow and 

develop. The company is looking to take 

on an additional three apprentices over 

the next few months. We have a great 

relationship with our apprenticeship 

provider, In-Comm Training. 

Joseph, Thomas Dudley: 

Apprenticeships are the starting point for 

passing on knowledge and experience, 

and create the future force that will one 

day be managers and 

directors. Without 

apprentices, 

generations of 

knowledge will be 

lost through ageing 

workforces and a 

lack of 

progression 

planning. 

“Apprenticeships are the starting 

point for passing on knowledge and 

experience... without apprentices, 

generations of knowledge will be lost” 

Joseph Moseley 

Do you have any advice for individuals 

considering following your route into 

work? 

Abbie, Talbots Law: You may think that 

you are missing opportunities and 

experiences by deciding not to go to 

university full time but you are presented 

with even more opportunities and 

experiences. Plus, there is the obvious 

bonus that apprenticeships come with no 

student debt, and you are earning a 

salary! 

Joseph, Thomas Dudley: 

Communication is key. Reach out to 

companies and start seeking relevant 

experience in the industry in which you 

see yourself wanting a career. Setting 

yourself apart from the crowd can be 

especially challenging, particularly at a 

young age, but is a necessity when 

hunting for a good apprenticeship with 

reputable businesses. 

Matt, JJX Logistics: The sooner you 

start the better. It gives you chance to get 

an understanding of a lot of things and 

slowly gain confidence both personally 

and professionally instead of being 

thrown in at the deep end. 

Georgie, Nant: Bite the bullet and go 

for it. If you are passionate about 

embarking on a rewarding career path, it 

is the best route. 


NEWS 

The countdown to the 2024 Black 

Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 

has begun. Every business should save 

the November 21 date... 

Last year’s winners: 

Will you be in the 

spotlight this 

November? 

Celebrate the best 

of business with the 

Black Country 

Chamber Awards 

The best of the Black Country’s 

business trailblazers, innovators and 

community champions will be honoured 

when the 23rd annual Chamber of 

Commerce Awards are held in 

November. 

The date for the Black Country 

Chamber Business Awards 2024, a 

dazzling celebration of the businesses 

shaping our vibrant economic landscape, 

has been set for November 21. 

A glittering black tie dinner and awards 

ceremony will take place at The Halls 

Wolverhampton, operated by AEG 

Presents, to honour the very best of our 

region’s business scene. 

As the leading regional support agency 

for firms in the region, the Black Country 

Chamber of Commerce stages these 

annual awards as part of its drive to 

provide platforms and opportunities for 

businesses looking to grow, connect and 

become part of a thriving network. 

Last year’s sell-out awards night saw an 

audience of more than 500 guests gather 

to celebrate a range of winners. 

This year we are shining a brighter light 

than ever before on the remarkable 

achievements and unwavering dedication 

that drive our local economy. 

From dynamic start-ups to established 

powerhouses, every business has a story 

to tell, and the Black Country Chamber of 

Commerce is eager to amplify their 

voices. 

CEO Sarah Moorhouse said: “We are 

delighted to look forward to another 

fantastic evening of celebration in which 

we will honour the innovative, successful 

and resilient businesses that can be 

found throughout the Black Country. 

“The Black Country Chamber Business 

Awards is not just an awards ceremony 

but a positive gathering of the brightest 

minds and most influential figures in our 

business community to network, connect 

and forge new partnerships under one 

roof. 

“Winners will receive widespread media 

coverage, social media buzz, and the 

chance to take up exclusive networking 

opportunities.” 

The 2024 awards will build on the 

successful 2023 event which saw a host 

of companies honoured. Among the 

winners were YMCA Black Country 

Group’s Kellie Simcox, who was named 

employee of the year, Burke Bros Moving 

Group who landed the Family Business of 

the year prize and JJX Logistics, who 

scooped Medium or Large Business of 

the Year. 

Sarah added: “Our awards are always 

one of the highlights of the region’s 

business calendar. Last year we received 

the highest number of applications in 

every category, achieved a complete sell 

out for the night and we had a long 

waiting list for tickets. 

“Our wide range of categories will again 

give recognition to the full range of 


CHAMBER AWARDS 2024 

Award categories 

and sponsorship 

Get on board as a Black Country 

Chamber Business Awards sponsor! 

Now is the time for your business to 

get the full benefit of our entire 

2024 Awards campaign by coming 

on board as a sponsor. 

Association with the Chamber 

Business Awards will not only 

enhance your company’s brand, it 

will give you access to a range of 

profile-raising opportunities across 

some of the largest B2B platforms 

and outlets in the region while 

demonstrating your commitment to 

supporting and championing 

businesses in the Black Country. 

Sponsorship opportunities 

Companies can now take up the 

opportunity to align their brands with 

the cream of our region’s businesses 

by sponsoring individual categories or 

taking up one of a number of 

packages to support the event. 

See page 32 

sectors and sizes of business, to 

celebrate the work of all those who drive 

forward growth and investment by 

capitalising upon the region’s talent and 

tenacity. 

“Entries will open later in the spring so 

we encourage all companies to speak to 

their membership managers about how 

they can put forward submissions. We are 

also looking to work with sponsors who 

want to make the most of the marketing 

opportunities from our range of 

packages.” (see panel right and page 32) 

Full details of the Black Country 

Chamber Business Awards 2024 will be 

published on the Chamber website over 

the coming weeks and featured in the 

next edition of Prosper. 


on the awards, click 

right 

There will be 14 award categories on 

the night. 

n Business in the Community 

n Employer of the Year 

n International Trade 

n Manufacturing and Engineering 

n Consultancy and Professional 

Services 

n Science, Technology and 

Innovation 

n Family Business of the Year 

n Business of the Year (more than 

10 employees) 

n Small Business of the Year 

(1-9 employees) 

n Start-Up of the Year 

n Young Employee or Apprentice 

of the Year 

n Business in Schools Award 

n Not for Profit Organisation 

n Employer Apprentice of the Year. 

There are opportunities to sponsor 

all of these awards. 

WHY SPONSOR? 

Align your brand with excellence 

- shape the narrative - get exclusive 

access to high-profile influencers 

and decision makers - amplify your 

reach. 

Become a category sponsor and be 

part of a night to remember! See 

page 32 for more details. 

Email us at awards@ 


or call us: 0330 024 0820 

for more details 


CHAMBER AWARDS 2024: SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

Honour the region’s 

success stories by 

sponsoring our awards 

We are excited to offer businesses the 

chance to align their brands with the 

very best of the Black Country’s 

business scene by sponsoring the 

Chamber’s awards for 2024. 


Commerce delivers the region’s longest 

running awards, the biggest and best 

celebration in the local business 

calendar. Every year they attract the 

widest possible range of entrants, 

covering everyone from start-up 

successes to the big brands known the 

world over. 

Sponsorship opportunities 

As a category sponsor, you will receive 

the following benefits from your 

sponsorship of £4,250 (plus VAT): 

n A table of 10 guests for the black tie 

dinner awards event on November 21 at 

The Halls Wolverhampton 

n Two invitations to the winners’ lunch 

(March 2025) 

n Social media posts across all award 

notifications relating to your award of 

choice 

n A photo with the category winner in 

our Prosper December 2024 issue. 

To enter you must be a registered 

business here in the Black Country OR 

be a member of the Black Country 

Chamber. We will have a maximum of 

four finalists per category. 

All we ask of you is that you have 

someone on hand to present the award 

on the night, and you have a colleague 

available to assist with the judging in 

October. 

Award Categories 

n Business in the Community. This 

award is for the business which 

demonstrates a significant and positive 

commitment in the community. 

n Employer of the Year: The award to 

recognise employers who excel in 

developing their workforce and engaging 

employees in company values. 

n International Trade: For businesses 

of all sizes and sectors, with sound 

financial management, you will excel as 

an exporter or in assisting others to 

export goods across international 

borders. 

n Manufacturing and Engineering: 

For businesses of all sizes within the 

manufacturing and engineering sectors. 

n Consultancy and Professional 

Services: This award recognises a 

company that has demonstrated 

exceptional performance and impact in 

delivering value to its customers, 

bringing quantifiable improvement in 

client performance. 

n Science, Technology and 

Innovation: The award to celebrate 

businesses demonstrating exceptional 

advancements in science, technology, 

and innovation, who contribute to 

positive societal impact. 

n Family Business of the Year: 

Celebrating the best, established family 

business across any sector, you will 

need to show how you work together to 

achieve ambitions for growth. 

n Business of the Year (more than 10 

employees): Achieving high customer 

satisfaction, the winner will have 

leadership excelling in vision, 

communication and strategic planning. 

n Small Business of the Year (1-9 

employees): Honouring a small 

company with consistent revenue 

growth and profitability, your company 

will punch above its weight with 

innovative products, services or 

processes, while creating employment 

opportunities in a positive workplace 

culture. 

n Start-Up of the Year: Open to 

businesses registered since January 

2023, your business will have made a 

positive impact growing revenues and 

customer satisfaction. 

n Young Employee or Apprentice of 

the Year: Aged 25 or under and working 

in a Black Country business, we are 

looking for a young employee or 

apprentice who has used an 

apprenticeship to boost their career and 

make a real difference. 

n Business in Schools Award: This 

category is open to all businesses 

regardless of size, sector or type, who 

work with education partners and can 

show a significant positive impact on 

students, their school community and 

the wider community. 

n Not for Profit Organisation: This 

award recognises an outstanding 

non-profit organisation that can 

demonstrate exceptional impact, 

innovation and commitment to its 

mission. 

n Employer Apprentice of the Year: 

Recognising the commitment employers 

undertake to train staff under a 

recognised apprenticeship scheme, 

entrants must have taken on 

apprentices in the last three years. 

Become an Awards 

category sponsor! 

Email us here 

Call us: 0330 024 0820 


CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 

Chamber announces membership 

fee will be frozen for 2024-25 


Commerce has announced 

membership fees will be frozen for the 

forthcoming financial year to help firms 

during a time of economic uncertainty. 

Member companies, ranging from 

fledgling firms which sign up to the 

Start-Up group through to the top level 

Patron organisations, will pay the same 

price as the current year for April 2024 

until March 2025. 

CEO Sarah Moorhouse said the 

decision had been taken in recognition of 

the challenges faced by Chamber 

members. She said: “At a time when 

inflation, the cost of living and increased 

energy tariffs, are just a few of the 

pressures faced by businesses, we were 

keen to support our members by holding 

prices for the next financial year at the 

current levels. 

“After some challenging years, money 

is understandably still at the forefront of 

people’s minds and many are tightening 

budgets, so we have taken this decision 

on the back of the resounding message I 

have shared since becoming CEO, that 

Chamber members should be assured 

‘we’ve got your back’. 

“While this step will help businesses 

financially, we are sure that the enhanced 

Chamber team will build stronger 

relationships than ever before as we help 

member companies through our drive to 

‘Member to 

Member’ offers 

Special Chamber ‘Member to 

Member’ offers can be 

accessed through the 

Chamber website, for fellow 

members to take advantage 

of. This is a great way to 

showcase your products 

and services. 

“We have taken this decision on 

the back of the resounding 

message I have shared since 

becoming CEO, that Chamber 

members should be assured 

‘we’ve got your back’. “ 

re-energise the local economy in 2024. 

“We know many businesses value 

Chamber membership and the 

opportunities it generates, and we look 

forward to supporting local firms to 

realise their potential.” 

The Black Country Chamber acts as a 

powerful engine for local businesses to 

market themselves to the region and 

further afield, giving members access to 

a wealth of resources, including 

networking opportunities, support with 

trade documentations, training 

programmes and marketing platforms. 

Sarah Moorhouse added: “In the next 

12 months we will be amplifying our 

unique role as a dynamic and forwardthinking 

not-for-profit organisation which 

understands and helps tackle the 

challenges faced by firms operating in 

today’s modern marketplace. 

“Our organisation is based upon the 

concept of partnership, so we will be 

doing everything we can to promote 

opportunities for Black Country 

businesses.” 

Save money through 

your membership, too... 

We have teamed up with several 

Black Country Chamber members 

and partners to offer a range of 

discounts and savings for your 

business and the people you employ. 

Find out more on the facing page. 

Now more than ever businesses are 

finding ways to save money and 

Chamber membership can help you 

do just that! 

According to our latest Quarterly 

Economic Survey (Q4 2023), rising 

labour costs are rivalling the rise of 

utility prices as a pressure point. 

Labour costs and utilities are amongst 

the highest concern for firms across 

all sectors in the Black Country – at 

43% and 47% respectively. 

Our commercial partner offers are 

available to all Chamber members for 

the duration of their membership – 

allowing you and your employees to 

save money and access advice and 

support from a variety of. 

Find out more about 

Chamber benefits by 

clicking right 

Long-term discounts 

We have also teamed up with eight of our members to offer long-term discounts to 

fellow Chamber members. These are available until Friday, 7th June, and include: 

• Free financial health check from Central Business Finance 

• Fitness programme discounts from Fitness Studio Forty Six 

• 40% Discount on key holding services from GMS Group 

• 40% rates on tail lift servicing LOLER examinations and weigh testing from JC Payne 

• Simple risk management software from MoRServ 

• Health cash plan with immediate benefit and pre-existing cover from Paycare 

• Business insurance and financial planning support from Timmins Whittaker 

• 20% discount on raceday and tickets from Wolverhampton Racecourse 

To find out more about Chamber membership, please submit an enquiry form 

via our website or give the team a call on 0330 024 0820. 


CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 

Members save money 

with our partners 

Barclaycard Payments 

– Discounted Rates 

Quest – HR, Legal, Tax and 

Health & Safety 

Quest Cover provides a wide range of access to 

qualified legal expertise, including HR, Tax and 

Health & Safety. This gives Black Country Chamber 

members access to legal advice helplines and an 

extensive document library with hundreds of 

downloadable documents that can be used in 

business, as well as providing £1M legal expenses 

cover. 

Whether customers are paying online or in 

person, a secure and reliable payment 

solution could give them and your business 

added peace of mind. That’s why we’re 

teaming up with Barclaycard Payments to 

offer you a specially negotiated discount on 

merchant service charges from one of the 

UK’s leading small business payment 

solution partners. 

APH – Airport 

Parking & Hotels 

Black Country Chamber 

members receive a range of 

discounts for airport parking 

and hotels. 

AA – Roadside Assistance 

The AA’s business breakdown cover will make sure 

your drivers get back on the road quickly – and with a 

minimum of disruption – if the worst happens. 

All you need to do is choose the right level of cover for 

you. Our members can save up to £300 on breakdown 

cover through Chamber membership. 

Swoop Funding – Chamber 

Finance Finder 

The Chamber Finance Finder simplifies and speeds up 

the funding process, matching members’ businesses with 

the right funding opportunities across loans, equity 

investment, grants and commercial mortgages. 

Control Energy Costs – 

Commercial Energy 

Discover how to best manage your business’s 

energy costs, both in terms of negotiating 

ongoing supply contracts and exploring 

opportunities for retrospective refunds. Halo Financial – 

Foreign Exchange 

Access all of these benefits through the member dashboard. 

Go to: www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/account/login/ 

Or give the team a call on 0330 024 0820. 

Halo Financial provides a better 

way for the most globally active and 

ambitious companies to transfer 

money across borders, helping your 

business trade successfully and 

grow with confidence. 



Anthony (front left) with 

the Paycare team as they 

mark the organisation’s 

150 years 

Chamber Patron celebrates 

150th anniversary in style 

Black Country-based not-for-profit 

organisation Paycare has had a busy 

start to 2024 as it marks its 150th year in 

operation. 

Paycare, a Chamber Patron which 

provides a range of health cash plans to 

individuals, employees, and their families, 

was originally formed in 1874 to support 

factory workers with everyday healthcare 

costs. 

Initially named the Patients’ Aid 

Association, the organisation has since 

helped millions of people claim back cash 

on everything from optical and dental 

appointments to physiotherapy, 

diagnostic tests, and wellbeing 

treatments. 

Anthony Burns, Paycare’s CEO, said 

“Our 150th year is such a momentous 

milestone for us as an organisation, and 

one that the whole Paycare team is 

exceptionally proud of. 

“We were founded around the concept 

that nobody should have to struggle to 

access high-quality and timely healthcare, 

and this absolutely remains central to us 

today, particularly so in these current 

times. 

“Welcoming in this significant year has 

not only provided us with an opportunity 

to reflect on all of the incredible things 

we’ve achieved as a team, but to also look 

ahead to the next stage of our journey as 

we continue to support more individuals 

to be healthier and happier.” 

Alongside supporting policyholders, 

Paycare has raised in excess of 

£2.5million for good causes across the 

region and beyond, supporting everything 

from grassroots sports clubs to 

accessible entertainment, arts projects 

and food banks. 

Building on this heritage, Paycare has 

teamed up with Wolverhampton author 

James Davison in a bid to raise awareness 

about mental health issues, encourage 

individuals to reach out to those around 

them, and to provide the frameworks to 

broach these difficult but important 

conversations. 

The team has launched an exclusive 

competition for its policyholders, giving 

five individuals the chance to win a copy 

of a new children’s book focused on 

mental health, Mindy’s Journey. 

James said: “The story follows Mindy 

who after receiving some bad news wakes 

Paycare award 

Paycare has been awarded the Most 

Positive Impact / CSR accolade in the 

2024 Small Business Awards. The 

honour is in recognition of the positive 

impact Paycare has made through its 

CSR initiatives, and the contributions to 

its community, environment, and 

stakeholders. 

Anthony Burns said: “Altruism is at our 

absolute core, and we’re delighted to 

accept this award.” 

up alone in a cave, where she befriends a 

star who guides her. 

“Details of the bad news are 

purposefully vague, so that it can be 

relatable to anyone, and hopefully spark 

conversations between children and 

parents, carers, or teachers. 

“I’m very open about my own neurodiversity, 

and the fact I have Tourette’s 

syndrome, non-epileptic attack disorder, 

and affective dysregulation. 

“But I was not diagnosed until my late 

teens, meaning that in high school it was 

particularly hard navigating my mental 

health issues at a time where there was 

limited understanding. So much so, I was 

regularly in trouble and always felt like an 

outsider.” 

Anthony Burns said: “When we learned 

about James’ latest book and his own 

journey, we were keen to help him 

promote this vital message. 

“The story – and James himself – 

absolutely align with everything we stand 

for at Paycare: promoting wellness, 

encouraging communication, and caring 

for our community. 

“It is even more fantastic to learn that 

for every one of his books sold, a tree is 

planted – further giving back.” 

• Mindy’s Journey has been nominated 

for the People’s Book Prize and voting is 

open until the end of April at 

www.peoplesbookprize.com/summer- 

2023-categories/childrens/ 



SKA turns to Black Country firm for help 

Regent Engineering has won a 

prestigious contract to supply antenna 

components for the world’s biggest 

international project in astronomy. 

The Darlaston-based pressings and 

assemblies specialist, a Gold Chamber 

member, will contribute to the Square 

Kilometre Array (SKA), a scheme which 

will see more than 131,000 low-frequency 

wire antennas, each the size of a large TV 

antenna, set up in the desert of Western 

Australia. 

Together with an installation of large 

dish antennas located in the Karoo 

desert in South Africa the two 

installations will cover the entire range of 

radio frequencies, from 50 MHz up to 25 

GHz, with unprecedented sensitivity, 

resolution and coverage of the sky. 

The SKA will transform our view of the 

universe in a number of key science 

areas, including seeing how the first 

galaxies emerged, searching for the 

signatures of life in the universe and the 

presence of organic and biological 

molecules. 

The SKA consortium involved in the 

project has headquarters at Jodrell Bank 

in Cheshire and is a joint effort involving 

14 countries. 

Regent’s part of the €100m contract 

involves the supply of pressed metal 

The SKA project in the Western 

Australian desert 

components which form the main low 

frequency collecting components at the 

top of the antenna assembly. 

These high precision parts are 

stamped and formed, chemically cleaned, 

and then carefully packed for shipment to 

Italy for incorporation in the final antenna 

assembly, which is over 2 metres high 

and somewhat resembles a metal 

Christmas tree. 

The first phase of production will 

involve the supply of more than 250,000 

components over the next two years, with 

a possible second phase of a similar size 

commencing in 2026. 

In continuous production since 1941, 

Regent’s 50-strong team has the skills 

and experience to undertake the most 

complex pressed component and 

assembly supply projects. 

Media firm produces powerful 

TV knife crime film 

The Express & Star has produced a 

powerful TV documentary that shines a 

light on the devastating consequences 

of knife crime in the Black Country. 

Called Grief , this compelling film 

delves into the stark realities of this 

epidemic, featuring interviews with two 

grieving parents, Mark Brindley and 

Pooja Kanda. 

Mark, father of James Brindley who 

was murdered in Walsall in 2017, and 

Pooja, mother of Ronan Kanda who 

was murdered in Wolverhampton in 

2022, bravely share their haunting 

stories of loss. Through their words, 

viewers are given an intimate look into 

the emotional aftermath of the attacks 

and shattered lives left in 

the wake of such 

senseless violence. 

The film aired on Shots!, 

a Freeview TV channel. 

Mark Morris, group digital editor at 

the Express & Star said: “We wanted to 

document a crucial subject that should 

concern each and every one of our 

readers. 

“Knife crime has been devastating 

our communities, but now we are 

witnessing an alarming shift in the 

number of incidents. 

“The countless cases have almost 

desensitised the public to what should 

be truly shocking. It’s time for us to 

Pooja Kanda 

Mark Brindley 

break this cycle with a film that 

demands change. 

“Grief is not just another 

documentary filled with cold facts and 

headlines. It is an exploration of the 

unyielding spirit of those who have 

suffered immeasurable loss. 

“We hope that it showcases the 

unwavering strength that arises in the 

face of tragedy and serves as a 

powerful wake-up call for all of us. I 

would urge the Black Country 

community to watch this film.” 

Grief is available online at: www.shotstv.com/watch/vod/52297933 



BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY 

Supporting great causes in the Black Country 

Chamber colleagues donate 

essential items to foodbank 

Kind-hearted colleagues from Black 

Country Chamber donated food and 

other essential supplies to a local food 

bank supporting families in need over 

the Christmas period. 

Colleagues donated cereal, canned 

food, milk, hot chocolate, and toiletries 

to the Black Country Foodbank as part 

of their annual festive appeal, along with 

a funding donation. 

The foodbank helps vulnerable 

individuals and families in crisis through 

the provision of an emergency food and 

toiletry parcel, while a longer-term 

solution is developed. 

The collection builds upon the 

Chamber’s vision to create a vibrant, 

local community with a focus on social 

impact through Chamber activities. 


Moorhouse commented: “More people 

than ever are turning to food banks. 

“We want to support the communities 

of the Black Country, and were thrilled to 

be able to donate to such a worthy 

cause. I hope that the donation provides 

the charity with the boost it needs 

during this busy time.” 

Black Country Foodbank added: “We 

are so grateful for this donation. It could 

not have come at a better time, as over 

Christmas we were experiencing an 

unprecedented level of demand for 

emergency food and toiletry parcels.” 

Generous Lord Combustion Services funds charity’s hot meals service 

Elderly members of the community 

in Smethwick received hot meals 

over Christmas thanks to funding 

from commercial heating and 

ventilation specialist Lord 

Combustion Services. 

In total 100 meals were delivered 

by St Albans Community Association 

to people at home during the festive 

season following support from 

Oldbury-based Lord Combustion 

Services, a Platinum member and 

2023 Chamber award winner. 

Lord offered its support to back 

the vital work which St Albans 

provides for older residents. 

Based in St Albans Road, 

Smethwick, the charity provides a 

range of community services 

including activities and meals for 

older people, alongside dementia 

support services, welfare advice 

and OFSTED-registered pre-school 

nursery activities. 

St Albans operations manager 

Tammy Cleaver said: “Thank you to 

Lord Combustion Services for their 

support; it is much appreciated 

and ensures our team can help as 

many people as possible with our 

meals service.” 

Lord won the Outstanding 

Support for the Armed Forces prize 

at the 2023 Chamber Awards. 

Manufacturer’s employee honoured with prestigious Fellowship 

Karen Nelson, business development 

manager at door and window hardware 

manufacturer Hoppe (UK) was 

recognised with a Fellowship Award at the 

Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) 

Community Awards. 

The Fellowship is given to an individual 

who has shown a longstanding and 

ongoing commitment to the Guild. 

Karen, who has worked at Chamber 

Gold member HOPPE (UK), based in 

Standeford, for more than eight years, 

was recognised for her role as chair of the 

Midlands Community Hub and her 

contribution to the GAI education 

committee. 

Karen said: “I feel very proud to be 

recognised for the Fellowship Award. My 

involvement in both the Midlands 

Community Hub and the education 

committee has always been driven by my 

belief in the importance of the Guild’s 

education and CPD programme. 

“I know this is a sentiment shared by 

many of my industry peers. The members 

of the Midlands Community Hub regularly 

come together to share their knowledge 

and experience to help progress the 

industry. There aren’t many sectors like 

ours and I’m honoured to be a part of it.” 

In addition to her industry expertise, for 

more than 10 years, Karen has also 

organised a Midlands Community Hub 

Christmas charity quiz, raising more than 

£7,000 for various charities. 


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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: READY FOR ‘24 

2024: It’s our year for 

building success 

Members get ready to seize opportunities ahead 

As 2024 has got under way, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been celebrating the 

companies looking forward to building success. 

Our Ready for 2024 series of profiles, published along with the latest news on our website, featured the 

incredible businesses and entrepreneurs that make our region tick, showcasing members who plan to 

capitalise on the opportunities ahead, despite the challenging economic environment. 

Here we bring together the views of a cross section of members, from young tech companies through to 

some of the biggest names around, all with a shared purpose to see our region flourish. 

Sarah Moorhouse, Black Country Chamber of Commerce CEO, writes: 

The Black Country has a proud 

heritage as a powerhouse of talent, 

creativity, and entrepreneurial 

spirit, which we have celebrated 

with our Ready for 2024 

campaign. 

Throughout the early weeks of 

2024 we featured member 

organisations, ranging from 

start-ups to large companies, on the 

Chamber website and social media 

channels to get their views on the 

opportunities they see ahead. 

As the leading business support 

agency for the Black Country, we are 

uniquely placed to celebrate the 

businesses and individuals who make our 

region thrive. 

Whatever the size of the 

business, Black Country 

Chamber has a level of 

membership to support 

your goal. 

We run various member 

groups to support our 

mission to promote and 

meet the needs of business 

and industry across the Black 

Country and to help create the best 

community in which to live, work and do 

business. All these groups are 

represented in the views collected here. 

Our members have overcome 

significant challenges in recent years so 

despite the economic uncertainty, we 

feel it is our role to accentuate the many 

positives in our business community. 

The Ready for 2024 campaign was 

organised to promote the wide range of 

members of the Black Country Chamber 

of Commerce, the leading business 

support agency for firms based within or 

doing business across Wolverhampton, 

Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall. 

As you will see over the following 

pages, the Chamber is ready to show the 

world what the Black Country is truly 

made of, namely hard work, flexibility to 

adapt to change, resilience and a whole 

lot of heart. 

As I have said consistently since 

becoming CEO, we have your back. 

Now let’s work together to make the 

most of the opportunities ahead of us all. 

‘Our region has a new focus’ 

Why will the Black Country be a great place to do business in 2024? 

Wolverhampton, as well as being our home, is driven by a local authority 

which has a dedicated focus on developing the city as a visitor 

destination. With that there is revived enthusiasm from stakeholders, 

including ourselves, to make Wolverhampton and the Black Country as 

a whole, a better place to live work and visit. 

Kieron Ansell, Business Development Manager, Wolves Foundation 

What are your hopes for the Black Country economy and its businesses 

this year? 

We would like to see the Black Country economy grow. We hope that we 

can help more Black Country businesses and increase awareness of the 

support we have available for them. 

Jill Middleton, Business Development Officer, 

Birmingham City University Business School 



AI and green skills can shape 

a new future for the region 

Black Country businesses need to “embrace 

trends in AI and green skills” as the region’s 

companies shape a new future, says James 

Norris, Assistant Principal for Commercial 

Development at Walsall College (above). 

In his senior role at the Chamber Patron, 

James says local firms should recognise the 

“potential of digital tools and software” and take 

up the partnership opportunities available in the 

region. 

Working in skills and training, James believes 

the Black Country economy can benefit from 

local supply chains being able to “seize 

opportunities in major regeneration projects and 

in turn grow their workforces”. 

What are your hopes for the Black Country 

economy and its businesses in 2024? 

That we fully embrace new trends in AI and 

green skills. Local employers should be offered 

research and pilot project support to unlock the 

potential of digital tools and software and 

understand how to bring these into their 

business operations. Our onsite Digital 

Innovation Hub can help with this. 

What will the college be focusing on in 2024? 

We will continue developing our study and 

training offer in line with local economic 

priorities and growth areas, including 

construction, health, digital and the creative 

industries. Apprenticeships and upskilling 

opportunities at Level 3 and above for learners 

aged 19 and over will also become more 

“Local supply chains will be able to seize 

opportunities in major regeneration 

projects and in turn grow their 

workforces...” 

prominent for us, with the aim of supporting 

jobseekers and those looking to retrain for new 

careers. 

Why will the Black Country be a great place to 

do business in the 12 months ahead? 

With substantial investments like Walsall’s 

Construction Growth Skills Fund and the 

potential for more funding, local supply chains 

will be able to seize opportunities in major 

regeneration projects and in turn grow their 

workforces through available recruitment and 

training support programmes. 

The Business Growth West Midlands Initiative 

is an example of funding available. 

What will you use your Chamber membership 

for in the year ahead? 

There are many exciting development projects 

and regeneration plans coming together in and 

around Walsall being driven by local industry 

collaboration, including from fellow patrons. We 

aim to build on these collaborations for lasting 

benefits to local people and businesses. We also 

take pride in representing the business 

community in wider circles and at a national 

level, sharing views, insights and ideas around 

education and skills reform. 

What do you hope will happen for the UK 

economy as a whole? 

The further education sector, with its 

expertise and connections, is uniquely 

positioned to address industry skill priorities. 

Colleges like ours anticipate the broader impact 

of this, with employers sharing best practice that 

leads to positive, tangible outcomes in economic 

aspirations, social mobility, upskilling and 

growth. 

Examples of this include T-Level students 

advancing to degree apprenticeships with 

employers who provided their industry 

placements, existing workforces progressing 

through English, maths and digital skills support 

or apprenticeships, as well as going on to 

university. 

What will your business 

be focusing upon in 

2024? 

Growth. We have been a 

Black Country business 

for 25 years and despite 

some of the most 

difficult trading 

conditions in the past 

few years, we have 

managed to grow and 

expand the business 

throughout. We will be 

constantly looking at 

ways in which we can 

provide added value 

services for our existing 

clients while 

developing new areas 

where we know we can 

make a difference. 

Brendan O’Dea, 

Director at marketing 

communications agency 

Plum Ideas 

Why will the Black 

Country be a great 

place to do business in 

2024? 

It has a fantastic 

network of businesses, 

from small start-ups to 

large international 

brands. As an 

organisation that 

supports SMEs wanting 

to grow, we see lots of 

innovation and 

aspiration in the region, 

and I am sure that this 

will continue this year. 

Lynn Wyke, Senior 

Business Development 

Manager, BCRS 

Business Loans 



Recruitment specialists have 

an eye on new markets 

“This region is a melting 

pot for innovation! 2024 

is going to be exciting as 

it will grow, change and 

diversify again.” 

Nella Share 

Nella Share, of MET Recruitment, says her 

team of employment specialists are primed 

to support clients to source high-quality 

employees as the firm expands into new 

geographical areas. 

The Black Country is “an incredible place to 

do business”, says Nella, and it is “set to grow, 

change and diversify again”. 

Dudley-based MET Recruitment will 

maximise its Platinum membership as it adds 

“so much value to our business”, she says, and 

Nella hopes this year will “restore the faith in 

Black Country business leaders to press 

forward with investment and growth”. 

What is your business focusing on in 2024? 

Growing our share of the recruitment 

marketplace both locally and into new 

geographical locations. We are also firmly 

focused on ensuring our clients are aware that 

we can fulfil all of their recruitment needs, not 

just the areas of recruitment that we currently 

fulfil for those clients. 



We hope for more certainty from the local 

business community in 2024, and economic 

stability that will restore the faith in Black 

Country business leaders to press forward with 

investment and growth plans. 

Why will the Black Country be a great place 

to do business in the year ahead? 

The Black Country is already an incredible 

place to do business. We host some of the 

most successful organisations across a variety 

of sectors and the region is a melting pot for 

innovation! 2024 is going to be exciting as the 

region is set to grow, change and diversify 

again. 



We maximise our membership by taking part 

in all the activities that we already know add so 

much value to our business. Our membership 

is very much a two-way street and we will only 

benefit from the work that we put in, so you will 

see various members of the MET team at 

networking events. 



Stability and confidence are absolutely key 

so companies can innovate, grow and invest. 

We would like to see individuals in a better 

position against the cost of living crisis. 

Top artists will be back at The Halls 

Helen Lees, Conference and Events Sales Manager at The 

Halls Wolverhampton, which is operated by AEG Presents, a 

patron of the Black Country Chamber, says the refurbished 

arena is looking forward to a bumper year as an all-purpose 

venue that caters for conferences, dinners and meetings. 

This year will see growth in the corporate conference and 

events business, as well as more top artists at both The 

Civic and Wulfrun Hall. 

What are your hopes for the Black Country economy and its 

businesses in 2024? 

Continued growth in the Black Country economy and 

seeing regional businesses supporting each other and 

sharing best practices. 

Why will the Black Country be a great place to do business in 

the 12 months ahead? 

With continued investment in the area and the right 

people in the right place of work, with their experience and 

enthusiasm, the Black Country is the place to be. With 

great transport links, the central location is the ideal place. 

What will you use your Chamber membership for in the year 

ahead? 

We will use our membership to continue to attend 

networking events, share best practice and support 

businesses. 



Technology and innovation 

– plus a positive mindset 

Wombourne-based creative marketing agency 

TPSquared has progressed from the 

Chamber’s Start-Up Club to become a trusted 

partner for leading companies in the region 

and nationally. 

Carolyn Smith, Managing Director (pictured), 

says she will be prioritising technology, 

innovation and sustainability as she aims to stay 

at the forefront of industry trends. 

The positive mindset of businesses in the 

Black Country and their desire to support other 

local organisations has made Carolyn feel 

confident that the region will be a great place to 

do business in 2024. 


Technology, innovation and sustainability as 

we aim to stay at the forefront of industry trends. 

Focusing on staff investment and development 

will be crucial to harnessing my team’s potential, 

allowing TPSquared to expand our services. 



While there are challenges ahead, including 

the difficulty in finding suitably skilled staff to 

support growth, and rising business costs, there 

does seem to be a positive mindset to achieve 

great things. This is especially evident in the 

Black Country, where we have secured a number 

of new clients. Local businesses have a greater 

focus on supporting the local economy and are 

looking closer to home when selecting suppliers 

and partners. This is what gives me the belief 

and confidence that this year should be a 

positive one! 



The region has secured significant investment 

Richard Jenkins, Area Director of Business 

and Commercial Banking for the Black 

Country for Lloyds Bank says: 

The Black Country is a hugely innovative and 

creative place to start-up, grow or to relocate a 

business. It has a huge pool of talented and 

skilled workers, supported by strong 

educational and vocational training suppliers 

and superb supply chains. 



We use our Platinum Membership to support 

many areas, which poises it for economic growth 

in the coming 12 months. There are 

opportunities for collaboration and innovation, 

making it ideal for entrepreneurs and companies 

looking to thrive. 

There is also lots of support available to help 

businesses thrive and grow, either through the 

Chamber or the local authority and other 

independent organisations. 



I plan to leverage my Chamber membership 

for networking opportunities, building new 

relationships and taking advantage of member 

services to enhance my business’s overall 

growth and success. 

Additionally, I intend to utilise the Chamber’s 

resources for marketing TPSquared and sharing 

industry best practices with my fellow members. 

both the Chamber and the 

wider Black Country 

economy, offering support 

to SMEs throughout the 

region. 

What do you hope will 

happen for the UK economy as a 

whole? 

The bank looks to continue its mission to 

shape finance as a force for good in 2024, with 

the UK continuing to face into inflationary and 

interest rate fluctuations. 

in 

What are your hopes for 

the Black Country 

economy and its 

businesses in 2024? 

Everyone is hoping to 

see the local economy 

and its businesses 

grow, but there are still 

testing times ahead. As 

many companies 

continue to find staff 

recruitment a 

challenge, I hope that 

we can work together to 

address some of the 

skills shortages we face 

in the region by 

investing in training, as 

this will help to 

maximise our growth 

potential. 

Carl Baker, Managing 

Director at water safety 

specialist Nant 

What will your business 

be focusing upon in 

2024? 

Diversifying products 

to maximise workspace 

flexibility for 

small and start-up 

businesses. We will 

also be looking to 

invest in net zero 

projects to become 

more energy efficient. 

The Black Country 

Chamber is a great 

marketplace for making 

new contacts, and we 

shall be using it to build 

relationships with as 

many new partners as 

possible. 

Jeni Sellick, Business 

Centre Manager at 

office and workspace 

provider West Midlands 

House Ltd 



Black Country can be a real 

alternative to London 

Philip Chapman, of full service law firm 

Thursfields, which has offices across the 

West Midlands, says the Black Country has 

the opportunity to be “a real alternative to 

London for business”. 

He remains confident that “2024 will see 

firms becoming more optimistic with the 

prospect of inflation and interest rates having 

peaked”. 


Customer growth and customer retention in 

the region, and investment in our people. We 

bringing on board new colleagues to expand 

our service offering, as well as continuously 

developing our technology and infrastructure 

to further improve and align our services to 

match our client’s needs. 

Why will the Black Country be a great place 

to do business in the 12 months ahead? 

The Black Country has always been a great 

place to do business. With all of the investment 

projects for 2024 in areas such as technology 

and infrastructure and the prospect of HS2, 

the region will be an important hub for the UK 

and will offer a real alternative to London for 

business. 


economy and its businesses? 

We hope that the Black Country continues to 

stabilise its position as a leader in 

manufacturing and innovation. We would also 

hope for further investment in the area to 

create jobs and opportunities for businesses to 

expand. 



We plan to support the Chamber and its 

members by sponsoring events and 

opportunities to network and grow relations. 

We also hope to provide insights to members 

to aid them with their legal requirements. We 

look forward to continuing and growing further 

relations with members. 



We believe the economy will grow in 2024 

and prove more resilient to the global events 

that are currently in play. There will be strong 

wage growth and a fall in inflation from the 

peaks of last year. We believe businesses are 

becoming more optimistic with the prospect of 

inflation and interest rates having peaked. 

“We believe the economy 

will grow in 2024 and 

prove more resilient to 

the global events that 

are currently in play...” 

Philip Chapman 

Funding support is available for investment plans 

Midlands Area Manager Steve Grice and Regional Executive Mike Lowe 

from responsible lender UKSE: 

What will you use your Chamber membership for in the year ahead? 

Mike: With UKSE expanding its support in the West Midlands region 

last year, our Chamber membership will be vital for helping us to build 

up a network of business contacts in the region. We will be attending 

networking events to help raise awareness of the funding support we 

can provide to businesses. 

What do you hope will happen for the UK economy as a whole? 

Steve: Increases in inflation, interest rates and energy bills along 

with the long shadow of Covid-19 have placed a lot of pressure on 

businesses recently, so it would be great to see some of these stresses 

easing in 2024. It would be fantastic to see some positive news for the 

UK economy, to reassure businesses that now is a good time to invest 

in their futures. 

“Our Chamber membership will be vital for helping us to build up a network of business contacts in 

the region...we will be attending events to raise awareness of the funding support we can offer...” 

46 

PROSPER SPRING 2024


It’s all about gaining 

new customers 

Chris Carter is Managing Director of digital 

agency VOiD Applications, which won the 

Excellence in Professional Services prize at 

2023’s Black Country Chamber Business 

Awards. 

What will your business be focusing on in 

2024? 

The main focus for us will be customer growth. 

We would particularly like to develop more web 

and app solutions for customers in the 

manufacturing sector, who we have a strong 

track record with. 

We would also like to deliver more webinars 

this year to help us win new leads and educate 

people on the importance of having a good 

website and great search engine optimisation. 

A podcast we are starting will talk about digital 

marketing and how to improve yours. 



We hope to see the local economy grow and 

more companies keen to invest in their futures, 

as this will help drive business at agencies like 

ours. It would be great to see more local 

businesses coming together to support each 

other. 



The Black Country is a great place because 

there are so many businesses here. Through 

organisations like the Black Country Chamber 

and the Creative Chain, which is a network for 

creative and digital agencies in the Black 

Country, people are starting to talk and 

collaborate more, rather than just see other 

businesses as competition, which is a positive 

thing. 



We want to take advantage of networking 

opportunities that could help us win new 

business. The extensive list of organisations that 

hold Chamber membership is a great 

opportunity for us. We will also look to market 

ourselves through the Chamber to other 

businesses in the area. 



Hopefully, the UK economy will avoid a 

recession. It would be great to see the cost-ofliving 

crisis ease, which would benefit everybody, 

and to see interest rates fall. 

Starting with an ambitious move 

Group CEO and Managing Director of Starting Point Recruitment 

Paul Cadman: 

What will your company be focusing upon in 2024? 

In the coming year, Starting Point Recruitment has ambitious plans 

to expand into Birmingham with new offices. We plan to launch new 

products to improve the job hunting experience in the region and grow 

our own team to deliver recruitment to more amazing Black Country 

businesses. 


Country be a great place 

to do business in the 12 

months ahead? 

The Black Country 

Chamber’s excellent 

work is helping to drive 

success and attention to 

the region, providing a 

great opportunity for 

companies to share ideas 

and knowledge, 

collaborate and grow 

despite the economic 

struggles impacting the 

whole country. 

Edward Martin, Marketing 

& Communications 

Manager at JJX Logistics 


Country be a great 

place to do business in 

the 12 months ahead? 

The Black Country has 

an established 

manufacturing base. 

There is opportunity for 

Black Country 

businesses to make a 

real difference, 

increasing their appetite 

for, and success in, 

innovation. There is 

strong academic 

support from regional 

educational 

establishments 

including the Institutes 

of Technology, colleges 

and universities. 

Russ Noble, Business 

Development Manager 

at Warwick 

Manufacturing Group 

What will you use your Chamber membership for in the year ahead? 

At Starting Point Recruitment, we view our Chamber membership 

as a strategic asset, one that is focused on networking and pursuing 

new business opportunities. 

We aim to leverage this membership to match businesses with our 

exceptional talent in the region. 

Left, Paul Cadman receives an IoD award 


NEWS 

In-Comm Training and RTX’s Collins Aerospace 

take off with ‘fast track’ employment course 

Chamber Patron In-Comm Training has 

joined forces with one of Wolverhampton’s 

largest employers, the Department for 

Work and Pensions (DWP) and the West 

Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to 

help unemployed people into advanced 

manufacturing jobs. 

The independent training provider, 

which operates two state-of-the-art 

technical academies in Aldridge and 

Telford, has created a fast-track course 

that will aim to create up to 65 new CNC 

machinists and electro-mechanical fitters 

for RTX’s Collins Aerospace factory in 

Wolverhampton. 


Moorhouse was among the guests for the 

official launch of the pilot scheme. The 

first cohort of ten people started in 

January, with each participant receiving a 

mix of theoretical and practical technical 

training that will see them learn turning, 

milling, hand fitting, CAD CAM and 3- and 

5-axis CNC machining, as well as 

understanding technical drawings. 

Backed by over £200,000 of Higher 

Level Skills funding by the WMCA, the 

ground-breaking course will take just six 

months to complete. 

At the end of it, each learner will 

receive a Level 3 Extended Diploma in 

Engineering and Technologies, additional 

on-the-job competences, and an 

interview/opportunity to gain full-time 

employment at Collins Aerospace’s 

Wolverhampton facility. 

DWP, who play a key role in the initial 

recruitment phase, has also agreed to 

continue to pay each individual’s benefits 

for the duration of the course. 

“We are continually working with 

employers to overcome barriers to 

sustainability and growth through the 

right talent attraction and development, 

taking that valuable insight and creating 

training programmes that deliver future 

workers, vital competences and skilled 

engineers,” explained Gareth Jones, 

Managing Director of In-Comm Training. 

“The aerospace industry has seen 

first-hand the impact of the current skills 

shortage, a skills shortage that has been 

exacerbated by Covid-19. 

“With the niche skills required to be a 

CNC Machinist and electro-mechanical 

fitter, the talent isn’t readily available and, 

the only way to overcome this is to create 

the next generation of engineers.” 

He continued: “This is why we’ve 

developed a fast-track option to initially 

equip 10 individuals with the skills and 

Level 3 qualification required to work on 

the manufacturing shopfloor at Collins 

Aerospace in Wolverhampton. 

“We have worked really closely to 

develop the content of the course and 

were able to introduce an innovative 

partnership with DWP, whilst accessing 

funding from WMCA to bring the 

programme to reality.” 

Wolverhampton-based Collins 

Aerospace has used In-Comm Training 

for its apprenticeship scheme since 2018, 

with the latest training being delivered 

predominantly at the provider’s Technical 

Academy in Telford. 

Learners have been inducted and 

completed environmental, health and 

safety training and have now moved onto 

engineering theory and honing practical 

skills. 

To enhance engagement even further, 

participants will also be partly trained on 

the Collins Aerospace site in 

Wolverhampton, giving them full 

exposure to the aerospace world and 

culture. 

Cathy Taylor, Business Development 

Manager with the Black Country 

Jobcentres, added her support: 

“This is a unique opportunity for 

motivated jobseekers, who already hold a 

level 2 in maths and aspire to obtain a 

Level 3 qualification in Engineering and 

Technologies and gain employment in the 

manufacturing sector.” 

From left, Paul Hodgetts 

(In-Comm Training), Louise 

Phipps (West Midlands 

Combined Authority), John 

England (Collins Aerospace), 

Sarah Moorhouse (Black 

Country Chamber) and 

Cathy Taylor (Black Country 

Jobcentres) with learners 

from the Fast Track 

employment programme 


NEWS 

National Apprenticeship Week 

Chamber members celebrate apprentice 

achievements at all life stages 

Member businesses have marked the successes of apprentice employees young 

and older as part of National Apprenticeship Week. A range of inspiring life stories 

have been shared as Chamber of Commerce members marked the 17th annual 

celebration, organised to bring together everyone passionate about 

apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity that they bring. 

Ben’s a quick 

learner 

The finale to National Apprentices Week 

saw Ben Speed announced as the ASSA 

ABLOY Opening Solutions Apprentice of 

the Year 2024. Ben is a quality apprentice 

in the fourth year of his apprenticeship in 

manufacturing engineering with In-Comm 

Training. 

Ben is a well-respected member of the 

quality and wider operations team, often 

being the first point of call for quality 

concerns. 

He said: “I would highly recommend an 

apprenticeship with ASSA ABLOY Opening 

Solutions. I’ve learnt a lot, gained useful 

knowledge, developed new skills and 

gained confidence in communication.” 

Sheldon’s success 

Millie Bryan has been named Most Promising Trainee Funeral 

Director in the UK at the Association of Green Funeral Directors 

- Good Funeral Awards. 

Millie works alongside the experienced team at Walsh 

Memorials Ltd in Bloxwich, and has built a great bond within the 

team while keeping up our reputable business’s standards. A spokesperson for 

Walsh Memorials said: “Millie truly is an asset to us, and we are so happy that she 

decided to join us. We are excited to watch Millie develop and to see what her future 

holds, as it is certainly a bright one.” 

An ex-care worker from Wolverhampton 

who went back to school after 20 years 

for a bright green future on the buses 

was among the successes highlighted 

by National Express. 

Sheldon Swayze previously worked in 

factories, carpentry and in the care 

sector, before deciding he wanted a 

change of career. He finished a threeyear 

engineering apprenticeship in August 2022 and started a job the 

following month. He lives in Wolverhampton and has school-age children. He 

says: “I’ve always been hands on, working on my own vehicle. So when this 

came up, it was ideal for me. After years out of study, it was trying to readapt 

the learning process, going back to school, clicking them cogs, but with the 

balance of work and training I think it came naturally.” 

Survey boost for Juniper 

Juniper Training used Apprenticeship 

Week to celebrate recent feedback 

from employers, with 100% rating 

the level of dedication and expertise 

displayed by its team as excellent and 

99% saying they would recommend 

Juniper to other organisations. 

Juniper had played a ‘crucial role’ in 

bolstering their organisational 

capabilities through its training 

programmes, clients said. 

Millie proves she’s plenty of promise 

Trio’s career stories 

start at Dudley 

Building Society 

Dudley Building Society’s apprenticeship 

programme has been a stunning success, 

says Area Director Rebecca Hawthorne. 

“When we started the programme, we 

were not expecting to have such fantastic 

career stories in such a short time. 

“Our apprentices have completed their 

Customer Service Apprenticeships and 

developed themselves, working their way 

through the society to find their dream 

careers and excel in their roles. With the 

massive success, we have now signed up 

three new apprentices in 2024.” 

Among many success stories Maisie 

Darby has progressed to work as a 

compliance and financial crime officer, 

Eleanor Coxhill has gone to become a 

completions officer, Chelsea Fanthom 

has moved up to being a customer 

service specialist and Lily Hemmings has 

progressed to become a branch manager. 


PROSPER INTERVIEW: AMBER SANDHU 

Amber’s proof that hard 

work and passion makes 

the dream come true 

Radio and TV broadcaster 

Amber Sandhu chats to 

Rob Beswick about the skills 

and determination needed to 

get on in your chosen career – 

and the importance of hard 

work and good luck 

Note to self: If you ever want to catch 

someone in a good mood for an interview, 

try talking to them 24 hours after they’ve 

just watched their favourite sports team 

thump a big rival in a thrilling match. 

That was the case when Prosper 

chatted to Amber Sandhu about her 

career as a TV and radio broadcaster the 

day after she covered Wolves’ recent 4-2 

win away at Chelsea, for Sky Sports. 

Amber – a passionate Wolves fan – said 

being at Stamford Bridge to cover the 

game had been a real treat. 

“I’ve loved Wolves since I was young,” 

she says, “but I don’t get to report on 

them very often. It tends to be luck of the 

draw which games I cover for Sky. You 

have to remain impartial throughout, no 

matter what happens on the pitch, but I 

must admit it doesn’t get any better than 

watching a 4-2 away win at Stamford 

Bridge!” 

Indeed, such is her love for the club 

that before Christmas she was delighted 

to accept a role as a Wolves Foundation 

ambassador. “I was shocked when they 

asked. The other ambassadors are all 

legends of the game – and they’ve asked 

me! It’s a great honour. I love the work 

the Foundation does and I’m really 

enjoying being able to contribute to it.” 

The request from the Foundation came 

as a result of Amber’s rising media profile. 

She is now a regular face on our TVs, and 

voice on the radio. As well as a Saturday 

show on the BBC Asian Network and her 

Sky Sports duties she covered last 

summer’s The Hundred for the BBC, and 

has numerous other TV and radio roles to 

throw into the mix. It all marks her out as 

a woman who’s thriving in the highly 

competitive world of broadcasting. 

Not bad for someone who admits to 

having been “awful” on her first stab at 

radio broadcasting, and being pretty 

“Do something you’re passionate 

about, and go for it, full on. I’ve 

always taken the view that I’ll have 

a go at everything – if it doesn’t 

work out, at least you tried. 

Give it your best shot.” 

much a nightmare at school, too! 

“My school days were brilliant,” she 

recalls, “but I’ll be honest, I must have 

been a nightmare to teach. Not for bad 

reasons - I just never shut up. I was 

constantly chatting in class, and being 

told off. It was a great school, all-girls, 

with a really positive environment and 

great academic standards. But I just 

didn’t get it; I’d rather chat to my mates!” 

But it led to some sage advice from her 

teachers: “In the end they said, ‘if you 

love talking so much, at least put your 

voice to good use and try broadcasting as 

a career.” 

Sound advice: round peg, round hole. 

One problem was… how do you get into 

broadcasting when you’ve no levers to 

pull or anyone around to open doors? 

“I didn’t have a clue where to start. I 

went to university in Worcester to study 

sports science, and my first thought was 

join the student radio station.” 

Problem: it didn’t have one, but … “I 

came across Wolverhampton Community 

Radio (WCR), and they were looking for 

volunteers.” 

That was the ‘in’ Amber was looking for, 

and it’s fair to say she’s never looked 

back. 

“I loved it from day one. I threw myself 

into it, spending all the time I could at the 

studios, doing anything that needed 

doing. In the end they let me on air and 

gave me my own show, a chart show on a 

Sunday. It was brilliant – I was awful, 

though. I’m still in contact with one of the 

station’s general managers and I asked 

him why they put me on air, and he said, 

right from the start, they could all see my 

passion for the media, and that’s what got 

me through. 

“In the end, they couldn’t get me out of 

the station and when I graduated I landed 

a regular mid-morning slot.” 

The radio bug had well and truly bitten. 

“I knew that was what I wanted to do, that 

was my career. I had always looked up to 

the BBC and wanted to work there but 


:“Is the media industry truly diverse? We’ve: 

: come a long way but if you were to ask: 

: senior managers, they’d admit there is still: 

a:way to go... but we are better at telling: 

the:stories of diverse communities...”: 

had no idea how to get in, so I just 

applied and applied for any roles that 

came up. 

“I must have been on my sixth or 

seventh rejection when I spotted a paid 

internship on the BBC Asian Network. I 

jumped at the chance and got it. I was a 

producer to start with, helping make the 

shows happen – and now, four years 

later, I’m back there with my own 

Saturday show.” 

The help she received from the team at 

BBC Asian Network could never be 

underestimated. “They took me under 

their wing from the start. I was the 

youngest there and they gave me every 

opportunity to gain experience. They 

couldn’t have been more welcoming, 

always including me in what they were 

doing. I joined during the 2019 Cricket 

World Cup and I remember, on one of my 

first days, a reporter was going out to 

interview Moeen Ali. He’s a hero of 

mine, as I love cricket, and play, and he’s 

a local lad from my community and a 

cricketing superstar. They said come 

along. I had no proper accreditation but 

they got me in the room and the next 

thing I’m talking to Moeen – me, a normal 

Wolverhampton girl, chatting to one of 

her heroes. It was an amazing 

experience. 

“I laugh at that looking back, because 

now, when I cover the cricket for the BBC, 

I interview him all the time.” 

Amber’s advice for anyone looking to 

progress their career is “do something 

you’re passionate about, and go for it, full 

on. I’ve always taken the view that I’ll 

have a go at everything – if it doesn’t 

work out, at least you tried. Give it your 

best shot.” 

She admits that at times, being an 

Asian woman in broadcasting can be 

challenging. “There have been times 

when I’ll walk into a room for a football 

press conference and I’ll be the only 

woman there, and there’ll be very few 

brown faces, so it can be intimidating. 

But I just take the view that if I work hard, 

and keep on working hard, good things 

will happen.” 

Amber admits that one of the 

challenges growing up was that there 

were very few Asian women on our TVs 

and radios to inspire her. “Satnam Rana 

was really important to me,” she recalls. 

“She did the community segment on the 

BBC regional news and I saw in her 

someone who looked like me, who came 

from my background, and was an 

example that you can succeed in the 

media. That was so important; it was the 

old adage, ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’ 

Another role model is Isa Guha from 

cricket’s Test Match Special. “Isa a young 

Asian women doing brilliantly in the sport 

I love most. She proves it’s possible.” 

Self-belief is key: “I know my football, I 

know my cricket and I know I’ve every 

right to be here, reporting on it,” she 

says. “Sometimes you have to remind 

yourself of that.” 

With diversity such a hot topic today, 

can the media industry say it’s truly open 

to all? “It’s a good question. I think it’s 

obvious we’ve come a long way, but if you 

were to sit down with senior managers 

they’d probably admit there’s still a way 

to go. 

“What’s great is we’re much better at 

telling stories of diverse individuals and 

communities than we used to be. We’re 

much better at giving everyone a voice, 

telling their stories no matter where they 

come from. 

“We can still do more, but it is lovely 

seeing more people of colour on TV and 

hearing them on the radio, telling stories 

that reflect different views and 

communities.” 

Continued on page 52 


PROSPER INTERVIEW: AMBER SANDHU 

Continued from page 51 

But it’s not just colour and gender 

that’s improved. “I love the fact that we’re 

getting more regional accents on TV and 

the radio. It sounds more representative 

of the country as a whole.” 

While the success of her career reflects 

her ability and aptitude for hard work, 

she’s the first to acknowledge how 

important it is that others back you. 

“Andy Walters, my studio manager at 

WCR, is one of the people who helped me 

most. He was the one who gave me a 

break on the station; he saw the passion 

and enthusiasm, and thought I had 

something.” 

Another experienced broadcast hand 

she is grateful to is Lee Stone, at the 

BBC. “He said he could see the potential 

in me. My internship at BBC Asian 

Network ended just as Covid hit, and I 

was thinking I was going to struggle to 

find a role. I was basically in and around 

the BBC all the time, pestering people, 

having conversations about what was 

going on, and I found out that BBC Radio 

Wolverhampton was setting up a pop-up 

studio on the streets, to gauge people’s 

views during the pandemic. People knew I 

“Don’t wait to be offered 

experience, get out there and 

grab it. For me that was about 

finding a community radio 

station that needed help. 

Do anything, just get yourself 

some exposure...” 

was mad about Wolverhampton and its 

people, so they gave me a chance to lead 

on that. That’s what it’s all about at times, 

being in the right place, at the right time 

– but when you get that chance, grab it 

with both hands.” 

That’s why Amber is so keen to offer a 

helping hand to those who want to follow 

in her footsteps. “A lot of young people 

reach out to me through social media for 

advice and tips, and I’m more than happy 

to help in any way I can. I got into the BBC 

Asian Network through the Creative 

Access scheme, and I’m mentoring a girl 

now who is going through the same 

programme. There are times she says she 

feels lost in the industry – the BBC just 

seems so big and far away that it’s 

impossible to imagine yourself working 

there. I encourage her to realise that it is 

an achievable dream.” 

To anyone looking to enter the industry, 

or any industry for that matter, getting 

that first taste of the action is vital. Her 

advice: “Don’t wait to be offered 

experience, get out there and grab it. For 

me that was about finding a community 

radio station that needed help. Do 

anything, just get yourself some 

exposure. 

“Oh, and remember you can never work 

too hard.” 

So what’s next? “Well, I’m loving where 

I am at the moment. The sports work is 

great, and I love presenting on the BBC 

Asian Network. I’d love to keep on going 

though. Dream job? I’d love a go at 

children’s TV. I think being a Blue Peter 

presenter would be my dream job – or a 

slot on the One Show. That’s right up my 

street.” 

The other dream would be to cover a 

big sporting tournament abroad. “This 

year we’ve got the T20 World Cup, the 

Women’s World Cup and the OIympics. I’d 

love to get to cover one of those – that’s 

bucket list stuff!” 


CHAMBER NEWS 

Let’s hear your good news 

As the leading business support agency for the region we want 

to receive your news to share updates across our network as 

part of our drive to re-energise the local economy in 2024. 

Representing firms based within or doing business across 

Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall, the Black 

Country Chamber is a powerful engine for local businesses to 

market themselves to the region and further afield. 

Lauren Shepherd, Digital Marketing & Communications 

Manager, (pictured above right) encourages all members to 

send in their news. She says: “As a member, you have access to 

a wealth of resources, including networking opportunities, 

training programmes, and a platform to elevate your brand: the 

Chamber’s website. 

“If you are not utilising it to its full 

potential, our team is here to help you share 

your company’s news updates on the 

website. Not only will your news be seen on 

the Chamber website, but our marketing 

team will consider publishing it in our weekly 

news bulletin to get in front of thousands more people.” 

Getting into the habit of sharing your news can be a strategic 

move that unlocks benefits for your business. 

Upload your news via the member dashboard. 

Log in by clicking right, 

Or give the team a call on 0330 024 0820 for help. 

Reach an engaged audience 

The Chamber website attracts thousands of 

visitors every month, all actively wanting to know 

more about Black Country businesses. 

Lauren says: “This audience includes potential 

customers, investors, partners, and fellow 

Chamber members, all of whom may be in the 

market for your products or services. Sharing your 

news ensures your brand is seen by the right 

people, first time.” 

Boost credibility and visibility 

Your company’s achievements are newsworthy 

and of interest to fellow members. Sharing 

milestones, awards, product launches, or 

community initiatives highlights your success 

and professionalism which in turn builds trust 

with potential customers. 

Widen your network 

Our website acts as a hub for business 

interaction. When you submit news 

updates, you spark conversations. 

Lauren explains: “Visitors might like the 

posts on social media, reach out directly, 

or share your article with their followers, 

all helping move your business forward. 

It is great to see people engage with 

member news in real-time.” 

Showcase innovation and expertise 

Sharing insightful blog posts, industry commentary or 

thought leadership pieces via a submitted blog for the 

Chamber website positions you as an authority in your 

field. Lauren says: “We would encourage every 

business to submit a blog. It is a great way to show your 

knowledge and can spark interest from our audience.” 

Get the most from your membership: Having invested in your Chamber membership to unlock new opportunities, sharing 

your news updates to market your business and generate new conversations is a great return on your investment. Lauren adds: “By 

consistently contributing to the Chamber website, you are not just sharing your business news, you are potentially generating 

opportunities for the future.” To get more information on submitting news contact your account manager, who can talk you through 

the options. You can also call the Chamber team on 0330 024 0820 or email website@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 


NEWS 

Levers for regional growth identified 

in Commission’s interim report 

A powerful group representing West 

Midlands private sector businesses has 

identified five ‘levers for growth’ in a 

new report. 

Business Commission West Midlands 

(BCWM)’s interim report offers the region’s 

business community and key stakeholders 

an update on progress. 

As part of the drive by Black Country 

Chamber of Commerce to improve the 

region’s economy, CEO Sarah 

Moorhouse, working with her Greater 

Birmingham and Coventry & 

Warwickshire counterparts, convened 

the BCWM last year. It comprises leaders 

in enterprise, supported by expert 

advisors, who are examining the 

opportunities for regional business 

growth and identifying the action needed 

to seize them. 

An interim report has been produced 

following an engagement and research 

programme in which 132 businesses 

contributed evidence to the Commission, 

alongside eight public sector and 10 

membership organisations or cluster 

groups. 

On its publication the CEOs of the 

three Chambers of Commerce said: “The 

level and pace of change that the 

BCWM COMMISSIONERS 

Black Country representatives on the BCWM include Vicki 

Wilkes, director, Darvick Ltd, and Jeanette McFarland, chief 

operating officer, Assa Abloy Opening Solutions. 

The other commissioners are: Sandra Wallace, joint 

managing director, DLA Piper and Birmingham chair of 

TheCityUK; Declan Allen, managing director, HORIBA 

MIRA; Carmen Watson, chair, Pertemps; Jason Wouhra 

OBE, CEO, Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd; Melissa Snover, founder, Rem3dy Health; 

Dan Barlow, CEO, Kagool; Eleanor Deeley, joint managing director, Deeley 

Group; and Deb Leary OBE, founder, Forensic Pathways. 

business community has experienced in 

recent years has been extraordinary. 

“At the same time, sluggish economic 

growth presents a critical challenge to 

our society, including the funding of key 

public services. In this context we need a 

fundamental reset of our understanding 

of what businesses need to fulfil their 

growth potential. 

“The purpose of the interim report is 

simple: it reflects back what the region’s 

business community told us during our 

call for evidence. 

“We will use this Interim Report to 

engage businesses, stakeholders and 

partners from across all sectors and seek 

their insights on the emerging themes as 

we work with our commissioners and 

Advisory Panel to develop the final report 

and recommendations.” 

In the report, commissioners and 

advisory panel members identified 

international trade, net zero, innovation, 

foreign direct and inward investment and 

AI & digital transformation as prime 

‘levers’ for growth across the region. 

The report summarises the challenges 

that businesses identified as holding 

back business growth as well as what 

they perceive as the strengths of the 

region as a place to do business. 

It explores issues ranging from access 

BCWM will look at cross-regional transport links and how they 

impact on business growth opportunities 

Photo by Peter Plisner on Unsplash 


NEWS 

Top priorities: 

Commissioners and advisory 

panel members identified 

international trade, net zero, 

innovation, foreign direct and 

inward investment and AI 

& digital 

transformation as 

prime ‘levers’ for 

growth across the 

region 

to finance and public transport provision 

to the complexity of the regional business 

support ecosystem and a shortage of 

suitable premises and sites for the 

manufacturing sector. It also highlights 

how businesses perceive the region’s 

competitive advantages in terms of 

location, education eco-system, 

connected networks and the role of the 

West Midlands Mayor in attracting 

funding and investment. 

Mark Taylor, chair of the BCWM, added: 

“The purpose of the Business 

Commission is clear – to translate the 

voice of business into a clear and 

compelling summary of the proactive 

steps that are required to support future 

growth and prosperity in the West 

Midlands. 

“This region is a fantastic place to do 

business and it is essential that we build 

upon our rich heritage to ensure we 

remain at the forefront of innovation in a 

rapidly changing world. 

“While it is clear that many companies 

continue to operate in challenging 

circumstances right now, the resilience 

they display is a testament to the 

strength of the local business community. 

“The feedback we’ve gathered from a 

rich cross-section of the business 

community will now play an important 

role in shaping our asks from regional and 

national stakeholders.” 

Using the themes identified in the 

interim report, BCWM will create a 

roadmap for business growth, to be set 

out in the final report. That will be 

launched in mid-March as part of the 

BCWM’s West Midlands Mayoral Election 

engagement activity. 

Business Commission West Midlands 

is supported by Aston University, 

Birmingham City University, University 

College Birmingham, University of 

Birmingham and Douglas Wright (T/A 

McDonald’s). 

Appointments 

Canal & River Trust 

lands new regional 

director 

The nation’s largest canal charity, 

Canal & River Trust, has appointed 

Henriette Breukelaar as the new 

director for the region. The trust is 

tasked with protecting and 

preserving 520 miles of waterways in 

the West Midlands. 

Dutch-born Henriette was most 

recently CEO at Greater Birmingham 

and Solihull LEP, having spent four 

years as an executive director at 

ExtraCare Charitable Trust, four years 

as director at High Value 

Manufacturing Catapult and 10 years 

as partnerships director with the 

regional development agency. 

Solicitors appoint associate director 

to lead on private client matters 

Law firm announces 

senior hire for region 

Law firm Freeths has strengthened its tax 

offering with the appointment of partner 

Stephen Jones in Birmingham. He joins from 

DLA Piper. 

With almost 30 years’ experience, Stephen 

advises on all tax aspects of property and 

corporate acquisitions and disposals. Working 

for Platinum Chamber member Freeths, 

Stephen will support the national corporate 

and real estate teams and continue to grow the 

practice across the West Midlands. 

Platinum Chamber member Thursfields 

has recently appointed Scott Vanes as 

Associate Director leading their wealth 

preservation team. 

Scott specialises in wills, trusts, powers 

of attorney, and Wealth Preservation 

matters and is also an associate member 

of the Society of Trust and Estate 

Practitioners. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to our 

team,” said Terry Cooper, Director, and 

head of the Private Client Department at 

Thursfields. “His extensive knowledge and experience in 

inheritance tax and estate planning make him a valuable asset 

for handling a variety of complex private client matters.” 


EVENTS DIARY 

Find out more: Call us on 0330 024 0820 

To book: See: www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events/ 

Get the most from your 

Chamber membership 

Date: March 8 

Time: 09:30 - 11:30 

Venue: Black Country Chamber of 

Commerce, Creative Industries Centre, 

University of Wolverhampton Science 

Park, Glaisher Drive, WV10 9TG 

At the Black Country Chamber of 

Commerce, we want to ensure that every 

member is engaged and using their 

membership as best as possible. 

During this event we will be showcasing 

how to access and make the most of the 

following: 

n Membership dashboard and profile 

n News, PR and advert opportunities 

Bank of England panel 

Date: March 13 

Time: 08:30 - 10:30 

Venue: Online Event 

This event is for Gold / Platinum / 

Patron Group members only 

This is an opportunity to hear an update 

from the BoE as they outline the national 

economic outlook and real time 

intelligence collected by the Bank’s 

network of Agents from businesses up 

and down the country. 

Meetings such as this are a 

cornerstone of the Chamber’s policy, 

lobbying and representation work. 

Starting at 08:30, this online event 

ensures that Chamber members are kept 

up to date with goings on at the national 

level. 

To ensure that the BoE’s economic 

policy represents all areas and sectors of 

the UK economy, members are also 

asked to give a brief update on a variety 

of business policy issues which can help 

build the Bank’s understanding of the 

local and national economy. 

This is a free event for Gold, Platinum 

n Chamber events 

n Hosting your own events 

n Member offers 

n Exclusive business savings 

n International trade 

n Management development 

programme 

This event is ideal for members who 

want to maximise their opportunities as a 

member of the Black Country Chamber. 

Bookings for this event will close at 3pm on 

Monday 11th March. 


email us here 

Get the full economic picture 

from the Bank of England 

Group and Patron Group members only. 

Please note: places are limited, please 

register your interest on the Chamber 

website and we will confirm spaces 

shortly before the event. Bookings for 

this event will close at 3pm on Monday, 

March 11. 

Join Walsall’s Third 

Week Wednesday 

networking 

Each third week Wednesday, 

Chamber members and nonmembers 

meet for FREE monthly 

networking sessions. 

As well as meeting like-minded 

local business people, you can 

also raise your business profile via 

your social media platforms whilst 

at the event too, by tagging in the 

Chamber and the event. 

Different venues will host future 

meetings in the months ahead. 

NEXT EVENTS 

Date: April 17 & May 15 

Time: 09:45 - 11:30 

Venue: Littleton Restaurant, 

Walsall College, Wisemore 

Campus, Littleton Street West, 

WS2 8ES. 

Free parking available on site. 

Book your spot at www. 

blackcountrychamber.co.uk/ 

events/ 

Please note priority will be given 

to members where the event has 

reached capacity. Further details 

will be sent out on the joining 

instructions. 

Big Business 

@B63 Breakfast 

Dates: April 10, May 1, June 5 

Time: All 07:45 - 09:45 

Venue: Halesowen College – 

Bistro @B63, Whittingham Road, 

Halesowen, B63 3NA 

Cost: Free 

This is a fantastic opportunity to 

network with like-minded 

businesses every month. The Big 

Business @B63 ‘breakfast event’ 

is hosted by Halesowen College, 

sponsored by Halesowen BID and 

powered by the Black Country 

Chamber of Commerce. 

Network in the Bistro at B63, 

grab a drink then enjoy some short 

business themed talks/updates in 

our adjoining event seminar room. 

Once the talks have completed, 

return to the Bistro at B63 for an 

‘open networking’ environment, 

whilst enjoying a complimentary 

breakfast sandwich, courtesy of 

the Halesowen Bid. 


EVENTS DIARY 

Network with Black Country Business Club 

Dates: April 18, May 2, May 16, 

May 30: 

Time: 09:30 - 10:30 

Venue: The Confederation of 

British Metalforming, 47 

Birmingham Road, West 

Bromwich, B70 6PY 

The Black Country Business Club 

provides a platform for individuals 

to build business relationships and 

promote their services or products 

to fellow group members and its 

wide network of business contacts. 

The Club is exclusive to 

Chamber members. However, you 

can visit twice as a guest even if 

you are not a member. 

Our regional Black Country 

Business Club currently meets 

fortnightly. Our member 

businesses are proud to represent 

Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley and 

Wolverhampton. 

Come along, relax and network 

with our club members. We allow 

two businesses from each sector/ 

industry and guests are allowed 

two visits before we have an 

informal chat about applying for 

membership. 

Joining the Black Country 

Business Club still works out much 

more economical than joining a 

traditional breakfast club, plus you 

get the huge range of benefits 

open to Chamber members too. 


email us here or call 

Alison on 07980 906921 

Start-ups: get to grips with 

your public speaking 

Date: April 11 

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 

Venue: Black Country & Marches 

Institute of Technology, Zoological 

Drive, Dudley DY1 4AL 

FREE to Start-Up Business Club 

members only 

Limited spaces available 

This event will cover the art of public 

speaking, with help from our guest 

speaker John Nelson from Nelson 

Developmen. 

If you ever find yourself wondering 

how to pitch your business and tell your 

story then this workshop is for you as 

John discusses “the Art of Connection”. 

John will cover: 

n What to include 

n What to leave out 

n Avoiding death by PowerPoint 

n How to engage with your audience 

n Landing your message 

n Grow in confidence 

In a fun and safe environment we will 

help you be brilliant! 

Book via the Chamber 

website (right) 

Improve your 

start-up sales 

Start-Up Workshop: Sales Training 

Date: May 9 

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 

Venue: Black Country & Marches 

Institute of Technology, Zoological Drive, 

Dudley, DY1 4AL 

FREE to Start-Up Business Club members 

only; limited spaces available. 

Our guest speaker is Adam Wootton from 

Impact Sales Coaching, and the event is 

hosted by Black Country & Marches 

Institute of Technology. 

Session 1: Sales Pipelines 

Session 2: Closing the Sale 

Book via the Chamber website. 

Wolverhampton Wednesday 

business breakfasts 


Time: 09:00 - 11:00 

Venue: Wolves Foundation, 

Molineux Stadium, Waterloo 

Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR 

Welcome to the business 

networking event in the heart of 

Wolverhampton! 

Grab yourself a tea or coffee, 

then enjoy an ‘open networking’ 

environment. See you soon at 

“Wolverhampton Wednesdays”. 

To avoid disappointment, please 

book your place via the Chamber 

website. 

Due to limited places only one 

delegate per business please. 

Right, an early start to networking 

as members enjoy a 

Wolverhampton Wednesday! 

Book via the Chamber 

website (right) 


CHAMBER TRAINING 

Grow your business with Chamber training 

Developing new skills and insights are vital to ensure that you and your teams are able to embrace new opportunities in order 

to enable your business to grow and prosper. 

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with professional trainers and experts in their own fields to deliver 

quality and valued courses, workshops and learning activities which are open to both members and non-members. 

Chamber members will receive a discounted rate on all Black Country Training courses. 

To find out more about any of our training opportunities, call 0330 024 0820 or email: training@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

Or visit: www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/training-courses/ 

Cut out the import/export problems 

Export procedures and documentation 


Time: 09:30 - 13:00 

Venue: Online event 

Costs: Members: £200 (ex VAT) 

Non-members: £250 (ex VAT) 

Have you experienced delays and 

incurred costs due to incorrect export 

documentation? Do you want to save time 

and reduce export risk…? 

Export Documentation problems often 

lead to delays in getting goods to 

customers, increased costs and charges, 

not to mention a breakdown of goodwill 

between seller and buyer. At this training 

seminar we will take you through a 

detailed look at export documents taking 

a practical approach to why and when 

documents are needed. Includes 

background, uses and key requirements 

for different countries. 

Outcomes: the learner will be able to 

understand: 

n How to produce the necessary 

documents for an international 

shipment 

n Prepare a price build up for an 

export quotation 

n Identify the appropriate documents 

from the three categories required to 

expedite the shipment 

n Describe any additional special 

requirements or documentation for 

particular markets/sectors 

n Gain an overview of Incoterms 2020 

n Identify modes of transport 

n Identify where to go for sources of 

international information 

Understanding the Incoterms 2020® rules 


Time: 09:30 - 12:30 

Location: Online Event 



How can your business work efficiently 

and safely within the commercial terms 

(‘Incoterms® 2020’) defined by the 

International Chamber of Commerce? 

This half-day virtual workshop is for 

anyone working in international trade – 

from industry newcomers to 

experienced exporters and/or importers. 

It is also appropriate for corporate 

service providers and advisers, 

including freight forwarders, banks and 

accountants. 

It gives you: 

n a clear understanding of how the 

Incoterms® rules map out the 

obligations, costs and risks involved in 

the delivery of goods from sellers to 

buyers 

n a practical guide to correctly 

applying Incoterms® rules to your 

global sales and purchasing activities 

n the opportunity to review practical 

case studies based on a range of 

scenarios. 

A range of topics are covered 

including introduction and background 

to the Incoterms ® rules; functionality 

of the Incoterms ® rules; classifications 

and groups; rules for any mode of 

transport; rules for sea and inland 

waterway transport. 

The event will also look at changes in 

the recently published Incoterms® 

2020 rules, the division of costs, risks 

and obligations between seller and 

buyer, case studies – seller and buyer 

perspectives, managing risk and 

insurance and commonly misused 

terms and how to avoid the 

consequences. 

The full programme can be viewed 

on the Chamber website. 


CHAMBER TRAINING 

Mayor opens rail 

training academy 

Easing the flow 

of trade 

Preference rules of origin 


Time: 09:30 - 13:00 

Venue: Online 



Do you understand Free Trade 

Agreements and how they impact your 

import and export business? 

Are you aware of the preference and 

non-preference Rules of Origin and how 

they apply? 

Do you know how to check the 

preference origin of your goods using the 

Tariff Classification? 

As an international trader it is your 

responsibility to ensure that the rules of 

origin have been followed correctly. 

According to the rules of origin, when 

importing or exporting products between 

countries with which the UK has a Free 

Trade Agreement, traders may enjoy 

preferential tariff rates providing their 

Export letters of credit 


Time: 09:00 - 13:00 

Venue: Online 



This letters of credit training course has 

been devised for companies/ 

departments that are regularly receiving 

or handling letters of credit. It will help 

you to reduce risks, bank charges and 

improve efficiency of administrators. 

This course will cover the following: the 

products have sufficient UK content. 

The rules for the UK/EU FTA may also 

be different to other Free Trade 

Agreements around the world. 

International traders should therefore 

be looking at their own supply chains to 

establish what rules may apply. 

With practical exercises, this essential 

guide will ensure delegates have a 

comprehensive understanding of this 

important area of international trade. 

Outcomes: 

n How to check the origin rule for your 

products using the tariff heading 

n Understand what the different rules 

of origin are 

n How to apply the free trade 

agreement and what evidence is needed 

such as supplier declarations 

n How the information is recorded at 

Export and Import 

n Understand the Checks that HMRC 

may carry out. 

Reducing the risks when selling overseas 

need for careful credit checking; the 

export quotation; a review of other 

payment methods – advantages and 

disadvantages and when they should be 

used; what is a letter of credit?; letter of 

credit administration, procedure, types 

and levels of security as well as costs; the 

terminology, form and structure; 

Incoterms® and letters of credit; the 

documents – an in-depth study of the 

specific letter of credit documents; and 

more. 

The full programme is available on the 

Chamber’s website. 

Andy Street, Mayor of the West 

Midlands, visited the Black Country 

Innovative Manufacturing 

Organisation (BCIMO) on Tuesday, 

February 20 to officially open a new 

region-wide rail training academy 

developed by the City of 

Wolverhampton College and National 

Infrastructure Solutions (NIS). 

The Transport, Rail and 

Infrastructure Academy (TRIA), based 

at BCIMO’s Very Light Rail National 

Innovation Centre (VLRNIC), has been 

set up to increase employment 

opportunities for local people and 

meet the demand for skilled 

operatives to work in the construction 

and maintenance of train lines, tram 

routes and stations across the region. 

The West Midlands Combined 

Authority (WMCA) is investing £1.1m to 

create 432 training places at the 

academy, which has been developed 

in partnership with NIS – a leading 

provider of training in the rail, civil 

engineering and utilities industries. It 

will provide training for newcomers to 

the sector, as well as existing rail 

operatives who want to upskill and 

develop their industry knowledge 

further. 

During his visit the Mayor also cut 

the ribbon to open the new Signalling 

Academy based in one of the ground 

floor engineering labs. 

Mr Street said: “Hundreds of 

millions of pounds are being invested 

into the region’s train and tram 

network, with new rail lines and 

stations and Metro routes. 

“That’s great news for the travelling 

public but we also need to make sure 

this unprecedented investment 

benefits local people in terms of new 

jobs and careers. That’s why WMCA is 

helping to fund this state-of-the-art 

training academy.” 


SKILLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT 

Chamber members 

combine to unlock learners’ 

social media potential 

Learners are building the skills to use 

social media to improve employability 

opportunities through a partnership 

between two Chamber of Commerce 

members. 

Training, broadcast and production 

specialist BlackRook Media, which 

recently joined the Chamber’s Platinum 

Group, is working with Gold member 

City of Wolverhampton College to 

mentor diverse groups on how to unlock 

new audiences online. 

For those already working, the courses 

give them the skills to help their 

businesses to grow. 

Research shows 22 per cent of the 

West Midlands population are completely 

offline, the highest figure of any region in 

the UK, and over half the West Midlands 

population do not have the essential 

digital skills needed for work despite 84 

per cent of firms in the region saying that 

data skills are crucial to their company. 

Fully funded by West Midlands 

Combined Authority, the Social Media 

Content Creator Bootcamps take 

newcomers on a journey to better 

understand the opportunities around X 

(formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, 

LinkedIn and other platforms. 

Free for the unemployed, the 

programme is offered at subsidised rates 

for employers wanting to upskill colleagues. 

The aim is to ensure each intake leaves 

with the skills to engage new audiences 

and sell either their products or services 

effectively. 

More than 150 candidates have 

completed the Bootcamp courses, with 

cohorts of 20 spaces available on an 

ongoing basis. 

The month-long course covers all 

aspects of social media content 

production, including filming and editing 

video, digital marketing, measuring key 

performance metrics and the different 

tones of voice to use in writing. 

Led by a coaching team of 12 lecturers, 

all of them active media industry 

professionals, learners are also shown 

ways of generating engaging content 

ideas for specific B2C and B2B platforms 

and techniques for building an audience. 

The groups also cover ways of creating 

campaigns, analytics, still photography 

and graphic design. 

Among those to benefit is author 

Phillip Armstrong, aged 57, who has 

seen his book sales rocket after 

completing the course. 

“I was at rock bottom both financially 

and mentally,” he recalls. “I had a lot of 

books on sale on Amazon but they were 

not selling.” 

Having sold around 100 books in three 

months, he saw a leap up to 48,000 in 21 

days after learning how to market himself 

on the BlackRook course at the City of 

Wolverhampton College. “The increase 

was as a direct result of everything I had 

learnt,” he said. “The course was worth 

every second I was on it.” 

Lynne Deakin went on to take on the 

role of content creator for the Robin 

music venue in Bilston after undertaking 

the training, having previously worked as 

a hairdresser. 

“It was a life-changing experience,” she 

says. “BlackRook saw more in me than 

the hairdressing that I had done for 16 

years of my life; they saw the music 

passion and encouraged me to take that 

interest further.” 


Sales and Marketing Director Sian 

Roberts can vouch for the impact of the 

training, having completed the course. 

Sian said: “The key thing for me is the 

premise of the course. It was not just 

what you were going to learn on it, you 

have a tutor on hand all the time to help 

to encourage and motivate you, which 

was very useful.” 

Bridgnorth-based BlackRook’s 

coaching team has trained all the BBC’s 

UK digital apprentices over the last six 

years, as well as spokespeople at car 

maker BMW. 


SKILLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT 

Colleges offer host of new 

routes to workplace skills 

“The increase in book sales was as 

a direct result of everything I had 

learnt ... the course was worth 

every second I was on it.” 

Author Phillip Armstrong, pictured above 

with course tutor Joe Albanese 

The BlackRook team works in 

broadcast, events and documentary 

corporate videos, serving clients across 

industry sectors in the UK and overseas, 

with extensive work across the Middle 

East and Asia–Pacific regions. 

BlackRook, which has a media arm 

alongside the academy training business, 

is run by Managing Directors Alan Rook 

and Lucy Rook. Lucy says it is “an 

absolute privilege” for her team to share 

their skills and knowledge. 

Lucy said: “We have placed dozens of 

people into jobs with businesses and we 

have also helped many self-employed 

people earn a living, all through social 

media. 

“In offering our bootcamps here in the 

West Midlands with BlackRook Academy 

and also in offering BlackRook Media’s 

production expertise, there is a chance to 

make a meaningful impact. 

“All of our team are local and invested 

in that idea of supporting growth in what 

we know is a fantastic region with so 

much potential.” 

Lorna Prosser, curriculum manager for 

employability at the college, said: “Having 

employees with good social media and 

digital skills is essential for any business 

and is something that employers look for 

in their staff. 

“We are delighted to be working with 

BlackRook Media to deliver the courses 

and that our students will benefit from 

the expertise, skills and knowledge of 

their team of experienced specialist 

trainers.” 

Black Country colleges are offering a 

range of courses to enhance modern 

workplace skills in the region. 

WALSALL COLLEGE, a Chamber 

Patron, has an Introduction to Coding 

course package through the 

Government’s free courses for jobs 

initiative. 

Learners can improve their basic IT 

skills and gain new skills and 

qualifications. Those already working 

in an entry level IT role can also use 

this study pathway to progress. 

Run as a free evening course, it 

enables learners to complete a Level 2 

computing and Level 3 coding 

qualification to potentially progress to 

an apprenticeship or into higher 

education. 

People who do not meet the entry 

requirements can take a Level 1 digital 

skills for the workplace course 

part-time. 

SANDWELL COLLEGE is offering 

adults the chance to complete short 

online training courses such as IT 

Software Fundamentals, for free. 

There is no long-term commitment, 

just the chance to upskill and the 

courses can be completed at any time. 

The college also offers Level 3 

courses in Coding and Cyber Security, 

which are fully funded through the 

National Skills Fund. The courses are 

designed to meet learner career 

aspirations with coursework based on 

real life or work admin situations. 

On February 20, Mayor of the West 

Midlands Andy Street visited 

HALESOWEN COLLEGE to see 

first-hand the innovative opportunities 

being provided in the cyber, eSports 

and media departments. 

The Mayor also took a tour of Trinity 

Point, the latest development at 

Halesowen College aimed at 

enhancing the digital and media 

technology curriculum areas starting 

September 2024. 

Halesowen College has been leading 

on the digital strand of the Local Skills 

Improvement Fund (LSIF), which 

supports further education providers 

by investing in new facilities, 

equipment and developing new 

courses to enhance digital skills. 

With the next phase of the West 

Midlands Metro extension set to 

launch, adult learners at DUDLEY 

COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY’S Black 

Country Skills Shop have learnt 

modern skills to secure employment 

with the organisation. 

Learners have undertaken a 

programme of training designed to 

give unemployed adults the chance to 

move into job roles with West 

Midlands Metro. 

Learners have progressed through 

the training to be considered by the 

Metro team, after undergoing bespoke 

training in preparation for the 

intensive psychometric evaluations 

and assessments needed. 

Through the programme, the Black 

Country Skills Shop have supported 16 

learners since August 2023, with 11 

going on to gain roles with Metro. 

Halesowen 

College 

Walsall College 


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING 

Upskill your managers 

to lead the way 

Ensure your managers have the skills to 

play impactful roles within your business 

through expert training from the Black 

Country Chamber of Commerce. 

The Management Development 

Programme is designed to build a 

comprehensive toolkit which can be used 

by participants who are either in a 

management role currently or are aiming 

to be in one in the future. 

The programme takes place via 

in-person workshops and in a group 

format. Our next cohort starts on March 

18, but participants can also join 

individual modules. 

Recent cohort members include our 

Prosper cover star Matt Jeavons, planning 

manager at JJX Logistics in Kingswinford. 

Having completed an apprenticeship 

with the leading haulage company in 

2022, Matt has progressed to become a 

transport planner and then a planning 

manager at the company, which serves 

customers across the UK and Europe. 

Matt recommends the programme 

based on his progress to date. 

He said: “I am loving the course at the 

minute. It is helping me get an 

understanding on key skills that are used 

by a manager and also improving my 

career skills by putting me out of my 

comfort zone in a safe space and allowing 

me to develop my management skills. 

“I would highly recommend the course 

to others and I am really glad I have had 

the chance to go through the experience.” 

Providing insights, techniques and 

tools, the programme provides 

participants with the time and space to 

challenge their own ways of working, 

improve overall performance and develop 

approaches which add value to their 

business. 

The programme has been developed 

based upon an analysis of business 

needs and what is needed for the region’s 

managers to deliver success to those 

businesses. This programme is the 

perfect development companion for: 

n New managers or those about to 

become managers 

n Managers of systems or process 

n Managers of people and teams 

n Experienced managers who want to 

develop core competencies 

n Experienced managers who want to 

tap into new thinking and approaches 

n Managers delivering change 

management within their business 

n Managers seeking new ways to drive 

efficiency and performance 

See below for course modules, dates and 

pricing. 

COURSE MODULES 

The Management Development Programme consists of 12 whole 

day sessions, each covering a management theme or topic: 

n What is a manager? Introduction to management 

and the manager’s role 

n Using your time effectively and efficiently 

n Communication and delivery of the right messages 

at the right times 

n Styles and dynamics which create a good team 

n Getting the most from meetings 

n Delivering a great presentation which gets the right results 

n Building commercial awareness and acumen 

n Preparation and successful management of change 

n Stakeholder and relationship mapping and management 

n How to run and deliver a project well 

n Getting the best from your team and helping them to 

perform better 

n Coach and develop your teams and people 

Programmes run with participants from different backgrounds, 

experiences and industries, creating a safe and diverse environment 

where individuals can test and apply learning and develop together. 

Delivered by: Wendyanne Shapiro - Lotus Flower Consultancy 

An award-winning development and business coach working with 

clients around the world to drive change and improve performance. 

COST: 

Take the full 12-month programme or pick and 

choose modules. We recommend taking the 

whole course to get the most out of it. 

Full 12-month programme: 

Chamber members – £1,800 + VAT 

Non-members – £2,400 + VAT 

Per module: Chamber members – £250 + VAT 

Non-members – £295 + VAT 

WORKSHOP DATES 2024 

(15 participants max.) 

18 March 18 April 

16 May 13 June 

11 July 22 August 

19 September 17 October 

14 November 12 December 

2025 

6 February 6 March 

For more details, contact training@blackcountrychamber.co.uk 

or call 0330 024 0820, or click right

PROSPER SPRING DIGITAL

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