Prosper Summer 2025 dgt

THE REGION’S LONGEST-RUNNING BUSINESS PUBLICATION

BLACK COUNTRY

PROSPER

SUMMER 2025

The business linchpin

Black Country Chamber’s Gail Arnold on 30 years

of helping businesses to make connections

CONTENTS & CONTACTS

06

BLACK COUNTRY

PROSPER

CONTACTS

Prosper Editor

Stephanie Sullivan

Head of Marketing & Communications

07971 322693

stephaniesullivan@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

10

Chamber Membership

Contact 0330 024 0820

Address: Creative Industries Centre

University of Wolverhampton Science Park

Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton WV10 9TG

Prosper Publisher

Chamber Media Services

4 Hilton Road, Bramhall

Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3AG

Advertising: Colin Regan

01942 537959

colin@chambermediaservices.co.uk

29

14

20

Production: Rob Beswick

0161 426 7957 / 07964 375216

rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk

Cover: Gail Arnold, the Chamber’s

Head of Premium Membership.

Photo by Stewart Writtle.

52

Follow the Chamber on social media

Search blackcountrychamber

THE CHAMBER PATRON GROUP

Instagram at @blackcountrychamber

LinkedIn: Search blackcountrychamber

36

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.

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.

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.

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.

PROSPER SUMMER 2025 03

MEET THE TEAM

Meet the team: The people

behind the Chamber

Sarah Moorhouse

Chief Executive Officer

Lorna Taylor

Finance Director

Membership

Team

Sean Jackson

Head of

Membership

Finance & Export

Documentation Team

Andrew Wells

Assistant

Accountant

Marketing and

Communications

Stephanie Sullivan

Head of Marketing

and Communications

Gail Arnold

Head of Premium

Membership

Malcolm Reid

Export Document Officer

Lauren Shepherd

Digital Marketing and

Communications Manager

Alison Trinder

Start-up Business

Manager

Mandy Perry

Finance Assistant &

Export Document Officer

Maissha Rahman

Marketing &

Content Co-ordinator

Steve Salt

Sales & Business

Relationship

Manager

Marie Shuker

Events & Project

Officer

Richard Hobbs

Sales & Business

Relationship

Manager

Gemma Edwards

Policy & Impact

Officer

Tracey Jovicich

Membership

Administrator

Press, PR and Prosper:

Be Bold Media

Contact Us: 0330 024 0820

Email: membership@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

04 PROSPER SUMMER 2025

WELCOME

Sarah Moorhouse, CEO, Black Country Chamber

We’re here to support you as you tackle

the ups and downs of business life

CLIMBING up three mountains for 23 miles

in the space of a weekend certainly gives

you a sense of perspective. And I don’t

just mean the view from the top of a summit.

Taking part in the amazing Three Peaks

Challenge, (more on that below), gave me the

time and opportunity to reflect on what we’re

building here at the Black Country Chamber of

Commerce.

I hope our support is benefitting your

business, that we’re delivering value for money,

and that the networks we introduce you to are

useful. Bottom line, we hope you are stronger

with our unwavering cheerleading from the

sidelines.

That’s the reputation I hope we’re building

across this amazing Black Country region.

Knowing Black Country business people as I do,

I’m sure you’d be the first to tell me if I’ve got it

wrong!

Business Awards 2025

The theme for this issue is very much around

reputation in business and why it matters. I’ve

seen countless businesses in the Black Country

rise or fall based on how they’re perceived – not

just by customers, but by partners, employees

and the wider community.

With our Black Country Chamber 2025

Business Awards now open for entries, I can’t

stress enough how vital they can be for your

business. Winning – or being shortlisted –

provides that crucial social proof that tells

customers and clients you’re exceptional. It

builds your profile, boosts team morale and helps

attract top talent.

The deadline is 5pm on Friday 25 July, and it’s

free to enter for Chamber members.

I’m so very pleased the University of

Wolverhampton is partnering with us as a

headline sponsor for 2025. This relationship,

which spans nearly 25 years, shows how

important collaboration between education and

business is for our region.

One tip from me: don’t assume the judges

know your business. Tell your story, explain your

journey and how you’ve overcome those

challenges…

Three Peaks Challenge

…a bit like the one I completed in May! Climbing

the highest mountains in Scotland, England and

Wales within 24 hours was every bit as gruelling

as it sounds – 23 miles of walking and a total

ascent of 3,000m.

The sense of achievement is immense and the

views from the summits of Ben Nevis and

Snowdon were breathtaking – though I couldn’t

see anything at Scafell Pike, as that was climbed

at night!

I took on this challenge for the same reason

many of our members tackle seemingly

impossible business hurdles – to prove what’s

possible with determination and grit. And, of

course, to raise money for YMCA Black Country

– our charity partner last year; thank you to

each and every one of you who supported me

and this fantastic cause.

Industrial Strategy

I had hoped we could update you on the new

Industrial Strategy – but at the time of writing,

we are still waiting. The delay is perhaps not

unexpected. The business landscape is shifting in

ways that could significantly benefit Black

Country companies – but there is a worrying

lack of clarity.

The new EU/UK deal could bring real positives

for our region’s industrial backbone –

particularly for food manufacturers and

energy-intensive businesses. But while a trade

deal was signed with the US as this issue went to

press, there is still considerable confusion over

the fine print. As always, if you’re trading

internationally, don’t forget we have a dedicated

team at the Chamber available to support you.

Please also do continue to complete our

Quarterly Economic Surveys (QES). Your views

feed into decision making at the highest level. We

need your voices to shout with strength!

Join us at our next QES Data Reveal on July 3

at the Mercure Birmingham West. It’s open to all

businesses, not just members, and offers

invaluable insights into regional economic trends.

Our Gail

You can’t have failed to spot our cover star this

issue is our very own Gail Arnold.

If you’ve had anything to do with the Chamber

over the past three decades, you’ll know Gail –

our compass, our institutional memory and our

networking superstar.

Since joining in 1995, she’s helped thousands

of businesses grow and thrive. In her first month,

she signed up 56 new members – some of

whom are still with us today.

For 30 years, Gail has been our confidante,

connector and champion to Black Country

businesses. She embodies everything our

Chamber stands for – supporting businesses

through tough times and celebrating their

successes.

Here’s to you, Gail, and the next chapter of

your remarkable career.

Contact Sarah at sarahmoorhouse@blackcountrychamber.co.uk


FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE

Putting the region back on the right road

... and train and tram lines, too

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, writes for Prosper...

PUBLIC transport is more than just a means

of getting from A to B – it’s a lifeline to

opportunity. For too long, communities

across our region, particularly in the Black

Country, have been let down by a transport

network that has been unreliable and

fragmented.

And it’s held people back by limiting their

access to jobs, education, and healthcare,

meaning inequality is still deep rooted in many

communities

That’s not good enough and not the future

we’re building for this region.

I have a clear vision for a better connected

West Midlands with a transport network that

works for local people and businesses. One that

prioritises public service over private profits.

It’s been around 100 years since the last tram

carried passengers into Dudley but that is set to

change.

The extension of our modern-day West

Midlands Metro service deeper into the Black

Country is a pivotal step in laying the foundation

for the economic revitalisation and growth our

region needs. The kind of growth that takes the

people in our region with it - growth for everyone.

Once opened, this extension will mean faster

and more reliable transport options for the tens

of thousands of people living along the new line.

It will give them better access to employment

and training, and stimulate local businesses,

including popular visitor attractions like Dudley

Zoo and the Black Country Living Museum – real

gems in our visitor economy.

Improving tram services is only part of the

solution. Buses account for over 80% of public

transport journeys in our region, yet the current

system often fails to meet the needs of our

residents.

Despite receiving £50 million annually in public

funding, we lack direct control over routes and

timetables, leading to services that are

frequently unreliable and misaligned with

community needs.

That’s why one of my top priorities when I was

elected as Mayor was to take them back into

public control.

Last month at Wolverhampton bus station I

announced the decision to press ahead with bus

franchising. It will allow us to design a network

that works for our communities, ensuring that

services are affordable and run where and when

people need them.

Richard Parker at the unveiling

of the new strategy for bus

services, at Wolverhampton

Bus Station

These will be services run for the benefit of

passengers, not shareholders.

We’re also on track to reopen Willenhall and

Darlaston railway stations to improve services on

the Walsall to Wolverhampton line. This will

reduce congestion, improve air quality and also

unlock land along the line for much needed

investment in new housing and workplaces.

It should not be the case that if you haven’t got

a car, you can’t get to a job or college.

That’s changing, and with the backing of

another £2.4 billion announced by government

we can do even more.

This is a big new investment in transport in the

West Midlands. I’m working with council leaders

so we can deliver improvements across our

region to bus, road, rail and cycling networks.

We now need to make sure we keep creating

the opportunities that we are connecting our

people to. That’s where our brilliant businesses

come in.

So I wanted to say a personal note of thanks to

everyone who supported my first West Midlands

Business Festival. Your support means a lot.

The festival was about bringing businesses

together, to learn from one another, celebrate

success and find ways to end of the years of

economic stagnation. And we delivered –

connecting hundreds of businesses and

thousands of individuals to real growth

opportunities.

The feedback has been phenomenal, but the

work doesn’t stop here.

I’m proud to be giving you the funding and

support you need to grow, create jobs, cut energy

costs, and drive our economy forward.

We’ve already issued £10 million of grants and

supported over 10,000 businesses right across

the region as well as training more than 55,000

people with the skills they need to get jobs with

those businesses.

This year, we’re going even further with

another £15 million of funding and more of the

practical support you need to succeed.

Together we can create more opportunities for

local people to get good jobs and careers that

make a difference to their lives.

That’s how we’re going to end more than a

decade of stagnation and unleash the real

potential of the West Midlands and the people

who live, work and run businesses here.

Get in touch

You can connect with my team of

specialist business advisors at

www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk


CHAMBER NEWS

Halesowen College elevates Chamber

partnership as it joins Patron Group

THE Chamber is pleased to welcome leading education and training

provider Halesowen College to the Patron Group.

Halesowen College serves as a cornerstone educational provider for

the Black Country and Birmingham, delivering comprehensive training

and skills development to both young people and adult learners. The

college’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality education has

established it as a vital community asset, empowering learners to

achieve their professional and personal aspirations.

Jacquie Carman, principal and chief executive at Halesowen College,

highlighted the value of deepening their Chamber relationship: “We’ve

built an excellent partnership with the Chamber over the years as bronze

members. While networking events and promotional opportunities have

provided fantastic platforms to showcase our work, becoming a Patron

offers enhanced visibility and a tailored support package that directly

aligns with our strategic priorities.”

The upgrade reflects Halesowen College’s growth ambitions and

desire for stronger regional business connections that support their

educational mission.

Gail Arnold, head of premium membership, emphasised the strategic

value of being a Chamber Patron: “Our Patron Group delivers increased

regional visibility and access to valuable connections. We’re delighted

Halesowen College has chosen to upgrade their membership with us.

“The Chamber champions economic growth and aims to address

critical business community challenges and as such, we ensure our

Patrons receive unparalleled networking opportunities through exclusive

Peer-to-Peer sessions and leadership events.”

The partnership positions both organisations to strengthen their

impact on regional skills development and prosperity.

The Chamber’s Gail Arnold with

Halesowen College’s Jacquie Carman

iBiotech eyes opportunity after landing Heathrow cash

CHAMBER member iBiotech Ltd is among a

dozen small businesses from across the UK

who will take the next step in selling their

goods and services abroad thanks to the

support of Heathrow’s World of Opportunity

programme.

Each winning business will receive a £2,000

cash grant and expert advice on how to boost

their sales overseas.

The funding will be used for vital trade

missions or staff training, while the

Department of Business and Trade will connect

companies to appropriate support and

guidance.

This year’s winners demonstrate the breadth

of entrepreneurs from across all of the nations

and regions of the country.

They include game developers, artisan

fudge-makers, outdoor adventure tours and

specialist manufacturers.

As the UK’s Gateway to Growth, Heathrow is

uniquely placed to offer businesses a chance to

grow through trade. Last year, more than

£200bn of British trade flew through Heathrow

and 92% of the global economy can be reached

within a single flight from the UK’s only hub.

Heathrow colleagues recently toured the

country to meet first-hand the winning SMEs

and learn more about their growth plans.

Heathrow’s Chief Communications and

Pictured from left are Dr Brian Johnston,

iBiotech, Sarah Ralphs, Heathrow, Rob Harrison,

Glued Ltd, and Kendal Sefton, Heathrow

Sustainability Officer, Nigel Milton, said: “We

have so much quality and ambition in small

businesses across the UK.

“It has been so exciting to meet the SMEs

that are ready to take their products and ideas

to the next level.

“There is world of opportunity for SMEs to

tap into through Heathrow’s unrivalled network

and we’re proud to play our part in helping UK

businesses to grow through trade.”

Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas

said: “Helping more small businesses across

the UK to export is a key priority for this

government and Heathrow’s World of

Opportunity programme aligns with our

commitment to removing barriers to

international trade for SMEs.”


Chamber members’ delight after they

win prestigious King’s Awards

THREE Chamber members are among this year’s

King’s Award winners after demonstrating

outstanding achievements in international trade.

The coveted awards recognise outstanding

achievement by UK businesses in innovation,

international trade, sustainable development and

promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Bowers and Jones Ltd of Bilston,

Wolverhampton was recognised for supplying

high-quality, high-performance tooling to the

global steel and copper industry.

Exol (Holdings) Limited of Wednesbury,

Sandwell received the award acknowledging its

position as the UK’s largest independent

lubricants company, supplying automotive,

agricultural, rail and industrial applications to

more than 40 countries.

RunFlat International Limited of Cradley Heath,

Sandwell was awarded as a supplier of run flat

inserts, military wheels and complete wheel

solutions.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr

Derrick Anderson CBE, congratulated each of the

companies and said he was looking forward to

visiting the recipients to present their awards.

“The King’s Award for Enterprise is recognised

worldwide as the ultimate and greatest business

accolade. Each company is able to demonstrate

with this award that they represent the very best

in business and whilst each of their stories and

backgrounds are different, they share a common

goal of being the very best in their field,” said Mr

Anderson.

RunFlat’s CEO Eric Cartelet,

chairman Tom Westley

senior and chief operating

officer Tom Westley Jnr

celebrate their award.

“The award process for the King’s Award for

Enterprise is rigorous and demanding – with a

forensic approach to assessment that probes

every aspect of the company and goes well

beyond the area for which the business is being

recognised. In consequence, it is recognised

internationally and is able to ‘open doors’ to many

UK and worldwide opportunities.

“Each company is inspiring – to their staff,

their suppliers and to their customers – and all

serve as an endorsement for the hard work,

creativity and ingenuity of the West Midlands. All

of us in the West Midlands can be proud of their

achievements,” Mr Anderson said.

About the King’s Award for Enterprise

APPLICATIONS for the King’s Award

for Enterprise 2026 are now open.

Judged to demanding standards,

the King’s Awards for Enterprise are

the most prestigious business prizes

around. They are given each year for

outstanding achievement by UK

businesses in the categories of

innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting

opportunity through social mobility.

Even in times of relative stability and normality, winning a King’s Award

can be transformative for a company. So during this time of economic

difficulty, securing such a prize could be more valuable than ever.

A King’s Award is valid for five years and if you win one, it will be

presented at your company by a Lord Lieutenant, one of the King’s

representatives. You also get permission to fly the King’s Awards flag at

your main offices, and use the official emblem on your marketing

materials.

You will also receive a Grant of Appointment and a commemorative

crystal trophy. Finally, you will benefit from press coverage and great

kudos from customers and suppliers.

The King’s Awards are free to enter and you can apply for more than

one award. The application window is now open and closes at 1pm on

Thursday, September 12.

To be eligible to apply for a King’s Award for Enterprise, your

organisation must:

n Be based in the UK

n Have a minimum of two full-time UK employees or part-time

equivalents

n File your company tax returns with HMRC

n Demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility.

n Your company can be a business or non-profit organisation.

Each of the four award categories has additional entry criteria. To find

out more, visit the official gov.uk website.

You can also contact the King’s Awards Helpline on 0204 551 0081

from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.


CHAMBER NEWS

Could YOU

be the new

face of the

Chamber?

Our 2024 campaign

starring Chamber

member Lucy Rook,

Black Rook Academy

AFTER the buzz and success of last year’s campaign, we’re back

- and this time, we’re looking for a few fresh faces to help tell

our story in 2025!

In 2024, we shone a spotlight on a fantastic group of local

businesses - large and small - who stepped in front of the

camera and into the spotlight. Featured across brochures, press

ads, digital banners, and social media, they didn’t just talk about

the benefits of Chamber membership - they lived them.

And the results? A campaign that struck a chord with the

region’s business community, generated great feedback, and

raised the profiles of those involved.

This year, we’re raising the bar. We’re on the hunt for

passionate Chamber members who want to become

ambassadors for the 2025 campaign. This is your chance to be

the face and voice of the Chamber - sharing what membership

means to you and why it matters for businesses in our

community. Whether you’re a solo start-up, a family firm, or a

well-known brand, we want to hear from you.

Those who took part last year described the experience as

fun, rewarding, and even a little outside their comfort zone - in

the best possible way! It brought fresh attention to their

businesses and opened doors to new connections.

One participant called it “a standout moment of the

year.”

So, here’s the big question: Could you be the next

face of the Chamber?

We’re looking for a handful of members to be part of

this exciting new campaign - on camera, in the

spotlight, and at the heart of what makes our business

community thrive.

Interested? Curious?

Just a little tempted?

Then get in touch!

We can’t wait to meet the

faces of 2025.

Email

Stephanie Sullivan by

clicking HERE.

MoRServ on hand as Martyn’s Law receives Royal Assent

THE Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act

2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received

Royal Assent on Thursday, April 3.

The law will improve protective security and

organisational preparedness across the UK by

requiring that those responsible for certain

premises and events consider how they would

respond to a terrorist attack.

In addition, at certain larger premises and

events, appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability

to terrorist attacks must also be considered.

Through the Act, qualifying premises and

events should be better prepared and protected,

ready to respond in the event of a terrorist

attack.

While those that fall within scope will likely

begin to consider the requirements, they should

note that guidance will be published in due

course. This guidance will assist in understanding

the requirements set out in the legislation.

The Government intends for there to be an

implementation period of at least 24 months

before the Act comes into force. This will allow

those responsible for premises and events in

scope to have sufficient time to understand their

new obligations, and to plan and prepare

appropriately.

How we plan to help our members

The Chamber has teamed up with Platinum

Group member MoRServ, a leading risk

management business that specialises in the

Martyn’s Law requirements, to host a series of

free workshops during the implementation

period to help advise and guide members.

The next workshop will be held on 17th July at

Wolverhampton Science Park – click HERE

to sign up.

MoRServ director Meg Dowen said: “Martyn’s

Law is an important piece of new legislation. It

will apply to a wide range of public places,

including schools, colleges and entertainment

venues

“I would recommend businesses taking the

time to understand what the legislation means to

them, and consider their response.”

MoRSERV’s Chris and Meg Dowen will lead the

workshop on Martyn’s Law


CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Movers and Makers

brings manufacturers together

MHA, an independent member of Baker Tilly

International, delivers an insight into Tax Relief

for Manufacturers as partner for the Black

Country Chambers Movers & Makers series of

events.

Movers and Makers provides Chamber

members from the manufacturing sector with

the opportunity to build relationships with

like-minded businesses and gain valuable best

practice and industry insights.

Our May event was hosted by Weatherite at its

headquarters in West Bromwich. 25 members

were present to network, hear an overview of the

growth of Weatherite over the years and their

work with blue chip brands such as McDonalds.

Beverley Scott, partner at MHA, then gave an

insight into tax relief for manufacturers, covering

areas such as corporation tax, encompassing

capital allowance, R&D claims and patent box.

Personal and employment taxes were also

discussed to give members further knowledge

around changes to business property relief and

share incentive plans, among other initiatives.

Richard Hobbs, sales and business relationship

manager at the Chamber said: “The event was an

excellent showcase of support for manufacturers

in the region. Members were networking not just

to gain business but to support each other with

challenges.

“We were able to update members on other

initiatives available to them such as the Exporting

Starts Here Programme and the Chamber

Awards, whilst MHA were able to provide key

information and further showcase themselves as

a trusted advisor to the sector.”

Region’s professionals at the table

Black Country Movers and Makers

events are held quarterly, specifically

for members in the manufacturing

sector. For more information or if you

wish to host a Movers & Makers event,

please email Richards Hobbs by

clicking HERE.

The Chamber launched its Professionals at The

Table (PATT) initiative in October 2024, bringing

members together on a quarterly basis to share

like-minded conversation and make those

important contacts and referrals .

Chamber members from the accountants,

auditors, architects, banks, financial institutions,

solicitors, surveyors, insurance brokers and

wealth management industry are invited. Those

who are not yet Chamber members are also

welcome to attend at a non-member rate.

During the latest event, held at the Queens

Cantonese Restaurant in Wolverhampton, Lynn

Wyke, senior business development manager at

BCRS Business Loans, shared how BCRS can

support SMEs across the West Midlands & Wales

with access to finance to enable them to grow.

Become a partner

Businesses are also invited to take up the

opportunity to become a partner with

Professionals at The Table at an annual cost of

£1,500 + VAT, or £600 + VAT per event.

Each partner will receive:

n A corporate stand at PATT event(s).

n Branding on the PATT page of the Chamber’s

website.

n Branding in a PATT article featuring in each

quarterly issue of Prosper magazine.

n A complimentary place at PATT event(s).

n An opportunity to speak at event(s).

The next meeting will be on 17th July at

Queens Cantonese Restaurant, Wolverhampton.

Arrival is at 12noon for a 12.30pm lunch and the

meeting closes at 2.00pm.

Please contact Gail Arnold to find out

more by clicking HERE.

Pictured left at the event is Lynn Wyke, senior

business development manager, BCRS


POLICY & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Join the Chamber at

our July QES reveal

Green Paper

says it’s time to

go for growth

THE Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey

(QES) is the UK’s largest and longest-running

independent survey of business sentiment. It

provides unparalleled insight into how UK

businesses are performing quarter to quarter.

As the most representative independent

business survey of its kind in the UK, the QES is

closely watched by policymakers such as the

Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office of

Budget Responsibility, while also attracting

significant media attention.

Over the past year the Black Country has

bucked the national trend by being more

optimistic with regards to business confidence.

However we’ve reported similar concerns in

relation to taxation and interest rates.

But the devil is always in the detail of course

and we’ll be sharing our latest results from the

Black Country Chamber of Commerce on

Thursday, July 3 at 10am at the Mercure Hotel,

West Bromwich.

All members are invited to attend the event

which will be a temperature check on a range of

indicators including sales, exports, cash flow,

investment and recruitment. There will also be a

discussion on brand protection and reputation

management from a panel of experts. We look

forward to seeing you there.

To join us on July 3, book online

by clicking HERE

AT the end of April the

West Midlands

Combined Authority

launched its West

Midlands Futures

Green Paper, setting

out a long-term

strategy for a 10-year

programme of

transformation.

It has ambitious

plans for the region,

highlighting its unrivalled connections to the

rest of the country. With a £77bn economy, the

scale and growth for potential sets the West

Midlands apart.

The paper highlights the Black Country as a

hub for construction and green innovation, with

a focus on inclusive growth being at the heart of

its ambitions moving forward.

We will keep you updated on next steps once

the formal consultation into the Green Paper has

been completed and the Combined Authority

moves into delivery mode.

Meet your MP

THE Chamber is continuing to arrange a series of events where members

can meet the region’s MPs. Most recently members have had the

opportunity to talk to both Alex Ballinger MP for Halesowen at a meeting

hosted by Jerroms, and Warinder Juss MP for Wolverhampton West,

which was hosted by The Grand Theatre.

As ever, a wide range of subjects were on the table at both events. Top

of the list for both events were town centre regeneration, labour costs

and skills shortages. Members also shared concerns about business rates

and energy costs.

Meeting your MP with the support of the Chamber is a great way to

have your voice heard.

We have more planned over the next few months, so keep an eye out

for when we are next in your constituency.

Low Pay Commission needs your views

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is consulting on increases to the

minimum wage in 2026 and beyond. The consultation is currently live

and closes on Monday, June 30. It’s important that Chamber members

give evidence on the impact of the national living wage (NLW) rate and

the proposal to lower eligibility to 18.

The British Chambers of Commerce will be submitting written

evidence as well as oral feedback to the Commission.

If you have any insight or case studies, please email

h.larsen@britishchambers.org

Top, Alex Ballinger at Jerroms, and above,

Warinder Juss at The Grand Theatre


Chamber welcomes trade deals but

looks for better access to EU markets

ON the global front, last month’s UK-EU reset deal is good news for business.

Coupled with the recent trade announcements with the USA and India, it

provides a pathway to growth that the Chamber broadly welcomes.

We were really pleased to see a number of Chamber key asks announced.

These included the agreement to cut border checks for food and drink, defence

and security pacts which will benefit UK SMEs, and plans for a youth mobility

deal. Making quick progress on the use of E-gates at passport control will make

life easier for businesspeople who cross EU borders on a regular basis and will

also boost UK tourism.

But it’s important that negotiations don’t stop here. These are the

foundations on which we aspire to build a much stronger business relationship

with the EU going forward. The Chamber will continue to have your backs and

be your voice with regional and national government.

Small businesses encouraged to apply

for research and development grants

CREATIVE freelancers and Small and Medium

Enterprises (SMEs) in the Black Country can now

apply for up to £10,000 of funding to develop

innovative ideas through collaborative Research

and Development (R&D).

Smaller companies and freelancers can often

struggle to access R&D grants, something that

CreaTech Frontiers, the new creative industries

cluster for the West Midlands, is hoping to

challenge.

CreaTech Frontiers is made up of five

collaborators: Birmingham City University (BCU),

University of Birmingham, Coventry University,

University of Warwick and the Royal

Shakespeare Company.

Professor Lamberto Coccioli, director of

CreaTech Frontiers, said: “We are thrilled to

launch our first call to fund innovative ideas and

projects. We hope to receive an enthusiastic

response from creative companies and

freelancers and we especially encourage

first-time applicants with original and untested

concepts.”

A funding pot of £250,000 is being made

available this summer, which will also give

freelancers and SMEs access to academic R&D

expertise, mentoring and training, and use

world-class research and development labs to

create new content, products and services.

The West Midlands Combined Authority

(WMCA) is backing the project as part of

ambitions for the region to be a flourishing

creative ecosystem by 2030.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands,

said: “We’ve got a young, diverse region full of

bold thinkers and creative minds who are really

pushing the limits of what’s possible with

technology.

“I want them to take advantage of these

grants and the amazing research and innovation

coming out of our world class universities, so

they can turn their great ideas into global success

stories. And as we do that, we’re creating exciting

new jobs and showing the world what the West

Midlands is made of.”

Deadline for applications is Monday,

August 4. Register your interest and

find out more at:

https://createchfrontiers.com/

‘‘ full of bold thinkers and

“We’ve got a

young, diverse region

creative minds ... I

want them to take

advantage of these

grants and the amazing

innovation coming out

of our world-class

universities...

‘‘


THE PLATINUM GROUP

Fastener firm joins

the Platinum Group

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS has joined the

Chamber’s Platinum Group to build on its strong

service reputation as a trusted supplier.

Family owned and managed since its launch in

1980, Rapid Industrial Fasteners can offer same

day deliveries to the West Midlands and

Worcestershire using its fleet of vehicles, while

nationwide deliveries are made next day.

The company maintains rigorous quality

standards by holding ISO 9001 certification and

utilises its own manufacturing facilities to produce

bespoke fasteners and turned parts in line with

customer drawings and individual specifications.

Richard White, managing director of Rapid

Industrial Fasteners, said: “As a Stourbridgebased

business with 45 years of expertise in

fastener manufacturing and distribution, we are

delighted to join the Chamber.

“As we continue to expand our operations and

enhance our service offering, we see huge value in

From left,

Richard

White,

Hal Finney,

Louise

Manser and

Gail Arnold

using Platinum Group membership to network

while sharing ideas and best practice with

businesses with similar outlooks and values.

“Working with the Chamber will align with our

goals as a successful family business which holds

the unique position of being a manufacturer and

distributor of all fasteners and fixings.”

Black Country Chamber head of premium

membership, Gail Arnold added: “We are delighted

to welcome Rapid Industrial Fasteners to the

Platinum Group, where we are sure they will add

value through their new membership.

“The Platinum Group benefits from the

contribution of its member businesses, who take

advantage of regular meetings and confidential

peer to peer discussions which allow strategic

leaders to expand their networks, tackle

business challenges and work together to

promote the growth of the economy locally and

nationally.”

College named in

top three for

student achievement

STAFF at City of Wolverhampton College are

celebrating after the organisation was ranked in

the top three colleges in England for overall

student achievement rates.

The latest Department of Education’s annual

national achievement rates tables (NARTs) —

published at the end of March — show that

college’s results for the 2023/24 academic year

increased to 92.7%, the third highest outcome

for overall achievement across all general

further education providers in England.

The college is sixth in the country for

achievement rates for full-time students aged

under 19, and fifth for adult learners studying

part-time courses.

Louise Fall, principal

and chief executive of the

college (pictured), said:

“We knew that our overall

performance in the last

academic year was

exceptional, but to be

ranked in the top three

colleges in England is

fantastic news!

“This ranking, combined with the opening of

the new £61 million campus at the City Learning

Quarter in Wolverhampton city centre this

autumn and new facilities already open at the

Wellington Road in Bilston, means that people of

all ages and abilities who enrol here can be sure

that they will be studying at one of the best

colleges there is.”

The college offers a wide range of full-time

and part-time vocational qualifications, as well

as A-levels, new T levels, apprenticeships, and

employment courses for job seekers.

For more information on The Platinum Group,

see the Chamber website HERE

or contact Gail Arnold on

07810 377819 or by clicking HERE

Dachser goes Platinum as

part of global growth plans

DACHSER, the international logistics company, has joined the Chamber’s Platinum Group.

“Our Platinum Group membership with the Chamber represents our long-term

commitment to supporting regional businesses with world-class logistics solutions,” said

Tony Gardner, Dachser’s regional sales manager. “We’re excited to contribute to the

economic growth of the Black Country while building valuable partnerships within this

dynamic business community. One of our main missions is supporting traders to develop

and grow with the EU through our Smart Border Connect product. Our product allows

companies to trade again with Europe as though Brexit never existed.”

Gail Arnold, Head of Premium Membership at the Chamber commented: “We’re

delighted to welcome Dachser to our Platinum Group.”


MP pops in to see how

Lord boosts sustainability

COMMERCIAL heating specialist Lord

Combustion Services welcomed Sarah Coomes

MP for a visit to its Oldbury HQ where she found

out more about the company’s work and impact

on sustainability.

The West Bromwich MP was told about the

company’s work helping clients to reduce their

environmental impact through the roll-out of

energy-efficient heating and hot water solutions

as well as the team’s efforts delivering significant

retrofitting heating and hot water projects.

Lord Combustion Services director Emma

Tibbetts, who hosted the visit, said: “We were

really pleased that as our local MP, Sarah was able

to visit us and learn more about the work we are

undertaking..

“We are proud to have been trading in the

Black Country for more than 40 years, and the

visit gave us the opportunity to discuss our work

and recent achievements, as well as sharing our

KAREN SMALLWOOD has

been named as

Wolverhampton Grand

Theatre’s first female CEO

in its 130-year history after

a competitive and open

appointment process.

Karen is the theatre’s

current director of finance & commercial and has

previously worked for Scottish & Newcastle PLC,

experiences on issues such as skills and training.

“We were able to talk about the progress on

sustainable heating and hot water solutions

including heat pumps as well as our work

enabling our customers to reduce their energy

usage, manage budgets and run their operations

more efficiently.”

Sarah Coombes MP said: “It was fantastic to

see the impact that Lord Combustion Services is

making by introducing energy-efficient heating

and hot water solutions to businesses and

organisations across the West Midlands.

“With increasing focus on net zero initiatives,

the company’s work in leading the way on new

technology such as heat pumps is playing a vital

role in supporting the economic success of local

businesses.

“The visit was a great opportunity to find out

more about a successful business in my

constituency.”

Virgin Trains and Arena Leisure. Her commercial

background, coupled with ten years in the arts

and charity sector, established her as the right

person to take the organisation forward.

Karen said: “It will be a privilege to lead the

dedicated team here at Wolverhampton Grand

Theatre and preserve the future of one of the

city’s most historic and treasured buildings.

“Collaboration, community and creativity will

be at the heart of everything we do moving

Gareth to push

BCRS on to even

greater heights

RESPONSIBLE finance provider BCRS

Business Loans has appointed a new

business development manager to deliver

funds to support companies in delivering

their growth plans.

Gareth Evans

(right) joins the

Wolverhamptonbased

company to

focus on funding

opportunities in

Solihull, Warwickshire

and the surrounding

areas.

Gareth brings 16 years of experience from

Lloyds Banking Group, offering extensive

industry insight and a strong understanding

of business finance that will enable BCRS

Business Loans to deliver in its mission to

support viable businesses across the

Midlands and Wales.

Gareth Evans said: “I am pleased to join

BCRS Business Loans at such an exciting

time for the company as it continues to

provide access to the funding which

businesses need to grow and thrive.

“Their impressive track record of

supporting SMEs that traditional lenders

often overlook aligns perfectly with my

passion for helping local businesses to

succeed.”

The appointment comes on the back of

the lender’s strong performance in the

2024-25 financial year, which saw

£9,900,502 provided to 124 businesses, a

68% increase in the number of SMEs

supported from the previous year.

The funding safeguarded 889 jobs and

created 317 new roles while adding £51.2

million to the economy of the West Midlands,

surrounding regions and Wales. In total,

34.6% of the funding was directed to the

UK’s most disadvantaged areas.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre appoints its first female CEO

forward.

“To be appointed the first female CEO of this

wonderful theatre and charity is a position I will

truly honour and perform to the upmost of my

ability.”

Duncan Jones, chair of the board said, “Karen’s

vision and passion for the Grand and for

Wolverhampton shone during her interview. The

board is looking forward to a bright and exciting

future under Karen’s leadership.”


THE CHAMBER PATRON GROUP

The Rychnov factory has

adopted a ‘smart factory’

programme supporting

science-based targets

ASSA Abloy has placed sustainability

at the heart of business innovation

CHAMBER Patron ASSA ABLOY Opening

Solutions EMEIA is transforming business

practices to reduce environmental impact while

driving innovation.

The company focuses on using recycled

materials, designing durable products, and

ensuring end-of-lifecycle recyclability — all while

meeting evolving customer needs.

A core priority is empowering engineering

teams to incorporate carbon footprint

considerations into product development. Since

2024, all new EMEIA products must achieve at

least 20% reduction in CO 2

emissions compared

to predecessors, accomplished through

sustainable materials and innovative design.

Buildings represent approximately 30% of

global energy consumption according to the

International Energy Agency. ASSA ABLOY

addresses this by prioritising energy efficiency

throughout their product lifecycle — from

development to manufacturing.

Its solutions include energy-harvesting

technology, mobile keys, and energy-efficient

devices that enhance sustainability while

providing building owners flexibility for future

challenges.

The company views regulatory compliance not

as a burden but as a catalyst for innovation.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

provide transparent information about products’

environmental impacts, supporting sustainable

building practices and certification programs like

LEED and BREEAM.

By the end of 2024, EMEIA had published 24

active EPDs, with more planned for 2025.

Sustainability extends throughout their

operations. The Rychnov factory exemplifies this

commitment through its “smart factory”

programme supporting science-based targets.

An advanced energy monitoring system tracks

usage and identifies improvement areas by

‘‘

ASSA ABLOY sees

regulatory compliance not

as a burden but as a catalyst

for innovation...its datadriven

approach has yielded

impressive results...

‘‘

measuring variables such as temperature, light

intensity, and consumption of electricity, gas,

compressed air, and water.

This data-driven approach has yielded

impressive results: autonomous systems now

adjust lighting based on natural light, heating and

ventilation systems activate only when needed,

and compressed air production aligns with actual

demand—increasing production efficiency by

10.6%.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA aims to

exceed regulations and set new industry

benchmarks. By integrating sustainability into

innovation strategies, they’re reducing their

environmental footprint while inspiring sectorwide

changes.

Its journey demonstrates how sustainabilitydriven

innovation can create solutions that meet

current needs while safeguarding future

resources.

To find out more about

The Chamber Patron group,

click HERE to go through to the

website


Survey finds confusion over skills

strategy amid calls for reform

Report reveals lack of

confidence in government

support is impacting the

growing skills gap

FEWER than one-fifth (18%) of engineering and

manufacturing businesses are confident that the

government can solve the skills shortage

according to a new report by Chamber Patron

In-Comm.

Th e In-Comm Training Barometer, which took

in the opinions of 103 managing directors and HR

leads, paints a picture of industry confusion

when it comes to understanding what Labour is

doing to bridge the well-publicised gap.

78% of firms questioned believe that there is

not enough support available to boost their

training fortunes (a 6% increase on last year),

while more than three-fifths (61%) do not

understand what Skills England has been set up

to do.

The In-Comm Training Barometer is one of the

UK’s leading reports on the current skills and

training landscape, providing critical data on

provision, apprenticeships and company

sentiment.

For the first time in the history of the survey,

fewer than half (46%) of businesses are planning

to increase investment in their training budget, a

sign that external factors are encroaching on

skills spending.

Two-thirds have issued a call to reform the

THE University of Wolverhampton is to be a key

partner in a bold new initiative, ‘Forging Ahead,’

which aims to transform innovation and

entrepreneurship across the Midlands.

This collaborative effort, involving the

university and 14 other Midlands university

partners, will revolutionise how research and

innovation are translated into real-world impact

throughout the region.

‘Forging Ahead’ is led by Loughborough

University and Midlands Innovation and will

radically enhance the commercialisation

ecosystem, supercharging entrepreneurial

activity, scaling innovation, and creating

dynamic new pathways for academic ideas to

become high-growth ventures.

Apprenticeship Levy, with a focus on making sure

they have greater control on what they can

spend funding on, and a definite split between

awarding funding for apprentices and money to

be used for other types of training.

Gareth Jones, managing director of In-Comm

Training commented: “There were positive

results; there is an increase in the desire to

improve technology to boost productivity (81%),

and firms are able to retain staff, with just a

quarter struggling to keep workers.

“The Influence of AI in skills development is still

relatively low, however, with 18% of firms using it

University is driving innovation across the Midlands

This ambitious five-year programme will

reshape knowledge exchange, business

creation, and investment attraction across the

Midlands, unlocking the region’s significant

research and innovation strengths and

converting them into commercial successes.

Ceri Jones, director of research & enterprise

at the University said: “We are delighted to be a

part of the CCF (Connecting Capabilities Fund)

Forging Ahead collaboration. The partnership

will help underpin our exciting and ambitious

plans for commercialisation and technology

transfer activity in alignment with our 2035

strategic vision. The development of a vibrant

pipeline of spin out companies is crucial for both

our impact and the prosperity of the region.”

so far. AI take-up will be a slow burn, but we are

seeing some of the larger firms embed it into

their processes.”

He concluded: “There has been a lot of

discussion in industry about bringing back the old

Engineering Industry Training Board (EITB) model.

While this would engage the disengaged and

encourage all companies to invest in developing

talent, it could be a risky time to consider it with

all the other added costs and no finalised

industrial strategy.

“It’s just a question for now, but a very

interesting one.”

Forging Ahead will tackle existing challenges

in the Midlands’ innovation landscape by

establishing a regional talent pool, scaling

successful accelerators, promoting inward

investment, and supporting innovation

networks and priority sectors.

This co-ordinated approach will strengthen

the region’s innovation and commercialisation

ecosystem, attracting IP-rich spinouts and

high-growth firms, ultimately driving economic

growth and supporting the UK’s industrial

strategy.

For more on Forging Ahead, see

https://midlandsinnovation.org.uk


START-UP BUSINESS CLUB

Specialist Chamber guidance

powers start-up growth

THE Chamber’s Start-Up Business Club is

the place to make new connections, learn

from industry experts and develop the

skills and understanding required to take

your business to the next level. We’re here to

help you every step of the way.

Sole traders and businesses who have been

trading for less than two years can join the

Chamber as a start-up member in order to

receive ongoing support via a dedicated business

relationship manager, while also benefitting from

a series of specially designed workshops that

address the specific needs of start-ups.

Start-up members also have access to tools

and guidance to help you monitor your progress

and overcome hurdles, comply with legislation,

manage risks, and make the process of doing

business easier.

In addition, there are opportunities to raise the

profile of your business by promoting it to other

Chamber members and to the wider business

community. Entrepreneurs will meet like-minded

business owners who are also taking their first

start-up steps and create long-lasting business

connections by getting involved in our wide range

of networking events.

As part of the monthly meet-up workshops,

we’ve introduced The Support Circle, which

acknowledges the fact that starting a business

can be lonely and stressful. When facing

setbacks or feeling overwhelmed, having a

supportive community can boost your morale

and we will offer encouragement, empathy, and

shared experiences which can motivate you to

persevere and achieve success.

To find out more about the Chamber Start-up

programme, please visit startupbusinessclub.

co.uk or contact Alison Trinder via

alisontrinder@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

Evergreen Coaching in boost for region’s start-ups

THE Chamber is pleased to announce a new

partnership with Evergreen Coaching for the

Start-Up Business Club. Evergreen Coaching

has a wealth of knowledge and practical

experience and is dedicated to helping start-ups

thrive and reach their full potential.

Evergreen will work with us on providing

monthly workshops that empower start-ups to

reach for success. The team at Evergreen

understands that every business is unique, with

its own set of challenges and opportunities, and

works with start-ups to gain a deep

understanding of your business, identify areas

for improvement, and develop actionable

strategies to help you achieve your vision.

Start-up business manager Alison Trinder

said “We’re delighted to be partnering with

Evergreen Coaching and look forward to all that

they can offer our start-up members. They have

so much energy and expertise and will

undoubtedly add huge value to our workshops

and support package.”

Charlotte Steel, start-up advisor and SME

business consultant at Evergreen Coaching

agrees: “We’re thrilled to be named the official

business partner for the Black Country Chamber

of Commerce. This partnership beautifully aligns

with Evergreen Coaching’s mission to support

start-ups and SME businesses to build

purposeful, thriving ventures.

“Over the past year, we’ve developed a strong

and collaborative relationship with the Chamber,

and I’m excited to see how we can continue to

grow together by helping others succeed.

“I’m especially looking forward to delivering

practical, value-driven workshops that empower

aspiring entrepreneurs and small business

owners across the region through the Start-Up

Business Club.

“The next 12 months promise to be an exciting

journey and we’re just getting started!”

Chamber Start-Up

Business Club lead

Alison Trinder flanked by

Evergreen Coaching’s

Sarah Benbow and

Charlotte Steel

‘‘

We’re looking forward

to delivering practical,

value-driven workshops that

empower aspiring small

business owners and

entrepreneurs...

‘‘


CHAMBER AWARDS 2025

Awards matter – especially to your brand and reputation! Be Bold Media’s Amy Bould explains why every

business should have their eyes on the prize if they want to thrive.

Award-winners revel

in the spotlight

HERE’S a little test for you. You’ve got a

landmark birthday coming up and you

want to celebrate in style with a meal

out at a really top-class restaurant

You’ve got a shortlist of three, but only one has a

Michelin star next to its name.

Which do you choose?

My bet is that, all things being equal, most of us

will vote for the award winner.

The reason lies in something called social proof.

All of us, to one extent or another, base our

decision making on external evidence and seek

validation for the choices we make.

It’s why we read multiple reviews of a product

before we buy it; why we ask our friends for

recommendations before we employ

tradespeople; and why we feel an extra degree of

trust in any business which has an award to its

name.

Whether you’re a small start-up or an

established enterprise, awards can provide a key

part of that social proof we all seek.

Being nominated for, or winning, an award

sends a strong message to customers, clients

and stakeholders that your business is

outstanding.

It is a stamp of approval, just like the Michelin

star.

Awards help build your profile too. Celebrating

your success through media coverage, industry

publications or social media builds brand

recognition in ways that paid advertising often

struggles to achieve.

And they are brilliant for your team morale.

When employees see their hard work

acknowledged, it creates a sense of pride and

motivation, fostering a positive company culture

that encourages ongoing excellence.

For that reason, they’re also great for

attracting the best new talent to come and work

with you. If you want a sporting analogy, think

playing for Liverpool rather than Southampton!

Get your skates on: Black Country Chamber

awards are open for entries NOW!

The Black Country Chamber’s 2025 Business

Awards are only around the corner – so what do

you need to think about before entering?

Not all awards are created equal

Spend some time finding out which ones really

make sense for your business and its values.

Think about what you’ve achieved in the last

year – does it fit into a category?

Study the specific criteria

Judges are not going to award any marks if

you’ve failed to meet the expectations they have

set out, however well written your entry is.

Take the criteria section by section and check

you can demonstrate activity against each.

The narrative matters

It’s really important that your entry tells a story.

Judges are not just looking for a list of

achievements, they want a compelling narrative

which gives them an insight into your drive,

values and passion for business.

Don’t assume the judges know anything

Explain your journey, the challenges you’ve

overcome and how your business has made an

impact. Make it engaging and relatable and there’s

a real chance you’ll win the judges’ approval.

Prove it!

Inside your compelling story, weave the evidence

which proves your case – the hard facts,

testimonials, case studies and statistics which

add real credibility to your story.

Ultimately, awards are a powerful tool for growth,

reputation-building, and long-term success. So,

why not give it a go? Your next big business win

might just be an award away.


Join us as an Awards partner

WE ARE excited to offer businesses the chance to align their brands with

the very best of the Black Country’s business scene by partnering with

us for our awards as they return for 2025.

Being part of the Black Country Chamber Business Awards isn’t just

about brand recognition; it’s about making history and leaving a lasting

impact. Your company will have access to a range of profile-raising

opportunities across some of the region’s largest B2B platforms, while

demonstrating your commitment to supporting and championing

Awards categories

businesses in the Black Country.

Events & project officer, Marie Shuker, says: “Awards partners will

benefit from extensive promotional coverage before and after the event as

well as branding at the awards ceremony itself, ensuring maximum

visibility for their businesses. The Chamber team is ready to engage with

anyone interested in knowing more about the opportunities the awards

present, so please get in touch via awards@ blackcountrychamber.co.uk.”

• See from page 24 for details of our latest Awards partners.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

In partnership with

FORKERS LTD

Celebrating the best, established family

business across any sector, you will need to

show how you work together to achieve

ambitions for growth. As well as strong

financial performance, you will deliver against

defined family values that shape company

culture, decision-making and overall business

operations as well as innovation amid changing

market conditions.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

In partnership with

SANDWELL COLLEGE

The award to recognise employers who excel in

developing their workforce and engage

employees in company values. Entrants must

detail successful plans to develop employees

and policies to promote diversity and inclusion,

including any impact on retention and

recruitment. Entrants must also outline efforts

to promote employee welfare and engagement.

SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGY AND

INNOVATION

In partnership with

HALESOWEN COLLEGE

The award celebrates businesses that

demonstrate exceptional advancements in

sustainability, tech nology, and innovation, and

have positive societal impact. You must be able

to demonstrate a new approach to solving a

problem, with potential for scalability and

future impact, as well as evidence of market

adoption and customer satisfaction.

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

For businesses that demonstrate a significant

and positive commitment to their community.

Judges will select the business which has

tackled pressing social issues and can provide

a clear understanding of the positive impact

their actions have had.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

In partnership with

KMB SHIPPING GROUP

For businesses of all sizes and sectors, you will

excel as an exporter or in assisting others to

export goods across international borders. You

have developed your markets and overcome

issues such as Brexit to build on our region’s

heritage of strong export relationships.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

In partnership with

UKO CASTLEMILL

This award recognises a company that has

demonstrated exceptional performance and

impact in delivering value to its customers,

bringing quantifiable improvement in client

performance. You will have a record in

innovation and can show the development of a

team achieving sustainable and profitable

growth.

MANUFACTURING CHAMPION

In partnership with

FREETHS

For businesses of all sizes within the

manufacturing sector, entrants will show your

contribution and advancement in your field,

including efforts to diversify or engage new

markets, meeting the challenges of inflation

and increases in raw material prices, and the

impact of investments in the business as you

enter the next chapter of industrial history.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Aged 25 or over, this award recognises an

outstanding employee who has been with the

company for at least one year. Nominated by

their employer, the recipient must have made a

significant impact beyond their daily

responsibilities. This could be through

exceptional support of a colleague,

spearheading a successful fundraising

initiative, or implementing a major

improvement to company systems. The change

must be meaningful and demonstrate

dedication, innovation, and a commitment to

excellence in the workplace.

BLACK COUNTRY FUTURE STAR

Under the age of 25 and working in a Black

Country business, we are looking for a future

star who has made a real difference within the

company and is using every opportunity to

boost their career. Nominated by their

employer, judges will be interested to hear how

the future star has made an impact on their

employer while building skills for life.

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION

This award recognises an outstanding

non-profit organisation that can demonstrate

exceptional impact, innovation and

commitment to its mission. Demonstrating a

clear and measurable mission aligned with a

specific social cause, you will show success

stories and quantitative data to support claims

of impact, plus sound financial management

and innovation.

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.

You will show how you enthuse pupils, plus

other achievements through data,

testimonials, case studies, media coverage or

other relevant evidence.

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. Your company may now employ

part-time or full-time workers who deliver on

the vision for your start-up.

Already gaining traction in either the private or

public sector, you must show credible plans for

the next 12 months and beyond.

www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/awards.


CHAMBER AWARDS 2025

University of Wolverhampton

announced as headline partner

for the Chamber Awards 2025

THE Chamber is pleased to announce that

this year’s headline partner is the

University of Wolverhampton. In a deal

that cements a relationship that dates back

nearly 25 years, the Chamber will again tie up with

the area’s leading educational provider to promote

enterprise and economic success in the region.

For 2025 and in a ‘first’ for the competition, the

headline partner will be responsible for selecting

the Business of the Year from the winning firms

across 12 categories.

“Our relationship with the Chamber is vital in

strengthening links between academia and the

regional business community,” explained Vikki

Potts, head of the Business School at the

University of Wolverhampton.

“It means we can stay attuned to the evolving

needs of local industries and help create students

who have real-world insights and the knowledge

to make an immediate positive difference to

companies in the area.”

She continued: “It seemed a natural

progression for us to move our partnership with

the Business Awards to the next level and we

look forward to being a headline partner that

proudly champions the companies and

entrepreneurs who make our area so special.”

Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse said she was

delighted to welcome the university on board.

“Collaboration is vital if we are to produce the

talent and the companies that provide graduates

with the opportunities to prosper in our region.

‘‘

Pictured below at

the 2024 Chamber

Awards are

Professor

Prashant Pillai, Nat

Rushton, Vikki

Potts, Helen

Sargeant and

Professor Zeeshan

Pervez, all from the

University of

Wolverhampton)

“The University of Wolverhampton has been a

major supporter of our business community for

nearly 25 years, and we welcome it as headline

partner in what can only be good news for the

profile and reach of our awards.”

‘‘

We look forward to being a headline partner that champions the

companies and entrepreneurs who make our area so special.

Professional Services

In partnership with

UKO Serviced Offices

CREATING supportive workspaces is at the

heart of what UKO Serviced Offices does

across the West Midlands.

With friendly hubs in Dudley,

Wolverhampton, Longbridge, Birmingham

and Worcester, UKO has seen first-hand how

the right environment helps businesses

thrive. Its spaces come with welcoming

reception teams, round-the-clock access,

well-maintained facilities and everything

needed for day-to-day operations.

Now the team is bringing this same

supportive spirit to the Black Country

Chamber of Commerce awards by

sponsoring the Professional Service

Business of the Year category.

Ellie Smith, building manager at Castlemill

in Dudley, said: “We can’t wait to see the

entries come in for this award which

celebrates one of the most vibrant areas of

the business community here in the Black

Country.

“We’ve supported many companies in this

sector to grow and thrive – their resilience is

inspiring and we’re looking forward to being

part of the judging process.”

Saj Javed, who manages Regent House in

Wolverhampton, believes the partnership

reflects UKO’s community-focused ethos.

Both managers are eagerly anticipating the

opportunity to learn from the nominees and

celebrate alongside them at the awards

ceremony later this year.

Saj said: “Our understanding of what

makes professional services tick has

naturally led to our decision to sponsor an

award celebrating excellence in this field.”

The UKO approach stands out for its

personalised touch. The company works

closely with each client to understand their

specific requirements, creating bespoke

solutions rather than one-size-fits-all

packages.

This tailored methodology extends to their

flexible terms, allowing businesses to adapt

their space needs as they evolve, without

being tied down by rigid agreements or

surprise costs.


Manufacturing Champion

In partnership

with Freeths

AS A Chamber Patron, Freeths is deeply

committed to its Chamber membership and

continually strives for improvement.

Freeths said: “Partnering on these awards

reflects our dedication to celebrating

excellence and fostering growth, something

we know a little bit about having been

named Law Firm of the Year in the

prestigious City AM Awards 2025.

“Sharing success matters to us, and we

are proud to sponsor and judge this award

for manufacturers, recognising the pivotal

role they play in driving innovation and

economic growth.

“Freeths loves to showcase excellent

work across the firm and celebrate our

people, like James Hartley who, along with

his team, won two landmark High Court

cases on behalf of the 555 subpostmasters

wrongly prosecuted by the

Post Office.

“Our commitment to this sector is

underscored by our robust intellectual

property and patent practice, which

safeguards the groundbreaking ideas that

propel the industry forward.

“Additionally, our successful M&A

practice routinely supports the strategic

growth plans of manufacturing businesses,

enabling them to thrive in a competitive

landscape.

“As most manufacturing businesses have

a strong tech nology core which drives

advancements in efficiency and

productivity, our dedication to fostering

innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of

this award, celebrating excellence and

forward-thinking in manufacturing.

“The manufacturing sector has seen its

fair share of barriers to growth, and we are

hoping to see some positive news stories to

illustrate how businesses are rising to the

challenge of overcoming them.

“We are hoping to see evidence of technology

and innovation, aligned with

efficiency and productivity to demonstrate

they have remained competitive.”

‘‘

Our successful M&A

practice routinely supports

the strategic growth plans of

manufacturing businesses,

enabling them to thrive in a

competitive landscape

‘‘

Employer of the Year

In partnership with

Sandwell College

SPONSORING this year’s Employer of the

Year Award are the Sandwell Colleges, the

largest provider of 16-19 study programmes

in the West Midlands.

The Sandwell Colleges and Learning

Campuses pride themselves in putting the

learner of the heart of their activity. They

offer a wide range of academic, vocational,

professional and technical qualifications

including A levels, T Levels and

Apprenticeships. Courses are shaped by

industry and are delivered across state-ofthe-art

facilities, ensuring that young people

and adults have the opportunity to reach

their full potential and to successfully

progress to work, apprenticeship or higher

education.

The Colleges play a vital role in working

with employers and stakeholders to drive up

productivity and to generate a pipeline of

skilled and professional people to work

across the West Midlands region.

CEO and principal Lisa Capper MBE said:

“At the Sandwell Colleges, we are focused on

a collaborative approach to bring about

lasting impact and change to the people and

areas we serve.

“Our commitment to celebrating and

strengthening employer engagement to help

us meet local and regional skills needs is

embedded throughout our work. Employers

often tell us they don’t always know where

to start with investing in training and skills.

‘‘

Our commitment to

celebrating and strengthening

employer engagement to help

us meet local and regional

skills needs is embedded

throughout our work ...

‘‘

“We are here to help and promote the

return on investment.”

About their involvement with the

Chamber’s awards, Lisa Capper added: “We

are proud to sponsor the Employer of the

Year Award, highlighting employers who

excel in investing and developing their

workforce through ongoing training,

professional development and upskilling of

their people.

“We’re also pleased it will celebrate the

rich and diverse environments we operate in,

to foster inclusion and equality and support

employee wellbeing.”

The Colleges also provide a dedicated

employer-focused division called

Tomorrow’s People. Located in the heart of

Birmingham this provides access to

recruitment services for employers, vacancy

matching and business-focused education

and training.


CHAMBER AWARDS 2025

Family Business of the Year

In partnership with

Forkers Ltd

WINNING the Chamber’s Business of the

Year Award in 2024 was the inspiration for

Civil and Ground Engineers Forkers Ltd to

partner with the Chamber in 2025.

Forkers said the award win was a

“tremendous honour” and an experience

that filled the Sandwell-based team with

immense pride and gratitude.

Director Helena Boyle said: “To be

recognised by last year’s judges and our

category sponsor, Pro Enviro Ltd, was not

only humbling but also a powerful

affirmation of the work we do.

“Having had the opportunity to

experience the awards process first-hand

- from the suspense of waiting to hear

whether we had made the shortlist, to the

thrill of attending the ceremony, and

ultimately being announced as winners, we

felt inspired to give something back.

“That’s why we’ve chosen to partner with

the Chamber this year as a gesture of

thanks and as a way to support the

celebration of outstanding businesses

within our community.”

Helena said that as a proud local family

business with a heritage spanning nearly 53

years, Forkers understood the passion,

resilience, and dedication it takes to build

and sustain a successful enterprise across

generations.

“This is why we’re delighted to sponsor

the Family Business of the Year category.

We’ll be looking for a business that

exemplifies professionalism, strong

leadership, and operational excellence; one

that delivers outstanding customer service,

is financially sound, and upholds a positive

reputation.

“Importantly, we’re also seeking a

company that invests in its people and

contributes meaningfully to its local

community where core family values are

not just spoken but embedded in the very

fabric of the business.”

‘‘

Having had the opportunity

to experience the awards process

first-hand - from the suspense of

waiting to hear whether we had

made the shortlist, to the thrill of

attending the ceremony, and

ultimately being announced as

winners, we felt inspired to give

something back...

‘‘

Sustainability, Technology and Innovation

In partnership with

Halesowen College

THIS YEAR’S Sustainability, Tech nology

and Innovation Award is in partnership with

Halesowen College, and judges will be

looking for companies that can

demonstrate new working methods and

initiatives, and have used them to transform

their products or services.

Jacquie Carman, principal and chief

executive at Halesowen College, said: “Our

relationship with the Black Country

Chamber goes from strength to strength

and after the success of last year’s awards,

we were eager to contribute again this year.

“The awards are a brilliant way of

celebrating the Black Country’s

achievements while showcasing the

incredible innovation through tech nology

that is taking place across the whole of the

region. They put the Black Country firmly on

the map as an enviable hot spot of

pioneering insight.

“This year we’re partnering with the

Sustainability, Tech nology and Innovation

Award to recognise those companies and

organisations that take a lead on innovation

and sustainable solutions.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing

the inspirational ways in which the

nominees are seeking to become more

sustainable, and how their customers have

benefitted from those practices being put in

place. Judges will be looking for entries

which show exceptional advancements in

sustainability, tech nology and innovation,

and who contribute with a positive societal

impact.”

Halesowen College is a lively, ambitious,

and highly inclusive tertiary college

providing broad and supportive education

and skills development to young people and

adults from across the Black Country and

Birmingham.

A cornerstone of the community, the

college aims to engage positively through

its delivery of high-quality education and

training to ensure all learners are positively

impacted and able to learn, flourish and

succeed.

‘‘

We’re really looking forward

to seeing the inspirational ways

in which the nominees are

seeking to become more

sustainable, and how their

customers have benefitted from

those practices being put in place

‘‘


OUR CHAMBER

Rob Beswick caught up with three Chamber members to learn more about their membership

of Black Country Chamber. On these pages, Surinder Summan from NatWest and Louise Taylor

from start-up Studio74Design, and overleaf, Tom Williams of Coinadrink

‘The Chamber is the glue that

binds the business community’

NatWest has been a proud member of

Black Country Chamber for over 50

years – and Surinder Summan, Director,

Commercial Mid-Market West Midlands,

could not be more delighted with the relationship

between the two organisations.

“We received a certificate in 1996 to

commemorate our silver anniversary of

membership,” he said, “and that certificate still

sits proudly on our boardroom wall,” pointing to

the spot reserved for it.

“It’s a simple sign of the value we place on our

Chamber membership, and the Chamber itself.”

When asked what Black Country Chamber

means to him and NatWest, his reply is succinct:

“The Chamber is the glue that binds the business

community. It acts as a conduit between

Government and the coalface of business. It

creates connections between businesses, and its

role should never be underplayed.”

NatWest’s involvement with the Chamber is

based very much on three strands: its

involvement with the Chamber’s Women in

Business, the Chamber’s start-ups support

network, and its membership of the Platinum

Group. The latter first. “The Platinum Group is a

hugely rewarding body to be part of,” says

Surinder. “I gain so much from every interaction

with our fellow members.”

Surinder has been involved from its inception,

and he recalls, “When it started up, there were

perhaps six or seven members, all larger

businesses like NatWest. Blue Chip if you like. But

as the membership has grown so has it become

more diverse, covering a broader cross-section

of the business community.

“The medium-sized companies that have

joined bring a new dynamic to our conversations.

That diverse outlook means we get a much

better understanding of the business landscape.”

That’s important, for business life is never all

plain sailing. Surinder said. “Businesses will

always face challenges, it’s the nature of the job,

but the way my fellow Platinum Group members

respond to them never ceases to amaze me.

They are very inspiring and I learn so much that

helps me do my job better.

“It’s an open, transparent safe space in which

we can discuss the issues affecting us, listen to

examples of best practice and take away lived

‘‘

The Chamber offers a

seamless connectivity with the

Black Country business

community... it is a partner

to everything we are

trying to achieve...

‘‘

examples of success. I never cease to be inspired

by my fellow members. The Black Country is

fortunate to have so many exceptional business

leaders.”

The Women in Business, and Young

Professionals networks, are other avenues that

NatWest regularly engages with. “It’s great that

our colleagues can build networks outside the

bank It’s important our people test the

temperature of the business landscape outside

their own offices.

“The Chamber is the perfect vehicle through

which they can do just that.”

But NatWest’s links with the Chamber don’t

stop there. Its Accelerator regularly posts events

on the Chamber website, signposting help and

guidance to SMEs in areas that are far removed

from the traditional help you’d expect from such

a large High Street bank. Says Surinder: “We host

a number of events, ranging from cyber security

awareness in conjunction with the West Midlands

Police to supporting our clients with international

trade in conjunction with the Government’s

export policy and priorities.

“Our team takes a holistic approach to the

support they can offer. They have a broad

breadth of talent that they apply in a very agile

way. We pride ourselves that we still have a

face-to-face approach, one where we walk the

factory floor so we can understand the way

businesses operate, what their needs are and

how we can support them best.”

Returning to the Chamber, Surinder is keen to

see it continue to promote the positives in the

current business landscape. “There’s a lot of

negativity in the media around business at the

moment, and that’s not an accurate reflection of

what our teams are hearing on the ground. We

want the Chamber to highlight the positives and

shout more about how great the Black Country

is. We want this region to be the first choice for

inward investment, and not just see funding flow

to big cities like Birmingham and Manchester. It

needs to come here, into our local businesses, so

the benefits can be felt at a grassroots level.”

He sees nothing but a strengthening of the

links between the Chamber and NatWest in the

future, too. “The Chamber offers a seamless

connectivity with the business community. I see

it as a partner of what we are trying to achieve in

the region. There are some issues that need to be

tackled, such as planning, reducing red tape,

tackling rising costs and encouraging more

investment, but by working together, I know we

can achieve great things and support enterprise

across the Black Country.”

This is particularly true for manufacturing,

which has so long been the heartbeat of the

Black Country. “That Made in the UK stamp is still

a powerful message,” says Surinder. “It’s seen

and understood globally as a mark of quality.

Let’s increase our exports, not just to Europe but

further afield.

“Between NatWest and the Chamber, we have

all the tools you need to assist you.”


‘My start-up links helped me

realise I’m not on my own in this’

CHAMBER member organisations come in

all shapes and sizes, from Blue Chip

business like NatWest to fledgling

one-person sole trader start-ups. One of

the latter is Studio74 Design.

This Stourbridge-based graphic design agency

is the brainchild of Louise Taylor, who decided to

set up her own business after many years working

for other agencies.

She explains more about her business and links

to the Chamber, starting off with her decision to

go it alone. “I was working for another design

agency, going out and getting clients, then

completing their projects, and I thought, ‘why don’t

I do this for myself’.”

“I know it’s a classic way to start a business, but

that’s how straight-forward it was.”

That was back in 2023 and today Louise is kept

busy with clients drawn from a broad crosssection

of the business world. Her portfolio boasts

examples of classic graphics work: company logos,

brochures, leaflets and more. She particularly

enjoys helping create stronger brand identities and

making those brands work better for clients.

And while she doesn’t code websites, she works

with web designers on the aesthetics of their

work. “I’ve just finished one project where I helped

a web developer improve the visual appeal of the

website. I’d like to do more in this area, infusing

modern web design with classic design principles.”

But Louise will admit the start of having her own

business wasn’t quite what she expected. “In

many ways nothing changed from being employed.

I was asked to provide maternity cover at an

agency for six months. It was a great start to

working for myself as it was secure, but at the

same time it didn’t expose me to some of the

realities of going it alone: chasing clients, admin,

finance, that sort of thing.”

“When the contract came to an end, I realised I’d

been cocooned from that a little, and felt a little

isolated now I was truly ‘out on my own’. ”

That was when she decided the Chamber would

be a good place to turn for help. “I knew the

Chamber well because my previous employer was

a member and always spoke highly of the

connections it had helped them make. I’d also met

Alison Trinder, the Chamber’s start-up lead, and

was very impressed by her.”

Those connections helped convince Louise to

join the Start-up Business Club. “As soon as I

joined, I attended workshops, and they were so

helpful. I found ones on time management and

accounting particularly useful. Both were new

areas for me so there was lots to learn. And despite

my design background I attended the SEO

workshop on improving websites’ profile and

reach, which again was very useful.”

But more than practical skills like accounting,

Louise takes something else from each Start-Up

event: a sense of being part of a community.

“Every event I attend I come away with advice

from my fellow members. We’re all in the same

boat, all facing the same challenges and all

‘‘

Every event I attend I

come away with advice from

‘‘

my fellow members... we are

all in the same boat...

struggling to find a way through. Starting up is

hard, and we’ve all got the same worries. Chatting

informally to fellow start-ups made me realise I

wasn’t the only one who didn’t get accounts, who

struggled with admin and wasn’t getting their time

management right.

“There is a great cross-fertilisation of ideas at

the Chamber events that promote sharing of best

practice. I realised I wasn’t alone in not knowing –

and it’s easier to learn in company when everyone

is on the same journey. It made the challenges I

faced feel more relatable.”

Another key takeaway are the connections she

makes. “Every meeting is a great chance to widen

my network. It’s not that I’ll talk to someone and

Louise at

work: “I enjoy

helping clients

create

stronger brand

identities, and

making that

branding work

better.”

they’ll say, ‘I need a new logo, I need a company

brochure,’ but it’s more, we chat and they’ll tell me

of someone else they know who needs these

things, and put us in touch with each other.”

The kindness shown by fellow members is also

touching, Louise says. “There is a real

companionship among us, a feeling of being on the

same journey together. It’s wonderful.”

She recalls one particular example fondly. “I was

chatting to a lady at a workshop who had just set

herself up as an accountant. While we chatted, I

think it became clear to her that I was really

worried about the finance side, recording

expenses, that sort of thing.

“When I got home, I found an email waiting for

me from her, with some Excel spreadsheets

attached for recording expenses, and instructions

for their use.

“No charge; she was just reaching out to a fellow

traveller who needed a helping hand.”

In the future Louise will target sessions on

self-management, as “maintaining a good

work-life balance is going to be crucial. It’s too

easy to fall into the trap of always being on for

work; I need to find ways of switching off, of finding

space for me.”

Going forward, Chamber membership is

something Louise says she’s always treasure. “I’ve

made so many great connections, learned so

much about running a business, and it’s all thanks

to the Chamber. I’m delighted with the way

Studio74 Design is going – and the Chamber has

played a big part in that.”


OUR CHAMBER

‘It’s a peer group

without parallel’

COINADRINK has been providing Black

Country businesses, offices and

organisations with much-needed

refreshment since 1962. Now managed

by Tom Williams, son of the company’s founder,

Roger Williams, it is on a growth trajectory, with

its machines now supplied in close to 1,000

offices, buildings and other premises across the

West Midlands and beyond.

While it started out supplying vending

machines, today its product list includes water

coolers, coffee machines for the office and

kitchens, and unattended retail solutions like

micro markets and smart fridges as well as a

much broader variety of vending machines

stocked with everything from ready meals to hot

drinks and snacks.

Coinadrink first joined the Chamber back in

1973 and it has been a member ever since, raising

its profile by joining the Platinum Group in 2017.

As Tom Williams explains, that commitment is

down to the benefits he sees Coinadrink deriving

from its links with the Chamber.

“We’ve always greatly valued our Chamber

membership,” says Tom. “When we were offered

the chance to join the Platinum Group it was a

simple decision for us to make; the access it gives

us to other business leaders within the region is

second to none.”

It’s sometimes hard to quantify what you get

from joining any membership organisation but

with the Platinum Group Tom says it is

straightforward. “It is a networking group like no

other. It offers us insights into business best

practice from a group of senior business leaders I

know I can turn to for guidance and advice.

“Every time we meet up it’s a chance to share

how we are faring, to go through the challenges

we face and share advice on tackling them.

“The biggest positive I gain is knowing I’m not

alone in the challenges I face. It’s always

refreshing to know that others are in the same

boat, and then hear how they overcame them.”

The group is a tight knit one, as Tom explains.

“We don’t just meet up at Chamber events; I

often see other members of the Platinum Group

around the region and it’s great to have a quick

catch-up, check-in with them to see how they

are faring.”

“It’s a peer support group that’s without

parallel.”

Tom’s quick to highlight one particular area

where he has received support in recent times.

“We were talking about mentoring at a Platinum

Group event, and how best to support up and

coming managers. From the way other

businesses approached the issue it became clear

how important it was to check-in with your team

on a personal level, to conduct welfare checks

that went beyond the simple ‘how’s business’.

“You need to get to know the person, too, and

we’ve taken that advice away and implemented it

throughout Coinadrink.”

To Tom, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in

Black Country business life. “It’s there to fight our

corner, to have our back,” he says. “The

Chamber’s there to promote the Black Country

as a place to do business.

“This region has so much going for it: its history

of manufacturing, for instance, and its traditions.

But it’s more than that now; the region’s tech

businesses are flourishing too. The Chamber’s

great at getting out there and shouting about

that, making the case for this region to be the

right one for investment.”

As for Tom’s own concerns, he’s keen to see

the Chamber continue to push the Government

over the rise in employer NI contributions – “it’s

created a huge rise in our business costs” – and,

as the owner for a family firm, to look for

progress on inheritance tax.

“Those two areas are my biggest concerns at

the moment,” he says.

‘‘

“It is a networking

group like no other. It

offers us insights into

business best practice

from a group of senior

business leaders I know

I can turn to for

guidance and advice.

‘‘

Tom at the Chamber’s

annual Business Awards


SPOTLIGHT ON... GAIL ARNOLD

For the past 30 years the

beating heart of the

Chamber’s services has

been our head of premium

membership, Gail Arnold.

Here she talks to Amy Bould

about her role, her passion

for supporting businesses

– and why she’ll never leave

anyone standing on their

own at an event

‘It’s always been about

making connections’

WHEN you’ve been in the job as long as Gail

Arnold, you know a thing or two about

business. And the people who run them. And

yes, in some cases, how to run them too.

Not that she would ever presume to think that herself.

Self-deprecating, professional, precise and prepared, Gail

even pauses in our interview to check in: “Is this okay? Is

this what you need?”

I think that’s the ‘Queen’ of Black Country Business in a

nutshell. (Undoubtedly she is, having worked with 10

different Chamber CEOs - just four shy of Her Majesty’s 15

PMs!)

The last 30 years of Gail’s professional life have been

making sure that businesses have what they need: support,

networks, knowledge, best practice.

And although her day-to-day role in 2025 revolves

around the Chamber Patrons and The Platinum Group, when

she started her Chamber career, it was all about getting

those numbers signed up.

She said: “Back in 1995, there were four separate smaller

chambers: Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and I joined the

Wolverhampton one based on the Tettenhall Road in the

June. My role really was to recruit new members and I can

remember signing up 26 in the July and 30 in the August – I

actually kept all of my diaries with all of my bookings right

up until three years ago when we needed to move office.”

It’s clearly a matter of personal pride – and a sign that

Gail doesn’t go at anything in half-measures – that the

numbers came in in droves, and many are still members

today, like Bulleys Chartered Surveyors and AW Baxter, who

she signed up in 1995.

“There were a lot of changes then. In 1996 we merged

with the local Training Enterprise Council and Business Link

was started by Michael Hesseltine. We became the first

Chamber of Commerce to be part of a Training Enterprise

Council and a Business Link.”

The Chamber movement is synonymous with networking

and three decades of it means Gail’s one of the best.

“I would do so many events back then, new member

evenings and networking mornings. I remember one when I

first joined, at Patshull Park Hotel - who I worked with for

years and years afterwards - and Nick Shayler, who was

the chief executive of Jaguar at the time, was the speaker.

We were all having a proper sit down lunch and it was so hot

What the members

say about Gail...

“The support, guidance,

and wealth of knowledge

shared by Gail has been

incredible. Nothing is

ever too much trouble,

and there’s always

someone ready to offer a

helping hand or give

meaningful advice when

needed.”

Winster Limited


Where Gail’s happiest:

Visiting a member, in

this case ASSA ABLOY

that the doors were open... then all these ducks just

wandered in!

“We used to have a lot more lunches back then.”

Although the networking lunches may have slowed

down, Gail certainly hasn’t. Her happy place is being out and

about visiting businesses, connecting with her members

and them with each other.

“I’ve always worked with members directly. I’ve brought

new members on, ensured customer care, retention,

organised new members and awards evenings, sold events,

sold sponsorship… but in 2013 I was asked to look after The

Platinum Group.”

The group was started in 2011 with a core membership of

12 - mainly manufacturing, logistics and related sector

businesses - working across three areas of sharing best

practice, peer group and building strong business

relationships.

As you’d expect, Gail made such a success of it that she

was asked to take on the role of looking after Chamber

Patrons. Not to stop there, Gail then set up a separate

Platinum Group for service sector businesses in 2016.

“Some of these members in The Platinum Group have

been with me since the very beginning, like Thomas Dudley

Ltd and Moog Aircraft. It’s all about helping businesses,

pointing them in the right direction, introducing them to

other people and trying to help if they’ve got a problem.

Also, you know, putting people with people, because if I

can’t help them, sometimes other people can.”

This desire to connect people with people for business

good was something Gail vowed to do in her first month of

the job. She said: “I’d not long started when I was asked to

attend the opening of an extension at a local hospital. Now,

bear in mind I was going into a different area of business and

I didn’t know anybody in the room. I didn’t know a soul.

“There were lots of medical consultants there, all clinging

to each other. They probably weren’t used to going to this

sort of thing themselves either.

“It was so hard because no one would interact with me or

talk to me. And from that moment on I said that I would

never, ever let anybody stand on their own at an event,

because I knew what that was like. I have always done it at

‘‘

I’ll always put someone with

someone at an event. If I see anyone

on their own, I’ll invite them to have

a chat with someone else, and

help make that connection...

‘‘

any network meeting I’ve been to, doesn’t matter if it’s a

Chamber one or an external one.

“I’ll always put someone with someone; if I see anyone on

their own I’ll approach and invite them to come and have a

chat with someone else. That was something I learned at

the very beginning.”

Her members rely on her for lots of things – not least a

Google search sometimes.

“Sometimes the phone will ring or an email will come in

and, for example, they want to change a supplier. Of course,

we’ll look to our membership first and talk to colleagues, but

sometimes people forget Google.

Continued on page 34

What the members

say about Gail...

“The relationship we

have with Gail Arnold is

second to none, she has

become an extension of

the team here at MET

and that’s because she

really understands our

values, culture, and

business goals.”

MET Recruitment (UK)

“We would like to pay

special thanks to Gail

Arnold for her

unwavering support to

our business. Here’s to

the next 60 years!”

Coinadrink Ltd


SPOTLIGHT ON... GAIL ARNOLD

What the members

say about Gail...

“We tap into the huge

calendar of events the

Chamber put on, both for

making new connections

and sharing best practice

with like-minded

businesses. Last, but

certainly not least is the

fantastic advice we get

from Gail Arnold.”

In-Comm Training

“Since joining, Gail and

the team have been

incredibly supportive and

have offered a whole

range of engagement

opportunities. Gail and

the team take the time

to understand each

businesses individual

interests and needs and

always go above and

beyond.”

Heathrow Airport

“We have been Chamber

Platinum Group

members for a few years

now and have never

looked back since

upgrading from our gold

membership.

“Nothing is ever to much

trouble when it comes to

helping and connecting

businesses in the area.”

KMB Shipping Services

Continued from page 33

“They’ll say, oh, thanks so much, how did you find them?

And I’ll say, well I just put keywords into Google and it came

up! “I would hate anyone to think I’d let them down, that I’d

not called them or done something I said I would do. No, that

would be awful.”

Turning to Gail before trying Google is perhaps a sign of

how much those members she looks after rely on her. She

has, over three decades, become a trusted ear to many

business owners – another aspect of her role she takes

pride in.

“There’s nothing better than to go into businesses and

just to have the opportunity to see what they do... and they

want to tell you all about it.

“Of course, many companies have been through a lot, like

Covid and Brexit, and they are still facing challenges. I’ve had

women and men cry in front of me because their business

was flagging in years gone by”

And it’s times like those that the trust she has built with

members becomes key. “Obviously everything that they

talk to me about is totally confidential. I never betray a

confidence. It doesn’t leave the room that you’re sitting in.

That’s important.”

She can’t give an exact figure, but Gail thinks the number

of businesses she’s supported in the last three decades runs

into the thousands. So, does she think her experience

means she can spot where businesses are going wrong or at

least, could do better?

“I do think I like things to be done properly, so sometimes

you might walk into a business and think ‘well, if you swept

‘‘

There’s

nothing better

than

to go into

businesses and

just to have the

opportunity to

see what they

do... and they

want to tell

you all about it

‘‘

Gail at the offices

of Platinum Group

member Lawrence

Cleaning Ltd

this car park and got rid of all this’... but honestly, I’m there to

help and support with whatever they need.”

And she is there, often, with no sign of slowing down.

“My husband and I were like ships in the night for many

years. He used to work for himself in a role where he’d work

more of an evening. I’d be working late and we’d literally just

walk past each other, a bit like in the film Brassed Off! Now

he’s retired, it’s better but it’s always been busy.”

I can’t not mention what so many people say when they

meet and know Gail – that she’s always so beautifully

dressed and smart, you can’t imagine her coming to the

office in a hoodie.

Her answer is along the lines of never having enough

clothes and we joke that if any fashion retailers would like

her to wear their clothes to support their business – she’d

be very happy to!

If there’s a way to help a business, it’s clear Gail will find it.

After all these years, she must have her favourites. The

members she feels tied to or even a part of?

She looks for a minute like she might just spill the beans.

“Oh, I couldn’t,” she says. Professional to the end. That’s

just Gail.

For more information on The Platinum Group or

The Chamber Patron Group, contact

Gail Arnold on 07810 377819 or email

gailarnold@blackcountrychamber.co.uk


New members

A warm welcome to the following businesses

who have recently joined the Chamber.

MEMBERS’ NEWS EXTRA

New partner to

strengthen mfg’s

employment team

LEADING Midlands law firm mfg Solicitors has

appointed respected employment lawyer Tim

Lang as a partner in its award-winning

Employment department.

With over 30 years’ experience and a

decade as an Employment Tribunal judge, Tim

joins from George Green Solicitors where he

was senior partner and led the employment

division for more than 20 years.

The appointment supports mfg Solicitors’

regional expansion, with the firm now having

40 partners and over 240 staff across six

offices in Birmingham, Worcester,

Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Telford and

Ludlow.

Tim Lang said: “What stood out was mfg

Solicitors’ clear strategic direction, strong

Midlands reputation, and commitment to

investing in people and client relations. The

Employment team already has an immense

reputation, ranked highly by Legal 500 and

Chambers and Partners. I’m delighted to join

partners Sally Morris, Beverley Smith, Chris

Piggott and Darryll Thomas to form one of the

region’s strongest employment law teams.”

Sally Morris, partner and head of

Employment, added: “We’re thrilled to

welcome Tim.

“His extensive experience, leadership skills,

and strong reputation will be invaluable to our

team and clients.”


CHAMBER CHARITY OF THE YEAR

A very precious beacon

of hope for the blind

Introducing your

Chamber Charity of

the Year: The Beacon

Centre for the Blind

2025 is a special year for the Beacon

Centre for the Blind, as we proudly mark

150 years of supporting people with sight

loss across the Black Country.

Since 1875, we’ve grown from providing Braille

classes and helping to launch the charity shop

movement in the UK, to becoming a leading

provider of life-changing services for thousands

of blind and partially sighted people in our region.

Today, Beacon is more than a charity — we are

a thriving community. We deliver essential

support that helps people with sight loss to live

independent and fulfilling lives.

From employment coaching, digital training,

and health and wellbeing sessions to braille and

traditional craft workshops, our services are

varied but united by one goal: to break down the

barriers blind and partially sighted people face

every day.

But we don’t stop there. We also play a vital

role in the wider community by tackling health

inequalities at a system level and acting as a lead

provider for mental health provision in the

voluntary sector. Through this work, we enable

smaller voluntary sector partners to deliver

mental health and wellbeing projects, amplifying

their reach and strengthening support for those

who need it most.

With more than 37,000 people currently living

with sight loss in the Black Country — and

numbers expected to rise to over 42,700 by 2032

— our work has never been more urgent.

How your business can help

As a business, you have a unique opportunity

to make your workplace more inclusive — not just

for your staff, but also for your customers.

Almost half of employers say they don’t have

accessible recruitment practices and don’t know

where to find funding for reasonable adjustments.

Yet small changes can make a big difference.

Here are five simple ways to become more

sight-loss-friendly:

The Beacon team led by

CEO Lisa Cowley (centre)

launch their 150th year

celebrations

1. Make printed materials accessible – Use

large, clear fonts and high-contrast colours.

2. Offer alternative formats – Provide

information in audio, digital, or braille formats

when needed – we can help you with that at

Beacon!

3. Use clear signage – Ensure signs are easy to

read, well-lit, and free of clutter.

4. Train your staff – A simple awareness

session delivered by our expert team can help

your staff feel confident in assisting people with

sight loss.

5. Review your recruitment – Ensure job

descriptions are accessible and that adjustments

are offered and explained.

We’re here to help – our team can provide

expert guidance to make your workplace more

inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Beacon Centre for the

Blind helped launch the

charity shop

movement in the UK,

and its seven stores

are still going strong,

raising much-needed

funds for this vital

charity


‘‘

Today, Beacon

is more than a

charity — we are a

thriving community.

We deliver essential

support that helps

people with sight

loss to live

independent and

fulfilling lives.

‘‘

Corporate support opportunities

There are many ways to support Beacon this

year:

n Attend or sponsor our Beacon of Light Ball in

September – a major celebration with impact.

n Become a Vision Partner and work with us

long-term to drive social change in your sector.

n Donate through Black Country Chamber.

Every contribution helps

Here’s how your support could make a real

difference:

£10 could provide a session of sight loss

support for someone recently diagnosed

£50 could fund over three hours of sightfriendly

cookery support, helping someone

regain confidence in the kitchen

£150 could provide 11 hours of reception

support – where thousands of first contacts are

made each year

£800 could help someone into work –

potentially changing their family’s opportunities

for generations

Our transport service costs over £23,000 a

year, covering 19,000 miles to help people

reconnect with their community.

To find out more or get involved,

contact our fundraising team at

supportus@beaconvision.org or visit

www.beaconvision.org.

Let’s build a more inclusive Black

Country, together.

37,000+

people in the Black

Country currently

live with sight loss

– rising to 42,700

by 2032

Only 1 in 4

blind or partially

sighted working-age

people are in

employment

Almost

50%

of employers don’t have

accessible recruitment

processes or know where

to access funding for

support


PROTECTING YOUR BRAND – AND YOUR REPUTATION

There is much more to brand protection and reputation management than simply designing a shiny logo and

keeping your fingers crossed. Amy Bould, managing director of the Chamber’s communications agency Be

Bold Media, explains why.

Tesla’s slump is a

lesson in how not

to protect your brand

DO you drive a Tesla? It’s only 12 months

ago that people were proud to say they

did, and the brand was regarded as one of

the great successes of modern industry.

Tesla cars inspired huge customer loyalty and

enjoyed an unrivalled reputation for combining

stunning cutting-edge tech with environmental

responsibility.

They were both aspirational and mainstream – a

really difficult balancing act to pull off – and

company founder Elon Musk was regarded as

something of a 21st century visionary.

Of course, you know what happened next.

Mr Musk’s foray into the murky world of politics

and his close ties to Donald Trump has seen Tesla’s

stock descend into freefall.

Brand Finance reckon Tesla’s brand health

weakened by as much as 26 per cent in 2024 and

is still in need of some pretty urgent resuscitation.

In Europe, Tesla sales fell 40 per cent in February

2025 compared with the same period in 2024.

That’s an awful lot of bottom line to sacrifice for

your political beliefs and a singular example of just

how dangerous a cavalier attitude to brand

management can be for your business.

Readers of a certain vintage may well recall

Gerald Ratner performing a similar version of this

corporate self-immolation in 1991, when he

showed a little too much candour in describing

some of his jewellery company’s products as

‘crap’.

His off-the-cuff comments saw £500million

wiped off the company’s value almost overnight

and brought to an end the days of there being a

Ratner’s store on every UK High Street.

Now, I’m pretty sure I know what you are

thinking.

“That’s all well and good, but it can’t happen to

my company can it? I’m not big enough to attract

that sort of publicity and I’m not going around

shouting the odds politically to anyone who will

President Trump and

Elon Musk pictured at

a UFC event in

Madison Square

Gardens in 2024.

Before their recent

falling out, Musk’s

close links with the

president led to a

sharp fall in Tesla’s

global popularity –

and share price

‘‘

Musk’s foray into the

murky world of politics and his

close ties to Trump has seen

Tesla’s stock go into freefall.

‘‘

listen.” True enough.

But the world of business is littered with

examples of companies who thought that brand

and reputation management was simply a matter

of designing a lovely logo, having a whizzy website

and chucking out the occasional news release to

say how fantastic they are.

So what should you be doing?

Step one is to start thinking strategically about

all issues of your brand, reputation and company

narrative.

Ask yourself the really basic questions about

your business: Who are we? What do we stand

for? What are our core values? What does success

look like to us? What are our key objectives? What

do our clients and customers think about us?

It’s the first conversation we have with any new

or prospective client. Once we know who and

what they are, we can start working with them on

a strategic plan to drive their brand story in a way

which fully reflects their values and ambition and

knits every aspect of their communication

together in one cohesive whole.


M&S’s cool and measured response to its

recent cyber-attack stopped a crisis

becoming a truly existential threat.

Five things you

can do today to

protect your brand

and reputation

That plan will encompass a lot more than just

the occasional news release.

Internal communications matters too - making

sure every member of your team understands the

big vision and values which go with it and to

ensure those values are firmly embedded across

every aspect of your company’s culture.

It’s worth taking a deep, deep dive into your

social platforms to find out if they deliver a

consistent message which sells your business and

its people to the max.

Are you using the right tools, talking to the right

audience, working 24/7 to build your engagement,

delivering real value to your followers every time

you post?

Social media is social for a reason – people want

to know about people and if you can show that

your team live and breathe by your company

values every day of the week, that goes a long,

long way to building even deeper trust in your

brand.

The wonderful businesses of the Black Country

are known for their grit, their innovation and their

resilience.

Yes, that’s a key part of your brand.

Developing customer and client testimonials

which demonstrate you walk the walk as well as

talking the talk can deliver credibility.

There’s nothing more powerful than digital word

of mouth for protecting and enhancing your brand

but it’s amazing how few businesses do this really

effectively.

There is a huge focus on CSR and ESG profiles at

the moment – and quite rightly so. People

increasingly want to do business with partners

who share their values and play leading roles in

their communities.

It’s telling this story which helps people to know

how to ‘feel’ about you. It’s why people pick

Coca-Cola over Pepsi and vice versa.

Building a narrative around you and your staff

which is authentic and genuine and developing

CSR and ESG initiatives to match is a winning

formula.

It might be something as simple as sponsoring

the local girls’ cricket team, or something a bit

more ambitious such as drawing up a campaign of

volunteering activities for you and your team.

Better still, engage your people in the process – it

pays dividends in terms of employee engagement.

But of course, you can do all this, and things can

still go wrong. None of us is immune to making

mistakes and any company can find itself at the

heart of a media storm which threatens to destroy

its reputation.

The trick – and the ones all the best businesses

have mastered – is how to deal with it.

Take Marks & Spencer and its recent cyberattack

as an example.

The attack paralysed M&S’s online platforms

and led to empty shelves at its High Street stores.

It also wiped more than £1billion off its share value.

But the way M&S responded stopped a crisis

becoming a truly existential threat.

It quickly reacted by sending out direct

communications to its customers and promised

updates. It managed expectations and

commentary came straight from the top, with

CEO Stuart Machin signing on a first name basis.

He apologised. First rule of crisis comms - don’t

make it worse. Second, if the buck stops with you

– apologise. And ‘Stuart’ apologised to staff too.

They are the brand’s champions on the shopfloor.

The consistent brand-building over many years,

building trust with the British consumer, means

that M&S has not been subject to some of the

media frenzy that other companies have been

when they have been targeted in a similar way. So

far, they appear to be riding out the storm as well

as could be expected.

That takes a whole lot more than just a fancy

logo.

VALUE YOUR VALUES

What does your company stand for? Do

you know? More importantly, do your staff

and customers know?

Develop a set of authentic, realistic values

by which you want your company to be

known and then make sure you share them

with all your staff. Even better, engage

them in the process. Live by them, and

they will serve you right.

CHECK YOUR ONLINE FOOTPRINT

Do you really know what’s being said about

you and your company across the internet

and social media or how you perform on

search engines, review sites and such like?

There’s a world of data out there which can

give you the evidence you need to build a

brilliant brand. If you’re not using it, you’re

missing out.

WHAT’S THE PLAN, STAN?

Do you have crisis communications plan? If

not, it’s really time to get one sorted.

By being prepared for unforeseen

challenges you’ll take a lot of stress out of

the moments when things do go a bit

south – and respond a lot more effectively.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Train your team to be your number one

brand ambassadors.

Every member of staff is the living

embodiment of your brand, so make sure

you provide plenty of CPD around

customer interactions, crisis management

and company values and culture.

KEEP AT IT

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so your

company’s brand and reputation won’t be

either. You need to work hard at it and build

a sustained effort which pays dividends in

the long run. It will be worth it.

‘‘

Train your team to be

your number one brand

ambassadors... they are

the living embodiment of

your brand ...

‘‘


SPOTLIGHT ON... CHAMBER MARKETING TEAM

Stephanie

Sullivan, Lauren

Shepherd and

Marie Shuker

pictured at last

year’s Chamber

awards

Marketing force behind Black

Country Chamber’s success

BEHIND every successful business

organisation lies a dedicated team

working tirelessly to raise profiles, create

connections and deliver value: that’s the

folks in the marketing department.

And at Black Country Chamber of Commerce,

that team plays a crucial role in not only

supporting members but amplifying the voice of

the Black Country business community across

the region – and beyond.

Leading the four-person team is head of

marketing and communications Stephanie

Sullivan, who joined the Chamber 16 months ago.

Wearing numerous hats, as leaders of small

teams often do, Steph is also Editor of the

flagship Prosper magazine.

She explains her role: “I’m quite hands-on - but

I enjoy the variety that brings. The Chamber has

an important role to play in raising the profile of

the region and directly supporting members so

I’m the one tasked with coming up with the

masterplan for communicating that and

translating it into plans and objectives!

“Together as a team, we amplify our members’

messages and raise their profiles. And we create

events that bring members together to network,

connect and ultimately grow their businesses. An

important part is the feedback from members so

we also conduct surveys and listen to what

matters to them, so that we can lobby

government on their behalf.”

Alongside Stephanie is Lauren Shepherd, who

has served as digital marketing manager for two

and a half years. Lauren manages the Chamber’s

digital presence across website, email and social

media channels. The team is completed by Marie

Shuker, events and projects officer for just over a

year, and the department’s newest addition,

Maissha Rahman, marketing and content

co-ordinator, who joined this year.

‘‘

As a team we amplify

our members’ messages and

raise their profiles, and create

events that bring members

together to connect and

grow their businesses...

Stephanie Sullivan

‘‘

Lauren said: “It’s important for businesses to

connect with their audience and build awareness

of their brand. So whether it’s engaging with

them on social media, sharing their news in our

newsletters, or putting together a bespoke

marketing plan to suit their business needs, we

can help members by raising their profile in the

business community.”

Always keen to embrace the latest technologies

and innovations in their work, the team

is harnessing the powering of artificial intelligence

in day-to-day workings, while ensuring they

maintain the human touch.

Stephanie says: “AI is incredibly powerful and

we will all need to learn how to harness its

strengths in order to create efficiencies in our

work and home lives. We must tread carefully but

without being scared of it – it has the ability to

enhance our world.”

Lauren agrees: “AI is here to stay but not to

replace. It can be a useful tool to support the

work we do but nothing can replace the human

element of content creation.”

For Black Country businesses looking to

maximise their Chamber membership, the team

offers practical advice.


do business

‘‘People

with people – the chance to

get together around the table

is important for building

long-term successful

relationships...

Maissha Rahman (left)

‘‘

Marie works closely with colleagues on

planning events and says there’s one thing

businesses can easily do - Show Up!

“The more businesses put into their

membership, the more they’ll get back. Come to

the networking events, speak to other members,

find out what they do. And make the most of

your time with us! We have lots of ways we can

support your business, and we’re here and willing

to help,” she said.

As a newer member, Maissha offers

encouragement to those hesitant about

networking: “From personal experience I

understand that it can be scary to put yourself

into a conversation, but when you do, you meet

amazing people who bring you a fresh

perspective and newfound confidence.

“People do business with people after all – the

chance to get together around the table is

important for building long-term successful

relationships.”

Each of the team has projects they’ve

particularly enjoyed. For Marie, International

Women’s Day stands out.

“This year not only did we combine it with

Wolverhampton Wanderers Women’s team and

the opening of their new exhibition in the

museum, but we also invited men who have

supported women in business. It was a great

event from beginning to end and it was lovely to

see so many women supporting women in the

Black Country.”

Lauren takes pride in the Chamber’s digital

transformation, working with web developers

and the team on designing a new-look website to

“create a positive user experience.”

Stephanie’s labour of love is Prosper – issued

quarterly, it is packed with features and news

about, and for, members.

“I enjoyed working on our campaign last year

featuring members’ stories, and I find putting

together each edition of Prosper incredibly

satisfying – it’s so packed full of interesting

articles and informative features. But I’m also

incredibly proud of our annual awards ceremony

– which this year is set to be bigger and better

than ever!”

Despite being new to the team, Maissha is

already looking forward to her first major event:

“I’m most excited for the awards! I’ve heard so

many great stories from the previous winners

and from the Chamber team. I’m excited to

witness the atmosphere and celebrate what the

Black Country has to offer!”

Singing from the same hymn sheet is a

well-worn phrase but in the case of this quartet,

perfectly apt: some quick-fire questions looked

to find some differences of opinion, but the team

even agrees on who makes the best tea!

“Malcolm [Reid] makes good tea,” says

Maissha. “But then tea at the Chamber tastes so

much better as we always have a full snack

table!” And a second vote for Malcolm’s tea

making skills comes from Marie, who pinpoints

his ‘right tea-to-milk ratio’.

This small but perfectly formed team punches

well above its weight, pooling their talents and

genuine passion to champion Black Country

businesses.

From eye-catching digital campaigns and

buzzing networking events to glossy publications

and prestigious awards nights, they make sure

every Chamber member gets noticed, makes

valuable connections and receives practical

support to flourish in the Black Country’s

distinctive industrial landscape.

To find out more about how you

can connect with the Chamber’s

marketing team, contact them via

the Chamber website HERE

PR specialists team up

to take the Chamber’s

stories to the next level

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce

has appointed new public relations specialists

as it looks to strengthen its position as the

voice of business in the region.

Be Bold Media, a BCCC member for more

than five years, won a competitive pitch

process alongside Cucumber PR to clinch the

contract, bringing their combined expertise

to support the Chamber’s communications

needs.

Be Bold’s Amy Bould and long-time

collaborator Russ Cockburn, of Cucumber PR,

have worked together to deliver PR and

communications campaigns for businesses

across the Midlands for more than a decade.

Amy said: “Our team is already up and

running, working closely with the excellent

marketing and communications team at the

Chamber and we’re really enjoying working

together.

“The journalism background of both our

teams means we’re perfectly placed to

support with the Prosper magazine and the

Chamber is already seeing the benefit of our

media relations work, with features in

regional business titles, aviation publications

- thanks to the Heathrow partnership – and

CEO Sarah Moorhouse’s views reported in

The Sunday Times.”

Steph Sullivan, head of marketing and

communications, added: “It was clear from

the beginning that Amy and Russ understood

the vital role the Chamber plays in supporting

local businesses and amplifying their

collective voice.

“They brought energy, ideas and creativity

to the pitch and their pro-active approach is

already delivering successes for us.”

Cucumber PR and Be Bold Media

directors. From left, Joan Cockburn,

Mark Waugh, Amy Bould and Russ

Cockburn.


MEMBERS’ NEWS

Business with purpose: Clickingmad’s

25 ‘Acts of Kindness’ mark special year

CLICKINGMAD is celebrating 25th anniversary by giving back to the

community through ‘25 Acts of Kindness’.

The campaign will see the company deliver 25 meaningful acts

throughout 2025. At the heart of this initiative is their pledge to

donate £75,000 worth of digital services including website design,

digital strategy and technical support to charities and non-profit

organisations.

But their commitment goes further. Through 25 in 25, the

Clickingmad team are also giving their time through volunteering,

fundraising and awareness training. From litter picking to dementia

awareness and tree planting, every act is chosen to reflect a desire to

support local communities.

Rejoining the Chamber at Gold Member level gives Clickingmad a

fantastic platform to share this mission and connect with likeminded

businesses across the Black Country and they’re excited to

collaborate, support and build relationships with fellow members

and, where possible, help their chosen charities and community

organisations to benefit from 25 in 25 too.

If you are involved in a local charity, or know of one who could use

help with their digital presence, please contact the company at

25in25@clickingmad.com, or visit

www.clickingmad.com to find out more.

Stuart Anderson MP with Clickingmad Team to

launch 25 in 25. The team will donate IT services

as well as perform tasks in their local community

Major upgrade for Wednesbury Great Western Street Metro

GOLD Chamber member Sandwell Council has

made significant improvements to the public

space at Wednesbury Great Western Street

Metro stop.

The improvements are part of the Wednesbury

Levelling Up Programme (LUP) and the wider

Public Realm project, both funded by HM

Government.

The revitalised area now features new paving,

upgraded lighting, comfortable benches, and a

new litter bin, providing a more attractive, safe,

welcoming and accessible environment for both

residents and visitors. In addition, new trees and

shrubs have been planted to enhance the

streetscape.

With the expansion of the West Midlands

Metro Network and, with its location at the

centre of this network, Wednesbury will take on

a new prominence. These improvements are

therefore just the beginning of more widespread

changes to the town as outlined in the

Wednesbury Town Centre Masterplan.

Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and

Infrastructure, said: “This is an exciting upgrade

that transforms the Great Western Street Metro

area into a more inviting public space and

gateway to the town. These improvements are

part of our commitment to making Sandwell

cleaner, greener and safer for everyone.”

Maria Jardine, Chair of Wednesbury Levelling

Up Partnership Board said: “The Metro area

improvements are a key element of the

investment into public spaces being supported by

the Wednesbury Levelling Up Partnership. This

has already included new and upgraded CCTV

cameras and a radio link scheme to support

businesses in the town centre.’


Darvick Ltd powers UK hydrogen

innovation from the Black Country

AS the hydrogen economy accelerates, Brierley

Hill-based Chamber member Darvick Ltd is

leading the way in hydrogen testing, offering

capabilities currently unmatched anywhere else

in the UK.

Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionise

how we power vehicles, aircraft, and industry, as

unlike traditional fuels, it can be produced from

renewable sources — offering a clean, sustainable

route to decarbonisation.

However, using hydrogen safely, especially in

its high-pressure or cryogenic (ultra-cold) forms,

presents complex challenges. Materials must be

rigorously tested to ensure they can withstand

these harsh environments without becoming

brittle, leaking, or failing – and that’s where this

Black Country SME is playing a vital role.

“Hydrogen presents both a huge opportunity

and a serious challenge,” says Darren Wilkes,

director at Darvick Ltd. “We’re proud to be building

the UK’s capability to test and validate the

materials that will shape our clean energy future.”

With UKAS flexible scope accreditation,

Darvick supports the transition from early-stage

development to certified materials ready to use

in real world applications.

In addition, as part of its commitment to

advancing hydrogen capabilities, Darvick is

leading a new three-year R&D initiative: Material

Certification in Hydrogen for Industrial Net-zero

Emissions (MACH2INE). The project aims to

accelerate the safe use of hydrogen by delivering

two unique test machines capable of simulating

real-world hydrogen service conditions, validated

data to support safe material use in hydrogenpowered

technologies and improved certification

frameworks to support industry standards and

safety.

Darvick have also launched a new highpressure,

high-temperature hydrogen testing

service for hollow samples, including tensile and

fatigue testing, currently a unique service now

being used by their aerospace customers,

offering an essential step forward in materials

qualification for hydrogen applications that was

not previously available to them.

Woodhall’s thinking of the future

as it unveils latest 3D printer

IN A bold move to future proof its operations and

reinforce its status as a leader in the

manufacturing sector, Chamber member

Woodhall Products has invested in a new

advanced resin 3D printer Form4L and the new

Peel3D scanner.

This strategic upgrade marks a major step

forward for the Cradley Heath-based

manufacturing company, known for its precision

engineering and long-standing commitment to

quality.

With the introduction of this state-of-the-art

new additive manufacturing capability,

Woodhall’s aims to streamline prototyping,

enhance product accuracy, and reduce

turnaround times for clients across the UK and

beyond.

In regards to the new scanning technology, this

allows the company to rapidly convert detailed

scans into highly accurate digital models, which

can then be reproduced using industrial grade 3D

printers or reverse engineered for the

customer’s needs.

Recently they used the International Model

Show in Telford to showcase the new devices.

“Our investment isn’t just about keeping up

with the times it’s about staying ahead,” says

managing director Ian Heaford. “By integrating

this technology into our workflow, we’re opening

the door to improved product testing, more

sustainable manufacturing processes and faster

design iterations for new and current products.”

The 3D capability enables Woodhall’s to deliver

precise solutions with exceptional efficiency

while remaining proudly rooted in the Black

Country’s engineering heritage, and is also a vote

of confidence in UK manufacturing.

UKSE funding proves

spark for growth plans

A MANUFACTURER of electrical components

is ready to expand its business and create

new jobs following funding from business

investment specialist and bronze Chamber

member UKSE.

Webster-Wilkinson Limited, a

manufacturer of high voltage transformer

components based in Halesfield, Telford, has

secured a six-figure funding package from

UKSE to support growth plans through the

installation of a new moulding plant.

The funds will also enable investment into

new CAD-CAM tech, expanding the

company’s sales team and increasing

marketing while supporting the creation of a

minimum of five jobs.

Managing director James Russell said: “This

funding will ensure the business builds on

nearly 60 years of operating at the forefront

of high-voltage accessory manufacturing for

the transformer and distribution industry.

“UKSE have provided us with support,

understanding the pressures and getting to

know the business before providing the

finance through a thorough process.”


MEMBERS’ NEWS

Pallet-Track’s Stuart Godman with

Walsall FC’s CEO, Ben Sadler

Pallet-Track nets

major partnership

with Walsall FC

BLACK Country logistics firm Pallet-Track

has secured stadium naming rights with

Walsall Football Club, with the Saddlers

playing at The Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium

from the 2025-26 season.

The Wolverhampton-based company’s

branding will feature around the stadium,

extending a partnership first established in

2023-24. The deal provides visibility to an

estimated 3.6 million weekly motorists as

the stadium sits alongside the M6.

Pallet-Track CEO Stuart Godman said:

“We’re extremely proud to make our

partnership more visible. We know how

important it is to play an active part in the

local community, and our ongoing

partnership with the Saddlers is a perfect

example of this. We’ve enjoyed watching

Walsall go from strength-to-strength.”

Adept Marketing Services

Ltd marks fifth anniversary

ADEPT Marketing Services’ managing

director Jonathan

Brachmanski has paid a

heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the

company’s customers,

colleagues, suppliers and

friends on its fifth birthday.

“Five years is a fantastic

achievement for the business

and one to certainly celebrate,” said Jonathan.

“We are proud of what we have achieved and

excited about the future as we continue to

grow as a marketing agency and deliver the

highest level of service we can for our

customers.”

Adept’s mission is to work honestly and

provide the best service for each customer.

Over the past five years their client base has

grown as they’ve worked with many fantastic

organisations in the Black Country and UK.

Halesowen proud as it

reaches gold standard

for safeguarding

HALESOWEN College is celebrating after

successfully retaining the Leaders in

Safeguarding Gold Award, reaffirming its

commitment to maintaining the highest

standards of safeguarding.

The accolade follows a rigorous assessment by

the Leaders in Safeguarding scrutiny and

validation panel, which praised the College’s

strong safeguarding culture.

The latest report commended Halesowen

College for its dedication, stating, “The college

successfully maintains a clear and transparent

culture that fosters highly effective safeguarding

and promotes the welfare of learners and staff.”

Jennifer Morrison, head of safeguarding at

Halesowen College, expressed her pride in the

achievement, saying, “This accolade is a

testament to our unwavering commitment to

maintaining the highest standards of

safeguarding in education and validates the steps

we take to keep others as safe as possible.

“We are proud to work with Leaders in

Safeguarding to ensure that our practices remain

exemplary and that we provide a safe

environment for all.

“Thank you to our dedicated team for their hard

work and commitment to safeguarding

excellence. Together, we will continue to uphold

the highest standards and make a positive impact

in our community.”

Leaders in Safeguarding provides quality

BIRMINGHAM City University (BCU) is the

leading university in the West Midlands for

student and graduate start-up creation, securing

the 13th position nationally, according to the

latest data from the Higher Education Statistics

Agency (HESA).

In the past year, BCU students and graduates

have established nearly 100 start-ups,

assurance, specialist support, training, and expert

scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements in

education, health, social care, and leisure settings.

Their rigorous evaluation process ensures that

organisations not only meet but exceed essential

safeguarding standards.

By retaining the Gold Award, Halesowen

College reinforces its position as a leader in

safeguarding excellence. This recognition

underscores the College’s ongoing dedication to

providing a safe and supportive environment for

all students and staff.

BCU in the lead for start-ups

surpassing all other higher education institutions

in the region.

Comparing nationally, the University of Oxford

produced just 20 spin-outs and start-ups last

year, with this year’s ranking seeing BCU move

up one place from compared to 2024.

Professor Hanifa Shah, pro vice-chancellor of

research, enterprise, engagement and STEAM at

BCU, commented: “This accomplishment

recognises our continued success in nurturing

home-grown entrepreneurial talent by offering

our students specialised pathways that support

their ambitions, delivered through STEAMhouse,

our flagship innovation centre.

“The West Midlands business ecosystem

benefits greatly from graduate skills joining the

workforce sooner, and our students are

supported to transform their innovative ideas

into thriving businesses.”


City of Wolverhampton College is

electrifying apprentices’ careers

LUXURY car manufacturer Bentley Motors is

preparing its staff for the journey towards

producing electric vehicles by enrolling 18 of its

manufacturing technicians on electrical

apprenticeships at Chamber member City of

Wolverhampton College.

The college is delivering a three-year

maintenance operations and engineering

apprenticeship which will see participants from

Bentley’s site in Crewe attend block-release

placements every six weeks at the new

Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre, at

the Wellington Road campus in Bilston.

The programme - which follows the

apprenticeship’s electrical system and process

control pathway - covers integrated electrical

systems, preventative maintenance procedures

and fault diagnosis, all tailored to Bentley’s needs.

The apprentices will combine working for the

company with studying for a set of occupational

standards supported by college tutors and

apprenticeship assessors.

In addition, the college is also providing

polymer processing apprenticeship training for an

additional four staff which will be delivered at the

college’s specialist Polymer Training and

THE Sandwell Colleges’ £9.3 million Skills Campus

in Cradley Heath has reached a significant

milestone, with a topping-out ceremony to mark

the completion of the core building phase of the

project.

The ceremony, attended by college leaders,

Sandwell Council representatives and other key

partners, highlights the substantial progress of

the new development, which remains on track to

open in early 2026.

Once completed the Skills Campus will provide

essential training and learning opportunities to

equip local people with the skills needed for

in-demand industries, supporting economic

growth and employment in Sandwell and the

Black Country.

Lisa Capper MBE, principal and CEO of The

Sandwell Colleges, commented: “Today’s topping

out ceremony represents another step forward in

our commitment to delivering a new and

much-needed learning facility at the heart of the

community.

“Once open, the campus will be instrumental in

providing cutting-edge skills training and

supporting our region’s economic growth in skills

Innovation Centre in Telford.

Daniel Degg, head of business development

and employer engagement at the college, said:

“We are thrilled that Bentley - a leader in

automotive luxury and sustainability - has

chosen the college as a training provider on its

journey towards electrification.

priority areas including health and adult social

care, construction, digital and essential skills.

“By investing in high-quality education and

training, we are ensuring that learners of all ages

have the opportunity to further their education,

progress to the next stage and secure rewarding

careers.”

The Sandwell Colleges’ Skills Campus, located

on Lower High Street in Cradley Heath, is a key

component of the Rowley Regis Town Investment

Plan. Funded through the Government’s Towns

Fund, the project is a testament to Sandwell

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in equipping

employees with the latest industry skills and

knowledge, aligning perfectly with both Bentley’s

vision for innovation and the college’s

commitment to excellence in education and

training as we prepare our employees for the

future.”

Sandwell College celebrates major milestone as

work continues on Cradley Heath Skills Campus

Participants from

Bentley’s site in

Crewe attend

block-release

placements

every six weeks

at the new

Advanced

Technology and

Automotive

Centre, at the

Wellington Road

campus in Bilston.

Lisa Capper, principal and CEO, with college,

council and construction colleagues at the

topping out ceremony

Council’s commitment to community

regeneration, educational excellence, and career

advancement for residents in the area.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, leader of

Sandwell Council, said: “This fantastic new

campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities,

specialist training workshops, and employer-led

programs designed to meet the evolving needs of

local industries and adult learning. It will serve as

a hub for skills development, ensuring that

learners gain real-world experience and

qualifications that lead to sustainable

employment.”

The new campus is being developed in close

collaboration with industry partners, further

education specialists, and Sandwell Council to

create a campus of excellence that will support a

pipeline of skilled workers for the region’s

growing industries.


MEMBERS’ NEWS

Region’s visitor economy champions

recognised at 2025 Tourism Awards

THE best venues, experiences and events from

across the West Midlands visitor economy were

honoured at the 2025 West Midlands Tourism

Awards, with 15 winners crowned at the annual

celebration of the sector at Edgbaston Stadium.

Tourism businesses from across the region

attended the ceremony hosted by radio, TV and

sports broadcaster Amber Sandhu, with

entertainment provided by B:Music Young

Performers and music group W!RED. The awards

were organised by the West Midlands Growth

Company, the region’s lead for the West Midlands

Destination Development Partnership.

Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West

Midlands, the keynote speaker at the ceremony,

said “This is an important evening in the West

Midlands’ events calendar to pay tribute to the

wonderful tourism champions who have a direct

impact on the positive way that the region is

perceived.

“More than 145 million people visit the West

Midlands each year, enjoying our magical cultural

attractions, fantastic culinary settings and

memorable business and sporting events offer.

“Crucially, too, tourism supports more than

143,000 jobs, offering inclusive growth and

development opportunities for those who work

hard to succeed.

“I was pleased and honoured to raise a glass to

all of the great supporters of our visitor economy

– all of whom are working hard to ensure that

tourism remains one of the region’s success

stories.”

Winners included Chamber member Black

Country Living Museum, who took home Large

Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Winners from this year’s regional event

automatically qualify for the VisitEngland Awards

for Excellence, where West Midlands successes

will be shortlisted for national prizes.

TPSquared see

social media boost

after Theo’s push

A WOMBOURNE-based Chamber member has

received a business boost from retail

entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Carolyn Smith, owner of TPSquared, told Theo

about her business during ‘Small Business

Sunday (SBS)’ and was one of six weekly

winners to gain a repost to the retail guru’s half a

million Twitter, 50k+

Instagram and

almost 300k

LinkedIn followers.

The weekly initiative,

set up by Theo in

2010, supports small

businesses in the

UK.

Theo reshared

Carolyn’s message

to his followers and

on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs.

com) that is exclusive to all Small Business

Sunday winners.

Carolyn said: “Being recognised by Theo

Paphitis as a Small Business Sunday winner is a

testament to the dedication and passion poured

into TPSquared. As a proud female-founder and

creative agency leader, my mission has always

been to support other women, champion

community impact strategies, and uphold

accessibility design principles.

“This acknowledgment fuels mine and the

team’s commitment to design with purpose and

make a meaningful difference.”

TPSquared specialises in branding, advertising

and marketing and was crowned Consultancy &

Professional Services and Small Business of the

Year categories at the Black Country Chamber

Awards in 2024.

Signs Now celebrates

industry award win

LEADING national sign maker and Chamber member Signs Now is

celebrating after being crowned a winner at the Sign Industry Awards.

The awards, which took place at Birmingham’s NCC, recognised

outstanding suppliers, sign makers and individual traders in sign making,

digital printing and visual communications.

Beating off stiff competition, Signs Now was voted as the winner of the

Best Wide-Format Retail or Exhibition Display category in recognition of a

standout signage project completed at Bingley Arts Centre in West

Yorkshire. Signs Now transformed the arts centre through the design and

installation of a vibrant wide-format building wrap and digital screen,

delivering a striking visual impact.

Signs Now managing director Bill Dunphy said: “We are very proud to

have won this award, which underlines our unwavering commitment to

quality and excellence in everything we do. ”


Holden’s got some bottle!

CHAMBER member Holden’s Bottling has

acquired South East Bottling’s (SEB) small

packaging operations, marking a strategic

expansion of its small pack capabilities.

The agreement sees SEB’s entire small-pack

packaging volume transferred to Holden’s,

further strengthening its position as a leading

provider of high-quality bottling and canning

solutions.

Holden’s will take over SEB’s existing

packaging business, ensuring a seamless

transition for SEB’s customers while maintaining

high standards of service. The move allows SEB

to focus on its core brewing operations, allowing

Uncover Weston

Park’s treasures

with Upstairs

Downstairs tour

VISITORS are being given the chance to step

behind the scenes at Chamber member Weston

Park as it hosts a series of special Upstairs

Downstairs Tours this summer. The expert

guided experience offers an intriguing glimpse

into life above and below stairs in one of Britain’s

most fascinating historic houses.

Those attending a tour of the stately home,

which sits in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown

parkland, will be able to wander through the

beautifully decorated bedrooms, discover

THE first quarter of 2025 has been

nothing short of transformative for

Chamber member Laura Tatton,

founder of ConsuLT PR &

Marketing, aka The AI Lady.

Laura began the year by

hosting an informative

session on generative artificial

intelligence at the Chamber’s

Third Week Wednesday

both businesses to thrive in their respective

areas of expertise.

“This is a significant step forward for Holden’s

as we continue to expand our small pack

packaging capabilities,” said Mark Hammond,

Managing Director of Holden’s Bottling.

“By integrating SEB’s contract packaging

volume into our existing operations, we are

enhancing efficiency, increasing capacity, and

providing a robust and reliable packaging service

to a wider customer base. We look forward to

welcoming SEB’s clients and continuing to deliver

exceptional quality and service.”

The agreement also represents a strategic

opportunity for SEB to refine its business focus,

its MD, Duncan Sambrook, said: “SEB can

concentrate on what we do best — brewing

exceptional beer. Transitioning our packaging

operations to Holden’s Bottling ensures that our

customers continue to receive high-quality

service while allowing us to strengthen and

expand our brewing capabilities.

“We see this as an exciting opportunity to

evolve our business and collaborate closely with

Holden’s in the future.”

charming sitting rooms and admire remarkable

treasures from the collection, following in the

footsteps of, among others, Queen Mary and

Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin at the G8

Summit.

Laura’s riding the wave as AI demand gathers pace

networking meeting, and has now rolled

out her AI workshops across the UK and

Europe, working with professionals in

finance and communications to explore

practical applications of AI.

She has also connected with fellow

Chamber members Dr Clare Roberts-

Molloy and Jeni Sellick and is

collaborating with them on exciting

projects including an AI Bootcamp and

Jas and her spice mix

Photo: Steve Leath,

Express & Star

Jas loves to share at

School of Spice

FROM pakoras and roti, to tarka dhal and

aloo gobi, Jas Dhillon is passionate about

sharing her knowledge and love of Indian

cuisine.

Her School of Spice provides a range of

cookery classes suitable for absolute

beginners to those more experienced in the

kitchen. She also offers team building and

corporate events, one-to-one lessons and

caters for small parties.

Jas has been cooking since she was seven

when she would stand on a stool and make

rotis with her dad. Speaking to the Express

& Star, Jas said: “I learned to cook from my

mum but my real passion for cooking comes

from my dad. He loved cooking up a feast for

family and friends. He came to the UK in the

early 1960s.”

Jas first started teaching the classes

before the pandemic and they were just

taking off when the UK went into lockdown.

For the past two years, she has been running

regular classes at Codsall Village Hall.

As a Chamber member, Jas says she has

gained a lot of knowledge from attending

Chamber workshops. “It doesn’t feel like a

job because I love what I do. I feel like I’m on a

constant high because I meet the loveliest

people and they get to learn a new skill and

get that sense of achievement.

“I enjoy spending my day with them and

then I go back home and they send me

messages telling me how much they enjoyed

the classes and send me photos of their

families enjoying the food they have made.”

podcast appearance.

Q2 is already filling up with bootcamps,

panel talks, podcasts, radio show

recordings, new PR clients in the pipeline

and AI-led strategy.

Whether it’s been delivering AI

strategy, helping businesses raise their

profile, or simply creating space for

curious conversations it’s been a great

year so far!


EVENTS

The Chamber has a busy schedule of events planned for the coming months and we cannot wait to see you join us!

We have social events, networking opportunities and workshops among a host of options for you to put in your calendar.

For more information on any event, please contact Marie Shuker, events officer on 0330 024 0820,

email events@blackcountrychamber.co.uk or go to www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events

Tuck in to the

Big Business

@B63 Breakfast

Dates: July 9, September 10

Time: 7.45am-9.45am

Venue: Halesowen College - Bistro @B63,

Whittingham Road, Halesowen B63 3NA

Cost: Free to members

Please note priority will be given to members

where the event has reached capacity

There are limited spaces available for this

fantastic opportunity to network with

like-minded businesses every month in the

south of our region.

The Big Business @B63 breakfast event is

hosted by Halesowen College, sponsored by

Halesowen BID and powered by the Black

Country Chamber of Commerce.

Arrive with other businesses to 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 to meet other delegates in an

‘open networking’ environment, while enjoying

a complimentary vegan, bacon, or sausage

breakfast sandwich, courtesy of the

Halesowen BID.

To avoid disappointment you MUST book

your place on the Chamber website (one

delegate per member business) as walk-ins

could be refused entry.

Free parking available in Car park A in front

of the college.

For information and to book a place,

email the membership team at

events@blackcountrychamber.co.uk.

Network with Black Country Business Club

Dates: July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21,

September 4, September 18, October 2

Time: All 9.30am-11am

Venue: Beacon Centre For The Blind,

Wolverhampton Road East, WV4 6AZ

The fortnightly Business Club provides a platform

for individuals to build business relationships and

promote their services or products to fellow group

members and its wider network of business

contacts. We are passionate about helping

businesses do business, we believe people buy

from people and we are enabling our members to

meet like-minded people and expand their reach.

Our member businesses are proud to represent

Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley and Wolverhampton.

It’s Third Week Wednesday

networking in Walsall

Dates: July 16, August 20, September 17

Time: 9.45am-11.30am

Venue: Littleton Restaurant, Walsall College, Wisemore

Campus, Littleton Street West, WS2 8ES.

Free parking available on site.

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.

For more details or your invitation, contact

Alison Trinder on 07980 906921 or email

events@blackcountrychamber.co.uk.

Each Third Week Wednesday, Chamber members and

non-members meet for monthly networking sessions. As

well as meeting like-minded local business people, you can

raise your business profile via your social media platforms

while at the event by tagging in the Chamber and the

event.

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.

Join us at Wolverhampton Wednesday business networking

Date: July 23

Time: 9am-11am

Venue: Wolves Foundation - Molineux Stadium,

Waterloo Road, WV13 3JW

Date: August 27

Time: 9am-11am

Venue: The Way Youth Zone, School Street,

WV3 0NR

Date: September 24

Time: 9am-11am

Venue: City of Wolverhampton College,

Wellington Road Campus, WV14 6BT

Be part of this popular business networking

event in the heart of Wolverhampton! Grab

yourself a tea or coffee, then enjoy an ‘open

networking’ environment. To avoid

disappointment, book your place via the

Chamber website.

Due to limited places only one delegate per

business please. For safeguarding reasons you

MUST book prior to the event as we cannot

accept walk-ins.

The Chamber training and events programme is being updated all the time.

For the latest details, see www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events


QES data reveal: How’s the economy unfolding

Date: July 3

Time: 10am-11.30am

Venue: Mercure Birmingham West, M5 Junction 1,

B70 6RS

Cost: Free to members

Join us at our third QES breakfast of the year as we

reveal the results from our Quarter 2 Quarterly

Economic Survey for 2025.

Be the first to hear how businesses in the region

were feeling after the first quarter, as what looks

like a challenging year unfolds ahead.

As the most authoritative national business

confidence survey, and the first to be published in

each quarter, the results of this survey are closely

watched by both HM Treasury and the Bank of

England’s Monetary Policy Committee and help to

inform decisions that impact upon interest rates

and business policy.

The survey itself has reliably anticipated the

onset of the two recessions since the early 1990s

before they began, and continues to act as a

reliable indicator of national and regional economic

performance.

Bringing professionals together

Professionals At The Table (PATT)

Date: July 17, October 2

Time: 12noon - 2pm

Venue: Queens Cantonese Restaurant,

41 Queen Street WV1 3JW

Cost: Members £25; Non-members £30

Members of the professional services community

are invited to attend one of the Chamber’s newest

networking events.

Professionals at the Table (PATT) is a lunchtime

networking session for professionals working in

the banking, legal, accounting, surveying and

auditing sectors.

It is an ideal opportunity for them to network

and share best practice over a lovely three-course

lunch provided by our hosts, Queens Cantonese

Restaurant on Queen Street, Wolverhampton.

The event will take place on a quarterly basis

and feature guest speakers and insightful

presentations to connect and engage the

professional services community.

Gail Arnold, the Black Country Chamber’s head

of premium membership, said: “There was a

demand for a networking session that brought

together those working in the professional

services.

“The PATT networking event will be a fantastic

opportunity for them to share best practice,

exchange ideas and contribute to sector specific

discussions.

“We encourage businesses from across the

professional services industry to attend.”

Book your place via the Black Country Chamber

website, at www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk

Start-up Business Club Workshop

Dates: July 17, August 14

Time: 10am-12.30pm

Venue: Sandwell Start Up Hub, Jack Judge House,

Oldbury, B69 2AJ.

Cost: Free for members of the

Start-up Business Club only.

The Start-Up Business Club is the place to make

new connections, learn from industry experts and

develop the skills and understanding required to

take your business to the next level.

Black Country Chamber is here to help you

every step of the way. We’re your ‘support circle’

as we know that starting a business can be lonely

and stressful.

Being part of a support circle allows you to

connect with other new business owners.

When facing setbacks or feeling overwhelmed,

having a supportive community can boost your

morale. This workshop will offer encouragement,

empathy, and shared experiences which can

motivate you to persevere during tough times.

When you share your progress and challenges

with others, you’re more likely to stay committed

and focused.

The Chamber’s Start-up Business Club is a

tried and tested way of connecting, sharing best

practice and learning from your peers in a safe,

constructive environment.

Book your place via the Black Country

Chamber website, at

www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk

The Chamber training and events programme is being updated all the time.

For the latest details, see www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce uses

the results of the survey to inform upon detailed

economic performance and trends throughout the

local region and beyond.

Our in-person QES sessions allow members to

hear the results and ask about the topics raised,

providing a unique opportunity for businesses to

be part of local economic discussions.

Book your place at the next QES event via the

Black Country Chamber website, at

www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk

Thinking caps on for a

fundraising quiz night

On behalf of the Beacon Centre for the Blind

Date: September 25

Time: 6.30pm-10pm

Venue: Beacon Centre For The Blind,

Wolverhampton Road East, WV4 6AZ

Get a team together and join us for a fun night

of quizzing in support of our Charity of the

Year, Beacon Centre for the Blind.

www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events

Award-writing workshop

Date: July 16

Time: 9.30am-10.30am

Venue: Online

Ever wondered why some companies always

seem to pick up the business awards? The

secret isn’t that they’re simply better than

everyone else; it’s that they know how to tell

their story in a way that makes judges sit up

and take notice.

Black Country Chamber has joined forces

with PR and communications consultancy Be

Bold Media to host two award entry

workshops before entries close for this year’s

Chamber awards.

What will you learn? We’ll show you:

– How to decode what judges are really

looking for (hint, it’s not just about being the

biggest or richest)

- The common mistakes that send award

entries straight into the ‘no’ pile

– Clever tech niques to make your

achievements shine, even for a small business

– How to prepare for judges’ visits that seal

the deal

Whether you’re a two-person start-up or a

big corporation, this workshop is designed for

any business that wants recognition for their

hard work.



EVENTS

Coffee & Conversation at the Chamber

Date: September 23

Time: 3pm-4.30pm

Venue: Black Country Chamber, University of

Wolverhampton Science Park

ARE you curious about what the Black Country

Chamber can offer your business? Want to

know more about our services to members?

Then our informal Coffee & Conversation event

is the perfect opportunity for you to find out

more.

Designed exclusively for non-members, this

relaxed gathering will give you the chance to

Export advice

enjoy a coffee, chat with our Chamber team, and

hear directly from our CEO, Sarah Moorhouse,

about how the Chamber supports organisations

like yours across the region.

You’ll also have the chance to connect with

some of our Chamber Ambassadors - current

members who are passionate about sharing the

real benefits of how their Chamber journey has

transformed their businesses since being part

of our network.

Whether you’re looking to grow your

connections, raise your profile, or access expert

Understanding the Incoterms 2020 Rules

Date: August 6

Time: 9am-12 noon

Venue: 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 experienced

exporters and/or importers to new ones. It is

also appropriate for corporate service providers

and advisers, including freight forwarders, banks

and accountants.

CBAM compliance workshop

for UK manufacturers

Date: July 8

Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm

Venue: Online Event

Don’t risk losing your EU customers! Join our

practical three-hour workshop, presented by

David Hooper, to master the EU’s new carbon

border tax.

Learn exactly what emissions data your EU

customers need, how to calculate it step-bystep,

and implement efficient systems before the

Export: Letters of Credit

Wednesday, October 22

Time: 9am-1pm

Venue: Online

This course is devised for companies

regularly receiving or handling Letters of Credit.

It will help you to reduce risks, bank charges and

improve efficiency of administrators.

It will cover the need for careful credit

checking, a review o payment methods, what is

a Letter of Credit, their adminsitration and

It gives you

- a clear understanding of how the Incoterms

rules map out the obligations, costs and risks

involved in the delivery of goods

- a practical guide to applying Incoterms rules

to your global sales and purchasing activities

- the opportunity to review practical case

studies based on a range of scenarios.

It will cover the background to the Incoterms

rules, their functionality, classifications and

groups, a review of the 11 Incoterms 2020 rules,

recent changes and putting Incoterms 2020 into

practice.

January 2026 deadline.

This event is perfect for UK manufacturing

SMEs who export to Europe, with real-world

examples and actionable templates to ensure

compliance with minimal disruption to your

business.

Workshop includes: Emissions calculation

walkthrough, EU reporting portal demonstration,

and personalised action planning. Limited spaces

available.

types, levels of security, costs and terminology.

It will also look at what can go wrong when

using Letters of Credit, tips to ensure you get it

right at all stages of the Letter of Credit

transaction, UCP 600 considerations and the

significance of L/Cs in the current economic

climate.

For more information please email

training@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

business support, this no-pressure opportunity

is a great first step toward discovering how

Chamber membership can help your business

thrive, through access to regular networking

events, member referrals, training and

recruitment assistance, and funding

opportunities.

We’d love to meet you and chat about what’s

possible.

To attend, sign up at


Export procedures

and documentation

Date: July 17

Time: 9.30am - 12:30pm

Venue: Online Event

This training session will provide an

extensive overview of export

procedures and the documentation

exports require.

There will be a wealth of wide-ranging

information to absorb as we offer a

comprehensive run-down of export

and customs procedures, as well as

practical tips to help you develop your

international trade strategy.

All stages of the export procedures

are put under the microscope to teach

you how to navigate the highly

complex process of exporting

correctly.

This session is beneficial to anyone

involved in areas of finance, sales,

procurement, import/export

administration, despatch and shipping.

The training session will cover:

Receiving the enquiry -

responsibilities and roles, Incoterms

2020, methods of payment and the

risk ladder, export controls, and licence

requirements

- Quotation

- Order acknowledgement/

proforma invoice

- Pre-shipment inspections/

packing

- Shipping documents to include

invoices and packing lists - commodity

codes, origin, preference documents,

certificates of origin

- Transport considerations, booking

the shipment and freight forwarder

responsibilities, contracts of carriage/

transport documentation

- Proof of Export

- General good business practice.


ART BUSINESS LOANS

Successful launch of Midlands SME

finance collaboration at expo

A GROUNDBREAKING collaboration of Midlands

funders was successfully launched at an expo to

raise awareness of the finance options available

to small to medium-sized enterprises.

Midlands SME Finance, organised by six leading

West Midlands finance providers who specialise in

lending to businesses unable to secure finance

from high street banks and loan companies,

hosted more than 120 delegates at Edgbaston

Stadium in Birmingham on Tuesday, 20 May.

The event brought together community

development financial institutions ART Business

Loans, BCRS Business Loans and Coventry &

Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust alongside

invoice finance lender FlexABL and communitybased

lenders UKSE and Frontier Development

Capital to showcase their services to local

businesses and professional services introducers.

The six finance providers behind Midlands SME

Finance all offer debt finance and support through

a relationship-based approach, with particular

emphasis on supporting economic growth in

disadvantaged areas.

The expo enabled attendees to speak directly

to the partners about the finance opportunities

available for businesses struggling to access

funds from traditional sources.

Keynote speaker Rhys Herbert, senior

economist at Lloyds, briefed the audience on the

financial outlook, including the forecasts for

growth and the impact of US tariffs on

international trade. Lloyds’ latest survey of

businesses showed the West Midlands was the

second most confident UK nation or region

behind only the North East, he said.

Paul Stokes, of FlexABL, said: “The turnout

exceeded our expectations and reinforces our

Representatives of the six finance

providers at the event. Steve

Walker, CEO of ART Business

Loans (right of photo), said the

event “confirms we are addressing

a critical market need by providing

clear pathways to funding.”

belief in the importance of collaboration. By

coming together as Midlands SME Finance, we

have demonstrated the funding solutions

available to businesses navigating today’s

challenging economic landscape.”

Steve Walker, CEO of ART Business Loans,

commented: “The event has proven the value of

our partnership approach. The enthusiastic

response from attendees confirms we are

addressing a critical market need by providing

clear pathways to funding that many businesses

did not previously know existed.”

Stephen Deakin, chief executive of

Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans,

said: “We hear often from businesses like those

attending who are unable to access traditional

lending so we look forward to helping them

achieve their growth ambitions.”

Andy Green, deputy fund principal at Frontier

Development Capital, said: “We hope this event

AREAS

WE COVER

Cheshire | Shropshire | Herefordshire | Worcestershire

Warwickshire | West Midlands | Staffordshire | Derbyshire

Northamptonshire | Leicestershire | Oxfordshire | Gloucestershire

n SUPPORTING BUSINESS SINCE 1997

n BUSINESS LOANS FROM £10k - £150k

n EXPERIENCED RELATIONSHIP MANAGERS

n MEETING FUNDING NEEDS OF BUSINESS

n FOR MOST BUSINESS PURPOSES AND ALL SECTORS

n FOR JOBS, GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY

www.artbusinessloans.co.uk • 0121 359 2444

has demystified the often complex area of debt

funding for many attendees, and demonstrated

how appropriate financing can transform

businesses.

Steve Grice, area manager Midlands for UKSE,

added: “We have seen first-hand the appetite for

responsible lending options in our region... this

event reinforced our collective commitment to

fostering economic prosperity through strategic,

accessible lending.”

Sheridan Sulskis, CEO of Coventry &

Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, added: “There

is significant demand for alternative finance

options. Businesses wanted to discuss their

growth plans and job creation strategies, which is

exactly the outcome we were hoping for.”

Following the success of the inaugural event,

the Midlands SME Finance partners are discussing

plans to hold further information sessions and

networking opportunities.


EXPORTS ADVICE

Looking to export? Start here!

THE Chamber’s programme to deliver free

support to help businesses export has been

extended until next year.

Th e Exporting Starts Here programme will run

until March 2026 thanks to further funding from

the West Midlands Combined Authority. Already

well over 100 businesses have benefitted from the

help that began last November and the

continuation of the programme will mean more

companies are able to tap into expert advice.

The programme is targeted at specific sectors

including aerospace, electric light vehicle

manufacturing, health tech/med tech, logistics/

distribution, professional/financial services and

e-commerce – but businesses in other sectors

are being encouraged to get in touch.

Trading overseas is shown to increase resilience

and provides a boost to individual businesses as

well as the wider economy. Funding for the

programme was awarded through Business

Growth West Midlands and is designed to support

growth through a mix of one-to-one advice from

expert export advisors, online workshops and

face-to-face events.

Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse said “The

Black Country has a proud history of exporting

globally and we are delighted that the Exporting

Starts Here programme has been extended. We

have already supported a number of companies in

their exporting efforts and we look forward to

engaging with even more, whether they are looking

to export for the first time or want to broaden their

markets .”

For more information, see the Chamber’s

dedicated website HERE,

or email the team by clicking HERE

Programme widens your horizons

WALSALL-BASED Breakwells Coatings and

Paints Limited is entering a new phase of

progress and innovation and has set its sights

on international growth.

However, navigating the complexities of

exporting, from market selection to strategy

development, presented a steep learning curve.

They needed expert guidance to interpret

global market intelligence and identify the

most promising sectors for expansion and the

Exporting Starts Here programme offered

them a tailored approach to overcoming these

hurdles.

Russell Eynon, managing director of

Breakwells Coatings and Paints, worked closely

with Chamber export consultant Steve Parker,

who delivered the programme. Steve provided

valuable insights and facilitated key

international connections, with his extensive

network proving instrumental in helping

Breakwells grow their global footprint.

Russell stated: “Steve has been great at

providing clarity in our strategies and has

suggested lots of positive ideas and

opportunities for growing globally. This has

included giving us the chance to study new

markets and sectors in the Gulf and Europe,

and he has shown that his personal contact

base is going to be useful to make faster

progress globally.”

Vogue making its mark

Black Country manufacturer Vogue UK is one

of the companies that has already benefited

from this programme.

Its senior export sales consultant, Donna

Hedge said “Being part of the export support

programme has transformed the way our

export department is run.

“With guidelines & regulations constantly

changing, it is reassuring to know that we will

now be notified of these and supported

throughout.

“It is also invaluable to know that when we

come across any difficult issues, or are faced

with questions from our customers that we

don’t immediately have the answers for, we

have someone to go to for advice.

“As our business grows and we look to

access new markets, we will certainly be

looking to the Chamber for further help.”

* Provided by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by

Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.


TRAINING

Unleash your potential

with the Chamber’s Management Development Programme

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

a management position in the future.

Providing insights, tech niques 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.

Developed to match business needs

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 or tap into new thinking and

approaches

n Managers delivering change management

within their business

Programme content

The programme can be completed as a 12-month learning

journey to create a holistic and immersive development

experience. As a new option to the programme, each module can

also be taken individually in order to focus on the learner’s

specific development needs. We recommended taking the full

course to gain the full benefits of the programme. The

programme consists of 12 whole day sessions – each covering a

management theme or topic, including:

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

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

n Managers seeking new ways to drive efficiency

and performance.

Delivery and Environment

The programme is designed to stretch and

challenge participants by taking them out of their

business. 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.

Many of the groups go on to form bonds

following the completion of each programme and

continue to develop together.

The programme will take place via

in-person workshops and in a group

format. Our next cohort will start on

September 30.

Want to know more? For more information,

call 0330 024 0820, email the team by

clicking HERE, or see the Chamber website,

by clicking HERE

What past programme

participants said...

“Genuinely the best training

programme I have been fortunate

to take part in. The trainer is a

naturally talented presenter,

effortlessly maintaining variety in

both session delivery and content.”

Samantha Fairclough,

Hill & Smith Infrastructure Ltd

“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I

feel I now have more skills and

tools to use as I embark on the next

stage of my career. I wish I had

done it years ago!”

Sophie Green, Robinson Brothers Ltd

“My time on the course has been a

really positive experience. I feel

that I have grown so much in

confidence, which is my key

takeaway. The tips and tools given

have helped me to develop

personally as well as in the

workplace. I have stepped into my

new position with a confidence,

organisation and a calm outlook

on the future, which I thank the

Management Development

Programme for.”

Scott Bird, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

PROSPER SUMMER 2025

53 XX

COMPANY PROFILE: WHO’S OFF.COM

Bringing order to your

organisation’s staff records

WhosOff has a new Staff Hub to organise

records and document storage

Whatever type of business or organisation you’re in or

run, when you start talking about managing your staff

leave or employee sick leave, you will struggle not to

say “Who’s Off?”

But ‘Whosoff’ is actually the answer to your

problems. It is a proven staff leave application which

comes with a ‘Staff Hub’ area that offers an at-a-glance

overview of your organisation’s current staffing level.

The application also has a separate ‘Document

Storage’ section, enabling companies to not only

manage leave allowances and other staff records but

also publish important documents such as the Company

Handbook, along with other restricted documents and

certificates for individual personnel.

So who is behind Whosoff?

WhosOff is a global brand managed from Canterbury

in Kent and delivered around the world from the UK.

WhosOff users in the UK include many high-profile

businesses, including many Chamber members.

Going live in 2007, WhosOff is a true success story of

continued change, growth and innovation that now sees

the application used by more than 2,700 businesses in

over 70 countries around the world, who trust it to

manage their staff leave, other absence and staff

details.

The ‘WhosOff’ brand is owned and operated by

X:drive Computing Limited. Its CEO, Reg Groombridge,

believes constant change over the years and

continued delivery of customer expectation are

the keys to the application maintaining its

position as a leader in the staff leave

management market.

Reg said: “With the addition of the Staff Hub

and Documents Storage areas, we will continue

to be a leader in this area of staff management.”

Whosoff - when they’re working

Many companies still have staff working from

home two or three days a week, and online tools

‘‘

Accurate management of all staff

leave is critical to having happy

employee/employer relations. No one

wants to be short-changed on their

leave, and an employer does not want

to give away extra days ...

that help companies manage their staff and absence

seamlessly, including on their mobile phones, and make

important records and documents available, are

essential.

Accurate management of all staff leave is critical to

having happy employee/employer relations. No one

wants to be short-changed on their remaining leave

balance and to the same account, an employer does not

want to give away extra days in error, due to poor leave

management. Employees also don’t want to find out,

after applying for leave, that too many staff are already

off, or key personnel they cannot be off at the same

time as, have already booked time off.

With WhosOff everyone can instantly view the

holiday plans of others at the time they apply.

WhosOff delivers an accessible, easy-to-use system

which also covers the things you need to record about

your staff, starting with their leave and absence. The

new Staff Hub area can also store and log emergency

contacts, right to work details, certificates held, permits,

memberships, job title and progression, reminders on

expiry dates and renewals, keeping everything tidy for

you.

Take a free trial

Black Country Chamber members can try Whosoff

for free. Go to www.whosoff.com to find out more.

Instant leave and

overtime management

n Solving the problem of

staff leave, efficiently

and in your way

n Used by over 700,000

users worldwide

n Manage policies such

as staff to staff

restrictions

n Reduce the overhead

time and money spent

on managing leave


Prosper Summer 2025 dgt

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