Black Country 2.0 campaign launch

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and chamber president Jude Thompson will introduce a panel of guest speakers at the free-to-attend online event at 3pm.

The campaign, which will see the chamber join forces with business partners across the region, will run throughout 2021 and 2022 and aims to unite business across the Black Country, raising awareness of the issues which matter to the region and providing guidance, support and ‘voice’ in a challenging and evolving trading landscape.

The chamber believes that Covid-19 will continue to overshadow plans and operations for some time to come.

The emergency and its economic impact are also taking place during a period when the post-Brexit trading landscape is taking shape

Black Country 2.0 will frame all the chamber’s activity and support services over the next 12 months and into 2022.

The panel will explore the threats and opportunities open to the region and discussing how business leaders can best be supported.

The chamber will also hear from the Department of International Trade on overseas business trends and opportunities and how they can assist with stimulating demand, with particular emphasis on Clean Growth and the Green Economy.

The campaign also involves patent and trade attorneys Forresters, IT specialists the EBC Group, foreign exchange experts Moneycorp and legal firm FBC Manby Bowdler.

“Black Country 2.0 will allow us to amplify the voice of the Black Country, it will ensure the region’s business needs are being listened to a highest-levels and provide a collective approach for the region to reboot, rebuild and rebound,” said Corin Crane, the chamber's chief executive.

“For employers and businesses throughout the region, the effects of the Covid-19 emergency and its economic impact are also taking place during a period when the post-Brexit trading landscape is shaping around us. It has never been more important for us to work together, learn from one another and demonstrate to the world that the Black Country remains firmly and resolutely open for business,

“Our economy now stands at a crossroads and Black Country 2.0 will frame all the chamber’s activity and support services over the next 12 months and into 2022 as we help members to navigate in these challenging times.

“Time and time again, the chamber has proved its credentials as the leading business support agency within the region, a natural partner and a thought leader.

“The chamber has remained a constant point of strength and seal of confidence many regional businesses have turned to over the last two centuries. During that period, we have continued to do what we do best – acting as an enabler, partner and champion for the local economy and our businesses no matter what their size or sector.

“We are the respected and valued voice of the Black Country business community and Black Country 2.0 is a focused and comprehensive programme which celebrates the strengths of our local firms and ensures that those making decisions which will impact our firms are fully aware of our needs and challenges.”

Business owners and leaders from across the region are invited to attend the event, which is open to members and non-members and is free. Places can be booked at https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events/25022021/black-country-2-0-launch-event/