Chamber major campaign to reboot Black Country

Chamber president, Jude Thompson opened the online launch event by explaining how Black Country 2.0 will allow the chamber, which marks 20 years next month, to amplify the voice of the Black Country.

He said the chamber network had the power to win support to "reboot, rebuild and rebound".

More than 100 business leaders from across the region watched he launch of the chamber's biggest campaign to date.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street talked about the current challenges facing the West Midlands economy and aid projects to improve transport infrastructure would be the engine for future Black Country prosperity.

Black Country 2.0 business partners, the Department for International Trade, patent and trade attorneys Forresters, IT specialists EBC Group, FX experts Moneycorp and legal firm FBC Manby Bowdler also took part.

With significant disruption to lives and businesses, and with Covid-19 continuing to overshadow many plans and operations, the chamber will deliver the campaign which involves providing expert analysis and relevant information for every business and ensuring the region’s business needs are being listened to at the highest levels.

Mr Street said: “Over the last 12 months the West Midlands has witnessed a further 80,000 people out of work seeking support, notably the young and those disadvantaged in our area.

“Following a period of stability and growth, higher than any other area in the country in skills, wage rises, housing and transport, we have now felt a serious knock following the effects of Covid.

“Businesses have endured months of uncertainty and many have had to adjust to post Brexit trading scenarios which has proved difficult for some. That is why I believe Black Country 2.0 is perfectly timed.

“Despite everything, we have continued with our work and investment projects throughout the region over the last 12 months, helping to ensure future success in the Black Country for jobs, transport and connectivity."

Mr Street identified projects such as the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro line, the Dudley Interchange, VLR Innovation Centre in Dudley, along with Phoenix 10 in Walsall, improvements to the centre of West Bromwich and the housing developments in Friar Park near Wednesbury which he described as “in defiance of Covid”.

“We must face our challenges, celebrate the thousands of jobs coming to the region with the opening of our own giga factory, the £2.5billion investment announced by JLR for the production of electric vehicles and the many supply chain opportunities around HS2.

“We must keep on our course and look towards the future with optimism," he stressed.

Chamber chief executive Corin Crane said: “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.”

A panel of Heather Crocker from DIT, Emma Johnson from Forresters, Richard Lane from the EBC Group, Neil Lloyd from FBC Manby Bowdler and Anil Jassi from Moneycorp explored the threats, including cybercrime and connectivity along with the opportunities open to the region, whilst discussing how best to support business leaders and ensure their voice is heard.

Mr Crane also said: “Our economy now stands at a crossroads and Black Country 2.0 going forward 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.”