With nearly 100 different events in the programme – all run by local businesses and organisations - the 2020 Black Country Business Festival is now just around the corner with an exciting fortnight of business events.
Many of the events are digital, making it easy for people to join more – and they are all free to attend, whether in-person, digital or hybrid (where there are limited delegates and the event is simultaneously live-streamed).Tickets must be booked in advance through the website www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com and this can be done right up until the day before the event.
Events include everything from recruitment and up-skilling staff; dealing with long term illness, diversity and mental health in the workplace; green energy and carbon reduction; to funding for culture and arts projects; the future of manufacturing and many useful professional services, digital marketing, branding and PR events. The Festival was initiated by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce three years ago.
Chief executive, Corin Crane, said, “There are some fantastic events in such a diverse range of different subjects, in this year’s programme. I am overwhelmed by the response from our businesses - not only in terms of the sheer number of events, but also how so many are effortlessly embracing the digital way of working that we’re now becoming accustomed to.
“I am truly looking forward to the Festival - and our entire team here at the Chamber will be attending as many events as possible to support the brilliant Black Country businesses that are involved.”
Gecko Programmes, a Black Country training company that is one of the Business Festival supporters, is running three different events in the Festival. Managing Director, Patrick Cross said, “Being a solid Wolverhampton-based business, we are delighted to be supporting the Black Country Business Festival.
“This fantastic two weeks of business events provides us with multiple opportunities to show how we might be able to help Black Country SMEs and self-employed businesses deal with changes in their organisation, processes or systems or with their staff and personal development.”
Gecko’s events along with the rest of the programme are listed on the Business Festival website, www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com along with more information.
The BCBF relies on sponsorship from organisations in the Black Country. As well as the Chamber and Dudley Business First, other 2020 Partners include: University of Wolverhampton, Talbots Law, the Black Country Growth Hub and LEP. Sponsors are: Wolverhampton Racecourse, Thomas Dudley, Casino36 and M6toll. The Festival is also supported by Gecko Programmes, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council with media partners, Elonex, Bauer Media, Greatest Hits Radio, Metro and app partner, Infonote. The Festival is managed by Associate Events.
The Black Country Business Festival kicks off on Monday October 5.
