It’s been another busy year here for the Business Growth Team at Sandwell Council – we’re the people behind Think Sandwell. We’ve enjoyed supporting many local businesses to thrive and grow in 2018, and look forward to seeing the success that 2019 brings you. Do always tell us your good news: we’d love to share it with the rest of the West Midlands.

This was the year in which we:

* Published our fourth annual Top 50 index of Sandwell’s fastest growing companies, helping to celebrate the success of businesses in our borough and encouraging others to grow

* Supported the council in continuing to be small business friendly, winning two awards from the Federation of Small Businesses

* Celebrated a year of the Sandwell Business Solutions Centre, where we take up residence weekly to help with your business queries

* Led and/or hosted six events at the hugely successful Black Country Business Festival

* Worked with Sandwell College in hosting the Sandwell Business Awards, celebrating businesses and individuals who are boosting the economy and making a positive contribution to the skills and life chances of local people

* Celebrated Sandwell Council’s Regeneration Manager Jenna Langford winning Young Planner of the Year in the West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence

* Welcomed guests from Jinhua city in China, to strengthen our international friendship

* Published 28 new #madeinsandwell Monday profiles, to fanfare the brilliant businesses in our borough.

While the office is quiet …

What were your proudest moments in 2018? We’re always looking for good news to share from Sandwell businesses, to celebrate your successes and also to inspire and encourage others. Or tell us your plans for next year. Contact us today with your updates.

We’re looking for new #madeinsandwell Monday stars to profile in January and February. See how to apply.

Have you thought about holding an event as part of the next Black Country Business Festival (taking place from Monday 13 to Friday 24 May 2019)? It would be a great way to showcase your business’ expertise, as well as contributing to a wider effort to shine a light on the Black Country as a place of innovation. Applications are now open: visit www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com for details.

Are there ways you could collaborate with other businesses on bidding for work? Read about the Black Country engineering firms that have formed a cluster group to tender for prestigious contracts stemming from HS2.

But don’t work too hard for the next week or two. We wish you, your colleagues, friends and loved ones a wonderful break. Happy holidays!