Aimed at: SME Business owners or the person responsible for your Sales strategy. Suitable for SME’s in need of some inspiration, particularly in relation to sales approach.
Workshop objective: Improve sales performance through challenging your thinking and inspiring you to consider new commercial approaches
Workshop Trainer: Chilli Pepper Development Ltd - Peter Starr
AIM for the Black Country is a service being offered to Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s) to enhance your growth and competitiveness. Through a partnership arrangement between the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Black Country Growth Hub, Local Authorities, Black Country Consortium and the University of Wolverhampton you will be able to access a coordinated approach to a range of business support, advice and workshops. You can enter the programme through any of the aforementioned partners who will then manage the process from start to finish.
This workshop is funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and there is no cost to eligible SME’s taking part in this programme. There is a small amount of paperwork required to assess eligibility and evidence actions and outcomes.
Please see the eligibility criteria below and check if your business is eligible to access support through the AIM Programme:
Your business:
must be based within the Black Country
must be in operation for over 12 months
Your business must not have:
more than £180,000 worth of State Aid over the past 3 years
an annual turnover of more than £42m
have an annual balance sheet total of more than £36m
more than 250 employees (including owners/ directors)
ownership by another company (or combination of companies) of more than 25% of your business
Venue: Ramada Park Hall Hotel, Park Drive, Wolverhampton WV4 5AJ
Free to attend
To express your interest please give us a call to discuss 0121 569 2121
To find out more about the programme click here to read more
On Tuesday 4 July Wates Construction are inviting you to explore potential opportunities at a Meet the buyer event. This will be taking place at University of Wolverhampton.
Contract opportunities available to subcontractors include:
Groundworks
External envelope packages
External & landscaping works
Mechanical & electrical packages including tier 2 trades All internal finishing trades.
You will also have the opportunity to meet buyers from the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton City Council, Project Design Team and training providers, in addition to finding out about other projects supported by the Black Country Growth Deal and The Black Country Chamber’s approach to supporting the construction sector locally.
Agenda
08:00-08:30am Registration, breakfast bap and networking
08:30-08:40am University of Wolverhampton’s plans and objectives
08:40-08:45am Black Country Chamber - approach to construction sector support
08:45-08:50am Black Country LEP update and support for small businesses
08:55-09:00am How to get involved with other University of Wolverhampton projects
09:00-09:05am Opportunities at Wolverhampton City Council
09:05-09:10am Wates Construction, the project opportunities available and the process for selection
09:10-11:00am Opportunity for one-to-one discussions with the host companies and networking
Venue :University of Wolverhampton, Millennium City Building, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY
Free to attend
If you would like to attend click here to register
On Tuesday 4 July the Department of Entrepreneurship and Local Economy at the University of Birmingham will be holding a workshop exploring the competing demands and perceptions of sustainability for the food industry.
The workshop is part of a wider project to engage cross community debates on sustainability to include economic (sustainable livelihoods), social (minimises negative impact on wellbeing and environmental (minimises negative impact to the natural environment).
Registration starts from 10am for a 10.30am start and ends at 2.30pm. Lunch will be provided and is an opportunity for networking.
This event is relevant for anyone interested in small (family) firms, sustainability, and food production.
Venue: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT
Free to attend
For further information or to register for the event please contact Jane Glover J.Glover@bham.ac.uk.
On Wednesday 5 July, the Department for International Trade is hosting a financing export masterclass at KPMG's offices in Birmingham city centre.
This masterclass will cover the key financial risks facing exporting companies. Themes include foreign exchange, terms and methods of payment and sourcing of finance. It is recommended for businesses seeking to export for the first time as well as strategic exporters looking to venture to new markets.
Topics on the day will include:
Understanding the key financial risks facing exporting companies
Developing a strategy for managing export credit risk
Incoterms 2010
Blank demand guarantees
Choosing the terms and methods of payment
Sources of finance
UK export finance: an overview of services and supporters for exporters
Foreign exchange: how to manage exchange rate fluctuations.
Please note: this masterclass is for West Midlands-based companies who are looking to export.
It is vital to increase collaboration between the business community and education providers to improve young people’s transition from schools, colleges and universities into the workplace.
On Thursday 6 July, the British Chambers of Commerce is hosting a business & education summit and interactive forum to explore various issues. It provides the opportunity for delegates to make new connections and engage with latest best practice through expert speakers, panel debates and informative breakout sessions. The 2017 summit will focus on three key themes:
Enterprise and education – how can schools create the business leaders of tomorrow?
Solving the puzzle: maximising productivity through skills
How can universities and business work together to drive economic growth?
Venue: Etc Venues, 200 Aldersgate, St. Pauls, London, EC1A 4HD
Cost: £80 for Chamber members; £115 for non-members
Aimed at: SME Business owners or the person responsible for your HR processes. Suitable for SMEs with the desire to improve company performance through better performance management systems.
AIM for the Black Country is a service being offered to Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance your growth and competitiveness. Through a partnership arrangement between the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Black Country Growth Hub, Local Authorities, Black Country Consortium and the University of Wolverhampton you will be able to access a coordinated approach to a range of business support, advice and workshops. You can enter the programme through any of the aforementioned partners who will then manage the process from start to finish
Workshop content: How well is your current performance management process working?
The cost to your business of ineffective performance management
Talent management and succession planning
Identifying skills gaps – now and in the future
Types of performance management processes
Effective training for managers of performance
Coaching
This workshop is funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and there is no cost to eligible SMEs taking part in this programme. There is a small amount of paperwork required to assess eligibility and evidence actions and outcomes.
Venue: TBC
To express your interest please give us a call to discuss 0121 569 2121
To find out more about the programme click here to read the latest story
Aimed at: SME Business owners or the person responsible for your financial processes. Suitable for SME’s with a desire to improve financial processes.
Workshop objective: Assess and improve your financial processes to enable you to make more effective strategic decisions
Workshop Trainer: DRS Business Solutions Ltd – Ralph Savage
AIM for the Black Country is a service being offered to Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s) to enhance your growth and competitiveness. Through a partnership arrangement between the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Black Country Growth Hub, Local Authorities, Black Country Consortium and the University of Wolverhampton you will be able to access a coordinated approach to a range of business support, advice and workshops. You can enter the programme through any of the aforementioned partners who will then manage the process from start to finish.
This workshop is funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and there is no cost to eligible SME’s taking part in this programme. There is a small amount of paperwork required to assess eligibility and evidence actions and outcomes.
Please see the eligibility criteria below and check if your business is eligible to access support through the AIM programme:
Your business:
must be based within the Black Country
must be in operation for over 12 months
Your business must not have:
more than £180,000 worth of State Aid over the past 3 years
an annual turnover of more than £42m
have an annual balance sheet total of more than £36m
more than 250 employees (including owners/ directors)
ownership by another company (or combination of companies) of more than 25% of your business
Venue: Park Inn Birmingham West, M5 Junction 1, Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6RS
Free to attend
To express your interest please give us a call to discuss 0121 569 2121
To find more about the programme, please click here to read the latest story
On Wednesday 12 July the Department for International Trade (DIT) is hosting an interactive session aimed at businesses wanting to grow their business and consider selling internationally. It will be held at the iCentrum in Birmingham.This workshop is exclusively targeted at tech companies, so if this is you, please come along.
Hosted by Christine Hancock, an International Trade Adviser who specialises in working with companies in the early stages of formulating an export plan. She will bring her experience and know-how to encourage and support you in thinking about why you should take the first steps in selling overseas.
You'll also hear from Simon Kaguramamba from local tech company, Action Starter. Action Starter started working with DIT in November 2015 and are now selling around the world. Simon will give you an insight into how to take your business global and the help that DIT can provide.
What to expect:
Learn about why exporting can be beneficial and how it could boost your profile, credibility and bottom line
Hear success stories from local business leaders and learn why they would never look back
Meet your local DIT team and get sight of the journey your business could embark on with the aim to join an organised visit to an overseas market six months from now
Share thoughts and have group discussions with companies that are in similar sectors to yours, making valuable contacts and even gaining potential collaboration opportunities.
On Thursday 13 July the Motorsport Industry Association will be hosting a Business Growth Conference at Silverstone, bringing together over 250 international attendees to discuss how engineering, technology and government can work together to accelerate growth, both within and outside the motorsport sector.
A highlight in the annual MIA events calendar, the 2017 conference will examine the many challenges and opportunities arising from the rapidly changing global business landscape, while helping all in attendance to build and strengthen their international and cross-sector networks.
Held on the day before the British Grand Prix weekend begins, this high profile event will gather over 250 senior international attendees from a range of industry sectors to learn, discuss and debate.
The event includes:
26 international speakers and panellists
24 vehicle and technology showcases
Over four hours of networking opportunities
Venue: Sahara Force India Formula One Team, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Ticket prices:
Delegate attendance (including refreshments and lunch):
Member £150 + VAT, non member £200 + VAT
Delegate attendance plus post-conference dinner:
Member £225 + VAT, non member £300 + VAT
Technology or vehicle showcase (including refreshments, lunch and two delegates):
Member £450 + VAT, non member £550 + VAT
For more information or to book your place, please contact Carrim Bundhun on 02476 692 600, or email carrim.bundhun@the-mia.com.
A Business Growth Conference at Silverstone, bringing together international attendees to discuss how engineering, technology and government can work together to accelerate growth.
On Thursday 13 July Innovation Birmingham will be hosting a hybrid seminar workshop focusing on the problem of how an organisation can build innovation into their daily operations via culture, leadership, strategy, management, and processes at the iCentrum, Innovation Campus in Birmingham.
This workshop provides the insight to address the common business problem of making innovation an every day part of your business.
Steve Bott- Efficient Thinking
• Dr Rick Robinson- Amey
• Hamid Zolfagharinia- Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Andrew Page- Transport for West Midlands
• Tammy Homes- West Midlands Academic Health Science Network
This work forms part of The Innovation Engine Project, which aims “to create new markets for SMEs by finding challenges that need innovative solutions”.
The Innovation Engine project is an ERDF funded project with the aim of benefitting SMEs with offices in the in the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP area.
The Innovation Engine Project is supported by:
Project delivered by the partnership of:
• Innovation Birmingham
• Amey Plc
• Birmingham City University • University of Birmingham • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust • Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust • Transport for West Midlands
On Thursday 13 July 123insight is hosting a free evaluation workshop which tells you everything you need to know about the software and the unique way that 123insight does business.
The event is designed to help you understand whether the award-winning software is a good fit for your business. Whether you are new to MRP (material requirements planning) and want to understand more about it, or if you are looking to replace an existing system, the 123insight evaluation workshop will give you all the information you need in an informal environment.
Free to attend
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton,WV10 9RT
If you would like to attend click here to book your place
Aimed at: SME Business owners or line managers. Suitable for SMEs with experienced line managers in need of a fresh approach or newly appointed line managers.
AIM for the Black Country is a service being offered to Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance your growth and competitiveness. Through a partnership arrangement between the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Black Country Growth Hub, Local Authorities, Black Country Consortium and the University of Wolverhampton you will be able to access a coordinated approach to a range of business support, advice and workshops. You can enter the programme through any of the aforementioned partners who will then manage the process from start to finish.
Workshop content:
Understanding people
Staff motivation
Time management
Effective appraisals
Feedback and coaching
Training including how people learn differently
Management tools
This workshop is funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and there is no cost to eligible SMEs taking part in this programme. There is a small amount of paperwork required to assess eligibility and evidence actions and outcomes.
Venue: TBC
Free to attend
To express your interest please give us a call to discuss 0121 569 2121
To find more about the programme, please click here to read the latest story
Due to unpresidented demand the event on Friday 14 July for local house builders is now full - keep an eye on the calendar for more events.
This workshop is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and is for SMEs based in the Black Country.
Wolverhampton City Council is addressing the housing crisis with a new initiative to build homes for sale and rent on land owned by the city.
In partnership with Wolverhampton Homes the council has set up a new company which will design and develop homes across the city on large and small sites to meet the needs of the community.
The council wishes to use local building materials and local house builders to ensure employment opportunities are maximised and to ensure the money spent, where possible, stays in the local economy.
If you are a local house builder this event will inform you of the opportunities to build homes, particularly on small sites over the coming months and years, and provide direct access to those managing this programme so you can ask any questions you may have.
Agenda:
Welcome
Local homes built by local builders
Small sites programme
WV Living development programme
Making it happen
Panel discussion.
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton WV10 9RT
Enjoy the excitement of Formula One cars in a private suite and make new business contacts.
This event, organised by the Motorsport Industry Association, is an opportunity to meet over 300 industry guests on Grand Prix Practice day, and to see two hours of Formula One cars in action, as well as the upcoming stars in GP2 and GP3.
Friday is the perfect day for business visitors - no crowds, no traffic, car parking close by and a friendly, open welcome extended to visitors from motorsport, automotive, defence, marine and aerospace, all drawn to the world famous Grand Prix.
The Platinum Suite is right alongside the track, between Stowe Corner and Maggots Curve, overlooking six fast corners and the Wellington Straight.
A VIP all-inclusive package is available which includes:
An all-day, top quality ‘grazing’ food menu and afternoon tea
A complimentary bar with beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks
Trackside views from the terrace and a grandstand seat
A large viewing screen for all the action in front of the suite
A car park pass (one for two guests) – just a 10-minute walk away
A personal Silverstone radio earpiece to catch all the action
On Tuesday 18 July Ngage Solutions Ltd will be hosting a workshop which will help you explore funding opportunities and sustainable energy solutions that will help you become more energy efficient, increase usage of renewable energy, and reduce climate change impacts.
Reducing energy costs with a low carbon workspaces grant
Innovative energy efficiency measures
Green energy tariffs
New energy storage and generation solutions
Support from the BECCI Project for SMEs developing products and services that reduce carbon usage.
This event will inform and inspire you to implement energy saving solutions with an opportunity to network with other like-minded businesses. A full English breakfast is provided, and there is an option to join a tour of the stadium at the end.
On Thursday 20 July the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre will be hosting a free LinkedIn workshop.
This workshop is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which are for SMEs based in the Black Country.
With over 242 million business professionals on LinkedIn looking to network, to engage and to share it is a rich source of insight and opportunity.
LinkedIn is the social media platform for any organisation that is looking to trade with other businesses.
This interactive workshop will help you to make the most of your personal profile, company page, who to identify your target market and some tips and tricks to take your profile and business even further.
Venue:Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive ,Wolverhampton, WV10 9RU
* * * Please note that this event is now fully booked. * * *
On Thursday 20 July Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Sandwell Business Solutions Centre will be hosting an event for businesses to have a 1-2-1 session off site with ACAS to discuss any employment issues with experts in a confidential enviroment.
Venue:Sandwell Business Solutions Centre, Sandwell College, 1 Spon Lane, West Bromwich, B70 6AW
On Thursday 7 September the Wolverhampton business forum will be hosting a networking event at LifeSpring Church.
This event will allow you to :
Organise and foster business-to-business networking events, promote camaraderie and encourage local businesses and organisations to support and trade with each other
Develop policies and lobby Wolverhampton Council to promote a more vibrant local economy.
Interact with other business groups and stakeholders to help them to achieve their objectives, and encourage the sharing of best practice and other knowledge and skills with local businesses.
THIS EVENT WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO BE FINANCIALLY FREE On the day you will learn:
How to set up and grow a business
How to position as an expert in your industry
How to use LinkedIn to get more businesses
How to make money online
How to invest in property AND MORE
The Growth Specialist Limited is an export consultancy firm with big power. Offering good advice, but strategic action to carry your business into a thriving, profitable future exporting across international markets.
Working with clients based in The West Midlands including Birmingham and Wolverhampton, to span Europe, Africa, the US, and Asia, whether you’re new to export or already trying and struggling to make it work. By helping you to develop the right export strategies and business tools, we’ll powerfully cut through what gets in the way of success.
PLACES ARE LIMITED, PLEASE REGISTER NOW
If you are a business owner and would like to advertise your products and services, please register as an exhibitor.
Venue: University of Wolverhampton, Millennium City Building City Campus (Wulfruna) Wulfruna Street Wolverhampton WV1 1LY.
