News
Sandwell businesses are aiming for GOLD
05/07/2023
Over four years, a funding programme has helped 92 businesses in Sandwell with face-to-face support and, in many cases, grant funding.
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Events
Think Sandwell organises and participates in a number of events throughout the year.
The events range from breakfast seminars and trade masterclasses, and are held regularly in and around Sandwell.
View our events calendar below.
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Events in August 2016
01/08/2016 (1 event)
Business Start-Up Training Programme
–
27/07/2016 – 03/08/2016
If you have a great idea for a business but are not sure what to do next, the Business Start-Up Training Programme could be exactly what you need.
This Programme comprises a series of workshops in July and August 2016 and will cover vital skills for setting up your business, giving you a head start and the confidence to succeed into the future.
The workshops will enable you to:
- Expand your business ideas
- Understand the business planning process
- Decide on what legal information is required
- Learn about your desired market
- Gain understanding on how to manage your finance
- Develop your personal confidence and networking skills
After the four days, you will also have the option of benefitting from two further one-to-one sessions with our dedicated business specialists.
Start your business journey the right way.
Dates
27th and 28th July, 2nd and 3rd August.
Times
Each workshop runs from 4.00pm to 8.30pm.
Workshop Timetable
Each workshop is run by a leading professional and will provide invaluable insight and the tools for starting a business. Delegates are encouraged to evaluate themselves and their business, with a view to fully understanding the impact of setting up a new company
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV10
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
Wolverhampton Business Solutions CentreGlaisher DriveWolverhamptonWest Midlands, WV1002/08/2016 (2 events)
Business Start-Up Training Programme
–
27/07/2016 – 03/08/2016If you have a great idea for a business but are not sure what to do next, the Business Start-Up Training Programme could be exactly what you need.
This Programme comprises a series of workshops in July and August 2016 and will cover vital skills for setting up your business, giving you a head start and the confidence to succeed into the future.
The workshops will enable you to:
- Expand your business ideas
- Understand the business planning process
- Decide on what legal information is required
- Learn about your desired market
- Gain understanding on how to manage your finance
- Develop your personal confidence and networking skills
After the four days, you will also have the option of benefitting from two further one-to-one sessions with our dedicated business specialists.
Start your business journey the right way.
Dates
27th and 28th July, 2nd and 3rd August.
Times
Each workshop runs from 4.00pm to 8.30pm.
Workshop Timetable
Each workshop is run by a leading professional and will provide invaluable insight and the tools for starting a business. Delegates are encouraged to evaluate themselves and their business, with a view to fully understanding the impact of setting up a new company
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV10
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
Wolverhampton Business Solutions CentreGlaisher DriveWolverhamptonWest Midlands, WV10Helping Manufacturers Succeed
–
02/08/2016The West Midlands Manufacturing Club, in partnership with 123 Insight Ltd, invites you to a free Evaluation Workshop. The event is aimed at all types and sizes of manufacturing companies that are looking to improve their existing manufacturing processes in areas such as:
- Stock control and reduction of errors
- Reducing lead-times
- Traceability and quality control
- Reducing paper and data fragmentation across systems
- Reducing labour costs or increasing the ability to handle more work with the same resources
- Complete visibility across a common system, from enquiry through to invoice
- Integrating MRP to Accounts and/or CRM
- A business framework for obtaining ISO or other quality accreditations
The Evaluation Workshop is suitable for companies either running an existing MRP/ERP system or those that are still using paper or spreadsheet-based systems. If you're looking for real improvement in the above areas without employing teams of consultants, or making any significant IT investment or organisational upheaval, then there is an alternative solution.
An informal buffet lunch will be provided after the event, giving you the opportunity to network with other forward-thinking local manufacturers.
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV10
Attendance is free but spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended
You can register to attend here
Wolverhampton Business Solutions CentreGlaisher DriveWolverhamptonWest Midlands, WV1003/08/2016 (1 event)
Business Start-Up Training Programme
–
27/07/2016 – 03/08/2016If you have a great idea for a business but are not sure what to do next, the Business Start-Up Training Programme could be exactly what you need.
This Programme comprises a series of workshops in July and August 2016 and will cover vital skills for setting up your business, giving you a head start and the confidence to succeed into the future.
The workshops will enable you to:
- Expand your business ideas
- Understand the business planning process
- Decide on what legal information is required
- Learn about your desired market
- Gain understanding on how to manage your finance
- Develop your personal confidence and networking skills
After the four days, you will also have the option of benefitting from two further one-to-one sessions with our dedicated business specialists.
Start your business journey the right way.
Dates
27th and 28th July, 2nd and 3rd August.
Times
Each workshop runs from 4.00pm to 8.30pm.
Workshop Timetable
Each workshop is run by a leading professional and will provide invaluable insight and the tools for starting a business. Delegates are encouraged to evaluate themselves and their business, with a view to fully understanding the impact of setting up a new company
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV10
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
Wolverhampton Business Solutions CentreGlaisher DriveWolverhamptonWest Midlands, WV1005/08/2016 (1 event)
Digital Skills Academy
–
05/08/2016
The Digital Skills Academy is a collaboration between Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre and OutserveWeb, created to improve the digital skills of businesses throughout the region. Connect with some of the leading specialists in the area and develop the necessary skills to move your Digital Marketing forward.
The Digital Skills Academy Programme provides:
- Monthly workshops on a variety of digital marketing topics
- Resources to support all learning
- An online group for discussion and support
- Certificates for all workshops attended
These half day workshops will cover different topics each month:
- Blogging and Content Marketing on Friday 5th August
- Youtube and Video Marketing on Friday 2nd September
- Google Analytics for beginners on Friday 14th October
The Blogging and Content Marketing workshop will cover why content is currently at the top of the agenda for marketers and how blogging can improve your SEO helping to increase traffic to your website
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT
Monthly workshop £67+VAT. Individual workshop £115+VAT
You can register to attend here
Wolverhampton Business Solutions CentreUniversity of Wolverhampton Science ParkGlaisher DriveWolverhampton, WV10 9RT09/08/2016 (2 events)
Creative alliance presents: Beginners guide to marketing strategies
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09/08/2016
Do you have a plan? Is your marketing working? Are you a small business that does not have the necessary resources to develop your own marketing strategy?
James Ellis will be delivering this interactive session looking at developing the start of a marketing strategy. This session has been created especially for the businesses of Innovation Birmingham.
James will be discussing:
- The best strategies of 2015
- How you can develop a working strategy
- How you can make sure that your marketing is working
This is taken from Creative Alliances new Digital Seminars that are developed for emerging business that want their marketing to work for them.
You will get an understanding of how to develop a strategy, the start of your strategy and understanding of how to track your marketing.
This session is for emerging businesses who want their marketing to work for them. Businesses or Freelancers who want the marketing to be in house or do not have the resources for a Marketing agency.
Venue: Innovation Birmingham Campus, Holt Street, Birmingham, B7 4BB
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
Innovation Birmingham CampusHolt StreetBirmingham, B7 4BBChamber afternoon networks
–
09/08/2016
Our monthly early evening networking event. This event is a chance to introduce yourself to other Chamber members, to hear from local businesses and build up your contacts
Venue: TBC
Chamber PassPort Free - £10 + VAT per Chamber member & £20 + VAT for non members
You can register to attend here
TBC16/08/2016 (2 events)
The WMCA: Making Our Mark - Mayoral WMCA Consultation Event
–
16/08/2016Delegates will hear from Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority who will give an overview of what a Mayoral WMCA is, the role and functions it will have and the benefit for the region. You can find out more about the Mayoral WMCA consultation which is currently underway and open for submissions until midnight on Sunday 21 August.
This will be an excellent opportunity to hear about the future of the West Midlands region and to be a part of an on-going partnership between the public and private sectors.
Delegates will also be invited to discuss and feedback their views on the ways in which the WMCA can make a real impact on businesses and the region.
Venue: icentrum, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Holt Street, Birmingham Science Park, B74BB
Free to attend for chamber members & non member
Please book directly with Greater Birmingham Chamber by following the link here
icentrum, Innovation Birmingham CampusHolt StreetBirmingham Science ParkBirmingham, B74BBUKTI: Export Opportunities
–
16/08/2016
UKTI representatives will be at Innovation Birmingham to share their knowledge and expertise on export opportunities for all companies who have a product or service and are interested in export as a route to growth.
The workshop will include a welcome and introduction to export by Ann Cook and the chance to hear from local companies who have already benefited from our help and advice and are now exporting successfully.
Sarah Lumley-Holmes, one of the regions Digital Trade Advisers will also talk through how to optimise your web presence, including social media for international trade and how to utilise social commerce and digital trends.
Whatever your size or sector the rewards from selling your products and services overseas can be huge. Trading abroad can boost your profile, credibility and bottom line. International markets offer you access to new customers, revenue and ideas. And research confirms that exporting companies are more productive, innovative and resilient to economic downturns than non-exporters. You’re already competing successfully with the international companies here at home. So why not take that final leap to market overseas?
About the speakers;
Ann Cook – As an International Trade Adviser Ann helps both new to export and more experienced exporters from all sectors to develop the skills, contacts and confidence to start exporting or to break into new markets overseas. Ann has a wide range of international trade experience from living overseas, working in international trade and running her own business. Ann currently leads on ICT sector activity in the Birmingham and Solihull region.
Sarah Lumley-Holmes – Sarah is a regional eCommerce advisor. Working across businesses in the West midlands to improve their web presence and digital footprint as part of the E-Exporting programme. With over 10 years’ experience Sarah has a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of digital marketing. She has extensive strategic and practical experience in a range of disciplines including social media, search marketing, advertising, analytics, email marketing and mobile marketing. Having previously worked for eCommerce businesses and large scale organisations across the UK she has a passion for digital marketing.
Venue: Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Holt Street , B7 4BB, Birmingham
FREE to attend, Innovation Birmingham Campus tenants only
You can register to attend here
Innovation Birmingham CampusFaraday WharfHolt StreetBirmingham, B7 4BB17/08/2016 (2 events)
Launching Innovative Future Technologies
17/08/2016
We are inviting startups, entrepreneurs, individuals and groups, industry and experts to take part in this competition.
Aim of the Challenge
The main aim is to pitch a business plan to a judging panel at the end of 3rd day of the challenge.Overview of the Challenge
Day 1 – Attendees focus on idea generation and co-creating with their team
Day 2 – Attendees participate in interactive workshops and seminars which assist with developing their business idea i.e. Marketing, Branding and Business Plans
Day 3 – Attendees focus on pitching their ideas to the judgesOpportunities
If the judging panel deems your business concept to be viable, the successful team(s) will be invited to join our Serendip or Climate KIC programmes at Innovation Birmingham.Venue: Innovation Birmingham, iCentrum, Birmingham, B7 4BP
FREE to attend
Register your interest here, in participating in the Launching Innovative Future Technologies (LIFT) 3 Day challenge to co-create future game changing green (environmental/sustainable) business plans.
Innovation BirminghamiCentrumBirmingham, B7 4BPBusiness Start-Up Seminar
–
17/08/2016Thinking of starting or just started a new business? The Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre is pleased to invite you to a FREE business start-up seminar. The event will provide tailored help and support to individuals who want to set up and run their own successful new business.
The event will cover a varierty of topics including:
- Is it right for you?
- Business Planning
- Legal status and legalities
- Taxation
- Next steps
Aimed at individuals thinking of, or just starting a potential business, the seminar offers a structured approach to identifying opportunities, planning for success and ensuring a better chance of survival.
Venue: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV10
FREE to attend but pre-registration is required
You can register to attend here
Wolverhampton Business Solutions CentreGlaisher DriveUniversity of Wolverhampton Science ParkWolverhampton, WV10 9RTEngland18/08/2016 (2 events)
Launching Innovative Future Technologies
17/08/2016
We are inviting startups, entrepreneurs, individuals and groups, industry and experts to take part in this competition.
Aim of the Challenge
The main aim is to pitch a business plan to a judging panel at the end of 3rd day of the challenge.Overview of the Challenge
Day 1 – Attendees focus on idea generation and co-creating with their team
Day 2 – Attendees participate in interactive workshops and seminars which assist with developing their business idea i.e. Marketing, Branding and Business Plans
Day 3 – Attendees focus on pitching their ideas to the judgesOpportunities
If the judging panel deems your business concept to be viable, the successful team(s) will be invited to join our Serendip or Climate KIC programmes at Innovation Birmingham.Venue: Innovation Birmingham, iCentrum, Birmingham, B7 4BP
FREE to attend
Register your interest here, in participating in the Launching Innovative Future Technologies (LIFT) 3 Day challenge to co-create future game changing green (environmental/sustainable) business plans.
Innovation BirminghamiCentrumBirmingham, B7 4BPHatchery Tour - Birmingham
–
18/08/2016
Do you wish there was a way to take your business idea to the next step? Or are you looking for a way that you can give back to the entrepreneurial community? Perhaps you’ve wondered what goes on inside a business accelerator - or even what a business accelerator is? By attending an Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery tour, you will find the answers to these questions and many more.
The Hatchery is the physical office space that Entrepreneurial Spark provides to our Chiclets – that’s what we call our fledgling businesses. Our Hatchery tours last no more than an hour and are led by Lee Currier, Entrepreneur Development Manager from NatWest. By joining a tour, you’ll get a chance to have a look round the Hatchery and find out more about getting involved in the Entrepreneurial Spark programme: you can sign up as a Chiclet, or offer your services as a Mentor to support the Chiclets, or maybe there’s another way you think you can lend your expertise.
Venue: Birmingham Hatchery, Entrepreneurial Spark, 2 St. Philips Place, Birmingham, B3 2RB
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
Birmingham HatcheryEntrepreneurial Spark2 St. Philips PlaceBirmingham, B3 2RB19/08/2016 (1 event)
Launching Innovative Future Technologies
17/08/2016
We are inviting startups, entrepreneurs, individuals and groups, industry and experts to take part in this competition.
Aim of the Challenge
The main aim is to pitch a business plan to a judging panel at the end of 3rd day of the challenge.Overview of the Challenge
Day 1 – Attendees focus on idea generation and co-creating with their team
Day 2 – Attendees participate in interactive workshops and seminars which assist with developing their business idea i.e. Marketing, Branding and Business Plans
Day 3 – Attendees focus on pitching their ideas to the judgesOpportunities
If the judging panel deems your business concept to be viable, the successful team(s) will be invited to join our Serendip or Climate KIC programmes at Innovation Birmingham.Venue: Innovation Birmingham, iCentrum, Birmingham, B7 4BP
FREE to attend
Register your interest here, in participating in the Launching Innovative Future Technologies (LIFT) 3 Day challenge to co-create future game changing green (environmental/sustainable) business plans.
Innovation BirminghamiCentrumBirmingham, B7 4BP20/08/2016 (1 event)
22/08/2016 (1 event)
Legal start-up surgery with Browne Jacobson
–
22/08/2016As this could throw up many discussions and topics, the aim of the session is to find out what you want to know and how best he and his team can help. So if there is anything in the world of corporate law or finance that you’d like to discuss with a professional expert, sign up and put your questions to Mike and Tiffany.
About Browne Jacobson
Browne Jacobson is a national law firm and experts across the private and public sectors. Clients choose and stay with then because of their sector expertise, straightforward advice, pricing and product innovation, and exceptional client service.
Partners and employees of Browne Jacobson have been helping start-ups based at Innovation Birmingham for over a year and have a passion for assisting start-ups through ensuring they are well informed from the beginning. This session will help determine how they can help further.
Venue: Innovation Birmingham, iCentrum, Birmingham, B7 4BP
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
Innovation BirminghamiCentrumBirmingham, B7 4BP23/08/2016 (1 event)
Don't ignore the law! Protect your business
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23/08/2016
As business owners you put your life into making it successful.
NatWest are delighted to invite you to an informative presentation about how we can help protect your business from ever changing Employment Law and Health & Safety legislation given by NatWest Mentor Services.
We also have a special guest Richard Murphy from Lakeside Financial Services Ltd based in Solihull that will present some key information about your responsibilities around the Work Place Pensions Auto Enrolment.
Come and join us for light refreshments and pastries, a great chance to meet other business owners and professionals in your local market and to get the information you need to protect your business
Agenda of the day is -
9.30 - Registration / Refreshments & Pastries
10:00 - Employment Law presentation
10:20 - Work Place pensions - Auto Enrolment
10:50 - Break
11:05: Health & Safety in the workplace
11:30 - Q&A - NetworkingVenue: RBS, 6th Floor, 2 St Philips Place, B3 2RB Birmingham
FREE to attend
You can register to attend here
RBS6th Floor2 St Philips PlaceBirmingham, B3 2RB
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