Sandwell Council’s Business Growth Team has been shortlisted in two categories in the 2019 West Midlands Celebrating Construction Awards.

Attracting more than 200 entries from some of the biggest firms in UK construction, the prestigious awards celebrate best practice in our region in construction, infrastructure and built environments.

The Business Growth Team (which manages Think Sandwell) has been recognised for its groundbreaking approach in supporting our borough’s SMEs. We have been shortlisted in two categories: Best Integration & Collaborative Working, and People Development.

The nominations recognise Sandwell Council’s work in nurturing SMEs to join forces in engineering critical components for prestigious supply chain opportunities, such as HS2. Creating this ‘cluster group’ has been a unique initiative, helping Sandwell firms to pool their resources and secure contracts on major projects.

Sandwell Council’s Business Growth team supported the cluster group in a number of ways, such as by facilitating client engagement meetings at the critical early supplier involvement (ESI) stage and offering workshops on procurement and tendering skills. Everything had the overall aim of giving the cluster group the best possible chance of success when pitching for work.

Amy Harhoff, Sandwell Council’s director of regeneration and growth, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for two awards. Our innovative work with SMEs on local procurement, improving productivity and supply chain competitiveness demonstrates the council’s thoughtful approach in engaging with local businesses, giving them the tools to increase their knowledge, skills and business continuity to be successful both here in Sandwell, across the Midlands and the wider UK”.

Paul Moore, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, said: “It’s great for Sandwell Council to be recognised as a local authority that is helping its region’s businesses become even stronger players within the supply chain. We hope our forward-thinking strategy can, in turn, lead to businesses securing new contracts, growing, and creating new jobs.”

The winners will be announced at a high-profile dinner on Friday 12 April, when more than 800 business leaders, construction peers and innovators will gather at the ICC in Birmingham to celebrate the very best initiatives and projects in the world of construction.

Sandwell Council’s Business Growth Team faces tough competition, going head to head with the likes of Midland Metro Alliance, Balfour Beatty and Morgan Sindall. Wish us luck!