Businesses have until 14 August to submit their applications and the growing programme already comprises a comprehensive mixture of events focussing on a wide range of subjects.

Business support is strong on the agenda and there are also a number of events surrounding the important subject of mental health and well-being in the work place. The strengths in the Black Country are also being brought to the forefront with niche events, such as building and re-powering advanced manufacturing.

University of Wolverhampton’s Racing Team –  the only student-run racing team in the UK who compete in the F3 Cup and the Morgan Challenge will be demonstrating “The Business of Winning” whilst Creative Black Country is also getting involved with their “Let’s Create” events.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, which initiated the BFBF three years ago, said, “The fact that so many events have transferred to the new dates is amazing. It really demonstrates the strength and determination of businesses in the Black Country who are keen to pick themselves up and carry on.

“The programme is already looking exciting and there is time for more events to be added as businesses and the economy starts to reboot.”

Gemma West, project manager from Associate Events (the agency managing the BCBF) said, “The Business Festival will be featuring so many interesting and useful events that will be very beneficial to the wider business community – particularly as we emerge from this unfortunate downtime.

“We would encourage any business to get involved by running events or attending. There will be lots of digital events this year which will make the Festival even more accessible. Anyone that hasn’t yet transferred their events or needs help with the process should get in touch.”

In line with current Government guidance, the Festival has been adapted so that events can be purely digital, or hybrid, where physical events will be live-streamed and event organisers can choose which they wish to do.

The BCBF relies on sponsorship from organisations in the Black Country, which has automatically rolled over to October. The Festival Partners are: University of Wolverhampton, Talbots Law, Dudley Business First, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and the Black Country Growth Hub; 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, Signal 107 and Metro and app partner.

For more information or help, businesses should email hello@blackcountrybusinessfestival.com or call 01902 912304.