Around 100 business leaders, politicians, sponsors and media representatives will attend the launch of the second Black Country Business Festival this morning (Monday 13 May) at the University of Wolverhampton’s Springfield Campus.

The breakfast launch will see keynote speeches from Professor Geoff Layer (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton); Corin Crane (Chief Executive of Black Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Paul Jones (founder of Black Country business Goodstart Jones); Sarah Middleton (Chief Executive of the Black Country Consortium) and Andy Street (Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority).

Murray Lambell, Vice-President of UK Trading at eBay (the festival’s headline sponsor) will speak via video link.

Tickets to 100+ free business events are available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis through the website www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com – although do act quickly as many events are already full.

From small workshops about recruitment, bid writing, marketing and social media, to large trade shows, conferences and networking, every business will find something beneficial over the next two weeks.

Last week Corin Crane [pictured left], Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am really looking forward to launching our second annual Business Festival on Monday. It also gives us a real chance to celebrate our business, innovation, knowledge and strengths and show what our fantastic region has to offer.

“There are some absolutely awesome events in the programme again this year and I urge everyone to make the most of what’s available – and for free, during this exiting fortnight.”

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The University of Wolverhampton is delighted to be hosting this prestigious opening event to mark the start of the second Black Country Business Festival.

“We pride ourselves on being a place of opportunity for students, staff and businesses that we engage with; developing individuals who are entrepreneurial, eminently employable and well-connected.

“Last year’s festival was a huge success and we are proud to be playing an active part in the Business Festival again this year as a partner and also helping deliver a comprehensive programme of events for business and individuals to attend.

“This further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing the Black Country’s strengths, innovation, commerce, culture and huge investment potential to the rest of the world.”

Black Country Business Festival was developed by the Black Country Chamber and it is headline-partnered by online retailer eBay.

Here at Think Sandwell we’re proud to be one of the sponsors of the festival. We’re hosting a ‘Meet the funders’ breakfast event at Sandwell Business Solutions Centre on Thursday 23 May, where you can hear about funding opportunities for taking your business forward. We’re also keen to encourage businesses to attend the Sandwell Primary Authority Partnerships and Responsible Business Scheme Event the day before, on Wednesday 22 May.

For more information about Black Country Business Festival, to see the complete calendar or to book tickets for events, visit www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com.