For our first #madeinsandwell Monday feature of 2020, we’d like to tell you about the Sandwell Business Ambassadors.

They are people in high-level roles in Black Country organisations who are combining their experience, skills and networks to support, and advocate for, the Sandwell business community.

The Sandwell Business Ambassadors programme was launched in 2016 to utilise the strengths of local strategic businesses to support Sandwell’s growth. The Ambassadors come from the worlds of education, engineering, local government, manufacturing, business support and finance. They have achieved many successes individually and, as a collective, they seek to help Sandwell become an even better place to live and work.

Ambassadors liaise with Sandwell Council teams and other regional buyers to encourage them to procure locally, so that money spent on local regeneration and development projects is retained and recycled in the area. They act as a voice for other Sandwell businesses, raising the issues they know matter locally. Ultimately they want to see businesses in Sandwell thrive and grow, benefiting the Black Country economy and everyone who lives and works here.

Sandwell Business Ambassadors also promote the concept of ‘doing business better’. They encourage other business leaders to adopt responsible business practices, such as inclusivity and diversity in recruitment and nurturing employee wellbeing. They believe that schools engagement is vital for a thriving future workforce, and they care about finding ways to bridge the skills gap in our region.

Alan Taylor is managing director at MiGlass Ltd, a long-established Sandwell manufacturing company which has also featured in our #madeinsandwell Monday feature slot.

Alan is chair of the Sandwell Business Ambassadors, who meet once a month to discuss their next actions.

“The year 2020 takes us one step closer to the fulfilment of exciting projects for Sandwell – including the continuing development of the Midland Metropolitan Hospital and Sandwell Aquatics Centre being built for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” said Alan. “As Sandwell Ambassadors we want to ensure that as many local businesses as possible benefit from these huge investments. Not only at the top level, but from the tier two, three and four contracts too. Retaining the wealth in the area will, in turn, benefit people and communities.

“In the coming months we will be working hard to promote the skilled supply chain we have here in Sandwell, and also giving local businesses chances to meet with the buyers tasked with awarding the contracts. We hope Sandwell business owners will keep an eye out for our updates – including ‘meet the buyer’ events – and join us in our efforts to boost our borough.”

You can learn more about the Sandwell Business Ambassadors at www.sandwellbusinessambassadors.co.uk.