The Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) is about to launch its Strategic Leadership Programme for 2017. The idea behind the programme is to help develop the leadership and management skills of CEOs, MDs and senior managers. It aims to support business growth and inspire business leaders throughout the region.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is a purpose-built facility in Coventry. Its focus is to bridge the gap between academia and industrial practice by developing and proving innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in a low risk environment, in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions.

Plans to expand the Oldbury Green retail park in Oldbury have been submitted to Sandwell Council. They include the creation of two new units and the extension of an existing unit. The new shops would mean more jobs for the town.

Merry Christmas from the Think Sandwell Business Growth Team.

We’ve been in touch with some truly inspiring people and their businesses in 2016, and we look forward to providing more support in 2017.

Oldbury-based cold roll-forming firm Metsec has been announced as the first tier two organisation globally to have achieved the new Kitemark PAS 1192-2 from the British Standards Institution (BSI Group).

A large mixed-use retail and office building in West Bromwich town centre has come up for sale, offering the right investor the opportunity to convert it to a residential scheme.

A former Carcraft showroom site in Wednesbury has been bought by another car sales company, with the promise of hundreds of jobs for the region.

Sandwell Valley School in West Bromwich aims to support children who have missed out on educational opportunities, but it wouldn’t be possible without the financial support of the Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust and other local businesses.

Innovate UK has launched ‘manufacturing and materials round 2’, a competition that will fund a range of projects that address certain identified technical or commercial challenges.