A packed programme of more than 80 events will take place across
two weeks next month as the region hosts the first West Midlands
Business Festival.
Mayor is launching the event to
bring ambitious businesses together so they can get behind his
mission to turbocharge economic growth.
With just one month to go until the festival opens on March 3,
places at most events can now be booked online at www.wmbf.org.uk with the
majority free to attend.
They include workshops covering business development, sales and
marketing, climate resilience, sustainability and
decarbonisation, how-to sessions on AI and social media, and
innovative virtual reality team-building.
There will also be leadership and entrepreneurship masterclasses,
and summits on funding, alongside networking opportunities for
people at the beginning of their careers as well as events for
start-ups, executives and entrepreneurs who are ambitious for
growth.
Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) - part of the West Midlands
Combined Authority (WMCA) - is organising the festival with the
backing of all three of the region's Chambers of Commerce, the
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), universities, and many
other business organisations.
The Mayor said: "I want the West Midlands to be the best place to
do business. We're actively supporting our SMEs, helping them
export goods, improve efficiency, and hire local talent, so they
can grow and, in turn, drive our economy forward.
"So far, we've engaged nearly 10,000 SMEs and more than £10
million in grants.
"This festival is about taking that impact even further, bringing
together thousands of businesses across the region to accelerate
growth and build a stronger economy for everyone."
Coinciding with the inaugural festival is the 10th annual
Venturefest West Midlands.
Venturefest West Midlands is on Wednesday, March 19, at the
Eastside Rooms on Woodcock Street, Birmingham. This one-day event
will connect entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors so they can
share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. The
focus this year will be on science and emerging technologies.
For a full programme of events taking place during the West
Midlands Business Festival and to book a place see www.wmbf.co.uk.
