Dudley business network wants more firms
A new business networking group has been launched in Dudley to help breathe new life into the town centre.
The Dudley Business Group will see firms and traders share information and work together to encourage more people into the town. Leaders are now appealing for more businesses to get involved in the group.
Charlie Sangha, local business manager at Santander and one of the innovators behind the new organisation, said: "Dudley has got a good mix of respected established businesses and new entrepreneurs.
"Santander's purpose is to help people and businesses prosper, so my aim is to help everyone to work together to make Dudley as attractive a place as possible to encourage people to visit us.
"This will help to position Dudley as a more attractive base for future businesses, which will then encourage yet more people to visit Dudley.
"The main thing for me is that we need as many businesses as possible to join the group to make it work."
Dudley Ambassador Nikki Cheung, who is supporting the group, said: "There is so much to be proud of in Dudley.
"It has great heritage, a central location and a fantastic spirit.
"In addition, the council has invested millions of pounds in improving the town centre, which will complete later this year.
"Looking further ahead, further regeneration projects are planned and our transport links will improve with a regenerated bus station and the promise of a light rail service to Dudley.
"Dudley has the potential to soar, and I am delighted to work with the Dudley Business Group to do all we can to make Dudley a business-friendly environment and a shopping and leisure venue of choice."
The Dudley Business Group will meet every six to eight weeks in locations across the town centre.
Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "It is through collective working that we can have the biggest positive impact on the town."
The next meeting will be a breakfast meeting on June 18 at Dudley College.
For more information, or simply to express an interest in joining the group, email Charlie Sangha at charlie.sangha@santander.co.uk
