West Midlands Business Festival 2026 opens
The West Midlands Business Festival officially got underway this morning, with the West Midlands Combined Authority's interim chief hailing it “one of the most exciting moments in our regional business calendar”.
Opening the festival on behalf of Mayor Richard Parker, WMCA interim chief executive Ed Cox set the tone for the two-week event, which aims to celebrate the energy building across the region.
The festival brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, manufacturers, creatives, investors and educators from across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull.
With more than 100 business-led events taking place over the next two weeks, and thousands of free tickets already claimed, the appetite for collaboration, learning and growth appears stronger than ever.
“The momentum is real, the energy is building, and together we’re shaping a festival and a future without limits,” Mr Cox told the audience.
Proclaiming the West Midlands as a region with ambition, momentum and growth firmly on the agenda, he said the festival is an example of collaborative spirit - adding: "It sparks conversations that turn into partnerships and creates opportunities that can reshape industries."
He also urged business bosses to attend sessions they might not usually choose, connect with someone new and follow up on ideas sparked during the festival.
With events running across the region for the next two weeks, people can find out more and sign up for sessions online at https://booking.wmbf.co.uk/ or email hello@wmbf.co.uk.
One of the flagship events of the fortnight will be the Black Country Chamber Expo powered by Hashtag Event, taking place at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Thursday February 5 from 10am to 2pm. To find out more go to https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/
