eBay signs up as business festival headline partner

Retail Revival is a growth initiative for smaller, traditional retail enterprises which are offered training in running an online business, marketing and customer services. They are given step-by-step help to get them trading online with eBay, enabling them to reach new audiences and attract customers from virtually anywhere in the world.

Rob Hattrell, vice president at eBay UK, said: “We’re delighted to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Black Country Business Festival. At eBay, we’re committed to helping businesses thrive and the Festival is a fantastic opportunity to champion local entrepreneurs and showcase the huge potential of the people and businesses in the region.

“Working with entrepreneurs in Wolverhampton as part of our Retail Revival programme, eBay has seen first-hand the commitment and huge investment potential in the Black Country and we’re thrilled to be supporting the area further this year.”

The second annual festival will run from May 13 to 24 and will feature more than 100 different events this year.

It will be launched at the University of Wolverhampton's Springfield Brewery site on May 13.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce chief executive Corin Crane said: "There are going to be some brilliant event this year."

Free business events are on the website – www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com – and bookings to attend are being taken.

The festival was established by the chamber with the aim of giving local businesses new opportunities to grow and develop. In 2018 more than 4,200 people attended festival events.

A number of other key partners and sponsors are supporting the festival. Solicitors Talbots Law, DY5 – Dudley’s Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone – and Birmingham Airport have signed up as festival partners, whilst Casino 36 have confirmed their commitment for the next two years as a sponsor.

Official festival supporters include Wolverhampton Racecourse, Crowe, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Think Sandwell.