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Return of region’s premier business networking event hailed a huge success

The return of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Expo - the region’s premier business networking event - has been hailed a triumphant success.

By Beverly Rademacher
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Last held in 2023, Thursday’s event was attended by notable guests including the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, and Wolves legend turned business ambassador Steve Bull.

Andrew Charlton from Hashtag Events, Mayor Craig Collingswood and Sarah Moorhouse - Chamber CEO
Andrew Charlton from Hashtag Events, Mayor Craig Collingswood and Sarah Moorhouse - Chamber CEO

The event, at Wolverhampton Racecourse and Conference Centre, attracted more than 650 visitors from across the Midlands for a day of networking, learning and brand promotion.

Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “The response to this year’s expo has exceeded our expectations, and we’re delighted to have successfully brought back this event.

“The energy and enthusiasm from exhibitors and delegates was fantastic; it just goes to show what a buzz can be created when the best businesses in the region come together.

“Events like this are absolutely vital for fostering the connections and collaborations that help our business community thrive."

Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise. 

The Black Country Chamber Expo at Wolverhampton Racecourse
The Black Country Chamber Expo at Wolverhampton Racecourse

Chris Carter, of Void Applications, exhibiting for the first time at an expo, said: “We’ve had so many new conversations and a number of new leads too that we’ll follow up. "Our main aim was to get people to our upcoming seminar and we’ve had a lot of interest and given out quite a few leaflets."

Simon Cater, of Paycare, said it had been a "really good day" with "a brilliant mix of businesses and a real buzz" - adding: “We’re really pleased the chamber organised another Expo. Our electric buzzer game brought lots of people to our stand and we’ve got a number of people to follow up."

For newer businesses, the event proved invaluable. 

A talk at the Black Country Chamber Expo
A talk at the Black Country Chamber Expo

Rhiannon Cooper, of Not So Typical Fitness, whose business launched just over a year ago, said it had been her first proper networking event and she added: "It has been so useful and I’ve met people who will be able to help me grow. My main aim was to make some new connections and I’ve certainly done that.”

The expo featured a packed programme of talks, workshops and structured networking sessions, creating multiple opportunities for exhibitors to engage with attendees.