Festival tickets available in January

The festival, run in association with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and supported by the University of Wolverhampton and Talbots Law, will run between April 23 and May 4.

Events are being held by companies to help other Black Country businesses and individuals to learn from each other, share and grow.

It is also hoped that a range of events will draw attention to the Black Country and show investors and businesses looking to relocate, what this area has to offer.

Around 100 events are expected to take place over the festival fortnight. Confirmed events in the programme include a recruitment showcase aiming to re-introduce ex-service people into work; workshops on protecting assets and intellectual property rights; brand protection and communication, marketing and social media. There is also a topical debate and panel discussion about the pathway from education to business; a seminar looking at sources of funding to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and a forum on health and safety in the workplace.

Anyone can apply to run an event in the festival, by completing a short form on the website, but the application process is only open until February 22.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said, “There are still a few weeks for businesses to submit their applications to run an event in the business festival.

“This is going to be the biggest business event that has ever taken place in the Black Country and we want everyone to be part of it – whether this is running an event, offering venue space, coming along to events or, being a businessfestival partner.

“The Black Country is an amazing place that is going from strength to strength and we want to collectively show the world that this is the Black Country.”

For information, to apply to run an event, visit www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com, or email hello@blackcountrybusinessfestival.com