Festival preparations are underway

The festival, which returns for a third year from May 11 to 22, is seeking expressions of interest from potential sector leads and new sponsors.

The annual, business and networking fortnight, will feature more than 100 informative workshops, seminars, expos, showcases and panels.

Introduced by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, the festival is a non-profit organisation, that needs sponsors, partners and sector leads to champion the Black Country and helps put the region on a national and international platform.

Nearly 4,000 people attended the 2019 festival and a record total of 1,041 businesses engaged with the region's largest business event. More than 23 per cent of attendees came from outside the Black Country.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said: "The Black Country Business Festival is a great way for the region to unite and come together to celebrate our bright and busy business community. The festival drives investment into the region and give organisations, individuals and businesses the chance to connect, network and find new business.

"With so many businesses and attendees getting involved in the past twofestivals, I am positive this year will prove just as good, if not better. We’ve already seen a large amount of interest from organisations and individuals wanting to host events, sponsor and champion the festival as sector leads. We are very interested in meeting and talking to potential sponsors and sector leads, the more the merrier.

"The Black Country has a lot to offer and display. We at The chamber of commerce are proud to be supporting businesses and the Black Country on its journey to becoming a strong base for best in business.”

In the first two years, the festival saw sponsorship from eBay, Wolverhampton Racecourse, Casino36, DY5 – Dudley’s Enterprise Zone, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and others.

The Festival is searching for a dedicated and successful headline sponsor, to assist in presenting the Black Country as a sound and strong place to invest, live and work.

It offers different types of sponsorship and support packages. This can include but are not limited to, product placement, white labelling, print press coverage, social media coverage, digital communication coverage and much more.

The Festival covers eight key sectors, all of which have been recognised due to their large investment potential and popularity. These key sectors are; advanced manufacturing; automotive; creative industries; education and skills; professional services; business support and communications; property; infrastructure and construction; retail, tourism and hospitality.

Sector leads play an important role throughout the festival and are chosen due to their industry knowledge, professional standing and connections, within the specific industry. The role offers certain responsibilities such as; encourage those within your network to engage with Festival by attending events or hosting one and making sure events within the festival reflect trends, latest research and information within the specific sector.

All events are run by local businesses and organisations. It is completely free to hold an event and anyone can apply to do so. Events can be based around any topic, as long as they contribute positively to the business community by teaching skills, passing on information, offering new experiences and networking opportunities. Applications will open shortly.

2020 festival partners are; Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and Growth Hub, DY5, Talbots Law, University of Wolverhampton and sponsors are; Casino36 and M6toll. The festival is supported by Gecko Programmes and Walsall Council.

For more information on sponsorship or sector leads, e-mail hello@blackcountrybusinessfestival.com or call 01902 912304. For more information on the festival visit,www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com