In summary
On 14 November we will be exhibiting at the Birmingham B2B Expo at St Andrew’s Stadium and on Tuesday 3 December we’ll be at the Midlands Business Network Expo at Aston Villa. Both events are free to attend and offer an excellent opportunity to network, make new contacts and find out what support is available for your business – and to get a great reminder from us on the extent of your FSB member benefits. Hope to see you there!
Featured news and events
If you’re a business based in the South Staffordshire Council catchment area, they’re running an ‘Connect Digital’ event focusing on the digital aspects of running a business. This event will explore essential topics, including the power of digital marketing, the benefits of digital accountancy software, and the importance of digital safety. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from insightful guest speakers who will present on these key areas. Attendees are encouraged to engage and ask questions during the presentations, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas.
Additionally, the event will feature networking opportunities, allowing local businesses to connect, share experiences, and foster collaborations. FSB will be exhibiting at the event, it would be great to see you there!
FSB Featured Event:
After a successful round of FSB Business Bootcamps throughout 2024, we’re now working up our Midlands programme for 2025! First off the block will be our ‘New Year Refresher’ at Hothorpe Hall in Leicester on 30 January 2025 where you’ll get the opportunity to energise, strategise, thrive and fuel your mind, body and business for 2025. This will be followed by our well-established Business Bootcamp at Coombe Abbey in Coventry on 24 March aimed at ‘Igniting your Business for 2025’! All our Bootcamps offer an excellent opportunity to network, hear from an expert panel of speakers on a range of subjects and pick up great advice and tips which you can implement in your business to help drive your success. Book your place now to avoid disappointment! Further information on the rest of the programme of Bootcamps will be coming soon, so keep an eye out. Book your free place now!
In other news
Free Support for Business Innovation: New Hubs Empower Local SMEs
Small businesses across the West Midlands now have access to free support for adopting new technologies, thanks to a £2.4 million investment. This funding, part of a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Innovate UK, has led to the creation of Innovation Hubs in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, and Warwickshire. These hubs are designed to help SMEs boost innovation, upskill staff, and overcome growth challenges. Find out more here.
Made in Dudley, Sold to the World
Businesses in Dudley Borough create exceptional products and services that the whole world wants. From advanced manufacturers, engineers, metal and material industries, to business services, creative firms and high-tech innovators, our businesses are making their mark globally.
The UK Government's Department for Business and Trade, working in partnership with Dudley Council, are hosting Made in Dudley Borough, Sold to the World. This roadshow is part of a special series of events taking place across the country which showcase how your business can start exporting, or build on your business’s existing international presence. Find out more here.
Still in the news
Demonstrate the Net Zero commitments your customers want to see
Make the West Midlands Net Zero Pledge. Get free support and resources to decarbonise your business and signal your green credentials to your customers. By making a pledge, organisations across the West Midlands demonstrate their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and reaching net zero. Through their pledge, organisations have access to expert advice and guidance around translating their pledge into actions. Learn more here.
Grants & support for creative freelancers and small organisations
West Midlands Combined Authority is running a programme called ACTIVATE - a new skills and business support initiative for the Cultural and Creative sector. This is a development initiative that forms part of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund. Empowering creative freelancers and small organisations by providing development opportunities, access to funding, and connections to create resilient, thriving practitioners in the West Midland's ecosystem of creativity.
Activate opens access and increases opportunities for career development and enhancement, helping to build a more equitable and collaborative sector that fully reflects and represents communities within the West Midlands. Grants are also available through this programme. Find out more here.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Staffordshire and West Midlands is Karen Woolley. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBStaffsWMids
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.BhamBlackCountryStaffs
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Karen Woolley