In summary
We’re quickly moving through the first quarter of 25 and have been very busy getting out and about across the Staffordshire & West Midlands area – engaging with stakeholders on our members’ behalf, attending expos and meeting business owners and organisation from across the greater West Midlands and continuing our essential work with Central and Local Government to highlight the challenges still facing our small businesses. If you have an issue you would like to raise, please do get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.
Featured news and events
Celebrate Success and Grow Your Network at the Nachural Awards – West Midlands
The Nachural Awards in the West Midlands are more than just an awards ceremony — they’re a powerful platform to celebrate business excellence, foster connections, and inspire growth. Whether you’re a thriving entrepreneur, a dynamic start-up, or a well-established company, this event is your opportunity to shine.
Attending the Nachural Awards puts you in the room with some of the region’s most influential business leaders, innovators, and changemakers. It’s a chance to raise your company’s profile, share your achievements, and create meaningful relationships that can open doors to future opportunities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an event that champions business success and amplifies voices across industries.
FSB Featured Event:
Join us at the Midlands Great British Expo….
We will, again, be exhibiting at this brilliant business expo on 3 April 2025 at Aston Villa FC (10am - 3pm).
The Midlands Business Expo is an event for businesses within the Midlands region, designed to help you network, make new connections and grow your business. Attending the Midlands Expo gives SMEs a huge advantage. Join over 1000 SMEs from across the region who will be attending the business expo and using it as a platform to network, connect, meet new suppliers and become a new supplier and be inspired and motivated by the keynote speakers.
Regardless of what stage you are in your business journey, there is something for everyone at this year’s expo but don’t forget to confirm your attendance as there are a limited number of tickets available.
See you there!
In other news
Proposed A50/A500 Upgrades: Local businesses asked to support the case for improvements
Midlands Connect is looking to build a case for government investment in highways improvements to the A50/A500 corridor. The route suffers from daily congestion, and they want to hear from local businesses about the challenges this creates and how an improved A50/A500 could support your business to grow and operate more efficiently.
To help make the case for a stronger and more resilient A50/A500 corridor, please share your thoughts with [email protected] via email, or arrange a quick 15-minute call to provide your views first hand.
Join South Staffordshire Council and Connect, Celebrate and Discover…
On Thursday, 27 March 2025 (9.30am – 1pm) at The Codsall Hub, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall WV8 1PX.
Local businesses, community leaders, and entrepreneurs are invited to Celebrate Success at the Council’s Business Partnership Event. This exciting event will highlight the positive impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and celebrate the significant strides made in supporting businesses and communities in the area. It will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the success of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s initiatives while also looking forward to future opportunities for growth.
A line-up of inspiring guest speakers, industry experts and key stakeholders will discuss the importance of business support, funding, and the opportunities available in the upcoming funding cycle. You’ll hear success stories and testimonials, hearing firsthand from businesses and individuals who have benefitted from the fund, offering valuable insights and motivation. Plus have the opportunity to hear about future support opportunities and get an exclusive look at the upcoming funding for 2025-2026 to see how your business can benefit. On top of all that, there will be superb networking opportunities where you can meet and connect with local business owners, leaders, and support partners from across the county, fostering collaboration and new partnerships.
This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your place early. Register today via Eventbrite or email [email protected]
Still in the news
Put your Small Business through it’s Paces…
After a successful round of FSB Business Bootcamps throughout 2024, we continue to work on our Midlands programme for 2025! Next off the block will be our well-established Business Bootcamp at Coombe Abbey in Coventry on 24th March aimed at ‘Igniting your Business for 2025.
We are now also taking bookings for our Staffordshire and West Midlands Business Bootcamp which will, again this year, be held at the beautiful Keele Hall in Staffordshire on Thursday 26th June 2025. The theme of this year’s event will be ‘Stratagise for Success – from Theory to Reality’ and promises to be as informative and enjoyable as our 2024 event!
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(s) now to avoid disappointment! Further information on the rest of the programme of Bootcamps will be coming soon, so keep an eye out.
Your Opportunity to Collaborate, Learn and Network…..
The very first West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) 2025 will run from 3–14 March and is shaping up to be one of the largest B2B events in the UK, offering an unparalleled platform for businesses to access funding opportunities, financial advice, skills development resources, sustainability guidance and cutting-edge business innovation insights.
Organised by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the festival will be one of the region's biggest and most influential annual business-to-business events.
It will offer valuable opportunities for SMEs to connect with potential partners, experts, and investors as well as the chance to unite behind the Mayor’s plan to grow the economy and make the West Midlands the best place to do business.
Conferences, workshops, networking activities, exhibitions, dinners, product launches, and showcases will be held right across the region over the two-week period. This is more than just a festival, it’s a catalyst for lasting connections and collaboration. As a springboard for future growth, WMBF helps businesses create partnerships and strategies that drive progress long after the festival ends.
A list of events, which is being added to all the time so keep popping back, can be found 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