In summary
Summer continues to be a busy time for FSB. Following the outcome of the General Election on 4 July we are now busy arranging to meet with new and returning MPs across the Staffordshire, Birmingham and Black Country areas to lobby on behalf of our members and follow up on the asks of our General Election manifesto. A copy of our manifesto can be found on the FSB Website under Resources/Reports.
Featured news and events
Low Pay Commission regional visits 2024 – Your chance to be heard
Low Pay Commissioners (LPC) will be meeting workers and businesses across the UK, on six regional visits. Locations have been selected based on their minimum wage coverage and unemployment levels. The aim of these visits is to listen to a diverse range of people from across the UK and visit locations they have not been to before or recently. They are looking to ascertain how businesses have responded to the rising National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW), other factors which affect businesses alongside the minimum wage, views on compliance and enforcement of the NMW and NLW and how businesses are raising their productivity. Commissioners will be visiting Coventry/Wolverhampton – 31 July/1 August. This is your chance to let Government know how your business is affected. If you would like to participate and meet the Commissioners, email: [email protected] or call 07511 162 380.
FSB Business Bootcamp: Supercharge Your Sales – A Huge Success!
This fabulous FREE event which took place on 27 June 2024 was roaring success! The event welcomed over 100 delegates to the beautiful Keele Hall at Keele University and attendees were treated to an energetic speed networking session, before taking part in a day of short, sharp seminars from a line up of expert speakers, all providing top tips on increasing the potential for sales. Don’t miss out on the next Business Bootcamp event in our West Midlands line up: Set for Success at The Wroxeter Hotel in Shrewsbury on Wednesday 2 October, starting with a networking breakfast at 7.30am. and ending at 3.30pm. Why not secure your place today? Book here.
In other news
Investment Readiness Workshop
Business Growth West Midlands invites you to this key event on Thursday 11 July 2024 (9.30am to 1pm) at The Start-Up Hub, Jack Judge House, Oldbury, B69 2AJ, which will provide you with a free, interactive taster sessions giving an overview of the funding options available to businesses and help to demystify the world of funding your business including. Including; debt finance & understanding interest rates, alternative finance, grant funding – is it free, Crowdfunding – reward, social and equity, Angel Investment & Venture Capital – when is it right for you, the importance of creating a Pitch Deck or a Business Plan and financial forecasting and why it’s the narrative you need.
Gearing up Dudley Businesses for Grant Applications
Securing funding for crucial projects has become more challenging than ever. This workshop is designed to help you navigate the terminology of grant proposals and write with clarity and impact. It provides a step-by-step guide to crafting successful grant applications. Aimed at maximizing your chances of securing funds to grow your business, the workshop primarily focuses on the Dudley Council SME Grants and uses their application process as a model. Packed with valuable hints and tips, this session also offers plenty of opportunities to address any questions you might have.
Date: Thursday 18 July 2024
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology. Zoological Drive, Dudley, DY1 4AE
Still in the news
Is your business in need of a steer?
Don’t forget, you have the opportunity to take advantage of a virtual 1-2-1 business support session with your Development Manager, Karen Woolley. So, if you would like to chat through any challenges your business is experiencing, please feel free to pop an email request through and we’ll see if we can help.
Funding Support available for Staffordshire Businesses
To help make Staffordshire right for business the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub has a number of small business loans and grants schemes available to help local businesses to start up and grow. The Growth Hub has signposted over 4,000 businesses to advice and support. 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