Impressive line-up of events at first West Midlands Business Festival

A packed programme of more than 80 events will take place across two weeks next month as the region hosts the first West Midlands Business Festival.

Mayor Richard Parker is launching the event to bring ambitious businesses together so they can get behind his mission to turbocharge economic growth.

With just one month to go until the festival opens on March 3, places at most events can now be booked online at www.wmbf.org.uk with the majority free to attend.

They include workshops covering business development, sales and marketing, climate resilience, sustainability and decarbonisation, how-to sessions on AI and social media, and innovative virtual reality team-building.

There will also be leadership and entrepreneurship masterclasses, and summits on funding, alongside networking opportunities for people at the beginning of their careers as well as events for start-ups, executives and entrepreneurs who are ambitious for growth.

Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) - part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) - is organising the festival with the backing of all three of the region’s Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), universities, and many other business organisations.

The Mayor said: "I want the West Midlands to be the best place to do business. We're actively supporting our SMEs, helping them export goods, improve efficiency, and hire local talent, so they can grow and, in turn, drive our economy forward.

"So far, we've engaged nearly 10,000 SMEs and issued more than £10 million in grants.

"This festival is about taking that impact even further, bringing together thousands of businesses across the region to accelerate growth and build a stronger economy for everyone."

Coinciding with the inaugural festival is the 10th annual Venturefest West Midlands.

Venturefest West Midlands is on Wednesday, March 19, at the Eastside Rooms on Woodcock Street, Birmingham. This one-day event will connect entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors so they can share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. The focus this year will be on science and emerging technologies.

For a full programme of events taking place during the West Midlands Business Festival or to book a place see the website.