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- 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 and to book a place see www.wmbf.co.uk .
- Less than a week left to submit your event for the West Midlands Business Festival
Businesses and organisations have less than a week to apply to host events at the West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF). The deadline is 10 January 2025, so time is running out. Taking place from 3–14 March, WMBF 2025 will be one of the UK’s largest B2B events, offering businesses the chance to host free events, with other businesses in attendance. Opportunities for growth, financial advice, skills development, sustainability guidance, and more will be available. Supported by Business Growth West Midlands, the festival is set to have a lasting impact. This is the final chance for businesses to submit their event ideas for the festival. Interactive workshops, expert panelists and cutting-edge, topical content are key to attracting attendees and making your event stand out. By making your event engaging and memorable, you will help ensure people are excited to attend. Submit your event application before 10 January by visiting www.wmbf.co.uk . You can also check out confirmed events and book tickets through the website . More events are being added regularly in the run-up to the festival.
- One month left to submit your West Midlands Business Festival event
Businesses and organisations across the West Midlands are being reminded to submit their applications to host events at the West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) by 10 January. Be part of a festival that will shape the future of business in the West Midlands – and beyond. There’s just one month left for businesses to apply to host an event at the West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) 2025, running from 3–14 March. With around 70% of event slots already taken, time is of the essence. By submitting your application as early as possible, you can ensure key decision-makers and stakeholders have your event marked in their diaries before their schedules fill up. This year’s festival 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. Supported by Business Growth West Midlands, the festival is more than just a two-week event – 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. Ian McLaughlan, Strategic Lead for Business Growth West Midlands and WMBF Steering Group Member, said: “The Business Festival really does create opportunities that are second-to-none, but businesses need to get involved to discover where these connections might lead. It’s a space where people feel comfortable and inspired to make meaningful, memorable connections.” “Interactive activities, engaging experiences and strong networking opportunities are key to attracting attendees and ensuring your event stands out. By offering fun and memorable moments, you encourage people to clear their diaries and get involved.” Applications to host an event must be submitted by the formal deadline of 10 January 2025. To get started, visit www.wmbf.co.uk to explore resources, apply to host your event, or browse the exciting lineup of events already confirmed.
- Venue Partnership Opportunity
The West Midlands Business Festival, running from 3 - 14 March 2025, is looking for Venue Partners! The Festival is all about supporting local businesses and people from all industries and at all stages of their career. Most of the events in the programme are free to attend, and in order for this to continue, we need event spaces across the breadth of the West Midlands region to work with us to offer free or discounted hire to WMBF event hosts. This is a great way to not only support WMBF, but also the local community and bring new people into your venue. It’s free to become a Venue Partner, we just need a few details from you and you can be added to our webpage. If you’re interested and would like to know more, please get in touch: hello@wmbf.co.uk
- First events for WMBF now open for booking
The countdown is on for the first ever West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) organised by Business Growth West Midlands, taking place from 3rd - 14th March 2025. Promising to be two weeks of insightful, empowering and educational experiences for the region’s business community. With over 50 events set to be planned across the fortnight, WMBF will be the biggest business celebration the West Midlands has ever seen. Nearly 40 businesses have already shown their commitment by applying to host events and the first handful of events have just been unveiled on the WMBF website , offering a taste of what’s to come: Develop essential sales strategies with Mastering the Art of Sales (March 6). Gain practical workforce management advice with Employing People: What You Need to Know (March 6). Celebrate the achievements of women in leadership at Celebrating Women in Business (March 12). Learn how to create inclusive workplaces with Become a Disability Confident Employer (March 12). Explore strategies for upskilling and reskilling at Skills for the Future: Upskilling and Reskilling the Workforce (March 13). Ian McLaughlan, Strategic Lead for Business Growth West Midlands and WMBF Steering Group Member, said: “ We’re pleased to see businesses already submitting their event proposals for the festival and look forward to even more ideas coming through. “WMBF is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of our region’s business community. Open to all sectors, it offers a unique platform for businesses to host and attend events, demonstrating why the West Midlands is the go-to destination for business excellence and growth." More events will be added to the WMBF website regularly as the festival date approaches. Businesses can get involved now by: Submitting your event idea via the online application form by 10 January 2025. Becoming a venue partner to showcase your meeting room, gallery, or conference space and attract new audiences. Booking your tickets to attend events.
- How can you be part of the West Midlands Business Festival?
The West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) is a new initiative from Business Growth West Midlands. The festival will run from 3rd to 14th March and will include two weeks of free events put on by businesses for the benefit of the local business community. As well as providing two weeks of inspiration, innovation and collaboration, the festival will showcase the West Midlands as a great place to live, work and do business. VENUE PARTNERSHIP Does your office have a meeting room that can be utilised by event hosts? Do you work in a venue in the West Midlands? You could be a venue partner! We are looking for Venue Partners who are able to support WMBF by providing their space at a free or a discounted rate for WMBF event hosts. This is a great way to give something back to your local business community, and also to bring new people into your venue. As a Venue Partner, your logo, contact details and website will be listed on the WMBF website and event hosts will be encouraged to contact you directly to see what options you have available. If you are able to offer your space, please get in touch: hello@wmbf.co.uk HOST AN EVENT Applications to host an event are already open, and slots are already filling up! If you want to host an event in the Festival, simply submit this form with as much information as possible and the team will review it and let you know if it has been accepted or if any additional information is needed. The sooner you submit your event, the more likely you are to get your preferred time and date. HELP TO SPREAD THE WORD As a new initiative, we need everyone to shout about it! Whether you share a post on LinkedIn, tell your colleagues about it, or include it in your next newsletter, it all helps us to reach new audiences. To get the latest updates, you can follow us on LinkedIn , or sign up to our newsletter . ATTEND Tickets for events will be available very shortly and can be found through our website. There will be a huge range of topics being covered over the fortnight, there will truly be something for everyone.
- Mayor announces first West Midlands Business Festival
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, today (Tuesday 1 October ) announced a major new festival for the business community offering firms the chance to come together and help turbocharge economic growth across the region. The first West Midlands Business Festival will take place in March next year and bring together small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the wider business community for a fortnight of inspiration, innovation, learning, showcasing, and networking. 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 two weeks between March 3 and 14. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it's crucial they get the support they need to thrive. “I want to make the West Midlands the best place to start and grow a business, and the Business Festival is a key part of that. It's a chance for businesses to come together, get back to growth, and create real opportunities - especially for our young people, who need them the most." The West Midlands Business Festival will be BGWM’s biggest ever event since being launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) a year ago. BGWM’s team of front-line advisors based across the region have already supported more than 6,500 businesses with tailored packages to help grow their business, adopt digital technologies, transition to new supply chains, and access funding opportunities. From today, businesses can apply to host an event as part of the West Midlands Business Festival. This can involve incorporating their existing business activities into the festival’s schedule or creating new events. They can cover any business-related topic and range from seminars and insight events to product launches. All events are encouraged to be free to attend to remove barriers for participants, including those early in their careers or in education. Businesses can register an interest in taking part in the West Midlands Business Festival here .