Meet the team

As well as managing staff, budgets and programmes for our Business Growth Team, Gareth has an overall agenda to manage economic recovery in Sandwell, build regional partnerships, and deliver/access business support activities and funding streams for our borough’s businesses.

“I get satisfaction in learning about the great innovation happening amidst Sandwell’s SME community. Helping our small and medium businesses with support activities that will make them more financially resilient is a very good feeling, especially during a difficult economic period. Businesses and people work hard here in Sandwell, and they are also friendly and approachable.”

Originally from North Wales, Gareth worked in Manchester, Edinburgh and London before settling in the West Midlands. Outside of work, Gareth enjoys eating out, going on town and country walks, and watching foreign language films and TV - especially in the languages he speaks, which include Welsh, French, Spanish and Mandarin.

In his apprenticeship role, Ethan supports and executes our marketing and communication strategies - carrying out everything from social media and email marketing to graphic design.

“I love working for Sandwell Council because I have the opportunity to pursue my interests and develop my skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. Additionally, every day is different and there's always a new challenge to tackle, which keeps things interesting and exciting.”

In his spare time, Ethan is building YouTube and Twitch channels dedicated to the online game Rainbow Six Siege, in which he’s a global top 500 player. Ethan also enjoys reading, counting Jung’s The Red Book and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky among his favourite novels.

Nicy (pronounced ‘Nicky’) has many roles, including arranging business events, and facilitating meetings for the Sandwell Anchor Network and Sandwell Business Ambassadors. She leads both internal and external communications for the Regeneration and Growth Team. That includes managing this website and the Sandwell Business Ambassadors’ website. Nicy works hard to continually develop Sandwell Business Growth for the benefit of Sandwell businesses, whom she sees and supports every week. 

“It’s a good feeling when I know I’m making a difference to a Sandwell business or organisation. Supporting their development and growth within Sandwell means together we’re also bringing growth and progress for the borough.”

Nicy is a dedicated gym-goer and runner, with dozens of endurance events notched up on her medal rack, including the London Marathon. She’s a devoted owner of Lennie the labradoodle and Neville the cat.

Donna brings over 30 years of knowledge, experience and networks to our team. Her wide-ranging role involves providing frontline customer and business support to the residents and businesses of Sandwell, as well as liaising closely with partners and officers of the council. She provides event management support and attends business engagement events to promote Sandwell Business Growth.

“In one day I might help businesses seeking funding support and individuals looking for advice on starting a business. I also get freedom of information requests, or enquiries from local MPs and councillors on behalf of their constituents. I love that no two days are the same here.”

When not at work, Donna enjoys reading (she counts crime fiction and inspiring autobiographies among her favourite types of books), relaxing with her partner, and spending time with family and friends.

Darshana’s our longest-serving member of the Business Growth Team, having joined Sandwell Council in 1996. She has vast experience in leading complex European and government-funded projects, monitoring their outputs, compliance and financial spend. As Programme Coordinator, Darshana is here to help your business access funding opportunities, strengthen its capacity and seize new market opportunities.

“It’s a great feeling to help a Sandwell business access funding, witnessing and recording the positive impact it has on growth, aspiration and jobs. I’m honoured to be part of that process.”

Darshana enjoys early morning walks and loves to bake. She’s a fan of the new: discovering places, trying different cuisines, and learning new skills. She also gives her time as a volunteer. Darsh is chair of the parent and academy contact team at her local secondary school, vice president of Walsall Youth Committee, assistant treasurer for a community organisation, and a member of Women’s Forum.

Helen supports all types of Sandwell businesses, from start-ups to long-established companies. She’s worked at Sandwell Council since 2006. As your key contact for business enquiries in Sandwell Council, Helen is here to listen to your plans and help you fulfil them.

“I live and work in Sandwell, which helps me to appreciate the everyday challenges you face as an individual or as a business owner.”

Outside of work, Helen plays netball and loves spending time with her family. She and her husband run Tipton Christian Church.

One of Jonathan’s main tasks is to attract national and international companies to set up in Sandwell. He works with partner organisations and other Sandwell Council departments to showcase the many benefits of doing business here, as well as identifying suitable sites in which firms can flourish. For established Sandwell businesses, Jonathan offers growth support and signposting to development opportunities.

“By developing businesses, we’re providing greater opportunities for Sandwell residents to gain employment, upskill or reskill – the foundations for a better life. I am excited to see Sandwell’s local economy grow, with stronger businesses at the heart of it.”

Jonathan plays hockey at the weekends and cycles. He enjoys watching sports, including ice hockey and Formula One. “I’m also keen – although sometimes not great at – baking and doing DIY”, he said.

Alongside Michael, Karen makes sure the contracts that businesses win with Sandwell Council will, wherever possible, bring added employment, skills and social benefits to our borough. She supports businesses of all sizes as well as VCSEs (voluntary, community and social enterprises) to ensure social value is achieved for people, communities and the environment. 

“I enjoy building rapports with Sandwell businesses while they create opportunities for local people. I particularly love hearing about young people who gain apprenticeships and jobs as a result of our community benefits strategies. That’s when you know your work is making a difference to people’s future.” 

Karen’s job reflects who she is at home. As a mindfulness practitioner, she helps others to gain self-belief in their personal and working lives.

Sandwell Council believes that when Sandwell businesses do well, local people and communities should feel the benefits too. Among many roles, Michael encourages businesses to spend locally, supports companies to reduce their impact on the environment, and seeks ways to create work and training opportunities.

“I’ve worked in Sandwell since 2007 and it feels like home to me. I really enjoy helping people realise their ambitions and make a good future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

With two young daughters, Michael is a busy man. Luckily, he loves taking them to dancing, swimming and kickboxing, and spending time with them and his wife. He said: “When I do get time to myself, I enjoy running, circuit training, riding my mountain bike and nice food – either cooking, or going out with family and friends.”