Construction Archives - Sandwell Business Growth

Bridge Construction Ltd gives back to Smethwick community

Bridge Construction Ltd (BCL) has gone above and beyond its contractual obligations to ensure the safety of some of the youngest members of a Smethwick primary school.

Bridge Construction Ltd was appointed by Sandwell Council to undertake connectivity improvement works in Smethwick. In a display of its commitment to social value, the team took on additional voluntary work at a local school.

With the new academic year approaching, Shireland Hall Primary Academy had been facing concerns about the condition of the timber fencing surrounding the reception year playground. The ageing structure posed a potential safety risk for the young children who use the area daily.

Safety first

Two workers in high vis orange workwear standing in front of a wooden fence.

Recognising the importance of children’s safety, Bridge Construction Ltd stepped in to offer their services free of charge.

Richard Lewis, Commercial Director of BCL, explained their involvement. He said: “The school approached us with concerns over the safety of the existing timber fencing around the reception year playground. BCL volunteered all resources and material to remediate the issues by removing the existing timber fencing and adjacent block paving. We then installed new timber fencing with edgings and re-laid the block paving to make the area safe for use in the upcoming term.”

The works are complete in time for the new school term in September 2024.

Thanks to BCL

Jason Evans, Site Manager at Shireland Hall Primary Academy, expressed his gratitude for the works carried out by BCL. He said: “Many thanks to Richard Lewis and his team. They came out and replaced an ageing curved fence that provides vital protection for the Reception Classes. Their punctuality, politeness and professionalism resolved a problem that would have cost us several thousands of pounds to put right.

“Bridge Construction Ltd’s generosity in providing this service was amazing and the quality of groundwork and construction was brilliant. As a result of this hard work, the curved fence will protect some of the youngest children in our school for years to come. Once again, thank you.”

Social value in Sandwell

The voluntary works at Shireland Hall Primary Academy highlight Bridge Construction Ltd’s commitment to helping local communities. Social value is a priority for Sandwell and the support provided to the Academy is a testament to this commitment.

For more information on how your business can give back to the community visit our Social value page.

‘A time for communities to unite and support each other’: message from West Midlands Police

Posted on 7 August 202413 August 2024 by Marie

In light of public disorder, West Midlands Police have issued a statement to reassure local businesses.

First published on the West Midlands Police website, the message is:

“We appreciate these are incredibly worrying times for our communities and business partners across the West Midlands.

This is a time for communities to unite and support each other and we are working together to make sure communities are fully supported and our response is coordinated, proportionate and responsive.

We are really proud of the strong links we have with businesses and local communities across the West Midlands. Over the coming days and weeks we’ve asked our local policing teams to speak to local businesses and offer them reassurance.

We would also ask you to continue to engage with your local policing teams and if you have any concerns then please contact them.

Your safety and safety of your customers is the primary concern and we would ask that you review your policies and incorporate any necessary measures in line with your business needs.

If a crime is committed we will investigate. However, it would be really help if you could ensure that you have working CCTV. If you employ security staff consider the use of body worn video.

This would help us with evidence gathering. If you are part of the business community please be reassured of the action we will take to support you and bring offenders to justice during these challenging times.

There’s also lots of crime prevention information which can be found on our website.

Business crime prevention.

Please be mindful of the incredibly harmful spreading of misinformation on social media at the current time, do challenge what you see online, report where appropriate and consider the source of the posts.

We would also encourage you to seek your information from trusted sources like news outlets or through our social media pages like West Midlands Police Facebook. We will be posting regular updates on our website and social media channels.

And lastly we would like to thank you for all of your support and please get in touch with your local policing contact if you have any concerns.”

Sandwell Start-Up Hub walkthrough: watch our new video tour

Posted on 2 August 20242 August 2024 by Ethan Bailey

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or growing a business in Sandwell? The Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury is here to support you. Our new video walkthrough showcases this vibrant workspace designed to help your business thrive.

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub is an open plan office space with 60 desks, kitchen facilities, free Wi-Fi and meeting rooms. Plus free parking at nearby Sainsbury’s for three hours. And we’ve got a new Sandwell Start-Up Hub walkthrough video to show you around.

The hub features three zones:

Collaboration Zone: Where entrepreneurs can engage in meaningful networking and spark collaborations.
Quiet Zone: For focused work, allowing you to immerse yourself in your tasks without distraction – for maximum productivity.
Event Zone: Where we will host business support organisations to deliver informative sessions on a variety of topics.

Located in Jack Judge House, Oldbury, the Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If your business has been trading for less than two years, you may qualify for free access until March 2025. The Hub also offers expert guidance and resources through the Sandwell Enterprise Programme.

We’ve got a Sandwell Start-Up Hub walkthrough, which gives you an insider look at the Hub’s features and benefits. Rugz from Vocal Rogue shares his positive experience, highlighting the supportive environment and the opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Watch the video now and see how the Sandwell Start-Up Hub can help your business succeed:

Community centre car park: making life easier

Fitzgerald Contractors worked with North Smethwick Development Trust (NSDT) to renovate the car park at the Brasshouse Community Centre.

The car park at the community centre on Brasshouse Lane in Smethwick was in need of renovation. It was covered in potholes, and had no designated parking spaces. This had been causing problems for staff and visitors for many years.

A localised approach

When carrying out social value projects, Fitzgerald always looks to support something specific and unique to the community it is working in. After discussions, Sandwell Council’s Social Value Team put Fitzgerald in touch with NSDT, which manages the Brasshouse Community Centre.

Steve Jones, Fitzgerald’s contract manager, made an initial site visit, and work began at the end of June. By Monday 1 July the car park was pothole-free and marked up with clear parking spaces.

Benefits to the whole community

Jennifer Harrison, chief executive of NSDT, said: “I want to give a big thank you to all involved. We are extremely grateful to Fitzgerald Contractors and Sandwell Council’s social value team working together to make this happen. The new look car park will maximise our space to avoid parking issues in the surrounding area. It will make life a little easier for all our visitors and neighbours in the future.”

Steve Jones said: “It’s been a pleasure to work on this project. We always like to construct a great outcome and obviously bring a greater benefit to the people and communities we work with.”

Can your business help renovate community facilities?

Our Sandwell Business Growth Team can help match you with a local partner to help make a big difference in the borough.

Market garden kindness: bringing new kitchen facilities to the community

MCP Property Services worked with a local market garden to install new kitchen facilities on site.

Established in 1978, MCP Property Services carries out repairs and building work across the country from its base in Hertford. As a contractor on a number of projects in Sandwell, it was keen to fulfil its social value commitment to our local communities.

Karen and Michael from Sandwell Council’s Social Value Team matched MCP with Salop Drive Market Garden and Allotments in Oldbury. This is a three-acre working market garden and local food project. People of all ages and abilities can get involved and learn about where food comes from. It also supplies bags of freshly grown vegetables to local households.

Adding cooking facilities

Facilities at the Salop Drive Market Garden site include a classroom, toilets and handwashing facilities. However, there was no kitchen and the community hub also needed renovation. MCP Property Services look on the task of installing a kitchen and making some repairs to doors, at a cost of nearly £4,700.

Pictured below mid-construction are (from left to right) Anna West from MCP, Jamie Upton Speed from Ideal for All, Khatija Patel from Ideal for All, Rosie Hughes from MCP, Karen Richards from Sandwell Council, Demi Hayes from MCP, Richard Kemp ‘The Kitchen Guy’ and Louis Jones from MCP.

MCP and Ideal for All members standing in the half-constructed kitchen

Rosie Hughes, community development manager for MCP, said: “It is great to see how this well-deserved project goes on to benefit and support the wider community. It’s such a pleasure to be part of this.”

Ideal For All runs the Salop Drive Market Garden. Jamie Upton Speed, its senior horticulturist, said: “It’s been great. We can’t thank MCP enough for their generous support. People of all ages come and have fun, exploring the produce of our allotments. Now they can cook what we grow in the new kitchen.”

Can your business help upgrade community facilities?

Our Sandwell Business Growth Team can help put you in touch with projects that bring social and environmental benefits to people in the borough.

Adopt a school: business and education helping each other

Sandwell’s ‘Adopt a School’ initiative matches businesses with local schools to make early connections and help pupils transition into employment.

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills recognises that “businesses working in partnership with schools create more work experience opportunities, working alongside practical curriculum materials, STEM projects and inspirational career talks. This brings about enrichment programmes and understanding of the real world of work”.

This works well with Sandwell Council’s strong social value agenda – which encourages businesses to give back to the communities in which they deliver contracts.

In Sandwell, we encourage key contractors to pair with schools in their area of works. This creates a relationship for the life of the contract, and sometimes beyond. The activities offered can include mock interviews, taster sessions and work experience.

MCP and Holly Lodge High School

MCP is a privately-owned housing maintenance SME. Sandwell’s Social Value Team paired MCP with Holly Lodge High School in Smethwick where the company sponsored an award for ‘Vision and Ethos of Community, Opportunity, Ambition’. Tanya Sharma picked up the prize; she is pictured here with senior assistant head teacher Kelly Dunn.

MCP will continue to sponsor the award, including a £50 voucher for the winner, for the duration of the contract. The company also took part in a ‘What’s Your Story?’ video initiative. This helped pupils look at potential career paths. MCP staff will also attend careers days, giving talks and mock interviews.

MCP and Annie Lennard Primary School

The business also led an initiative at Annie Lennard Primary School in Smethwick. It launched a competition to design a ‘welcome to your new home’ card. Prizes will be awarded in November 2024.

Rosie Hughes, MCP’s business development manager, said: “We were keen to establish connections within the local community to ensure our social value was targeted to provide the best possible impact. The social value team at Sandwell Council was instrumental in introducing us to community organisations and local schools. We highly recommend the ‘Adopt A School’ initiative to other suppliers looking to make a positive impact on the local community.”

Can your business help local school children develop their skills and knowledge?

Our Sandwell Business Growth Team can help find the perfect match for your company.

Canal network: involving the community

Sandwell Council worked with regeneration contractor Kier to give local people a seat at the decision-making table.

The improvement of local rivers and canals is an important part of regeneration plans in the borough. Our waterways are part of the transport infrastructure, offer opportunities for exercise and recreation, and play a crucial role in biodiversity.

Part of the Sandwell Regeneration Pipeline Programme funding recently supported a canal works in Rowley Regis. The project involved enhancements to the Old Main Line Canal and Dudley No.2 Canal, making towpaths and access points more accessible and attractive. This also created jobs for local people.

Involving local people in decisions

To support the social value commitment of this contract, Sandwell’s Social Value and Think Sandwell (now Sandwell Business Growth) Teams worked with the principal contractor Kier to recruit local people to the development team. Six local people were recruited by Think Sandwell Employment Officer Anna Bishop to take part in the project, helping shape the project’s infrastructure.

Michael Ditch, Kier’s operations manager, said: “This has been a great opportunity to work with people who live locally and really put passion into their work. Kier will look to continue creating similar opportunities on future programme of works, as it is valuable and rewarding in lots of ways.”

Can your business involve local people in project planning?

Our Sandwell Business Growth Team can help you to work in ways that bring wider social and environment benefits to people and communities.

Pictured left to right: James Swiderski, Jake Blakesley and Peter Brady – three of the local people recruited to the project.

West Midlands Ambulance Hub: delivering social value through construction

Sandwell Council, Stoford and McLaren Construction made sure the development of a new hub for the West Midlands Ambulance Service brought wider community benefits through apprenticeships, internships and schools engagement.

Healthcare premises specialist Assura plc funded the 72,000 square foot, three-storey building on Shidas Lane in Oldbury. Replacing a smaller base in West Bromwich, it is the largest of its kind in the UK, significantly increasing ambulance operational capacity for the Black Country.

The new West Midlands Ambulance Hub accommodates around 350 operational ambulance staff, working shifts. It includes a facility for the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), as well as fleet maintenance and vehicle preparation areas. It also has an education and training academy, and central stores.

And as we explain here, it not only provides essential emergency services but its construction helped boost skills and career aspirations for local people.

Sandwell Council’s social value drive

All year round, Sandwell Council works hard to encourage social value from businesses – helping to ensure the work they do in Sandwell brings wider educational, social and environmental benefits to the area. In the case of the West Midlands Ambulance Services hub construction, the council was able to get social value commitments from a range of organisations – who delivered on their promises.

This work meant that the hub build created eleven apprenticeships for local people, and generated two internships in construction management.

When electrics company WysePower started work on the site, for example, it took on five apprentices in electrical and plumbing disciplines. McLaren’s social value consultant helped to make this happen, as well as the Employment and Skills Team from Sandwell Council.

Early on in the development, McLaren also engaged with Birmingham City University and offered site visits and talks. The work generated two six-week internships in construction, given to students Reece and Abdul at the university. Both said they found the placement very beneficial. Abdul spent time shadowing different roles, including engineering, design, quantity surveying and site management. He commented that this opened his eyes to the different roles and possibly changed his career aspirations.

Sandwell Council also supported McCoy Contractors, the groundworks company on the project, in recruiting groundworker apprentice, Cameron.

When asked what he enjoyed about his role, Cameron said: “I have really settled into my role at McCoy Contractors. I really enjoy the physical side of the work. I have been allocated to a ‘gang’ on site and I have formed a great friendship with all of the lads that I work with. They trust me and therefore allow me to prepare the pipes or even help lay them. This means that I am always busy, which I believe is key to enjoyment, especially during the apprenticeship stage.”

Sandwell schools engagement

Throughout construction of the new site, McLaren enjoyed a close relationship with Rounds Green Primary School, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Project manager Dave Newman and sustainability manager Naomi Warr gave talks to the whole school on sustainability. They also launched a bug house design competition and followed this with class visits to the site.

The judges of the competition were blown away by the standard of entries. So much so that two overall prizes were awarded, in addition to each year group winner. The winning teams went to the site to build the bug houses out of waste materials to encourage biodiversity.

All the winners of the design competition received prizes donated by contractors McCoy and PJ Brickwork.

Roadworks litter pick: bridging the gap between business and social value

Bridge Construction Ltd downed tools for the day on its latest Sandwell project on the A461 to undertake a litter pick.

The team from Bridge Construction Ltd joined forces with our Sandwell Council team to pick up litter along the route of the works taking place on the A461 from Great Bridge to Peake Drive, Tipton. The litter pick formed just part of the company’s social value commitment.

The fifteen-strong team of helpers collected around 25 bin bags of rubbish along the 2.5km of footway on either side of the scheme. Local residents and business owners alike welcomed the initiative.

Civil engineering meets social value

Bridge Construction Ltd is a Midlands-based construction company with a passion for civil engineering. The company has been a contractor on the West Midlands Minor Works Framework for Sandwell and other local authorities in the Black Country for many years.

Its projects range from the simplest to the most complex and technically challenging, from £10k to £2m+. Some of the schemes it has worked on include the access road and car park at Dudley Zoo, and Wednesbury High Street.

Sandwell Council has a strong social value agenda and, as Bridge Construction is equally keen to give back to its local communities, the litter pick seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Good weather, great job

Senior engineer manager for Sandwell Council Steve Scrivens said: “Bridge Construction Ltd is commissioned to work on the ongoing Active Travel Fund project on the A461. The company kindly agreed to suspend their works and undertake a litter pick of the entire length of the works as part of their social value commitment.

People wearing high vis PPE clothing picking up litter on a road with brown brick buildings on the right.

“The litter pick went really well. There were about fifteen of us and we accumulated quite a few black bags on that Friday afternoon. Thanks to the good weather and a great job accomplished by all.”

Richard Lewis, commercial director of Bridge Construction said: “The day went well. There were 15 helpers from both Bridge Construction and Sandwell Council to help. With over 25 bags of rubbish collected.

“We are looking to help a Sandwell school with erecting fencing next. I’m also happy to have further discussions with the social value team on how we can assist the local community with other social value projects in the future.

“Thank you to the Sandwell Highways team for their great support in getting the works done. And thank you to the Social Value Team for supporting all our community activities.”

Well done to everyone involved!

‘How to be a winner’: online masterclass on the King’s Award for Enterprise

The West Midlands Lieutenancy is holding a free virtual masterclass on Wednesday 26 June. It is for anyone who is planning to apply for a King’s Award for Enterprise and wants to boost their chances of success.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business award. Winning one can raise your company’s profile, boost staff morale and help secure more work.

The hour-long session will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. It will include presentations about the awards and top tips on how to submit a successful application. A previous winner will also join to share their own success story and the benefits of winning an award.

To book your place, compl ete the sign-up form.

Access to Finance: information and advice workshop from Business Growth West Midlands

BGWM’s Investment Readiness team is hosting this free, interactive Access to Finance workshop on Thursday 11 July.

The session is aimed at Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country SMEs. It will give an overview of the funding options available to businesses, and help demystify the funding landscape. And it’s taking place at our very own Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury.

Topics covered will include:

Debt finance and understanding interest rates
Alternative finance
Grant funding – is it free?
Crowdfunding – reward, social and equity
Angel investment and venture capital – when is it right for you?
The importance of creating a pitch deck or business plan
Financial forecasting and why it’s the narrative you need

There will also be access to online resources and further support from the Access to Finance team.

Doors open at 9.30am for refreshments, registration and networking. The session runs from 10am to 1pm.

Book your free place on Eventbrit e.

NatWest Accelerator: empowering UK entrepreneurs

Posted on 4 June 202411 July 2024 by Ethan Bailey

The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their businesses to the next level.

This six-month, fully funded accelerator programme offers comprehensive support and expertise to overcome growth barriers. You will gain access to invaluable resources, including funding and finance advice, effective sales strategies and access to an entrepreneurial community. The programme is tailored to meet the unique needs of each business, with a focus on ambitious entrepreneurs eager to learn and contribute to the community’s ecosystem.

Why apply?

The NatWest Accelerator programme provides a wealth of opportunities. Participants benefit from six months of dedicated support, receiving guidance from mentors, partners and seasoned entrepreneurs. Experienced acceleration managers are also on hand to provide continuous assistance. Participants will be able to take advantage of a variety of valuable events and tap into a network of like-minded peers. Additionally, modern co-working spaces located in their nationwide hubs will be available.

Application criteria:

Are you the owner or decision maker in your business?
Are you working full time on this business?
Do you know there are customers who want your product or service?
Do you employ staff?
Are you aiming to build your team?
Are you looking to grow or scale your business?
Are you open to coaching, ready to learn and develop?
Are you committed to accelerating growth?
How are your applications assessed?

NatWest will evaluate you based on your ambition to grow your business, your desire to become part of the community and your willingness to learn. The review process will aim to understand your business and your goals to determine if it’s the right time for you to join the accelerator.

Supply Chain Transition Programme open for applications

Posted on 28 May 202428 May 2024 by Alex Taylor

Business Grown West Midlands is accepting applications for its Supply Chain Transition Programme. This scheme helps SMEs win new orders in growing areas of the economy.

The Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund finances the programme, which will support 160 West Midlands firms to win new business. It is part of the West Midlands Plan for Growth, helping local companies gain new customers, increase sales and boost employment.

Three key growth sectors

The Supply Chain Transition Programme is focused on three key growth sectors – Aerospace, very light rail and electric light vehicles, and micromobility. Delivery partners in each sector will help companies understand the sector, discover business opportunities and meet procurement requirements.

Successful applicants can access information and training through workshops, one-to-one coaching and peer support. There will also be access to exclusive ‘meet the buyer’ events.

Participating SMEs can expect help to:

prepare a roadmap to new sales,
develop risk analysis, mitigation and prevention,
develop the management team,
gain new accreditations,
develop a marketing strategy,
develop a training and recruitment plan.

Sandwell: the smart place to invest

Posted on 21 May 202421 May 2024 by Alex Taylor

This week, Sandwell Council is heading north to showcase the region and demonstrate that Sandwell is the smart place in which to invest.

Representatives from Sandwell Council will be attending the West Midlands pavilion at UKREiiF – the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum in Leeds. As well as uniting with other councils to showcase the West Midlands region, they will tell delegates about the wealth of regeneration and investment opportunities right here in Sandwell.

The aim of UKREiiF is to connect people, places and businesses, to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment. It attracts over 12,000 attendees, including developers, agents, contractors and exhibitors. In 2024, it runs from Tuesday 21 May to Thursday 23 May at the Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock.

UKREiiF: a packed event programme

For the first time at UKREiiF, the cities and towns of the West Midlands are uniting to showcase real estate and regeneration opportunities worth more than £20bn. From town centre transformations to university-backed innovation campuses, affordable housing to next-generation mixed use schemes, there is so much happening in our region.

So in the special West Midlands pavilion at UKREiiF this week, the West Midlands Growth Company is delivering a packed programme of networking sessions, presentations and discussions. Topics will include low carbon infrastructure, creative clusters, town centre regeneration, urban housing, social value and sport-related investment.

To see the full itinerary, download the brochure.

Key points that our own representatives will be putting across are Sandwell’s great location, growing and diverse population, excellent infrastructure and sector specialisms. These include advanced manufacturing and logistics, business and financial services, life sciences, and food and drink.

Improving Sandwell for everyone

They will also be taking brochures detailing regeneration progress in several Sandwell towns. Across Smethwick, Tipton, Oldbury, Rowley Regis, West Bromwich and Wednesbury, there are 69 planned projects and fourteen further projects recently completed, worth a total of £3bn and supporting over 14,000 jobs. They all have one goal – to improve Sandwell for everyone who lives and works here.

A smart place to invest

We hope that potential investors will hear the message and realise the benefits of turning to Sandwell for their future business plans.

Bring a tin: support Sandwell for the Big Help Out and Volunteers’ Week

Posted on 16 May 202416 May 2024 by Ethan Bailey

SCVO and Sandwell Council have a simple way for people to support two national initiatives: the Big Help Out and Volunteers’ Week. They’re asking everyone to take a tin of food to their local library – it’s as easy as that!

The Big Help Out and Volunteers’ Week, in early June, are great opportunities to support our community, boost team morale, and enhance your company’s reputation.

How you can participate

This year, SCVO (Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations) has set you a straightforward challenge to celebrate both events. Between Monday 3 June and Friday 7 June, take a tin of food to your nearest library! All donations will directly benefit local food banks, which are currently experiencing high demand.

Better still, encourage your team to coordinate a collective food donation effort. This will not only foster team spirit but also create a nice photo opportunity.

Drop-off dates for tins

Monday 3 June to Friday 7 June, at any Sandwell library during opening hours (here are the locations and opening details).
Saturday 8 June, 10am – 12 noon, Haden Hill House
Sunday 9 June, 10am – 12 noon, West Smethwick Park (at the pavilion).

Photo opportunities

Capture your team with their donations and share the moment on social media – you can tag SCVO, Let’s Go Sandwell, Sandwell Business Growth and Sandwell Business Ambassadors and each organisation will share wherever appropriate. Use the hashtag #BringATin!

If you’d like to coordinate a photo opportunity with SCVO, contact Kim Fuller via kim@scvo.info to find out which library she will be in on which day. Kim will also be at the park events on both days with a wheely bin for your donations.

Volunteering information events

During Volunteers’ Week, Sandwell libraries will be holding events to highlight local volunteering opportunities:

Monday 3 June: Hamstead Library, 10am – 12 noon
Monday 3 June: Tipton Library, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Tuesday 4 June: Cradley Heath Library, 11am – 1pm
Wednesday 5 June: Wednesbury Library, 9.30am – 11.30am
Wednesday 5 June: Oldbury Library, 3pm – 5pm
Friday 7 June: Thimblemill Library, 12 noon – 2pm

Litter picks

Sandwell is also hosting litter picks for the Big Help Out weekend:

Saturday 8 June, 10am – 12 noon: Haden Hill Park (meet in front of the House)
Sunday 9 June, 10am-12 noon: West Smethwick Park (meet at the pavilion).

All litter-picking equipment will be provided. You can drop off tins during those events, too. If you’re planning to attend a litter pick as a corporate team, please tell Kim Fuller via kim@scvo.info so she knows to expect you.

Let’s unite to make Sandwell proud!

About the Big Help Out and Volunteers’ Week

The Big Help Out raises awareness of volunteering throughout the UK. It provides opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities.

In 2024, the Big Help Out is taking place from 7-9 June to coincide with Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June). In its 40th anniversary year, Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions that volunteers make to communities across the UK.

Sandwell to Singapore: taking your business to the world

We’re collaborating with the UK Export Academy to help you explore your business’ export potential. Sign up for this must-attend learning event on Thursday 16 May. Let’s go global!

Imagine taking your Sandwell business out to the world. The opportunities it would open up. Come and explore your potential for global trade, and learn about support available to make it happen.

Join us and the UK Export Academy on Thursday 16 May for ‘Sandwell to Singapore’. This is a free breakfast event at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury.

We’ll take you on a journey to explore your export potential. Raj Theper, UK Export Academy Adviser, will explain the support available to Sandwell businesses through the Department for Business and Trade.

He will tell you how the UK Export Academy works and how its free online training will benefit your business.

Raj will be joined by an export champion to give an overview of their international journey – plus top tips on overcoming bumps in the road!

You will also be able to ask questions of our speakers, and network with other ambitious businesses.

‘Sandwell to Singapore’ takes place on Thursday 16 May from 7.30am to 9.30am at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub.

‘Sandwell to Singapore’ event agenda

7.30am Breakfast
8.00am Welcome from Sandwell Council
8.05am Introduction to the UK Export Academy from Raj Theper – UK Export Academy Adviser
8.35am Chat and Q&A session with export champion Ravi Sahota from World Wide Generation
9.00am – 9.30am Networking.

We look forward to helping you explore your global potential. See also our page on international trade for more export resources:

Young entrepreneurs on the rise: EPIC Awards

Posted on 30 April 202430 April 2024 by Kate Christie

Young entrepreneurs are rising. More young people than ever are turning to running their own business – and these awards celebrate them.

The EPIC Young Entrepreneur Awards is a platform to celebrate and recognise the achievements of young people. Especially those who have faced adversity and/or the care of a local authority, to become a startup business.

In 2022, the EPIC Awards launched, announcing eight inspirational young entrepreneurs from across the UK as winners. On the back of this success, the 2023 EPIC Awards became an even bigger event.

EPIC hopes that its 2024 Awards will be double the size again. Being held at the Burlington Hotel in central Birmingham, the event will include:

An entrepreneurs conference
Live entertainment
Guest speakers
Drinks reception and food.

What is EPIC?

EPIC is part of the Martin James Foundation, a charity set up to improve the lives of young people around the world. The founders established EPIC to support the growth of young, aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 16-25. It places a particular emphasis on those from disadvantaged, displaced or care backgrounds.

EPIC’s three-month programme equips young adults with the skills and knowledge to turn their dreams into reality and become their own bosses.

Since the 2022 Young Entrepreneur Awards, EPIC has seen a sharp increase in the number of new applicants to its programme. It has also seen more interest in mentoring and providing support to its growing community.

Young Entrepreneur Awards

EPIC’s Young Entrepreneur Awards are free to enter for young business owners and entrepreneurs. The awards recognise the achievements of young business owners who have faced challenges and found success. They celebrate their entrepreneurial creativity and passion.

The awards allow entrepreneurs to gain valuable support and win a £500 grant for their business in each category.

The criteria for entry include:

The nominee’s business must already be established and operating for at least six months
The founder must be aged under 25 years old.

Support the awards

Businesses can show their support for young entrepreneurs while taking the opportunity to network with other like-minded businesses at the Awards event.

Learn about sponsorship here

Find out more about the EPIC awards and register your interest here.

For more useful resources on starting your first business or growing your existing venture in Sandwell visit our young entrepreneurs page. We have details of programmes, funding, and awards to help your enterprise take flight.

Social Economy Growth Programme: apply now to grow your social enterprise

Posted on 26 April 202426 April 2024 by Alex Taylor

Charities, social enterprises and CICs have until Friday 3 May to apply for ‘Grow’. This scheme under the Social Economy Growth Programme offers training and grants to the social economy sector.

Aston Centre for Growth is running the Grow programme. It is fully funded and includes leadership and management training. This involves workshops, coaches, peer support to help elevate your business skills and confidence.

You will develop strategies to boost your income, develop a supportive network and work towards creating sustainable growth in your organisation. It also offers a grant of up to £10,000 to support you to increase your trading income.

Apply by Friday 3 May

The deadline for applications is Friday 3 May. For more information about the Grow programme, and to apply, visit the website.

Our first Net Zero Navigators event was a success

Posted on 22 April 202422 April 2024 by Marie

To support Sandwell businesses with their journey towards sustainability, we held our first ‘Net Zero Navigators’ workshop last week.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Net Zero Navigators are our special breakfast events to help Sandwell businesses start their journey towards net zero.

Our first event took place on Tuesday 16 April at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub – our new co-working environment in Oldbury.

During the early morning session, our attendees were able to network and also explore topics that included:

Embracing sustainability within operational decision making
The work of not-for-profits in providing solar energy
The significant benefit of receiving a free energy audit
How to access funding for energy-efficiency improvement projects.

We were delighted to welcome expert speakers to deliver the workshop. Christian Byron from the Aston Centre for Growth at Aston University; Kevin Oubridge from Big Solar Co-op and Harry Long from the Black Country Industrial Cluster. Thank you to them all.

Ben Sharpe from our Business Growth Team said: “Sustainability is a complex matter that businesses often find challenging to tackle, so we were grateful for the opportunity to connect with many Sandwell businesses and assist them on taking an important step on the journey to net zero”.

We’ll bring you news of the next session soon – watch this space!

Get your free working space at our Sandwell Start-Up Hub

Posted on 19 March 202419 March 2024 by Marie

Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners can work from our new Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury.

If you have a new business (trading for less than two years) in Sandwell, you could qualify for a free working space for twelve months up to March 2025.

Sandwell Start-Up Hub, located in Jack Judge House, Oldbury, B69 2AJ, is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It offers free welcoming workspaces including collaborative spaces, kitchen facilities, free WiFi, and meeting rooms for hire.

We want you to thrive and grow

Councillor Peter Hughes is Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and West Midlands Combined Authority. He said: “We want our local businesses to thrive and grow. It’s one of our priorities. Whether you are looking to collaborate, or you’re a new entrepreneur seeking resources, we want this hub to be your gateway to success.”

You may also be able to get additional expert guidance and resources via the Sandwell Enterprise Programme.

Sector: Construction

‘How to be a winner’: online masterclass on the King’s Award for Enterprise

Access to Finance: information and advice workshop from Business Growth West Midlands

BGWM’s Investment Readiness team is hosting this free, interactive Access to Finance workshop on Thursday 11 July.

NatWest Accelerator: empowering UK entrepreneurs