Sandwell Council has proudly hosted its first-ever Business Growth and Employment Summit, bringing together key figures from the business, education and social value sectors.

The event, held at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, celebrated local achievements while unveiling vital strategies to drive growth, employment and innovation in the region.

With over 100 attendees, the summit featured representatives from Sandwell’s fastest-growing businesses, community organisations and future workforce leaders. Attendees gained valuable insights from social value pioneers, innovative companies and young workers shaping the region’s future.

The event marked the launch of three critical resources aimed at empowering local businesses and residents:

The Updated Sandwell Business Growth Plan (2024): A comprehensive roadmap outlining seven key priorities to support businesses at every stage of growth. https://sandwellbusinessgrowth.com/grow/programmes-and-resources

The Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies 2024 Report: A showcase of Sandwell’s best-performing businesses, including case studies on their growth strategies and economic contributions. https://sandwellbusinessgrowth.com/choose-sandwell/top-50-fastest-growing-companies

The Sandwell Skills and Employment Strategy: A long-term vision for addressing skills gaps, creating sustainable employment, and preparing residents for careers in STEM, digital and green industries.

Each report reflects Sandwell’s commitment to fostering a resilient, innovative and inclusive local economy.

The summit celebrated the achievements of Sandwell’s top businesses, with inspiring presentations from local business including Rem3dy Health, CMT Engineering, and Doocey Group. These companies shared their growth journeys, challenges and successes, offering motivation and practical insights for others in the community. The event was not only an opportunity to hear from local organisations, but it also highlighted the importance of collaboration between businesses, anchor organisations and education and training partners in raising aspirations and building the workforce of the future.

Councillor Sukhbir Singh Gill, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said: “A thriving economy is essential for our businesses and residents in Sandwell.

“The Business Growth and Employment Summit demonstrated the strength and unity of Sandwell’s business community. The event created a vibrant space for networking and collaboration.

“By fostering connections, celebrating local talent and sharing practical resources, the summit proved to be incredibly valuable for attendees.

“We have an ambitious Business Growth Plan in Sandwell to support businesses and continue to help propel our community to new heights of prosperity and success.

“This plan is not merely a set of priorities – it is a testament to the council’s commitment to fostering an environment where innovation flourishes, where entrepreneurial spirit is championed, and where success is not just a goal but a shared reality.”

Shokat Lal, Sandwell Council Chief Executive, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate so many growing businesses in Sandwell, and our proud industrial heritage continues today through our advanced manufacturing sector.

“Sandwell has so much to offer to businesses, with excellent transport links, great connectivity and a proven track record of working with the West Midlands Combined Authority, central government and other partners to deliver major regeneration projects across a range of sectors.

“We are an ambitious council working proactively to support our businesses to thrive, our residents to gain valuable skills and our local economy to grow stronger and more resilient.

“We are determined to make the most of our everyone’s skills, abilities and resourcefulness to create good jobs and opportunities that will boost everyone’s life chances and attract even more investment into Sandwell for the long term.”

Businesses can find a wide range of resources and advice to help them achieve their ambitions at www.sandwellbusinessgrowth.com.