Author: Ethan Bailey

Sandwell and Wolverhampton entrepreneurs have an opportunity on their doorstep. Sweda is facilitating two innovative programmes designed to elevate your business. West Midlands Social Enterprise Boost Fund (SEBFWestMids) has funded these programmes.

FUSE Start-Up Programme

For those embarking on the journey of establishing a social enterprise, the FUSE Start-Up Programme offers hands-on hybrid support. The eligibility criteria is just being a resident of Wolverhampton or Sandwell who wants to start a business.

Key features of the programme include:

• Practical masterclasses: Engaging sessions on business mindsets, confidence building, social value creation, sustainable business models, finance, funding, and digital marketing
• Community engagement: Integration into a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts
• Grant opportunities: Successful completion may lead to eligibility for a grant, subject to terms and conditions
• Live pitch-up event: A platform to showcase achievements and celebrate milestones.

Social Enterprise MOT Scale Up Programme

For social enterprises based in Sandwell or Wolverhampton, the Social Enterprise MOT Scale Up Programme presents a tailored pathway to expansion. To be eligible, businesses must have been trading for less than five years and possess an annual turnover of under £250K. This programme is designed to offer comprehensive assistance, including:

• Individual diagnostic: An in-depth assessment covering vital areas of development specific to each enterprise
• Online learning sessions: Four one-hour online sessions delving into crucial aspects such as business development, people management, leveraging social value, and governance
• Surgery event: Access to expert advisors for personalised guidance
• Community support: Integration into a supportive network of fellow social entrepreneurs and industry experts
• Grant opportunities: Upon successful completion, participants may qualify for a grant, subject to terms and conditions
• Bespoke business support: Tailored assistance to address individual business needs.

How to get involved

To seize these opportunities, visit SEBFWestMids.com or contact SWEDA directly via 0121 525 2558 or sweda@sweda.org.uk.

By Ethan Bailey.

Sandwell Council, in collaboration with the NHS, hosted a successful ‘meet the buyer’ event on Tuesday 19 March.

We hosted this networking event at the The Hawthorns – home to West Bromwich Albion Football Club – where we welcomed close to 90 attendees. This makes it the second successful ‘meet the buyer’ event we have held this March. Read about the first one we hosted, in partnership with Constructing West Midlands.

The second meet the buyer event was an opportunity for attendees to connect with industry decision-makers, find tender opportunities, and network. Throughout the day, guests were able to meet with key buyers, showcase their offerings, and explore new business opportunities.

Speakers at the event gave presentations on various topics such as:

• Upcoming opportunities stemming from the Learning Campus in Smethwick and other major projects
• Where to find business opportunities and how to register for them
• Community wealth building, social value and sustainability – their benefits to your business
• ‘Making social value less scary and more relevant to you’ and tender-writing tips.

After the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to network over lunch with other business people. They also had the chance to talk to procurement representatives from the NHS, local authorities, housing associations, and more.

Bevil Williams is the founder and CEO of Repc Ltd, and a Sandwell Business Ambassador. He said: “The event was absolutely great. We have met a lot of companies and made great contacts, it was a great job by your team.”

By Ethan Bailey.

Sandwell Council, in partnership with Constructing West Midlands, hosted a successful ‘meet the buyer’ networking event.

On Wednesday 6 March, 88 people attended our ‘meet the buyer’ networking event at The Hawthorns – home to West Bromwich Albion Football Club.

At the event, attendees had the opportunity to connect with top contractors and decision-makers within the construction industry. Representatives from local authorities, housing associations, and renowned contractors such as Galliford Try, GF Tomlinson, Interclass, ISG, Morgan Sindall, Seddon, Spellar Metcalfe, and Willmott Dixon were present.

The event featured insightful presentations on the various opportunities arising from major projects, including those within Sandwell’s Regeneration Pipeline. Attendees had with valuable information on where to find business opportunities and how to register for them. Additionally, the event highlighted the significance of community wealth building, social value and sustainability along with offering practical tender-writing tips.

Following the presentations attendees had the chance to network over lunch, fostering meaningful connections and discussions. We had a lot of positive feedback from the businesses that attended that affirm the value of the event.

“A great opportunity”

Muhammad Sibi, founder of Sibi Net Limited said: “I have found the event very useful. For local businesses like ourselves, it’s a great opportunity to engage and have conversations with contractors. The presentations have been great, and the event has been a success.”

“Well organised”

Another attendee, Nigel Pugh, managing director of Impact Aerial said: “This event was really well organised. All the buyers I’ve met today have been interested in my services, which is great as it means you’ve targeted the right people in the organisation to speak to.”

Overall the event proved to be a success, bringing together professionals to share ideas and explore collaboration in the construction sector.

Dont miss out

Sandwell Council – in partnership with the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS – is hosting another ‘meet the buyer’ event on Tuesday 19 March. This event offers another opportunity for industry professionals to connect, find tender opportunities and network. Please note that it is now fully booked.

By Ethan Bailey.