Topic: Business support

A new Circular Economy Literacy Training course has been launched to support businesses across the West Midlands in adopting more sustainable practices, helping them reduce waste, reuse materials and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Building knowledge

The Circular Economy Literacy Training has been developed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with Cirklo Consult LTD to support SMEs and businesses interested in sustainable consumption.

The course is designed to introduce the principles of a circular economy and provide practical guidance on how organisations can move towards more sustainable approaches.

Delivered through a flexible e-learning format, the training allows participants to complete modules at their own pace, making it accessible for busy businesses and teams.

Practical modules

The course is split into three modules, each focusing on a different aspect of circular economy practices.

Module 1 provides an introduction to the circular economy, including its core principles and the social, environmental and economic benefits. It also explores the regional context and the WMCA’s wider strategy.

Module 2 focuses on opportunities for businesses, highlighting circular business models and real-world case studies across sectors including clothing, food, manufacturing, construction and communities.

Module 3 supports organisations in implementing circular practices, covering key drivers such as policy and regulation, as well as tools to enable change and measure impact.

Supporting businesses to take action

The training aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to embed circular strategies into their operations, helping to improve efficiency, reduce costs and contribute to Sandwell’s net zero goal.

After completing all three modules, participants can take an assessment to test their understanding, with the option to retake if needed.

Access the training

Businesses and individuals can access the Circular Economy Literacy Training online and begin learning immediately.

The Street Food Incubator Pilot is a new programme designed to train and fast-track aspiring street food traders into the sector, funded by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and delivered by Digbeth Dining Club and the Nationwide Association of Caterers.

The ‘once in a decade’ opportunity to build sector knowledge, skills and experience is open to dining, hospitality, and NTE businesses in the West Midlands. The application deadline for the street food ‘fast track’ initiative, which will see 36 new traders become ‘industry-ready’, has been extended to Wednesday 19 November.

The Street Food Incubator Pilot will provide trading opportunities for successful start-ups who complete the programme which is being led by Digbeth Dining Club (DDC) and Nationwide Association of Caterers (NCASS), and is backed by Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Following an intensive training and development period, successful Street Food Incubator Pilot participants will be given the opportunity to trade at a variety of West Midlands events, armed with the latest industry knowledge and intelligence, aimed at giving their businesses easier access to the industry.

The deadline for applications from ambitious food businesses looking to enter the burgeoning street food market, currently valued at £1.2bn, has been extended to Wednesday 19 November.

Voices from the sector

Jack Brabant, director of Digbeth Dining Club said:
“We’ve had a fantastic number of applicants to the Street Food Incubator Pilot since launching last month.

“We want to ensure that future street food stars from across all seven local authorities in the West Midlands have the opportunity to hear and learn about this fantastic initiative, so we are extending the window for applications.

“This is a once in a decade opportunity for aspiring professionals already active in our incredible dining, hospitality, and NTE ecosystem to work with us to become ‘industry’ready’ ahead of trading next year.”

Opportunities for participants

Successful pilot graduates will be given the opportunity to trade at curated DDC events; markets and events across all WMCA areas, as well as community events, festivals, and pop-ups across the region.

They will gain feedback on performance, customer interaction, and operational efficiency and will have full use of DDC’s infrastructure (e.g. pitch space, kitchens, promotional support) throughout the trading phase of the project.

The Street Food Incubator Pilot is part of the Mayor’s Street Markets Catapult which aims to help town and city centre high streets recapture their centuries-old role as the beating heart of the local community with a £300,000 support package to expand the variety of stalls on offer and draw in more shoppers.

The pilot partnership between DDC and NCASS will see all aspects of preparation for trading for pilot participants delivered, including registering a business, insurance, safety management, HR and training through to operational, business and development skills.

The application process for new startups and established businesses located in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton and looking to move or pivot into street food is now open via the NCASS website.

A new programme is offering tailored business support to ethnic minority entrepreneurs across Sandwell. 

Supporting businesses through trusted local networks 

The Community Led Business Support Programme aims to reach established ethnic minority-led businesses that may not be engaging with traditional support services. By working through organisations they know and trust, the programme helps them to access advice, funding and growth opportunities. 

The programme is being delivered by SWEDA in partnership with Business Growth West Midlands and Sandwell Business Growth.

The programme offers flexible support for businesses trading 12 months or more, including: 

• Business health checks and diagnostics 

• One-to-one advice, mentoring and training 

• Access to workshops, networking and specialist support 

• Referrals for funding, premises, IP, exporting and more 

Support is delivered via trusted community organisations to help more businesses access the help they need. 

Get started 

Find more information about the programme on our programmes and resources page

Or contact SWEDA to see which support option is right for your business. [https://sweda.org.uk/community-led-business-support/] 

Aston University’s Green Advantage course is now available to businesses across the UK. Originally created for the West Midlands, it has already supported companies of all sizes, from global brands like Mars UK, Shrewsbury Town Council, charities and small businesses.

The programme helps business leaders take practical, focused action on sustainability, with support to develop long-term plans that make a real impact. Many past participants have gone on to secure new tenders, attract investment and build strategic partnerships by strengthening their sustainability credentials.

What the course includes

The course runs over 12 weeks and is designed to fit around busy schedules. It includes:

• Six expert-led workshops
• Four hours of one-to-one coaching
• Peer mentoring and access to sustainability specialists

You’ll leave with a tailored Sustainability Roadmap, practical ideas to improve efficiency and more confidence to be able to make informed decisions. It’s also a good way to strengthen funding bids, improve contract readiness, and show clear commitment to sustainable practices.

Who it’s for

The course is open to businesses and organisations of any size or sector.

• Self-employed: Free
• SMEs: £385 per person
• Large businesses: £1,155 per person

The next course starts on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

We recently held a Cyber Security Masterclass, attended by our Sandwell Business Ambassadors.

Cyber security is important because it protects businesses from the increasing threats of cyber attacks. As our reliance on digital tools and online platforms grows, so does the potential risk of data breaches, financial loss and reputational damage. Ensuring cyber security measures helps safeguard sensitive information and ensure the continuity of business.

The event began with breakfast provided by Ambassador Rob Green from Robinson’s Bakery, followed by an introduction from Ambassador Alan Taylor. After that Detective Inspector Michelle Ohren MA, Managing Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, delivered a detailed presentation on cyber security risks where attendees learnt:

• How to enhance personal and workplace cyber security.
• Identify and prevent phishing, smishing and vishing.
• How to improve staff awareness.
• How to manage passwords effectively.

Alan Taylor said: “This masterclass was a crucial reminder of how important cyber security is. The insights and practical advice shared during the session highlighted the steps we can all take to better protect our businesses. Events like this are invaluable in helping us stay ahead of potential cyber threats”.

The session concluded with a valuable networking opportunity, allowing attendees to connect and share insights. We extend our thanks to all who attended and contributed to the event’s success. Your engagement and enthusiasm are what make our gatherings so impactful.

The Sandwell Business Ambassadors, a group dedicated to fostering business growth and resilience in the region, hosted this event after DI Michelle Ohren spoke at one of their monthly meetings. Her presentation highlighted the importance of cyber security and the vulnerability of businesses to cyber attacks, prompting the Ambassadors to organise this masterclass.

Following this event we have created a page to give you more information on cyber security, read here.

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury recently hosted a visit from the Mayor. This visit showcased the hub’s role in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The hub is a dedicated space offering desks, resources, mentorship and a collaborative environment for new and growing businesses. It is a centre for networking, learning and sharing experiences among local entrepreneurs.

The tour

During the tour, the mayor met the dedicated staff and community members using the space. He met with Rachel Butler from Pippatopia, Kaur Chana from Infant Academic and Rugz from Vocal Rogue. The mayor also met with Kamal, who shared his experiences and the impact of the hub on his business growth.

Helen Peach, Business Development Coordinator for the Sandwell Business Growth team provided an overview of the hub’s mission and activities. She highlighted the resources and support available to local entrepreneurs and the hub’s role in fostering business growth.

Mayors commitment to local businesses

Reflecting on his visit, the mayor said, “I am incredibly impressed by the dedication and innovation I have seen here. The support and resources provided to local businesses and entrepreneurs are truly commendable. This hub is a shining example of fostering growth and success within our community and I wish everyone involved all the very best for the future.”

The mayor’s visit demonstrated his commitment to supporting local businesses and their growth. This visit was an opportunity to highlight the hub’s significance in the community.