Topic: Event

Sandwell businesses and partners were brought together at a special celebration event to thank those who supported the Sandwell Children’s Trust Christmas Toy Appeal, helping ensure vulnerable children and young people across the borough experienced the joy of the festive season.

Held on Wednesday 21 January, the event welcomed businesses, partners and council teams to reflect on the impact of the appeal and recognise the collective effort that made it possible. Contributions from local organisations helped provide toys and gifts to children and young people supported by Sandwell Children’s Trust during what can be a challenging time of year.

Making a difference at a critical time

The Christmas Toy Appeal supports children and young people who may otherwise go without gifts at Christmas due to difficult personal or family circumstances. Thanks to the generosity of Sandwell businesses and partners, hundreds of donations were collected, helping to create moments of joy and inclusion for young people across the borough.

Speaking at the event, Jackie Hodgkins, Communications Manager at Sandwell Children’s Trust, said: “Thanks to your donations, hundreds of vulnerable children and young people across Sandwell were able to experience the joy and magic of the festive season. For many of these families, Christmas is a challenging time, and your kindness has brought smiles, hope, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.”

Jackie also shared a moving story about a six-year-old child whose only Christmas wish was for a Barbie doll. Thanks to donations from local businesses and volunteers, that wish was fulfilled, a reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

Businesses stepping up for the community

The celebration event included presentations from partners, certificate presentations and time for businesses to connect and reflect on the collective impact achieved through the appeal.

Saty Janagil, our Economy Officer, said: “The response from Sandwell businesses has been incredible. Their generosity shows the strength of our business community and its willingness to step up when it matters most.”

Thanks to our supporting businesses

Sandwell Business Growth would like to thank the following businesses and people for their donations:

• Axis Europe Plc
• Bryant Electrical Ltd
• CBS Midlands Ltd
• Corroy Products
• Doocey Group
• Draintech
• EMR Group
• Fitzgerald Contractors Ltd
• Hardyman & Co
• Ideal Heating
• Jays Sourcing Group Ltd
• Key Tracker Ltd
• K P Marsh Plastering & Interiors Ltd
• Leisure Energy
• Lift Engineering Services
• Mac Surfacing Ltd
• Olympus Global
• RG Wilbrey Ltd
• Richards CCTV
• Stefan Harrison
• Sure Serve
• SWG Construction
• The Ivy Bush
• Warrens Hall Riding School

Looking ahead

Building on the success of the Christmas Toy Appeal, Sandwell Business Growth will continue working with Sandwell Children’s Trust and partners to support children, young people and families throughout the year.

We are currently supporting an upcoming appeal focused on Ramadan and Eid, aimed at helping children and young people feel included, valued and able to celebrate important cultural and faith milestones. Businesses will be encouraged to support gifts that reflect fun, faith and learning. Keep an eye out for our article on the appeal releasing shortly.

First aid training is more than just a regulatory requirement, it’s a vital investment in your business. Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) is offering fully accredited First Aid At Work courses throughout 2025, giving local businesses the opportunity to upskill staff and improve workplace safety.

Delivered at Hadley Stadium in Smethwick, these qualifications equip you with essential skills to create a safer workplace, meeting Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.

Why choose SLT’s first aid training?

SLT, a trusted STA (Swimming Teachers Association) Approved Training Centre, offers two comprehensive courses:

• 3-Day First Aid at Work Qualification (£780 per candidate): A 78-hour course over three consecutive days, covering CPR, first aid for injuries (burns, spinal), major illnesses and more. Ideal for those needing in-depth training.
• 1-Day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Qualification: A 6-hour course focusing on emergency responses, including managing unresponsive casualties, shock and choking. Perfect for smaller teams or quick certification.

Both courses are accredited by Ofqual, valid for three years, and endorsed by CIMSPA. No prior experience is needed, and candidates must be 16+ at assessment.

2025 dates:

• 3-Day Course: 27–29 May, 23–25 June, 28–30 July, 22–24 September, 24–26 November.
• 1-Day EFAW: 14 May, 4 June, 10 September, 19 November.
• All take place 8.30am – 3.30pm

You will need to bring a notebook, pen, lunch and comfortable clothing for practical sessions. Investing in first aid training enhances workplace safety, boosts staff confidence and demonstrates your commitment to employee wellbeing.

Don’t miss this chance to upskill your workforce. Contact SLT at qualifications@slt-leisure.co.uk or call 0300 012 0121.

The Sandwell Business Support Roadshow, held at West Bromwich Albion Football Club as part of the West Midlands Business Festival, was a fantastic day of insights, networking and business support.

Hosted by the Sandwell Business Growth Team in collaboration with Business Growth West Midlands, the event brought together local businesses, industry leaders and support organisations to explore the opportunities available for business growth in Sandwell.

A day packed with insights

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening speech from Councillor Sukhbir Singh Gill, the Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, setting the tone for a day dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Lynne Avery from the West Midlands Combined Authority then provided an overview of the extensive business support available across the region.

Helen Peach our Business Development Coordinator introduced the Sandwell Business Growth Team’s local initiatives, highlighting the tailored support available to businesses. This was followed by Tammy Stokes MRTPI, who shared key insights into Sandwell’s Regeneration Pipeline, outlining exciting development opportunities in the borough.

Business success stories

Attendees had the chance to hear first-hand from local businesses that have benefitted from support initiatives. CMT Engineering, MAC Surfacing and A&M EDM took the stage to share their journeys, highlighting the real impact of the guidance and resources available to Sandwell businesses.

To round off the day, a dynamic panel discussion featured representatives from CMT Engineering, Pippatopia, A&M EDM, and West Bromwich Superstore, who shared valuable insights into business growth.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Councillor Sukhbir Singh Gill said:

“Supporting businesses is a key priority for us in Sandwell, and events like the Sandwell Business Support Roadshow are invaluable in connecting local businesses with the guidance and opportunities they need to grow. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from businesses across the borough, and I encourage any business looking for support to reach out to the Sandwell Business Growth Team.”

Thank you

The event was a resounding success, and we want to extend a huge thank you to all our speakers, businesses, and attendees for making it such an engaging and informative day. It was fantastic to see so many Sandwell businesses come together, make connections and gain valuable insights into the support available to help them grow.

If you missed the event but are looking for business advice, funding opportunities or growth support, get in touch with us; business_growth@sandwell.gov.uk

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Join us for Sandwell’s first-ever Business Growth and Employment Summit, where we will celebrate the success of local businesses, launch critical reports and engage in discussions about the future of the Sandwell workforce.

The summit will feature insights from some of Sandwell’s fastest-growing companies, local social value leaders and young apprentices who are making their mark on the future workforce. You will also be the first to access two key reports: Sandwell’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies 2024 and the Sandwell Skills and Employment Strategy.

What is the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies 2024 Report?

The Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies 2024 report shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Sandwell’s leading businesses. This comprehensive index celebrates the significant contributions these companies have made to the local economy and employment landscape. The report provides a detailed look at the financial performance of these companies, offering insights into their growth strategies, market sectors and future goals.

The Top 50 report serves not only as a celebration of local business success but as a guide and inspiration for other companies in the region aiming for growth.

What is the Sandwell Skills and Employment Strategy?

The Sandwell Skills and Employment Strategy is a commitment of partners to support the needs of the residents and businesses. It aims to improve skills at all levels, remove barriers and ensure that residents have the skills and qualifications needed to secure sustainable employment.

The strategy aims to reduce the skills gap faced by local business and provide a long-term plan to ensure that residents are best placed for the jobs of the future, driving skills development in areas such as STEM, the environment, and digital sectors. It is both ambitious and challenging, striving for a holistic skills environment, an inclusive labour market, and a robust economy.

Engaging Sandwell’s youth

An important focus of the summit will be youth engagement, building on the outcomes of the July Youth Summit. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from apprentices and young people who are shaping Sandwell’s future workforce.

In addition to informative sessions, the summit provides a unique platform for business leaders, education and training providers and community organisations to connect and collaborate. Attendees will have the chance to meet like-minded individuals who share a vision for creating jobs, raising aspirations, and building a prosperous future for Sandwell.

The event will feature refreshments throughout the morning, with a light buffet lunch provided at the end of the summit.

Register your interest and we will confirm if we are able to allocate you a spot.