Black Country Enterprise
Black Country Enterprise Ltd is based at the Black Country Chamber's head office in Walsall. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
History
The Black Country Enterprise (BCE) team originate from previous employment with Black Country Business Link and are principally involved in providing business start-up advice, information and training to individuals who are considering self employment or starting a business.
It was decided by the new Business Link West Midlands that the delivery of these services across the Black Country and indeed over the West Midlands would be contracted out.
During the summer of 2007 Black Country Enterprise, submitted a bid in response to an open tender published by Business Link to deliver these services for a period of three years.
This bid, in response to Business Link requirements, included a number of smaller delivery organisations across the Black Country who had access to different client groups and individuals such as gender, ethnicity etc.
The bid was successful and the Black Country delivery is housed within a Consortium of delivery organisations led by Black Country Enterprise Ltd and now one of the leading performers for Business Link West Midlands.
Also housed within BCE are activities around working with Black Country Asian Business Association and the African Caribbean Business Federation of the Black Country.
Current Activities
Through its contract with Business Link BCE will, during the year 2008/9, provide information, advice and support to approx 4000+ individuals considering starting a business from which it will help some 400+ new business starts.
The work also provides support to each business start-up for its first year with a target of achieving a 75 per cent survival rate. This is a demanding target in the current difficult economic climate.
In addition, the Business Link contract BCE on its own also delivers activity on behalf of Walsall Partnerships, Sandwell MBC, Bloxwich and Greets Green (West Bromwich) New Deal for Community areas.
Allied to its ongoing training programmes BCE is also contracted to deliver some 35 NVQ level 3 qualifications in Walsall and Sandwell.
The start up advice service, including training programmes, are delivered from the four Chamber offices within the Black Country - Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley - in addition to other venues when available.
BCE in conjunction with BCABA and ACBF also undertakes under contract with Business Link referrals for established businesses to access any support offered by Business Link.
The Future
Whilst Business Link is now the sanctioning organisation for any regional, sub regional or local "Enterprise" services there are opportunities which BCE must explore to compliment its core contract with Business Link.
This involves regular dialogue with Local Authorities and the Black Country Consortium and others.
The aim is to maximise the work which is undertaken to generate income to support the Black Country Chamber and help cement the foundations for future start up and Enterprise support in the sub region.
For more information contact your membership adviser or
Chris Cooper, Head of Enterprise
Black Country Enterprise Ltd
Ward Street
Walsall
WS1 2AG
E: chriscooper@blackcountrychamber.co.uk
W: www.blackcountryenterprise.co.uk
M: 07810 377781
T: 0845 872 4255
The Enterprise Network
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