Black Country 2.0 will be the Chamber’s Flagship Campaign

Throughout 2021 and into 2022, the campaign will have focus on three distinct phases.


Rebooting, Rebuilding, Rebounding

Black Country 2.0 will be brought to life through the Chamber’s existing channels which have some of the highest levels of business to business reach and engagement in the region.

  • Raising awareness of the issues which matter to the Black Country and its businesses
  • Providing Chamber members with the latest news, information and analysis
  • Enabling a joined up, sector-wide regional call to action
  • Priming and enabling Chamber members to respond positively and effectively to a challenging and evolving trading landscape
  • Shining a spotlight on the needs of the regional business community to grow resilience and further economic prospects across sectors and industries


FEBRUARY 2021 – APRIL 2021

COVID-19 has amplified the vulnerabilities and weakness within the regional economy (exacerbated by decreasing levels of business investment, BREXIT uncertainty, cashflow and confidence). The ability of the local economy to recover and adapt is linked to levels of liquidity and debt, consumer spending and trade growth. Barriers to returning optimum trading levels include local lockdowns, redundancies, skills shortages and lack of clarity.

During this period, we will: Support businesses to return to physical delivery / operations or evolve to a blended approach and concentrate activity which drives skills, minimises job losses / business failures, rebuild supply chains and instilling confidence.


POLICY

EVENTS

PROSPER

CHAMBER FOCUS

Analyse announcements and translate this into what this means for members.

Key pressure on Number 11 and develop a ‘Black Country Business Asks’ in advance of budget.

Highlight and maintain focus on ‘Black Country Business Needs’ in the run up to local elections and the WMCA Mayoral election.

Regular Virtual Briefings for members which go through the latest news and analysis.

Live reactions and activities exploring announcements and updates.

Events including West Midlands Expo, Legal & HR Updates, Contract and Tender Opportunities from Big Infrastructure Projects

February: 2021 – Looking Ahead, Doing Business a COVID-19 World: Year 2; New EU & Black Country Relationship.

April – What the Budget Means for Black Country Businesses; Cashflow; Access to Finance; Liquidity; Equity

Digital awareness campaigns and communications activity which support the focus aims above.

Launch of Director Development Programme, Chamber Think Tank



MAY 2021 – OCTOBER 2021

For businesses to compete locally, nationally and globally they need a firm competitive footing and confidence. The Black Country needs a recovery built on the basis of a society and economy which won’t necessarily be operating as they did just 12 months previously. To rebuild effectively and stay competitive, businesses and certain key sectors will need to find new levels of efficiency and productivity whilst trading in conditions prone to disruption.

During this period, we will: Provide businesses with the tools and information to stay enabled, motivated and energised during periods of uncertainty, support our members in vulnerable businesses / sectors to build resilience and work with them to lay the foundations and build the frameworks to stay open and stay responsive.


POLICY

EVENTS

PROSPER

CHAMBER FOCUS

Analyse announcements and translate this into what this means for members.

Campaign on issues that make the cost of doing international business prohibitive.

Raise awareness of the key skills shortages and ensure that no group or generation is adversely affected in a future economy.

Regular Virtual Briefings for members which go through the latest news and analysis.

Recruitment, Retention and Restructuring

Boosting productivity through Workplace Wellbeing and Skills

Exploring Governance, Leadership

Brexit Transition – Six Months On

June: 2021 – Leading the Black Country; Leadership, Governance and Boards; Family Businesses – The Next Generation of Leadership

August 2021 – Investing in Our People; Tackling the Skills Gaps in the Black Country; Learning & Development

October 2021 – Black Country Around the World; Black Country Products and Services in the Global Marketplace

Digital awareness campaigns and communications activity which support the focus aims above.

Launch of the Black Country Business Top Five Priorities for Policymakers and Influencers



NOVEMBER 2021 – FEBRUARY 2022

Driving sustained future growth is essential for long term business viability and the region’s economic recovery. The Black Country can not be left behind when it comes to investment, infrastructure, connectivity and access to national and global markets.

During this period, we will: Help businesses to have the plans, systems and capacity to stay responsive and resilient to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities of 2021 and beyond and champion the necessary change to overcome longstanding economic barriers.


POLICY

EVENTS

PROSPER

CHAMBER FOCUS

Analyse announcements and translate this into what this means for members.

Lobbying for policy restructure to legislation which holds back businesses including planning systems, R&D investment, sustainable business

Regular Virtual Briefings for members which go through the latest news and analysis.

Green Business

Technology and Cybersecurity

Black Country Business Awards

Black Country Business Festival

December: 2021 – Towards a New Black Country Economy; What Will the Region Look Like in 5 Year’s Time?; Painting the Black Country Green

February 2022 – The Year Ahead; Commonwealth Games Shines a Spotlight on the Region

October 2021 – Black Country Around the World; Black Country Products and Services in the Global Marketplace

Digital awareness campaigns and communications activity which support the focus aims above.

Launch of the Black Country Business Manifesto 2021 - 2023