Get to Know the Chamber Patron Group

05 Aug 2025

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News
Discover the value our Patrons bring to the wider business community and how the Chamber supports them in strengthening their networks and raising their profile.

We’re proud to have 11 Chamber Patrons that advocate for the Chamber and the Black Country, this elite group of businesses is committed to making a positive and lasting impact across the Black Country’s economy. As you read this blog, you'll discover the value our Patrons bring to the wider business community, and how the Chamber supports them in strengthening their networks and raising their profile.

We will explore:

  • Who are The Chamber Patron Group.
  • How they support the region.
  • Hear from our Patrons and Gail Arnold, Head of Premium Membership.

Joining The Chamber Patron Group is the final step to build your strategic objectives with our support, our Patrons gain key links to reach an engaged network of professionals, decision makers and influencers.

Let’s understand The Chamber Patron Group!


Who are The Chamber Patron Group?


Currently, our Chamber Patrons are:

  • ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland.
  • Freeths.
  • Halesowen College.
  • In-Comm Training.
  • Juniper Training.
  • Paycare.
  • Starting Point Recruitment (SPR)
  • The Sandwell Colleges.
  • University of Wolverhampton.
  • University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.
  • Walsall College.

Text aligned at the top of the image in the centre titled "OUR PATRONS" in block capitals. Underneath are 2 rows of logos of the Black Country Chamber of Commmerce Patron Group. Row 1 from left to right: ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, Freeths, In-Comm Training, Halesowen College, Juniper Training & Paycare. Row 2 from left to right: The Sandwell Colleges, Starting Point Recruitment (SPR), The University of Wolverhampton, The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls and Walsall College

Here at the Black Country Chamber, we strive to ensure every business receives tailored support based on their own needs and business journey. We help members make the most of their connections, encouraging collaborations that raise their profile.

Why should you consider becoming a Patron?

As our highest premium membership tier, the group benefits from a wide range of services from networking events, liaising with local businesses, to one-on-one support with Gail Arnold to establish new connections. Recently, we had three of our Patrons renew their membership with us: ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, Paycare and SPR. You can find out more about what influences them to renew their membership and their goals for the year ahead here.

Our Patrons are ambassadors of their industry. This membership is perfect for visionary organisations that want to lead by example, influence decisions and champion business in the black country.

Enquire here


How The Chamber Patron Group support the region.


Much like The Platinum Group, the Chamber Patrons feature in our Prosper magazine, where we showcase their latest achievements and announcements. In our summer edition, you can read about ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK&I, In-Comm Training, and the University of Wolverhampton as they continue to drive innovation across the West Midlands.

Our Patrons also play an active role in hosting and facilitating events. Recently, In-Comm Training welcomed a roundtable of businesses alongside West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker. This event provided a platform for Chamber members to share their challenges and aspirations directly with a key regional leader. Strengthening both the business and making connections with key leaders who can influence ways to grow the business community.

Another example of the many benefits with our membership, Patrons can get involved with Chamber events and this includes being a judge for our awards. As an ambassador for business, being a judge aims to recognise the achievements of business and act as a guide for building a vibrant business community.


Hear from our Patrons and Head of Premium Membership, Gail Arnold.


Here’s what some of our current Patrons have to say about the value they’ve gained from being part of The Chamber Patron Group:

“We have a long-standing relationship with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and see becoming a Chamber Patron as a great opportunity to work together to enhance our profile locally. We have always valued the opportunities provided by the Chamber to network with like-minded organisations and the ability to influence policies.”
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK&I

“As Chamber Patrons, the College is ideally positioned to collaborate with local businesses and organisations, sharing knowledge, ideas and championing enterprise. Our Third Week Wednesday networking event is a great platform for this engagement.
“Building strong partnerships with fellow members gives us invaluable insight into the region’s evolving workforce challenges. This, in turn, helps us shape our curriculum and training programmes to meet future skills needs.
“In doing so, being part of Black Country Chamber highlights the vital role further education colleges play in boosting our economy and strengthening communities.”
Walsall College

“We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the Chamber. The organisation is an asset to the Black Country, providing valuable support to all businesses whether they’re start-ups or established companies like ourselves ensuring the prosperity of the region going forward and bringing together those businesses so they can build connections with each other too.”
Paycare

We also spoke to Gail Arnold, our Head of Premium Membership, who shared her perspective on the Chamber Patron Group:

“For over a century, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been working hard for businesses across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton – helping them to develop prospects, growth potential and ensure that this region maintains its legacy as a vibrant and forward-looking place to do business.

“Key to delivering this work has been the role of our Chamber Patrons – strategic partners with a sense of civic pride and a passion to make a positive impact across the Black Country economy.

“For me to work with our Chamber Patrons is an absolute delight - from meeting regularly to ensure they gain the most from being not only a Patron, but being an ambassador by representing their industry on behalf of our Chamber, they benefit from unrivalled opportunities to connect, to promote their business and reach new customers, ensuring that their brand and values are seen and heard in all the right places."


Conclusion


We are incredibly proud of our Chamber Patron Group, these businesses work hard to ensure they contribute and set a strong foundation of a legacy of businesses across the Black Country. They help shape the region's future by investing in collaboration, civic responsibility, and regional success.

Their continued commitment creates a strong foundation for long-term growth, supports a resilient economy, and sets an inspiring example for others to follow. We’re excited to continue supporting our Patrons on their journey, and we invite ambitious, forward-thinking organisations to consider how joining this exclusive group could elevate their impact.

If you're ready to lead, influence, and connect at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you.

Share on Linked In

Comments

Post A Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment. Please click here to login.