Policy & Public Affairs

Policy at the Black Country Chamber is all about championing the interests of businesses across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. We bring together the insight, experience and priorities of our members to influence the decisions that shape our region’s economy. Through research, consultation and direct engagement with local and national policymakers, we work to ensure that the voice of Black Country businesses is heard clearly and consistently.

Our policy team tracks the issues that matter most to employers, from skills and transport to investment, innovation and the future of the regional economy. We convene roundtables, gather evidence, and collaborate with partners to develop practical, business led solutions. Above all, our aim is simple: to create the conditions in which Black Country businesses can grow, compete and thrive.

Our Policy Priorities

Our policy work is shaped directly by the issues that matter most to Black Country businesses. Through regular engagement with members, surveys, and sector specific forums, we identify the challenges and opportunities affecting growth across the region. Current priorities include skills and workforce development, energy costs, business costs, innovation and digital adoption, and the long term competitiveness of the regional economy. These priorities evolve as the economic landscape changes, ensuring our advocacy remains relevant and responsive.

How We Work

We act as a bridge between business and government, gathering insight from employers of all sizes, turning real world experience into evidence based policy positions. We convene roundtables, working groups, and consultations to test ideas and build consensus, while working closely with local authorities, combined authorities, MPs, and national bodies to ensure the Black Country’s voice is represented in key decisions. Whether we are responding to government proposals or shaping new ones, our approach is always collaborative, constructive, and grounded in the needs of our members.

Influencing Decision Makers

The Chamber regularly engages with policymakers at every level. We submit formal responses to government consultations, brief elected representatives, and contribute to regional strategies, ensuring that our research and insight help decision makers understand the realities facing businesses on the ground. By presenting clear, practical recommendations, we ensure that the Black Country’s business community is not only heard but taken seriously.

Research and Insight

Robust evidence underpins all our policy work. We conduct surveys, commission research, and analyse economic trends to build a detailed picture of the local business environment. This insight helps us identify emerging issues early and advocate for solutions that are grounded in data as well as lived experience, and our reports and briefings are shared with members and stakeholders to support informed decision making across the region.

Get Involved

Our policy work is only as strong as the voices behind it! Members can get involved by joining policy forums, attending roundtables, contributing to surveys, or sharing their experiences directly with our team. Whether you want to influence local decision making or shape national debates, your insight helps us advocate more effectively on behalf of the entire Black Country business community.

You can contact the policy team on: policy@blackcountrychamber.co.uk or call 0330 024 0820.