New Partner for Chamber Business Club
The Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology will support the club which helps hundreds of businesses start and grow each year.
BCMIoT in Dudley officially opened in September and is a collaboration between continuing education providers, universities and employers.
It specializes in higher technical education at levels 4, 5 and 6, with a focus on STEM subjects.
Georgina Barnard, Chief Executive of the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology, said: “We are delighted to support the chamber in this important initiative.
“Initiatives such as the Chamber’s Start-Up Business Club, led by Alison Trinder, provide much-needed help and support in all aspects of running a new business.
“Our employer-run Institute of Technology has already built strong relationships with many organizations of all sizes, and businesses benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities available at our new multi-million pound facility.
“We offer a wide range of support to start-ups to help them innovate and accelerate productivity and business growth. This includes access to a versatile research and development facility, featuring industry-standard machinery and equipment, collaborative networks, industry-specific workshops and events, industry innovators and experts and signage/access to government grants and funding.
“We are truly proud of the close relationship we already have with the chamber, and we look forward to developing it further by working with more local entrepreneurs to help them achieve business growth.”
From networking opportunities and one-on-one business advice, to marketing support and savings on essential business tools, the Start-Up Business Club helps small businesses take things to the next level. It has helped over 200 businesses since its inception in 2018 and offers a one-stop-shop for business advice, personal development training and marketing, all within a vibrant networking community.
The club also offers a number of events and masterclasses where entrepreneurs and new business owners can meet, network and hear from experienced businesspeople. Additionally, it also provides two years worth of business support.
The driving force behind the club is Alison Trinder, a highly experienced business relations manager.
She has over 30 years of experience in building and maintaining strong business relationships and said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of the UK economy, contributing around half of the private sector’s turnover. of our country.
“We found that new entrepreneurs reported feeling very lonely and isolated working alone.
“They wanted to belong to a group where they could share their issues and challenges, talk to other start-up owners, and stay motivated to achieve their business goals. It’s a great place to meet other entrepreneurs who are at the same stage of business growth, sharing ideas and best practices, meeting our experts and learning new skills.”
Simon Walters, from Lower Gornal, a director at ERW Logistics who joined the business start-up club earlier this year, said: ‘The help, advice and information I received has benefited me immensely, my stepfather, Tony Davenport, and I are over 50 years old. years of experience in the logistics sector and starting our own business is something we have wanted for many years.
“Joining the Chamber’s Star-Up Business Club was a great decision.
“The networking has been invaluable. Thanks to Alison’s support and that of our fellow members, we received great advice on vehicle finance and insurance, which saved us thousands of dollars, and help with our marketing led to our creative branding and website.
“We have now moved into our own premises and have been actively negotiating since November 2021, we have won contracts in the food, manufacturing and air cargo sectors and are working hard to target new customers in an industry we know so well and which is urgent. delivery and logistics.
To find out more about the club, contact Alison Trinder on 01902 912301 or email alisontrinder@blackcountrychamber.co.uk
