PROSPER MAGAZINE: SPECIAL DIGITAL EDITION
BUSINESS IS DONE BETTER TOGETHER
JUDE THOMPSON
PRESIDENT
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A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As I write, a number of government announcements have started to shed some light on how businesses can begin to emerge from lockdown and a roadmap demonstrating the measures we all need to take to keep our employees, customers and teams safe whilst still operating.
Over the forthcoming weeks, we expect more detail to follow and my colleagues at the Chamber will be on hand to make sense of what this means to you and your business.
As a business community, for some time to come; we will have to learn to continue to adapt and trade-in challenging circumstances as we all discover together what the new normal looks like.
The Chamber has been around for nearly two centuries, yet has a rightly deserved reputation for being a dynamic and forward-thinking business support agency which works hard for its members and the wider Black Country economy.
If you only seek out one partner to help you and business tackle this new normal, then make sure it is the Chamber – you couldn't ask for a more a passionate and committed team to have your back!
Jude Thompson
CHAMBER LAUNCHES ‘IN CONVERSATION WITH’
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has launched a series of live virtual events with some of the region's leading political figures and decision-makers at a time when it has never been more important for businesses to connect with leaders and influencers.
The series of interview sessions, 'In Conversation With', kicked off earlier this month with the Rt Hon Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East and now Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
The platform gives Chamber members the opportunity to engage with influencers and decision-makers from across the West Midlands, hearing their perspectives and observations as we operate through the Covid-19 emergency.
Chaired by Chamber CEO, Corin Crane, members are invited to put their questions forward, as businesses begin to explore 'what next' for their business, their sector, and the Black Country economy as a whole.
'IN CONVERSATION WITH' SCHEDULE...
BALFOUR BEATTY AND JLR - MANUFACTURING & CONSTRUCTION
TUESDAY 2ND JUNE
Join us in conversation as we explore behind the scenes of the manufacturing and automotive sectors, our region is so famous for and hear how COVID-19 has impacted both.
We hear from leading figures from two high profile businesses and explore how the manufacturing and construction sectors are faring and what the recovery stage looks like for both sectors in the Black Country and beyond.
CORIN GODSMARK
Corin joined Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK – the well-known international infrastructure group which finances, builds and develops activities across the world, in 2018 overseeing the North and the Midlands.
Closer to home, Balfour Beatty is committed to playing its part in helping the Midlands grow and prosper through its work across regional infrastructure initiatives and the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospital Trust.
KEVIN WOOD
Kevin is Operations Director at Jaguar Landrover's Engine Manufacturing Centre (EMC) based in Wolverhampton. Over the last 19 years, Kevin has held a number of positions across JLR and has seen first-hand how the automotive sector has evolved and developed to stay ahead of the game.
WEST MIDLANDS MAYOR - ANDY STREET
THURSDAY 4TH JUNE
The Chamber will be joined by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands. A former chief executive of retail giant John Lewis and former Chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, Andy Street became inaugural Mayor of the newly formed West Midlands Combined Authority in May 2017.
With control over policy areas, economic growth, transport, housing, and skills, Mr Street has been working to deliver his Renewal Plan for the region, creating new jobs and apprenticeships, delivering better transport links, and providing more homes.
A firm believer that the 'regions' will lead the recovery from the coronavirus crisis, as they did the financial crisis in 2008, it has been widely reported that the Mayor believes the West Midlands must be ready to win government finance and support in order to kick start the local economy once the easing of the lockdown restrictions begins.
Working with political and business leaders to draw up a strategy to get the regional economy back on its feet as swiftly as possible, Mr Street will join the Chamber to give his perspectives and observations for the Black Country, and the wider West Midlands business community, on operating through the crisis and beyond.
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP: ANITA BHALLA, ROGER DIX & PROF KIRAN TREHAN
WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE
Join us in conversation as we explore Inclusive Leadership and how COVID-19 has impacted the inclusivity agenda across sectors and the business community.
ANITA BHALLA
Anita has had a wide-ranging media career spanning over 26 years with the BBC at a senior editorial and leadership level where she set up the BBC Asian Network.
She has held many positions including Head of BBC Political & Community Affairs England and Head of Public Space Broadcasting.
Anita was the first woman President of Circom and has helped champion the cultural sector of the West Midlands through her roles as Chair at MAC and later Performances Birmingham Ltd.
She is currently Chair of West Midlands Mayor Leadership Commission and is a Council Member at Warwick University.
ROGER DIX
Roger has been Chief Risk Officer at Wesleyan since 2013, having previously held several executive-level positions working for Life Insurance and reinsurance entities across the UK and Europe.
He sits on the West Midlands Advisory Board for Business in the Community and in 2017 was named one of the most influential people in risk by InsuranceERM Magazine.
Well-known and highly regarded champion of inclusive growth, Roger is the Executive Sponsor for Inclusion and Diversity at Wesleyan.
PROF. KIRAN TREHAN
Kiran is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Centre for Women's Enterprise, Leadership, Economy & Diversity, (WE-LEAD) at the University of York and is a visiting professor at Birmingham University.
Kiran is a respected commentator and contributor to debates around leadership and diversity in business and enterprise.
Please note: 'In Conversation With' events are for Chamber Members only.
You can book your place by logging onto:
