The BCBF (Black Country Business Festival) is now in its fourth year and has seen continued growth and support from the local business community.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Talbots Law and Dudley Business First are partners for 2021.

There is further support from Festival sponsors, Thomas Dudley, Walsall Council, Casino36, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Business Ambassadors.

Nearly all 80 events are free to attend, but tickets need to be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Events are already starting to sell out, so it is vital that anyone wishing to attend registers in advance.

Bookings can be made through the website. The Black Country Chamber of Commerce is the driving force behind the Festival and sees the fortnight as an opportunity to showcase the resilience of the region.

Working closely with its members, the Chamber knows first-hand the hard work and dedication that was needed to keep going through the pandemic. Black Country Innovation Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) are hosting an event about their Business Innovation & Engagement Programme, which will give businesses the opportunity to engage with leading experts and learn new, innovative skills.

Festival partner, Talbots Law is highlighting the pros and cons of residential development. This event will be discussing the promotion of green belt sites and their allocation for residential development, and the remediation and clean-up of former industrial sites.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise at Dudley Council, said “We are delighted to be a partner of the BCBF once again, it has been great to see the growth over the last four years. It’s really going to help the business community come back together after so much uncertainty.

“It’s really promising that events are selling out. This is testament to the appetite of companies now - they are desperate to get back out there and do business.”

Dudley Council is hosting two events this year. One will focus on the regeneration that is happening in the area, and the second will provide businesses with information on how to receive support for post-pandemic recovery and the Aim for Gold Programme.

The first 2021 Business Festival event is taking place at Resonance Music Institute in Brierley Hill on Monday 4 October.