The West Midlands is gearing up to launch its first-ever Business Festival next spring, offering small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a unique opportunity to connect with the broader business community. The festival, organised by Business Growth West Midlands, will run from March 3 to 14, 2024, featuring two weeks of events designed to foster business growth and networking.

Mayor Richard Parker announced the event, highlighting its focus on creating opportunities for local businesses to collaborate with potential partners, industry experts, and investors. The programme will include conferences, workshops, networking sessions, exhibitions, product launches, and dinners.

Mayor Parker emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs, which form the backbone of the region's economy. “I want to make the West Midlands the best place to start and grow a business, and the Business Festival is a key part of that. It’s a chance for businesses to come together, get back to growth, and create real opportunities, especially for our young people.”

Applications are now open for businesses to apply to host events during the festival. This initiative aims to create a dynamic environment where companies can showcase their innovations and establish connections that will drive future growth.

The festival is set to become a central platform for promoting regional economic development, offering valuable insights and opportunities for local enterprises.