This is a 2-week programme of over 50 free events across the West Midlands put on by businesses for businesses and co-ordinated through Business Growth West Midlands running from 3^rd to 14^th March. To find out more and book onto any of the events please click here 

The council are partners in 3 of the events with details below

Aston Centre for Growth Networking

11 March 9am – 10.30am, Aston Centre for Growth, Birmingham

A monthly networking event incorporated into the Festival with the City Councils Business Growth Team filling one of three guest speaker slots. There will also be a presentation on the services and support available from Aston Centre for Growth (part of Aston University); plus opportunities to gain new perspectives, exchange ideas and connect with people who are passionate about driving growth and innovation. For more information and to book a place please click here

Celebrating Women in Business (in partnership with Access to Business)

12 March 10am – 1pm    Wolverhampton Science Park

Sharing inspirational stories and discussions from leading female entrepreneurs with a spotlight on leading female led social enterprises, a Masterclass Panel with female entrepreneurs across a range of sectors, and a summary of the business support and networking opportunities. For more information and to book a place please click here  

A Sustainability and Circular Economy Workshop 

13 March 10am -1pm    ASAN, Wolverhampton

Learn how sustainable interventions can also be cost saving interventions that benefit profitability and the overall business strategy of an organisation. Speakers include All Saints Action Network speaking about its Reuse Hub; Barr and Grosvenor will present its use of recycled materials in regeneration projects and its minimisation of waste; and Aston Centre for Growth will outline Green Advantage sustainability programme. For more information and to book a place please click here

The ECMS is an employer-led training facility located at the University’s Springfield Campus, designed to support businesses in upskilling and multi-skilling the workforce, with particular focus on developing technical skills and knowledge in engineering, manufacturing, casting and metal forming sectors.

The Centre provides a mix of training including a range of social media, additive manufacturing, and AI awareness courses through to those with a specific focus such as ‘Mastering the art of 3D design with Solidworks.” Next month will see the ECMS bring on stream only the UK’s second 3D metal printer. For more details on the support the ECMS can provide please click here

Run as a pilot for the past 12 months and now extended for a further year this service which is delivered through Wolverhampton and other Black Country colleges, allows businesses access to their state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance around technologies in key growth sectors. In Wolverhampton, part of this is the Digital Hub, a collaboration between City of Wolverhampton College and Innovate UK – designed to work closely with local employers, creating a safe environment for exploring new ideas. As well as delivering locally based workshops that provide businesses with essential expertise and resources with a focus on three areas - Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Technology, and Cybersecurity. For more information please click here 

HMRC publishes the Employer Bulletin six times a year, giving employers and agents the latest information on topics and issues that may affect them. The February edition of Employer Bulletin includes articles on:

Payrolling employees’ benefits and expenses

Reporting expenses and benefits for the tax year ending 5 April 2025

An Update on employee hours data requirements

Company cars — classification of double cab pickups

Guidelines for Compliance — Help with labour supply chain assurance

Statutory Neonatal Care Leave and Pay

You can register for HMRC's employer email alert service here to receive emails from HMRC which tell you when the latest issue is available

If you have any queries relating to business support, growing your business, or some of the challenges you are facing, then please call the council's Business Support helpline on 01902 555572 or complete the online enquiry form here

To support your business enquiry and growth our team can conduct a free business diagnostic and connect you quickly to the right support.