Shropshire welcomes new patrons

SHROPSHIRE Chamber of Commerce has appointed three new patrons. It has secured The Penkridge Group, Buckatree Hall Hotel, and Marches Care to its Patronage scheme.

The scheme, launched in 2008, is designed to help businesses to promote their services to others from across the region and beyond, all aimed at helping the chamber become the voice of the regional business community.

Richard Sheehan, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Now in our sixth year, the Patronage scheme has gone from strength-to-strength and we’re proud to have 32 businesses from across the county supporting the initiative.

“We’d like to offer a very warm welcome to our new patrons and we believe that the diversity of their industry sectors as well as their knowledge and expertise will be of real benefit to our current patrons and members alike.

“Patrons are an integral part of our chamber and they act as true advocates and ambassadors for our county. As well as committing to developing strong relationships with, and supporting the interests of, other patrons and the wider business community, our patrons help our county’s economy to thrive and grow.”

Black Country launches annual awards

THE Black Country Chamber of Commerce has launched its annual awards. The winners will be announced at the Business is Good for the Black Country Awards on November 20 at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Margaret Corneby, chief executive, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to officially launch the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton. Our 2014 awards will once again be themed ‘Business is Good for the Black Country’, a theme that is supported by the British Chambers of Commerce through their campaign ‘Business is Good for Britain’.”

Mrs Corneby said the chamber wanted to recognise and profile companies which represented and made a positive contribute to the local economy.

“With over 320 people in attendance, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business is Good for the Black Country Awards Dinner 2013 was a huge success. The dinner, which took place last November at Wolverhampton Racecourse, acknowledged and celebrated local business achievements. This year we want to make the celebrations bigger and better with more businesses in attendance,” she added.

Martin Dudley, managing director at Thomas Dudley Ltd, the recipient of last year’s award said: “We are very proud to have won the Business of the Year Award 2013. We were excited to celebrate our entire team’s efforts over the last few years and in turn gain external recognition.

“We would like to encourage Black Country Chamber members to apply for an award as the recognition from winning this award has been fantastic for our company.”

Birmingham set to stage larest networking event of the year

THE largest business networking event of the year in Birmingham takes place at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in New Street on August 15.

The event, which is free, is being organised by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. It is open to chamber members and non-members alike.

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Group said:  “Economic growth is racing ahead in Birmingham and the event is a perfect opportunity to make some new connections and catch up with existing contacts.

“More than 370 delegates booked to attend the last Business Expo which was held at the NEC.  I would urge businesses to attend and capitalise on the new recovery.”

Further details are available from the chamber.