City of Wolverhampton is gearing up for its annual business support spotlight - offering online events and webinars to help the city and businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19, grow and succeed.

There is something of interest for all businesses whatever their type and size. 

Details are available at INVEST and businesses are urged to register to take advantage of these free online events. 

The city’s annual Business Week will run from Monday 21 September to Friday 25 September and is being organised in conjunction with city businesses and partners.

The week will provide a platform to engage with local businesses by showcasing the opportunities available now and in the future through multi million pound investment and developments. 

Participants will also hear how businesses can adapt by embracing digital, and how Wolverhampton is re-imagining the city centre and its town centres in a world learning how to manage Covid-19.

The showpiece event of the week is the city’s annual Business Breakfast, the most important business conference of the year, on Thursday 24 September, 9.30am to 11am. 

The theme for the breakfast is ‘Better Connected’ and a high profile line-up of speakers will showcase how digital innovation is changing how we work and is set to change our city. 

The event, hosted by TV and radio journalist and broadcaster - and proud Wulfrunian - Sean Farrington, will be streamed live to those who register. 

Speakers include Rockwell Automation’s Chief Technology Officer for the UK and Ireland, Mike Loughran; Managing Director and Legal Counsel at LearnPlay Foundation, Ro Hands; Chair of the Wolverhampton Town Deal Board, Black Country LEP board member and CEO of Nachural Media Group, Ninder Johal DL; Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and West Midlands Combined Authority lead for economic development, Cllr Ian Brookfield, and City of Wolverhampton Council, Chief Executive, Tim Johnson.

People can register to attend the Business Breakfast at INVEST.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “This year’s activity takes place against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges for local businesses. Covid-19 has hit businesses hard, but the city is determined to bounce back with energy and ambition – and we can all help by visiting and supporting our local businesses.

“Wolverhampton is a resilient place and we are now beginning to see the relighting of our city, while ensuring everyone stays safe.

“The council is proud to co-ordinate the city’s seventh annual business week, which is a great example of strong partnership working to support the local economy. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting business recovery and growth. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the programme.

“Our pro-business attitude continues to attract new investment and secure business expansion, which together will generate thousands of jobs.”

John Wood DL, Director of Liberty Engineering and Chair of the city’s Economic Growth Board, added: “As a business leader in the city I am pleased that the City of Wolverhampton has been able to continue this key conference programme, part of the regeneration of the city.  Now more than ever we need to come together to help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19 and gear up for continued success.”