Event for Local Businesses
The West Midlands Business Festival, launched by Mayor Richard Parker, has been hailed as an incredible event for businesses across the region. Designed to connect the business ecosystem, the inaugural festival exceeded all expectations, bringing together over 1,500 businesses and attracting more than 4,000 ticket bookings at over 100 events around the region.
Two weeks packed full of workshops, networking sessions, industry insights and product launches. What made this festival stand out were it’s innovative and out of the box events, such as a roller skate networking event hosted by Wheels in Motion and a creative CSR initiative by Snooty Pooch, where businesses explored the ability of combining canines with corporate responsibility.
Success Stories That Inspire Change
Among the most inspiring stories to emerge from the festival was the creation of the Eastern European Business Owners from West Midlands support group. This initiative came out of an event in Walsall, organised by Sylwia Juranek, an entrepreneur who moved to the UK from Poland almost 20 years ago. The event attracted business owners from countries such as Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, and Moldova, creating a much needed support network for Eastern European entrepreneurs in the region.
Sylwia’s passion for community was clear as she shared her excitement:
“This was the first time I met many of the directors I had previously collaborated with, and the response from attendees was overwhelming. People came from as far as Luton to join us. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re already planning our next event in May.”
The group’s growth and commitment to regular meetings and workshops underscore the festival’s lasting impact.
A Platform for Business Growth
Feedback from festival attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Two thirds of those who participated said they would implement changes to their businesses based on the knowledge and connections they gained during the festival.
For Mayor Richard Parker, the festival was more than just a gathering, it was a catalyst for long-term business growth in the West Midlands.
“This festival wasn’t just about celebrating success—it was about empowering businesses to take that next step in their growth journey,” he remarked.
A Bigger, Bolder Festival For 2026
Mayor Parker is already looking forward to the next iteration of the festival, with big plans for making it even more impactful in 2026!
“Next year, we’re going to make this festival bigger, bolder, and even more ambitious. The West Midlands is on the map as a hub for innovation and growth, and we’re just getting started.”
This forward thinking vision is backed by a strong foundation of support. The festival was organised by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and received backing from key regional organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
The Future of Business Support in the West Midlands
The West Midlands Business Festival was just the beginning of an exciting journey for businesses in the region. While the Mayor’s office continues to support economic growth with grants and funding, there is also a key opportunity for businesses to further expand through partnerships with organisations like iSE.
At iSE, we are passionate about driving growth in the social economy. Through our range of FREE business support services, we empower social enterprises to thrive, offering everything from consultancy to networking opportunities.
If you’re looking for guidance to grow your social enterprise, iSE is here to help you reach your next milestone.
To learn more about the support available through iSE and how we can help you navigate your business journey, visit www.i-se.co.uk.
Let’s create a brighter, more sustainable future for businesses across the West Midlands.