is a membership organisation that represents businesses across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The Black Country Chamber was formed by an amalgamation of the Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton Chambers in 2001. The organisation was then merged with the Department of Trade and Industry's Business Link support service for the region in 2003, becoming known as Black Country Chamber and Business Link. As of April 30th 2006, the organisation de-merged into its separate Chamber and Business Link elements, and thereafter became known as the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. The current President of the Black Country Chamber is now Jude Thompson. Black Country Chamber of Commerce can provide help, advice and a range of support services for local businesses through a team of dedicated relationship managers who keep members updated on the latest news, business opportunities and business advice. In addition, the Black Country Chamber offers a busy calendar of events from networking and trade shows to their annual awards ceremony as well as offering training solutions for businesses. The Chamber has a reputation for being the voice of business across the region, representing the views of their members to decision makers in local and national Government and campaigning on their behalf. Their activity focuses upon on five key policy areas; 'Manufacturing for Modern Markets', 'Funding, Cashflow and Taxation', 'Transport into and Beyond the Region', 'Recruitment, Skills and the Next Generation' and 'Getting the Basics Right'. Each of these areas has a respective group, which is chaired by local business people discussing the challenges facing the region and coordinating lobbying activity to assure positive change. The Chamber also ensures that members can have their say through regular business forums to discuss issues that matter locally and put their business view at the top of the political agenda. The Chamber is a delivery partner for the UK Trade and Investment contract so members and non-members can get support from the dedicated International Trade Team. The International Trade Team delivers advice and practical support to UK-based companies wishing to grow their business overseas. With 2,400 staff nationwide and a presence in 96 countries, UK Trade & Investment can assist businesses on every step of the exporting journey. The Black Country Chamber team is also able to offer support and advice to anyone who has established a business and is looking for support around international trade, policy and representation, skills and training, advertising and sponsorship and essential business support.
