Anger Management Courses

Hosted by Black Country Consortium, the Symposium, entitled 'Black Country, Bright Future' tackled regeneration in the current economic climate and focus on the importance of partnerships.

The audience  heard from high profile speakers including, Ian Austin MP, Paul Kehoe CEO Bham airport, Olwen Dutton of West Midlands Regional Assembly, Trudi Elliott CBE, Tim Harbot,  Dr Richard Hutchins and CEO of the Black Country Consortium Sarah Middleton

Peter Matthews, chair of the BCC gave a strong message that being parochial would not help The Black Country get out of recession. Peter reminded us that the area used to be known as the area of 1000 jobs and that a spirit of innovation started the indusctrial revolution.

Ian Austin MP later added that the Low Carbon initiative would be an excellent opportunity for the area.

Why are there currently no UK companies making wind turbines when we have the opportunity to be the largest wind generated power producing country in Europe?

Peter also talked about literallly putting The Black Country on the map- for the first time the term has appreared on the ordnance survey map and the Oxford Engish Dictionary has recognised it too.

CEO Sarah Middleton then introduced her report into the sucesses and challenges we face. 

She highlighted the successes Black coutry firms have had in securing 2012 Olympic contracts including contracts involving the Aquatic and Media Centres.

Shockingly Black Country workers earn £4300 less than the average UK worker and £2100 less than the regional average. Leading to a £5B output gap.

Jobs in the public sector grew 6% but this was matched by a decline in private sector jobs of -6%.

Black Country Tourism was mentioned as a huge opportunity.

and finally, I did get my question answered- the panel acknowledged the vlauable role of the Third Sector and encouraged smaller organisations to work together in clusters to secure bigger contracts. They particulalry acknowledged the role of the third sector in providing future jobs fund opportunities for unemployed people.