Successful start to exciting Foundry initiative for young business leaders
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A host of young professionals have come together for the launch of a bold new initiative - aimed at nurturing the next generation of business leaders in the Black Country.
Created by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, The Foundry, designed for individuals and business owners aged 35 and under across the region, held its first event on Friday June 26 at Digbeth Dining Club’s Dockworks Waterfront.
The initiative was organised by the Chamber, alongside the newly formed Foundry committee, made up of young professionals from a variety of member businesses across the Black Country.
This is the first in a series of events which will allow young businesspeople the opportunity to connect with others in different sectors, learn collaboratively and share experiences to aid their development.
Head of membership Sean Jackson has hailed the response to the new scheme - and explained that The Foundry has been designed to nurture the best young business talent in the region.
He said: “The response to our launch has been phenomenal.
“Seeing so many young professionals from across the Black Country come together at Dockworks reinforced why we created The Foundry.
“Our region has an incredible pipeline of talent, and The Foundry is here to nurture it.
“Whether you're starting your career, leading a team or running your own business, this community is designed to help you build meaningful connections, develop new skills and play an active role in the future success of the Black Country."
Stacey Willetts of Pressure Gauges Ltd, who also runs a consultancy, was among the committee members who spoke about the Foundry’s potential for young professionals in the Black Country.
“The Foundry is a brilliant initiative, it is exactly what is needed,” said Stacey.
“Networking and getting to know people in the industry and other industries is a lot different to how it used to be 20 years ago, there has been a huge gap for something like this.
“These events will allow young professionals and people in business to really make connections, and that is what attracted me to get involved.
“I’m delighted to be a committee member and see how The Foundry develops for the benefit of people like me and others.”
Fellow committee members Ed Price of Central Finance and Leigh Dagnall of SV Contracts also spoke at the inaugural meeting, along with mindset coach Jessica Shields and Yasmin Liddar from CK Chartered Accountants, who discussed networking tips.
Each committee member will host a different event across the course of the year, with the next one on July 31 focussing on ‘Finance and Fast Chats’. Members will hear about the current financial landscape followed by the opportunity to speed network with other attendees.
Membership is available for The Foundry and includes attendance at all 12 events, priority booking for the Chamber’s summer and winter socials and access to the WhatsApp community group.
For more information or to become a Foundry member, email membership@blackcountrychamber.co.uk or head to blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events-training/the-foundry
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