By Beverly Rademacher

Copyright expressandstar

‘Bostin Black Country Business’, which has been created by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, aims to showcase the strengths of the region by championing its most innovative, resilient, creative and globally trading companies.

The magnificent seven chosen to tell their story first includes KMB Shipping Group, manufacturer Bowers & Jones, apprentice training specialist In-Comm Training and health cash plan provider Paycare.

There are also places for creative agency TPSquared, Beacon Centre for the Blind and Dudley Canal & Caverns, which hosted the launch event and photoshoot.

All organisations have agreed to display the Bostin Black Country Business badge, designed by Stourbridge’s Plum Ideas, and have committed to support Chamber events and media opportunities, using their tales of business success to promote the unique skills and capabilities of the region in industry, technology, digital, finance and tourism.

Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are always looking at new ways of promoting the strengths of our area and celebrating the brilliant companies and entrepreneurs that are based here.

“’Bostin’ is a word unique to the Black Country and sums up something that is brilliant –whether that is innovation, modern day manufacturing success, life science firms going global or any of the wide array of tourist attractions we have across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

“This got us thinking – let’s approach some of our very best businesses and see if we can get them on board for an official campaign that can showcase what makes the Black Country so special.

“The magnificent seven are our first ‘Bostin’ inductees and are an eclectic mix of brilliant business minds, pioneering charity leaders and international experts.”

Bostin Black Country Business aims to add new companies every quarter, with the view to growing an alumni-type of community. This will include all the winners of the Black Country Chamber Business Awards in November, nominations from the Chamber board and possibly even a public vote.

Paul Hull, co-owner of KMB Shipping Group in Tipton, said of the campaign: “This is some honour – especially when you consider we are surrounded by so many outstanding companies.

“We export and import cargo for companies worldwide and three of the lads who started here at 16 now own the business. Global trade isn’t easy, and I suppose the resilience we have shown in growing despite the host of challenges and international uncertainty we’ve faced, is synonymous with the ‘can-do’ attitude of the Black Country.”

TPSquared’s Carolyn Smith added: “Our region is a place where tradition meets innovation and where local pride fuels creativity. We love being part of an area that’s full of character and can’t wait to tell its array of stories.”

Nearly 450,000 people in total are employed across 42,395 enterprises in the Black Country, with strong concentrations of manufacturers, transport and logistics specialists, construction firms and retailers and wholesalers. There is also a vibrant scientific and technical sector, where bridging the digital skills gap and supporting green job transitions are highlighted as key long-term priorities.

Sarah Moorhouse concluded: “Manchester has the bee, Birmingham the bull and now we want the ‘Bostin’ badge to become our icon. There is so much potential in our region, and we want to do everything we can to kickstart economic growth by leveraging our traditional strengths whilst embracing new, emerging sectors.”