Chamber's conversation guests

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce have announced the line-up of guests for its new In Conversation With series of events over the coming weeks.

The business support agency is bringing a mix of high profile political and business guests to its members via a live virtual platform.

On June 2 it will be joined by senior directors from Jaguar Lane Rover and Balfour Beatty.

Kevin Wood, operations director from JLR’s engine manufacturing centre in Wolverhampton and Corin Godsmart, director for Balfour Beatty, currently overseeing work on the Midland Metropolitan Hospital, will explore and discuss how the manufacturing and construction sectors are faring during Covid-19 and what the recovery stage looks like for these sectors in the Black Country and beyond.

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street will join chamber chief executive Corin Crane, on June 4 for an hour long live webinar to discuss the region's recovery from the coronavirus crisis, and talk through how the West Midlands must be ready to win government finance and support in order to kick start the local economy as the easing of the lockdown restrictions continue.

Top of the agenda on June 10 will be inclusive leadership, when three of the region’s leading experts, Anita Bhalla, Roger Dix and Professor Kiran Trehan will provide panel discussions on how Covid-19 has impacted the inclusivity agenda across sectors and the business community.

Former Head of BBC political and community affairs, Anita Bhalla, is currently chairman of West Midlands Mayor Leadership Commission.

Roger Dix, from Weslyan, is a champion of inclusive growth and is the executive sponsor for inclusion and diversity at the company.

Current and former chamber presidents reunite on June 18 when Julie Cunningham, Adrian Wright and Ninder Johal, join current president Jude Thompson to give their perspectives of the challenges faced by the business community and the opportunities they see for many sectors as we learn to live with Covid-19 and the economic fallout.

During Armed Forces Week, and in association with the Chamber Military Network, Stuart Anderson, Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West, will join the chamber on June 22 to discuss how his military career has influenced and shaped his role as a politician and to discuss the prospects for the region’s business community.

Leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley and current chief executive, Kevin O’Keefe, will be in conversation on June 24 to discuss the areas response to Covid-19 and the future regeneration plans for the town.

To find out more and book places visit www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/events

In Conversation With events are only available to Black Country Chamber members.