BCBF 2020 BOOSTS BLACK COUNTRY’S GLOBAL PRESENCE
The third Black Country Business Festival drew to a close this afternoon [Thursday 15 October] after nine days which have comprised 96 registered business events and nearly 900 businesses that made it happen!
This year’s festival - which has been 83 per cent digital - has seen nearly 2000 registrations to attend the events.
Being largely online, people from outside the Black Country have been able to take part very easily – and this has had a staggering effect on the number of international attendees which has seen an increase of 650 percent on last year! In total, there were 60 registrations from 19 different countries across the world including Afghanistan, Canada, Brazil and the USA to name but a few, giving a huge boost to the Black Country’s global presence!
You only need to look at the statistics below to see how brilliant it's been.
Similarly, 41 per cent of registrations were from outside the region, compared to 23 per cent in 2019, showing that the reach of the Festival – at 161 million is certainly expanding.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said, “Although it has been a turbulent year the festival has seen many positive surprises that I hope we can build on in 2021.
We were forced to make several fundamental changes including moving the dates to going almost completely digital. We have been completely overwhelmed by the response from the Black Country which has rallied together to put on 96 events over the fortnight.
“Nearly 900 different businesses have been involved in pulling this together, whether this has been running events, sponsoring or attending, and at a time when we are being faced with all sorts of limitations because of COVID-19, the Festival achievements this year are more than impressive.
“The enhanced digital aspect has truly opened the Black Country Business Festival up to the rest of the world, helping to place the region’s activities not just front and centre of the UK’s business agenda, but also on an international level – when it has been required most.
“On a local level, importantly, 89 percent of people told us the events had a positive effect on their business, so the festival has met its objectives to provide support, guidance and knowledge sharing to the people and businesses in the Black Country community.
“As we close the BCBF for another year, my final remarks are of sincere thanks to the companies and organisations that have ensured the continued success and impact of the Business Festival by partnering, sponsoring or supporting. Long may this fantastic engagement continue.
A big thank you to all of our Festival sponsors and partners!
Watch out for details of #BCBF_21 - coming soon!
The BCBF relies on sponsorship from organisations in the Black Country and this year has seen an impressive line-up of support. Business Festival Partners have included the Black Country Chamber, Dudley Business First, the University of Wolverhampton, Talbots Law, the Black Country Growth Hub and LEP.
Sponsors have been: Wolverhampton Racecourse, Thomas Dudley, Casino36 and M6toll. The Festival has been supported by: Gecko Programmes, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council with media partners being: Elonex, Bauer Media, Greatest Hits Radio, Metro and app partner, Infonote. The Festival is managed by Associate Events.
