Five manufacturing specialists, one of the UK’s leading historical tourist attractions and a financial institution celebrating its 125th birthday are among the latest organisations to be admitted into the Bostin’ Black Country Business ‘Hall of Fame’.
A&M EDM, Alucast, Mercia Lifting Gear, Sherwood Stainless Steel and Zaun are representing the industrial heritage of the region as part of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s campaign designed to change perceptions and unpick the hidden strengths of the area.
They were joined by the hugely popular Black Country Living Museum and The Tipton & Coseley Building Society as part of the next 12-strong cohort selected for offering exceptional, innovative products/services and creating jobs and opportunities locally.
Finalising the fantastic dozen is JJX Logistics, IT provider Concero, civil engineering specialist Forkers, baked products manufacturer T.C. Morris and Urban Hax.
The latter is one of the Black Country’s leading makerspaces, providing a hub for artists, artisans and people interested in traditional crafts and 21st century digital skills.
“Our latest intake of Bostin’ companies takes us to 42, showcasing an eclectic mix of modern business talent, industrial expertise, financial power and one of the jewels in our leisure and tourism crown,” explained Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
“For this cohort, we wanted to equally promote organisations from the four main centres of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Our team was tasked with choosing three per area, with each nomination having to illustrate one of our regional economic strengths and demonstrate tenacity and pride in the Black Country.”
She went on to add: “Importantly, they had to prove they were using their Chamber membership to achieve business growth and be prepared to feature in promotional campaigns for our amazing area.”
Bostin’ Black Country Business has been created to challenge stereotypes of the region and drive economic performance.
It is unpicking the strengths of the area by championing its most innovative, resilient, creative and globally trading companies and, to date, has received widespread local, national, international and broadcast coverage.
There will be one final cohort announced in July, taking the first Bostin’ Alumni to 50 businesses, charities and local organisations.
Zaun Ltd, which is the only British inhouse manufacturer of woven and welded mesh fencing systems, is delighted to be part of the campaign.
Stewart Plant, Sales & Marketing Director, added his support: “The Black Country has always been a place of makers, engineers and manufacturers.
“There is a direct line between the industrial heritage of this region and the work businesses like Zaun continue to do today, exporting our fencing products all over the world whilst creating jobs locally.
“We will do our best to take the Bostin’ message overseas and shine a light on all that is good in the Black Country.”
Charlotte Tennant, Owner of pork pie and baked goods manufacturer T.C. Morris, concluded: “We are so proud of our Black Country roots and the history and culture which is distinctly our own.
“The people are what really make this area – their loyalty, their commitment, their hard work and, most importantly, their humour and character. They’re all qualities that are really special and more people need to know about them.”
To look through the Bostin’ Hall of Fame, please visit https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/bostin.
