Bosses at the flagship DY5 enterprise zone are backing the inaugural Black Country Business Festival which will get underway later this month and see more than 120 business themed events take place.

The festival organised by volunteers across the business community is the first of its kind in the Black County.

It will be held in partnership with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and DY5 – Dudley’s Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone and is supported by a number of businesses across the region.

Running from April 23 to May 4 it includes everything from seminars, workshops, conferences and exhibitions to round table debates, careers speed networking events and exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of some of the Black Country’s best businesses. Many of the events are free to attend.

Subjects vary widely across many key sectors with events about corporate finance, credit and funding; food safety; land acquisition, property development and investment opportunities; overseas trading; political debates; careers, apprenticeships and skills; sales, marketing, web and social media events and so much more. Alan Lunt, strategic director for place at Dudley Council, said:

“With thousands of people expected to turn up to the various events, our partnership with the festival provides a great opportunity for us to network with businesses and investors and tell them the fantastic opportunities DY5 can provide.

“By placing DY5 at the forefront of initiatives like the Black Country Festival, we hope it ignites interest from regional, national and global businesses who see DY5 as the place to thrive.”

For a full list of events taking place throughout the festival and to register attendance go to blackcountrybusinessfestival.com.