Information about a new pilot scheme aiming to match unemployed graduates with employers that can offer an internship. Benefits of the scheme for employers is that they can utilise graduate talent to get projects done during the economic downturn free of charge without having to keep them on after the project is completed. Whilst the graduate intern gains valuable experience of the world of work without losing their Job Seekers Allowance. The scheme has 250 places and is being run in collaboration between Job Centre Plus, Advantage West Midlands, Graduate Advantage and the regional Higher Education Institutions.
Information and advice for businesses and individuals affected by the economic downturn.
Business Link is a Government service set up to provide information and advice to small businesses.
The service has also set up a Flood Relief Business Support scheme.
Access to Finance is a website offering a regional database of financing for West Midlands SMEs.
National Procurement Portal
To register for tender notices of public sector contracts on the National Procurement Portal. Some charges apply apply depending on the geographical range of interest.
London 2012 Games
For up to the minute information on business opportunities connected to the 2012 Games
Regional Development Agency (AWM)
Advantage West Midlands is the West Midlands Regional Development Agency with responsiblity for Economic Development and Regeneration across the West Midlands. Information about the West Midlands Economic Strategy is available on this website.
West Midlands Regional Assembly
The West Midlands Regional Assembly is due to cease in March 2010. However, until that date it is responsible for planning matters and also developing and co-ordinating a strategic vision for improving the quality of life in the region. The Assembly is also responsible for setting priorities and delivering regional strategies, including the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. Information about the current reviews can be found on this site.
Business Voice West Midlands
The FSB is a founder member of Business Voice West Midlands (originally named the West Midlands Business Council). BVWM exists to provide a forum where business can come together to provide a united voice on the regional agenda.
It is a single region-wide body, representing the interests of all the major business groupings - professional organisations and trade associations - and it operates at a strategic level - regionally, nationally and internationally to ensure business needs are taken on board.