The Brits are back

If you’re familiar with the history of the British economy, you’ll know that until the 1970s the coal industry was very significant, especially to the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Even coining the local colloquial name the “Black Country”. However, as the use of coal as the main source of fuel declined, so did the coaling sector. The West Midlands were forced to move away the traditional mass manufacturing models of business, diversifying into small niche markets to salvage their struggling economy. Today, the West Midlands, which includes large thriving cities such as Birmingham and Wolverhampton, is a prime example of how exploring smaller subsidiary industries (glass manufacturing is just one example for this area) can re-vitalize an economy. The West Midlands is certainly a niche marketing success story. And they’re still expanding.

The British High Commission is currently hosting a 12-member business delegation of various Chambers of Commerce from the UK’s West Midlands region from June 4th to June 10th. The purpose? To facilitate business opportunities between the Caribbean and the West Midlands. The trade mission’s fundamental aim is to develop sustainable business relationships within both professional business services as well as creative industries. And with 29,000 registered businesses within the “Black Country”, the West Indian business community will be quite spoilt for choice. This morning the delegates were hosted at the Kapok Hotel and were introduced to Trinidad’s local economy by presentations from M. Hamel-Smith & Co., PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Regency Recruitment Limited. And, of course, the trade drop-in initiative, which ran until 1pm, and allowed local Chambers of Commerce and interested businesses to explore potential partnerships with our British guests.

Fortunately, the opportunity to investigate business possibilities in the West Midlands does not end on the 10th when the delegation returns to the UK. The Caribbean 4 Life initiative is set to launch in November with a conference that will determine the issues and benefits of bi-lateral trade between the two regions. It will then be followed up with Caribbean 4 Life Exposition carded for 2009.

For further information on the delegation while they’re in Trinidad please contact Natalie Dookie (Natalie.dookie@fco.gov.uk) of the British High Commission. Additionally, for more information regarding the Black Country Chamber of Commerce please contact Joy Heatley (joyheatley@blackcountrychamber.co.uk) or the Caribbean 4 Life Expo Michael Barrows (Michael@matrix-mam.com).