The Digital agenda was included in Andy Street’s manifesto and indeed he has highlighted it since saying: “Digital is vital to the continued success of the West Midlands economy because it is the golden thread across all the industries which will provide jobs in the twenty-first century.

Technology is changing our world and the West Midlands in ways we have not seen before, and at the same time, the digital dividend for small businesses and charities embracing this is greater than it has ever been.

This was shown in the 4th Annual Business Digital Index 2017 by Lloyds Bank that shows more businesses and charities are becoming digitally capable and reaping the rewards. However, the Index also shows a growing minority of organisations with low capability.

Addressing this gap presents the biggest opportunity for practitioners, partners and policymakers to engage those missing out on the benefits of digital.

Join us with lead discussants including David Richardson, Regional Managing Director for Mid Markets Commercial Banking at Lloyds Banking Group and Nick Taylor, Digital Advisor to Andy Street, Mayor of WMCA to discuss:

• The state of digital capability of the West Midland’s small businesses and charities
• The role of the Mayor, Council and Local Enterprise Partnerships in developing this
• Discuss the roles of the main business support bodies
• Debate the roles of the main intermediaries and how they can work closer together
• Who should be doing more to support the businesses of the West Midlands realise the digital dividend

The Salon will be followed by networking drinks and places are limited, so please book now.