Annual Business Breakfast
Date: Friday 26 September 2025
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
Venue: Molineux Stadium, WV1
Hosted by: Amber Sandhu
Event Overview
We’re delighted to announce that the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities), will headline the Business Breakfast - the flagship event of Wolverhampton Business Week 2025. Join us for a high-profile morning bringing together influential voices from across the region to explore skills, regeneration, placemaking and city growth.
Keynote address:
- The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities).
Jacqui Smith was appointed as Minister for Skills at the Department for Education on 6 July 2024. Since 4 March 2025, she now also serves as a Minister for Women and Equalities.
Speakers include:
- Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands
- Neil Rami, Chief Executive, West Midlands Growth Company
- Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader, City of Wolverhampton Council
- Louise Fall, Principal and Chief Executive, City of Wolverhampton College
- Dr Pete Cross, Chief Operations Officer, University of Wolverhampton
- Helene Dearn OBE, Director of Employment, Skills, Health and Communities, West Midlands Combined Authority
- Maggie Grogan, Managing Director Midlands, Muse
- Pete Merry, Deputy Principal and Chief Executive, City of Wolverhampton College
- Tim Johnson, Chief Executive, City of Wolverhampton Council
- Charlotte Johns, Executive Director of Economy, City of Wolverhampton Council
- Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, City of Wolverhampton Council
How to Register
Secure your place now by registering your attendance:
Register Your Attendance
With thanks to our sponsors
We’re proud to be supported by:
City of Wolverhampton College
City of Wolverhampton College supports business growth through skills and innovation, offering tailored training and apprenticeships. With fast-track recruitment, flexible programmes, and involvement in Innovate UK projects, the college helps employers build talent pipelines and align workforce development with strategic goals. For more information, email employerenquiries@wolvcoll.ac.uk or call 01902 317541 .
Black Country Careers Hub
The Black Country Careers Hub is helping tackle the shortage of workplace experiences for young people in Wolverhampton by making it easier for businesses to get involved. With flexible options and dedicated support, the Hub empowers employers to offer meaningful experiences that inspire future talent and strengthen local career pathways. Call Sarah Prescott on 01902 550524 or E-mail: sarah.prescott@wolverhampton.gov.uk to see how they can make it work for you.
McLaughlin & Harvey
McLaughlin & Harvey are the main contractor for Wolverhampton’s new £61m City Learning Quarter. The company has over 170 years of experience, delivering construction, civil engineering and fit-out projects and provides facilities management services to various sectors including healthcare, education, defence, industrial, retail, sports venues, transport infrastructure, environmental, marine, commercial, residential and leisure. Find out more.
Breakfast Reception sponsor