Free business workshops aim to build a more prosperous Tamworth

Tamworth Borough Council has joined forces with Keele University to help build a “more inclusive, resilient and prosperous” town - with a series of free workshops.

The Staffordshire council and the university are being backed by local community leaders aiming to help young people and small business owners combat hate, strengthen community cohesion and support the local economy.

As part of the initiative, Keele University will be running free themed activities and workshops working with schools, youth groups and young people.

Among the aims of the workshops are raising awareness of online hate, Islamophobia and the dangers of misinformation. The sessions will help young people critically engage with digital content and become advocates for positive change.

The workshops will support local businesses in becoming more inclusive and welcoming to customers from diverse backgrounds, including refugees and migrants, and will also target individuals looking to start a business.

The workshops, sponsored by the UK Government and Tamworth Borough, begin on Thursday September 4 at 3pm. The first workshop, at 3pm on September 4 and 12pm on September 6, covers Principles of Business and Business Start-up.

The second, at 3pm on September 11 and 12pm on September 13, covers Principles of Business Strategy and Sustainability while the third, at 3pm on September 18 and 12pm on September 20, centres on Principles of Social Inclusion in Business: Discrimination, Cohesion and Community Inclusion.

The remaining workshop centres on Faith Groups, Hate Crime and Talking about Prejudice and is being held at 3pm on September 25 and 12pm on September 27.

Tolu Olarewaju, Lecturer in Management at Keele University, said: “In light of recent events and the current economic climate in Tamworth, we are bringing the community together to build skills, strengthen connections and boost confidence for a stronger local economy.

“These free business and community cohesion workshops are open to everyone – from aspiring entrepreneurs to established community leaders. Together, we can create a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Tamworth.”

All four workshops are being held at Units 13 and 14 in the Ankerside Shopping Centre, Tamworth town centre.