In partnership with Steps to Work, the West Midlands Economic Forum is holding the next of its First Friday Lunchtime Roundtable series on Friday November 1st in Wolverhampton.

As keynote speaker we are delighted to welcome

Eleanor Smith, MP for Wolverhampton South West.

The aim of the Roundtable is to provide a more comprehensive topical discussion of the region in terms of both social and economic aspects. Whilst the region may be one of the more dynamic regions globally, situated in one of richest national economies, socially there are persistent structural problems. Many of these are concentrated in discreet localities, characterised by factors such as long-term unemployment, educational deprivation, housing provision and access to skills. First Friday Roundtable will provide an opportunity for consideration and discussion of how the evident strengths and successes of the region can provide models to tackle endemic social issues.

Agenda: New Directions in Domestic Policy?

0800 Registration & light breakfast

0830 Welcome & Introduction

Bhanu Dhir, Steps to Work

0835 Regional Social & Business Environment

Paul Forrest, West Midlands Economic Forum

0845 The Steps to Work Initiative

Bhanu Dhir, Steps to Work

0855 Keynote Speaker

Eleanor Smith MP

0930 Q&A

1000 Close & Networking Conclusion