Bostin' campaign aims to promote the Black Country

Sarah Moorhouse, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce (fourth from right), is working with seven firms to highlight the region

A new campaign has been launched to promote the Black Country and its economy.

Seven companies are the first to be selected for the Bostin' Black Country Business strategy which represents "an eclectic mix of brilliant business minds, pioneering charity leaders and international experts", organisers said.

The firms will display a Bostin' Black Country Business badge, made in Stourbridge, and will share their experiences to showcase the skills and capabilities of the area, the region's chamber of commerce added.

Almost 450,000 people are employed across 42,395 enterprises, it said.

The chosen firms include KMB Shipping Group, manufacturer Bowers & Jones, apprentice training specialist In-Comm Training and health cash plan provider Paycare as well as creative agency TPSquared, Beacon Centre for the Blind and Dudley Canal & Caverns.

"'Bostin' is a word unique to the Black Country and sums up something that is brilliant – whether that is innovation, modern day manufacturing success, life science firms going global or any of the wide array of tourist attractions we have across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton," Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said.

The team wanted to approach firms to help boost the region and selected a "magnificent seven" to kick off the campaign.

"Manchester has the bee, Birmingham the bull and now we want the 'Bostin' badge to become our icon," Ms Moorhouse said.

'Can-do attitude'

The region has its own flag which was created and registered in 2012

The chamber hopes new companies will be added every quarter, with the view to grow an alumni-type of community.

The region has "strong concentrations" of manufacturers, transport and logistics specialists, construction firms and retailers and wholesalers, the chamber said, along with a vibrant scientific and technical sector.

The chamber said data from the Economic Intelligence Unit showed the Black Country's Gross Value Added - its contribution to the economy value through the value of goods and services produced - stood at a total of £25.4bn and at £20,565 per head of population.

Paul Hull, co-owner of KMB Shipping Group in Tipton, said it was an honour to be asked.

"We export and import cargo for companies worldwide and three of the lads who started here at 16 now own the business.

"Global trade isn't easy, and I suppose the resilience we have shown in growing, despite the host of challenges and international uncertainty we've faced, is synonymous with the 'can-do' attitude of the Black Country."

TPSquared's Carolyn Smith added: "Our region is a place where tradition meets innovation and where local pride fuels creativity.

"We love being part of an area that's full of character and can't wait to tell its array of stories."