Sixty Walsall students had their burning business questions answered at an informative Question Time event organised and hosted by leading landlord whg.
Representatives from the region’s leading employers including British Gas, Keepmoat, Axis, AF Blakemore and Wates Living Space, took part in the event as part of Responsible Business Week.
The panel discussion, held at whg’s Hatherton Street office and delivered by whg’sEmployment Growth team, gave local students a valuable opportunity to ask different businesses about their organisations and how they operate.
It was followed by a networking session for the students, teachers and business people in attendance.
Gary Fulford, Group Chief Executive of whg, was a panel member as part of whg’s commitment to Responsible Business Week 2016, which runs from April 18th to 22nd.
“Business Week is a great example of companies working together to inspire students,” he said.
“As one of Walsall’s leading employers, we are committed to the delivery of a fairer society and more sustainable future for the community.
“By hosting this event, we hope we have inspired other businesses to consider their social and environmental impact, as well as providing students with examples of responsible businesses that they can use as part of their business studies courses.”
Students from Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, Wednesfield High School, Heath Park High School and Aldridge Academy attended today’s event.
A variety of questions were put to the panel including requests for information on the opportunities they offer for local school leavers and details of the steps they take to reduce their impact on the environment.
Tashan Daley, from Wednesfield High School, said: “This was a valuable chance to get in front of some leading figures in the business community.
“It was great to discover more about what makes a successful business and explore the secrets of their success.”
During the networking session, students were encouraged to share their ideas for improving the way businesses work, making workplaces better and helping communities thrive.
Charlene Withall, Community Engagement and Investment Manager at Keepmoat, said: “As a top ten UK housebuilder and existing Business in the Community member, we recognise the value and importance of promoting and implementing responsible business practices.
“As a company, we put a lot of emphasis on training and inspiring young people to achieve great things.”
She added: “During the event, it was great to see the students ask relevant and thought provoking questions about how our businesses operated and also how we could improve and innovate.”
Trevor Graham, Key Account Director at Wates Living Space, said: “It was fantastic to be involved in this initiative. The students asked great, probing questions that demonstrated their passion for their subjects.
“I’m extremely grateful to whg for inviting Wates to participate in this excellent and worthwhile event.”
Business in the Community is a business-led charity with more than 30 years’ experience of mobilising business. It engages thousands of businesses from small enterprises to global corporations.