00:00Occasionally. So I'm comparing the whole of the day so you'll see me in and out with different aspects and obviously first of all it's our introduction piece. We have represented here a number of different areas around Walsall and the point of view today is really start to bring together all the different people involved in this partnership to start to have that more networking conversation piece to really try and work out how as a partnership it can really start to transform Walsall.
00:28Initially before I did a little bit more I had to do a bit of housekeeping. So we have no fire with our team.
00:34I want to initially say thank you actually, excuse me, to the Walsall College Future Play which are doing the filming here today and we'd like to say thank you ever so much. I look forward to seeing a fantastic event together.
00:47So as I've already said I'd like to welcome everyone to the first Walsall 2040 conference as obviously hosted by the University of Wolverhampton.
00:55We know Walsall 2040 started in December 2021 to develop a partnership borough planned in 2040.
01:032022 saw engagement activities where over 10,000 voices were heard from including residents as well as business.
01:11June 2023 the framework was developed and signed off by all the Walsall 2040 partners.
01:17Lead to the first meeting in May 2024.
01:21The vision of Walsall 2040 is that Walsall will be the most improved borough in the region.
01:27A vibrant place where people are proud to live and residents in all neighbourhoods have the same life chances.
01:33Walsall will be a safe borough, a healthy borough and a green borough.
01:37We have today representatives from all the Walsall 2040 partners and I'm going to read them out for you so you'll realise who's part of the partnership.
01:45We have the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, the Black Country Healthcare, Black Country Integrated Care Board, Federation of Small Business,
01:53we have Walsall College, we have Walsall Community Network, Walsall Council, Walsall Football Club Foundation,
02:00Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, the West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police, WHE, University of Wolverhampton.
