A BUSINESS networking group which helped put Dudley in the spotlight with the popular Free Radio DY Eye is going from strength to strength after appointing its first management committee.

The Dudley Business Group, set up by town centre businesses and stakeholders, in partnership with Dudley Council, to improve and encourage visitors to Dudley, has elected three of its members to drive it forward.

Bilal Hussain, from Santander, is the group’s new chairman, Dave Carter, from the Arcade Toyshop, is vice-chairman and Len Lenihan, from Dudley Market Traders Ltd, has become treasurer.

Mr Hussain said: “The Dudley Business Group has been in existence for just over a year and it is really starting to have an impact.

“The Free Radio DY Eye was the first big project we’ve been involved with. There’s no doubt it caused a stir, but that was a good thing because it massively raised Dudley’s profile.

"Our survey results show 74 per cent of town centre businesses thought the wheel was positive for Dudley and 72 per cent felt people came to the town who otherwise may not have visited.

“Now we’ve got the first success under our belt we are concentrating on what to do next, and we’ve got some exciting plans to keep people coming to and enjoying Dudley.

“What is also encouraging is the group keeps growing. As well as businesses, we’ve got representatives from faith groups, community groups and other stakeholder organisations, and it really is the more, the merrier.”

Cllr Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, added: “The Dudley Business Group is a fantastic example of how true partnership working can benefit a town. The council has worked closely with the group and has helped empower them to become a dynamic organisation with the desire and confidence to make positive changes for Dudley."

For more information, or to join the group that meets monthly, email vice-chair Dave Carter at arcadetoyshop@hotmail.com.