19/03/2026
Dudley College of Technology has announced its membership of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s Platinum Group, marking a strategic move to deepen its engagement with employers and business representative organisations across the West Midlands.
The Platinum Group brings together senior leaders from a broad range of sectors to promote and share best practice in management, leadership, and organisational development. Its aim is to foster a trusted network of business decision‑makers committed to driving excellence and regional economic growth.
The College has been an active contributor to the Chamber for many years. Its decision to formalise and elevate the partnership reflects a growing alignment between the two organisations, particularly around policy influence, business engagement, and skills development.
Diana Martin, CEO and Principal of Dudley College of Technology, said the move was a natural progression of longstanding collaboration.
“There is huge synergy between our organisations. We both shape conversations around regional growth and business policy, and we share a strong commitment to influencing positive change on the ground. Our recent collaboration on LSIF projects shows how productive this joint working can be, so joining the Platinum Group feels like a natural evolution.”
Gail Arnold, Head of Membership at the Chamber said:
“Dudley College has played an important role in our business community for almost 100 years (1928), and I am thrilled to see them join The Platinum Group.
“The College brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine commitment to supporting employers and developing local talent. I look forward to collaborating even more closely with Diana and the rest of the team to support the needs of local businesses and the Black Country economy.”
By joining the Group, the College aims to build on its existing work with employers, helping to strengthen the local skills ecosystem and address shared economic challenges. The Chamber’s reputation for building strong and trusted business relationships was a key factor in the decision.
The enhanced partnership will focus on supporting the needs of the Black Country economy, promoting leadership excellence, and ensuring the College’s offer is aligned to the workforce priorities of local employers.
