Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise met with staff at Build Works Solutions as part of the made in Dudley borough initiative.

The company has developed and now manufactures machines and equipment that make more than 50 concrete building products without the need for electricity.

The lack of electricity in villages of developing countries often prevents housing projects getting started but the equipment developed by Build Works Solutions is helping to get these projects off the ground.

It is now exporting to more than 30 countries around the world, many within Africa. It aims to be working in 50 countries by 2022 and has recently opened its first office and training site in Nairobi in Kenya.

All the machines and moulds are made in their factory in Stourbridge and all of their raw materials from steel to plastic moulds are supplied from within a 10-mile radius of their location.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise with Oliver Glendenning, sales director at Build Works Solutions

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"I am in awe of Build Works Solutions. Not only are they supporting this region’s economy by sourcing raw materials from local suppliers, but they are making a huge difference internationally in developing countries, giving small villages and communities the prospect of building better homes and quality of lives.

"They have created ways to overcome the hurdles these communities face and should be incredibly proud of the work they do."

Oliver Glendenning, sales director at Build Works Solutions, said:

"A big barrier to development across Africa is the lack of electricity, it often stops building projects for many months.

"We have developed a range of machines that can crush waste concrete, sort into sizes and then make building blocks, roof tiles or paving blocks all without electricity.

"These affordable machines mean every village can have their own manufacturing plant for building supplies and thus improve the quality of housing everywhere."

The company aims is to empower entrepreneurs, businesses and charities to address the housing and job shortages in Africa.

It is now using their expertise to expand to into new areas. They have recently partnered with an international NGO (non-governmental organisation) to design and manufacture solutions for their clean water and waste charity and partnered with a UK company to design and manufacture solar power solutions for off grid locations.

Made in Dudley Borough aims to celebrate and highlight the work of local businesses. Senior council leaders are planning to tour many of the businesses to see first-hand their work and speak to bosses about support from the council.

The council is also working hard to cut red tape and offer a helping hand to local businesses when contracting them for work as part of its social value policy (LINK)

Dudley Business First, the council’s business arm, offers all-year-round support to business on grants, accessing finance and much more.

If you would like to take part in the Made in Dudley Borough initiative, visit www.dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk/initiatives/made-in-dudley-borough

Businesses can also get the latest news and information before anyone else by signing up to the free email bulletins at www.dudley.gov.uk