The Supplier Hub is an online directory and search tool created to make it easier for schools to find physical activity providers who can meet their needs. The suppliers listed offer services across the breadth of physical activity provision, which also includes equipment providers, IT solutions and training providers alongside physical activity delivery.

Ian Carey, Director Active Black Country said: “Our role at Active Black Country is to work in partnership with schools and education suppliers across the whole area to create a healthy, active Black Country. The Supplier Hub will enable us to support schools in embedding physical activity in everyday school life either through before and after school clubs or through sports provision as part of the curriculum. We look forward to seeing the Hub grow.”

Schools can search for suppliers in a variety of ways, either through keyword searches, postcode or activity searches, information can be filtered further by age group. The Hub provides information on each supplier registered along with contact details as well as testimonials from other schools.

Luke Philpotts, Dudley North SGO/ Dudley School Sport Network Coordinator said: “The Supplier Hub is the ideal place for schools to access lots of different organisations that can help support them in a variety of ways, including curriculum support and wraparound care. All information needed is in one handy place which will save valuable time searching for relevant external organisations. I cannot recommend this highly enough as a tool for schools to use with more and more organisations being added every month.”

Nick Priestley, Primary PE Passport went on to say: “The School Suppliers Hub is extremely exciting. It is a great opportunity for suppliers to highlight industry awards, quality marks and accreditations so schools can feel confident and reassured when looking to request services. The website design is visually engaging without being cluttered and confusing, navigation is simple and responsive and functionality is intuitive and useful. All this makes for a new online resource that is effective and efficient, providing beneficial value to the Active Black Country school community and their needs by connecting to trusted suppliers in a friendly and helpful way.”