Poundland founder Steve Smith
Steve Smith launched the retail chain Poundland in 1990. From humble beginnings he worked his way up from selling on market stalls to running the multi-million-pound retail business which he went onto sell almost 20 years ago.
Speaking recently at the first ever We Are Walsall 2040 conference, Smith originally from Willenhall, was optimistic about the future of the borough:
“It is the people of Walsall who make me most proud to come from this area. I built my business with good people and with good people, who work hard, you can achieve a great deal.”
“A long-term plan for Walsall is now in place. The investment is coming, and with the proud people of Walsall behind it that investment will be turned into a bright future. It won’t be the same as when I used to work on the market stalls, but it can be a future when our children do well for themselves and succeed in life.”
Held at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus, the first-ever We Are Walsall 2040 conference brought together residents, businesses, community leaders, and partners to reflect on Walsall’s progress and help shape the borough’s long-term vision.
“ More than 10,000 Walsall residents and local businesses helped us to shape the We Are Walsall 2040 vision. The ambitions set out are everyone’s ambitions.
Walsall is my home. I’ve lived here for 51 years. I’ve been a local councillor since 1980. I want the very best for this Borough and for those who live and work here. There are many things that we can be proud of but there are also things that need fixing and together we’re going to fix them. “
Councillor Mike Bird, Leader
Walsall Council
Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council, addresses conference attendees
The conference marked the official launch of the We Are Walsall 2040 Report, which captures the borough’s collective achievements and outlines the path forward toward a thriving, inclusive Walsall by 2040.