When I first started this blog, I made the conscious decision that I would be publishing as much as possible, and at the very least once per week, especially as I am attaching a podcast to it… Well… things don’t always go according to plan, do they?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on something that has shifted from a simple idea into a full-scale project that’s now taking up most of my time — and honestly, I’m glad it is. It feels familiar in the best possible way.

A little over 20 years ago, I built UrbanVox.net from scratch, turning it into a thriving digital hub for culture, events, and community with its own physical space in Wimbledon in the form of the MetaNoia Cafe. That journey taught me how powerful a regional platform can be when it’s built with intention, creativity, and relentless consistency.

Now, I’m taking everything I learned from UrbanVox and applying it to a new mission: creating a modern, community-driven guide for the Black Country — one that celebrates the region’s identity, supports local businesses, and brings people together through experiences, stories, and events.

The Spark: Why Discover Black Country Exists

The Black Country is a place with grit, humour, history, and heart. It’s full of hidden gems, independent businesses, outdoor spots, creators, amazingly friendly people with characters you will only find here and stories that rarely get the spotlight they deserve. I wanted to build a platform that changes that — a digital home that feels alive, modern, and rooted in the community.

Discover Black Country is designed to showcase:

• Local places — parks, trails, hidden corners, and scenic spots
• Food & drink — from classic pubs to new independents
• Events — festivals, nightlife, community gatherings
• Local businesses — creators, shops, services
• Guides & maps — curated adventures across the region

It’s not just a directory. It’s a living, growing regional media brand.

The Build: Why This Project Is Taking Over My Life

Building a website from scratch is never just “building a website”. It’s a full creative ecosystem — and it demands time, focus, and a bit of obsession.

My days have been filled with:

• Designing layouts and refining the visual identity
• Writing SEO-ready content for every category
• Creating adventure maps and location guides
• Photographing local spots and events
• Testing features, rebuilding sections, and improving UX
• Planning future expansions and partnerships

It’s the same energy I had with UrbanVox — the late nights, the endless edits, the excitement of seeing a platform take shape piece by piece, the having to learn about what works and what doesn’t/

And just like UrbanVox, Discover Black Country is becoming part of my daily rhythm.

My hope with it is to reach at least a fraction of what I did with UrbanVox. When you build a platform that genuinely serves a community, people respond. They engage. They share. They show up.

Well, this is my hope anyway….

Partnerships That Will Shape the Future

One of the most exciting developments is our growing partnerships with event companies across the Black Country and West Midlands. These collaborations mean Discover Black Country won’t just report on events — it will help create them.

We’re already working on:

• Community festivals
• Pop-up experiences
• Nightlife events
• Seasonal celebrations
• Outdoor activities
• Family-friendly days out

These partnerships will bring fresh energy to the region and help build a calendar of experiences that people genuinely look forward to.

Looking Ahead: Replicating (and Surpassing) UrbanVox’s Success

OK… Maybe not surpass… UrbanVox grew into something bigger than I ever expected — and while Discover Black Country is already showing the same potential, it is still very much focused in a region rather than a whole country. The difference is that this time, I’m building with experience, strategy, and a clear vision.

What’s coming next:

• Expanded guides and challenges
• A full local business spotlight series
• Event partnerships and co-hosted experiences
• Creator collaborations
• Regional photography features
• Community-driven stories and submissions

Piece by piece, Discover Black Country is becoming a platform that can genuinely shape how people explore and experience the region.

If you’d like to see what I’ve been pouring my time into, head to discoverblackcountry.co.uk

Until then, I promise I’ll get better at posting here, rather than just playing catch-up all the time! 🙂

Carpe Diem!