Nearly every business has to go to the bank for funding assistance at some point, so I thought it would be helpful to outline some of the key ways to help yourself in getting the bank manager to say “yes”. Banks are the major source of finance for small business in the UK. When applying for finance from your bank it helps if you follow procedures. Firstly, always have a business plan. The main areas to be covered in a business plan are the management team background with details of qualifications and experience, the type of business and previous trading…

Lakeside Live festival returns to Walsall on Sunday 17 August 2025, promising a day of electrifying performances, family-friendly fun, and diverse food options, all completely free to attend. The annual community music festival will take from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at the Walsall Arboretum Bandstand. The line-up of this year’s festival features 20 local acts, showcasing a vibrant mix of genres including rock, funk, reggae, folk, and blues. Fun-seekers can look forward to performances from contemporary folk singer Aayushi, live music from Ancient Champion Notion of Fortune, the Goddam Band, and Midnight Crossing. “ We are proud to bring back the…

Walsall Council is marking National Allotments Week 2025, which runs until Sunday 17 August, by celebrating the growing role allotments play in supporting physical and mental wellbeing across the borough. The theme this year is “Allotments and Wellbeing” and focuses on the positive impact of allotment gardening on health, nutrition, and community connection. Walsall’s allotment sites offer residents a chance to grow fresh produce, stay active, meet others, and enjoy the outdoors. Some events are scheduled to take place across Walsall’s allotment sites this August, starting with a special growing show and friendly competition hosted by the North Walsall Allotment…

An innovative approach to adult social care in Wolverhampton has earned national recognition with the project shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Award. The WM5G Technology Enabled Care (TEC) trial has been put into action helping people across the city by OneWolverhampton – a partnership between the City of Wolverhampton Council, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and others. The trial – funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) under the 5G Innovation Region scheme – has been highlighted for its transformative impact on residents, carers, and frontline staff in Wolverhampton demonstrating how locally led, joined…

The hunt is on for Wolverhampton’s top sporting talent who will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony. Wolverhampton City Sports Advisory Council is inviting people to nominate individuals, teams, clubs and leagues based in the city for an award. Interested parties should email vicechair.wsac@gmail.com by next Monday 18 August with their details and the name of the award they wish to make a nomination for. The correct nomination form will then be emailed out for completion, including citation. Nomination forms must be returned by Sunday 7 September to the email address found on the nomination form. Shortlisted candidates will…

Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird, presented his report at a meeting of full council last night (Wednesday 30 July), highlighting the impressive plans to transform Walsall Town Centre. CGI of walsall saddlers centre The Town Centre Connected Gateway project is already underway, with the downstairs area of the Saddlers Centre set to complete construction in Autumn this year. Major works to transform the town centre by creating a clearer link between the town’s rail and bus stations and improve the surrounding area to make the town centre more appealing will then commence in early 2026, with contractor Kier…

440 families in Walsall have already signed up to the council’s newly launched Summer Adventure Passport. Summer adventure passport The passport is a free activity booklet packed full of fun, educational challenges aimed at families with children aged 0-5. Since 11 July, parents have been able to collect their passport from libraries and Family Hubs across Walsall, collecting stamps for each activity they complete together. The passport is an active step forward in the council’s vision to create a child-friendly borough by 2040, and ensure all children and young people are happy, healthy and are given the opportunities to thrive.…

It can be challenging to figure out easy ways to save money as well as the best ways to utilise your savings to pursue your financial objectives. This step-by-step overview of money-saving practices can aid you to develop a realistic cost savings plan. Document your expenditures The very first step to saving money is to determine just how much you spend. Track all your expenditures- such as every coffee, newspaper, and snack you buy. Preferably, you could make up every dime. When you have your data, organise the numbers by classifications, such as gas, groceries, and a mortgage, and also…

Losing weight is challenging. But as anyone who has ever successfully lost weight knows, it’s avoiding weight re-gain that’s the real challenge. This is true no matter what method you follow to lose weight. For example, studies show that people who follow very low calorie diets (between 800-1,200 calories per day) regain between 26% and 121% of their lost weight five years after treatment. People who follow behavioural weight management programmes (such as WW, formerly Weight Watchers) regain between 30-35% of their lost weight after one year. Even people who use weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, are…

Millionth example of global smash-hit EV rolls off line in Xi’an, China Production milestone achieved just 27 months after model’s debut DOLPHIN SURF becomes fastest-selling A00-segment car in history BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles, has officially marked the production of the one millionth DOLPHIN SURF, setting a new manufacturing benchmark for compact EVs. Known in China as the SEAGULL and Latin America as the DOLPHIN MINI, the DOLPHIN SURF has redefined what customers around the world can experience in a compact EV, by offering cutting-edge technologies, efficient packaging and no compromise on equipment or safety. The millionth…