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…

The funding, across the next four years, will be used deliver more visible patrols and stronger enforcement action through new CCTV, extra staff and improved partnership working. This delivers on a commitment made by the Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird, to put the force back into enforcement. “ In my Leader’s Report, I made a promise that enforcement action will ramp up in this borough. “I am sick of fly-tipping and other aspects of anti-social behaviour in Walsall, and this investment proves we are not prepared to put up with it any longer. “It is my priority to…

The council has been making use of a specialist machine to help repair hundreds more potholes across the city. The Velocity Patcher provides a quick and effective way of protecting roads from water and frost – the main causes of surface defects. Each repair can be completed in a matter of minutes. It sees a blend of bitumen and chippings passed through a hose at high speed to fill potholes and seal them in. A further 559 potholes have been repaired on Wolverhampton’s roads using the Velocity Patcher during a trial period – and the council will keep future use…

This year, there will be festive markets and Christmas lights switch-on event in Walsall town centre, organised by Walsall Council, sponsored by AR Demolitions in partnership with Walsall MakerFest Fringe. Taking place at three locations across the town centre including, The Crossing at St Paul’s, The Bridge and The New Art Gallery Walsall, it promises to be an afternoon and evening full of festive fun and entertainment. The event will take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 with festivities starting at 11am and will include a Christmas Makers’ Market, live performances of music and dance, and creative festive workshops. Illuminate…

Walsall Council is celebrating the lasting benefits delivered through the construction of a new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) and Waste Transfer Station (WTS) in Aldridge. The £32 million facility will change the way waste is managed in Walsall by reducing landfill and increasing recycling rates. Preparations for the site’s grand opening are underway, with the date expected to be announced soon. Across the duration of the project, more than £1 million worth of social value has been created through jobs, apprenticeships, carbon savings and community initiatives. The project helped 42 local people into work, with 581 weeks of local…

Anayah Hussain, who attended Rockwood Academy has been a shining star at Alum Rock Football Academy. Her hard work and talent have now caught the eye of Aston Villa U18’s. We couldn’t be prouder of Anayah. Starting out here in her local area, she has become (and will continue to be) a positive role model for other young girls who aspire to play football. From a young age, before she even turned 10, she began nurturing her football dreams by playing at home with her brothers. These early kickabouts sparked her passion for the sport and set her on the…

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Reach Leaving Care team is appealing to driving instructors to help put local care leavers on the road to a bright future. Launching during National Care Leavers Month in November, its new pilot programme, Keys to Success, is designed to give care leavers aged 17 to 25 in Wolverhampton the skills, confidence and independence that come with learning to drive. And as part of this, they are appealing for help and support from driving instructors who can provide driving lessons, free taster sessions, discounted rates or flexible packages, and a commitment to safe, approved, and…

Walsall Council’s business growth team recently supported Polish Bakery Mazowsze Ltd to access a £70k UKSPF ‘SME Competitiveness grant’, delivered through Business Growth West Midlands. The grant has helped towards the cost of a large batch processor to make sourdough. On a recent visit to their factory, based near Junction 10 of the M6 in Walsall, Deputy Leader of the council Councillor Adrian Andrew was given a tour of the site, and discussed how the council can continue to support the business to grow. “ It’s fantastic to see another brilliant Walsall-based business expanding their operations and thriving with help…

Market traders in Bilston have called for people to support their local market while major refurbishment works take place. More than £8 million is being invested by City of Wolverhampton Council in a major redevelopment of Bilston outdoor market. Work on the scheme is now underway and once completed will give traders and customers better access, a new canopy, new toilets, stall improvements and improved public spaces. Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, held a meeting with traders where he announced a rent free period between 22 December and 14 February. This follows the council’s announcement that it has…

Wolverhampton’s libraries are hosting a packed programme of free activities this autumn. They include history talks, poetry readings, art workshops, storytelling and craft sessions, coffee mornings, digital skills support, book clubs, and themed events for Black History Month, World Mental Health Day, and Green Libraries Week. A special exhibition will be unveiled at Low Hill Library on Wednesday (1 October) to celebrate 100 years of the Low Hill estate. A launch event will run from 2pm to 6pm, with the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives presenting a talk on the estate’s history at 3pm, followed by a reading by local poet…