1.Seek Help There are many issues that you will face while starting up a business so why not seek advice from others who faced the same problems. The business growth service is just one of many organisations which have rich information about problems that start-ups may face. 2. The Structure The ownership options differ from a limited company, a limited liability partnership, to a more traditional partnership or sole trader. The first two offer limited liability, this offers greater personal protection, but there is no right option. It all depends on your personal situation, so it is best to…

Cllr Dicicco and Cllr Grinsell with the updated Carers Strategy. To mark the start of Carers Week (9-15 June), Solihull Council has published its updated Carers’ Strategy and action plan for the next two years. This sets out how the Council will support the estimated 20,000 adults, young people and children in the borough who have caring responsibilities for a family member or friend. Cllr Karen Grinsell, Leader of the Council and cabinet member for Children’s Services, acknowledges the valuable feedback from Solihull Carers’ Forum which has helped to refresh the strategy and plan. “We understand that carers in Solihull…

The Safer 6 campaign returns to Sandwell from Monday (9 June) for six weeks of focused action and activities to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and other community concerns. The campaign will see Sandwell Council, Sandwell Local Policing Area (LPA), West Midlands Fire Service and other partner agencies join forces to address issues which matter to residents across the borough’s six towns. Through the Safer Sandwell Partnership, there will be a wide mixture of activity including enforcement, joint operations, education around the dangers of carrying weapons and highlighting services which are available to support our communities. Each of…

Across April, 1834 bags of rubbish were removed from Walsall’s streets. This builds on work carried out during the Great British Spring Clean, which saw 1750 bags collected in just two weeks. Litter picking events are organised through the Walsall Community Litter Watch (WCLW), established in August 2019 to help address the litter issue within the Borough. Volunteers dedicated more than 1000 hours across April to keep the borough clean. This effort included three formal events, at Barr Beacon in Aldridge, Anson Road in Bentley and Bath Street Centre in Caldmore. “ Our Community Litter Watch is a resounding success…

Geoff Neal, managing director of Euclid Ltd (left) and Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, with the new driver ID cards City of Wolverhampton Council is providing increased security for taxi and private hire passengers by becoming the first authority to offer driver licence checks by smartphone. Contactless technology has been introduced into driver’s ID cards, meaning passengers can view a digital version of their driver’s private hire or taxi driver licence simply by tapping the card with a Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled smartphone. This will provide reassurance about the driver’s…

Celebrating the launch of The Tooth Family are pupils from Bilston CE Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy and Eastfield Primary schools with Helen Bird from Eastfield Primary School, Kirsty Walton and Rachel Lewis from St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy, Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Stephanie Wooton from Bilston CE Primary School, Laura Ceaser-Kennedy from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, and Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community A new storybook has been launched designed to bring a smile to young readers’ faces, while also…

Walsall Council has officially launched its Net Zero 2041 Strategy on World Environment Day, setting a clear path for the borough to become a healthier, greener, and more prosperous place to live, work, and do business. Building on the 2019 climate emergency declaration, the strategy focuses on six key themes designed not only to reduce emissions but also to create new economic opportunities, improve residents’ quality of life, and build resilient communities. Progress is already visible, with 860 solar panels installed at Oak Park Active Living Centre and ongoing work through the Walsall Energy Action Project (WEAP), demonstrating how…

Grants of between £5000 and £15,000 are now available for projects in the Walsall borough that promote and increase volunteering opportunities. The Walsall 2040 Volunteer Programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) and managed by Walsall Council and will offer grants for approximately 8 small charities and not-for-profit voluntary sector organisations who are established, based and providing services in the borough of Walsall. Projects will be required to deliver activities which create new volunteer opportunities and support Walsall residents to access them. “ This is a great opportunity for local organisations to access funding and help…

Left to right: Founder of No Limits to Health CIC Sam Henry, Wolverhampton’s cycling ambassador Hugh Porter MBE and Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport A free family bike ride and fun day is being held in Wolverhampton to celebrate cycling. The Wolverhampton Kidical Mass 2025 event is on Saturday 14 June and the ride sets off from East Park, where there will also be bike skills, learner riding sessions, family entertainment and refreshments throughout the day. Riders will pedal to Molineux Stadium and back to the park in Hickman Avenue along public roads…

Loneliness impacts people of all ages. The week serves as a timely reminder to connect with family, friends, neighbours and the wider community, particularly those who may be feeling isolated or alone. “ The theme of this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week focuses on tackling loneliness by creating supportive communities where people can have open, honest conversations. Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age or stage in life. We want to ensure that no one in Walsall feels they have to face things alone. This week is a reminder that help is always available and that a simple conversation can make…