Škoda’s passion for design has been a driving force for 130 years – with iconic models from the brand’s history continuing to provide design teams with inspiration. To highlight Škoda’s remarkable ‘back catalogue’ of classics, the brand has developed a series of re-imagined icons with models such as the 200 RS, 1203 van and Voiturette getting a 21st century reboot. Škoda’s latest concept is it’s boldest yet, and the first to incorporate the brand’s striking Modern Solid design language. The new concept takes its inspiration from one of the most important vehicles in Škoda’s history – the Slavia B motorcycle.…
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(L-R): Morro Operations Director, Gavin Ward, and City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, in front of one of the new council houses on Ettingshall Road Eleven new build council homes have been completed in under 9 months on a vacant site in Bilston. Developer Morro Partnerships Limited started construction on the City of Wolverhampton Council development of 7, 2 bedroom houses, 2, 3 bedroom houses and 2, 4 bedroom houses on Ettingshall Road, in September. The council’s housing development team led on the project and the homes – built using sustainable building methods and modern timber frame construction…
The London EV Show returns for its much-anticipated fifth annual edition, taking place from 12–13 November 2025 at ExCeL London. Building on the momentum of its previous successes, the 2025 edition is set to be the largest and most comprehensive yet, firmly positioning the show as the UK’s leading event for electric vehicle innovation and sustainable transport solutions. The 2024 edition significantly advanced conversations around e-mobility and environmental responsibility, attracting influential voices such as Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, and Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy. Both reiterated London’s commitment to becoming…
As of 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of single use (disposable) vapes became illegal across the UK. This ban applies to all disposable vapes (whether or not they contain nicotine) and includes both in-store and online sales. Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team are reminding all local businesses and retailers of their legal obligation to comply with the ban. The ban aims to protect public health, by addressing the rise in youth vaping, protecting the environment, reducing fire and safety risks and limiting access to these products by children. Reusable vapes, which have to be refillable, rechargeable and have…
Two Sandwell councillors are taking on a walking challenge to raise awareness of men’s mental health. Councillor Jackie Taylor, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health and Wellbeing, and Old Warley Councillor Luke Cotterill are taking on a six-park, three-day walking challenge in June during Men’s Health Week. The challenge involves them walking between six parks across Sandwell over three days, with a one hour community walk at each park, culminating in a community event on Father’s Day (Sunday 15 June) at West Smethwick Park. Councillor Taylor said: “We’re standing shoulder to shoulder and walking for men’s mental health in…
Aeramine, in collaboration with Phoenix Scientific Industries (PSI), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and other key partners, has announced the successful completion of the Pure CuRE (Pure Copper Resource Efficiency) project. Funded by Innovate UK, this £1 million, 16-month programme has achieved significant advancements in recycling waste copper into high-purity copper powder feedstock for high-value applications, paving the way for a sustainable UK-based manufacturing supply chain. Key achievements include demonstrating innovative processes to consolidate, refine, and atomise waste copper, followed by oxygen reduction of the powder, yielding remarkable results: Cost-Effective Consolidation: MTC briquetting has emerged as the most economical method…
ABB’s award-winning PixelPaint technology deployed at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant PixelPaint delivers unprecedented precision and eliminates overspray, reducing material use and emissions Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the first model to receive exclusive and individual paint finishes enabled by PixelPaint ABB’s innovative PixelPaint technology has been deployed at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant in Germany, where it complements the site’s conventional painting processes by enabling the precise and efficient application of intricate paint designs. The sustainable and resource-saving technology began operation in 2025 as the luxury manufacturer develops new personalized options for its most exclusive models. “PixelPaint uses an award-winning…
Quit with Bella is a free app which has an AI-powered personal stop smoking robo-coach. The coach, Bella, is able to talk in a completely natural way and allows the user to have a human-like conversation. The app supports thousands of people to give up smoking around the world and has already been used across the West Midlands (Birmingham, Dudley and Solihull). Bella uses knowledge from trusted sources, including expert advice and guidance and provides a personalised response to a variety of different situations for users. The app is ready to provide support for up to 12 weeks. Users have…
l-r Contracts Manager, Seddon Construction Ltd, Cllr Hughes, Cllr Smith, Cllr Uppal Eight new family homes have been built on a vacant brownfield site in West Bromwich. Working on behalf of Sandwell Council, Seddon has built eight new two-, three- and four-bedroom council homes at St Vincent Crescent in West Bromwich that received grant funding from Homes England. The site had previously been a small parade of shops, which was demolished 10 years ago. The vacant site provided a great opportunity to build new homes, promote greater social mobility, and significantly improve the life chances for existing residents and for…
Walsall Council is pleased to announce the return of the much-loved Arboretum splash pad in time for summer. Starting from Saturday 24 May until Sunday 31 August 2025, the splash pads at Walsall Arboretum will be open daily for everyone to enjoy. On weekends, school holidays and bank holidays, the attraction will be open between 11am to 5pm. On weekdays, outside of school holidays, opening hours are from 11am to 3pm, These times provide preschool children an opportunity to enjoy the splash pad. “ It’s always a fun time of year to reopen our popular Arboretum splash pad for our…