To celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March) Sandwell Council is celebrating women’s empowerment, equality and contributions as business leaders. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘#AccelerateAction’. Since its launch, over 50% of women business leaders have successfully qualified for free workspace at the Start-Up Hub, providing them with valuable resources to grow and develop their ventures. Working spaces are available for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub. Watch the video from Rachel Butler Founder and CEO of Pippatopia who shares her inspiring journey. Sandwell Start-Up Hub, located in Jack Judge House, Oldbury, B69…
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Wolverhampton’s young carers will be in the spotlight at the city marks Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday 12th March, 2025. Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Carer Support Team have organised an information pop up at St Regis School, Tettenhall, to highlight the important role of young carers to teaching staff, and to encourage young carers to get help and support. It is the latest in a series of events organised by the team in conjunction with Amethyst Academies and the Three Spires Trust, which has seen similar pop-ups at St Peter’s, Moreton and Aldersley schools. Councillor Jacqui…
Six new council homes have been unveiled in a West Bromwich neighbourhood to provide much-needed housing for Sandwell residents. Sandwell Council, with grant funding from Homes England, has delivered six spacious four-bedroom homes in Whitgreave Street, working in conjunction with SWG Construction. These brand-new, energy efficient semi-detached homes perfectly blend modern living with sustainable features. Every property is equipped with electric car charging facilities and solar PV panels, ensuring residents can enjoy eco-friendly living and reduced energy costs. The development includes a landscaped communal area and convenient visitor car parking, making it ideal for families and guests to visit. In…
Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Platform, has joined forces with Driving for Better Business, a free-to-access business engagement programme from National Highways, to improve road safety and help organisations better manage fleet risk. Driving for Better Business aims to improve work related road safety by promoting good risk management practices and demonstrating the business benefits of managing drivers and vehicles in line with current industry good practice. Samsara works with some of the world’s largest organisations that depend on physical operations to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of their operations. Samsara’s customers operate across a wide range of industries including,…
This year’s Commonwealth Day celebration will commemorate the annual event’s 76th anniversary, with performances by a local school at a special citizenship ceremony. Commonwealth Day, which is on Monday 10 March, is observed by people in 56 countries and all over the Commonwealth – in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas, the Pacific and Europe. The 2025 theme is ‘Together We Thrive’, and the day is an opportunity to promote the unity, diversity and shared values of the Commonwealth family across the world. The celebrations, led by the Lord Major of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, will begin with a…
The first stage in preparing a new Local Plan for Solihull has begun, through a call-for-sites exercise. This was an opportunity for site owners, promoters or other stakeholders to identify what land is available in the borough for potential inclusion in the Council’s Local Plan. The exercise was conducted over a two-month period, from the end of November 2024 to the end of January 2025 and resulted in over 300 sites being suggested for potential development. It is important to note that this is a land availability exercise, and it does not necessarily mean that these sites are suitable for development. …
Black Country partners have today been awarded a £1,287,710 development grant from Sport England to help address inequalities that prevent people from being physically active. Walsall, along with Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton are among the 53 places set to benefit from a share of Sport England’s £250 million investment into the heart of communities across England. Active Black Country are the accountable organisation for the funding. Sport England research calculates that active lifestyles save £10.5 billion a year for the health and social care system. This relieves some of the NHS burden, preventing 1.3 million cases of depression, 600,000 of…
Upgraded Octavia vRS generates 265 PS from revised 2.0 TSI engine The flagship of the Octavia line-up is available in hatch and estate body styles, with a 15mm lower ride height compared to standard Octavia models The new Octavia vRS can be modified for specific functions with Škoda’s turnkey conversion service, with full approval for police use following MET brake test The Octavia vRS is available to order now Milton Keynes, 5 March 2025 – Škoda UK’s most powerful Octavia vRS production model has hit the beat as the latest exciting addition to the brand’s extensive emergency services lineup! The…
The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Sandwell to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively. The Commission has published proposals for changes to Sandwell. It is proposing that there should be 72 councillors representing 24 three-councillor wards. Most ward boundaries should change; one will stay the same. Proposed changes include: Adopting the Halesowen Conservative Association’s proposals for the Rowley Regis area to…
A partnership of different voluntary, community and statutory sectors marked six years of fostering community cohesion with a celebration event at The Walsall Hub. Walsall for All’s celebration event on 26 February 2025 highlighted the partnership’s journey and its transition into an independent community interest company (CIC). The celebration featured the launch of the Walsall Community Cohesion Strategy 2025-2035, which is aimed at creating a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous community. Developed between Walsall Council and Walsall for All, the strategy represents a significant milestone in Walsall for All’s ongoing efforts for Walsall to be a friendly and diverse borough.…