OMODA&JAECOO has officially announced the appointment of Gary Lan as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the UK, effective immediately. In his new role, Lan will be responsible for steering the company’s operations across the United Kingdom, overseeing the expansion of the OMODA and JAECOO brands, and strengthening their presence in one of Europe’s key automotive markets. Lan’s appointment marks a crucial milestone for the company, coinciding with the official UK debut of the JAECOO brand and the start of JAECOO 7 customer deliveries at the end of January 2025. This follows closely on the heels of OMODA’s launch in September…

Wolverhampton residents are being urged to remain vigilant and follow some important guidance when considering aesthetic procedures available on the High Street. Environmental Health officers at City of Wolverhampton Council are concerned that people are not always aware of the safety risks and potential complications involved. Officers want to encourage residents to ask questions and report any concerns before undergoing aesthetic procedures such as Botox, anti wrinkle injections, cosmetic or dermal fillers, chemical peels or skin boosters. They recommend the following: Make sure you have a pre-consultation before undergoing any procedure. This should look at your medical history and give…

There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes termed as ‘good cholesterol’. The reality is that we do need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful. When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. With this in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy cholesterol profile. Increase Fibre Intake Fibre, particularly the type found in porridge oats and wholegrains, known as beta-glucan, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Go Plant-Based…

A probiotic drink could become a promising new weapon in the battle against antibiotic resistant bacteria, after a team of scientists at the University of Birmingham engineered and patented a key genetic element that can tackle the genetic basis of resistance. The team is now seeking funding for a clinical trial for the drink which has potential to work against many resistant bacteria commonly found in the human gut including E. coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It works by targeting small DNA molecules, called plasmids, inside bacterial cells. These molecules frequently carry genes that give resistance to antibiotics, which the…

The leading all-electric parcel delivery company HIVED has placed an order for 11 Mercedes-Benz eActros, recently voted International Truck of the Year 2025, as it expands the UK’s only end-to-end electric delivery network, covering middle and final mile. HIVED has ordered nine eActros 600 and two eActros 400 from Mercedes-Benz Dealer partner, Motus Truck & Van. They will operate across HIVED’s nationwide middle mile network, collecting from retailer warehouses for delivery to end customers. The eActros 600 is the perfect choice for HIVED’s middle mile deliveries as its large battery capacity of over 600 kWh1 means it can travel at…

Interactive water feature at Darlaston swimming and fitness centre Various sessions are being held between Monday 17 February and Sunday 23 February, including public swimming sessions at Bloxwich and Oak Park Active Living Centres and Walsall Gala and Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centres. Ever-popular Big Bounce events will be held on Tuesday 18 February at Bloxwich Active Living and Friday 21 February at Oak Park, pre-booking online for these sessions is recommended. There will even be roller-skating sessions on offer, firstly at Oak Park on Wednesday 19 February from 1.30pm to 3:00pm, Followed by session at Bloxwich Active Living on…

Music for All, the charity of the UK musical instrument industry, is currently accepting applications for its first funding round of 2025. Groups, schools, any form of educational establishment, community projects, charities, and organisations that are bringing music to their communities in the UK can apply. Priority will be given to applicants who are most in need of help. In the current round, grants of up to £2,000 are available in the following areas: Working with primary school-aged children –  community-based groups providing music-making opportunities to young-people aged between 4–11 can apply, including groups operating in caring as well as…

Bentley Motors has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch. The new facility, opened today by Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG, and Bentley’s Board of Management, will be pivotal to the brand’s preparations for the first Bentley BEV. The world’s first Urban Luxury SUV will be launched next year and today’s opening sets a key milestone in transforming the 85-year old site for a new age of electrification. Bentley’s industry-leading Beyond100+ strategy will see the company reinvent its entire product range to support an electrified future. The company’s new digital,…

L-R Paul McCormick (Speller Metcalfe), Holly Winby (Speller Metcalfe), Cllr Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader Walsall Council, Kate Moore (Speller Metcalfe), Samuel Minett-Smith (Speller Metcalfe) and Matthew Bailey (Speller Metcalfe) Bloxwich Launchpad is a new and exciting digital skills hub in the heart of Bloxwich due to open in Spring 2025, it will be housed in the former Post Office on Market Place. The scheme is funded through the Bloxwich Town Deal and aims to improve access to digital skills support and training, as well as business support, for the people of Bloxwich. As part of the agreement with Walsall Council,…

The UK’s used car market grew by 5.5% to 7,643,180 transactions in 2024, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Marking eight quarters of continuous growth, the year saw 400,488 more vehicles change hands than in 2023, with growth in the new car market fuelling availability and wider choice within the used sector.1 Transactions rose in every month in 2024, as they did in 2023, with Q4 up 4.0% to 1,746,051 units. The top three popular body types remained the same for another year, with superminis taking the top spot,…