Automotive industry charity, Ben, has announced changes to its senior leadership team as part of its new strategic direction. Martin Smith has been appointed as Director of Finance, Governance & Impact. Martin will lead the Finance, Technology, and Data & Insights teams and oversee Charitable Impact on an interim basis, working closely with Rachel Clift, CEO, to support the operational delivery of Ben’s frontline Support & Specialist Services. Martin has over 20 years of experience in the charity sector, primarily as a Finance Director for benevolent fund charities. Ben is also announcing that Matt Wigginton, part of Ben’s former executive…

Collecting Cars has opened bidding for one of the rarest modern Bentleys ever built — a one-of-12 2016 Mulsanne Grand Limousine, which cost in excess of seven figures when new. Understood to be one of just 12 examples produced by Bentley’s Mulliner division, this extraordinary limousine is a showcase in the art of the possible when it comes to bespoke coachbuilding in the modern day. Originally developed as a one-off commission, the Grand Limousine was later offered to a handful of handpicked customers in the region, each car finished to a unique specification. This example is presented in Rubino Red…

Britain’s luxury, high-performance and niche car makers – part of the world’s most diverse automotive sector – turn out exports worth some £5 billion every year, with around nine-in-10 vehicles produced shipped overseas, according to a new report published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The UK’s Small Volume Automotive Manufacturers: An Enduring British Success Story underlines the importance of the vast array of quintessentially British brands in this segment, including Aston Martin, Bentley, LEVC, Lotus, McLaren, Morgan, Rolls-Royce, and so many more, producing high performance supercars, luxury SUVs, electric saloons and even taxis. Latest…

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…

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…

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…

UK Youth Pioneer Zaf Bags the British Muslim 2025 Man Of The Year Award Oceanic Awards has proudly announced the winners for the 12th edition of the British Muslim Awards 2025. The British Muslim Awards 2025 is one of the most prestigious events in the British Muslim community, recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of British Muslims in various fields. By showcasing the achievements of these remarkable individuals and organisations, we hope to inspire future generations and encourage greater diversity and inclusivity across all aspects of society. The winners are true leaders who have inspired others, pushed boundaries, and…

Councillor Louise Harrison is Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 A new Mayor for the borough has been appointed following the annual Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber in Walsall on Monday 19 May 2025. The ceremony is one of the highlights in Walsall’s civic calendar, with the new Mayor receiving the robes and chains of office and naming the charities that will benefit from fundraising activities during their time in office. Councillor Louise Harrison was elected as Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 and Councillor Chris Bott was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2025-26. The new Mayor takes over…

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Jacqui Coogan, is encouraging residents to put forward nominations for this year’s Young Citizen of the Year award. The awards, now in their 12th year, shine a spotlight on young people who are making a real difference in the community, recognising the achievements of those who have gone that extra mile to help others. Previous winners include residents who have raised funds for charity, supported other members of their community, and made a difference to the people around them. Chairman of the organising committee, former Wolves player…

Jameel Motors UK has expanded its leadership team with key appointments of experienced industry specialists. Effective immediately, Calum James joins as Head of Sales, and Sujai Sugathan as Head of Aftersales. This follows the appointment of Kate McLaren as Head of Marketing and Sales Operations in January, and Jeremy Wood as Head of Finance in February. Jameel Motors UK is making these key strategic appointments to accelerate its launch phase in the UK following the official launch of the Farizon SV large van at the CV Show last week. The company has received strong interest for the vehicle from across…