Vulnerable families in Birmingham in need of temporary accommodation will benefit from the acquisition of a property in the city. Birmingham City Council has purchased Washington Court, which it intends to use to provide suitable temporary accommodation for several families in need of a home. The council expects to complete the necessary work to prepare the building for use in the latter half of 2026. Once ready, the building will feature dedicated one-on-one support to help families find permanent homes. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “Providing warm, safe, suitable accommodation for everyone who needs it…

Access to more affordable homes, increased funding for schools and their pupils, and investment in Birmingham’s transport networks are among the Chancellor’s spending priorities. These headlines come from the Government’s Spending Review, which unveiled on 11 June, outlining their spending plans for the next three years. Finance officers are assessing what the Chancellor’s announcement means for the council’s own finances and services and the picture will become clearer later in the year. Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I welcome this Spending Review, and I’m encouraged the Chancellor has included funding for projects like the extension of…

During Learning Disability Week, Morgan is celebrating his success with his first paid job. This opportunity came about after he completed a Supported Internship which aims to support young people with additional needs into work. A structured study programme combining formal training and work experience, Morgan was placed with the Solihull Connect team for his Supported Internship. Morgan recounted: “I have learned customer service and time management skills, which helps me to support customers with confidence and be on time!” Baillie Carleton, Library Operations Manager, is Morgan’s manager. He shared: “Throughout his placement, Morgan had always made everyone smile. It…

The New Art Gallery Walsall is getting a green makeover as part of a project to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy use, thanks to funding from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Work is currently underway to replace the Gallery’s old heating system with modern, eco-friendly air source heat pumps. Solar panels will also be installed on the building to help generate clean electricity, along with new double glazing, efficient hot water taps, and other upgrades to make the building use less energy overall. These improvements will make the 25-year-old…

Computer generated image of the proposed fleet services depot at Hickman Avenue City of Wolverhampton Council has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of its Hickman Avenue site to accommodate a new fleet services depot. If approved, demolition of existing light industrial units, not fit for purpose, could start in winter 2025/26 with construction works beginning in early 2026. The scheme is designed to accommodate the council’s fleet services operation, which is due to relocate from its current Culwell Street depot in the city centre to pave the way for hundreds of new homes as part of the…

(L-R): Outside the new City Learning Quarter college campus as the cladding is exposed. Back row – Wolverhampton City Investment Board Chair, Ninder Johal, City of Wolverhampton College Director of Finance, Paul Davies, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Cllr Chris Burden, McLaughlin & Harvey Site Manager, Sean Doyle, and Turner & Townsend Senior Project Manager, Neil James. Front row – City of Wolverhampton College students Adela Nwankou (computing), Thomas Ridley (health) and Hilary Temoh Check (computing) The wraps are coming off Wolverhampton’s new City Learning Quarter college campus as the transformative city…

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…

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…