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…

Loneliness impacts people of all ages. The week serves as a timely reminder to connect with family, friends, neighbours and the wider community, particularly those who may be feeling isolated or alone. “ The theme of this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week focuses on tackling loneliness by creating supportive communities where people can have open, honest conversations. Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age or stage in life. We want to ensure that no one in Walsall feels they have to face things alone. This week is a reminder that help is always available and that a simple conversation can make…

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…

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…

Artists impression of the play area at Leamore Park Both Leamore Park and Bloxwich Park, Memorial and Prominade Gardens will soon be transformed thanks to funding from the Bloxwich Town Deal. Contractors were on site last week for a pre-start site visit and work has started in Leamore Park today (Monday 12 May). The work will be phased so that both parks aren’t closed to the public at the same time. The work will see both parks given a new lease of life, with new play areas designed by local schools, and various other improvements and repairs. “ Improving Bloxwich’s…

The world’s greatest classical music festival comes to St George’s Hall in Bradford on Sunday 7 September with the UK premiere of Angélique Kidjo’s African Symphony, as part of the BBC’s partnership with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Alongside eight weeks of music making at the Royal Albert Hall featuring orchestras and soloists from across the globe, BBC Proms travels across the UK with a series of unique concerts, all to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. For Proms Bradford, five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Angélique Kidjo joins the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Chris Cameron, to perform the UK premiere of…

If you eventually decide to sell the organisation that you have nurtured, parting ways with it and moving on to a new project can If you eventually decide to sell the organisation that you have nurtured, parting ways with it and moving on to a new project can be even more difficult, for a number of reasons. To effectively manage this process, you not only need to understand how to sell a business, but also why you might want to take this step and what obstacles lie in your way. From the first discussion to the final negotiations, here Business…

On Friday 11th April 2025, MP Liam Byrne visited the Community Plaza to meet UK Goodwill Youth & Community Ambassador and the Founder of Community Plaza CIC, Mohammed Zafran known as Zaf to talk about why knife crime is on a rise and why are more and more youths turning to crime. Zaf who is the Chair of West Midlands Crimestoppers told Liam that,” the youths are frustrated for many reasons such as lack of employment and even if they get interviews, a lot of them get turned down because of lack of experience. Unfortunately these rejections and pressure from…

The London Eid Festival returned in spectacular fashion this past weekend at Westfield London, welcoming thousands of visitors from all faiths and diverse backgrounds to mark the end of Ramadan in a joyful, sunlit celebration of food, culture, and community. Taking place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th April, the first weekend of this two-part event began with early festivalgoers arriving at Westfield Square well before the 11am opening to enjoy freshly cooked halal street food. From there, guests made their way into the central area of the Westfield mall, which had been transformed into a vibrant indoor market…

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, speaking at the 2025 Commonwealth Day  The event, hosted by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, took place at the Council House Forecourt on Lichfield Street, Walsall. Dignitaries including the Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Kevin Davis, we’re also present for the occasion. Students from Castlefort Junior and Mixed Infants School, along with Walsall Wood School, took part in reciting the Commonwealth Affirmation. Aidan from Walsall Wood School and Silas from Castlefort Junior and Mixed Infants School were honoured to raise the Commonwealth Flag on behalf of Walsall. “ We are…