The Big Community Switch is a community group buying scheme run by iChoosr in collaboration with councils across the UK. Solihull residents can now register to take part in the latest round of a scheme which has already helped thousands of residents go green and save money on their energy bills. Known as the Big Community Switch, the collective energy switching scheme is designed to secure better energy deals for households, helping them switch energy suppliers, move to a 100% renewable electricity tariff, and potentially save money on their energy bills.  It uses the bargaining power of a large group…

Deputy Mayor of Walsall Cllr Louise Harrison with members of the Bloxwich Launchpad On Wednesday 19 February, Bloxwich Library and Theatre hosted the Bloxwich Launchpad Expo event, where residents were invited to speak to service providers and find out more about what will be on offer when the new centre opens in Spring.  Bloxwich Launchpad, which is currently being constructed on the site of the former Post Office in the centre of Bloxwich, will provide digital skills training and support, as well as business support for entrepreneurs. Walsall Council is delivering Bloxwich Launchpad as part of the Bloxwich Town…

Sandwell Council is reminding drivers of the potential catastrophic consequences of driving dangerously. street racing in the Black Country, including Sandwell, and applies to drivers, riders, passengers, organisers and spectators. Sandwell Council has successfully taken nine people to court for breaching the order by racing on Sandwell’s streets, including seven on Kenrick Way, West Bromwich. All nine received suspended prison sentences. Street racing also invalidates a vehicle’s insurance policy and police can seize and crush vehicles. Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Street racing puts people’s lives at risk and can have tragic…

Renault Group and Geely Holding Group today jointly announced a framework agreement expanding their strategic cooperation in the production and sales of zero and low emission vehicles through Renault do Brasil, further strengthening their strategic partnership. Geely Holding would invest in Renault do Brasil to become a minority shareholder, enabling Geely Holding to gain access to localized production, sales and services resources. The venture remains subject to the entering of definitive agreements and prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. Through this cooperation, the two advanced production facilities of Renault Group’s Ayrton Senna Complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná,…

Kieran Smith Mills, winner of the Inspirational Child in Care Award, with, left, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services Alison Hinds and, right, Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education Hundreds of children and young people in, or leaving care in Wolverhampton were recognised for their resilience, hard work and achievements at an inspirational awards celebration. The City of Wolverhampton Council’s annual I Awards, held at Grand Station, saw children and young people receive awards in recognition of their achievements in 3 categories – individual, intellectual and independence. There were also special…

With norovirus cases in Wolverhampton high, residents are being urged to do all they can to help stop the virus from spreading. Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but most people will make a full recovery within 2 or 3 days without needing any medicine. However, some groups – including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity – are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness, which may require medical treatment. Symptoms include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea, as…

Councillors are being recommended to approve an above inflation increase in the amount the City of Wolverhampton Council pays to adult social care providers of 6.6% for the next financial year. A report will go before Cabinet on Wednesday (19 February) with councillors recommended to approve the proposed increase to help sustain the adult social care market. The hourly rate paid to home care providers, for reablement and home based respite, nursing and residential care providers supporting under 65s, older people and older people with dementia, supported living services, Shared Lives and providers of day care services will rise by…

Refurbishment work has brought new life into a grassroots football team’s changing room.  The changing facilities situated at Clayhanger Park were still in use by local teams, however, many would avoid them due to their poor condition. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK stepped forward to help through Walsall Council’s corporate social responsibility programme. The company re-decorated both the interior and exterior of the changing room in December 2024. Work included painting the floors and replacing the coat hangers in the changing room, most of which were broken. The changing room is now back in use for Walsall Wood Juniors…

Birmingham City Council is launching a targeted outreach campaign to support vulnerable pension-age residents aged 70-79, ensuring they receive the financial assistance they are entitled to. Many older residents may be missing out on vital support, with Pension Credit not only increasing income to help with living and housing costs but also unlocking additional benefits such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Reduction and free TV licences (for those over 75) and discounts on services like NHS dental costs and glasses. The Council aims to identify and contact eligible residents, raise awareness of available benefits, and provide direct support…

Ferrari North Europe is celebrating another successful National Apprenticeship Week after more than 200 young people visited Official Ferrari Dealerships across the UK to gain insight into careers with the Prancing Horse. Throughout the week, Ferrari Dealers opened their doors to showcase the opportunities available through the Ferrari Apprenticeship Programme, now in its 15th year. Attendees were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Ferrari workshops and showrooms, where they discovered what it takes to work with one of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands. Guests had the chance to meet both current apprentices and graduates of the programme, who shared their…