JLR’s Barbara Bergmeier has been named the overall winner at the inaugural Autocar Drivers of Change awards. Held and judged in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and Ennis & Co, Autocar Drivers of Change is a new initiative championing diverse talent in the automotive industry. A sibling event to Autocar Great Women, these awards celebrate the automotive industry as a place that welcomes everybody. The 40 Autocar Drivers of Change winners are individuals who are driving change and promoting diversity in their business in whichever role they perform. They were named at an awards ceremony at…

Top employers in the UK automotive sector are investing in a major skills drive to grow apprenticeship numbers by almost a sixth in 2025, according to a new survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), as manufacturers embark on a ‘green growth decade’. With the UK celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), there are few more exciting places for apprentices to be than automotive, as the sector innovates to deliver a new generation of zero emission vehicles. More than £20 billion of investment has been committed to Britain’s EV transition in the past two years alone1 –…

In September 2019, the council declared a climate emergency, later committing to a Net Zero target of 2041. The Walsall Net Zero 2041 Strategy sets out the priorities and actions needed to achieve net zero into six themes. These are: Energy: Focusing on reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Circular and Green Economy: Promoting sustainable production and consumption, reducing waste, and supporting green skills and business opportunities. Homes, Workplaces, and Public Buildings: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, retrofitting existing buildings, and ensuring new buildings are net zero ready. Transport and Travel: Reducing emissions…

In 1977 West Germany, women did not have the right to work unless they had their husband’s permission. This meant that women who were the heir to their family business could not necessarily be one if they did not have their husband’s permission. Japan has an unusual way of dealing with the so-called ‘problem’ of running a family business without a male successor- they simply adopt a son. Kazunori Kaneko of the consultancy Business Succession Center says that about 10% of the family businesses that do not have a male heir adopt a son. In more recent times, the 2016…

Over 600 students, teachers and parents attended the third edition of an award winning careers fair for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) last week – the most ever. The City of Wolverhampton Council, with support from Tettenhall Wood School, staged the free Moving into Adulthood Careers Fair at Wolverhampton Racecourse, aimed at young people in Year 9 and above, parents, carers and staff who support the children in their current educational setting. They were invited to find out about the options available for further education, training and employment from exhibitors including colleges, providers, supported…

BMW Group UK has kickstarted the year by acknowledging the incredible success and hard work of BMW and MINI retailers throughout the past year at the annual Retailer of the Year 2025 awards. Hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr, retailers were celebrated across a host of categories, recognising exceptional dedication to the BMW and MINI brands, and industry-leading customer service. Winners were selected across a range of categories, from Sales, Customer, Used Cars and Electric. A new award for MINI this year, ‘Rookie of the Year’, served to spotlight those who, with just a minimum of six months under their belt,…

Ferrari North Europe has been invited to join the “National Apprenticeship Week Supporters Club,” which highlights organisations dedicated to continuous professional development through diverse and impactful apprenticeship programmes. Between 10 – 16 February, all 15 UK-based Ferrari Dealerships will open their workshop doors to host a range of events, giving young people a chance to learn about potential opportunities through the “Ferrari North Europe Apprenticeship Programme”, now in its 15th year. The 15 Ferrari dealerships taking part in this activity are as follows: Dealership Date of Activity Carrs, Exeter Friday 14 February Charles Hurst, Belfast Saturday 15 February Dick Lovett,…

Telling road users to not let worn tyres be the third wheel this Valentine’s Day TyreSafe, the UK’s road safety charity dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety, is kicking off its February ‘Love Your Tyres’ campaign, a light-hearted yet crucial reminder to all road users to prioritise regular tyre checks. Despite an estimated three in five Brits parting with hard-earned cash to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a recent survey conducted in partnership with the RAC, revealed that only a third (33%) of drivers check their vehicle’s tyre tread at least once a month – the minimum recommendation by road…

Britain’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell by -20.5% in the first month of 2025 with 19,050 vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A second consecutive monthly decline follows robust growth in 2024, and is set against a tough economic backdrop and weakened business confidence to invest. Falling demand hit all but one segment, with small van registrations recording the only increase, up 89.8% to 668 units but still just a fraction (3.5%) of the market. Registrations of the largest vans were down -22.3%…

1,200 young people, parents and carers learned about local opportunities at the Solihull Apprenticeship Show. The event took place on Wednesday 29 January 2025 at North Solihull Sports Centre. Those in attendance had the opportunity to find out more about Apprenticeships up to degree level, Supported Internships and entry level work opportunities, demonstrating the wide variety of career paths available for young people. More than 40 employers and training providers across various sectors including construction, financial, creative, digital and engineering were on hand to talk to visitors. Exhibitors included JLR, the NEC group, Rolls-Royce, Solihull College & University Centre, West…