Business News

The ground-breaking Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) transport system is to be showcased on the streets of Coventry as part of a real-world testing programme following the approval of funding by regional transport bosses.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board today agreed the first instalment of an expected £72 million investment in the emerging VLR technology – designed to be both faster and cheaper to build than traditional tram and rail systems.

Professor Alex de Ruyter, political economist and Director of the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University has said that a move by UK Gov to revise or erase EU legislation is represents an erosion of individual freedoms fundamental to democracy. The academic’s comments follow the passing of the controversial ‘post-Brexit bonfire plan’ bill in the House of Commons last night.

Businesses in Greater Birmingham are demonstrating resilience against a host of economic challenges – with many predicting an upturn in profits during 2023, according to a new report released. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Business report for Q4 reveals “cautious optimism” across the region – despite the impact of the war in Ukraine, unprecedented cost pressures and ongoing recruitment challenges.

New homes provider Bromford is encouraging West Midlands homebuyers to get financially fit in 2023, by sharing its top tops on how to get mortgage ready. Bromford has teamed up with independent financial advisors Mortgage Advice Bureau to offer new property seekers helpful advice on how to get mortgage ready before buying a home, helping first-time buyers to take their first steps onto the property ladder. 

A judging panel featuring some of the region’s most respected leaders and entrepreneurs will select the winners of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2023 awards.

Ahead of the Chamber’s annual dinner and awards, which take place at the ICC on 16 March, a panel of experts from business and the public sector has been announced to select the shortlist and winners in 12 categories. One of the sector category winners will go on to be crowned the Greater Birmingham Business of the Year.

For more than a century the scramble for oil unleashed wars, forced unusual alliances and sparked diplomatic rows. Now the world's two biggest economies are battling over another precious resource: semiconductors, the chips that literally power our daily life.

These tiny fragments of silicon are at the heart of a $500bn industry that is expected to double by 2030.

New data from leading flatshare site SpareRoom reveals that the current chaos in the UK rental market shows no sign of resolving itself, with rents in Q4 2022 reaching an all-time high yet again as housing supply continues to dwindle, with little sign of things changing anytime soon*.

In a year dominated by the cost-of-living crisis, data reveals UK rents increased by 13%, comparing Q4 2022 with Q4 2021. As of December 2022, the average UK room rent was £731**. 

Leading developer David Wilson Homes is answering the needs of homebuyers seeking properties with character at its New Lubbesthorpe development on the outskirts of the city of Leicester. The housebuilder is currently building new homes at the development, which are being developed in accordance with a range of unique designs.

Looking for the ultimate UK getaway to cure those January blues? Good news, as there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Fantasy Island this year.

The award-winning theme park, located in Ingoldmells, is offering its visitors 15% off on all holidays booked before 14th February. This means guests can bag a bargain with a UK staycation packed with adventure.

Sherene Headley got a big surprise when she checked the invoice from her manufacturer in China this past autumn.

The founder and chief executive of Mokkah, a London-based company that makes shoes in large sizes for women, had ordered 57 pairs of black suede boots to sell to customers.

Twenty-seven businesses and individuals are vying for awards success at next year’s Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce annual dinner and awards.

The eight category winners will be announced at the awards dinner, taking place at the Drayton Manor Hotel on Friday 3 February 2023. Amazon is supporting the event as headline sponsor.

The UKs leading manufacturer of prefabricated reinforcement steel has invested £4m into a new 220,000 sq ft facility in Cannock, with 57 new jobs created so far.

Total Construction Supplies Ltd, which was founded in 1998 by Craig Gibbons and Matthew Hague, has seen turnover double after securing major new contracts with HS2 and a host of highways, housing and nuclear infrastructure projects.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with business leaders at the Treasury.

He confirmed that the Treasury will announce the conclusion of the review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme in the House of Commons next week, which will outline support for businesses when the current six-month scheme ends in March 2023.

Leading housebuilder David Wilson Homes is hosting a view home event for property seekers at its Burnmill Grange development in Market Harborough this weekend (7th and 8th January).

Homebuyers will have the opportunity to take a tour of the popular four bedroom Holden style home at the development on Burnmill Road.

Climate action NGO WRAP recently announced the appointment of Harriet Lamb as its new CEO.

Ms Lamb is an experienced CEO including having built the global movement Fairtrade which fights for better conditions and fair prices for smallholder farmers and workers across the developing world.

Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the West Midlands will have a unique opportunity to develop and grow their businesses by meeting with potential investors and other cutting-edge companies at a free event next March.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is co-sponsoring Venturefest WM 2023 to connect innovative growth businesses with investors and other support organisations who have specific expertise in innovation.