Community News

The world’s most extensive bike-share operator, nextbike, is bringing 5,000 bicycles to the West Midlands after being chosen to operate the UK’s largest docked bike-share scheme outside of London.

Transport for West Midlands announced the news today (Tuesday March 20) alongside West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The landmark scheme will bring 50 jobs to the region, with posts including area managers, van drivers and mechanics.

Bosses at nextbike said the first bikes will be hitting the streets in September this year, when 2,000 are installed across Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton.

The remaining 3,000 bikes will be rolled out in phases that will also include Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Solihull in 2019.

Docking stations will be located around key sites in the towns and cities involved, with bikes available 24 hours a day.

Annual membership to the scheme will cost just £30 per year, meaning riders can access the bikes for as little as 8p per day.

Swift card members will be able to access the bikes as part of their regular subscription. The bikes will also be free for the first 30 minutes to people who sign up to Whim - the new smart travel service that is launching in the Midlands next month.

The bikes will feature advanced technology and enhanced security features, including integrated front locks and GPS tracking, that makes using them easy for users.

nextbike and TfWM are currently in discussion with a number of global brands interested in working in partnership to sponsor the scheme.

Julian Scriven, nextbike UK MD, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing nextbikes to the people of the West Midlands. We are able to offer the most technologically-advanced and forward-thinking bike-share scheme and fleet in the UK and it’s amazing that the people of Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Solihull and Coventry will be able to benefit from it.

“The interconnectivity it will offer is going to be brilliant, it will really help to make journeys across the Midlands seamless. People will be able to take a nextbike to start their journey to get to their local train station, hop on the train, and pick up another nextbike to finish off their journey at the other end. No more having to lug a bike on public transport, or worrying about finding a parking space at the train station.

“We will be creating more than 50 new jobs across the area and we will be partnering with the Walsall-based Steps to Work charity to help fill the roles. They work with long-term unemployed and young people currently not in education or employment amongst others, and these are groups that we are passionate about reaching, retraining and recruiting here at nextbike.

“Although this is a fantastic initiative for Transport for West Midlands, and for nextbike, we don’t see the scheme as belonging to either organisation. We firmly see it as belonging to the people of the West Midlands and we hope the communities will take the bikes to their hearts.

“We will be offering Bikeshare4all across the West Midlands, which will mean heavily discounted membership and use of the bikes for the unemployed and other economically-deprived people to ensure that the whole of the community is truly able to benefit from the bikes.

“On a personal note for me, I’m a local boy who grew up in the Midlands and ever since I joined nextbike I knew I wanted to bring the bikes back home. It’s going to be a very proud moment being able to use the scheme with my family and friends. I can’t wait to see my mum and dad on a West Midlands nextbike!”

When you think of iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, your mind is instantly drawn to the wonders of Cats, Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat, Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar, but you would be forgiven for forgetting that he is also the man behind the impeccable Evita.

Telling the true story of Eva Perón, Evita showcases her rise from poverty stricken Los Toldos resident to a radio, film and stage actress before eventually becoming the First Lady of Argentina.

With a boldness, yet fragility, coupled with strength and determination, Madalena Alberto brought Eva to life on stage, effortlessly performing the challenging numbers throughout the evening.

Showing the different sides of Eva, both in her almost saint-like role and her less than perfect personal life, allowed the brilliance of Madalena to shine through. Topping off a wonderful performance all round was the iconic ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ sung from a balcony addressing the Argentinian people, moving many in the audience to tears.

Of course a musical is not just based on one performer, and more than ably backing Madalena was Gian Marco Schiaretti as Che. With his rugged good looks and great physique he had the audience waiting on every word. His impressive vocal range was showcased from Santa Evita to High Flying Adored and everything in between, and with each cheeky wink the audience was putty in his hands.

As Eva’s husband, and President of Argentina, Juan Perón, Jeremy Secomb’s gloriously rich and deep voice was a stark contrast with that of Eva, further emphasising the unconventional relationship.

Culminating in a standing ovation on opening night, Evita is on at Birmingham’s Hippodrome until the 24th March and is one not to miss, even if you may unfortunately be unable to adhere to Eva’s words, “Don’t cry for me….”

A report which will help tackle some of the biggest issues facing communities across the Black Country and Birmingham has been officially launched at the University of Wolverhampton.

Communities Uncovered was commissioned by the Heart of England Community Foundation, an independent charity which distributes funding across the West Midlands, to examine issues affecting the region, including unemployment, health and social welfare.

The Foundation has delivered £2.7 million to 916 community projects across the Black Country and Birmingham since 2014, and the report will help ensure future grants are strategically distributed to meet the most pressing needs across the area.

The report highlights hard-hitting facts including that across Birmingham and the Black Country a total of 4,800 people are recognised as homeless and in priority need, 68 per cent of people are overweight and in the West Midlands there are just 75 jobs for every 100 residents.

The findings were outlined at a launch event which took place at the University in front of an audience of more than 100 invited guests, including representatives from the government and local authorities, voluntary organisations, police and funding bodies.

Research was conducted by the University’s new Institute for Community Research and Development.

Dr Steve Iafrati, Senior Social Policy Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, who led the research said:  “This report provides an accessible way to identify areas of need and to begin to recognise the ways in which certain groups may need supporting and that certain cycles may need breaking.

“One of the outcomes of the report is to identify a range of indicators and challenges facing various geographical areas within Birmingham and the Black Country. With this information, it is possible for the Foundation to consider strategies for future funding, including which areas and themes to prioritise.

“I am very proud to have been part of this research which is going to make a difference to the lives of so many people across the area.”

Recommendations include supporting adults in areas with higher than average unemployment to access jobs through training and supporting, extended learning opportunities for young people at risk of falling below average GCSE scores. The need for support for teenage parents is also identified, as well as helping organisations working to tackle obesity, health issues and higher than average levels of homelessness.

Tina Costello, CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation, said: “This report aims to shine a light on those complex social issues which are having the most pronounced effect on local people and communities.

“It contains some worrying data but highlights the most pressing needs of communities across Birmingham and the Black Country.

“With this information we hope to be able to make more informed choices about our grant making priorities to help tackle these needs head on, communicating these to other funders, donors, philanthropists and businesses to harness more support.

“Our partnership with the University of Wolverhampton represents our serious commitment to expand our learning and data and achieve greater outcomes for local communities.”

America’s ambassador to the UK, Robert Wood Johnson, has been named as a key speaker at a major transatlantic business conference taking place in Birmingham in June.

The British American Business Council (BABC) annual conference takes place on 7 June and will attract delegates from all over Britain and North America as businesses in the city, led by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and supported by Birmingham City University, seek new markets in the post-Brexit era.

A businessman, philanthropist and diplomat, Ambassador Johnson – also known as ‘Woody’ – is a huge coup for the event, which will feature speakers from politics, business, economics and other sectors.

He has been the US ambassador to the UK since last August, when he was nominated by the incoming president, Donald Trump.

Ambassador Johnson has served for more than 30 years as the chairman and CEO of New York-based The Johnson Company, a private asset management firm which was founded in 1978.

‘Woody’ Johnson is also a big American football fan, and for the past 18 years has been the owner of the New York Jets. He also serves as chairman and CEO of the Jets and the New York Jets Foundation.

He is the founding chairman of the Lupus Research Alliance and worked for many years with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The missions of these charities are to cure, treat and prevent Lupus and juvenile diabetes, both of which have affected Ambassador Johnson’s family. Ambassador Johnson has raised millions of dollars on behalf of both organisations fighting these diseases.

In politics, he has served on the President’s Export Council, the President’s Commission on White House Fellows and he is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Ambassador Johnson earned a BA from the University of Arizona and currently lives in London with wife Suzanne and their two sons.

Russell Jeans, chief operating officer at GBCC, said: “We are hugely privileged to have the Ambassador attending the conference, This underscores the huge economic importance of our bilateral relationship with the US both now and in the future.”

The BABC conference follows the success of Birmingham’s high-profile presence at last year’s event in Chicago.

The conference is a highly sought after occasion.  The event has previously been held in London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC and Chicago.

The BABC Midlands chapter, a section GBCC, is part of  the largest transatlantic business network, with 22 chapters and 2,000 member companies, including many of the world’s largest multinationals, based in major business centres throughout the North America and the UK.

Australia's first under-the-stars dining experience, the iconic Sounds of Silence, is celebrating an incredible 25 years of operation this year, with a gala celebration being held on 21 March 2018. Upon opening its 'doors' in 1993, guests from all over the world immediately embraced the concept of dining in the middle of the Australian desert with magnificent views of Uluru and nothing but the vast expanse of the night sky above and the experience has wowed guests every night since.

“Sounds of Silence has been a key element to the Uluru experience for hundreds of thousands of guests to Ayers Rock Resort over the last 25 years,” said Ray Stone, Voyages Executive GM Sales, Marketing and Distribution.

With the magic of sunset over Uluru combined with the drama of being surrounded in red dunes and, as night falls, the majesty of the night sky with thousands of stars, many of which are not able to be viewed elsewhere in the world, it is an unforgettable evening.

With such a winning formula, the experience has remained largely unchanged throughout the last 25 years – guests still arrive to the lyrical sound of the Didgeridoo and enjoy sparkling wine and canapes while viewing sunset over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, a star talk during dinner brings the night sky to life and telescopes are available for closer viewing. Australian ingredients have always featured on the menu and in celebration of the anniversary this year a new menu is being launched that will ensure Bush Tucker native Australian ingredients are featured throughout the many dishes on offer.

The tempting menu includes canapés such as Smoked Kangaroo with Native Pepperberry Yoghurt and Poached Prawn, Sea Parsley and Finger Lime Aioli Bun; an entrée of Roasted Tomato and Native Thyme Soup, and mains such as Barramundi, Lemon Myrtle Cream, Caramelised Lemon, Glazed Green and Native Dukkah Crusted Kangaroo, Organic Quinoa, Roasted Capsicum Salsa. A range of salads are on offer, including Braised Crocodile, Shaved Vegetable and Fragrant Herb Salad and Pepperberry Roasted Cauliflower, Pickled Muntries, Spinach and Mint Yoghurt Dressing. Dinner concludes with a sumptuous range of desserts including Desert Lime Cheesecake, Warm Apple and Quandong Crumble Tart and Warm Chocolate and Wattleseed Slice.

Other extensions of the famous Sounds of Silence experience include the Night at Field of Light dining experience which includes a walk-though of the phenomenal Field of Light installation following dinner and the premium Tali Wiru and Mayu Wiru dinners which are limited to just 20 people per night.

“Sounds of Silence has always been a celebration of the true essence of the Australian Outback, which is no doubt why it has been successful for so many years,” said Ray.

Sounds of Silence has long been recognised for its place as an important Australian Tourism experience and featured in Tourism Australia's advertisements across the world from the early 1990s. It was also recognised for its unique offering and was inducted into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame in 1999.

WaterSafe is helping homeowners make sure that a leaky loo isn’t flushing potential savings in water, energy and money down the pan.

WaterSafe, the UK body for approved plumbers, is partnering with Waterwise, the UK leading authority on water efficiency, for Water Saving Week, which runs from 19–23 March.

The national campaign encourages everyone to take action and save water with daily themed packs containing challenges, tips and resources. These can be downloaded at watersafe.org.uk.

As toilets are one of the most common leaks – with around 1 in 10 homes and businesses having a leaky loo – this is the focus of Saving Water in Your Home day.

A toilet leaking clean water from the cistern to the pan can waste up to 400 litres of water a day (that’s five full bath tubs) and add around £300 a year to metered water bills if left unfixed.

To keep toilets feeling flush, people can contact their local water supplier who may be able to provide free toilet leak detection strips.

Alternatively, WaterSafe’s advice is:

• Half an hour after a flush, wipe the back of the pan dry with toilet tissue.
• Then place a new, dry sheet of toilet tissue across the back of the pan.
• Leave it in place for up to three hours without using the toilet, or overnight.
• If the paper is wet or torn in the morning – you have a leaky loo.

If you need help always use a WaterSafe approved plumber – you’ll be safe in the knowledge they are trained to work safely with your drinking water, and can also help homes become more water-efficient.”

Waterwise’s Managing Director, Nicci Russell, added: “In recent months there's been a need to use water wisely in the UK as a result of both dry weather and freezing weather. We need to make the water we do have go further every day, and these simple tips to find and fix leaky loos help us all to ensure there's enough water to go round, for people, the economy and the environment.”

WaterSafe is also highlighting the importance of finding and fixing other common leaks in the home using an approved plumber.

Look out for dripping taps, showers, radiators and pipework. Tell-tale signs are loss of pressure, rust, water stains on walls, floors or carpets, or mould on ceilings and walls.

Not all leaks are easy to spot. Signs that you may have a hidden leak in the home include a higher than normal water bill if you’re on a meter.

For more on how to check for a leak at your property and to find an approved plumber visit watersafe.org.uk/leaks. You can also find information on Twitter @WatersafeUK #LeakyLoos.

Other water-saving themes during Water Saving Week include gardens, schools, workplaces and communities.

Nominations are now open for the second annual Wolverhampton Independent Retail Excellence (WIRE) Awards.

The aim is to celebrate and praise the entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and hard work of those involved in running and managing a successful independent business, as well as recognise the loyalty and dedication of the staff that work in this sector.

There are ten honours up for grabs this year, with nominations called for in nine categories – and all the finalists going through to a public vote for the prestigious ‘The People’s Favourite Independent Retailer’ crown.

The awards, originally commissioned by the Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, are being led by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the council.

Councillor Lawrence said: “Small businesses are the core of any city and it’s those small businesses that give us our distinctiveness.

“The independent retail sector in Wolverhampton is really strong. These businesses are very important to us, they work incredibly hard and contribute a huge amount to the local economy.

“They are what the WIRE Awards are all about and we aim to rightfully recognise them.

“The inaugural awards last year were an outstanding success which has led to this becoming an annual event in the calendar.”

John Henn, Chair of Wolverhampton BID, added: “A city is judged by - amongst other things - its independent businesses. In its second year the WIRE awards will be looking to continue to uncover our city centre’s diverse variety of stores not found anywhere else in the country.

“Run by determined, committed owners and staffed by Wolverhampton’s finest, we want you to tell us about your business.

“Wolverhampton is becoming ‘the place to invest'. Let’s make it the only place by shouting about the great diversity and quality of retailers we have. Please enter the WIRE awards and let us recognise and promote your story.”

Recognised by Revo - formally known as British Retail Council – as an example of best practice, the WIRE Awards 2017 created 12 winning businesses including Rudell the Jewellers, who scooped two awards including the headline ‘Retailer of the Year’ honour and ‘Excellence in Staff Development’, and Batteries Not Included, who won ‘Our Favourite Retailer of the Year’ as voted for by the public.

The finalists from a wide range of businesses included a market trader, seven food and beverage outlets, two hotels, four gifts/crafts/toys retailers, two jewellers, two fashion outlets, five hair and beauty salons, two florists/garden suppliers and one furniture business.

The other categories this year are Independent of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Best Dressed Retail Store, Best Presented Premises, Excellence in Team Development, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year, Community Contributor of the Year, Employee of the Year and Independent Employer of the Year.

The awards are open to independent retailers from across the city, provided their billing authority for business rates is City of Wolverhampton Council.

In his Spring Statement, Phillip Hammond revealed that 60,000 first time buyers have benefited from the stamp duty exemption announced as part of the Government’s Autumn Budget.

Under the new rules, first time buyers purchasing homes under the value of £300,000 are exempt from paying stamp duty and, those who are purchasing in London and other expensive areas, will not pay tax on the first £300,000 of their purchase on properties up to the value of £500,000.

Figures reported by Halifax in January of this year, echo the Chancellor’s Spring Statement showing a 6% annual increaseon the number of first time buyers making a purchase – meaning the number of first time buyers has reached a ten year high! Back in November, the Government predicted that the change to stamp duty would benefit up to 95% of first time buyers and, if these early stats are anything to go by, it is clear that it has already had a positive impact on the housing market.

Managing Sales Director at Romans, Antony Gibson comments: “The change to stamp duty was great news for first time buyers who are now able to divert these funds to their deposit or, bring their purchase dates forward.

“Low mortgage rates, high employment and Help to Buy have all supported young people in getting on the ladder and so, I expect the trend for rising numbers of first time buyers to continue through 2018 and beyond.

“First time buyers are incredibly important to the overall housing market as they allow existing owners to sell up and take their second step. Despite a lack of supply, the fact first time buyers are increasing in number is extremely positive.”

Children are invited to take part in this year’s Barnardo’s Big Toddle at one of the region’s favourite attractions.

Dudley Zoo will again be hosting the charity’s annual sponsored walk for under-5s.

The event, one of the biggest organised Toddles in the UK, is due to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday June 12 and 13.

Admission is £7.50 for adults and over-5s, but free for toddlers, and will include free refreshments and children’s entertainment afterwards.

A fun warm-up begins at 10.30am followed by the walk itself at 11am, with medals for all participants.

Last year’s nationwide Big Toddle raised more than £265,000 to support the charity’s work with vulnerable youngsters across the UK.

This year, for the second consecutive year, it is being run in partnership with the CBeebies TV show Teletubbies. The theme is ‘nature’, with opportunities to dress up as animals, insects or flowers.

Aside from the organised event at Dudley Zoo, parents, playgroups, childminders and nurseries can also organise their own sponsored walks throughout the summer.

They can also access exclusive nature-themed early years learning resources and downloads.

Barnardo’s regional director Hugh Sherriffe said: “We are sincerely grateful to Dudley Zoo for hosting one of the biggest Toddles in the UK, which attracts hundreds of people every year.

“The Big Toddle is a great opportunity for under-5s to have lots of fun with their friends and families while raising money to help disadvantaged children.

“The nature theme means they can be really imaginative with fancy-dress ideas and Barnardo’s has some great resources to help everyone taking part.”

Dudley Zoo marketing manager Andrea Hales said: “We are delighted to welcome back Barnardo’s Big Toddle to Dudley Zoo as we have a strong relationship with the event spanning 19 years.

“Everyone who takes part will be helping make a difference to children’s lives and have a wonderful day to remember at the zoo!”

Campaigners, entrepreneurs, and innovative industry experts are just a few of the 20 talented young people who have been shortlisted for the 2018 Commonwealth Youth Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding young people aged 15 to 29 whose innovative projects and programmes have had a significant impact on their communities. This year’s focus is on celebrating young people’s contribution towards a fairer, more sustainable, more secure and more prosperous future for the Commonwealth: the four sub-themes of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place in London in April.

The 20 finalists span every region of the Commonwealth, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, and the Pacific. They were shortlisted from more than 400 applications from across the globe. The programme is being coordinated by the Commonwealth Youth Programme.

Regional Young Persons of the Year will be selected, with one exceptional entrant being recognised as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year during the Commonwealth Youth Forum, in London in April.

In addition to a grant of GBP £1,000 to continue their development work, finalists will each be awarded a trophy and certificate. The Regional Young Persons of the Year will receive £3,000, and the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will pick up £5,000.

The Pan-Commonwealth adjudication panel for the final shortlisting of the overall regional and overall winner of the 2018 awards , convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat, , included the High Commissioner for Saint Kitts and Nevis, representatives from the High Commissions of Fiji, Malaysia, and Kenya, a trustee of the British Youth Council and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.

Last year’s Commonwealth Young Person of the Year was Krystle Reid, an advocate for empowerment of young persons living with disabilities in her native country Sri Lanka. Speaking about her experience of winning the award, she said, “It was a highlight of my life and a great opportunity and platform to further scale up the work of the Enable Lanka Foundation for an incubator space for young entrepreneurs with disabilities. This award will allow me to reach out to even more marginalised groups and communities. It is an opportunity no young person should miss.”

The finalists this year have initiatives and projects that aim to build a more secure, prosperous, fairer and a sustainable future for all in the grassroots levels and exemplify the outstanding contribution of young people from across the Commonwealth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and realising the CHOGM2018 aspiration “Towards a Common Future”

Latest research from global real estate advisor, Colliers International, reveals that even in the face of continued economic uncertainty and the woes of Brexit, Central London remains a prime destination for international brands and interest is still growing, as currently, over 50 per cent of stores on core shopping streets are international brands and 30 new retailers have arrived in the last year alone.

In addition, demand from Chinese shoppers shows no sign of waning with average spend up 30 per cent (YTD) to £1,663*.

Paul Souber, Head of Central London Retail at Colliers International commented: “Following the Brexit vote, sterling devalued significantly, making London more attractive to tourists; particularly those from China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who quickly began taking advantage of the ‘Brexit bargains’ on offer. Of these, Chinese tourists were the biggest contributor to international sales, accounting for 35% of tourist spend*.

“As a result of the currency-led tourist boom, many retailers noticed an escalation in shopper footfall and we initially saw a rise in the number of active requirements as a result. However, with shopping habits increasingly moving online and an uncertain UK economy slowing the rate of consumer spending, many retailers are feeling financially squeezed and are subsequently focusing more on controlling their overall occupational costs.

“The focus on the bottom line coincides with a recognition from brands that their bricks and mortar stores must be repurposed so that they seamlessly connect and enhance all parts of their retailing platform, be that online or instore.

“In practice this translates to retailers being more discerning over the number, size and location of physical stores and, in turn, these stores become more experiential and personalised.

“As consumers become more time challenged, it is essential that the locations they visit provide them with a convenience led menu of experiences, from great shopping to a huge array of dining and entertainment options, cultural experiences, health and fitness pursuits, relaxation and leisure, all easily interconnected and accessible by transport and digital infrastructure.

“London is naturally suited to meet these challenges as they are already being embraced and executed by the major landowners and stakeholders in the Capital who are curating, enhancing and future proofing the capital so that it remains the best city in the world.”

Spectacular new images have today (Wednesday) been revealed at MIPIM in Cannes showcasing City of Wolverhampton’s Interchange Commercial District vision.

City of Wolverhampton Council, working in partnership with leading developers Ion, unveiled the ambitious plans during the World Class Developments hotspot at the global property forum.

The commercial district will deliver one million sq ft of grade A office space over strategic sites at the heart of an integrated regional road, rail and tram hub.

It follows on from the success of the award-winning i10 office development – home to major brands Countryside, Ovivo and Tarmac.

Works are also due to start on site later this year on the £12.3 million, eye-catching i9 building.

It will provide 50,000 sq ft of stunning grade A office space for a national or regional headquarters for a major business when completed in 2020.

The commercial district proposition has also been endorsed by the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, CBRE.

The strategic sites are Banana Yard, Cornhill, Steam Mill, Sack Works, i9, Broad Street Hub, and Urban Park.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Our vision for the City of Wolverhampton Interchange is rapidly becoming a reality.

“We now need to take advantage of having state-of-the-art facilities at the heart of the UK’s high-speed rail and motorway networks, with an international airport just 30 minutes away.

“Since i10 was completed we have seen increasing demand for quality office space in that location of the city, particularly from large space users.

“i9 will now follow, and developing a wider city-centre commercial district makes perfect sense to boost the city’s economic future.”

The Interchange project will make big strides in 2018 – providing an attractive commercial gateway to those entering the city by national rail, bus or tram services.

The Midland Metro city centre extension will connect the tram directly to the front of a new railway station, allowing easy interchange between different modes of public transport.

Works on the demolition of the current station have started, and train services will remain fully operational while a new state-of-the-art railway station emerges adjacent to it by 2020.

All this will move the City of Wolverhampton towards a thriving commercial district at the heart of Wolverhampton Interchange - bringing further investment and jobs.

Steve Parry, Managing Director of Ion, added: "The commencement of works on the new railway station building is bringing into focus how well connected the new Commercial District at Wolverhampton Interchange will be.

“We are convinced that it will become a popular location for business."

MEMBERS of the public are being given the opportunity to have their name added to the wings of the iconic Vulcan XH558, as part of celebrations to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of XH558’s final RAF Flight in 1993.

In a fitting tribute to one of the RAF’s longest-serving aircraft, in the Centenary year of the RAF’s formation, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust has opened up this opportunity for the public to place any chosen name on a set of plaques that will commemorate the 25^th Anniversary of Vulcan XH558’s final flight with the RAF.

Dr Robert Pleming from Vulcan to the Sky Trust said: “Following her last RAF flight some people thought that they would never see Vulcan XH558 fly again. Fast-forward 14 years and after perhaps the most complex and demanding private aircraft restoration project ever completed – anywhere in the world, XH558 returned to the air once more in October 2007.

“The restoration allowed eight more years of incredible displays in front of millions of people, and a huge fan base developed a real love for XH558. She took to the sky for the last time on October 28 2015 for her final flight.”

As an icon of British aeronautical design excellence she is will spend her ground-running life as the centre-piece of an new inspirational Heritage Hangar which will be built at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

“We’ve continued to be amazed by the generousity of people who want to see this historic aircraft preseved for future generations to see and the Trust is looking forward to her new home being built so that she can once again wow the crowds,” added Robert.

Support for the 25^th anniversary plaque will contribute to the Trust’s work to secure the new home for XH558

and to build a brighter future for heritage aircraft preservation, restoration and operation. XH558 will help provide inspiration for a whole new generation of engineering and technical talent by enthusing youngsters with the excitement of aviation.

Names will be added permanently to the underside of Vulcan XH558’s Wing and each dedication comes with a personalised certificate that acts as a commemorative receipt for the requested donation of £30.

“This is a great way to support XH558 and is an ideal gift or memoriam of a lost loved-one, having their name inscribed under the wing of this British Icon,” said Robert.

To secure a place on the plaque and to place your desired name on Vulcan XH558’s Wing visit www.vulcantothesky.org

Attracting an audience of over one million for a single concert in India, Babbu Maan is making a return to UK with a stop at Arena Birmingham on Saturday 29 September 2018!

Internationally acclaimed music mega star Maan returns to UK soils to perform a one-off concert at Arena Birmingham that’s guaranteed to leave audiences breathless.  Winner of the World’s Best Indian Male Artist at the recent World Music Awards, Maan will perform a mix of old school classics alongside his latest songs from his new album, Ik C Pagal with a full live band.

Speaking about his return, Maan said "I'm really excited to be coming back to the UK, and I promise my UK fans that Babbu is back, bigger than ever and ready to rock Birmingham! I receive messages every day from my UK fans showing their support and now l will reply to your messages to show you how much they mean via my music! l look forward to meeting and seeing you all soon."

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have welcomed news of a £100m housing boost for the West Midlands in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. A deal has been agreed for the West Midlands Combined Authority to receive £100m from the Land Remediation Fund towards the build of 215,000 homes per year. The Land Remediation Fund enables the release of surplus or unused land to develop for new housing. Elsewhere in his Spring Statement, Chancellor Phillip Hammond also said the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects inflation to fall from 3 per cent back to the target 2 per cent over the next 12 months. Growth is expected to be unchanged at 1.3 per cent in 2019 and 2020 before picking up to 1.4 per cent in in 2021 and 1.5 per cent in 2022.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner (pictured) said: “Many businesses will have breathed a sigh of relief as the chancellor stuck to his word and did not announce any major changes in this Spring Statement.

“Instead he focused on updates on how funds already earmarked are being allocated.

“There was good news for the region the West Midlands Combined Authority’s housing deal was announced. “We are well aware that having an affordable and attractive place to live with good links to employment opportunities is a vital part of being able to attract and retain talent and staff in the region. Kick-starting further housebuilding in this way is a welcome move.

“There was also good news on the economy performing better than expected and the announcement of new funds on preparing employers for T Levels and helping SMEs take on apprentices. We will be informing our members of how they can best benefit from these opportunities as the detail becomes clear.” However, business leaders are calling for more decisive action on business rates in the Autumn Budget to avoid further strain on high street retailers. The Chancellor vowed to reduce business rates by £10bn and bring forward the first wave of triannual revaluations to 2021. Mr Faulkner said: “The Chancellor has not gone far enough on business rates. We have seen consistently in recent weeks just how hard hit our high streets are by rising rates.

“Many other businesses reliant on physical space also share retailers’ pain. The time for tweaks around the edges on business rates is over, in this digital age businesses need a fundamental overhaul of this outdated input tax based on bricks and mortar if we are to retain and grow vibrant business and retail centres. “We urge the Chancellor to make this a priority in his Autumn Budget.”

Plans to keep major entertainment events in the City of Wolverhampton that attract thousands of visitors and generate hundreds of thousands of pounds have been announced.

The move comes following the news the Civic Halls will be closed until the Autumn of 2020 for a major £38 million full restoration to create a state-of-the-art venue.

In the meantime, councillors were determined to keep high-profile events in the city rather than risk losing them to other venues.

Full Council has approved that key events already booked in at the Civic Halls for 2018 will now be switched to City of Wolverhampton Council-owned Aldersley Leisure Village (ALV).

This includes the Grand Slam of Darts and a number of premier comedy acts.

The Civic Halls are crucial to the cultural and economic life of the city. The current venue brings in thousands of visitors, directly supports 360 jobs and contributes £4.3m to the local economy.

The ability to switch these events to ALV gives these big acts a home in the City of Wolverhampton until they can return to the Civic Halls.

Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “The Grand Slam of Darts puts the city on map, is watched by millions of people across the globe, attracts thousands of visitors to the city and brings in thousands of pounds.

“Following the announcement about the Civic Halls, many people told us it would be a disaster to lose these events from the city. We have listened, secured their future, and with it further investment.

“It is great news that we have been able to keep this key event in the city.

“We’re also engaging with local councillors and residents to ensure the events runs as smoothly as possible and any disruption, mainly traffic related, is kept to an absolute minimum.”

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn said: "The bwin Grand Slam of Darts is synonymous with being held in Wolverhampton, and though the Wolves Civic is currently closed it's great that we can keep the tournament within the city.

"We've received great support from fans in the West Midlands and the City of Wolverhampton Council over the past decade, and I'm sure that the Aldersley Leisure Village will prove a popular new home for the event this year."

Customers who had already purchased tickets for Civic Halls events are being kept fully informed about their options. Ticket information for the bwin Grand Slam of Darts will be confirmed in due course.