Community News

With confirmation at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that Labour controlled Birmingham City Council are set to offer a 'bin bounty' of thousands of pounds each to striking Unite and Unison Bin workers, the Conservative Group are calling for compensation for residents affected by 2 years of disruption to their service as a result of Labour’s dysfunctional relationship with its own ‘friends’ in the labour movement.

Councillor Robert Alden (Con, Erdington) Leader of the Opposition Conservative Group said: “The offer to pay off striking bin men a bounty carries with it some very serious legal and financial risks - risks that will be borne by the residents of this City who have had to endure a miserable two years of mounting rubbish on their streets.

Rather than seeking to reward workers taking part in an industrial dispute the Council itself has said is unlawful over a complaint the council still insists is entirely without merit, they should instead be looking to compensate the residents of Birmingham for suffering 666 days and counting of bin disputes.”

Councillor Debbie Clancy said: “The Labour Cabinet were advised soon after Unite gave notice of their dispute back in 2018 that they had good grounds to seek an injunction to halt the unlawful strike and indeed on January 15 eventually decided to do just that. Yet they failed to implement that decision and are instead making a 2nd substantial offer to workers who are in a Union who have previously said they could withdraw support from some Labour Councillors.

This is not only unfair to residents and tax payers but also to the thousands of council staff who get on with their important jobs day in and day out without making spurious claims.”

Cllr Alden added: “Residents deserve a better deal from the Council. We will now launch a petition on behalf of Birmingham’s long suffering residents calling on the council to compensate them for the abysmal bin service they are paying for.”

Children at Little Angels Nursery in Leamington Spa, in Warwickshire, are now enjoying a brand new outdoor play area suitable for use all year round thanks to LazyLawn.

After searching for an easy maintenance and harder wearing outdoor surface, Little Angels Nursery decided to brighten up their outdoor area with artificial grass. Leading brand LazyLawn suggested a bespoke roadway for the area, which was ideal for the nursery children.

Created from their award winning Which? Best Buy Wonder Yarn_’ product the outdoor roadway was designed to perfectly suit the area, providing a cushioned sub base around the play frame as well as creating an educational play tool too.

The all-weather outdoor leisure surface is being used as an outdoor play area that the children can enjoy all year round without the risk of muddy feet, dry patches or discolouring. The track is also used with added outdoor equipment including bikes, scooters and games equipment.

Angelena Grantham, Manager at Little Angels Nursery said: “We are so pleased with our new outdoor play area. LazyLawn^® advised us on the perfect products for the area and the overall result looks fantastic.

We have been searching for an easy to maintain surface and LazyLawn ticked all the boxes. The children love their new outdoor area and we can’t wait to use it throughout the warmer months too.

The team at LazyLawn  were extremely helpful from start to finish; I would definitely recommend LazyLawn to others.”

LazyLawn Area Sales Manager, Matt Shemilt, said: “It was great to be able to help Little Angels improve their outdoor area. We are so pleased with the finished project and it is so great to see the children are enjoying their new LazyLawn.

Our products are available in different colours with a variety of patterns that can be used for education and development, including tracks, golf courses, hopscotch and more.”

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have watched Black Sabbath’s ‘heavy metal bench’ presentation, organised by Westside Business Improvement District (BID) in Birmingham.

Original band member Tony Iommi accepted the bench from Brummie comedian Jasper Carrott in an exclusive ceremony at St Luke’s Gas Street Church.

Only 350 fans could fit into the building, but hundreds of thousands of people across the world have watched the ceremony after it was expertly edited into one-minute video highlights for social media, as well as being covered by the BBC.

Mike Olley, manager of Westside BID which drove the bench project, said: “We knew there’d be huge interest and so we invited the BBC to the event and our expert media consultant commissioned videographers to create special one-minute video highlights.

When I last checked, these mini videos had been watched by more than 50,000 people via our @WestsideBID Twitter account alone, with tens of thousands more watching it via our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

The event was featured in prime-time slots by BBC Midlands Today – watched by hundreds of thousands of people across the region, and was also reported on by local print, online and all the mainstream music media in the UK and internationally.

These media hits happened before, during and after the event and successfully brought the world’s attention onto Westside BID and what we’re doing to promote this area and the city.”

The uniquely designed steel bench – incorporating images of the band’s original four members – will eventually be placed on the renamed Black Sabbath Bridge across the canal on Birmingham’s Broad Street.

Speaking at the event, Iommi said: “The bench looks amazing and I think it’s fantastic for Birmingham to recognise us after all the years and all the work we’ve done.

It’s so nice to see all the fans here, and see people come from abroad and all round the world. They’re just brilliant fans.”

Comedian Jasper, who chairs Westside BID’s Walk of Stars project, said: “Throughout the world, Black Sabbath and Birmingham go together and this bench has brought massive publicity for the city.”

Mike Olley added: “It gives Birmingham a new dimension, a little bit like you have in Liverpool for the Beatles. We’ve now got something for Black Sabbath in Birmingham.

And I’ve got no doubt, no doubt whatsoever; people will have day trips up to the city now just to have their photographs taken on the bench, and to celebrate Sabbath. Wonderful, ey?”

Black Sabbath super-fan Mohammed Osama came up with the original ‘heavy metal bench’ idea and this was turned into a project by Westside BID.

Egyptian artist Tarek Abdelkawi created images of Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. This was applied in steel by Etch Components from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, with the final manufacture by Gateway Steel Fabricators, based in Tyseley, Birmingham.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment on Birmingham City Council, helped Westside BID to gain permission to rename the canal bridge on Broad Street as Black Sabbath Bridge, where the bench will eventually reside.

Three young men from Florida are being applauded after their good deed of assisting an elderly couple into their car was spotted by a police officer. A video of what exactly happened has even gone viral on social media.

Joc Koe Stoe, Marty, and Freddy G – three friends who are all rappers – were at a local gas station buying chips and soda when they saw 89-year old Rose Griest struggling to get inside their car.

They didn’t hesitate to help her 100-year old husband, David Griest, in assisting her to have her seated the car safely as her legs buckled underneath her.

Stoe said; “We saw an old couple having a hard time so we just assisted them.”

The couple of 20 years were driving from Perry after Rose’s medical appointment to their home in Orlando when they stopped by at the gas station for a restroom break.

The scene was spotted by Officer Kenesha Carnegie of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. After asking approaching them for permission, she began recording them.

“I look over and three men were assisting the couple — it was a beautiful thing to see,” Carnegie said. “I know these men from the neighborhood, and I wanted them to have that moment to show who they really are.”

In the video, which now has over 5 million views, two of the men can be seen guiding Rose as she struggles to walk, while her husband was holding her hand, and the other one helps David with his walker.

David, who was a former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, can be heard saying, “Thank you so much fellas. I’m 100 years old.”

The three young men seemed to be innately gentlemen. Marty said, “We didn’t even ask if they needed help — we felt comfortable giving them a hand right away. I kept thinking, ‘She could have been my grandmother.’ 100 years old is a beautiful life.”

Meanwhile, David and Rose’s grandson, Tommy Griest, was surprised to see his grandparents on Facebook as he was scrolling through his news feed. He was thankful for the three young men and he believes his grandparents, who don’t use social media, would love to see it too. He said, “It would make them happy.”

A regionally co-ordinated cycling strategy with funding targeted at 26 priority routes was backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Ambitious plans, including goals to raise cycling investment to at least £10 a head each year, were set out in a report endorsed by the WMCA board at its meeting in Birmingham.

In considering the report, which also listed potential investment of up to £250m to improve cycling infrastructure, the board reaffirmed its commitment to see more people making the switch to pedal power.

The co-ordinated, region-wide approach to cycling, which is a first for the West Midlands, puts forward 26 priority corridors for investment, covering nearly 200km through Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull.

The report, drawn up by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), also sets out plans for:

• The appointment of a Cycling and Walking Ambassador
• A flagship cycling corridor and support for councils to deliver local schemes
• The co-ordination of events into a family festival of cycling
• New West Midlands Cycling and Walking brands
• Working with communities to create great places to cycle and walk

“We have already made a significant start and have also now launched one of the country’s biggest bike share schemes with nextbike. Once fully rolled out that scheme will see thousands of bikes for hire on the streets of the West Midlands.

This shows the scale of our ambitions for cycling but we also know that one of the biggest barriers to cycling is safety, so we are planning to focus investment on 26 key routes that link communities across the West Midlands and offer people a genuine alternative to their cars.”

The Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman, who visited Birmingham this week, said: “Getting people cycling and walking is key to improving air quality, encouraging healthy exercise, and boosting our high streets and economic productivity.

These new safe cycle routes, which the Department for Transport is supporting through the Transforming Cities Fund, will help to make cycling the natural choice for journeys across the region.

We are also investing around £2 billion to support cycling across the country as part of our long term Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.”

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward, added: “It's clear that we need to change the way people travel across the West Midlands, so in addition to getting more people walking and using public transport, one of our key ambitions is to see more people cycling.

In recent years we've launched innovative schemes to get people on their bikes. Through the Birmingham Cycle Revolution and initiatives like the award-winning Big Birmingham Bikes, we've focussed on education, training and of course promoting the many benefits of cycling.

But if we are going to persuade more people to make the transition from four wheels to two, people have to feel safe on their bikes and we have to look at everything from road layouts to other cycling routes across the region.

By increasing the investment in cycling and walking, we're signalling our determination to improve air quality, tackle congestion and improve the health of people across the region."

Cllr Roger Lawrence, WMCA portfolio lead for transport and leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Cycling and walking are a vital part of an integrated transport system.

We are witnessing a revolution in transport in the region with investment in new rail, tram and rapid bus routes. This report sets out how we are also being equally ambitious for cycling.”

The WMCA board has already allocated £6 million from the region’s Transforming Cities Fund and this will now be used to deliver one of the priority cycle routes set out in today’s report.

It is also forecast that a total of £104 million will be invested in West Midlands cycling infrastructure by a range of organisations over the next four years. This will often involve installation of facilities alongside other developments.

The streets of Birmingham will awash with colour today as the city's Chinese New Year celebrations began – with thousands of visitors expected in the city to welcome the ‘Year of the Pig.’

Festivities kicked off earlier with a parade through the city's Colmore Business District and special concerts – one already held at St Philip's Cathedral with performances by Birmingham Conservatoire and Dans Dance Company – throughout the celebrated Chinese Quarter in Southside.

Anticipating a full day of music, fun and games for all the family, James Wong, chair of Birmingham's Chinese Festival Committee, said: "This year's programme is hugely exciting and diverse, and will see us working with all our partners to bring Chinese New Year to places and spaces across the city.

 We are very proud of our heritage in bringing this unique and unforgettable spectacle to life."

Celebrations will continue throughout the city centre, with a parade of lion and dragon dancers through Bullring and Grand Central.

Shoppers will also be entertained by acrobatic displays and martial arts from Shaolin Warriors.

Marking the pig, one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, which is believed to be a symbol of optimism, enthusiasm and hard work, the Chinese New Year celebrations will continue in the city's Chinatown area near to Birmingham Hippodrome - who is staging a series of free performances in The Patrick Studio, including music, dance and spoken word.

Gardeners keen to stay on top of their allotments this winter have been urged to follow nine top tips.

Researchers from gardening specialists; GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have rooted out handy advice to help green-fingered Brits maintain a productive plot during the colder months.

From general maintenance tasks to getting ready for the new year, the guidance will assist gardeners to make the best of their allotment in spite of the worst of the weather.

A spokesperson for the company said: “British allotment holders can’t afford to simply down tools during the winter.

Every keen gardener knows that the colder months are hardly peak growing season, but there are still many ways to maintain productivity on your plot when the days get shorter.

It’s crucial to make the best of limited time on allotments whilst the weather is at its worst or else gardeners could start the growing season in the new year on the wrong foot.

Simply put, green-fingered Brits need make sure they are tidy, well organised and proactive on their plots this winter.”

Here are the nine winter allotment top tips courtesy of GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk:

1. Clear up - Wait for a dry day to weed, rake fallen leaves and remove the remains of summer crops in preparation for next year; leaving them to rot will only invite disease or pests.

2. Help crops - Apply a layer of compost or manure wherever possible to give allotment beds a winter nutritional boost, spread mulch to keep weak crops warm and move any particularly vulnerable species into safe storage before the worst of the weather.

3. Harvest well - Pluck Brussels sprouts from the bottom up and only pick parsnips only after the first frost or two because the drop in temperature gives them their sweet flavour by turning starches into sugars.

4. Take a flask - Nothing warms a gardener’s body better on a cold winter plot than taking a break with a hot and convenient flask of tea, coffee or soup – so don’t leave it on the kitchen table at home.

5. Check equipment - With the lack of heat and daylight preventing much growing on the allotment over the winter, it is the perfect time to give everything a once-over: Do any tools need fixing or replacing? Is the wheelbarrow wheel wobbly? Do metal or wooden items need oiling? Are the mouse traps working? Are the shed door locks and window latches secure?

6. Keep off the grass - Try not to walk on frozen grass wherever possible as it could severely damage brittle strands and any footprints could remain until regrowth in warmer spring conditions.

7. Dress warm - Make sure to always wear thick socks, a couple of jumpers and appropriate gardening gloves during the winter so being outdoors for a prolonged period doesn’t become unpleasant; also keep a spare woolly hat on the allotment for particularly chilly days.

8. Organise for spring - Down-time on the allotment during a bleak winter day is the perfect opportunity to do some planning for when the weather improves and flick through seed catalogues.

9. Water - Don’t neglect the watering needs of your soil and any winter plants just because the temperature is low – several consecutive dry days could be just as devastating in the winter as in the summer, so take the watering can around the plot if it hasn’t rained for a while.

Tram tracks are now being laid in Birmingham city centre in a clear sign that construction of the West Midlands Metro extension to Centenary Square is continuing at pace and on schedule.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman MP was the special guest to mark the laying of the first tracks for the Westside tram extension.

This key milestone in the construction of the £70 million extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square was also celebrated by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and regional transport chiefs.

The 2km Westside extension is being developed in two phases by the Midland Metro Alliance partnership on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The first, between Grand Central and Centenary Square is due to open by the end of 2019. The second phase will take passengers along Broad Street to Edgbaston Five Ways and will be operational by the end of 2021.

The new services will carry visitors and commuters to key destinations and attractions including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the new HSBC headquarters, the Arena Central and Paradise regeneration sites, Brindleyplace, Symphony Hall and the Town Hall.

This light rail project part of a wider £1.35 billion expansion of the region’s tram network over the coming decade, with new lines serving Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said:  “The West Midlands Metro network shows how government support can help to create a sustainable, accessible and innovative light rail system, which forms an integral part of a modern urban transport network.

This is a great time to explore the incredible potential for light rail schemes across the country.

Today's wide-ranging Call for Evidence seeks new ideas and new support for the next generation of light rail, so that we make existing systems work better, and can work with cities and towns across the UK to create new ones.”

These are the first trams tracks to be installed in the city centre since 2015 when the extension from Snow Hill to Grand Central was under construction. The extension opened in May 2016.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “I am delighted that we have reached this milestone in the development of Metro in Birmingham city centre and are able to share this with the Minister of State.

“It is a clear sign to the people of the West Midlands that we are delivering and this is just the start of a revolution in public transport with huge investment in new rail, tram, rapid bus, services and cycling planned over the next few years.”

Cllr Roger Lawrence, WMCA portfolio holder for transport, said: “We are trebling the size of the tram network in the next few years and this is to make sure we best link to HS2 and help us get the maximum economic benefits from the high speed rail line.

“These routes, particularly in the Black Country, will unlock new housing and employment sites and give more people access to jobs.”

Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “This Metro extension links communities from across Birmingham to the new key regeneration sites and job opportunities at Paradise and Arena Central.

“This extended public transport provision will also play a vital role in helping to cut traffic congestion which in turn will help reduce pollution in the city centre.”

West Midlands Metro network plans

Birmingham Westside extension – phase one to Centenary Square to open by end of 2019. Phase two to Edgbaston Five Ways and 54 Hagley Road set to open in 2021.

Birmingham Eastside extension – Bull Street to HS2 station and Digbeth. Plans in development.

Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension – 11km route serving Tipton, Dudley and Merry Hill due to be running by 2023.

Wolverhampton City Centre extension – trams will run along Pipers Row to the new interchange at the redeveloped Wolverhampton Railway Station. Due to open in 2020.

East Birmingham and Solihull extension – a 17km route from the Eastside extension to HS2 Interchange Station, also linking Birmingham Airport and the NEC site. Plans in development.

Richmond Council became the second London council to approve a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) banning prayer or offers of support outside a local abortion facility. The PSPO is aimed at banning pro-life activity outside a BPAS abortion facility on Rosslyn Road, Twickenham.

As with Ealing’s controversial PSPO that was introduced last April, the Richmond PSPO criminalises “engaging in any act of approval or disapproval…with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means, including, without limitation, graphic, verbal or written means, and including…any form of counselling or interaction with…BPAS clients or members of staff on the street.” It also explicitly outlaws “prayer directed at a BPAS client or a member of staff…” It will now be presented to the full council for approval.

“Only weeks after the Court of Appeal announced that it will review Ealing’s incredibly broad PSPO, Richmond Council has passed a similarly far-reaching measure that criminalises peaceful protest and free speech. Once again, a London borough has capitulated to an activist group and has disregarded the powerful evidence of vulnerable women gladly accepting the practical and emotional support offered by pro-life organisations outside of the abortion facilities. While the measure is purported to address “anti-social” behaviour, it goes far beyond what is reasonable or proportionate – banning even a simple offer of assistance.

It is very surprising that Richmond is proceeding to implement this PSPO, notwithstanding the fact that Ealing’s PSPO is still subject to a rigorous legal challenge on the grounds that it has violated fundamental civil liberties. Richmond’s PSPO has already attracted similar, if not higher, levels of criticism and is likely to result in another costly court challenge,” said Laurence Wilkinson, Legal Counsel for ADF International in London.

Richmond’s PSPO comes after the Home Secretary’s announcement that it would be disproportionate to introduce censorship zones on a national level last September. These censorship zones particularly target pro-life groups who offer help and support to pregnant women who want to keep their babies. The first censorship zone introduced by Ealing was subsequently challenged by Alina Dulgheriu, a mother who accepted the offer of help to keep her baby from the Good Counsel Network on her way to an abortion appointment. Ealing’s PSnPO was initially upheld by the High Court but now faces review by the Court of Appeal in July.

“Just like Ealing, Richmond has removed the only real choice women have in the name of ‘choice.’ This PSPO ignores the real experience of hundreds of women and is entirely disproportionate. It is a violation of freedom of speech, the importance of which has been so often reiterated by the European Court of Human Rights, especially when it comes to controversial topics like abortion,” said Robert Clarke, Director of European Advocacy for ADF International.

Methodist minister Greg Obong-Oshotse marks his publishing debut with the release of ‘If the Angelic Postman Never Knocks on My Door’ a poetry collection presenting the essence of discipleship in a commitment to Christ…at all cost!

The publication centres on the sovereignty of God over people’s lives, highlighting how one’s discipleship does not give a warrant either to presume upon God’s love or to usurp his power, whilst aiming to help readers understand the ‘gold standard’ of the calling of the disciple of Jesus Christ: commitment at all cost, plus learning to rejoice in God’s sovereign will for them, whatever it may be.

“Contrary to popular teachings that your discipleship is a ticket to an earthly paradise, you are required to die to self and follow your Lord Jesus Christ at whatever cost,” he shares. “This book cuts to the chase, clarifies the path, and will reroute many sincerely deceived disciples, while at the same time helping new disciples to avoid the pitfalls of deception from false teachings.”

A snippet from ‘If the Angelic Postman Never Knocks on My Door’:- Each of us must fit into / His general will for humanity and His entire creation / as well as His specific will for each individual / as He works His overarching purpose out / and does so according to His divine plan and timing.

God must be sovereign, / For He is the Creator and Master. / He is the author and finisher of our faith. / He is the Lord of Lords and King of kings. / He is the beginning and the end of all things.

After graduating with first class honours in political science at the University of Ife, in Nigeria, Obong-Oshotse became a journalist working for national and international newspapers and magazines before serving the Nigerian government first as press secretary to country’s first lady Maryam Babangida, and later as chief executive of the national Centre for Women Development in Abuja before returning to journalism.

He worked in the U.K. as Europe and North America editor for Nigeria’s Daily Independent newspapers, from which he was called to British Methodism; training for the Methodist ministry at Wesley House in Cambridge where he has degrees in theology - from the universities of Cambridge and Wales.

‘If the Angelic Postman Never Knocks on My Door’ (published by WestBow Press) is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The UK Statistics Authority has said that a new “search-as-you-type” facility on the online form for the 2021 Census will allow anyone to identify as being of any particular ethnic identity, including Sikh.

It comes after over 100 British MPs, including Indian-origin lawmakers, asked the authority to include ‘Sikh’ as a separate ethnic box for the 2021 census; which will list it as a distinct ethnicity, rather than only as a religion, although this is not what has been taken forward.

In the 2011 census, many Sikhs refused to tick any of the choices in the question on ethnicity, ­rejecting options such as ‘­Indian’ in ­order to write ‘Sikh’ in the ‘any other ethnic group’ space.

Under the UK’s Race Relations Act 1976 Sikhs are a legally recognised ethnic group and campaigners for the change believe this gives them a right to be able to identify themselves separately from current census options, such as Indian or British Indian.

National Statistician John Pullinger said: “The recommendations fully recognise the need for good data on the Sikh community, both in terms of the need for high quality data from the census and also wider across all public services.

“Everyone who wishes to identify as Sikh will be able to do so.”

ONS will also utilise the Digital Economy Act 2017 to help ensure data on the Sikh population is available across public services – not just census collected data. ONS is committed to working with departments across government to make sure this happens on an on-going basis.

ONS will also update guidance to public bodies highlighting their duties to record information on the Sikh community and has offered to provide analysis to local authorities to help them better serve the different communities in their areas.

Getting paid to learn, the prospect of a secure job and not graduating with a large debt are just three of the reasons which led James McCall-Smith to an apprenticeship in plumbing.

Award-winning apprentice James is joining forces with WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers, to promote Modern Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, from March 4 to 8.

James says: “I’m in my fourth and final year of my apprenticeship, which I’m spending on the tools with my employer Derek Scott Plumbing & Heating. The first three years were a combination of college study and work-based training – the mix works well and kept me engaged and motivated – although I prefer tools to textbooks!

“Getting paid to learn is a huge plus for me – you don’t finish your training with a large debt. A good employer will look after you and often give you a job at the end of your apprenticeship. It gives you a sense of security.”

James says he loves the broad variety of work in plumbing but was never tempted by the fast-track courses: “There’s no substitute for proper training and you won’t gain the right qualifications without it. What you learn on the job you won’t always find in a textbook.”

James, who was crowned champion of the plumbing competition SkillPLUMB at WorldSkills UK Live last year, is completing his apprenticeship with a WaterSafe-approved business.

He says: “Having WaterSafe approval reassures your customers – after all, people’s health can be at stake so it’s important to be fully qualified and registered.”

WaterSafe advises future plumbers in England to avoid fast-track courses and work towards the new apprenticeships developed for plumbing and domestic heating which automatically lead to a level 3 qualification.

By choosing an apprenticeship with a recognised training provider, future plumbers will:

• combine practical hands-on experience with their studies
• receive a regular salary with a contract of employment and holiday leave
• steer clear of rogue trainers and fast-track courses
• gain industry-approved qualifications.

The winners of the third annual Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers of Commerce awards have been unveiled at a glittering event at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.

The Business of the Year winners were the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (Sutton Coldfield Large Business), KEP Print Group (Lichfield and Tamworth Large Business), Ark Media Productions (Sutton Coldfield Small Business) and Proftech Talent (Lichfield and Tamworth Small Business).

The Sutton Coldfield President’s Award went to Mustafa Shevket for his work as head of Sutton Coldfield College, while Paula Da-Silva from the Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre won the Lichfield & Tamworth President’s Award.

The awards dinner was hosted by former Aston Villa TV presenter Jack Woodward, while Birmingham City University were headline sponsors.

Sutton Coldfield Large Business winners, the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, are a multi-academy trust made up of 12 schools across Birmingham, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

Led by CEO and influential education sector leader Richard Gill, ATLP have earned a glowing reputation for providing outstanding education and developing the next generation of teachers.

KEP Print Group, the Lichfield and Tamworth Large Business winners, have experienced significant growth after bucking a trend that has led to other print companies suffering since the rise of digital marketing.

The family-run Tamworth firm pride themselves on their culture and staff retention – their average length of service for skilled workers is over 12 years.

Sutton Coldfield Small Business winners Ark Media’s work at the cutting edge of video production has led to contract wins with some well-known international brands.

Lichfield and Tamworth Small Business winners Proftech Talent are professional and technical recruitment experts who have grown their client base and staffing levels since launching in 2017.

Chris Brewerton, senior business development and relationship manager for the Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers, said: “These awards are a wonderful showcase of all the positive and inspiring work businesses across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth have done during the past 12 months.

“It was great to see so many delegates networking with each other throughout the evening and we can’t wait to start planning next year’s event.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, of course, but also to all of those businesses who applied or who were nominated too.

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has launched the Drink Free Days are not Just for January campaign.

Evidence from the Drinkaware Monitor 2018 has revealed that whilst men are more likely than women to be drinking over the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units a week and to have attempted to cut down on their drinking, they are less likely to be doing so by using moderation techniques, like having more Drink Free Days.

In the light of these findings, the charity is urging people to consider moderating across the year by taking more drink free days as a way of reducing the risks to their health from alcohol. The charity is particularly targeting those who may have taken part in this year’s Dry January and encouraging them to avoid reverting to their former drinking habits once their month of abstinence is over.

The facts about alcohol are simple - the more alcohol people drink, the greater their risk of developing several serious potentially life limiting health conditions, including high blood pressure, liver and heart disease, as well as seven types of cancer.

Regular drinking also increases the amount of calories being consumed, which contributes to weight gain and obesity.

But these risks can be reduced through moderation and something as simple as taking more drink free days each week can have a real and lasting impact on health and wellbeing.

Former Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Benidorm and Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson, who has often spoken about her own drinking is supporting the campaign.  She said:

“Many of us enjoy a drink, but it can be very easy for our drinking to creep up on us.  A glass of wine here and a pint of beer there all adds up.

“It’s great that so many people take part in Dry January every year, but it can be really easy to go back to the old bad habits in February.

“Taking more drink free days throughout the week can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.

“I can’t be the only person who wants to make a change to their drinking habits. If you are wanting to make a change or have successfully done so, then please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to share your story.”

Commenting, Dr Sarah Jarvis GP , Medical Adviser to Drinkaware said:

“Drinkaware is here to help people who want to make changes to their drinking that last beyond Dry January.

“The fact is that the more alcohol we drink, the greater the risks to our health and wellbeing.

“Taking several drink free days each week helps reduce these risks and is simple and easy to do.”

The 2020 British Basketball Cup Finals are set to take place at Arena Birmingham on Sunday 26 January 2020. With this year’s incredible near capacity event still fresh in the memory, tickets are expected to be snapped up quickly. As such fans are being urged to grab their tickets early and get closer to the action.

It promises to be once again an exhilarating day of hoops action, with a line-up featuring a pair of showpiece games and the 2020 BBL Dunk Contest. Add in to the mix the incredible courtside fun and entertainment and you will have a day that will live in the memory forever.

BBL Cup Final 2020

26 January 2020, Arena Birmingham