Community News

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham today urged the UK and the US to avoid a “tit-for-tat” trade war following President Trump’s decision to impose massive tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

And they called for an “open and frank” discussion at a key transatlantic conference in Birmingham next week.

The British American Business Council’s (BABC) annual conference takes place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday when delegates from the UK and the US will look to build trade between the countries.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), of which the BABC Midlands division is part, said: “A trade war with the US should be avoided at all costs and if necessary it should bring our ‘special relationship’ into play especially with Brexit in mind.

“President Trump has imposed the tariff on EU countries so that raises all sorts of questions about what it will mean after we leave the EU – now less than one year away.”

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president and France’s trade minister, has already warned that the EU would go ahead with plans to impose its own duties on US products like motorcycles and peanut butter.

Mr Faulkner added: “The EU is well known for its aggressive actions over trade but the UK should bring the special relationship into play given that we will not be part of Europe after March 29 next year.

“The impact will be felt world-wide and this will addressed in depth at the BABC conference on Thursday when the key guest will be Robert ‘Woody’ Johnson, appointed US ambassador to London by President Trump.

“Business people with a long and wide knowledge of trading across the Atlantic will be speaking and their views will have added resonance because of that.

“The timing of the BABC conference in Birmingham could not be better, giving us the opportunity to address at first hand the issues that the tariff will bring.”

Key figures at the conference, at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday, will include Midlands Engine chairman Sir John Peace and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Top economist Joe Brusuelas, from RSM, will talk about the renewed economic challenges facing business and industry in the UK and US in the wake of President Trump’s decision.

Another speaker will be Priya Guha, of RocketSpace, is a San Francisco company that helps innovators bring their ideas to the market.

The conference’s “annual interview” will feature a panel including East Midlands Euro MP Emma McClarkin and Steven Bridges, from Grant Thornton in Chicago, who will respond to questions from the floor about the future of the relationship between the UK and the US.

Ambassador Johnson is the guest speaker at a gala dinner at Birmingham Town Hall in the evening.

UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who will be addressing the conference via a video link, said the 25 per cent levy on steel was "patently absurd", adding: "It would be a great pity if we ended up in a tit-for-tat trade dispute with our closest allies."

The transatlantic economy is the world’s largest market and supports 15 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Aggregate US investment in Europe totalled more than €2 trillion in 2017.

In a statement Susan Danger, chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU), said: “American companies in Europe oppose the US government’s decision to impose tariffs on EU imports of steel and aluminium.

“We urge the US government to revisit its plans and the EU to take a balanced approach in responding to these measures. We are very concerned by the damage a tit-for-tat dispute would cause to the transatlantic economy and its impact on jobs, investment and security across the Atlantic.

“We continue to believe that the EU meets all the criteria set out for a permanent exemption. The EU does not pose a national security threat to the US and therefore should not be the target of such measures.

“This move puts the global trading system at risk. We hope both parties can work together to reduce tensions immediately. The EU and the US should cooperate to solve the core issue of global overcapacity. In addition, they should collaborate to address third countries’ unfair trading practices and to improve the functioning of the World Trade Organization (WTO).”

The US Chamber of Commerce Executive vice-president and head of international affairs Myron Brilliant, said:  “Months ago, the US Chamber warned that alienating our strongest global allies by launching a tit-for-tat trade war would harm the U.S. economy and undermine American leadership.

“This is even clearer today: The U.S. must not expand tariffs or quotas on steel and aluminium imports to additional countries on June 1, as has been threatened.

“Such a move would hit American manufacturers with higher costs, slow the growth of the U.S. construction sector, and put the brakes on job creation in both of these key industries. U.S. steel prices are already nearly 50 percent higher than those in Europe or China, and aluminium prices have been extremely volatile; this move would add substantially to these challenges.

“Extending the reach of these tariffs and quotas to additional countries is certain to provoke widespread retaliation from abroad and would put at risk the economic momentum achieved through the administration’s tax and regulatory reforms. We urge the administration to take this risk seriously.”

The US Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Its International Affairs division includes more than 80 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.

The BABC, which incorporates BritishAmerican Business, is 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.

New research by mobile current account Monese has revealed young people in the UK are calling for country borders to be banished, with 77% of those aged 24-35 believing we’d benefit from their removal. Keen to enable more freedom of movement and increased diversity, over a third (37%) of UK millennials say the removal of borders would improve work opportunities, whilst 36% say it would make for a more culturally aware workforce.

This demonstrates a generational shift in attitude, as only 41% of 45-54 year olds in the UK would opt for the removal of borders, whilst even fewer (36%) of those aged 55 and above agree.

By banishing borders, young people in the UK are hoping to transform traditional work life, in order to live with more freedom. A considerable 85% say they have considered developing transferable skills to enable them to work anytime, anywhere - in a bid to escape the 9-5 office routine. Additionally, 81% would travel up to 4,000 miles to take up a post in North America – with the promise of an improved salary enough of a draw for 42% of the young Brits polled.

The vast majority (90%) of the generation would also like to be their own boss, with 71% aiming to manage themselves within the next 5 years. This further proves the drive amongst the millennial generation, as only 37% of over-55s share the same ambition, and only 56% of those aged 45-55.

Norris Koppel is the CEO and Founder of Monese, he says: “What the research shows is a real need and want for freedom amongst young Brits. With modern day advances in technology – there is no longer a need for working life to involve being present in one place, town, or even country. Young people want to be able to travel, see the world and live independently of geographical restraints – whilst still developing as a professional and offering their brilliant expertise to businesses across the world. The ‘digital nomad’ generation is very much the future for business – companies would be well advised to be as embracing and hospitable as possible to attract the best talent!”

The independence and ambition of this generation is evident, with emerging digital industries providing young Brits with the work-life they desire - over a third (37%) would like to work with Virtual Reality or Cyber Security.

Nearly 2,000 children and young people from schools across Haringey will gather in the Royal Albert Hall to perform a concert that will showcase musical talent across the borough.

"The musical extravaganza will celebrate youth, culture, the natural world, and all the things which make Haringey our home."

It will include items from the participating ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Big Band and Senior Guitar Groups, as well as our Haringey Young Musicians Training and Intermediate groups. The highlight of the concert will be world premieres of two new compositions commissioned from local composers Kate Stilitz and Laura Forrest-Hay which celebrate the natural environment and wildlife in Haringey.

There will also be premieres of new pieces by local composers Thomas Gregory and Ty Lowe.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery is marking the 70th anniversary of Windrush with an important new exhibition.

Windrush 70 features photographs, artwork, video and memorabilia that has been specially curated to mark 70 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush in Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948, bringing over 1,000 West Indian migrants to Britain.

The exhibition will include a projected slideshow of photographs by acclaimed photographer Nick Hedges, showing Caribbean workers in Black Country industries in the 1970s, as well as previously unseen images capturing the community spirit in Caribbean churches in Wolverhampton during the same period.

Visitors will also be able to see paintings by locally-based Jamaican artist Sylbert Bolton, along with vintage video footage of Wolverhampton’s African Caribbean Achievers Awards and recorded memories of members of the Windrush Generation – those who arrived in Britain from the West Indies in the post-war period.

In addition, on Saturday 23 June there will be a special screening of A Charmed Life, followed by a question and answer session with political activist and social commentator Patrick Vernon OBE. This event is free, but places are limited to 100.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The anniversary of Windrush is an iconic one and I am pleased that Wolverhampton Art Gallery is going to highlight an unforgettable time in our City’s – and our nation’s – history.”

Windrush 70 is at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, from Saturday 9 June until Sunday 29 July, 2018. Admission is free and the gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am–4.30pm and Sunday from 11am–4pm. For more details, please visit www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.

Haringey’s new Mayor has pledged to champion the rights of young people with special needs as she launches a year of fundraising.

Cllr Gina Adamou is the borough’s new First Citizen and civic figurehead after being sworn in as Mayor of Haringey last week.

Her Mayor’s Special Fund will benefit Haringey-based charities Ambitious About Autism and John Dewey Specialist College.

Mayor Adamou said:

“I feel very privileged and humbled to be the new Mayor and I will serve the people of Haringey to the best of my abilities.

“As Mayor, I want to try to make a difference in the education and support of young people with autism, a range of learning disabilities and other complex needs, as well as helping their families. I will encourage local organisations and businesses to work together in partnership.”

Ambitious About Autism is national charity for children and young people with autism. It runs the specialist TreeHouse School in Muswell Hill and Ambitious College, which has a campus in Tottenham.

Ambitious About Autism’s Director of External Affairs, Alison Worsley, said the charity was “hugely honoured” to have the Mayor’s backing, adding:

“When we set up TreeHouse School 21 years ago, we did so with the ambition of offering children and young people with autism better opportunities to learn, thrive and achieve. Since then we have grown our education services and wider support - helping thousands of young people with autism from the start of school, right through to college.

“Sadly many children with autism still face a battle to access a good education and the right support at school - which can have hugely damaging consequences on everything from young people’s mental health to career prospects. We’re looking forward to working with the Mayor this year to raise awareness of these issues and secure change.”

John Dewey Specialist College, based in Coburg Road, Wood Green, offers continuing education for young adults from Haringey and surrounding boroughs with severe or profound intellectual disabilities and other complex needs.

Dr Matthew Griffiths, Chair of Governors, said:

“The need for our provision is growing. Currently we have more applications from potential students than we can accommodate, and we hope to be able to expand in the near future to enable more young people to benefit from our unique offer.

“We are delighted to have the Mayor’s support for our work with these very vulnerable and often marginalised young people who need such specialised support and care to enable them to gain skills which others can take for granted.”

Bella the Beagle, from Wolverhampton, whose love of scavenging from the bin has seen her balloon to around 60% overweight, has reached the finals of the UK’s largest pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club.

Porky pooch Bella (7) has been selected to compete against 12 other fat pets from across the UK, including dogs, cats and even a rotund dumbo rat. Together they weigh 201 kg (31st 7lb) – more than the World’s Strongest Man and Game of Thrones’ ‘The Mountain’, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. They need to lose a combined total of 75kg (11st 12lb) to reach their ideal weights.

Bella’s story

Weighing in at a whopping 24kg (3st 11lb), Bella has scoffed her way to tipping the scales at 60% over her ideal weight (15kg/2st 5lb).

When Bella’s owner Nikki Mason (51) adopted her around four years ago she was already slightly overweight, but she’s continued to pile on the pounds.

One of the main issues has been Bella’s scavenging, which has seen her rummaging through the kitchen bin for scraps and once led her to steal an entire beef joint which had been cooked for Sunday dinner.

Nikki, who is a carer for her mother, Janice Morgan (72) said: “Bella just loves food. She’s also a scavenger, I came home the other day to find she had got in the bin and there was food all over the kitchen floor.

“Bella has also stolen food in the past. One Sunday I left a joint of beef on the side wrapped in the foil, but she managed to get her paws on it and knock it on to the floor before wolfing it down! She also has a tendency to bury food for later in the garden.

“Bella used to get too many titbits. She had leftovers from our meals and we got a bit complacent. We also didn’t weigh out her food, but all that’s changed now. We’re determined to help her slim down.”

Nikki said her beloved dog does enjoy exercise but a previous knee ligament injury means she can struggle on longer walks. She wants to help her lose weight to ease the impact on her joints and enjoy a healthier future.

Bella’s six-month Pet Fit Club diet and exercise programme will be specially tailored and overseen by the vets and nurses at Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital, located on Tuxford Close.

Sarah Banning, PDSA Vet Nurse, who will be helping to oversee Bella’s diet, said: “Pet obesity is an epidemic that is seriously impacting the lives of millions of pets across the country. As with humans, carrying excess weight has serious health implications for our four-legged friends. It can increase the chances of them suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart diseases.”

“With the help of PDSA and Pet Fit Club, Bella and Nikki are making the necessary diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to help get Bella down to a healthier weight. We will support them every step of the way over the next six months to ensure they succeed.

“If owners are worried about their pet’s weight they should seek advice from their vet, who can also make sure pets are on the right type of diet, being fed the correct amount and work with them to help increase their pet’s exercise levels.”

PDSA Pet Fit Club

Pet Fit Club is a strict six-month diet and exercise programme. Participating pets are placed on individually tailored regime, designed for their specific needs and overseen by vets and vet nurses at their local PDSA Pet Hospital.

The national competition has been running since 2005 and is the biggest of its kind in the UK. To date it has helped 124 overweight and obese pets (79 dogs, 37 cats and 8 rabbits) lose an incredible 450kg (71 stone) - equivalent to a grand piano or 160,000 doughnuts! Last year’s winner, Alfie the Beagle, from Middlesbrough, successfully shed an astonishing 34% of his bodyweight.

Bella will be competing against 6 dogs, 5 cats and a rat, including Benji the cat from Glasgow who is so overweight that he no longer fits through the cat flap; Mr T the rat from Swansea who at nearly 1kg weighs double his ideal weight, and Borris the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whose monstrous appetite once saw him devour a set of false teeth and who is now a colossal 80% over his ideal body weight.

A series of commemorative benches are being installed across Wolverhampton as the City marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

A total of nine steel benches, depicting poppies and silhouettes of soldiers on the battlefields, are currently being fitted in key locations in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Tettenhall and Wednesfield.

Three benches will sited in Wolverhampton, with two outside St Peter's Collegiate Church – one by the Cenotaph and a second by the war memorial gardens – and a third at the Interchange.

Benches will also be installed either side of the Oxford Street war memorial in Bilston, and at Upper and Lower Green in Tettenhall, while the final two will be sited in Wednesfield, with one at the St Thomas Memorial Gardens and a second on High Street.

On each bench is a plaque which reads: "Placed here on behalf of the people of the City of Wolverhampton to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One and to remember those who served. 1918-2018."

The benches were commissioned by the City of Wolverhampton Council and produced by David Ogilvie Engineering. The benches have a 20-year life span with some replacing existing benches which will be taken away for refurbishment.

Councillor Linda Leach, chair of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Remembrance Committee, said: "It's incredibly important that we as a City remember the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives during the First World War to ensure our peace and freedom.

"We hope the benches will provide a place for people to spend time to reflect, remember and give thanks."

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Philip Page added: "The First World War touched every family in Wolverhampton, and these benches are a poignant reminder of what the country went through during those incredibly dark days a century ago."

Peter Murphy, President of the Bilston branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is pleased to be supporting this important initiative which will provide a long-lasting memorial to those who fought and died in the First World War.”

The installation of the benches is one of dozens of activities taking place in Wolverhampton over the coming months to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

They are being organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council and partner organisations across the City and include events, exhibitions, displays and services of remembrance.

More information about the commemorations will be announced in the coming weeks, with a dedicated website detailing the many activities taking place locally being developed which will enable organisations and individuals to share their events.

Meanwhile, the Royal British Legion is asking organisations, groups and individuals to sponsor and display metal or polymer Silent Solider silhouettes on buildings, in gardens, offices or the home as part of a nationwide thank you campaign.

The City of Wolverhampton Council will be among those displaying a Silent Solider in memory of those who did not return home and those who did and went on to lay the foundations for the society and the freedoms people enjoy today.

BEDTIME stories are experiencing a boom in popularity amongst UK families, thanks to gadgets such as tablets and iPads according to new research.

The survey of 1,009 British parents carried out by gadgets and technology e-tailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk, found that 69% of UK families have used gadgets and technology for bedtime stories with their children.

When quizzed on which gadgets are used at bedtime, tablets and iPads were found to be the most popular devices used for story time – as many as 77% of British parents use these for bedtime reading.

This was followed by e-readers such as Kindles (63%) and smartphones (51%).

According to the research, more than 1 in 10 (11%) of British families will snuggle up to an audio book.

As many as 43% of parents feel technology-based bedtime stories are more interactive for little ones.

38% said they choose to use gadgets for bedtime stories because it is more convenient, while 1 in 4 (25%) said their children are more engaged and interested when using gadgets for bedtime reading.

The data found that 22% of parents said their children request for their bedtime story to be read using a digital device.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk, said: “It’s no surprise that bedtime stories are now going digital with more and more UK families, as there are now numerous devices and apps which can be used to engage with little ones at bedtime and to help illustrate much loved bedtime stories.

“It is important to remember to limit screen time for little ones throughout the day and consider using nighttime functions on devices to limit the amount of blue light children are exposed to before bed. Controlled screen time spent together can be a very powerful tool for interacting with children and can aid their learning.”

Manchester was found to be home to the most tech savvy families with 78% using gadgets at bedtime, followed by Nottingham (75%) and Leeds (74%).

Barnardo’s new family ambassador Rebekah Vardy, of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ fame, will be putting her best foot forward at the public launch of this year’s Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo.

The annual sponsored walk sees thousands of under-fives across the UK raising money in support of the charity’s vital services.

The Dudley event, one of the biggest organised Toddles in the country, 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 is followed by the walk itself at 11am, with medals for all participants.

Rebekah will be joined by her children and Teletubby ‘Po’ on June 12.

Rebekah said: “I’m really looking forward to taking my little ones to the Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo.

“We are really glad to be supporting Barnardo’s and this is a really fun way to raise some money and spend time outside with your family at the same time.”

Barnardo’s regional director Hugh Sherriffe, who will also be attending the launch, said: “We are thrilled that Rebekah and her young family will be taking part in the first of the Big Toddle events at Dudley Zoo.

“It will be a really great day and we are looking forward to seeing lots of families getting outside and having fun while raising money towards our vital services.”

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.

With the ground saturated in many parts of the patch after Sunday’s storm, and with heavy rain falling in some areas, Severn Trent has offered advice to any of its customers who are having problems with flooding.

Teams from Severn Trent are on standby in case of any issues with sewer flooding for any of the eight million people the company serves with thundery storms set to return to the region over the next few days.

And the company has also offered handy tips on who to contact dependent on what type of flooding customers are experiencing.

If anyone has flooding at their home they should check to see if it’s rainwater or sewage that’s coming from an overflowing sewer, possibly through a manhole cover in the garden or outside your home.

If it’s just rainwater, the flooding should subside when it stops raining, although it can take up to four hours for water to drain away, so be patient. Where sewage is escaping this is obviously a priority for us, so please call us on 0800 783 4444 and we’ll get a team out to help as quickly as possible.

If you’re concerned about flooding from drains and gullies in the road, you should call your local council as they are responsible for road drainage, but again, we generally find that the flooding will go away when it stops raining. If the flooding is coming from a river or stream, get in touch with the Environment Agency, as they have responsibility here.

Call volumes into Severn Trent can be high in stormy weather and customers may have to wait longer than usual for a response, so following the advice above or visiting our website www.stwater.co.uk could save you some time.

Severn Trent also offers a webchat service online via the website and you can contact us on Twitter via @stwater. If the flooding is due to rainwater, there is no need to call unless it’s still there some time after the rain has stopped.

Pregnant women and new mums are being invited to share their views on local maternity services.

The NHS in the Black Country is asking people to get involved in shaping local maternity services by attending a ‘Whose Shoes?’ listening workshop in Wolverhampton on Tuesday 17 July.

It aims to understand what women and their families want and need at every stage of their maternity journey.

The workshop, taking place at Grand Station, Sun Street, Wolverhampton, from 10am-2pm, is the latest in a series of events across the region.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse for the Black Country Local Maternity System, said: “These workshops give us a fantastic opportunity to hear the views of women and their families using maternity services.

“It also allows us to work with women and families to ensure the services we offer women during and after their pregnancy are safer and more personalised.

“Working together across the Black Country we want women and families to feel supported and listened to, ensuring the care they need before, during and after pregnancy is tailored to their needs, and is safe and delivered in line with their individual birth plan.”

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “I would urge anyone who has experiences of maternity services in Wolverhampton to share their views by taking part in this workshop, and help ensure that families get the very best experience on their maternity journey.”

Besotted pet owners admit their dog is ‘part of the family’ – with almost 50 per cent of the pooches in West Midlands even having their own spot on the sofa, a study has found.

A poll of 2,000 dog owners nationwide revealed just how much love there is for the family pet with six in 10 admitting they often see them as being like one of the children.

Over 60 per cent of dog owners in West Midlands allow their pooch to sleep on their bed while over 20 per cent in this region have turned down nights with friends because they can’t bear to leave their dog at home alone.

It also emerged having pictures of your pet on display in your home is the biggest sign they are part of the family, along with giving them a nickname, and celebrating their birthday.

Other indicators include having their image as the screen saver on your phone, including them in family Christmas photos and only going to dog-friendly pubs and restaurants so they can go with you.

Incredibly, in the event of a breakup, over 40 per cent of people in the West Midlands would be more devastated by losing custody of their dog than the house they live in.

Over half of doggy-devotees in West Midlands say hello to their dog first after getting home at the end of the day, before their partner.

Gemma Cunningham, Brand Manager at Lintbells, manufacturers of premium natural supplements for dogs cats and horses, which commissioned the research, said: “It doesn’t take long for a furry companion to really feel like one of the family.

“In fact, our research found it takes most owners in the West Midlands just around two weeks of dog ownership before their four-legged friend feels like part of the family.

“And once a pet feels like part of the family, there’s a huge temptation to treat it as often as you can, as a way of showing your love.

“We all want what’s best for our loved ones and the same goes for our pet.”

The study found 40 per cent of those in the West Midlands have planned a holiday specifically with their canine’s enjoyment in mind, while almost 30 per cent have bought their dog a personalised present after returning from a holiday or trip away.

And almost 40 per cent of owners in the West Midlands have even avoided going on holiday entirely because it would have meant them being away from their beloved pet.

Nearly half of all pooches in the country even have their own spot on the sofa, forcing humans to get up and move if they dare settle down on it.

And almost 30 per cent of respondents in West Midlands have had to tell guests not to sit on a particular spot on the sofa – in case the dog fancies a sit down.

Almost 12 per cent of pet owners in the West Midlands even admit to taking their dog to the groomers more often than they go to the hairdressers themselves, while almost 45 per cent of them deem their pet has a healthier diet than them.

Over 50 per cent of owners in the West Midlands even let their dog sit at or beside the dinner table at mealtimes.

Over one in four have even marked their pet’s birthday with a doggie cake or presents. And 14 per cent admit to often spending more of their spare cash on their dog than they do on themselves.

Gemma added: “Dog’s health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and this research truly cements this. With so many pet owners treating their furry friends as a member of the family it is important to us to offer the highest level of care we can to ensure they live a happy and healthy life whatever their age, with our wide range of health supplements.”

Alzheimer’s Society staff, supporters, volunteers and people affected by dementia have united and taken action at Birmingham and Solihull train stations as part of Dementia Action Week.

Staff from the dementia charity were raising awareness about dementia at the stations across the week, 21 May – 27 May. They were challenging members of the public to take action to support people affected by dementia in the West Midlands. The charity held a presence at the stations for the second year running.

Janice Le Tellier, Operations Manager at Alzheimer’s Society in Birmingham and Solihull said: “It’s been a busy week and a fresh opportunity to raise awareness about dementia for the services we provide.”

Staff spoke with passengers and discussed the plight of people living with dementia. They also spoke about the support available for those living with the condition in the UK. The team distributed Dementia Awareness Stickers to those wishing to show support. These stickers proceeded to travel across the country via Britain’s rail network. The staff received a positive reception and around 200 stickers were distributed to passengers.

Liam Cortintias from Worcester stated that his mum had dementia and was cared for in a home. He said: “Keep up the good work”.

The NHS estimates that there are 12,595 people over-65 living with dementia in Birmingham and Solihull. There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and one person develops dementia every three minutes

This year the dementia charity asked people to come together to unite against dementia by taking actions, big or small, to improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia.

voestalpine Metsec plc has appointed a new apprentice, Abbiegail Hill, as part of its commitment to bridging the skills gap and encouraging females to consider engineering and manufacturing roles.

Stephen Giles, environmental, safety and training manager at Metsec, said: “We recognise the importance of diversity in the construction industry and therefore it is important that UK engineering, construction and manufacturing companies seek female talent going forward and ensure the next generation is fully aware of the exciting opportunities available.

“Metsec is taking proactive steps to bring more women into the industry and we regularly attend local schools to initiate interest and discuss the options surrounding our work experience placements.”

Employed within the structural design department, Hill is the second female in recent months to be taken on at an advanced level. The scheme offers a fast-track approach and requires the apprentice to attend college four days a week with the remaining day spent on the job for the first six months of the course.

The student then spends the rest of the course in full-time employment as an apprentice. This approach provides students with the relevant technical knowledge to excel when working on site and to achieve the NVQ Level 3 qualification more quickly in comparison to other schemes.

At the end of an apprentice’s first six months, Metsec then recruits another student while allowing the current apprentice to move into a full-time position and gain hands-on experience.

Metsec’s award-winning training scheme has seen more than 100 engineering apprentices join the company over the last two decades and provides the next generation with a proven route to development.

Metsec apprentices have the opportunity to experience every aspect of the business and have access to the latest technology in the company’s state-of-the-art facility.

Giles continued: “Apprenticeships are a key part of Metsec’s culture as they bring fresh ideas and ensure we’re a strong competitive force in the market, and we welcome Abbiegail to the team. She is now one of three apprentices working towards a career in our structural design department, with each student having their own specialism at the end of their course.

“The advanced apprenticeship scheme that we offer is a great way for students to get hands-on experience and make a direct impact on the company at a rate that suits each learner.

“Looking ahead, we aim to take on at least one apprentice every six months to ensure there is a continual flow of young engineers entering the industry. This will not only futureproof our business but will help bridge the ongoing skills gap.”

Hundreds of pupils from across Wolverhampton are tuning up for a spectacular musical performance in Queen Square next month.

Around 300 children from 12 primary and special schools will be taking part in the annual concert – now in its third year – and performing songs in a wide range of styles and traditions.

The performance marks the culmination of a six-month project organised and delivered by Wolverhampton Music Service and Wolverhampton Music Education Hub. It saw teachers from schools around Wolverhampton take part in regular workshops at the Music Service where they learned songs which they could subsequently teach in their own schools.

The concert takes place on Tuesday 12 June, 2018, from 11.30am-12.30pm. Pupils will be joined by a band from the Music Service and led by Paul Wilcox from the Music Education Hub.

Councillor Lynne Moran, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Music is an important part of a young person's education, and our Music Service provides quality teaching for children and young people across Wolverhampton.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the pupils to show off their talents, and I am sure they will put on a fantastic show which will make their parents and teachers incredibly proud. I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along and cheer them on.”

Wolverhampton Music Service provides tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra. To find out more, please visit www.wmsonline.org.uk.

The Alzheimer's Society roadshow is coming to Wolverhampton this week – giving people the chance to find out more about living with dementia.

The roadshow will be at Sainsbury’s Wednesfield, Rookery Street, tomorrow (Wednesday 30 May) from 10am-4pm, Bilston Market on Thursday (31 May) from 9.30am-3pm, and Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Friday (1 June) from 10am-4pm. For more information, please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/roadshow.

Lee Allen, Service Manager for the Alzheimer's Society in the West Midlands, said: "We'll be here to talk to anyone who has questions about dementia, and whatever your relationship to dementia, there are lots of ways the roadshow can help.

“For example, if you are worried about your memory or that of a loved one and want expert advice, if you or a loved one have been newly diagnosed and you’re looking for more information and support, or if you have a general interest in dementia and want to learn more about how you can help or how to reduce your risk.

“We can also put you in contact with service providers and give you information booklets to take away.”

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Wolverhampton is a Dementia Friendly Community and so we are very pleased to be hosting this roadshow.

“This is an important opportunity for people living with dementia, and their families and carers, to speak to experts from the Alzheimer's Society about this debilitating condition, and to find out more about the help and support available to them here in Wolverhampton."

For more information about dementia services in Wolverhampton, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/dementia; for help and advice, please call the Alzheimer's Society's National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122.

Next month, popular poet Mandy Ross will lead a morning of poetry and song, entertaining people living with dementia with gentle humour and activities.

The event, at East Park Library on Monday 11 June from 10am-noon, is organised by Poetry on Loan, Wolverhampton's library service and the Carer Support Team, and people will also be able to find out more about the Memory Matters service. For more details and to book a place, please contact Melinder Kaur at the Carer Support Team on 01902 553429 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..