The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has confirmed a multi-million-pound investment package to kickstart the development of nearly 400 homes and new commercial premises at three derelict sites, supporting hundreds of jobs.

The brownfield regeneration schemes in Coventry, Nuneaton and Wolverhampton are the latest from the WMCA’s nationally acclaimed devolved housing and regeneration programme which, in partnership with industry, is providing new homes, jobs and commercial spaces while supporting the region’s economic recovery from the Covid pandemic.

Dale Edwards, a Green Energy Strategic Consultant with national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, comments on the UK Government’s eagerly awaited launch of its hydrogen plan.

Following on from the Government’s 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, significant prominence has been placed in the role that hydrogen could play in driving the growth of low carbon economy. In the Energy White Paper, a stated objective of producing 5GW capacity by 2030 was announced, along with Government analysis suggesting that 20-35% of the UK’s energy consumption by 2050 could be hydrogen-based, raising expectations.

Four “superheroes” are about to embark on a unique fundraising challenge to raise vital funds for the Live and Work Village, a building project in Sandwell, West Midlands that will create new homes and employment opportunities for local young homeless people.

Tom Johnson, Karen Allen, Lee Ward-Poulton and Janice Perkins from international law firm Pinsent Masons (aka the “Legal Eagles”) in Birmingham will be taking to the skies on September 9 for a truly hair-raising Wing Walk to raise money for the LandAid Midlands-backed Live and Work Village that is currently in development by youth homeless charity St Basils.

Interior designer Jane Clare has announced the launch of her new range of animal art sculptures.

Clare created the new range in response to a simple request by an interior design client, close to where she lives, to create a sculpture to adorn her living room wall. Currently the range encompasses 12 pieces of tailored art such as:

Make UK is backing a new initiative by support platform Next Gen Makers to help manufacturing and engineering employers retain apprenticeship talent and maximise their investment in young people.

As official training provider partner, Make UK will help to promote and develop the Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme - an initiative designed to support firms to overcome skills challenges and build talent for future success.

Network Rail is advising passengers planning rail travel over the upcoming bank holiday weekend to ‘look before they book’ ahead of major railway upgrades taking place between 28-30 August.

The work will improve future rail journeys for passengers and freight on the West Coast main line in Cheshire, and some routes in the West Midlands and North West. While much of the network in Network Rail's North West and Central region will be unaffected, some journeys will be impacted by the essential improvements.