Beverly Rademacher

Unemployment benefit claims across the Black Country fell for the fifth consecutive month to 46,720 in July, producing an average claimant rate of 6.0% across Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley. The Black Country Chamber of Commerce, led by Sarah Moorhouse, cautions that the decline does not indicate a healthy jobs market because rising costs and weak confidence are prompting small and medium-sized firms to reduce recruitment. Nationally, UK unemployment remained at 4.9%, while job vacancies reached their lowest level in more than five years and West Midlands unemployment stood at 5.6%.

Hortons has fully let the six newly developed double-height starter units at Wellington Industrial Estate in Coseley following the redevelopment of the former Wellington House. WRK Productions, RBC Contractors, Bespoke Wigs by Justine, Data Innovations, Dreiston and Chase Equipment each signed leases for units ranging from 675 to 950 square feet. Hortons said the lettings demonstrate strong local demand for affordable industrial accommodation. Two larger units, measuring 16,484 and 19,758 square feet, remain available at £6.50 per square foot, subject to terms.

Mother and daughter Julie and Alysia Totney, who work for S&R Construction, have completed Level 3 Diplomas in Network Construction Operations for the water sector. The qualifications enable them to design and project-manage complex water systems, supporting S&R’s expansion plans. Julie has been promoted to multi-utilities projects director, while Alysia has also completed a foundation diploma in low-voltage electrics. The company employs almost 400 people, emphasizes staff development and family involvement, and has expanded from multi-utility work into groundworks, traffic management and housing development.

Dope Signs has relocated from Penkridge to a 3,000-square-foot unit at Dunston Dairy Farm near Stafford and Junction 13 of the M6. The larger premises will support its signage, graphic production and vehicle-wrapping operations, while the company says the move has tripled its available space and manufacturing has already begun. Towler Shaw Roberts handled the letting and highlighted continued demand for the modern storage units because of their motorway access.

Olivia Mackay of Penn left school at 16 with no GCSE qualifications but later achieved a Level 2 automotive technician qualification and Maths and English grades at Wolverhampton College. After being made redundant, she received tailored support from Wolves at Work through the youth trailblazer scheme, including help securing an apprenticeship and a temporary free bus pass. She now works at CC Autocentres as a customer service apprentice while gaining experience toward her goal of becoming an automotive technician. The programme, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities, has helped 1,500 young people aged 18 to 21 enter employment, education or training.

A Dudley Council Crowdfunder supporting residents affected by the Stourbridge wildfire exceeded its £50,000 target within days, attracting more than 1,500 donations. The fire destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others across around 500 acres in Norton and Pedmore. Funds will support families who lost homes and possessions with recovery and rebuilding, while Old Swinford Hospital has provided assistance and collected supplies. A separate fundraiser by The Fine Collective CIC has raised more than £12,000.

Base Studios in Stourbridge is marking its 20th anniversary after growing from a single rehearsal room founded by Warren Evans and Paul Swancott in 2006 into a seven-room music facility with recording, photography, podcast, teaching and dance spaces. The venue, now managed by Liam White, has hosted acts including The Wonder Stuff, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, EMF, Diamond Head and Rick Wakeman, while supporting touring musicians, emerging talent and community music projects. Musicians Jonn Penney and Nick J Townsend praised the studio’s importance to the regional music scene, and the business is celebrating by sharing archive images and videos online.

A Lloyds Business Barometer survey found that 67% of West Midlands businesses already using AI say it has created new jobs, while 61% of all regional firms plan to invest in AI to upskill workers. Although 61% believe their workforce has the necessary skills, 29% say it does not, with cost, security and skills access identified as major barriers. More than half of firms view failure to adopt AI within three years as a competitive disadvantage. Lloyds executives said businesses must combine technology investment with skills, culture and organisational adaptation; Lloyds itself plans more than 1,000 AI-related roles in 2026 and has expanded internal AI training.

Residents used hosepipes, buckets and other improvised equipment to contain fires at Withymoor playing fields and Corbett Meadow in Amblecote on August 13, while West Midlands Fire Service dealt with a catastrophic wildfire in nearby Norton that damaged 38 homes and destroyed 19. Local councillor and former Dudley mayor Pete Lee praised the community response and said he would urge Dudley Council to cut dried grass and overgrown bushes. The Corbett Meadow Action Group thanked residents for protecting the meadow and reported no damage to livestock or the farmer’s area.

5 Star Windows and Conservatories recorded more than £2 million in orders over four weeks, its strongest month in 24 years, despite a wider downturn in bricks-and-mortar retail. The company reports rising demand for windows, doors and living spaces, expects turnover to reach £24 million in 2026, and says business across its three core areas is up 10–15%. Managing director Richard Manser attributes the performance to investment in products, showrooms, technology and employees. The company has increased its workforce, expanded its vehicle fleet, invested £110,000 in a Kidderminster training centre and is considering a new showroom in south Birmingham before the end of the year.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Norton in Stourbridge after a blaze destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others. He thanked firefighters, police and ambulance crews, praised the community response, and committed emergency funding while urging insurers to avoid delays for displaced families. Burnham also linked the disaster to climate change and called for greater wildfire resilience, including stronger support for firefighters and potentially aircraft. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker emphasized the need to support residents who lost their homes. Former local resident Jo Chambers welcomed the visit but argued that the government must improve water resilience and consider broader infrastructure measures, not only electrify buses.

Jaguar Land Rover reported quarterly profit after tax of £66 million, down 73% from £248 million a year earlier, while revenue fell 9.6% to £6 billion. The decline was attributed to supply constraints, a fire at a major component supplier, Middle East-related market disruption and the planned phaseout of outgoing Jaguar models. JLR said demand for its brands remains strong and plans to continue an £18 billion five-year investment programme ahead of launches including the Range Rover Electric and Jaguar Type 01. The results follow plans to cut fewer than 300 jobs as part of a transformation programme and the company’s recovery from a major cyberattack.

CCL Facades has been appointed by Caddick Construction to design, supply and install the doors, curtain walling and windows for Wolverhampton’s Bicycle Works development. The scheme will deliver 331 apartments across three six-storey buildings and forms the first phase of the £83 million Smithgate regeneration project, which could ultimately create up to 1,000 homes and new city-centre amenities. Work by CCL Facades is scheduled to begin in October, with the companies emphasizing sustainable facade solutions, technical expertise and integrated delivery.

The first four purpose-built stalls replacing Wednesfield Market’s outdated units have been installed, with traders due to begin using them on 18 August 2026. Funded mainly through the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, the new stalls include individual lighting and internal power. Further stalls will follow as part of a wider Wolverhampton Council regeneration scheme involving improved paving, lighting, greenery, seating, crossings, pedestrian links, signage and an events space. Traders and local representatives say the improvements should attract visitors, support businesses and strengthen the local economy.

Wolverhampton-based JL Drinks Ltd, which traded as Virtus Brands, has entered voluntary liquidation following resolutions passed on July 29, with Laura Anne Walshe of Keywood Group Limited appointed liquidator. The company’s liquidation has not resulted in job losses or affected the Jatt Life vodka brand, which now operates through sister company Jatt Life Global. Founded by Baz and Sunny Kooner in 2020, Jatt Life is expanding beyond the UK, with vodka, whisky and gin products sold or planned for markets including Australia, Canada, the United States, India and Italy.

Birmingham City Council is offering six shop units in Harborne at Bond Wolfe’s September 10 auction, with guide prices ranging from £100,000-plus to £180,000. Five properties are occupied by existing tenants and generate rental income, while one unit is vacant after previously being leased to Alan James Upholstery. The properties are located near Harborne High Street and are being marketed as benefiting from strong footfall. The auction will be livestreamed, with proxy, telephone and online bidding available; final sale prices may differ from the guide prices because each lot is subject to a reserve.

Hundreds of motorcyclists took part in the annual Ride for Justice in Stourbridge to mark the ninth anniversary of Ryan Passey’s death and support his family’s campaign. The event followed confirmation from West Midlands Police that new evidence had been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service after a reinvestigation. Passey’s family remains frustrated by the Director of Public Prosecutions’ refusal to permit a retrial of Kobe Murray, who admitted stabbing Passey but was acquitted of murder and manslaughter. The family is pursuing a costly High Court judicial review, arguing that the DPP’s decision was unlawful and that potential new evidence deserves proper consideration.

Birmingham City Council is putting the former Halescroft Youth Offending Centre in Northfield up for auction through Bond Wolfe after Birmingham Youth Justice Service relocated in February 2024. The freehold site, comprising a single-storey centre, a two-storey building and a garage, has a guide price of £250,000 or more and could be repurposed subject to planning permission. The auction will be livestreamed on September 10, with remote bidding available.

Curves Boudoir Limited has leased the 2,061-square-foot property at 8 Lichfield Road in Stafford and is converting it into a photography studio. The premises include offices, reception space, storage, kitchen and parking, and will operate alongside the company’s established studio in Altrincham. Towler Shaw Roberts handled the letting after the property attracted strong interest.

Dudley Council is preparing to launch a £100,000 grant scheme for eligible town-centre businesses, with priority for those near the forthcoming Metro line and Dudley Interchange. The funding is intended to help firms improve their offer, build resilience and benefit from increased connectivity and visitor numbers. The council will also appoint a town centre development manager to work with businesses and encourage collaboration. Eligibility and application details will be released when the scheme formally launches.

NatWest has increased its commitment to Knights’ revolving credit facility from £27 million to £42 million, contributing to a £159 million package secured until July 2029. The expanded financing will support Knights’ acquisitions, entry into new regional markets and investment in technology and secure artificial intelligence tools. Knights, headquartered in Staffordshire, reported a 28% increase in annual revenue to £207.7 million and a 19% rise in underlying pre-tax profit to £33.2 million, following acquisitions including IBB Law, Birkett Long, and Rix and Kay.

Birmingham-based technology provider Intercity has become an official partner of Bristol Bears ahead of the 2026/27 season, marking its first move into the South West. The one-year agreement covers managed IT, cloud, cybersecurity and communications support for the men’s and women’s teams, while Intercity will also become the lower-back-of-shirt partner for Bristol Bears Women. The deal is intended to raise Intercity’s profile, support the club’s technological development and reflect shared commitments to talent development, women’s opportunities and community initiatives.

Heavenly Baking at The Cone, which opened at Dudley's Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley in October 2025, has developed a loyal customer base and helped increase visitor numbers by more than 1,600 in the first three months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Owner Zoe Konopka runs the café seven days a week, serving coffee, meals, cakes and a popular Manchester tart, while also offering events and dog-friendly facilities. The business plans to launch a Glass Makers Lunch and has partnered with a local college to provide training and employment opportunities for students with additional needs. Dudley Council says the café is helping attract new audiences and strengthen the site's role as a heritage, cultural and visitor destination.

Veggie Fellas, a vegetarian pizzeria on Caldmore Road in Walsall, was ordered to close immediately after environmental health officers found extensive mouse activity, including droppings on food-preparation equipment and a live mouse. Walsall Council obtained a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Dudley Magistrates’ Court, which confirmed the closure and ordered the business to pay £475 in costs. The restaurant is working with the council to address the problems and must meet food-safety standards before reopening.

Business confidence in the West Midlands rose 19 points in July to 57%, exceeding the UK average of 49%, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer. Firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook reached 65%, while optimism about the wider economy climbed to 49%. A net 58% of businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, with companies prioritising new products and services, employee training and expansion into new markets. National confidence also improved, supported by lower global energy prices, unchanged interest rates and an interim Middle East peace agreement, although businesses’ own trading outlook remained broadly stable.

Aldi is seeking sites for new stores in Bloxwich, west Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Coventry as part of its UK expansion. The supermarket plans to invest more than £370 million in new stores this year, with a long-term target of 1,500 locations, potentially creating additional jobs in the West Midlands. Landowners and agents are being invited to propose prominent freehold or leasehold sites.

University College Birmingham has acquired the former Cube Hotel and Marco Pierre White restaurant in Birmingham as part of a £15 million hospitality investment programme. The rooftop site will be redeveloped into a 52-bedroom hotel and restaurant, while additional venues are planned in Harborne and at the Summer Row campus. The programme is expected to create more than 150 jobs and provide students with hands-on experience in hotel, restaurant, culinary and events operations. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the investment as a boost for youth employment, apprenticeships and the city's hospitality economy.

Tesco has opened a new Express store on Newhall Street near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, creating six jobs and bringing the store’s staffing total to 12. The site offers food-to-go options, an in-store bakery and a Costa Coffee machine. It will also support local schools and community projects through Tesco’s grant and token-voting schemes, while donating surplus food to charities and community groups through Community Food Connection.

Wolverhampton’s £61 million City Learning Quarter has been completed with the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Central Library and the Adult Education facility. The work included heritage restoration, upgraded interiors, accessible digital services, flexible classrooms, a teaching kitchen and a glazed link between the buildings. The project, intended to improve learning, apprenticeship and employment opportunities, was funded by the council, £49 million in government investment and additional contributions from the college and council. Further public-realm works are planned to connect the facilities with future development at St George’s.

The Severn Valley Railway has opened Coffee Express, a weekday grab-and-go refreshment outlet at Kidderminster Town station. The outlet serves hot and cold drinks, coffee, tea, snacks and pastries during morning and afternoon commuter periods, targeting passengers, students, residents and railway visitors. Mayor of Kidderminster Councillor Shazu Miah officially opened the facility, which the railway says will strengthen the station’s role as a gateway to the heritage railway and town while generating support through customer purchases.

Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd in Bloxwich, Walsall, was ordered to close immediately after environmental health officers found widespread mouse activity, including droppings and gnawed tissue paper on food-preparation equipment. Dudley Magistrates’ Court later confirmed the closure was justified and ordered the business to pay £475 in council costs. The takeaway reopened on July 8 after remedial work removed the immediate health risk and officers were satisfied with its cooperation.

Faruk Chowdhury, sole director of Learn & Earn Ltd, fraudulently obtained a £35,000 Bounce Back Loan and a £2,500 top-up by claiming the company had £150,000 in turnover and would use the funds for legitimate business purposes. Banking records showed no genuine trading activity, while most of the money was transferred to his personal account to settle debts. He received a 22-month prison sentence suspended for two years, 250 hours of unpaid work, and had previously been disqualified from acting as a director for nine years. The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The Old Wharf Inn in Stourbridge has been named Gastropub of the Year 2026 by the Stourbridge and Halesowen branch of CAMRA. The award recognises its food, Sunday roasts and commitment to well-maintained cask ales, including meticulous cellar management and a rotating seasonal beer selection. The pub, which opened in 2019, has also received national recognition from the Good Food Guide and recently won the West Midlands county title at the National Pub and Bar Awards.

Edward’s Trust, a Birmingham-based charity supporting bereaved parents, children and young people across the West Midlands, has launched its ‘Without Us’ emergency appeal to raise £200,000 within six months and avoid closure. The charity cites rising costs, changes in charitable giving and difficulties rebuilding its fundraising team as causes of the funding gap. It is seeking corporate sponsors, donations and community fundraising support, while its impact report indicates that most adult and child clients experience improved wellbeing and greater ability to cope with grief through its services.

Roadworks at Oldswinford Cross in Stourbridge are expected to last up to six weeks during the school holidays, causing traffic queues, reduced parking and declining footfall for local businesses. MP Cat Eccles has urged residents to continue supporting independent traders and asked Dudley Council to improve signage, restore parking where possible, provide clearer timescales and shorten the works. The council acknowledged the short-term disruption and said the junction improvements, including widened pedestrian refuges and revised signal timings, should improve pedestrian access and traffic flow once completed by the end of August.

Unity Brew Community Cafe in Tipton has marked its first anniversary after being opened by Wolverhampton Wanderers and England football legend Steve Bull. The not-for-profit cafe, developed by Groundwork West Midlands, has become a regular meeting place offering breakfast, lunch and a pay-it-forward scheme, while reportedly improving customers’ social, mental and physical wellbeing. The venture has created around six jobs and contributed to further business activity in Unity Walk.

Former Pop Will Eat Itself members Graham Crabb and Adam Mole mark the band's 40th anniversary with the PWEI.40 project, releasing newly reimagined versions of classic tracks including Ruff Justice and 1000 x No. A new music video featuring Stourbridge artist Cal was filmed in local locations and will debut soon. Additional releases, a mini tour beginning in November, and a forthcoming album are planned. Collaborations with The Designers Republic, Stephen Mallinder, and Clams Baker underscore renewed creative partnerships, while former members’ later career successes are highlighted.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Moorhouse will step down in the autumn to pursue a new opportunity in the United States after four years leading regional business initiatives. Her tenure included the Bostin’ Black Country Business campaign, a £100m strategic partnership with Heathrow Airport, and efforts that brought more than £2 billion in opportunities to local areas. She recently received the Business Person of the Year award. Regional leaders praised her impact, and a formal search for her successor will begin soon.

A new Chamber of Commerce initiative, Constructing the Black Country, will launch in the autumn to support growth in the region’s construction sector through networking and knowledge events. The project highlights strong investment across the West Midlands, including major frameworks and workforce training packages. The first event, focused on green innovation and supply chains, will be held on September 22 in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and aims to build on ongoing development momentum in Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country.

Commercial agents at Harris Lamb sold units 13 and 14 at Oldington Trading Estate in Kidderminster to global freight company RIV Worldwide Ltd for £1,175,000. The 14,548 sq ft warehouse, offering modern features and strong motorway access, generated significant interest. RIV Worldwide purchased the site to support its expanding UK network, and the company has now taken occupation.

Sydney Mitchell LLP has retained the Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation, reaffirming adherence to high standards in legal practice, client care and business management. Senior partner Karen Moores highlighted the achievement as recognition of the firm’s strong culture and commitment to excellence. The firm also continues to hold the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation, supported by effective leadership and independent assessments that reassure clients of quality and compliance.

A Birmingham-based fintech company, Saible, secured £2.9 million in angel funding to scale its platform designed to prevent payment delays in the construction industry. The system uses a trust-based model that releases project funds simultaneously to suppliers across all tiers, aiming to eliminate systemic late payments. Saible is collaborating with the Environment Agency and BAM Nuttall on public-sector pilot projects and plans to use the investment to expand operations, strengthen regulatory work and onboard more project funders. A Crowdcube allocation has also been opened to allow smaller industry participants to invest.

Ted Baker is expanding its rebuilt retail presence with a new boutique inside Selfridges Birmingham, less than two years after the brand’s UK stores shut following its parent company’s administration. The opening follows the successful launch of a Selfridges concession in Manchester and forms part of a broader growth strategy focused on immersive, Townhouse‑inspired retail spaces. The brand, founded by Ray Kelvin, continues to re‑establish itself across major retail destinations, while Selfridges will also host a new Disney Store concession later in July.

Four bespoke three‑bedroom homes have been created from the remains of the historic Suttons Holloware factory in Stourbridge, completing the 256‑home Titan Wharf development. The front of the 1922 structure was reconstructed using salvaged materials following council approval to retain and repair part of the building. Taylor Wimpey expects the homes, priced between £375,000 and £425,000, to be ready for occupation in the autumn. Each property reflects elements of Stourbridge’s industrial and artistic heritage, and the development has garnered strong buyer interest since its 2022 launch.

Asper Property Group sold the multi-let Quantum Works trading estate in Stourbridge for £1.5 million after investing in refurbishment and asset management since acquiring it for £1.015 million in 2023. Rental income increased from about £100,000 to more than £170,000 before the sale. A private investor purchased the site, which hosts several local businesses. Hexagon Commercial Property acted as sole agent, and multiple law firms represented both parties.

Summer heatwaves are driving strong growth at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate in South Staffordshire, where 40,000 vines are expected to produce a high‑quality crop of around 90,000 bottles. Deep‑rooted vines, extensive manual work and recent investment in advanced pressing machinery position the estate for one of its best harvests, with picking anticipated earlier than ever due to rising temperatures. The family‑run vineyard continues to rely on long‑standing community volunteers as harvest season approaches.

Film crews and actors in Victorian dress were seen in Stourbridge as production continued on The Cadburys, a U&Original period drama based on Deborah Cadbury’s Chocolate Wars. The series follows Richard and George Cadbury’s efforts to grow their family cocoa business in 1860s Birmingham. Filming has taken place at Wordsley Manor, the Quaker Meeting House, and other local sites, with a cast led by Harry Gilby and Toby Regbo and production by Fable Pictures and Alfresco Pictures. The show is scheduled to premiere on streaming service U in 2027.

Birmingham Tech Week will return from October 19 to 23 with its largest international participation to date, building on increased global interest following the inaugural Beijing–Birmingham Tech Week. Guided by the West Midlands Tech Review, the 2026 programme will focus on accelerating technology adoption and developing future talent within the region’s expanding digital economy. More than 35 events will take place across several Birmingham venues, including major sessions such as the AI Symposium and Scale Up Summit. Speakers will include West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, industry leaders and researchers. TechWM CEO Andy Hague emphasises the region’s potential to lead UK technology growth through coordinated collaboration among businesses, academia, investors and government.

The Belfry Hotel and Resort was named Independent Hotel of the Year at The Cateys 2026, recognized for strong financial performance, significant investment, and a people‑centric culture. Judges highlighted its leadership, recent £85 million expansion, and enhancements including new rooms, event spaces, and leisure facilities. The resort was commended for commitment to staff development, sustainability achievements, and its ability to deliver high‑quality experiences across hospitality, leisure, and business services.

A new Taco Bell restaurant opened at Merry Hill, drawing strong customer turnout and promotional giveaways, including exclusive T‑shirts and free cinnamon twists. The franchise, operated by Campana Ltd, expands Taco Bell’s growing UK presence, now exceeding 150 locations. Menu favourites and limited‑time items were featured, with local influencer Joshua Wyer praising the Baja Blast. Leadership from Taco Bell UK & Europe expressed enthusiasm for connecting with the local community.

A Stourbridge businesswoman opened the new Top Hat Cafe in Oldswinford after a psychic medium conveyed a message she believed came from her late father encouraging her to pursue her dream. Sharon Jeavons secured the premises soon after the reading, renovated the former shop, and launched the cafe with support from family and friends. The cafe offers homemade food, drinks, cakes and event bookings, and has received strong early feedback.

Taco Bell is opening a new restaurant at Merry Hill, offering fan‑favourite menu items, new limited‑time products and promotional giveaways for early customers. The franchise, operated by Campana Ltd, reflects the chain’s continued expansion across the UK and Europe. The location will feature digital enhancements and loyalty rewards, while local fans have expressed strong enthusiasm for the launch.

Pace Group has expanded its presence in Yorkshire and Scotland by acquiring Bradford Lifts and Atlas Lifts & Services, adding 25 staff and increasing its maintained lift portfolio to around 10,000 units. Backed by LDC since 2024, the company has completed 17 acquisitions and grown revenue by 65 percent. Leadership highlighted the strategic value of the latest deals, while LDC noted strong market conditions driven by aging infrastructure and tighter regulations. Advisers for both transactions included legal and corporate finance firms.

A £25 million dairy processing hub in West Bromwich is nearing completion, with an Indian delegation visiting to approve the installation of specialist equipment supplied by IDMC following the UK–India Free Trade Agreement. The Freshways facility will process up to 500 million litres of milk annually, employ more than 200 people, and support a national distribution network. Company leaders from both the UK and India highlighted the scale of the project and potential for further bilateral trade partnerships as Freshways continues expanding its operations across the country.

Rockefellas TV, a Los Angeles–based music and entertainment network, will open its first European studio in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The launch will introduce the new programme Brad’s Basement, hosted by Birmingham-born musician Brad Henshaw, with Jim Simpson as the inaugural guest. Founder Alex Garcia highlights Birmingham’s global musical legacy as central to the network’s expansion, aiming to grow original programming for audiences in the US, UK and beyond.

Fifty‑two Post Office branches located inside Morrisons stores, including sites in Bewdley and Walsall, are set to close after the retailer decided to shut a number of its outlets by October. The Post Office is seeking new retail partners to maintain services in affected communities and has already received significant interest, with vacancies advertised online. A full list of impacted locations across the UK has been released while Morrisons awaits further comment.

Bodycare is set to return to the high street with a new store in Merry Hill featuring a free content‑creator studio equipped for filming social media videos. The relaunch follows the chain’s 2025 administration and subsequent acquisition by an investor group led by Charles Denton. New stores will adopt an experiential format with demonstration zones, broadcast studios and creator spaces as part of a digital‑first strategy. Initial openings include Sheffield and several other UK locations, with long‑term plans for up to 200 stores nationwide.

Workers at the Glen Dimplex factory in Dudley staged a third walkout over a sharp increase in production targets and concerns about health risks from insufficient breaks. The GMB Union criticised the company’s refusal to adjust working conditions, while Labour MP Sonia Kumar backed the workers and urged a resolution that protects jobs and rights. Further strike action is planned as union representatives prepare to meet with ACAS to seek a settlement.

McArthurGlen West Midlands has opened its Summer Food Festival in partnership with Digbeth Dining Club, featuring weekly rotating street food vendors through late August. The centre also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with Mill Green Nature Reserve, showcasing the reserve’s wildlife through photographic displays and affirming commitments to community and environmental partnerships with local councils.

A Wolverhampton tech founder, Martin ‘Howie’ Atkin, launched Howie AI Ltd to develop Footsteps2Freedom, an AI‑driven companion app and case‑management platform designed to support addiction recovery and help service providers assess risk and demonstrate impact. Inspired by his own recovery journey and skills gained through iMeta Training’s AI course, he aims to offer real‑time support, multilingual tools and an AI counsellor for individuals in recovery. The company plans pilot programs in Wolverhampton and Portsmouth and is seeking an academic partner to evaluate the system’s effectiveness.

Marston’s kept around 450 pubs open until 5am for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, serving over 120,000 drinks as fans gathered nationwide. Operations director Jared Sedgwick described a vibrant atmosphere, noting strong turnout at Grandstand venues and several particularly busy pubs. National footfall rose sharply, with significant increases across regional cities and towns as supporters chose local venues during the late-night match.

Boots plans to open a new store at St John’s Retail Park while maintaining its flagship location at the Mander Centre, reaffirming its long-term commitment to Wolverhampton city centre. The company has recently invested in its Dudley Street store, easing concerns about a potential relocation. The new 9,000 sq ft retail park unit is expected to open later this year, joining other major tenants. Local council leaders have expressed interest in ensuring Boots retains a city centre presence, though the exact remaining lease term has not been disclosed.

A £2.5 million casting plant has opened at RunFlat International in Cradley Heath, creating 15 new jobs and nearly doubling the company's casting capacity as defence spending increases. West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes formally opened the facility, praising the investment and the firm’s role in the defence technology sector. The company, part of the Westley Group, has reached a £30 million turnover for the first time and expects continued growth as global governments increase defence budgets.

A major refurbishment has transformed the former Redwings Lodge into the rebranded Garner Hotel Wolverhampton under the IHG portfolio. General manager Sinead Coyne highlights full renovations to rooms, bathrooms, public areas and the addition of air conditioning. The refreshed hotel aims to support Wolverhampton’s visitor economy and is positioned to attract business travellers, football fans and tourists due to its central location near key city landmarks. Positive guest feedback reflects the scale of the changes and the brand’s ambitions for growth.

Environmental health officers found rat droppings, gnawed food and poor hygiene practices at Fighting Cocks Supermarket in Wolverhampton, leading to immediate closure and subsequent prosecution. The business pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of food safety regulations and received more than £8,000 in fines and costs. Wolverhampton Council emphasised the risks to public health and its commitment to strict enforcement of food hygiene standards.

The Tipton & Coseley Building Society marked its 125th anniversary by opening a new branch in its hometown and modernising its headquarters to support a hybrid workforce. CEO Adam Evetts highlighted the organisation’s long‑term commitment to maintaining in‑person banking while expanding digital services, contrasting with wider industry branch closures. The society reported strong growth in savings balances and continued its charitable work, donating funds, equipment and volunteer hours to local organisations including White House Cancer Support and the Midland Langar Seva Society.

mfg Solicitors has expanded its contentious probate department with the appointment of solicitor Samantha Evans to its Kidderminster office. Evans, previously with Bradley Haynes Law, will handle disputed estates, inheritance claims and will challenges, working alongside department head Andrew Chandler. The firm emphasises growing demand for specialist advice in complex probate matters and highlights its strong regional and national standing, including consistent recognition in the Legal 500 rankings.

A new Co‑op Travel branch has opened inside the Kidderminster Morrisons, offering a range of holiday options supported by in‑store consultants. The location features digital displays and will hold a formal launch event on July 30 with local promotions. Executives emphasize the value of face‑to‑face travel advice, and each booking supports the charity Go Beyond through a small donation.

Lord Combustion has been appointed the official heating and hot water supplier for Wolverhampton Racecourse, expanding its regional portfolio that already includes Edgbaston Stadium and the Black Country Living Museum. The company will oversee system maintenance and support the venue’s energy‑efficiency and sustainability efforts. Director Stuart Smith highlighted the importance of the partnership for the Black Country‑based business as the racecourse manages year‑round events and high visitor numbers.

A newly renovated narrowboat named The Duchess will launch as a luxury floating restaurant and wine bar on the Trent and Mersey Canal, offering exclusive dining experiences for up to 12 guests. Created by hospitality professional and baker Lorraine Thomas, the venture aims to provide intimate, experience‑led events including brunches, afternoon teas and private hire occasions. The launch reflects increasing demand for unique, shared social experiences, with cruises opening for bookings from July 4.

South Staffordshire Plc named Eddie Lundon managing director of its specialist contracting business OnSite, highlighting his extensive infrastructure and commercial leadership experience. The company emphasized the appointment as part of its strategy to strengthen leadership and support long-term sustainable growth. Group CEO Charley Maher praised Lundon’s track record in complex, safety‑critical environments, while Lundon noted strong foundations at OnSite and expressed commitment to enhancing performance and customer relationships.