Sandwell residents are being encouraged to get involved in a new festival showcasing the best of the borough in the run up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Shine a Light Festival will take place over six weekends – one in each of Sandwell’s six towns – from April to August 2022.

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group is offering independent businesses in Sandwell free mental health first aid training for adults.

Sandwell’s approach to employment is showing positive results. The latest Labour Force Survey has revealed a substantial rise in employment rates for 16-64 year olds across the borough in 2021.

iSE Social Enterprise Drive is back for 2022. This year it is focused on celebrating innovation and resilience in the West Midlands. If you’ve got an idea you’d like considered for the programme the deadline for submission is Monday 28 February.

Want to know more about electric cars and understand the implications for your Sandwell business? Energy Saving Trust is holding an ultra-low emission vehicle information event to help SMEs understand how they can go electric.

East Midlands Academic Health Science Network has launched an Innovation Academy to help develop new ideas in the health sector.

West Midlands 5G is appealing to business leaders across the region to share their views on the rollout of high speed wireless technology.

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s five years this week since we published our very first #MadeInSandwell story and today we’re celebrating all the amazing and diverse organisations and people that make our borough great. If you’d like your business to be featured, read on …

Turnover is up for Oldbury-based workwear and PPE provider Direct Corporate Clothing for the year ending 31 March 2021. Pre-tax profits also climbed.