Here are several practical suggestions for you and your business to go even further in curbing the spread of coronavirus in Sandwell – including training to become a Sandwell Vaccination Leader, signing up for workplace testing, and taking part in a new research programme.

Businesses across Sandwell are using free Covid-19 workplace testing to keep staff safe – and any businesses that have yet to register for the programme are urged to do so before 31 March.

The fourth annual Black Country Business Festival will be back this October, bringing two weeks of events that celebrate, support and raise awareness of business in our region.

Sandwell Council has approved plans for a new 65,000 sq ft retail park development in Oldbury that will create jobs and attract investment into the town.

Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK can now apply for up to £2,000 of government grants to help ease the Brexit transition.

This #MadeInSandwell Monday our spotlight falls on Oldbury-based bespoke furniture maker Grain and Frame Ltd. We found out how a shared belief in the value of good design, high quality raw materials and skilled craftmanship led to a successful partnership.

Our latest ‘Sandwell’s Top 50 fastest growing companies’ report is different from previous years’ editions. Recognising that 2020 was not a normal year, we’ve used the report to celebrate not only business success in Sandwell, but the heroic efforts made by Sandwell businesses to pivot their offering, support frontline efforts, and sustain or even create jobs during such a difficult time. Read it and be inspired!

The West Midlands Combined Authority has approved a budget of more than £900m to support the region’s post-Covid 19 economic recovery and to help protect the environment. The budget includes funding for infrastructure, regeneration and job training schemes.

Extensive surveillance of Covid-19 has identified a case on the border of Oldbury and Tipton of the variant first discovered in South Africa.