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Businesses across the Black Country and wider region are invited to enter the Express & Star Business Awards 2026, which are now open for submissions.

Now in their 15th year, the awards celebrate outstanding companies and entrepreneurs that are driving economic growth, innovation and community impact across the region.

Celebrating business success

The awards recognise excellence across a wide range of sectors and business sizes, highlighting those making a significant contribution to the regional economy. The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony on Thursday 4 June 2026 at The Halls Wolverhampton, where businesses, sponsors and civic leaders will have the opportunity to celebrate and network.

Award categories

There are 13 award categories open for entry, covering a broad range of sectors and achievements:

• Apprentice of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Business Person of the Year
• Business in the Community
• Employee Wellness Excellence Award
• Family Business of the Year
• Growth & Innovation Award
• Large Business of the Year
• Manufacturing Champion
• Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business
• Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year
• Sustainability Award
• Young Business of the Year

Free to enter

Entry to the awards is completely free, giving businesses an opportunity to raise their profile and showcase their achievements to a wide regional audience.

Following the initial judging stage in April, shortlisted businesses will be announced before judges carry out site visits to determine the final winners.

How to enter

Businesses can submit entries online, with the deadline for submissions set for 3 April 2026. Entering the awards provides an opportunity to gain recognition and highlight the positive impact your business is making in the region.

The final stage of the national Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) phase-out is now under way. Sandwell businesses and households using older electricity meters are being urged to arrange replacements as soon as possible.

From March to June 2026, energy suppliers across the UK will complete the transition away from RTS meters and move customers onto modern smart metering systems. Taking action early will help avoid disruption to heating and hot water tariffs.

What is the RTS phase-out?

The Radio Teleswitch Service is a legacy system introduced in the 1980s that uses longwave radio signals to control certain electricity meters. These meters automatically switch between peak and off-peak tariffs and are commonly used by properties with electric storage heating or without access to gas.

However, the technology is now outdated and increasingly difficult to maintain. The infrastructure that supports RTS is reaching the end of its operational life, and energy suppliers have been required to replace RTS meters with smart meters since 2011.

The national phase-out programme is designed to protect consumers and ensure reliable, modern metering arrangements across the energy network.

Stage 3 timeline

The final stage of the RTS phase-out runs from 2 March to 17 June 2026. During this period, groups of RTS meters will be switched off on a week by week basis as part of a carefully managed national programme overseen by Ofgem.

What businesses and residents should do

If your property uses an RTS meter, it is important to contact your energy supplier and arrange a replacement as soon as possible.

Early replacement will help ensure you:

• Maintain access to heating and hot water
• Avoid disruption when the RTS signal is switched off
• Retain access to off-peak tariffs where applicable

Find out more

Ofgem will continue to monitor progress throughout the final stage of the RTS phase-out. If you believe your property may be affected, check your meter type and contact your energy supplier to arrange a replacement.

For further information about smart meters and their benefits, visit the Smart Energy GB (https://www.smartenergygb.org/) website or contact your energy supplier directly.

A new Engineering and STEM Virtual Skills Hub has been launched by Sandwell College, giving young people, apprentices and adults clearer pathways into careers in engineering, advanced manufacturing and technical sectors.

The hub brings together courses, qualifications and employer partnerships to support learners and help local businesses upskill and reskill their workforce in key growth industries.

Connecting skills and industry

The launch took place at the Colleges’ Engineering, Science and Manufacturing Centre in West Bromwich, a facility designed to reflect real industry environments and future skills needs.

Employers and education leaders attended the event, led by CEO and Principal Lisa Capper MBE. A keynote from the West Midlands Combined Authority highlighted future regional skills demand, while employers including Drywall Steels Section Ltd and hydraPower dynamics shared the value of work placements and strong college-employer partnerships.

The event also saw an Employer Skills Pledge signed between Drywall Steels Section Ltd and The Sandwell Colleges, strengthening collaboration to help learners become work-ready.

Facilities for future careers

Guests toured the hub and saw demonstrations in specialist areas such as CNC machining and electrical installation, showcasing industry-standard equipment and training environments aligned with modern workplaces.

Lisa Capper MBE said “Our ambition is to immerse young people and adults in real industry environments, helping to future-proof vital technical skills whilst also providing opportunities to upskill and reskill”.

Get involved

Employers interested in working with The Sandwell Colleges to support future talent can contact business.enquiries@sandwell.ac.uk.

A leading industrial maintenance supplier has strengthened its commitment Sandwell with a major move to a new facility in Wednesbury, supporting local jobs and future growth.

Orapi Maintenance UK has completed its first UK site relocation in 40 years, moving into a new 57,000 sq ft base at Britannia Point. The investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to British manufacturing and to supporting customers across sectors including automotive, rail, aerospace, food production and general manufacturing.

Investing in Sandwell

With more than 50 years of experience, Orapi Maintenance UK has built a reputation for providing technical expertise alongside industrial maintenance products such as lubricants, adhesives, cleaning solutions and water treatment systems. The company has grown by providing practical guidance and long-term relationships with customers, helping facilities reduce downtime, improve efficiency and maintain compliance.

David East, UK Division Director, said: “This move signals a new chapter in Orapi Maintenance’s growth story. We are strengthening our position as a credible alternative to global players by combining agility, technical expertise, and personal service, all supported by a facility built for the future.”

A facility designed for growth

The new 5.5-acre site has been developed to support operational efficiency and future expansion. It includes modern manufacturing and distribution space, refurbished offices and strong transport links, and will enable a 25 per cent increase in production capacity from day one. The relocation involved the complex coordination of equipment, stock and machinery while maintaining service to customers throughout the move.

Mark Pearson, Manufacturing Director, said: “The planning, precision, and coordination required for this relocation were significant, but we now have a flexible, future-proof facility that will support our growth for decades to come.”

Supporting local jobs and future opportunities

Orapi’s investment includes close to £1 million in machinery, site upgrades and process improvements. The move supports job security within the region while creating potential for future recruitment as the business expands its market base and product innovation.

The new site will also be used for customer visits and training, helping strengthen collaboration with manufacturers and facilities teams across the UK and beyond.

A long-term commitment

By relocating to Wednesbury and investing in modern facilities, Orapi Maintenance UK is reinforcing its role within the region’s manufacturing supply chain. The move highlights how established businesses continue to invest locally, supporting skilled employment and strengthening the Black Country’s reputation as a centre for industry and innovation.

Sandwell businesses are being encouraged to take part in a major consultation that will help shape skills training and workforce development across the West Midlands in the years ahead.

The West Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a government-backed initiative designed to ensure that education, training provision and skills funding genuinely reflect the needs of local employers. The consultation is being led by the region’s Chambers of Commerce, working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.

What is the Local Skills Improvement Plan?

The LSIP brings together employers, training providers and regional partners to identify current and future skills needs across the West Midlands. Its purpose is simple: to make sure colleges, training providers and funding decisions are aligned with the real challenges businesses face when recruiting, retaining and upskilling staff.

This work is being delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce, alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority, with funding from the Department for Education.

Why your input matters

By completing a short survey, businesses can directly influence how skills provision is shaped across the region. Your feedback will help:

• Identify the skills and roles that are hardest to recruit
• Shape future investment in education and workforce development
• Ensure employer voices, not assumptions, drive skills planning
• Support long-term competitiveness and resilience across the local economy

The insight gathered will be used to produce practical, actionable recommendations that guide how stakeholders work together to close skills gaps across the West Midlands.

What the survey covers

The survey asks businesses about their current recruitment and skills challenges, how training needs are being addressed, what barriers exist to upskilling, and what changes would make the biggest difference to employers and learners. All responses are confidential and will only be reported in aggregate.

Please complete the survey as soon as possible to ensure Sandwell is well represented in the findings.

Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GC5T9C7

West Midlands-based HVAC specialist Weatherite Air Conditioning Ltd has appointed Mark Powell as Managing Director, effective January 2026, marking a significant leadership milestone for the business.

Mark’s appointment reflects an exceptional career spanning nearly 40 years with the company and highlights Weatherite’s commitment to long-term succession planning, stability and growth.

A career built from the ground up

Mark first joined Weatherite Manufacturing in February 1987 as a Contracts Engineer, at a time when the industry relied on telex and fax, and roles demanded hands-on involvement across purchasing, site visits and quality inspection. As the HVAC sector has evolved from analogue systems to AI-enabled technologies, Mark has progressed alongside it, maintaining a consistent focus on quality and customer outcomes.

His career progression has included managing major site installation projects, acting as Principal Contractor on a £2 million clean-room build, and holding senior leadership roles including Contracts Director and, from 2014, Operations Director at Weatherite Air Conditioning Ltd. In this role, he led multiple departments through a period of transformation and growth.

Leading Weatherite into its next phase

As Managing Director, Mark transitions from day-to-day operational oversight to leading the business as a whole. His remit includes driving growth, expanding Weatherite’s market presence, delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, developing the leadership team, and overseeing overall business performance and budgeting.

In the short term, his priorities include improving operational efficiency, maintaining and enhancing quality standards, and driving product innovation. Looking further ahead, Mark’s vision focuses on expanding into European and international markets, developing innovative new products, and creating skilled job opportunities within the local community.

Tim Whitehouse, Group Managing Director, said:

“We have been very fortunate that nearly 40 years ago, a very young Mark decided to join our then small company. His depth of experience has provided Weatherite with invaluable guidance over the decades, and I have no doubt he will continue to strengthen the business in his new role.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mark Powell said:

“Weatherite has been my professional home for almost four decades. I’m incredibly proud of the journey we’ve taken and grateful for the trust placed in me. My commitment is to continue delivering first-class customer service, supporting our people, and building on the strong foundations already in place as we look to the future.”

Weatherite’s approach shows how succession planning, leadership development and skills retention can help businesses to thrive.

Creative and cultural businesses across Sandwell are being encouraged to get involved with the Sandwell Cultural Forum, as work continues to strengthen the borough’s creative sector and prepare for potential future investment.

The Sandwell Cultural Forum is an informal network of cultural and creative individuals, organisations and businesses who deliver activities, events and creative spaces for a wide range of audiences across Sandwell.

The Forum meets quarterly, with each meeting hosted in a different location across the borough. Members also receive a monthly newsletter sharing news, opportunities, funding updates and upcoming events relevant to the creative and cultural sector.

The Forum is open to anyone who lives or works in Sandwell and operates within the creative or cultural industries, from artists and performers to venues, publishers, community organisations and creative businesses.

Why get involved?

With potential funding expected in the next financial year through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), it is important that Sandwell has a strong understanding of the creative activity already taking place locally.

By joining the Forum, businesses and creatives can:

• Help shape the future direction of Sandwell’s creative and cultural sector
• Stay informed about funding, opportunities and events
• Build connections with other creatives and organisations across the borough
• Raise the profile of their work and contribute to sector-wide collaboration

How to join

To join the Sandwell Cultural Forum and receive updates and the monthly newsletter, businesses and creatives can contact, stacey_bagdi@sandwell.gov.uk

Support the SHAPE Programme, a long-standing child and youth voice initiative led by Sandwell Council that empowers young people to influence decisions, develop skills and create positive change across the borough.

By becoming a sponsor, businesses can invest directly in young people while increasing their social value and strengthening their connection to local communities.

What is the SHAPE Programme?

Launched in 2014, SHAPE is Sandwell Council’s child and youth voice programme, designed to ensure that children and young people are actively involved in shaping the services and decisions that affect them. Over the past decade, SHAPE has engaged with more than 20,000 children and young people across Sandwell, working with schools, colleges, public services and voluntary organisations

The programme supports the council’s ambition to be a child-friendly borough by creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can be heard and build leadership skills.

Activities supported through sponsorship

Sponsorship helps deliver a wide range of activities that support wellbeing, participation and personal development, including

• SHAPE Your Talent: giving young people opportunities to showcase skills in music, dance and performance
• SHAPE Our Future Conferences: bringing together pupils from primary, secondary and special schools
• SHAPE Youth Forum: a fortnightly forum for young people aged 11 to 21 to influence local decision-making
• UK Youth Parliament elections and activity: supporting young representatives on a national stage
• Anti-Bullying initiatives: delivered in partnership with West Midlands Police
• The Annual SHAPE Survey: capturing young people’s views to inform council and partner services

The programme has received regional and national recognition, including being shortlisted for Community Engagement at the MJ Awards.

Sponsorship packages available

A range of sponsorship packages are available, starting from £500 (Bronze) through to £2,000 (Gold). Benefits include brand visibility at events, recognition in press releases and SHAPE publications, social media promotion, event attendance and opportunities to showcase your organisation’s support for young people

How to get involved

Businesses interested in sponsoring the SHAPE Programme can complete the online enquiry form or contact the SHAPE team directly for more information: shape_events@sandwell.gov.uk

Sandwell businesses are being invited to support a new Ramadan and Eid gifts appeal led by Sandwell Children’s Trust, helping ensure children and young people in care feel included, valued and able to celebrate important cultural and faith milestones.

Following the success of the Christmas Toy Appeal, the Trust is now seeking support for children and care-experienced young people during Ramadan and Eid. The appeal focuses on providing thoughtful, culturally relevant gifts that encourage learning and a sense of belonging.

Supporting young people

Ramadan is a significant period of reflection, faith and community for Muslims, followed by the celebration of Eid. For children and young people in care, receiving appropriate gifts at this time can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and sense of inclusion.

The appeal will support children and young people of all ages, including care-experienced young people. There is a particular need for age-appropriate gifts for older children and young adults, where suitable donations are often more difficult to find.

What to donate

Sandwell Children’s Trust is encouraging donations that are fun, faith-appropriate and educational. Suitable gifts include:

• Educational Islamic toys, such as prayer mats and Arabic learning tools
• Religious items, including Qur’ans and prayer beads
• Creative kits, such as crafts and colouring activities
• Personal items, including pyjamas and bags
• Books
• Traditional sweets and dates

How to get involved

Donations are requested by Monday 2 March, allowing social workers and practitioners time to distribute gifts ahead of Eid. Businesses can donate at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury.

For more information about the appeal or to discuss how your business can support, please contact Jackie Hodgkins, Communications Manager at Sandwell Children’s Trust: jackie_hodgkins@sandwellchildrenstrust.org

By taking part, Sandwell businesses can help ensure children and young people feel remembered and supported during an important time of year, while continuing to demonstrate the borough’s commitment to social value.

Read about the impact of the recent Christmas gifts appeal.

With just under a week to go until the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging anyone who has not yet filed their tax return to act now to avoid penalties.

The deadline to submit your 2024 to 2025 Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax owed is Saturday 31 January 2026. Missing the deadline will result in an automatic £100 penalty, even if there is no tax to pay.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

HMRC has outlined the penalties for late submissions:

• An initial £100 fixed penalty, applied immediately after the deadline
• After 3 months, daily penalties of £10 per day, up to £900
• After 6 months, a further penalty of £300 or 5% of the tax due
• After 12 months, another £300 or 5% charge

Late payment penalties may also apply, alongside interest on any unpaid tax.

How to file and pay

More than 97% of Self Assessment returns are now filed online. Businesses and individuals who haven’t started yet can access step-by-step guidance, and videos via GOV.UK.

Once your return is submitted, the quickest way to pay any tax owed is through the HMRC app, which allows payments to be made in under a minute. A range of payment options is also available online. If you are concerned about paying your tax bill in full, HMRC may allow eligible customers to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online.

Need more help?

HMRC phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, but will close at 6pm on Friday 30 January and reopen after the deadline. On the deadline day itself, HMRC will provide online webchat support.

Taxpayers are also reminded to be alert to scams. HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information by text or email.

Looking ahead

From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 will be required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, submitting quarterly updates to HMRC. Eligible businesses are being encouraged to sign up early to familiarise themselves with the new system.

Act now

With only days remaining, HMRC is advising taxpayers not to leave it until the last minute. Filing early gives you time to check your return, arrange payment and avoid unnecessary stress or penalties.

Sandwell businesses are invited to support the Community Grand Iftar 2026, a special event taking place on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at West Bromwich Town Hall, bringing partners, businesses and community members together to celebrate Sandwell’s diversity and inclusivity.

The Community Grand Iftar offers an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to learn about Ramadan and its emphasis on reflection, unity and community. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days, dedicating time to prayer and spiritual reflection. The event welcomes non-Muslims to join the breaking of the fast (Iftar), sharing a halal meal together in a setting that encourages understanding, connection and inclusion.

Sponsorship opportunities

Sandwell Council is seeking partners and businesses to sponsor the Community Grand Iftar 2026. A range of sponsorship packages are available, offering visibility, networking opportunities and the chance to demonstrate commitment to community cohesion:

Bronze package £250
. Acknowledgement during the event via audio-visual presentation
. Two complimentary tickets

Silver package £500
. Acknowledgement during the event via an audio-visual presentation
. Promotional stand at the venue
.Two complimentary tickets

Gold package £950
. Acknowledgement during the event via an audio-visual presentation
. Promotional stand at the venue
. Speaking opportunity during the event
. Four complimentary tickets

Supporting the Community Grand Iftar is an opportunity for businesses to play an active role in celebrating Sandwell’s inclusive culture while engaging with partners and community leaders.

Find out more or express your interest in sponsoring by emailing em_network@sandwell.gov.uk