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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

In a move that shows commitment to environmental responsibility and British manufacturing, West Midlands-based HVAC manufacturer, Weatherite has introduced a next-generation R290 heat pump aimed at commercial and light-industrial use.

About the launch

The new unit, engineered using refrigerant R290 (a natural refrigerant with very low global warming potential), has been developed entirely in Britain, from design and testing to final assembly.

Weatherite emphasised that the system combines high efficiency with strict safety measures, including fully hermetic compressors, optimised heat exchangers, advanced defrost-cycle management and a bespoke safety architecture.

According to Weatherite’s Sales Director Michael Boyles, the R290 unit is the result of “intense research and development, conducted in collaboration with leading UK academic institutions.” He described it as a low-carbon system that doesn’t just meet existing regulatory standards but sets “a new benchmark for safety and real-world efficiency.”

What this means for businesses

• Lower environmental impact: R290 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of only 3, compared with synthetic refrigerants whose GWP can reach into the thousands.
• Safety and reliability: Weatherite’s design includes multiple safety layers; leak detection, ventilation, and fail-safe shutdown protocols,  aiming to overcome traditional safety concerns linked to flammable refrigerants.
• Efficiency and cost-effectiveness: The system is built to deliver efficient heating/cooling while minimising downtime and energy waste, making it suitable for commercial and light-industrial environments where consistent HVAC performance is critical.

Why this matters for Sandwell

As businesses across the West Midlands look to reduce their carbon footprint and meet evolving environmental standards, locally manufactured solutions like Weatherite’s R290 pump offer a viable, future-ready alternative. It reinforces the region’s strength in industrial innovation and supports the UK’s broader net zero goals.

the information and photos for this article came from Dudley News, read it here.

More than 120 people attended The Hawthorns to celebrate the release of the Sandwell Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index 2025, marking ten years of exceptional business achievement across the borough.

A milestone moment

The annual Growth Summit, brought together CEOs, directors, college principals and partners from across the West Midlands. Now in its tenth year, the Top 50 Index continues to highlight the businesses driving investment, innovation and new opportunities in Sandwell.

This year’s event provided a particularly timely insight, taking place the day after the Government’s Autumn Budget which gave attendees the chance to reflect on how changing economics are shaping growth across the borough.

Inspiration and collaboration

Attendees were among the first to see this year’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index, celebrating a decade of outstanding performance from businesses in sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, engineering, digital, logistics and professional services.

The summit featured:

• Keynote presentations from leading business figures and Sandwell Council’s senior leadership team
• Insights from Sandwell Business Ambassadors on strengthening growth and collaboration
• A panel discussion with CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing their experiences of scaling, innovating and navigating economic change
• An exhibition area showcasing funding, investment and recruitment opportunities for local businesses

Delegates were also able to book one-to-one sessions with Account Managers from Business Growth West Midlands in Sandwell, alongside other specialist partners offering tailored advice and support.

Looking ahead

The release of the 2025 Index marks the beginning of a new year for Sandwell businesses. As the borough continues to grow, innovate and adapt, Sandwell Business Growth will work closely with partners to help organisations unlock new opportunities and griw.

Sandwell Business Growth will celebrate ten years of business excellence this November with a major event recognising the borough’s fastest-growing and most innovative companies.

The event takes place on Thursday 27 November 2025, from 9:00am to 2:30pm at The Hawthorns, Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4LF.

Now in its tenth year, the Sandwell Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index has become a definitive showcase of the borough’s leading businesses, highlighting firms driving investment, innovation and job creation. From advanced manufacturers and construction specialists to service providers and technology firms, the Index celebrates the talent and vision that define Sandwell’s business community.

Scheduled the day after the Government’s Autumn Budget, this milestone event provides a timely opportunity to see how local businesses continue to grow and lead in a rapidly changing economy.

What to expect

Attendees will be among the first to see the Sandwell Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index 2025, celebrating a decade of outstanding business growth. The event includes:

• Keynote presentations from leading business figures, innovation partners and Sandwell Council’s senior leadership team
• Insights from Sandwell Business Ambassadors on how they’re driving growth and collaboration across the borough
• A panel discussion featuring CEOs, directors and entrepreneurs sharing their experiences in growth, innovation, and resilience

An exhibition area will showcase, funding and investment opportunities, and recruitment support for Sandwell businesses. Meet regional growth experts offering tailored advice to help your business scale. You’ll also have the chance to book a 1-2-1 with an Account Manager from Business Growth West Midlands in Sandwell, plus connect with other funding and support organisations ready to help your business grow.

Spaces are limited – secure your place and help shape Sandwell’s next chapter of growth.

The Social Economy Drive (SED) returns this November, a week-long celebration of businesses and organisations that are creating positive change in communities across the West Midlands.

Running from Monday 17 to Friday 21 November 2025, the Drive brings together social enterprises, community organisations, businesses and local authorities to explore how social value can be at the heart of growth, innovation and local prosperity.

Backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs, the campaign has grown from its Birmingham roots into a region-wide movement. Its goal is to double the size of the region’s social economy within the next decade – creating more jobs, opportunities and stronger, fairer communities.

What is the Social Economy Drive?

The Social Economy Drive celebrates and supports the 11,000-plus organisations across the West Midlands that are delivering social and environmental impact through business.

Together, these organisations generate £3.5 billion each year for the regional economy, employ around 30,000 people, engage over 70,000 volunteers and improve the lives of 150,000 residents annually.

From community-owned businesses and social enterprises to charity trading arms and co-operatives, the Social Economy Drive showcases the collective power of business for good.

Join Sandwell’s Social Economy Networking Event

As part of the 2025 Drive, Sandwell Business Growth’s partner SWEDA invites you to a special networking event celebrating the social economy in action.

Tuesday 18 November 2025
11:00am – 2:00pm
West Bromwich Town Hall, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DJ

This event will bring together business leaders, social entrepreneurs and community organisations to explore how social value can drive meaningful change – both for your business and for Sandwell’s residents.

Register now.

Why it matters

The Social Economy Drive is more than a campaign, it is a movement for inclusive growth. By connecting social enterprises, businesses and local authorities, it creates opportunities to collaborate and build a stronger regional economy.

Whether you’re a start-up, SME, community business or social enterprise, this is your chance to connect, learn and shape a fairer future for the West Midlands.