Interviews with senior staff at Coventry, Warwick, Loughborough, Leicester and Nottingham Trent Universities highlight the potential impact of investing in a direct rail route. ‘Without a doubt’ it would boost collaboration between the region's universities say senior staff.
\n
304 students questioned by research company Censuswide showed ‘massive support’ for rail upgrades.
\n
Shadow Rail Minister Stephen Morgan MP who visits Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation in Dudley to ride Coventry’s Very Light rail vehicle has said he will \"work with local leaders, businesses, unions and industry experts in the West Midlands\" to deliver transformational rail schemes.
\n\n
A new report by Midlands Connect highlights the ‘massive’ benefits to major universities throughout the region if the rail link between Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham is delivered. Academics said it would facilitate growth at the universities and help collaboration.
\n
The report chronicles a series of in-depth interviews with senior managers and academics at five major universities who all welcomed the proposals and saw benefits to their institution, staff and student recruitment.
\n
Alongside this report consumer research conducted by Censuswide for Midlands Connect shows that 85% of students surveyed struggled to get to or from university because of delayed trains or missed train connections, nearly 78% believed A stronger local rail network in the Midlands would have made their university a more appealing option and 72% would be more likely to travel by rail more if local services were more frequent, faster, and involved less changes.
\n
This research highlights the impact of better rail connections could make. Currently, just 3% of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train; compared to 30% of journeys made between Coventry and Birmingham and average speeds for trains between Coventry and Leicester are currently around 30mph, compared to average speeds of over 100mph for trains from Coventry to London.
\n
The scheme could bring benefits of over £170million to the local economy and journey times along the route will be cut significantly, with trips from Coventry to Leicester falling from 54 to as low as 30 minutes, with trips from Coventry to Nottingham falling to below 60 minutes. Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway could also have new, direct and more frequent links to Coventry.
\n
Some of the observations made by the universities during the interviews were:
\n
William Rossiter, Nottingham Trent University said:
\n
“I think investment in the rail corridor between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham would facilitate growth at the university. Without a doubt, it would facilitate the kind of cross university collaborations that are increasingly essential if you're going to attract public funding for research.
\n
“Connectivity does make a difference to the to the quality of the student experience.
\n
“We tend to operate on quite large catchment areas, particularly for academic staff because of the need to fill roles that are very specialized. I would argue for universities, intra and interregional transport connectivity is more important than the average employer.
\n
“While transport connections are important for students, it is also critical in supporting research collaboration across different institutions.”
\n
Ian Dunn, Coventry University added: “I think any university of our type these days is significantly a commuting institution. It's just the way things have gone, and the pandemic has certainly accelerated those moves.”
\n
Stephanie Whitehead at University of Warwick added there could be wellbeing benefits too saying:
\n
“Anything that reduces that travel time and makes it easier for staff to get here would be good for wellbeing of the faculty.”
\n
Poor public transport affects universities being able to hire staff according to William Wells, University of Leicester who stated:
\n
“The poor quality of West-East transport links is having a negative impact on the labour market. Even in professional and senior researcher roles it is unreasonable to expect to be able to recruit from the West Midlands -unless you are prepared to move house.
\n
“Leicester and Coventry are the two largest cities in Europe that are not directly connected by a rail service. We've got an economic geography that just doesn't function effectively because of our basically, broken transport links”.
\n
Commenting on the new report and research, Andy Clark Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect said:
\n
“Coventry and Leicester are two great cities - only a mere 20 miles apart as the crow flies. But getting a train from one to the other takes nearly an hour, and requires a change of train halfway, at Nuneaton.
\n
“It is great to see yet more evidence that improving this link could make a massive difference, this time, to our great universities, the jewel in the crowns of the great towns and cities of the Midlands. It is also heartening to see the massive support from students for the rail upgrades; it shows what an impact we could make, not only to the economy but also to people’s quality of life too.
\n
“We at Midlands Connect have a firm plan to do something about this and have a credible proposal to seek regular, direct, trains services not just linking Coventry and Leicester, but going through Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway to unlock the benefits of the Freeport and then continuing to Nottingham. This scheme is the definition of a win-win project.”
\n
Shadow Rail Minister Stephen Morgan MP added:
\n
”Labour will work with local leaders, businesses, unions and industry experts in the West Midlands to deliver a credible and transformative programme of rail and transport infrastructure investment.”
Currently, just 3% of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train; compared to 30% of journeys made between Coventry and Birmingham. This is because passengers travelling between Coventry and Leicester by train have to change at Nuneaton, resulting in a slow and inconvenient journey.
\n
Average speeds for trains between Coventry and Leicester currently fall under 30mph, compared to average speeds of over 100mph for trains from Coventry to London.
\n
Midlands Connect’s plans would reinstate direct rail services between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham for the first time in two decades, by creating a dive-under at Nuneaton.
\n
What happens next?
\n
In Summer 2024, we’ll be sending our business case to Government.
\n
We also have strong backing from our partner authorities on the route, with the leaders of Coventry City Council, Leicester City Council and Nottingham City Council co-signing a recent letter to Government seeking this investment to be made.
"
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+ Midlands Connect will host an innovation event at the beginning of MotoFest in conjunction with Coventry City Council to highlight and showcase the great work going on the city and beyond to use innovation and technology to tackle some of the big questions we face in transport. Join us for a morning of discussion and debate at Friargate in Coventry.
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ContentPage
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+ Our plans have the potential to increase passenger demand on the corridor by 72%, with faster, more frequent services.
Currently, there is just one service per hour on this route, taking 79 minutes. We're planning to double the frequency of trains to two per hour, with the potential to increase passenger demand by 72% to 350,000 users a year by 2037. Doing so could provide an alternative to the congested A50 and M6.
It could also be possible to reduce journey times by 20 minutes with changes to calling patterns on this additional service.
Investing in this corridor can also improve links to HS2 services at Crewe for people in north Staffordshire and the East Midlands.
The new franchise holder Abellio is already proposing an extension to services on this corridor to Nottingham, which will be included in our own corridor study.
Delivery: In phases from 2022 to 2033, with an estimated capital cost of less than £50 million.
Journey time saving: 79 min to 55 min.
Passenger demand: 72% increase by 2037 following improvements.\n
What happens next?
\n
A feasibility study is underway and a Strategic Outline Business Case is due to be submitted in 2020.
"
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Our plans have the potential to increase passenger demand on the corridor by 72%, with faster, more frequent services.
Currently, there is just one service per hour on this route, taking 79 minutes. We're planning to double the frequency of trains to two per hour, with the potential to increase passenger demand by 72% to 350,000 users a year by 2037. Doing so could provide an alternative to the congested A50 and M6.
It could also be possible to reduce journey times by 20 minutes with changes to calling patterns on this additional service.
Investing in this corridor can also improve links to HS2 services at Crewe for people in north Staffordshire and the East Midlands.
The new franchise holder Abellio is already proposing an extension to services on this corridor to Nottingham, which will be included in our own corridor study.
Delivery: In phases from 2022 to 2033, with an estimated capital cost of less than £50 million.
Journey time saving: 79 min to 55 min.
Passenger demand: 72% increase by 2037 following improvements.
\n
What happens next?
\n
A feasibility study is underway and a Strategic Outline Business Case is due to be submitted in 2020.
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/east-midlands-open-day_bl3lyzjw.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/east-midlands-open-day_bl3lyzjw.config
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+ Midlands Connect is hosting its second Open Day on Thursday 24th October in Nottingham.
+
Join us at the Council House on Old Market Square between 10am-1pm to speak to our technical experts about any aspect of our programme for the region.
+
We will be on hand to discuss our Midlands Engine Rail proposals, plans for the A46 corridor, technology and innovation and any other element of our long term strategy.
+
The event is on a drop in basis. Refreshments will be provided.
+
Attendance is free and open to all, but registration is encouraged: please sign up here
+
If you have any questions, email is at mcadmin@midlandsconnect.uk
Midlands Connect is researching the sustainable future of narrowboats, with plans for a network of charging points along canals.
\n\n
\n
The electric revolution is currently a niche proposition on the canal network, with only a few pilot trials, but in the decades ahead, electric-powered boats are expected to become the norm.
\n
Mains chargers are currently limited to marinas and some permanent moorings but by 2040, an effective network of charging points will be required to keep sustainable narrowboats on the move.
\n
Bharat Pathania, Midlands Connect’s Head of New Technologies, said: \"All forms of transport are evolving to become more sustainable, and this will include our canals.
\n
\"Our aim is to identify the building blocks which need to be in place to affect positive influence on the decarbonisation of our canals.
\n
\"Securing a future where diesel or solid fuel sources are no longer the norm, will boost the air quality for boaters and everyone using these important waterways.\"
\n
Midlands Connect plans to work with partners to determine and map the locations of existing chargers on the canal network across the region, and undertake a study of the requirements for a comprehensive narrow boat charging infrastructure in future.
\n
The work will also identify mechanisms through which this infrastructure could be funded.
What is the Midlands EV Infrastructure Consortium?
\n
In 2022, Five Midlands-based Local Authorities joined forces to win just under £1 million of funding to install over 300 electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the Midlands. The initial partnership between Lincolnshire County Council, Herefordshire Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council - alongside Sub-National Transport Body Midlands Connect - was named the “Midlands EV Infrastructure Consortium”.
\n
Additional members are now part of the consortium and are listed below.
\n
In May 2023, the consortium were successful in bidding for the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme. The partnership was awarded the full allocated capital funding of £39.3 million for stage 1 of the process.
\n
What is it doing?
\n
The consortium is working to ensure that the right charge point device is in the right location, to meet future EV need.
Over the last few months, the consortium has been identifying key locations for charge points based on a number of factors, including:
\n
\n
Level of on-street parking
\n
Level of car ownership
\n
Level of current and forecasted EV demand
\n
Nearby energy capacity
\n
\n
Consortium members
\n
\n
Derby City Council
\n
Derbyshire County Council
\n
Herefordshire Council
\n
Leicestershire County Council
\n
Lincolnshire County Council
\n
Nottingham City Council
\n
Nottinghamshire County Council
\n
Rutland County Council District Council
\n
Shropshire Council
\n
Staffordshire County Council
\n
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
\n
Telford and Wrekin Council
\n
Warwickshire County Council
\n
Worcestershire County Council
\n
\n
Supercharging the Midlands
\n
In September 2021, we issued a landmark report on the future of EVs in the Midlands. Our research showed that we need to drastically accelerate the roll-out of EV charge points. EV use in the Midlands is projected to increase by over 3000% by the end of 2030 and we need to cater for vehicle users by speeding up the installation of public EV charger.
"
+ "richText": "
The Midlands EV Infrastructure Consortium
\n
What is the Midlands EV Infrastructure Consortium?
\n
The Midland Electric Vehicle Consortiums are made up of 14 Local Transport Authorities across the Midlands region.
\n
Each consortium is lead by a principal authority to support one procurement approach, to leverage the buying power of the local authorities, as well as levelling up rural areas to accelerate the uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs).
\n
In 2022, Five Midlands-based Local Authorities joined forces to win just under £1 million of UK Government Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot funding to install over 300 electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the Midlands. The initial partnership between Lincolnshire County Council, Herefordshire Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council - alongside Sub-National Transport Body Midlands Connect - was named the “Midlands EV Infrastructure Consortium”.
\n
In 2023, the consortium expanded, bringing an additional 9 Local Transport Authorities together alongside the original LEVI pilot consortium partners for another successful bid in securing stage 1 of the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, equating to £40.3 million.
\n
What are the aims of the consortiums?
\n
As the region’s strategic body, Midlands Connect explored how the region could come together to deliver the scale of electric vehicle charging points to support the accelerated growth of electric vehicles in the region.
\n
Estimates have shown that by 2030, there are expected to be 2 million electric vehicles on the Midlands’ roads. Through our strategic business case work, we identified the importance of local authorities in supporting this journey, noting the challenges ofrural areas to meet this delivery, alongside the public funding needed to support areas where the chargepoint industry is unable to fund.
\n
Midlands Connect worked with all local transport authority partners across the region to identify the benefits of this approach, exploring how they could work together to leverage the economic benefits of the infrastructure whilst also levelling up the region, tackling carbon emissions and improving air quality.
\n
What is it doing?
\n
The consortiums are working together to ensure that the right charge point device is in the right location, to meet future EV need for their local authority area.
\n
Over the last few months, Local Transport Authorities have been identifying key areas for charge points based on a number of factors, including but not limited to:
\n
\n
Level of on-street parking, population scores and local EV survey data
\n
Nearby chargepoints and regional transport routes
\n
Level of residential demand through car ownership, public transport and other transport factors
\n
Level of current and forecasted EV demand, including commercial demand
\n
Nearby energy capacity and potential connection costs
\n
Local challenges – equity (levels of deprivation and rurality), flood risk, pathway and roadway sizes and much more
Midlands Local Authorities have access to our EV infrastructure tool to help with strategic planning across the region. This is accessible to officers through our Centres of Excellence programme. To get in touch, email EVC@midlandsconnect.uk
\n
Supercharging the Midlands
\n
In September 2021, we issued a landmark report on the future of EVs in the Midlands. Our research showed that we need to drastically accelerate the roll-out of EV charge points. EV use in the Midlands is projected to increase by over 3000% by the end of 2030 and we need to cater for vehicle users by speeding up the installation of public EV chargers.
"
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Electric car charging points being installed across region will bring an employment boost.
\n
Approximately 11k full time roles to be created over 15-year period.
\n
Billions in economic and environmental benefits too.
\n\n
Figures released today by Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect show the economic benefits of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVI) scheme for the Midlands.
\n
As well as employment opportunities, the Midlands EVI Consortiums are estimated to bring £1.87bn of economic benefits to the region over the life of the project, from 2025 to 2040. It will also bring an additional £1.46bn in environmental benefits from supporting the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles.
\n
The Midlands EVI Consortiums have secured funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund – a government-funded programme which supports councils to install electric vehicle charge points with additional private investment from charge point operators, is likely to support approximately 11,000 jobs in the whole electric vehicle charging supply chain.
\n
In September 2023, Midlands Connect partnered with Local Authorities for a total of £40.3m of the LEVI Fund, accounting for 61% of the region’s £66.5m funding.
\n
The scheme is expected to create direct and indirect jobs across the charge point supply chain. Of these, 2,000 will be during the development phase of the scheme, with a further 9,000 roles to be created during the 15-year operational phase, supporting the Midlands region, UK and wider charging infrastructure.
\n
The news comes following Midlands Connect’s Electric Vehicle Conference, which took place virtually last week. Leaders from across the industry shared visions on the electric revolution, from charging infrastructure to fleet electrification.
\n
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said:
\n
“These figures really show the importance of investing in green transport. As the UK moves towards Net Zero, there must be more green jobs and investment, especially in an industrial region such as the Midlands.
\n
“Electric car and fleet use is on the rise so it’s great to see the funding for infrastructure will have such a positive impact, it will create thousands of jobs across the region.”
"
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+ Full Speed Ahead: bringing high speed-rail to the East Midlands\n
On Monday 3rd June, we heard from the Rail Minister and a range of local politicians and business leaders on the benefits that high-speed rail would bring to the East Midlands.
Panel event: Impact of Network North on Rail Freight
\n
As part of our first Freight Week we hosted a webinar discussing the impact of the Government's Network North plans on rail freight. If you missed it you can watch the recording below.
On Monday 12th June, we held our second rural mobility conference where we caught up with the winners of our £100,000 rural mobility pilot competition.
Throughout 2022, we hosted a number of events covering a broad range of topics from rural mobility to EV charging infrastructure. Watch our events by clicking the links below:
Throughout 2022, we hosted a number of events covering a broad range of topics from rural mobility to EV charging infrastructure. Watch our events by clicking the links below:
In our 2021 webinar series, we heard from politicians, business leaders and industry experts on our core themes. The webinars covered the topics of Covid-19, levelling up and decarbonisation.
In our 2021 webinar series, we heard from politicians, business leaders and industry experts on our core themes. The webinars covered the topics of Covid-19, levelling up and decarbonisation.
"
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+ Did you know that magistrates play a pivotal role in the UK's legal system, yet many aspects of their duties remain misunderstood? Here’s some lesser-known yet fascinating facts about magistrates:\\n
No legal background required Surprisingly, magistrates do not need formal legal training or qualifications. They undergo comprehensive training upon appointment to ensure they're prepared to make fair decisions. In addition, as long as you are over 18, you can become a magistrate.
\\n
Broad jurisdiction and influence Beyond minor offenses, magistrates handle a diverse array of cases, from family disputes to preliminary criminal hearings, demanding versatility and broad legal knowledge. They hear up to 96% of cases that come through the judicial system.
\\n
Voluntary service Many magistrates volunteer their time, showcasing their commitment to public service and community contribution without financial gain. This also rules out the myth that you need to be retired to become one!
4️⃣ Collaborative decision-making Although not all are legally trained, magistrates receive support and guidance from legal professionals, ensuring well-informed decisions. Also, as a magistrate, your own experience and values are welcomed and brought to the decision-making process.
\\n
5️⃣ Essential to Judicial Efficiency Magistrates help streamline the judicial process, tackling less complex cases to alleviate higher court workloads and ensure timely justice.
\\n
Interested in making a difference? The West Midlands Combined Authority is hosting an event on 28th February, 2024 at Millennium Point in Curzon Street, Birmingham focused on enhancing diversity within the magistrate system. It’s a great opportunity for those looking to contribute to their community and the justice system.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/five-midlands-councils-awarded-17.6m-funding-to-get-ev-chargers-on-our-streets.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/five-midlands-councils-awarded-17.6m-funding-to-get-ev-chargers-on-our-streets.config
new file mode 100644
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+ 2024-03-18T09:23:35
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+ Five Midlands Councils, in collaboration with Midlands Connect, have come together to successfully bid for £17.6m of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to get more EV charge points onto our streets.\n
Midlands second Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Consortium, alongside Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect, have successfully bid for £17.6m of Government funding together, to help the region not only to accelerate the number of EV charge points on our streets as well levelling up our regions EV ambitions across rural and urban areas.
\n
The cash has come from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, in which each local authority has been allocated an individual amount from that pot and additional private investment from chargepoint operators will enable us to achieve our chargepoint socket aspirations.
\n
The £17.6m funding will equate to approximately 8,000 new charge sockets across the consortium area and is also likely to support approximately 11,138 jobs in the whole electric vehicle charging supply chain.
\n
The second Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium is lead by Nottinghamshire County Council and is in partnership with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Staffordshire County Council and Midlands Connect.
\n
Analysis by Midlands Connect found the Midlands needs over 58,000 new public EV charging points by the end of 2030 to meet the needs of the growing EV market, with over 2m EVs expected on our region’s roads by the end of the decade. It’s hoped this latest good news around the Government funding will spur on more region-wide installation of charging points.
\n
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said:
\n
\"It’s great to see Government supporting our collaborative approach to delivering EV and today’s announcement will lead to thousands of new chargers being installed, transforming how we travel around our region and beyond.
\n
\"We are helping councils working together to charge ahead and provide this vital infrastructure for their communities.
\n
\"The collaboration draws on their collective knowledge and expertise to deliver on street charging, making it even easier for those without driveways to make the switch to cleaner travel.
\n
“We hope in the coming weeks the rest of our consortiums will also receive investment so we can continue to supercharge the Midlands and lead the way in EV infrastructure.”
\n
Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning, Councillor Angela Kandola said:
\n
“We welcome the news that there will be more funding for charge points across the region. We want to support people to make more sustainable transport choices and giving people more opportunity to charge electric vehicles is a step in the right direction.
\n
“Our work with Midlands Connect and other local authorities will see the introduction of more publicly accessible charge points in local neighbourhoods in the coming years.”
\n
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
\n
“This is great news for Nottinghamshire and for the wider region.
\n
“We know that residents will be more likely to make the switch to electric vehicles if there's a visible and sustainable network of charging points in place.
\n
“With funding now secured, we can drive ahead with our ambitious plans to develop a well-connected public charge point network, powered by renewable energy, that will inspire and reassure motorists to go electric and make our county greener for future generations to enjoy.”
\n
Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said:
\n
“This is excellent news and much-welcomed funding to boost our efforts to meet the projected demand for EV charging across the region.
\n
“We’re committed to providing convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective charging solutions for road users in Derbyshire and this funding will help us to further progress several projects in this area – including solutions for those without off street parking and exploring opportunities to develop Rapid and Ultra rapid charging hubs, through private sector partnerships, to keep commercial fleet operational.”
\n
David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said:
\n
“It’s great news that our funding allocation to support the implementation of Staffordshire’s electric vehicle charging network has now been confirmed.
\n
“We can now progress with implementing our EV strategy, which has identified where the most appropriate places for charging points could be and how we will work with our consortium partners and the private sector to facilitate successful delivery. We will also work with businesses to encourage workplace charging and residents to support off-street charging, in addition to people and organisations making planning applications.”
\n
We are awaiting the outcomes of consortiums led by Lincolnshire County Council and Worcestershire County Council, with partners from Herefordshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Warwickshire County Council.
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+ One of the biggest summer celebrations in the West Midlands returns this July and promises to be bigger and better than ever before!\\n
Coventry’s annual Godiva Festival is a weekend of music, culture and community, and is back this summer from 5-7th July, 2024.
Incredible music line-up: From chart-topping headliners, like Richard Ashcroft and Paloma Faith, to local talent, Godiva Festival brings a diverse array of musical acts across multiple stages. Whether you're into rock, pop, indie, dance or something in between, there's something for everyone.
\\n
Family fun: With a dedicated family field, the festival offers a host of activities for all ages. From workshops and circus performances, to funfair rides and face painting, it's the perfect day out for families.
\\n
Affordable: With great value ticket options and a range of free activities, Godiva Festival ensures everyone can join the fun without breaking the bank. Take a family of four (two adults and two children) to all three days for just £31.25.
Food and drink: Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure with an array of food stalls offering delicious eats from around the world. Don’t forget to visit the local craft beer and cider tents!
\\n
Cultural delights: Explore the vibrant arts and cultural scene with theatre performances, dance shows and art installations that showcase the rich heritage of Coventry and the wider West Midlands.
\\n
\\n
Save the date(s): 5-7th July, 2024 Location: War Memorial Park, Coventry
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/five-strategies-to-reduce-food-beverage-waste.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/five-strategies-to-reduce-food-beverage-waste.config
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+ In the heart of England, the West Midlands is not only celebrated for its illustrious industrial past and rich cultural tapestry, but also for its progressive stance on sustainability.\\n
The food and beverage (F&B) sector, a cornerstone of the region's economy, faces the urgent challenge of reducing food waste. This issue presents not just an environmental imperative but also a golden opportunity for innovation and efficiency. Here, we outline five strategic measures that businesses in the West Midlands can adopt to significantly cut down on food waste:
\\n
Conduct a comprehensive food waste audit
\\n
The journey towards waste reduction begins with understanding the extent and nature of waste. By conducting a detailed food waste audit, businesses can pinpoint the stages where waste occurs and identify actionable solutions. This approach not only aids in tailoring waste reduction strategies, but also aligns with best practices in environmental stewardship.
\\n
Forge partnerships with food rescue organisations
\\n
Linking with local food banks and rescue initiatives to donate edible food that would otherwise go to waste is a win-win. Such partnerships not only help in trimming down waste, but also bolster community support, shining a spotlight on the West Midlands' community spirit and commitment to social welfare.
\\n
Embrace portion control innovations
\\n
A significant amount of food waste stems from oversized portions. Adopting portion control can dramatically lessen waste and meet customer satisfaction. Tailoring portion sizes based on data from your food waste audit can ensure a balance between reducing waste and fulfilling customer expectations.
\\n
Invest in staff training on waste reduction
\\n
Equipping your team with the knowledge and techniques to minimise waste is crucial. Training on proper food storage, expiration date management and creative ways to use leftovers empowers staff to be proactive in waste reduction. A knowledgeable team is a pivotal asset in the quest to combat food waste.
\\n
Utilise cutting-edge technology
\\n
Modern technology offers a plethora of solutions for managing inventory and predicting customer numbers, thereby mitigating waste. Embracing tech tools aids in efficient planning and reduces the risk of excess ordering or food production, positioning businesses at the forefront of the F&B sector’s drive towards sustainability. Moreover, investing in the right energy-efficient equipment and adopting proper food storage practices can mitigate the impact of energy costs.
\\n
Want to find out more?
\\n
Aston University is hosting a dedicated event to F&B on 20th March, 2024. Join us for an insightful workshop dedicated to combating food waste and fostering sustainable practices within the Food & Beverage industry.
\\n
This event will provide deeper insights, practical tools and collaborative opportunities, specifically tailored for the West Midlands' unique F&B landscape.
The role of research and insights is to help ensure decision-makers – from elected officials to community leaders – have the right evidence, at the right time, to make the right decisions. That’s a key part of what we deliver at West Midlands Combined Authority to enable the region to become a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region.
\\n
We have ambitious plans for our research ecosystem. Here’s four ways our research will develop over the coming year.
\\n
1) We are transforming how research is coordinated and commissioned
\\n
Until 2011, Advantage West Midlands operated a 'West Midlands Regional Observatory'. The Observatory’s role was to provide research, facts and figures for the region. Since then, the research and insights landscape in the region has changed a lot. Our towns and cities now host their own best-in-class platforms. This ranges from 'Birmingham City Observatory' to the Coventry 'Citywide Intelligence Hub' and Wolverhampton’s 'WVInsight'. They do an outstanding job at meeting local needs. A one-sized-fits-all regional observatory cannot and should not replicate those platforms.
\\n
For that reason, we are not re-creating a regional observatory. Instead, we are using our position as a partner amongst equals to build a thriving research ecosystem. This is in line with our power and participation inclusive growth fundamental. It is also in line with the type of devolution we are pursuing. That is, we are not seeking to replicate the power structures of Whitehall at the regional level; but to return power to our communities.
\\n
2) We are making better use of data and analytics in line with the West Midlands Digital Roadmap
\\n
In 2023, we have made progress towards Conway, our name for the West Midlands datastore; part of the mission of the digital roadmap so that “data is shared effectively across organisations to solve key regional challenges”. At present, we have brought together publicly available regional datasets into Conway, publishing them via our WISE Data Profiler and WISE Data Correlator on our website.
\\n
Over the next year, we hope to further develop Conway by making more internal and external datasets available through our emerging data partnership with Government, which will enable us to make more data available to partners, and publish more relevant dashboards to meet the needs of our research community.
\\n
3) We are working with our research community to help shape the future of the West Midlands.
\\n
People right across the West Midlands Combined Authority collect, analyse, and interpret data. Their job makes sure that decision-makers have the evidence to make the best decisions for our communities. They are part of our research community.
\\n
We also work with researchers in our local authorities, and in the wider public sector. There are also people with specialist knowledge and expertise elsewhere. These include people in our universities, research centres and private and voluntary organisations. They are also part of our research community.
\\n
However, there are also people in our diverse communities and groups right across the region. They also have specialist and often unique knowledge and expertise. They are also a fundamental part of our research community.
\\n
It is our intention to work with our entire research community – as work up a research programme to shape the future of the West Midlands.
\\n
4) We are working with our constituent local authorities on how we can pool and share efforts at regional monitoring.
\\n
In August 2023, we launched the West Midlands Insights on Society and Economy (WISE) Group, a space for insight and intelligence leads from our seven constituent local authorities to share what we’re doing so that we can improve and coordinate economic insight across the West Midlands and ensure that economic measurement products are fit for purpose.
Over the next year, we will be looking at how we can pool together resources more effectively around specific areas, for instance, our understanding of Night Time Economy; as we are more effective as a region when we use our collective power and influence to engage stakeholders.
\\n
How to get involved in our research community
\\n
We need your help and support to help create a thriving research ecosystem for our region. For example, you could share your research insights or methodologies on this blog, or, you could work with us on helping us monitor and evaluate policy solutions to address the grand challenges facing our region. We are also keen to hear your ideas and suggestions - and we’re happy to hear from you at research@wmca.org.uk.
The role of research and insights is to help ensure decision-makers – from elected officials to community leaders – have the right evidence, at the right time, to make the right decisions. That’s a key part of what we deliver at West Midlands Combined Authority to enable the region to become a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region.
\\n
We have ambitious plans for our research ecosystem. Here’s four ways our research will develop over the coming year.
\\n
1) We are transforming how research is coordinated and commissioned
\\n
Until 2011, Advantage West Midlands operated a 'West Midlands Regional Observatory'. The Observatory’s role was to provide research, facts and figures for the region. Since then, the research and insights landscape in the region has changed a lot. Our towns and cities now host their own best-in-class platforms. This ranges from 'Birmingham City Observatory' to the Coventry 'Citywide Intelligence Hub' and Wolverhampton’s 'WVInsight'. They do an outstanding job at meeting local needs. A one-sized-fits-all regional observatory cannot and should not replicate those platforms.
\\n
For that reason, we are not re-creating a regional observatory. Instead, we are using our position as a partner amongst equals to build a thriving research ecosystem. This is in line with our power and participation inclusive growth fundamental. It is also in line with the type of devolution we are pursuing. That is, we are not seeking to replicate the power structures of Whitehall at the regional level; but to return power to our communities.
\\n
2) We are making better use of data and analytics in line with the West Midlands Digital Roadmap
\\n
In 2023, we have made progress towards Conway, our name for the West Midlands datastore; part of the mission of the digital roadmap so that “data is shared effectively across organisations to solve key regional challenges”. At present, we have brought together publicly available regional datasets into Conway, publishing them via our WISE Data Profiler and WISE Data Correlator on our website.
\\n
Over the next year, we hope to further develop Conway by making more internal and external datasets available through our emerging data partnership with Government, which will enable us to make more data available to partners, and publish more relevant dashboards to meet the needs of our research community.
\\n
3) We are working with our research community to help shape the future of the West Midlands.
\\n
People right across the West Midlands Combined Authority collect, analyse, and interpret data. Their job makes sure that decision-makers have the evidence to make the best decisions for our communities. They are part of our research community.
\\n
We also work with researchers in our local authorities, and in the wider public sector. There are also people with specialist knowledge and expertise elsewhere. These include people in our universities, research centres and private and voluntary organisations. They are also part of our research community.
\\n
However, there are also people in our diverse communities and groups right across the region. They also have specialist and often unique knowledge and expertise. They are also a fundamental part of our research community.
\\n
It is our intention to work with our entire research community – as work up a research programme to shape the future of the West Midlands.
\\n
4) We are working with our constituent local authorities on how we can pool and share efforts at regional monitoring.
\\n
In August 2023, we launched the West Midlands Insights on Society and Economy (WISE) Group, a space for insight and intelligence leads from our seven constituent local authorities to share what we’re doing so that we can improve and coordinate economic insight across the West Midlands and ensure that economic measurement products are fit for purpose.
Over the next year, we will be looking at how we can pool together resources more effectively around specific areas, for instance, our understanding of Night Time Economy; as we are more effective as a region when we use our collective power and influence to engage stakeholders.
\\n
How to get involved in our research community
\\n
We need your help and support to help create a thriving research ecosystem for our region. For example, you could share your research insights or methodologies on this blog, or, you could work with us on helping us monitor and evaluate policy solutions to address the grand challenges facing our region. We are also keen to hear your ideas and suggestions - and we’re happy to hear from you at research@wmca.org.uk.
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+ On Monday 3rd June, we heard from the Rail Minister and a range of local politicians and business leaders on the benefits that high-speed rail would bring to the East Midlands."
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/funding-for-midlands-rail-hub-next-stage-of-development-announced.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/funding-for-midlands-rail-hub-next-stage-of-development-announced.config
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+ Funding for the next stage of the development of Midlands Rail Hub has been announced, following a visit of the Secretary of State for Transport. \n
A £123 million pot has been secured to design the transformational upgrade project to improve transport across the region and beyond by boosting the capacity and frequency of rail services.
\n
More than 50 stations - covering seven million people across the region - will benefit. The improvements will mean an additional train every hour in both directions between central Birmingham and locations including Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham and Worcester.
\n
This first wave of funding will enable design work to begin on creating space for extra services. This includes preparing detailed designs for the infrastructure improvements required, finalising operating plans for the new services, while continuing to move the rest of the programme forward.
\n
The investment comes as part of the Government’s Network North transport plan, which committed £1.75 billion to deliver the Midlands Rail Hub in full, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding.
\n
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The Midlands Rail Hub will bring huge benefits to passengers in the region and beyond, so it’s great to be in Birmingham with Mayor Andy Street to kick start this important project.
\n
\"Today's announcement is part of the Government’s plan to invest in transport projects with reallocated HS2 funding, helping to grow the economy and better connect communities across the Midlands.\"
\n
More London to Birmingham services will be extended from Moor Street to Snow Hill station meaning the Chiltern line will also serve Birmingham's Snow Hill business district.
\n
In addition, Kings Norton station will be made more accessible, while platforms at Snow Hill, Moor Street, and Kings Norton stations will be upgraded. Passengers will also have greater access to HS2 services via Curzon Street station, meaning easier travel across the country.
\n
When delivered in full, the Hub will see services on most routes increase by between 50% and 100%. Birmingham’s Cross-City line will be given a 'turn-up-and-go' service with a train every 10 minutes.
\n
The number of trains between Birmingham and Leicester will be doubled from two to four per hour, while additional trains are planned between Birmingham and Nottingham, and the new Birmingham to Worcester trains extended to Hereford.
\n
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said:
\n
“This announcement marks a major milestone in this transformational, nationally significant project.
\n
“The Midlands Rail Hub programme is the result of years of collaboration and determination by cross-party leaders from all corners of the Midlands.
\n
\"Today's £123m announcement is a clear sign of Government’s trust in our partnership - getting us closer to finally delivering much need east-west connectivity across the region.
\n
\"We will continue to work with Government to progress the plans and ensure, as set out in Network North, Midlands Rail Hub is delivered in full, extending the benefits to towns and cities like Hereford, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester.”
\n
The Midlands Rail Hub announcement comes as the British Business Bank launched its £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II today (Thursday), unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in the Midlands prosper and thrive.
\n
The fund will drive sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of the Midlands, increasing the access and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the region. It includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up, or stay ahead.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/high-speed-rail-industry-leaders-hsril-annual-conference_2ayjifpw.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/high-speed-rail-industry-leaders-hsril-annual-conference_2ayjifpw.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..373bd19f
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+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/high-speed-rail-industry-leaders-hsril-annual-conference_2ayjifpw.config
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/HighSpeedRailIndustryLeadersHSRILAnnualConference
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2019-06-18T00:00:00
+
+ 186
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Through a programme of keynote addresses and panel discussions, this free conference will focus on bringing together supporters of HS2 and promoting the connection between HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Midlands Rail Hub. It will also demonstrate the far-reaching benefits of high speed rail, connecting eight of the ten biggest cities in the country and 30 million people, providing better links for northern cities.
+
The event will be chaired by Sarah-Jane Mee, co-host of Sky News Sunrise, and joining us will be key policy makers and senior industry and local authority figures from across the UK.
Drivers travelling home or setting off for a festive getaway on the last Friday before Christmas may face delays over 20 minutes caused by congestion at junction 28 of the M1.
\n\n
\n
New analysis from Midlands Connect shows the true agony of driving home for Christmas. The worst period for delays seen in previous years was between 3pm and 4pm, where delays for all routes through the junction added up to 31 minutes. At a usual non-festive peak hour, this setback is an average of eight minutes.
\n
At this time, vehicles travelling southbound on the M1 faced an average 21 minutes of delay, when earlier in the year the usual hinderance is just 30 seconds. Those turning from the M1 southbound to the A38 westbound faced 15-minute holdups – five times the typical delay.
\n
Northern parts of the East Midlands region are particularly affected, as the junction serves Alfreton, Bolsover, Ashfield, and Mansfield communities.
\n
Midlands Connect is recommending the Government considers proposals to improve junction 28 as part of its third Roads Investment Strategy (RIS3). Interventions would reduce congestion and frustration at the roundabout and on the M1, benefitting local drivers as well as those making longer north-south trips.
\n
Mark Fletcher, MP for Bolsover, commented:
\n
“My constituents are all too familiar with the chore of trying to get home and being stuck at junction 28. During the festive period this can be especially frustrating.
\n
“I am joining Midlands Connect in its call for improvements to the junction. The changes can’t come soon enough.”
\n
Swati Mittal, Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect, added:
\n
“The improvements we are recommending for junction 28 are so important. If they are funded as part of RIS3, residents could feel the benefit in Christmases yet to come.”
College can be a great place to build the foundations of a successful future career.
\\n
\\n
\\n
It’s Colleges Week, so we’re celebrating the importance of the work colleges do to help people of all ages across our region to put those foundations in place.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Thea, a student at King Edward VI, Stourbridge, is loving college life thanks to the great classes and excellent support behind the scenes.
\\n
\\n
\\n
But what can you expect when college is your next step?
\\n
\\n
\\n
There’s often excitement, anticipation, and of course sometimes a few nerves – but you’re not alone, and there’s plenty of support on offer to help you settle in.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Read on for Thea’s advice on preparing for college.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Keep things organised
\\n
\\n
\\n
“Be organised: college is fun but a lot of work so staying on top of the workload is important.”
\\n
It’s great to keep a diary and plenty of notes to stay on track with your work.
\\n
\\n
\\n
If you’re struggling to stay on top of things – that’s okay! Colleges offer lots of support to help you succeed, and you can speak to your tutors to put a plan in place.
\\n
\\n\\n
\\n
\\n
Get involved!
\\n
\\n
\\n
“Make the effort to join the enrichment programmes that are offered as they are a great way to get to know fellow students and teachers whilst also engaging in your interests.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
We know that putting yourself out there to create a social network when you make the move to a new college can sometimes be daunting.
\\n
\\n
\\n
That’s why Thea suggests the enrichment programmes as a fantastic way to meet likeminded peers.
\\n
\\n
\\n
It’s not just your course – colleges offer great activities to suit different interests and help you to mingle!
\\n
\\n
\\n
Find the common denominator
\\n
\\n
\\n
“Try to socialise as much as you can, both in class and outside of it as the college community is a great environment to be a part of. The people in your classes already have one thing in common with you.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
Once you’re settled into your classes and activities – get social!
\\n
\\n
\\n
Guess what? The people in your classes already have the subject interest in common, so you can always find out what they love about it – whether it’s anything from Pythagoras to pirouettes.
\\n
Need help? Reach out!
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
“Familiarise yourself with the pastoral and student support centres so that you can access help if you need it.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
At college, there are lots of people who can help you – everyone wants you to do well, so care is taken to put systems in place to offer students the guidance they need on an individual basis.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Thea recommends checking out the services on offer, so that support is easy to reach.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Just do you!
\\n
\\n
\\n
“Have fun and be yourself, as college is a great place to grow.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
College is a great place to find out what you enjoy doing, and where your career might take you next – careers guidance is on offer to help you reach your aims as you grow and learn.
\\n
\\n
\\n
And we second that Thea – it’s important to have FUN, be yourself, and make the most of your time there!
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/how-to-build-a-coaching-and-mentoring-culture-in-an-organisation.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/how-to-build-a-coaching-and-mentoring-culture-in-an-organisation.config
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+ Blog
+ /WestMidlandsCombinedAuthority/Blog/HowToBuildACoachingAndMentoringCultureInAnOrganisation
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+ 2024-05-15T14:22:25
+
+ 39
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+
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+
+ We've combined the best of both worlds into a single, powerful programme. We aim to give staff access to:\\n
\\n
\\n
Internal and external expertise: staff can tap into a diverse pool of coaches and mentors, both within our organisation and through our external partnerships.
\\n
Coaching elements in management fundamentals: we empower staff to enhance their leadership skills with coaching components integrated into this core development programme.
We understand that the needs of our colleagues may vary over time. That's why we offer both coaching and mentoring. But what's the difference between the two you might ask? This is our take:
\\n
\\n
Coaching: a focus on specific skill development, behavioural shifts, and performance enhancement. It's typically shorter-term and goal-oriented.
\\n
Mentoring: this emphasises broader career and personal development guided by the mentor's experience. This relationship tends to be longer-term.
We encourage our staff to discuss this with your line managers. Share your interests and get their support. This is also something you can do with if you're reading this from outside the WMCA.
\\n
We have a Matching Hub internally that helps colleagues select a mentor or coach based on your unique needs.
\\n\\n
And over time you may wish to explore Reverse Mentoring where you make it a two-way learning process to share fresh insights.
What learning opportunities do you offer to staff?
\\n
A big part of life at the WMCA is about supporting continuous learning.
\\n
We offer colleagues resources to empower your growth journey:
\\n
This includes an introduction to coaching through our eLearning pool. We offer management fundamentals courses and provide informative documents and checklists/models to work to.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/how-to-get-that-promotion-you-deserve.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/how-to-get-that-promotion-you-deserve.config
new file mode 100644
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+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/how-to-get-that-promotion-you-deserve.config
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+
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+ Blog
+ /WestMidlandsCombinedAuthority/Blog/HowToGetThatPromotionYouDeserve
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+ blogArticle
+ 2024-05-30T21:28:21
+
+ 47
+
+
+ BlogArticle
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ We’ve all been there. Time passes by and you feel like progression is the only logical way that you’ll feel satisfied with work again – not to mention, earning a little more money might be nice. \\n
So, how do you go after it?
\\n
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, progression in a job role can happen naturally – but often you can end up chasing that promotion and time after time being pipped to the post.
\\n
We’re here to tell you that you can do it – that promotion is yours for the taking, and we’ve put together 6 tips that could help you grab it with both hands.
\\n
Get skilled and grab that promotion – explore our course finder today.
\\n
1. Ready, skill set, go
\\n
Possibly one of the most effective ways to get that promotion, is to be the best qualified for it.
\\n
Thankfully, we’ve got you covered when it comes to getting the right skills for the job.
\\n
Just ask Kaya from the Black Country; he saw the growing demand for employees with digital skills, particularly in relation to AI, and he jumped at the chance to take on one of the courses we fund.
\\n
On developing his skills with the ‘AI for Current Workforce’ course, provided by Netcom, Kaya says: “Rather than fighting against the AI change, which is going to happen, I thought why not go with it and up-skill to futureproof myself. I think it will change my working life.”
\\n
So if, like Kaya, you can be prepared to meet employer’s ever-evolving needs for new skill sets, then you’re likely to be a shoe in for that next big promotion.
\\n
2. Self-development is key
\\n
Naturally, you’re likely to get better at your job the longer you’re doing it for – but desire for development shouldn’t just stop at the inevitable repetition of your daily 9 to 5.
\\n
Up-skilling with a funded course could be a great opportunity to, as Kaya puts it, “enhance your workflow” and show self-development to really impress.
\\n
Being willing to develop yourself in all aspects is a real asset. Whether that be taking on a course to grow your skill set, going the extra mile to improve a piece of work, or simply taking the time to research and expand your knowledge.
\\n
And if you’re not sure – ask!
\\n
All too often, asking questions is seen as a sign of weakness; but it’s quite the opposite. Asking questions is a sign that you care about your role and are keen to learn and develop.
\\n
3. Pitch in
\\n
We all know that feeling when you have a burning, epic idea just waiting to take the meeting by storm, and then you… never actually share it.
\\n
Yeah, you really should share it.
\\n
Taking on a funded course can increase your knowledge and help you to feel confident pitching more impactful ideas.
\\n
What’s more, continuing to learn and explore new concepts could provide you with an edge over other candidates for that promotion.
\\n
Kaya will use what he’s learning on the ‘AI for Current Workforce’ course to form exciting new ideas in his wok as a VFX (Video Effects) Compositor.
\\n
He says: “There have been recent developments, so we’ve been learning about different types of AI and I think it’s a massive opportunity.”
\\n
Remember though: there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ – it’s all about working collaboratively and recognising when your great ideas can help the team achieve objectives, whilst listening to the contributions of others.
It may sound cliché, but arriving to work on time, being punctual to meetings, and striving to meet deadlines can do wonders for the impression you make in a work environment.
\\n
Become a master of time management.
\\n
There are multiple ways you can achieve this, including learning to prioritise tasks and keeping a schedule close to hand.
\\n
And if we’ve already tempted you by the idea of up-skilling through a funded course, this doesn’t need to wreak havoc with your carefully organised working day.
\\n
On fitting training around his work, Kaya says: “It’s all online and we have 3 hours in the evenings Monday to Thursday, so it’s not too intense and the time goes quickly because the training providers keep it really interesting.”
\\n
5. Seek to solve
\\n
What’s worse than a problem?
\\n
Well, a problem that nobody has bothered to find a solution for.
\\n
Rather than going to your manager with endless problems, think to yourself:
\\n
• Can I clearly define the issue? • Have I triple checked the outcome? • Can I research a solution? • How can I develop an action plan? • What is the impact, and how can this be minimised?
\\n
To really make yourself a top candidate for that big promotion, try to be the person who actively seeks solutions to problems that will, inevitably, continue to arise.
\\n
Kaya recognises that, “There is a lot of talk in the VFX industry about whether AI is going to take people’s jobs.”
\\n
But rather than seeing this as a problem, he’s proactively taken on a course to up-skill and find ways that AI can be beneficial to his own work.
\\n
Continuing your learning with a funded course can keep you in good practise when it comes to problem solving and seeking a tangible answer.
\\n
6. Become a leader
\\n
They say, ‘knowledge is power.’
\\n
In other words, oftentimes, the best way to become a leader is to know your stuff.
\\n
Combining all the previous points can prepare you for leading a team and make you a viable candidate for that big promotion – but we must yet again emphasise how continually learning could be your key to clinching it.
\\n
By taking on a funded course, you can grow your knowledge and be ready to impart this onto a team to really reap the rewards.
\\n
Thanks to the skills Kaya is acquiring on his course, he now feels that he’s “blazing the trail.”
\\n
Training to become an expert in your industry and develop other skills will make you a respectable leader – all that’s left to do is nail your interview and the job could be yours.
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, progression in a job role can happen naturally – but often you can end up chasing that promotion and time after time being pipped to the post.
\\n
We’re here to tell you that you can do it – that promotion is yours for the taking, and we’ve put together 6 tips that could help you grab it with both hands.
\\n
\\n
\\n
1. Ready, skill set, go
\\n
\\n
\\n
Possibly one of the most effective ways to get that promotion, is to be the best qualified for it.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Thankfully, we’ve got you covered when it comes to getting the right skills for the job.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Just ask Kaya from the Black Country; he saw the growing demand for employees with digital skills, particularly in relation to AI, and he jumped at the chance to take on one of the courses we fund.
\\n
\\n
\\n
On developing his skills with the ‘AI for Current Workforce’ course, provided by Netcom, Kaya says: “Rather than fighting against the AI change, which is going to happen, I thought why not go with it and up-skill to futureproof myself. I think it will change my working life.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
So if, like Kaya, you can be prepared to meet employer’s ever-evolving needs for new skill sets, then you’re likely to be a shoe in for that next big promotion.
\\n
\\n\\n
\\n
\\n
2. Self-development is key
\\n
\\n
\\n
Naturally, you’re likely to get better at your job the longer you’re doing it for – but desire for development shouldn’t just stop at the inevitable repetition of your daily 9 to 5.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Up-skilling with a funded course could be a great opportunity to, as Kaya puts it, “enhance your workflow” and show self-development to really impress.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Being willing to develop yourself in all aspects is a real asset. Whether that be taking on a course to grow your skill set, going the extra mile to improve a piece of work, or simply taking the time to research and expand your knowledge.
\\n
\\n
\\n
And if you’re not sure – ask!
\\n
\\n
\\n
All too often, asking questions is seen as a sign of weakness; but it’s quite the opposite. Asking questions is a sign that you care about your role and are keen to learn and develop.
\\n
3. Pitch in
\\n
\\n
\\n
We all know that feeling when you have a burning, epic idea just waiting to take the meeting by storm, and then you… never actually share it.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Yeah, you really should share it.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Taking on a funded course can increase your knowledge and help you to feel confident pitching more impactful ideas.
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
What’s more, continuing to learn and explore new concepts could provide you with an edge over other candidates for that promotion.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Kaya will use what he’s learning on the ‘AI for Current Workforce’ course to form exciting new ideas in his wok as a VFX (Video Effects) Compositor.
\\n
\\n
\\n
He says: “There have been recent developments, so we’ve been learning about different types of AI and I think it’s a massive opportunity.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
Remember though: there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ – it’s all about working collaboratively and recognising when your great ideas can help the team achieve objectives, whilst listening to the contributions of others.
\\n
\\n
\\n
4. Manage your time
\\n
\\n
\\n
It may sound cliché, but arriving to work on time, being punctual to meetings, and striving to meet deadlines can do wonders for the impression you make in a work environment.
\\n
Become a master of time management.
\\n
\\n
\\n
There are multiple ways you can achieve this, including learning to prioritise tasks and keeping a schedule close to hand.
\\n
\\n
\\n
And if we’ve already tempted you by the idea of up-skilling through a funded course, this doesn’t need to wreak havoc with your carefully organised working day.
\\n
\\n
\\n
On fitting training around his work, Kaya says: “It’s all online and we have 3 hours in the evenings Monday to Thursday, so it’s not too intense and the time goes quickly because the training providers keep it really interesting.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
5. Seek to solve
\\n
\\n
\\n
What’s worse than a problem?
\\n
\\n
\\n
Well, a problem that nobody has bothered to find a solution for.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Rather than going to your manager with endless problems, think to yourself:
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
Can I clearly define the issue?
\\n
\\n
\\n
Have I triple checked the outcome?
\\n
\\n
\\n
Can I research a solution?
\\n
\\n
\\n
How can I develop an action plan?
\\n
\\n
\\n
What is the impact, and how can this be minimised?
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
To really make yourself a top candidate for that big promotion, try to be the person who actively seeks solutions to problems that will, inevitably, continue to arise.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Kaya recognises that, “There is a lot of talk in the VFX industry about whether AI is going to take people’s jobs.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
But rather than seeing this as a problem, he’s proactively taken on a course to up-skill and find ways that AI can be beneficial to his own work.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Continuing your learning with a funded course can keep you in good practise when it comes to problem solving and seeking a tangible answer.
\\n
\\n
\\n
6. Become a leader
\\n
\\n
\\n
They say, ‘knowledge is power.’
\\n
\\n
\\n
In other words, oftentimes, the best way to become a leader is to know your stuff.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Combining all the previous points can prepare you for leading a team and make you a viable candidate for that big promotion – but we must yet again emphasise how continually learning could be your key to clinching it.
\\n
\\n
\\n
By taking on a funded course, you can grow your knowledge and be ready to impart this onto a team to really reap the rewards.
\\n
\\n
\\n
Thanks to the skills Kaya is acquiring on his course, he now feels that he’s “blazing the trail.”
\\n
\\n
\\n
Training to become an expert in your industry and develop other skills will make you a respectable leader – all that’s left to do is nail your interview and the job could be yours.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/identity-of-youths-sought-after-bus-driver-assaulted.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/identity-of-youths-sought-after-bus-driver-assaulted.config
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+
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+ /SaferTravel/News/IdentityOfYouthsSoughtAfterBusDriverAssaulted
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+ newsArticleSaferTravel
+ 2024-02-22T16:03:46
+
+ 120
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+ NewsArticleSaferTravel
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Do you recognise this group, we want to talk to them after a bus driver was assaulted at around half past midnight on Tuesday 13 February.\n
The youths, three males and a female, boarded the no 63 bus near to Longbridge police station on Bristol Road South.
\n
When the bus stopped in Leach Green Lane in Rednal the driver was punched in the face and his cab door opened. He fell from the cab to the floor where he was kicked and punched, suffering injuries to his arms, legs and stomach.
\n
You can contact us on 101 quoting reference 20/233823/24, or use live chat on west-midlands.police.uk
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/insights-a-spotlight-on-rural-mobility_ok1heddk.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/insights-a-spotlight-on-rural-mobility_ok1heddk.config
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+ LegacyNewsArticle1
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+
+ In the wake of Covid-19 and the climate emergency, the need to “build back better” has never been more crucial, particularly for those areas that were already struggling to keep up. The rural-urban divide is prevalent across many areas, including productivity, digital infrastructure, and access to transport and services. The government’s levelling up agenda provides us with renewed impetus to tackle these issues and revitalise rural communities, ensuring that investment is not just concentrated in cities, but fairly and effectively distributed across the whole region. Before we act, we must understand; rural areas face different challenges and have different needs to larger towns and cities. These differences must be front and centre of our approach.
+
Our work on the Future of Rural Mobility (FoRMS) has highlighted that enhanced connectivity has the potential to reinvigorate the economic vitality of rural towns and villages. New technologies, alongside new ways of working and delivering services, can improve the way we live and work. Remote learning and working opportunities, better access to employment and digital connectivity can empower rural areas to retain young talent, attract business investment and reduce isolation.
+
Based on ONS figures, 35% of our population here in the Midlands live in rural areas. Data analysed by Midlands Connect suggests that rural areas of the Midlands region have higher levels of carbon emissions than their urban counterparts. The transport sector is the largest emissions contributor and decarbonising transport in rural areas – although challenging – can have a huge impact on meeting our climate goals, as well as supporting vulnerable communities and regenerating local economies. If we are to reduce carbon emissions from transport in the Midlands, greater emphasis on rural emissions is crucial.
+
In the Midlands, most of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) – motorways and major “trunk” A-roads – runs through more rural areas and emissions per mile are much higher on the SRN due to the higher proportion of goods vehicles and longer-distance trips. Public transport in rural areas is patchwork at best; lower demand caused by smaller populations lead to infrequent or unreliable services; this reduces demand further causing costs to escalate. Declining local authority budgets have left very little (if any) funding available for non-statutory services like bus routes, and the impacts of Covid-19 have only piled on the pressure. The government’s national bus strategy “Bus Back Better” prioritises innovation and new technologies with less focus on improving service provision and accessibility in rural areas. Grid capacity for electric buses is currently very limited in rural areas and the costs associated with the rollout of zero-emission buses is therefore much higher, requiring regular returns to the depot to recharge which leads to lost revenue.
+
Poor public transport means that many rural households rely on private vehicles to access services. EVs will likely have an increasingly important role and we will be working with our rural partners to discuss the role that EV charging infrastructure can play in reducing carbon emissions from transport in these areas. Mode shift (shifting drivers to walking/cycling and public transport) efforts will have limited impact in a rural setting due to the extended length of the first/last mile in these areas. Decarbonising rural transport therefore must concentrate on shifting people to EVs, and at an accelerated rate.
+
The post-pandemic era brings the opportunity for more remote working and the UK property market is already witnessing substantially increased interest in rural properties. This potential increase in rural populations could put pressure on existing rural services if not properly planned. But it is also an opportunity, as an increased population of those accustomed to better services can drive demand and improve infrastructure, not just in transport but digital infrastructure, healthcare and others. A network of rural hubs would provide an opportunity for hubs to restructure public transport by providing feeder services that link to more direct bus routes. Rural hubs could provide enhanced passenger information, charging facilities for electric bikes, cars and buses, digital hotspot and logistics services, as well as working with healthcare and other service providers such as co-working and retail.
+
It is also important to remember that the demographic within rural areas can be very different to urban areas, with a higher proportion of older adults compared with the typically younger profile of urban populations. This not only impacts the type of services needed, but also propensity to take up new technology. It will be important to undertake robust needs assessments of different rural areas, going beyond the traditional planning processes and drawing on data and insight generated by the wider public sector and voluntary and community sector, to target services and interventions accordingly.
+
Now is the perfect time for Sub-national Transport Bodies to work with local partners and Government to implement policies and deliver investments that will improve the lives, opportunities and social mobility of rural communities. Whether it be reducing carbon emissions, improving public transport or boosting digital infrastructure, understanding the needs of the population is central to creating a fairer and more equal society that supports productivity and wellbeing, across the whole region.
+
Laura Spinks is a transport planner at Midlands Connect
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+ Coventry and Leicester. Two great cities - only a mere 20 miles apart as the crow flies. But getting a train from one to the other takes nearly an hour, and requires a change of train halfway, at Nuneaton. As Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby said at our recent Network North Conference, barely anyone currently does this journey by train, and he’s absolutely right. Our most recent mobile phone data, from November this year, shows that the rail mode share - that is the percentage of people travelling between the cities by rail - remains stubbornly low, at 3%. Or to put it another way, 97% don’t take the train.\n
We at Midlands Connect have a firm plan to do something about this and have a credible proposal to seek regular, direct, trains services not just linking Coventry and Leicester, but also continuing to Nottingham, providing a new link between these great cities and centres of population. Back in 2022, we published our ‘Strategic Transport Plan’, which was all around providing better connectivity into our ‘hubs’ – by which we mean our cities, centres of population and economic activity. We went as far as quantifying the definition of ‘better’ by seeking an average speed of 70mph between cities and an intercity frequency of at least two trains each hour. As you might have guessed, Coventry to Leicester currently falls well below this definition of ‘better’ with no direct service and an average speed of little more than 30mph. By comparison, the average speed for trains from Coventry to London is just over 100mph, so our 30mph to Leicester is sedate at best, and is completely uncompetitive with a car journey.
\n
Why do we want this direct link? In our Strategic Transport Plan, we talk about there being three ‘Grand Challenges’ in the Midlands – Fairer, Greener and Stronger. This certainly rings true for the corridor from Coventry to Leicester and Nottingham. For instance, the ‘Greener’ challenge is very apparent, with well over 90% of journeys between the cities being made by car, whereas for better-connected cities like Coventry and Birmingham, we know that around a third of people are choosing the train. But there’s also a clear ‘Stronger’ issue here too. Given the poor transport links, there is very little economic ‘interaction’ between the cities, which is a major missed opportunity. The evidence is compelling on the ‘Fairer’ challenge too, with high levels of deprivation within and close to the corridor, for which a new direct rail service opens up new opportunities, be that for work, education, business or leisure.
\n
So, what’s required to provide a direct service between these cities, and crucially, why isn’t there already one? The major hurdle on this corridor, in pure rail terms, is at Nuneaton. There simply isn’t a way of getting a train from the Coventry Line over to the Leicester Line. This means we need some new railway infrastructure – in the form of a ‘diveunder’. Essentially, a new route under the existing railway. There are some other bits for us to do as well, including make sure there is enough capacity for extra trains at both ends of the route. But these are all ‘bread and butter’ upgrades for the railway, and we are not talking about anything that hasn’t already been done elsewhere.
\n
Come Summer 2024, we’ll be sending our business case to Government. That is, our case for investing in this corridor, capturing all the benefits but also all the costs, demonstrating the extent to which our scheme offers ‘value for money’ – a key government metric not just for transport but for all major investments. We also have strong backing from our partner authorities on the route, with the leaders of Coventry City Council, Leicester City Council and Nottingham City Council co-signing a recent letter to Government seeking this investment to be made.
\n
To finish where we started. Coventry and Leicester. Two great cities – just 20 miles apart, and well connected with a regular, fast train service. That’s the vision.
\n
Andy Clark is an Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect.
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+
+ Oat milk lattes, vegan burgers, re-usable cups and canvas tote bags have quickly become mainstays of our daily lives, enabling everyday people to make more sustainable choices. Even 5 years ago, who could have imagined a range of tasty plant-based options on offer at every fast food chain on the high street? It’s clear that sustainability has become a fantastic marketing tool, with the potential to colour every part of our lives. So why do so many eco-conscious people still choose to travel by car rather than rail, despite the huge environmental impacts?
+
A combination of shifts in the way the British public think about rail travel, combined with major improvements on the network to make it more suited to customer needs, are key to taking more cars away from our roads. Unlike simply picking up a more environmentally friendly product at the supermarket however, making the switch to daily rail travel requires a total shift in mind set and behaviour change – but without rising passenger numbers, finding the funding to improve our railways is an extremely tall order. For me, it’s clear that rail travel needs a sustainability re-brand and cultural shift now.
+
With Government’s ambitious goal of full transport decarbonisation by 2050 looming ever closer, we are working on rail strategies which focus on making services accessible to more people and reducing transport poverty issues. Our research shows that taking the train instead of driving is one of the most important changes we can make in our daily lives to reduce carbon emissions.
+
Our flagship project, the Midlands Rail Hub will work to strengthen existing rail links, as well as opening up capacity for new ones and expanding timetables. By carrying out a package of small, strategic improvements, our rail network will become more suited to the daily lives of the travelling public, enabling them to choose trains for work, education and leisure. In addition, the introduction of HS2 will free up capacity to increase services on local lines. However, creating the space for more rail services isn’t enough, we need passengers in carriages – it’s vital that operators market their services in a way that highlights the environmental benefits of rail travel, calling out to the growing cohort of environmentally-conscious consumers.
+
Whilst our primary focus must remain on bringing more passengers onto trains, making railways themselves greener has been a hot topic in the industry for many years. Around 30% of UK trains are currently diesel[1], the most polluting variety, with the rest made up of bi-mode (powered partially by electricity and partially by diesel) and fully electric services. However, only 38% of the rail network is electrified.
+
With Government promising the end of diesel trains by 2040, it’s essential that work to electrify our network steps up a gear. That means securing a a rolling programme of electrification, enabling suppliers to retain a skilled workforce which drives cost benefits and of course creates a cleaner, greener railway. That being said, we must also investigate the possibilities offered by alternative fuels and battery power for smaller branch lines, which could pose a cheap and manageable way to decarbonise stretches of the railway with lower passenger numbers, or where physical characteristics and geography make electrification a less viable option.
+
Another area of transport which cannot be excluded from the decarbonisation conversation is freight. With rail freight producing around 76% fewer emissions than road, it’s essential that large and smaller businesses are given the tools to make the swap as soon as possible. In much the same way as passenger rail travel, a fundamental shift is required for rail freight in order to make it more attractive and accessible to the customer.
+
At this time, rail freight is suited best to businesses who ‘bulk-haul’ goods, and can fill entire freight trains with commodities. But the market demands are changing – there are many more customers who have smaller loads, that the current Commercial Model for rail freight simply isn’t set up to accommodate. In addition, today’s rail freight system is not suitable for ‘just in time’ deliveries of perishable items such as fresh foods, as freight services are often pushed into sidings for hours at a time en route, thus delaying delivery, and load and unload facilities are neither up to standard nor suitably located for many ‘just in time’ deliveries.
+
I have real confidence that a more sustainability-focused attitude to rail may just be the nudge we all need to make the switch from car travel to regular rail travel. If we the industry, policymakers and operators extoll the benefits of rail travel and transportation, we can speed our route to a carbon-zero transport network.
+
[1] All data extracted from Network Rail Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy Interim Programme Business Case, September 2019
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+ I was fortunate to join a site to visit in late March to HS2’s Tunnel Boring Machine Visitor Centre, near Long Itchington, Warwickshire. This is the location of the HS2 twin-bore tunnel under Long Itchington Woods. These woods, and neighbouring Ufton Wood, are a single block of deciduous ancient woodland dating from at least 1600AD. They are classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which for HS2, means a tunnel is needed to avoid disturbing this important asset.
+
This particular tunnel in Warwickshire forms part of HS2 Phase 1, which is the section of HS2 extending from London up to the West Midlands, with a terminus at Curzon Street in Birmingham City Centre, plus a link into the West Coast Main Line at Handsacre, near Lichfield. Later stages of the project will see the railway extend to Crewe (Phase 2a), then onto Manchester and the East Midlands (Phase 2b).
+
The twin bore tunnel under Long Itchington Woods is approximately one mile long. HS2 Ltd, working with Balfour Beatty Vinci JV, has used a Tunnel Boring Machine – an amazing bit of kit which does exactly what the name suggests. It slowly bores the tunnel, using a 10m diameter cutter head, while simultaneously lining the tunnel with concrete segments. But before dwelling on the detail, first a note on the name. This TBM is named ‘Dorothy’. Naming the machine after a woman follows a long tradition, dating back to the 1500s when miners prayed to Saint Barbara to protect them from the dangers underground. This particular machine is named after Dorothy Hodgkin, who in 1964 became the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Her discoveries included confirming the structure of penicillin and paving the way for insulin to be used in treating diabetes.
+
At the time of my visit, ‘Dorothy’ had already bored the ‘down’ tunnel, which is the tunnel to be used by northbound trains from London to the West Midlands and beyond. This took approximately five months, with the TBM working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dorothy was now close to completing the ‘up’ tunnel (for trains in the London-bound direction). In fact, she was only a handful of days from breaking through at the southern portal, so the visit was clearly well-timed! The material excavated is converted from a solid, into a liquid slurry, before being converted back to a solid, with as much material as possible being used to support other parts of the build.
+
Once Dorothy has completed the ‘up’ tunnel at Long Itchington, she will be dismantled (with the cutter head being removed at the south portal, before the remainder of the TBM is dragged back through the newly lined tunnel to the north portal), before moving up to the Birmingham area to bore the Bromford tunnels. These are situated between the proposed HS2 Interchange Station, close to Birmingham Airport, and Curzon Street in the city centre. Here, the task is bigger than that at Long Itchington, with much longer twin bore tunnels required.
+
So that’s the visit, and now onto a request. It is great to see such progress on Phase 1, but there remains uncertainty around the future phasing of the scheme, including the date at which it will reach the East Midlands. Recently, our Chairman Sir John Peace called for the end of dithering on HS2. But why does the uncertainty cause us a headache? As an organisation, we have developed ‘Midlands Engine Rail’, our portfolio of rail schemes across our geography, including our flagship scheme, the Midlands Rail Hub. While getting people into HS2 isn’t Midlands Engine Rail’s sole raison d’être, it is certainly up there. For our pipeline of schemes to be developed, offering credible rail enhancements at what is a very modest sum of money, it relies upon us having clear visibility on how and when HS2 will be completed. This is of course about much more than just the railway – this is about the economic transformation of large parts of the Midlands and beyond.
+
To summarise, great progress on Phase 1, but let’s not take the foot off the pedal for subsequent phases. Or as Sir John Peace put it - ‘Don’t dither, don’t delay, deliver HS2 all the way’.
+
Andy Clark is a Senior Rail Programme Manager at Midlands Connect.
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+ As Einstein once said; ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’.
+
We’ve all shaken our heads in horror at images of huge, polluting 10-lane highways ploughing their way through cities around the globe, wondering how and why cities are still being centred around cars and concrete in 2022. Here in the UK however, are we doing enough to avoid falling into the same trap? It’s time to fully commit ourselves to thinking about roads differently.
+
Today, concerns about the environment, climate change, air quality and our carbon footprint are quite rightly an important part of any and every new policy created – especially in the realm of transport.
+
In this environmentally conscious world, making the case for new roads can sometimes be a really tough challenge. The reality is, we still need roads and will do for a long time but the key to success lies in making roads smarter, more efficient and responsive to the changing needs of those who will use them far into the future.
+
Midlands Connect is keen to show just how effective this new, smarter way of approaching road building can be, with our latest strategy for improving conditions on the A50/A500 transport corridor, which runs from Crewe and Nantwich to North Leicestershire.
+
Home to around a million people and half a million jobs, as well as major multi-national companies such as JCB, Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Alstom, so many depend on this 90km route to transport essential goods and travel to and from home and work. Upgrades are badly needed to address the frustrating daily congestion issues which locals will know all too well – in fact, commuters in this area currently waste around 37 minutes in the car each weekday due to traffic.
+
We’ve recently released a report on our suggested upgrade plan for the A50/A500, approaching existing problems from a completely new angle. Our plan works to re-use existing infrastructure wherever possible, introducing smart technology, traffic demand management and high quality walking and cycling facilities.
+
Road building generally relies on a traditional method of transport planning called ‘predict and provide’. This involves simply matching new development, housing and growth with new roads to suit upcoming increases in demand. Whilst this may have worked well in the past, predict and provide is not sustainable and doesn’t maximise the benefits of new technologies or changing attitudes and behaviours around transport use.
+
The Covid pandemic lead to big changes for the travelling public, as working from home became the norm for many. Our approach to developing the A50/A500 seeks to build on this appetite for adaptable travel times, by improving live information on travel apps and encouraging travel at quieter times. In addition, resilience across the whole corridor can be improved by smarter re-routing of M6 traffic in the instance of accidents.
+
Whilst building new roads cannot be avoided completely, for example, new roundabouts near Uttoxeter to support traffic flow, we aim to build as little new infrastructure as possible. This provides better value for money to the taxpayer, as well as breaking the cycle of centring transport planning around polluting cars and private vehicles – indeed with Government pledging zero carbon transport by 2050, there really is no time to waste.
+
So when it comes to upgrading and building roads, why should we continue working in the ways we’re used to, just because that’s the way it’s always been done? Building roads can be smart, progressive and environmentally friendly and work to support economic growth in our communities.
+
Roads are a familiar concept, an infrastructure that often gets a bad name, but one which we all still need in our everyday lives. Yes, roads are here to stay – but there’s nothing to stop the way we build, use and manage them from being completely reimagined.
Swati Mittal is the Major Road Network and Strategic Roads Manager at Midlands Connect
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+ Flick through any newspaper and somewhere in its pages, you’ll probably come across two phrases - COP26 and ‘levelling-up’. Like most of us, I can’t pinpoint the moment I learned about this year’s climate change summit, or when I first heard Boris Johnson pledge to level up the UK, but one thing’s for certain – these two things are cornerstones of Government policy, so ingrained in the public lexicon that they’ve influenced appointments, funding decisions and even department names (RIP MHCLG). Rhetoric raises awareness, but we need action to meet the challenge of climate change – we must install a truly comprehensive public charging network for Electric Vehicles.
+
The transport sector is now the UK’s biggest emitter, and unlike other industries has been slow to decarbonise. A simple glance at the stats highlights the scale of the problem, since 1990 the energy sector has reduced CO2 emissions by 62%, while the transport sector has managed just a 5% reduction in the same timeframe. Legislation to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 is the biggest signal yet that change is coming, our projections predict a boom in EV use before the end of the decade, suggesting the proportion of EVs will rise from 1 in 100 vehicles now to more than 1 in 4 by 2030.
+
Research with 3,000 Midlands motorists reveals that 77% are considering buying an EV as their next car purchase, but that this good intention is not without its doubts. Over half were worried by a lack of public charging points and a lack of battery range. This issue of charging is vitally important – if EV growth goes ahead as planned we’ll need seriously ramp up the speed of public EV charger installations. We need to install 11 new public chargers every day, or nearly 4,000 a year until 2030 to meet demand. Putting it nicely, we need to get a wriggle on and go at six times the current pace.
+
We know that rolling out public chargers will level the playing field for EV owners both socio-economically and geographically. 93% of EV owners have a driveway, meaning they can charge their vehicle at home. What about motorists that live in terraced housing or don’t have a parking space (that’s about 40% of Midlands households)? We need to follow the example of local authorities like Coventry City Council that have focused efforts on installing public charge points in residential areas dominated by terraced housing, encouraging locals to make the switch.
+
By the end of the decade, EV chargers should be like post boxes – available everywhere to everyone, regardless of whether you’re in a city or village or whether some are used more frequently than others. At the moment, a lack of joined up strategy means that private companies snap up the most commercially viable sites, in service stations and out of town shopping malls, and local authorities are left to manage less profitable sites in residential areas. This isn’t sustainable. Local authorities are keener to badge up a mixture of sites in partnerships with private providers known as ‘concessionary deals’, but they are held back by a lack of long-term funding certainty. It’s clear that if we’re to meet this challenge, both the public and private sectors must play an active role.
+
It’s also worth mentioning that despite Londoners being 40% less likely to own a car, they have access to over twice as many public chargers than any other UK region. UK-wide support for local authorities will help to redress the balance.
+
As we approach COP26, we’ll see Government draw more lines in the sand, as it signals to the rest of the world its intention to lead the charge to net zero. The take up of electric vehicles must form a central part of this, and levelling up the opportunity to purchase an EV, through tax breaks, incentives and crucially a comprehensive UK-wide charging network, must be a priority. If we’re successful, it won’t just be Government slogans we notice, but shiny new charge points in our villages, towns and cities.
+
Sophie Zumbe is External Affairs Manager at Midlands Connect
+]]>
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+ In 2018, I was travelling the length and breadth of the country undertaking stakeholder consultation for one of the bidders for the West Coast franchise. Many of the consultations were one and the same – trains running on time, more luggage space, cheaper fares and less-smelly toilets. But my trip to the Marches Rail Group in Shrewsbury was memorable. Shrewsbury was barely connected to the West Coast mainline – with only two London trains a day. The group’s ask was simple – an hourly service which connected well to the many essential rural services that arrived in Shrewsbury from other parts of Shropshire, the Heart of Wales Line and the Cambrian Line. They talked passionately about the difference it would make to their communities, the opportunities it would provide and the economic growth it would lead to. For me, it was a perfect example of what we now all know as ‘Levelling Up’ – and how well-planned rail connectivity really can help to achieve it.
+
Roll on 18 months and I’m leading on Midlands Connect’s plans to increase linespeed and capacity on the Marches Line between Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury – a slightly different question, with the same long-term outcome: how can rail stimulate economic growth in the Marches? The findings have led to the ‘Rails to Recovery’ report published today, indicating a good business case for investing in the corridor and delivering that hourly London train that stakeholders so aspire to.
+
It is not always the case that corridor studies such as this have strong business cases, so why does this one stand out, and what has the project to date had to consider to get it into that position? One of the natural advantages of this corridor is high existing patronage – including large economic centres in their own right such as Wolverhampton, Wellington and Telford – all of which are proposed to achieve their holy grail of improved connectivity to London. The analytical methods we use at this early stage are better suited to corridors where existing flows are higher – simply because there is data to base future growth on. Anchoring to Birmingham and London also helps, as these cities drive higher patronage and revenue. The corridor is anticipated to benefit significantly from HS2 and the released capacity it brings. In fact, this is the enabler for the hourly direct London-Shrewsbury service for which there is simply no space on the corridor between Birmingham and Wolverhampton in the present timetable.
+
As well as maximising the benefits, the development of the scheme has focused on providing a proportionate engineering solution that keeps capital costs down. A starting point for the consultant team was to look for locations where linespeed could be increased with minimal infrastructure upgrades. From there, we used an iterative process between engineers and rail planners to apply linespeed uplifts through track realignment only where we could demonstrate benefit to journey times. For example, on the 50mph section of line near Wellington Station, no benefit would be accrued by raising the linespeed. The outcome of this process was less than 2km of track slue (moving the full rail alignment sideways) being seen as needed, alongside longer lengths of re-canting (lifting or lowering one rail to improve cornering speed) which is cheaper. This also reduces the impact on signalling and structures.
+
A further aspect of cost reduction is through the ongoing running cost – known as OPEX – which we tested through our electrification scenario. Electrified trains, as well as being zero emission, have significantly lower running costs than their diesel counterparts, so in the long run, the case for electrification on this route is really strong.
+
There is a long way to go yet, but the opportunity for Levelling Up in the Marches through improved rail connectivity is ever-apparent. With net-zero credentials on the horizon too, we’re excited about the next stages of this project.
+
Karen Heppenstall is Head of Rail at Midlands Connect
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+ History is repeating itself in Coventry for all the right reasons – it’s time to embrace the new transport revolution
+
‘History is repeating itself’ – when we hear these words, it’s rare they relate to anything positive. History repeating itself can suggest that we’ve failed to learn from past mistakes, are unwilling to embrace change and won’t change our outdated attitudes. But what if repeating history instead allowed us to harness the pioneering spirit of those who came before us? Exploring transport policy at our recent City Summit event in Coventry allowed us to do just this.
+
On Wednesday the 9th of April 2022, Midlands Connect and Coventry City Council came together to host our very first City Summit, where we explored the newest, most exciting transport projects coming up for Coventry, some of which are already underway.
+
Transport experts, politicians, industry representatives and well-informed locals filed into Coventry’s famous Transport Museum to take part in lively conversations about the exciting future of transport in the city. Chatting amongst the perfectly preserved examples of early ‘boneshaker’ bicycles, supercars, famous motorbikes and artefacts from early motoring, it was a whirlwind trip back into the past that threw the opportunities of the future into sharp relief.
+
Coventry has always worked to push the boundaries of transport innovation and quite literally changed the world in many ways.
+
We start with the humble pushbike. Now a mainstay of quicker commuting, leisure and exercise, bicycles were a truly revolutionary invention in the mid-19th century, enabling ordinary people to ditch the cumbersome horse and cart and travel further afield to access work, training, education and entertainment. Bicycles even helped to liberate women from a life at home, enabling them to become more active in their communities and travel on their own for the first time.
+
Coventry played a starring role in the bicycle’s growing popularity after the Coventry Sewing Machine Company quickly switched its production to bikes in the 1860s, leading to foreman James Starley branching out alone to create the now famous Starley Rover Safety Cycle, which closely resembles a modern bike, originating the use of equal sized wheels and a chain.
+
Just thirty years after Coventry embraced its first bicycle, the city had become the centre of global bicycle manufacture, employing around 40,000 workers across 248 manufacturers. Through bold innovation, courage and the development of shared knowledge and skills, Coventry truly changed the world. We think this can and will happen again – it’s time to embrace a new transport revolution.
+
Very Light Rail (VLR) is one of Coventry’s most exciting upcoming projects. VLR is a modern, lower cost alternative to the fixed-track tram, which complements the urban landscape of the city and would run on a network reaching as far as Coventry Arena, Anstey Park and Tile Hill.
+
With construction of VLR set to begin in 2024, Coventry will be able to benefit from a cutting-edge reliable, frequent, environmentally friendly, battery-driven hop-on hop-off transport system that will suit the city’s needs and cost far less than a traditional tram.
+
In a world first, VLR will be autonomous, operate without any overhead cables and be powered by batteries, minimising disruption during construction and ensuring an effective, environmentally friendly transport system for the people of Coventry.
+
Sticking with eco-friendly solutions, we all know that electric vehicles represent the future of road transport – but only if we have enough charging points available to keep them powered up. Fortunately, Coventry has proven itself to be a front-runner yet again in this field. It has the largest charging network outside London, with almost 500 slow and rapid chargers in place as of January 2022. Working also to enact a fully electric bus fleet for the city by 2025, Coventry is well on its way to lowering carbon emissions and creating a healthier environment for all.
+
Keen to ensure that this knowledge and success can be shared with and emulated across the region, just like successful bicycle production was in the 19th century, Midlands Connect is in the process of developing a unique EV tool and EV forum. This will allow local authorities and businesses to come together to share best practice and find the most effective places to install chargers, generating greater connectivity across a region-wide charging network.
+
Usually, the idea of history repeating itself signals a lack of progress, but when it comes to transport innovation in Coventry, we couldn’t be more pleased to see the pioneering attitude of our predecessors being replicated in 2022.
+
Midlands Connect is planning to host further City Summits across the region. Could your city be next?
+
Rosie Lythgoe-Cheetham is an Engagement Assistant at Midlands Connect
+]]>
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+ The East Midlands is a region which has the lowest level of investment per head in recent years. As a result, it is an area which faces low levels of social mobility.
+
Official Treasury statistics also show that the East Midlands has the lowest level of transport investment per head of any UK region or nation, just 65% of the UK average in 2021/2. This situation has been endured for more than 20 years under Governments of all colours. Included in that is a real lack of modernisation and intervention across transport provision.
+
Nottingham already has excellent local transport provision, with a very popular bus and tram system for residents to use for work, school, and wherever they need to be. What it needs is investment in connections with nearby towns and cities, to empower residents to travel more across the region, whether it be for business or pleasure.
+
At the heart of the Nottingham to Lincoln rail improvements is a plan to encourage more people to take the train. Currently only ten per cent of journeys between the two cities are made by rail. Midlands Connect hopes by increasing the speed and, in the long term, frequency of these trains, rail will become the first choice for travellers.
+
With our recently announced SOBC, firstly, we plan on increasing the overall line speed by 25mph, and secondly, with the development of HS2 East, doubling the frequency of the service in the long term. The journey is one which is already quicker by rail than by road, these interventions will only make the train more attractive. With a £2 return on every £1 invested in this scheme, it’s a guaranteed win for the government and the region.
+
This intervention is part of a broader plan to boost transport investment in the East Midlands region. It lays the foundation for an raising the profile and interest in this rail corridor which will help to decarbonise the area in the long term.
+
Tawhida Yaacoub is a Senior Rail Programme Manager at Midlands Connect
+]]>
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+ Midlands Connect has launched an Economy and Freight Forum, bringing together key stakeholders in the sector to understand how the private and public sectors can work towards growing our regional economy and decarbonising the sector. The group held its initial meeting recently and highlighted the importance of integrated supply chains, and working together to achieve decarbonisation.
+
More than 22% of UK exports come from the Midlands, and with the concentration of freight activity known as the ‘golden triangle of logistics’ over 80% of goods moved around the country will have part of their journey in this region. The group recognises the importance of focusing on the infrastructure in the Midlands. It is an important area for Midlands Connect moving forward, and the establishment of this forum will provide some direction for our freight programme and opportunity to test our internal thinking.
+
But significantly, the forum will have a clear purpose and develop its own independent agenda moving forward.
+
It will also work with other Sub-national Transport Bodies around the UK and feed into the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freight and Logistics which is holding an inquiry and planning to publish three reports on the topic this year.
+
The forum launch was attended by representatives from national haulage companies, trade bodies and transport authorities. Initial discussions highlighted the need for multi-modal solutions, collaboration on alternative fuels and progress on interim options which will help the sector transition to net zero.
+
They also pinpointed the issues arising from strategic national needs conflicting with the local planning process, and discussed examples of this happening on the ground.
+
The membership of the forum will adapt depending on the needs and focus, but initially working with the APPG is the clear direction ahead, to identify how we come together around pathways for alternative fuels and needs of the sector, identifying clear policy asks from government.
Alexandra Dodds is a Principal Policy Officer at Midlands Connect
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+ This time last year, I wrote a very different blog about Midlands Rail Hub. Back then, we were seeking money to enable continued development of the scheme. Fast forward to October last year, and the Prime Minister launched ‘Network North’ at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, and in doing so, announced that the Government is committed to ‘full’ delivery of Midlands Rail Hub. Fast forward again, to March 2024, and we are delighted to announce that we have received our next tranche of funding – just over £120m to develop what is called the Full Business Case – or to the layperson – very detailed engineering designs and costings outlining exactly how the scheme will be built.\n
To recap, Midlands Rail Hub is the flagship rail scheme for the Midlands and the centrepiece of Midlands Connect’s Midlands Engine Rail portfolio. Through providing new chords (sections of railway line) at Bordesley, just east of Birmingham City Centre, it provides capacity for up to 10 additional trains per hour to operate into and out of the city, to points in the Midlands and beyond. The strategic case for making this investment is compelling – through providing much improved links from the West to the East Midlands; through providing a high capacity, high performance railway with flexibility for the future; and by providing excellent interchange between conventional and HS2 services at Moor Street and Curzon Street respectively.
\n
So, what goes into the Full Business Case, and why is this such a big milestone for us? This funding will allow us to complete the design for the chords described above, at Bordesley, but also the other components required, including platforms at both Snow Hill and Moor Street Stations. At the former, this is to reinstate ‘Platform 4’, which was formerly used by the Midland Metro but has now been disused for several years following the metro’s extension into Birmingham City Centre. Slightly further afield, the scheme rebuilds Kings Norton Station (bringing the disused platform back into use) and it adds additional track between there and Barnt Green. This will allow us to run an extra train, each hour, from Birmingham Moor Street to each of Worcester, Cardiff and Bristol. It also provides the means for the Cross City Line (linking Redditch and Bromsgrove to Lichfield, via Central Birmingham) to be restored to a service every 10 minutes.
\n
Midlands Rail Hub doesn’t just provide the services described above though. The east-facing chord at Bordesley would unlock new train services from Birmingham Moor Street to locations in the East Midlands, such as Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. A separate funding request is being made for this part of the scheme in due course, but we are hopeful it will ‘catch up’ with the remainder of the scheme, so it can all be delivered together in one go, by the early 2030s at the latest. Remember, the Prime Minister committed to the ‘full’ scheme, not just the part we’ve recently got the funding for.
\n
Last year, I called the scheme a ‘no brainer’. This year, I’m still calling it a no brainer. Great benefits – tick. Great rationale for building it – tick. The money to keep developing it – tick.
\n
Andy Clark is an Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect.
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+ You may wonder what I, a meteorologist, and a retail buyer have in common. How can three people whose day jobs involve planning future transport infrastructure, predicting next week’s weather, and ordering Tesco’s supply of disposable barbecues for August, be so closely linked? The answer is simple, we’re all forecasters. It’s our job to look at data, evaluate past trends, remove any background ‘noise’ and find the key variables to help us predict future events or behaviour. In the aftermath of this pandemic, there has never been a more exciting time to be a forecaster, however, with so much change afoot, gathering and analysing data that can be reliably used to represent the region is essential if we’re to make decisions that power a green economic recovery.
+
At Midlands Connect, understanding the travel market is central to our thinking, and provides the footing we need to develop the case for transport initiatives, services and policies that will meet this market’s needs. To do this, we must first understand the characteristics of our economy, both now and in the future. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the impacts of COVID-19 will leave an indelible mark on the way we live, work and socialise, and that this in turn will impact the transport market. Most sections of the economy have been changed, at least in part, by the uptake in digital working and automation accelerated by the pandemic.
+
What changes am I referring to? Firstly, we’ve seen a massive increase in online shopping, consumers can now order an item online for less than £2 and have it delivered to their doorstep the very same day. Secondly, we’re seeing a huge shift in working patterns; while many of us are likely to return to the office, it’s less likely that we’ll be working there Monday-Friday, from 9-5, and big employers such as PwC have already announced flexible working patterns post-COVID that allow workers to mix time in the office with time at home, enabled by the accelerated uptake of technology. Thirdly, there’s a new partnership with machines emerging, for example some factories (such as JLR supplier WES Hardmetal Engineering) are starting to work with the ‘lights-out’, automating production to such a degree that only maintenance workers are needed onsite.
+
Furthermore, many former city workers have also sought an ‘escape to the country’, research from estate agent Hamptons reveals that in 2020, London leavers bought 73,950 homes outside the capital, the biggest migration in four years. As digital working opens up labour markets to those outside the traditional office commuter belt, this trend will likely continue on an even larger scale.
+
This turbulence means that we can longer rely on many existing sources of travel and behavioural data, such as the 2011 UK Census and 2019 National Travel Survey, to underpin our forecasts. The key is combining such traditional data with more ‘live’ data sources safely collected from mobile devices, such as TomTom traffic reports, which show a flattening in traditional morning and evening travel peaks, and-up-to-date employment data safely collected from business tax records, to better predict the nature and times at which we’re likely to travel in future.
+
We must also work to understand how the changes we’ve seen will impact the freight and logistics sector, demand for commuter travel, and for longer-distance trips associated with more rural areas and the visitor economy.
+
A challenge also lies in encouraging people back to public transport, which has had its patronage decimated by what we expect to be temporary social distancing impacts of COVID-19. Emerging data sources, for example safe real-time data analytics of CCTV footage at railway stations (such as services offered by tech company Humanising Autonomy), can help us better manage more congested periods to help people feel safe enough to travel via mass transit and leave their cars at home.
+
As we look to update our connectivity strategy and make a strong case for transport investment, it’s clear that the way we analyse and predict demand for transport will have to change. Led by more recent data, input from industry and Government, we can ensure that the pandemic doesn’t hold back our route to a greener, better transport system for the Midlands.
+
Written by Richard Bradley, Head of Strategy at Midlands Connect
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+ ‘Build it and they will come’, so the famous saying goes and when it comes to the warehousing, logistics and distribution industry in the Midlands, this phrase certainly rings true. In 2021 for example, the East Midlands alone accounted for 1/5 of all UK spending on new warehouse building – it’s hardly surprising therefore that logistics has changed both the physical landscape of our region and the shape of our economy, in a very short space of time.
+
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released an eye-opening report this week called ‘The rise of the UK warehouse and the ‘golden logistics triangle’, which displays the recent meteoric rise of logistics and warehousing, with a heavy focus on the Midlands region. How and why has this industry changed so fast - and is the Midlands truly ready for it?
+
According to the report, transport and storage accounts for 5% of business premises across the UK and is now the largest industry in parts of the Midlands, the East of England and Yorkshire and The Humber. Clearly, our central location makes us a great choice for retailers keen to jump on the exploding online-order market.
+
The three points of the golden logistics triangle are Nottingham, Kidderminster and Bedford and it covers a 209 square mile region half the size of London. All areas within the triangle are within a maximum of 4 hours’ drive from 90% of the UK population, making it perfect for widespread fast distribution.
+
Caused partially by a huge rise in demand for deliveries during the Covid pandemic and changes to import and export due to Brexit, the number of business premises used for transport, logistics and warehousing has almost doubled in the last decade and then accelerated even further over the past two pandemic years. Online shopping represented nearly 38% of all UK sales in January 2021, increasing from 8% at the start of 2011 and 19% in February 2020.
+
For towns and cities in and around the ‘golden logistics triangle’, distribution job opportunities have exploded – but so too has congestion and air pollution.
+
At Midlands Connect, we’re proud that our region is home to an exciting and fast-growing logistics industry and recognise the numerous economic opportunities it offers up. With that being said, we know how important it is to support these thriving warehouses and HGVs with improved transport networks to match the changing nature of the Midlands’ economy.
+
We recently released a report on our suggested plan to upgrade the A50/A500, an important manufacturing and logistics corridor across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Home to JCB, Alstom, Rolls-Royce, Toyota and more, global exporting businesses are booming on this route – but it comes at a cost, with some commuters in the area losing an average of 37 minutes each weekday due to congestion.
+
We have proposed a series of enhancements at key roundabouts, technology to assist better diversions and re-routes when needed and enlargement of key motorway interchanges. We’re now seeking funding to facilitate these much needed changes, so the Midlands can remain a front-runner in moving goods around the UK and the world well into the future.
+
Whilst this industry is vital to the Midlands’ economy, it also presents us with a challenge when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, as the majority of vehicles which support this industry still run on petrol and diesel. We all know electric vehicles are the future and that government is expected to ban the sale of new diesel HGVs from 2040 - but can logistics and freight businesses run on electricity?
+
At Midlands Connect, we’re championing the Midlands region becoming a test bed for hydrogen HGV vehicles, an emerging clean alternative fuel option. We’re also investigating what a future refuelling and recharging network would need to look like to support a fleet of low and zero carbon emission vehicles. Based on our central location, which is already extremely popular with logistics and distribution companies, by building alternative, clean fuel systems into our existing transport network, we can prepare for a bright future without air quality concerns and heavy carbon emissions.
+
Online orders, deliveries, imports and exports from the Midlands show no signs of stopping – let’s put in place the right tools and infrastructure to make this new industry a success.
+
Alexandra Dodds is Principal Policy Officer at Midlands Connect
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+ “If you’re not serving the customer, you’d better be serving someone who is” so the saying goes. And it couldn’t be truer at this moment.
+
Our railways stand at a watershed, as our country seeks to define its post-Coronavirus, post-Brexit future. The Government is replacing the system of passenger rail franchising that has been with us for a quarter of a century. And then there’s the climate emergency.
+
There’s much debate about if and when rail demand will return to pre-pandemic levels. What will be the future shape of commuting, business and leisure travel? I’ve heard some gloom and doom predictions but the reality is no-one knows. I personally think we’re at risk of talking ourselves into decline, when we can write our own future.
+
Uncertainty is unsettling, however it gives us a once in a lifetime chance to stand back and re-evaluate. Like upgrading a creaking dial-up internet connection to superfast 5G, we have the opportunity to turbocharge our railway network to effectively serve the future needs of our society and our economy.
+
As a railwayman of 20-years’ experience, I’ve seen my fair share of change. But I’ve never known a challenge and an opportunity as momentous as today. It won’t be easy but with grit, vision and determination, I believe our railways will have an exciting future at the centre of the UK’s recovery. However, it will only happen if we put the customer at the heart of everything we do.
+
Customers demand three basic things – simplicity, reliability and value for money.
+
Simplicity means travel should be easy. For example, I should be able to pay for my travel without having to negotiate a plethora of ticket types, fares and restrictions. Midlands Connect’s proposals for a region-wide ‘tap and cap’ smart payment system will make things easier, by allowing frictionless travel across all modes including train, tram and bus; and value for money, imposing a daily fare cap and catering to those who work more flexibly.
+
Reliability means my train turns up on time and that there’s space for me to comfortably sit or stand. Our Midlands Engine Rail programme will fix the bottlenecks that cause trains to become delayed and create capacity for more than 700 extra passenger trains each day, improving services for more than 60 locations across the region.
+
Value for money means I get what I pay for. This means the right price-point but it also means getting the basics right. This includes train cleanliness and security. In the post-Coronavirus world, customers will be less tolerant of dirty trains and stations. These can’t be afterthoughts, bolted-on after the train service has been specified, but need to be core to our thinking. If we have a timetable that offers superfast journey times but no time at stations for cleaners to service the toilets then we’ve failed before we’ve started.
+
One further factor will make a decisive difference in winning customers back to rail and persuading others to leave the car at home or in the station car park – the ‘feel good’ factor.
+
Virgin Trains’ marketing team had the right idea a few years ago with their ‘Arrive Awesome’ campaign. We can make our customers feel like champions because they’re smart enough to choose the safest, simplest, quickest, most reliable, least stressful, most productive, best value way to travel. Not only that but they’re climate champions too for choosing the greenest way to travel.
+
However, for customers to feel like champions, we all need to put customers central to our thinking. And I mean all of us. Customer service is not the sole preserve of the fantastic men and women who work on our trains and stations. It’s the business of each and every person in the industry, whether you’re a politician, civil servant, local authority officer, consultant, civil engineer, HR manager, IT specialist. Whatever you do, if you’re in the railway business, you’re in the customer service business.
+
Written by Steve Fisher, Senior Rail Programme Manager at Midlands Connect
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+ As well as looking at the here and now, Worcestershire are a shining beacon on how to look to the future. With the knowledge that in the next 20 years over 90,000 people are likely to move to the county, something needs to change. The incoming population will demand homes, jobs and connectivity. How can this be provided without depending solely on private vehicles? Worcestershire think they have found a way, their plans for growth and regeneration based around rail connectivity, show how more people does not have to lead to more car journeys.
+
Our first visit took us to Worcestershire Parkway – which opened in February 2020. With the station already operating at 2030 levels of forecasted patronage, it is clearly a recipe for success. The Council recognise that in a rural county, accessing a station by car is inevitable – however access to the station ensures that the substantive part of long-distance journeys is made using a more sustainable mode, a big bonus for both congestion and decarbonisation.
+
But this is not the final plan, a new settlement is planned, one which will bring the station from a Parkway to a community hub. The site will incorporate over 5000 homes until 2041 and 5000 homes after 2041, as well as providing over 50 hectares of employment land – all with direct rail access to Worcester, Cheltenham, Oxford Birmingham, London and others.
+
Meanwhile, in the City Centre, the focus switched to urban living in the much-maligned Shrub Hill Quarter. At the moment the site seems distant from the bustling high street and the cultural attractions that Worcester has to offer. We were granted access to the space underneath the station to see how a station could be re-opened to create a real gateway to the city; at present there are poor service levels, poor accessibility and therefore rail provision is a poor offer to visitors. Even on a grey and drizzly day, we could see the potential of Council’s plans to create a boulevard linking the 2 stations in the city, incorporating new housing, retail, business opportunities (in some beautiful industrial heritage buildings), and providing rail-based City Centre growth and regeneration.
+
Finally, I can’t mention the day without talking resilience, on the day of our visit a closure on the M5 caused chaos in Worcester City Centre, Bromsgrove and on the A38. The county also must deal with the impact of floods from the River Severn. Any plans for local infrastructure need to take account of how it may have to cope with the impact of problems on the road and rail network.
+
To provide this regeneration and growth, a council needs investment, and it needs to be able to integrate this with a vision and an understanding of the needs of the people already living in the County and those it wants to attract. Worcestershire had this vision and this understanding and is raring to go.
+
Sarah Spink is Strategic Partnerships Lead at Midlands Connect.
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+ Only last week, an exciting project called ‘Humber Hub Blue’ was proposed by energy giants Shell and Uniper, outlining plans to process ‘blue’ hydrogen (derived from natural gas and steam) at a plant in Killingholme, Lincolnshire. This ambitious scheme is one of many exciting developments in the world of alternative fuels, a budding industry essential to the future of our transport network. The use of blue hydrogen could be key for a long-term transition to cleaner ‘green’ hydrogen (derived from ‘green’ electricity and water using electrolysis) within the transport industry.
+
With Government mandating zero carbon emissions from transport by 2050, as set out in last year’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan, it really is a race against time to secure alternative fuels to power green transport systems across the country. Electric vehicles are making serious strides in the car market, with sales of all new petrol and diesel vehicles stopping in 2030, but how do we also eliminate emissions from moving heavy goods long distances?
+
Cleaning up the logistics industry is especially important for us in the Midlands, as this growing industry has boomed here in recent years. Our region is home to a large section of the ‘logistics golden triangle’ between Nottingham, Kidderminster and Bedford and a preference for online deliveries has led to the East Midlands building the most new warehouse space of anywhere in the UK last year.
+
Our central location makes us attractive to distributors and to support this, we’re thrilled that Midlands Connect has been selected by the Department for Transport as the lead sub-national transport body (STB) for alternative fuels. Bringing together five other STBs in the biggest collaboration project since STBs were founded, we’re really looking forward to talking all things alternative fuels with our STB colleagues in person this May at the STB conference in Birmingham – you can sign up to attend this event here.
+
We’ve been given support to create a tool to help local authorities across the country find the best locations for refuelling and recharging with alternative fuels. This tool is benefiting from activities like our H2GVMids group bid to run 44 ton hydrogen powered trucks across a network of refuelling stations.
+
Whilst location for hydrogen refuelling is extremely important, our research reveals it’s not everything. We’ve discovered that truck drivers will travel up to thirty miles out of their way to use a favourite rest stop and refuelling station which meets their needs and preferences. As such, Midlands Connect is working closely with the logistics industry today, to establish preferred facilities and trade routes, paving the way for an efficient, green, futureproofed and inclusive freight refuelling network into the future.
+
Road transport is the primary method for moving goods around the UK today and we know we can work to clean it up but is road the only answer? We certainly don’t think so.
+
Switching fuels from polluting petrol and diesel is a really important step in the journey towards zero carbon transport by 2050 - but only when done so in conjunction with modal shift. Shifting freight from road to rail reduces emissions by around 75%, even when trains are diesel powered. We know that changes must be put into place to make it easier and more attractive for businesses to shift to rail freight in order to see widespread change. From rail freight facilities designed to suit the goods in question, whether ‘just in time’ deliveries of fruit and vegetables or aggregates and heavy materials, to improving pick-up and drop-off systems, switching rail freight fuels is always a key part of Midlands Connect’s wider alternative fuels strategy.
+
Think of the Midlands and transporting goods on water does not generally come to mind. But with a trend towards larger ferries shifting major UK freight paths from South-North to East-West over time, the Humber ports at Immingham and Grimsby in Lincolnshire come into play, as could smaller ports like Boston - excitingly, transporting goods via ferry has the potential to decarbonise transport even faster than rail.
+
By creating effective links for freight vehicles at the Lincolnshire ports and other UK gateways and building these into our proposed hydrogen refuelling network, we can help reduce transport emissions in our region from the beginning to the end of a complete freight journey, as well as supporting the burgeoning logistics industry which means so much to the Midlands.
+
It’s an extremely exciting time to be involved in the transport industry. By working in partnership with industry, consumers and other STBs, I’m confident the Midlands can lead the way on alternative fuels and support their roll-out UK wide.
+
Richard Bradley is head of strategy at Midlands Connect
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+ I just about remember when they painted the lamp-posts red, and stopped calling it British Rail. It’s not quite “attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion”, but the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail does feel like the end of an era. For many on the railway, it’s all we’ve ever known.
+
To most people using the railways, the endless rebranding, ever more complicated ticketing, collapsing performance, and a lack of anybody in charge was the essence of privatisation. All that is to be swept away, as we recreate a single national railway: Great British Railways. In truth the railway was nationalised some time ago, we just hadn’t got round to telling anyone.
+
In the early days of privatisation, the train operators brought new dynamism to running the railways. There were new trains, faster journeys, and staff that knew the meaning of customer service. These were times of a steadily growing economy, and no roadbuilding; ideal conditions for running the railway. We are still benefiting from this. But the private sector wasn’t so good at looking after the track. That’s a real long-term job, needing steady funding, and steady management. And when the economy turned sour in 2008, the whole railway faltered. Operators started to compete with each other, with ever more fares, websites, apps, and complicated timetables in Manchester and Birmingham that should never have seen the light of day. Time for a reset.
+
On the customer-facing side, all will be dramatically simplified. One website, one app, simpler fares. Working together so that we can speed up the move to electronic ticketing. Timetables that work. In places this will mean running slightly fewer trains, and cutting out some through journeys, just enough to get performance back up to standard. At last, someone will be in charge, and accountable for getting the balance right.
+
The hard part will be behind the scenes, building a new management structure that stays focused on delivering for customers, both passenger and freight. A lot of the cost of running a railway is in the engineering. Getting those costs down requires a lot of management attention, so it’s all too easy to lose sight of the customer. Finding a way to manage those costs while keeping the focus on the customers is essentially the challenge that has been set to the team that will be setting up GBR.
+
To me it seems likely that they will have to break things up a bit. Having a single regional division covering commuting into London, Birmingham and Manchester, and at the same time running long-distance trains, is too much. We need a management structure that allows for each market sector to get its own focus, even as they are made to cooperate rather than compete. Maybe it will be broken up into areas, with long-distance overlaid. This is all to be worked out.
+
At Midlands Connect, our focus is more on the long term, how we develop the railway to make new connections. As the Secretary of State has laid out, railways are critical to making our cities work, and driving economic growth. So as well as wanting today’s railway to deliver, Midlands Connect is looking at how the railway can do more, improving connections between cities, adapting to the arrival of HS2, making sure there’s room for freight and local services. This long term planning still needs to be led by national government – it will cost billions. So we will continue our role, working with national government, and the railway, to identify the needs, and develop value-for-money schemes to meet those needs.
+
Painting the lamp-posts red was only ever a symbol, that the customer was in charge. Let’s make sure that’s still the case, whatever the colour.
+
by Richard Mann, Rail Strategy Lead at Midlands Connect
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+ Midlands Rail Hub is the flagship rail scheme for the Midlands and the centrepiece of our Midlands Engine Rail portfolio. Through providing new chords at Bordesley, and platforms in Birmingham, it provides capacity for up to 10 additional trains per hour to operate into and out of the city, to points in the Midlands and beyond.
+
The strategic case for making this investment is compelling – through providing excellent interchange between conventional and HS2 services at Moor Street and Curzon Street respectively; through providing much improved links from the West to the East Midlands; and through providing a high capacity, high performance railway with flexibility for the future. For the first of those, think of this scheme as a Kings Cross / St Pancras layout right in the heart of Birmingham, as people seamlessly switch between two adjacent stations at Moor Street and Curzon Street.
+
Whilst work on the Strategic Outline Business Case, the first of the business cases, started back in 2017, the origins of the scheme came as long ago as the 1990s with two new chords into Moor Street station identified a way of increasing capacity in central Birmingham. Birmingham New Street is full, so shoehorning more trains into that station is simply not practical. The operational headaches at New Street were publicly evident back in 2018, when a timetable rewrite led to a plummet in the reliability of the railway. Thankfully we are now back on solid ground, but the message is unchanged – don’t sweat the asset and add more trains to an already busy station!
+
Fast forward to the current day, and an Outline Business Case has now been prepared by Network Rail for the scheme, providing lots of detail on a shortlist of options:
+
+
Option A provides a new West Chord at Bordesley, which enables three additional regional services to operate each hour – to Hereford, to Cardiff and to Bristol. In addition, the soon-to-be introduced Camp Hill local services, from Kings Norton to Birmingham, can also be routed into Birmingham Moor Street. Last but by no means least, there is capacity for the busy Birmingham Cross City Line to be reinstated to its pre-Covid frequency of six (currently four) trains per hour, providing a ‘turn up and go’ service for swathes of the population in the north and south of the city.
+
Option B does everything that Option A outlines, but also provides a new East Chord at Bordesley, which enables additional Birmingham to Leicester services to operate. Crucially, it also provides capacity to go above and beyond, with additional, as yet unspecified, services also able to use this chord.
+
+
It will come as no surprise that as Midlands Connect, we are firmly backing Option B, given the strong alignment with our three railway outcomes and the clear opportunity it presents. Put simply, without the two chords, future growth in the railway through higher frequencies can’t happen.
+
Whilst the headline infrastructure measures are in central Birmingham, the additional infrastructure extends far beyond. For example, we rebuild Kings Norton Station, bringing the long-disused island platform back into use. Between there and Barnt Green, at the summit of the infamous Lickey Incline, we provide a fully electrified four-track railway. Further east, we are seeking additional capacity at Water Orton, a busy junction today for passengers and freight, as well as improvements east thereof, including reducing signalling headways. These are big schemes, but they are also bread and butter schemes for the railway industry. This sort of thing has been done elsewhere, time and time again, so we can have a high degree of confidence in the cost estimates that have been prepared.
+
We are pleased that Network Rail is a strong advocate of the scheme, placing it at the heart of the recently published West Midlands Strategic Advice. This is on the basis that Midlands Rail Hub provides the first building block to aspirations across the Midlands and beyond.
+
Suffice to say that the scheme has not been without its challenges, particularly from 2020 onwards. But the same could be said of almost all major schemes. Of course, it remains to be seen what the long-term impacts on rail travel will be following the Covid pandemic, but across the country we are witnessing a good return of patronage, albeit with different patterns and types of trips being made. Gone, it seems, are the Monday to Friday ‘high’ peaks, with the leisure market, including weekends, increasingly buoyant and in some cases surpassing pre- Covid levels. Having recently taken some trains to and from London during the half-term holiday, I can vouch for the fact that leisure travellers (and on this particular journey, lots of day-trippers talking excitedly about a day of sightseeing!) are back on the railway in droves. It’s great to see – without these folk, it’s hard, if not impossible, to make the maths stack up for enhancing the railway.
+
Back in 2021, the Integrated Rail Plan was published, and provided an updated plan from Government for the HS2 network from the West to the East Midlands, with a new section of high-speed railway between the Birmingham Area and East Midlands Parkway. From East Midlands Parkway, the high speed ‘conventional compatible’ trains then use the existing railway network to access cities in the East Midlands and beyond. For Midlands Rail Hub, this has meant some changes – for example, we now don’t need to provide additional Birmingham to Nottingham conventional services in the way that we originally envisaged when the Strategic Outline Business Case was published. It’s not a case of sit back and wait for HS2, though, and we are working with our partners to see how we can speed up the existing services in the shorter term.
+
Finally, any discussion of challenges would be incomplete without a reference to the fiscal environment facing not only rail enhancement schemes, but all areas of the rail industry. It is no secret that funding through the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) is in short supply and we have therefore had to work hard to demonstrate why this scheme is a priority for Midlands Connect and partners alike. In short, why invest at all, and why now? As you might imagine, we are by no means the only industry banging on the door of the Treasury for more money. So, speaking with one voice, about a credible, investable, proposition, is critical.
+
So, what’s our message?
+
We have a decent scheme that complements HS2 in the Midlands.
+
We have a strong value for money case and return over £1.50 for every pound invested.
+
We have a strong strategic rationale for investing.
+
We have support for the scheme within and beyond the Midlands.
+
We have support from businesses and the general public.
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What don’t we have? Funding for the next stage – the Full Business Case – yet.
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To finish where we began, can you think of a better ‘no brainer’?
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+ It’s Christmas 1985, and almost 17 million people are watching one of Only Fools and Horses’ most popular television episodes; To Hull and Back. It tells the tale of a lorry being driven from South London to Hull with the main character, Del Boy, trapped in the back.
+
We often look at these older programmes and consider how much has changed over the years. However, having recently re-watched it, I was struck by how this journey, albeit a fictional one, could be recreated in a modern-day version pretty much as it was.
+
Considering how much the world has moved on, very little has changed. The vehicle itself. The driver is working long hours, believed to be taking a toll on his mental health, taking breaks at grubby cafés and then there’s the inefficiency of the trip, running empty on the outward leg of the journey.
+
But major change is on the horizon in one form or another. At Midlands Connect we are working out what the future holds for freight in our region
+
+
How will vehicles be powered and what energy infrastructure do we need to enable these vehicles to operate efficiently?
+
Where do we need to expand and improve driver facilities, and how?
+
How long will we rely on drivers and what will their role become in the operation of freight vehicles?
+
Where do we need start allocating land for freight-related activities to support these changes?
+
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The answers to these questions will allow partners to plan for the future with confidence, thanks to the results of our in-depth research, using the best freight models available to us and tapping into industry expertise.
+
Understanding how technology will develop is particularly challenging and any advancement could have major impacts on the freight industry; from how customers purchase goods to the feasibility of fuel options for moving these goods.
+
Looking back to 1985 is stark reminder that, as a nation, we are trying to make monumental changes to an industry that, on the face of it, has changed very little.
+
In the next 40 years we have to decarbonise the industry, meaning new and considerably different vehicles across the sector, and a whole new refuelling network. The operators of freight vehicles will become more diverse and have better working conditions (even if this is in a more technology-based role). Safety for those in and outside the vehicles must improve.
+
These changes go beyond the industry itself as we need to get the generators and attractors of freight in the right places to improve efficiency and reduce the impacts on people and the environment. And let’s not forget, we need to do all this while keeping the transport network running efficiently for other users.
+
+
Midlands Connect’s Freight Routemap was published last year and Issue 2 is coming soon.
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+ It's not every day that the Government commits to £50bn of new railways. These decisions involve millions of pounds of studies, and then months of arguing over the pros and cons of different choices, both within and outside the Department for Transport, then with the Treasury and Number 10. It's a minor miracle that the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) ever got published, never mind ten months late. So: many congratulations to the IRP team that got it over the line.
+
IRP covers HS2 Phase 2b, the Northern Powerhouse Rail plans for east-west services in northern England, and our very own Midlands Rail Hub. It was clear that not everything was affordable, and the separate projects could be better integrated. For some months, politicians have been hinting at a cunning plan that would be cheaper and quicker to deliver. As it turned out, we got a clear sense of the budget available, and things they’ve definitely decided not to do. But key elements of the plan need further study.
+
In the Midlands and the North, our starting point is usually a two-track mixed-traffic railway, with fast trains competing for space with stoppers and freight. In an ideal world we’d build new fast lines between all the major cities, and new stations. But the perfect solution always costs more and takes forever. So, the Integrated Rail Plan was conceived to consider the trade-offs, and work out where best to build new, where better to upgrade.
+
The simplest upgrade is to use the existing stations, electrify, maybe upgrade the signalling, improve linespeed, and put in some passing loops to allow for overtaking. If you have space for the passing loops, this can work tolerably well for a few fast trains. But if there are a lot of intermediate stops, it makes sense to build a section of new line in open country to bypass them. And if the route into the city centre is congested, you may well need to build a new line into the city centre too.
+
Building a new section of line is more likely to be value-for-money if lots of fast trains can use it, but then you are more likely to need an expensive new route into the city centre. And if you build long stretches of new high speed line, this will encourage a lot more people to travel, so you need longer trains and platforms too. If the cost of that feels a bit exponential, you’d be right.
+
So one of the key questions for IRP was whether there are any realistic alternatives. Around Manchester, the existing lines are full, there are lots of intermediate stops, and the main station is very constrained. So the conclusion was that new lines and a new station were needed. But towards Liverpool, and through Huddersfield to Leeds, York and Newcastle, they’ve decided that a few new sections of four-track are enough.
+
A similar process was applied to HS2’s Eastern Leg, but with the added complication that the bigger markets, and longer distances mean that non-stop fast services are more worthwhile. Between Birmingham and Nottingham, the alternative route is a lot slower, so a new section of high speed line was worthwhile. There’s a similar situation at the northern end, where the smart money was on a new section of high speed line between Sheffield and Leeds, though that didn’t make the cut. The study into what should be done at Leeds station may need to be done first.
+
The middle section of the Eastern Leg has several alternatives. The HS2 route was deemed too expensive, partly due to interactions with the M1, partly due to the prevalence of old mineworkings. The National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment had an option of a major upgrade of the Erewash and Old Road. Greengauge 21 has proposed a new high speed line in the East Coast Main Line corridor, in more open country. The East Midlands to Leeds study is expected to look at a range of such options.
+
The interesting conundrum is how IRP intends to deliver the headline journey times between London, York and Newcastle. These are clearly committed in IRP, but would be quite hard to achieve with a major upgrade of the existing line. It’s even harder to see how they could make room for more services to run out of Kings Cross.
+
Maybe there’s a cunning plan that they’re still working on.
+
Richard Mann is Rail Strategy Lead at Midlands Connect
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+ One question. And one that doesn’t have any easy answers! It requires a firm grasp of how goods move now; but we also need to look to the future to understand the factors that will affect our economy in the coming decades and what the impact of this will be, so we can begin to work towards a transport infrastructure that will meet those needs.
+
It’s the question at the heart of our Economy and Freight Programme, and why we want to speak to businesses across the region over the next couple of months. We’re already working on the data, identifying how we can work with others to address gaps and bring areas up to date. We’ve also begun the thinking on a future network for alternative refuelling and recharging.
+
But we know that the knowledge and experience of those who work across the key economic clusters and supply chains in the Midlands, from logistics through to the major generators of goods movements, is key to answering this question as well as possible.
+
Over the next couple of months, we want to interview as many businesses as possible (our contact details are at the end) or gain your views through our survey.
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We know that the economy in the Midlands is already strong, but we also know that there are plenty of opportunities for growth that many wish to build upon. The sector in the UK is already strong, coming 9th in the World Economic Forum’s global rankings for competitiveness in 2020.
+
But this doesn’t leave space for complacency. The sector has altered over recent years with changing shopping habits and import and export requirements. Many businesses are also beginning to address questions on a range of issues about how vehicle fleets will be powered in the future and their affordability, through to the opportunities that AI and digitisation can bring to businesses, and whether supply chains need greater resilience to both support the regional economy and protect against some of the external shocks we experienced in recent years. In addition, sectors need the access to people and skills to futureproof operations.
+
Our role at Midlands Connect is to understand how these developments will influence the transport infrastructure of the future, where we need to encourage policy change and support the work of others in the sector.
+
We look forward to talking to and hearing from the sector over the coming months. We hope that this will be the start of an ongoing relationship with industry that allows us to work towards greater regional prosperity.
+
If you’d like to be interviewed for the Economy and Freight Programme, or find out more about the work please contact:
+]]>
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new file mode 100644
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+ 2021-07-27T00:00:00
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+ LegacyNewsArticle1
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+
+ The wait is finally over. No, I’m not talking about England getting to the final of a major football tournament. I’m talking about what has been described as the world’s first and long-awaited Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) – Britain’s ‘how-to’ manual for eradicating transport’s contribution to global warming by 2050.
+
The plan was expected back in November 2020 but due to the unprecedented challenges presented to Government, a delay was inevitable. This point alone captures the current sentiment expressed by much of the population around decarbonisation – let’s worry about current problems before we try to solve climate change. Most people don’t realise the fact that to achieve our target of 2050, which is enshrined in law, we must act now.
+
So why do we need a plan? As of 2019, transport contributed 27% of the total carbon emissions in Britain and they’ve remained stubbornly high, with only a 3% reduction between 2009 and 2019. The reasons for this are numerous and nuanced, a blog post in its own right; but suffice to say that having a clear plan is crucial. Coordinating efforts with clear objectives is undoubtedly going to result in better outcomes. The TDP carves out a role for Sub-National Transport bodies like Midlands Connect to encourage collaboration across Local Authority borders because the issue of carbon emissions is not confined within them.
+
What better way to showcase collaboration taking place in the Midlands than the recently announced ‘H2GV Midlands Project’ that sets out - using funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK – to produce an initial feasibility study for a hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy goods vehicle trial. Midlands Connect are working as a partnership with industry, academia and the public sector. This work brings together key businesses such as EDF, Toyota, Cenex and Horiba Mira with organisations like Midlands Engine, Midlands Energy Hub and key Midlands universities to get the wheels in motion for an all-important trial that can serve as a catalyst for decarbonising freight.
+
Planning for freight is often overlooked; but it’s the lifeblood of the economy. However, freight contributes considerably towards total transport carbon emissions in Britain. We estimate that freight accounts for 21% of the total tail-pipe carbon emissions in the Midlands. This is higher than the national average of 16% (while only accounting for 5% of the total vehicle miles) in 2019. Recognising this challenge, we engaged with industry to understand the key barriers facing businesses regarding the switch to alternative fuels.
+
While private vehicles had already been given a phase out deadline of 2035 for the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, freight had no target. The TDP resolves this problem of uncertainty by providing a target of 2040, with consultations taking place to bring deadlines forward if possible.
+
A major challenge will be that, based on our understanding of HGV lifespans, many of the decisions regarding fleet acquisition need to take place now if businesses are to decarbonise as quickly as is required. With only a 10-year gap between the ban on the sale of new diesel HGVs and our 2050 target, comes some obvious further challenges, particularly for SMEs.
+
As of 2020, 17% of the total licensed HGVs in Britain were over 13 years old and the average age of a HGV was 7.5 years. Many SMEs retain their HGV fleets for longer because they can’t afford to buy newer vehicles. Banning the sale of new diesel HGVs by 2040 is one thing, getting the older vehicles out of the fleet quickly is another challenge.
+
If we are going to ensure the survival of our SME businesses in the face of these changes, there will need to be assistance and opportunities to facilitate the purchase of green fleets. This support could be provided via tax relief on green fuels or subsidies for purchasing alternatively fuelled vehicles. If we rely solely on the ban of new vehicles alone, I fear that some of our SMEs may struggle to meet expectations and face penalties.
+
Our conversations with industry found that there is a ‘Mexican stand-off’ happening: without refuelling infrastructure in place businesses are not purchasing alternatively fuelled vehicles; and without the vehicles driving round the road network, fuel infrastructure providers are not investing in new sites. Our work has identified the need for public sector funding to kick start the uptake of alternatively fuelled vehicles through initiating investment in a coherent recharging and refuelling infrastructure network.
+
Midlands Connect’s ‘Beyond Fossils’ report outlines an Action Plan for the Midlands and a clear network of recharging and refuelling infrastructure required to meet the demand from the freight and logistics sector by 2040. This network consists of 66 locations across the Midlands with a potential total cost of £800 million. Money well spent I’d say if we are preserving the planet for future generations.
+
Not only are we doing our part in saving the planet, we are also accelerating the development of an entirely new and exciting alternative fuels market which creates new jobs and reduces pressure on our health care system through reducing pollution. It all seems a no-brainer from where I’m standing but what we need to do is ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible if we are to protect businesses while meeting our objectives.
+
Steven Scarrott is Principal Transport Planner at Midlands Connect
+]]>
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+ From Brierley Hill to Brownhills, the West Midlands is a region steeped in history, oozing local charm and a culture that’s rich and diverse. \\n
We’re at the beating heart of the country, with many a story to share beyond our boundaries.
\\n
Yes Birmingham and Coventry, two of the West Midlands’ major cities, often get the lion’s share of the spotlight, but what about our other places and towns – Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton?
\\n
We’ve put together some interesting and little-known facts about these Black Country conurbations.
\\n
First up is...
\\n
Dudley
\\n
\\n
The anchor for the Titanic was made in Dudley in 1911 by industrialist Noah Hingley. Once completed, the anchor was towed from Hingley's works in Netherton to Dudley railway station by 20 shire horses.\\n\\n
\\n
The world's oldest condoms were discovered at Dudley Castle in 1985. Thought to date from the 1640s, they were made from animal and fish intestines. The condoms were found during an excavation of a medieval toilet.
\\n
It’s widely believed that author J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired by Dudley and other areas of the Black Country, strongly basing the fictional location of Mordor on it.
\\n
The earliest mention of Dudley in the history books reveals that the town originally started out as a Saxon village known as ‘Dudda’s leah’ – leah being the Saxon word which means ‘clearing in a forest’.
\\n
Famous people born in Dudley include Sam Allardyce, Duncan Edwards and Lenny Henry.
\\n
\\n
Sandwell
\\n
\\n
Mad O’Rourke’s Pie Factory was built in 1856 and was equipped with shell die presses from the Royal Ordinance works in Bilston. The factory was extensively rebuilt in 1923 after an explosion. Situated in the heart of the Black Country, the factory produces 17,500 pies per day which are all prepared to a unique set of recipes. Queen Victoria was rumoured to be a frequent visitor!
\\n
\\n\\n
\\n
Sandwell is blossoming with green spaces – it’s one of the Black Country’s greenest urban areas. There are 539 green spaces, with eight of Sandwell’s parks enjoying Green Flag awards from Keep Britain Tidy.
\\n
Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick was established in 1961 as the first and largest Gurdwara in the United Kingdom. Today it remains as one of the most prominent and influential Sikh Gurdwara's in the world, with a weekly congregation of approximately 10,000 people.
\\n
In the summer of 2020, UNESCO welcomed the Black Country into the network of Global Geoparks as a place with internationally important geology. Geopark status recognises the many world-class natural and important cultural features in the Black Country.
\\n
\\n
Walsall
\\n
\\n
Walsall is the leather capital of the world and saddle making too. The town is famous for its craftmanship. \\n\\n
\\n
Walsall Arboretum spans over 170 acres and is located in the heart of the town centre. It has over 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs. 2024 is the Arboretum’s 150th anniversary.
\\n
A market has been held in High Street since around 1220 and is still going strong today.
\\n
Famous rapper and singer Drake was spotted at the Co-op on Broadway in 2017.
\\n
Barr Beacon is one of the highest points in the West Midlands. Barr Beacon offers spectacular views of Cannock Chase, Lichfield Cathedral and Birmingham city centre.
\\n
The New Arts Gallery Walsall is home to some of Van Gogh’s artwork.
\\n
\\n
Wolverhampton
\\n
\\n
Wolverhampton was the first town in Britain to introduce automated traffic lights in 1927 in Princes Square at the junction of Lichfield Street and Princess Street.
\\n
The Sunbeam motor car, built in Wolverhampton, became the first vehicle to hit 200mph when it broke the land speed record in 1927.\\n\\n
\\n
Wolverhampton's most famous sporting son, footballer Billy Wright, was the first player in the world to earn 100 caps playing for his country. Wright spent his entire 20-year career at Wolves, and played 105 times for England between 1946 and 1959, captaining the national side on 90 occasions.
\\n
The gold and black colours of Wolverhampton Wanderers originate from the city's motto 'Out of darkness cometh light', with gold and black representing light and dark respectively.
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
\\n
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/labour-party-conference-hs2alltheway-panel_l4apwaui.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/labour-party-conference-hs2alltheway-panel_l4apwaui.config
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+ A panel of political, civic and business leaders from the Midlands and the North come together to discuss why delivering HS2 in its entirety is vital to rebalancing the economy and uniting the country.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/labour-party-conference-the-future-is-rail_gddlh33r.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/labour-party-conference-the-future-is-rail_gddlh33r.config
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+ The rail industry is undergoing a root and branch review. The shadow rail minister discusses her strategic vision for the future of track and train. Includes an audience Q&A.
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+ We're joined by MPs and industry leaders to discuss regional transport priorities in the Midlands.
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index d586feef..397cac7a 100644
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+ Richard Bradley heads up Midlands Connect’s Strategy Team. With a broad background in most aspects of transport planning and engineering, the last few years has been a period of re-defining the role of transport planning to the more holistic planning of infrastructure with technology, digital and alternative fuels."
+ "bio": "
Richard heads up Midlands Connect’s Strategy Team. With a broad background in most aspects of transport planning and engineering, the last few years has been a period of re-defining the role of transport planning to the more holistic planning of infrastructure with technology, digital and alternative fuels.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/levelling-up-lessons-from-germany.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/levelling-up-lessons-from-germany.config
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+ Last week, the WMCA and Aston University welcomed visitors from Germany to a special conference on Levelling Up. Almost exactly two years since the Levelling Up White Paper was first published, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on progress from the perspectives of two countries who have taken very different approaches to regional development, with very different results.\\n
At the time of German reunification, the disparities between East and West were vast, but thanks to highly proactive regional policy, in the past three decades regions like Saxony and Brandenburg have significantly narrowed gaps in productivity, wages and wider wellbeing. Now, former East German regions are easily outperforming most English regions outside London, including the West Midlands as shown in the graph below. The conference gave us the opportunity to understand how this has happened.
It is hard to underestimate the scale of investment that has gone into German regional policy. Our conference was addressed by Carsten Schneider MdB, Parliamentary State Secretary for East Germany and Equivalent Living Conditions, who told us about the €40bn package set aside to compensate German regions for the closure of coal-fired power stations and invest in R&D centres in affected regions, the expansion of motorway and railway links, and the construction of landmark sites such as a sports arena for international competitions in Leipzig.
\\n
Crucially, this investment is not controlled by central diktat - neither is it governed by narrow ‘Green Book’-style appraisal. As Schneider told the conference: “our regional governments know best what is needed in their areas, provided they don’t suggest something crazy, we don’t interfere”.
\\n
This was by no means the only way in which a more devolved approach to regional development seemed to be essential to how Germany has levelled-up. In Germany - as with so many other developed nations - there is significant financial autonomy for German regional government through so-called fiscal devolution. German lander typically generate c.35% of their revenues through regional and local taxation. By contrast, in England this is just 5% leaving English local government and Combined Authorities almost entirely dependent on central government grants.
\\n
Of course, any such system of regional fiscal devolution requires some level of equalisation between regions to ensure the ability to level-up between richer and poorer states. Ever since Germany’s postwar settlement, the notion of Länderfinanzausgleich (regional fiscal equalisation) with a view to ‘Equal Living Conditions’ has been a tenet of the national constitution. Most citizens of the affluent Bavaria, for example, have seen it as a matter of national duty to pay a premium on their tax bill to contribute to regional reconstruction in the East.
\\n
When we quizzed our German counterparts on how such an approach could guarantee to maximise the return on investment of tax-payers’ money – the central premise of HMT’s Green Book methodology - they admonished what they described would be considered an “ideological” use of public money. It seems one country’s orthodoxy is another’s ideology - and vice versa.
\\n
Of course, our German visitors were quick to disabuse us of the idea that all was rosy for German regional policy, indeed there are very topical debates about the fairness and success of Länderfinanzausgleich and related fiscal measures. There will also be those who quite rightly suggest that our national histories and cultures are just too different to expect that there could be anything we could possibly translate into the UK context. But listening to colleagues from North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony discuss the ways they have approached regional development through industrial transition - and recognising their relative success in comparison to the West Midlands - two simple conclusions can still be readily drawn.
\\n
Firstly, even a small modicum of fiscal decentralisation is surely an experiment worth trying in English combined authorities. The new West Midlands and Greater Manchester ‘Single Settlements’ will be a start, but we are going to have to go further and faster and to question Green Book orthodoxies if we are ever to turn the tide on regional inequality in England.
\\n
And secondly, we are inundated with reports on levelling-up where the basic proposition is that if region’s outside London simply replicated the capital city’s recipe for success then all would be well. Such thought experiments are methodologically questionable and economically naïve. How much more there is to learn from European comparator regions that share a similar economic history and offer far more relevant pathways to success? We learned a lot through this initial pan-European collaboration and we look forward to learning even more as our relationships develop further.
\\n
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+ A drinks reception to celebrate transport across the Midlands, and show how working together we can influence change.
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+ \n
Local businesses based around Junction 28 of the M1 are joining calls for government investment to address the now famous queues the junction faces every day. A report released today by Midlands Connect highlights the real benefits of upgrading the junction.
\n\n
\n
Speaking to Midlands Connect, local firms outlined the junction is costing them business, damaging the environment, putting employees at risk, and even holding back local economic growth.
\n
One of the firms reliant on the junction is Alliance Healthcare Ltd, who operate nationally from their Derbyshire distribution centre, delivering healthcare supplies to over 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, doctors and health centres, across the country.
\n
They have warned that without improvements to the junction, delivery of these vital healthcare supplies could be put at risk, saying:
\n
“The daily issues we encounter with Junction 28, being two minutes away, introduces challenges that could potentially affect the delivery of these medical products.”
\n
A Transport Manager at XPO, reiterated the strategic importance of the junction for the region:
\n
“The junction is in a great strategic location. However, it suffers from the excessive amount of traffic and congestion. If we can address these issues, we will be able to secure economic development for the wider region”.
\n
Another firm outlined that they felt the junction could be throttling the area from reaching its potential as a thriving hub of business and employment, saying:
\n
“To grow the local economy, it's key that we have the infrastructure to reinvigorate this area, and get some more businesses in.”
\n
Not only do firms believe the current junction arrangements are holding back the local economy, but also that they are creating dangerous road conditions and unnecessary pollution levels for local people. One local business representative said:
\n
“The stationary traffic caused by the junction is nothing short of an environmental disaster for local people. We have looked at all sorts of interventions we could undertake to improve air quality, however we need the government’s support.”
\n
Another local business warned of an “alarming rise” in serious incidents, saying:
\n
“We must acknowledge the alarming rise in serious incidents and address the flaw immediately to allow opportunities for a safer route, not just for business but for those living in nearby communities.”
\n
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect commenting on the release of the report said:
\n
“We have listened to the concerns of local businesses and stakeholders, and there is a unanimous call for action to address the challenges which are posed at this junction.”
\n
“Investing in this critical infrastructure is not just about improving traffic flow; it is about unlocking the economic potential of the entire region, reducing pollution and keeping road users safe.”
\n
Mark Fletcher, MP for Bolsover said:
\n
‘’I’d like to thank Midlands Connect for putting this report together. It’s incredibly important for us to engage with key stakeholders like XPO Logistics, Alliance Healthcare, and the Co-op, to help build our case for upgrading the junction.
\n
The evidence is clear. Whether that’s from residents in South Normanton and Pinxton, the County Council, or local businesses, Junction 28 in its current capacity is not fit for purpose.
\n
We have made great progress on our plans for Junction 28, but we now need the Government’s support to get it over the line.’’
\n
Councillor Renwick, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment at Derbyshire County Council said:
\n
“This is a key junction on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border, providing access to the M1 and linking with arterial routes to Derby, Mansfield, Ashfield and surrounding areas for freight and commuters alike.
\n
“Business growth and economic development in this area are being hindered by this bottleneck junction which desperately needs levelling up to receive the kind of investment we see down south. This must happen if we are to advance and keep this part of the East Midlands moving, and I wholeheartedly support the proposal for government funding to avoid the risk of worsening congestion and delays in the years to come.”
\n
"
+ }
+ ],
+ "settingsData": []
+}]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/major-improvement-plan-published-for-a50-500-corridor_2x3aq2bh.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/major-improvement-plan-published-for-a50-500-corridor_2x3aq2bh.config
index 3fa5b160..6ede59e4 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/major-improvement-plan-published-for-a50-500-corridor_2x3aq2bh.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/major-improvement-plan-published-for-a50-500-corridor_2x3aq2bh.config
@@ -14,55 +14,53 @@
-
-
Proposed improvements could save drivers over 30 mins every weekday
-
Enhancements could create over 12,000 jobs and generate £12 billion for the economy
-
Interventions include improvements to junctions and roundabouts and paving the way for electric vehicles
-
The report, Levelling-up Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Derby & Derbyshire: The road to success proposes a new corridor-wide approach to deliver region-wide benefits and value for money
-
Corridor is home to exporters including JCB, Rolls Royce and Alstom, businesses that rely on the road to trade
+
+
Proposed improvements could save drivers over 30 mins every weekday
+
Enhancements could create over 12,000 jobs and generate £12 billion for the economy
+
Interventions include improvements to junctions and roundabouts and paving the way for electric vehicles
+
The report, Levelling-up Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Derby & Derbyshire: The road to success proposes a new corridor-wide approach to deliver region-wide benefits and value for money
+
Corridor is home to exporters including JCB, Rolls Royce and Alstom, businesses that rely on the road to trade
-
Today (23rd February) regional transport body Midlands Connect has released a major report outlining a series of improvements to A50/A500 corridor. The upgrades are targeted at reducing congestion, supporting local businesses and promoting greener transport use – including the take up of electric vehicles.
-
The plans from Midlands Connect could create a £12 billion economic boost and help to unlock over 12,000 jobs. New research released alongside the report shows that drivers are losing over half an hour (37 minutes) every weekday due to congestion on this vital route.
-
The report, called Levelling-up Stoke, Staffordshire, Derby & Derbyshire: The road to success outlines a series of strategic recommendations for long-awaited upgrades, badly needed to alleviate bottlenecks along the 90km long A50/A500 corridor, which links Derby, Nottingham and Leicester to Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and the North-West.
-
Large manufacturers such as JCB, Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Alstom rely on this key East-West route to keep supply chains moving and provide links to international markets – currently, traffic congestion on the A50/A500 threatens to stand in the way of business growth. The route sees between 60,000 to 90,000 vehicles passing along it every single day.
-
With deadlines to secure funding via the Department for Transport’s Road Investment Strategy (RIS) schemes fast approaching, Midlands Connect is working closely with local authorities and other partners to help turn its plans into reality. By putting together a phased, corridor wide approach, it is hoped that improvements can be brought forward and provide good value for money, something that has previously been a barrier to progress.
-
-
Suggested improvements on the corridor include:
-
On the corridor’s Western Section, running from Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire to M6 J15-16 (through Stoke-on-Trent):
+
Today (23rd February) regional transport body Midlands Connect has released a major report outlining a series of improvements to A50/A500 corridor. The upgrades are targeted at reducing congestion, supporting local businesses and promoting greener transport use – including the take up of electric vehicles.
+
The plans from Midlands Connect could create a £12 billion economic boost and help to unlock over 12,000 jobs. New research released alongside the report shows that drivers are losing over half an hour (37 minutes) every weekday due to congestion on this vital route.
+
The report, called Levelling-up Stoke, Staffordshire, Derby & Derbyshire: The road to successoutlines a series of strategic recommendations for long-awaited upgrades, badly needed to alleviate bottlenecks along the 90km long A50/A500 corridor, which links Derby, Nottingham and Leicester to Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and the North-West.
+
Large manufacturers such as JCB, Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Alstom rely on this key East-West route to keep supply chains moving and provide links to international markets – currently, traffic congestion on the A50/A500 threatens to stand in the way of business growth. The route sees between 60,000 to 90,000 vehicles passing along it every single day.
+
With deadlines to secure funding via the Department for Transport’s Road Investment Strategy (RIS) schemes fast approaching, Midlands Connect is working closely with local authorities and other partners to help turn its plans into reality. By putting together a phased, corridor wide approach, it is hoped that improvements can be brought forward and provide good value for money, something that has previously been a barrier to progress.
+
+
Suggested improvements on the corridor include:
+
On the corridor’s Western Section, running from Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire to M6 J15-16 (through Stoke-on-Trent):
-
Strategic improvements to M6 J15 to resolve congestion, to improve safety and facilitate better flow of traffic on M6 and A500
-
Enhancements at Sideway to make traffic flow more smoothly, including strategic changes to the roundabout and lanes at the junction, as well as addressing the signalled junctions that cause traffic to build up on the route
-
Technology-led improvements to improve the reliability and safety of the M6 between Junction 15 and 16
+
Strategic improvements to M6 J15 to resolve congestion, to improve safety and facilitate better flow of traffic on M6 and A500
+
Enhancements at Sideway to make traffic flow more smoothly, including strategic changes to the roundabout and lanes at the junction, as well as addressing the signalled junctions that cause traffic to build up on the route
+
Technology-led improvements to improve the reliability and safety of the M6 between Junction 15 and 16
-
On the corridor’s Central Section that runs from the A50/A38 Toyota junction to Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire
+
On the corridor’s Central Section that runs from the A50/A38 Toyota junction to Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire
-
Grade separation of the A50 and local roads at two locations in Uttoxeter, with associated slip roads to provide access and other potential enhancements to support growth and boost local active travel networks
-
Enhancements to existing roundabouts at Sudbury and Blythe Bridge to increase capacity and reduce delays
+
Grade separation of the A50 and local roads at two locations in Uttoxeter, with associated slip roads to provide access and other potential enhancements to support growth and boost local active travel networks
+
Enhancements to existing roundabouts at Sudbury and Blythe Bridge to increase capacity and reduce delays
-
On the corridor’s Eastern Section from the M1 to A50/A38 Toyota junction
+
On the corridor’s Eastern Section from the M1 to A50/A38 Toyota junction
-
Improvements to A38/A50 Toyota junction to improve capacity, safety and general operation (recommended as immediate priority to be delivered through an appropriate source of funding).
-
Widening of the A50 south of Derby, between Junction 2 for the A6 at Chellaston and Junction 3 for the A514 near Aston-on-Trent (recommended to be undertaken in RIS4).
+
Improvements to A38/A50 Toyota junction to improve capacity, safety and general operation (recommended as immediate priority to be delivered through an appropriate source of funding).
+
Widening of the A50 south of Derby, between Junction 2 for the A6 at Chellaston and Junction 3 for the A514 near Aston-on-Trent (recommended to be undertaken in RIS4).
-
Building a new link road between the A50 (near junction 1) and A42 (near junction 14, Breedon-on-the-Hill). This is recommended as a long-term option to be considered for RIS5 or beyond.
+
Building a new link road between the A50 (near junction 1) and A42 (near junction 14, Breedon-on-the-Hill). This is recommended as a long-term option to be considered for RIS5 or beyond.
-
Commenting on the release, Sir John Peace, Chair of Midlands Connect said:
-
“This report released today outlines why upgrades to the A50/A500 manufacturing corridor are crucial both to keep international markets open after Brexit and to reduce emissions by enabling more direct and efficient journeys.
-
“This suggested strategic enhancement plan from Midlands Connect is based on comprehensive research which proves just how economically important this 90km East-West stretch of road between Crewe and Derby is. Improvements will also make it easier for business and local communities to prepare for a future where electric vehicles and alternative fuels become the norm.
-
“A key location for manufacturing and industrial activity due to its fantastic links with major UK cities and local supply chains, the corridor is home to industry leading businesses including JCB, Toyota, Rolls Royce and Alstom, and will soon link the new HS2 hubs at Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent with the planned freeport close to East Midlands Airport. However, the busy A50/ A500 has slowly become more congested over time and regular bottlenecks form at junctions during peak times. Widespread development is planned for the surrounding area, meaning that change is needed now, with this sustainability-led plan to keep locals, employees and businesses moving.”
-
MP for Burton and Uttoxeter Kate Griffiths added:
-
“As MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, I know that our region is an extremely important part of the UK’s wider economy. These improvements to the A50/A500 are vital for local infrastructure to drive future growth and better connectivity for residents.
-
“Midlands Connect’s suggested strategy to upgrade this road corridor will make it easier for multinational businesses in constituencies along the corridor to trade, import and export, as well as opening up new opportunities for employment.
-
“With active travel and EV preparedness built-in, I am committed to working with Government and my MP colleagues along the A50/A500 to start on this innovative programme as soon as possible.”
-
Mark Turner, Chief Operating Officer at JCB said:
-
“JCB is a major, multinational company in the area which continues to create jobs and make a significant investment in Staffordshire. Like many other big employers based along the A50 corridor, we at JCB want to see continued investment and growth, helping to make the A50 more resilient, accessible and reliable 365 days a year. We support Midlands Connect’s proposals for improvement, which would work to harness the potential of the North Midlands manufacturing corridor.”
-
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
-
“The upgrade of the A50/A500 corridor is vital to the future growth of Staffordshire and our neighbours. As a county council we have set out our economic development priorities which includes improving our strategic transport routes. One of our key strengths is our location being at the heart of the country – with east/west connectivity becoming ever more important. Reducing congestion and ensuring there is good traffic flow means we can increase investment in our area, support our existing businesses to expand and new ones to be set up, whilst create more opportunities for our communities.
-
“These transport improvements form part of a wider proposal to enhance the productivity of a corridor which is home to many of the country’s leading manufacturers that has huge potential to boost the local and national economy.
-
“We look forward to working closely with Midlands Connect and other council partners to deliver the plans set out in the report, building on our previous successful redevelopment of the A50 Uttoxeter junction close to JCB, with National Highways.”
-]]>
+
Commenting on the release, Sir John Peace, Chair of Midlands Connect said:
+
“This report released today outlines why upgrades to the A50/A500 manufacturing corridor are crucial both to keep international markets open after Brexit and to reduce emissions by enabling more direct and efficient journeys.
+
“This suggested strategic enhancement plan from Midlands Connect is based on comprehensive research which proves just how economically important this 90km East-West stretch of road between Crewe and Derby is. Improvements will also make it easier for business and local communities to prepare for a future where electric vehicles and alternative fuels become the norm.
+
“A key location for manufacturing and industrial activity due to its fantastic links with major UK cities and local supply chains, the corridor is home to industry leading businesses including JCB, Toyota, Rolls Royce and Alstom, and will soon link the new HS2 hubs at Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent with the planned freeport close to East Midlands Airport. However, the busy A50/ A500 has slowly become more congested over time and regular bottlenecks form at junctions during peak times. Widespread development is planned for the surrounding area, meaning that change is needed now, with this sustainability-led plan to keep locals, employees and businesses moving.”
+
MP for Burton and Uttoxeter Kate Griffiths added:
+
“As MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, I know that our region is an extremely important part of the UK’s wider economy. These improvements to the A50/A500 are vital for local infrastructure to drive future growth and better connectivity for residents.
+
“Midlands Connect’s suggested strategy to upgrade this road corridor will make it easier for multinational businesses in constituencies along the corridor to trade, import and export, as well as opening up new opportunities for employment.
+
“With active travel and EV preparedness built-in, I am committed to working with Government and my MP colleagues along the A50/A500 to start on this innovative programme as soon as possible.”
+
Mark Turner, Chief Operating Officer at JCB said:
+
“JCB is a major, multinational company in the area which continues to create jobs and make a significant investment in Staffordshire. Like many other big employers based along the A50 corridor, we at JCB want to see continued investment and growth, helping to make the A50 more resilient, accessible and reliable 365 days a year. We support Midlands Connect’s proposals for improvement, which would work to harness the potential of the North Midlands manufacturing corridor.”
+
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
+
“The upgrade of the A50/A500 corridor is vital to the future growth of Staffordshire and our neighbours. As a county council we have set out our economic development priorities which includes improving our strategic transport routes. One of our key strengths is our location being at the heart of the country – with east/west connectivity becoming ever more important. Reducing congestion and ensuring there is good traffic flow means we can increase investment in our area, support our existing businesses to expand and new ones to be set up, whilst create more opportunities for our communities.
+
“These transport improvements form part of a wider proposal to enhance the productivity of a corridor which is home to many of the country’s leading manufacturers that has huge potential to boost the local and national economy.
+
“We look forward to working closely with Midlands Connect and other council partners to deliver the plans set out in the report, building on our previous successful redevelopment of the A50 Uttoxeter junction close to JCB, with National Highways.”
]]>
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/making-the-case-for-the-midlands-rail-hub_3wvbep3r.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/making-the-case-for-the-midlands-rail-hub_3wvbep3r.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6e61c9ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/making-the-case-for-the-midlands-rail-hub_3wvbep3r.config
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MakingTheCaseForTheMidlandsRailHub
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2023-02-08T00:00:00
+
+ 216
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Midlands Rail Hub is the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme, creating faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands.
+
Join us and our partners Centre for Cities for this online webinar exploring how the delivery of the rail hub is key to boosting economic growth, supporting local communities and creating more sustainable rail travel within the Midlands.
+
Speakers
+
Rajdeep Kandola, Head of Policy and Strategic Relationships, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
+
Sarah Spink, Strategic Partners Manager, Midlands Connect
+
More speakers to be announced.
+
Chair: Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/martin-gozzi.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/martin-gozzi.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..739bf6fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/martin-gozzi.config
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+
+
+
+ Authors
+ /WestMidlandsCombinedAuthority/Authors/MartinGozzi
+ false
+ author
+ 2024-06-03T13:21:01
+
+ 21
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Martin Gozzi is a Data for Policy Fellow at the International Public Policy Observatory (IPPO) at UCL working with the WMCA. With experience as a Data Analyst at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and a Research Assistant in the University of Winchester's Health and Wellbeing Department, Martin has a strong foundation in data analysis and social justice research. Their academic focus on queer and trans studies drives their commitment to fair access to mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community. In their fellowship, Martin will support WMCA in enhancing data maturity and capabilities across the organisation, aligning with WMCA's goal of inclusive growth.]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/merry-christmas-from-midlands-connect.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/merry-christmas-from-midlands-connect.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..cfcbf361
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/merry-christmas-from-midlands-connect.config
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MerryChristmasFromMidlandsConnect
+ false
+ newsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2024-01-29T14:40:58
+
+ 254
+
+
+ NewsArticle111
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ \n
A message from our CEO, Maria Machancoses
\n\n
\n
At this time of the year, it is a period of family, love and also reflection and as I look back over 2023, I am delighted to say Midlands Connect continues to evolve into a serious and critically effective organisation which, by bringing the Midlands together in one voice, is delivering real and lasting impact for the region.
\n
2023 has been a year of change more than trends. Rising inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and international conflicts have defined the political and economic agenda in the UK, yet despite these ongoing challenges, the Midlands Connect partnership has remained resilient and committed to create a fairer, greener and stronger Midlands.
\n
The biggest point of the year was the cancellation of HS2. Obviously, as we said at the time, we were disappointed, but with the Network North announcement we saw a series key Midlands Connect projects at the heart of the Government’s £36 billion plan to improve the region and the country’s transport. The Midlands Rail Hub announcement by the Prime Minister gave me and the team a real moment of pride. The scheme, we have worked on together for eight years is now treated by government as a key, national priority.
\n
We also saw as part of the package, vital funding to fix two major pinch points on the A5 between Hinckley and Tamworth, funding for improvements to the A50/500 corridor between Stoke and Derby and improving the M6 at Junction 15 between Manchester and Birmingham, as well as funding for seven MRN schemes as varied as A511 Growth Corridor, Chesterfield - Staveley Regeneration Route, A4123 Birchley Island in Sandwell and the A454 between Wolverhampton and East Park Gateway.
\n
But it’s not just across roads and rail improvements, Midlands Connect has made big progress on areas like alternative fuels and electric vehicle infrastructure. We saw real positive momentum; firstly, nearly a £1 million of funding for our pilot for five councils is nearly at the procurement stage, and now thirteen Midlands Councils collaborate to apply for £39.3 million to get more chargers onto our streets. These two tranches of vital funding are next step in our efforts to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region. This funding will improve the lives of those living within the Midlands, particularly for those who do not have access to off-street parking and may struggle to charge their vehicle otherwise. The vital funding government has made available is a mark of confidence in Midlands Connect and our role as a key regional convenor.
\n
As we now look forward to 2024; we plan to progress our work on the economy and freight and release a real roadmap for the future of freight in the region but also UK wide. We will also be doing far more on hydrogen and critical future demonstrators to show what can be done so we can continue to address the global climate emergency. I also hope in the year ahead we can continue to strengthen our collaborative arrangement with local councils across the region; including working closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority and the emerging Mayoral Combined Authorities in both the East Midlands and Greater Lincolnshire. We also hope to deepen the strong and collaborative relationships we have with the Department for Transport as well as Network Rail and National Highways.
\n
Nothing seems to bring people together like Christmas and that spirit is something that Midlands Connect prides itself on. I want to thank my team and all our partners and supporters. We really do appreciate all their support and we look forward to another year of success.
\n
"
+ }
+ ],
+ "settingsData": []
+}]]>
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_mtxlrao0.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_mtxlrao0.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..828de0f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_mtxlrao0.config
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnect2023AnnualConference
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2023-02-28T00:00:00
+
+ 215
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ 2022 was a significant year for Midlands Connect as we published our refreshed “Strategic Transport Plan” for the Midlands. The refreshed strategy reflected on the social and economic effects of Covid-19, navigating business and trade following our exit from the European Union and addressing the global climate emergency. It built on our thought leadership and research activities; especially in the areas of decarbonisation, EV charging, alternative fuels, and rural mobility.
+
Our 2023 Annual Conference will look at our Strategic Transport Plan one year later to explore the progress that has been made and other projects we will be prioritising for the remainder of the year.
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
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+
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+
+
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+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_s13dx4iq.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_s13dx4iq.config
index 123d9be1..54073d2b 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_s13dx4iq.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-2023-annual-conference_s13dx4iq.config
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
ContentPage
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+
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-annual-conference_wienrlfl.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-annual-conference_wienrlfl.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bb0a606f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-annual-conference_wienrlfl.config
@@ -0,0 +1,198 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectAnnualConference
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2022-04-04T00:00:00
+
+ 208
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Join us at the Midlands Connect Annual Conference, taking place on 4 April at The Exchange, Birmingham! This year’s conference is being hosted with Reach’s exciting new email newsletter, Midlands Message.
+
At this year’s annual conference, we will be exploring how we can accelerate economic recovery in a post-pandemic world and how to encourage the public to return to public transport. We will also be considering the infrastructure investment needed to deliver greener, more efficient transport solutions into the future.
+
The conference will also discuss the Integrated Rail Plan, published in Autumn 2021, along with the government’s Levelling Up agenda. Finally, we will also be presenting our refreshed Transport Strategy, due to be published later this year.
+
Attendees can rest assured that both Midlands Connect and The Exchange are following official government guidance closely. We will be taking all necessary health and safety protocols to keep everyone safe during the event.
NEW! The full agenda has now been released, please find it below:
+
+
+
+
+
+
Midlands Connect Annual Conference
+
Midlands Transport Conference: The great Midlands transport Conference
+
The Exchange, University of Birmingham 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2DR
+
Monday 4th April 2021 (10:00 – 15:20)
+
+
+
+
+
+
Time
+
+
+
Session
+
+
+
+
+
10:00
+
+
+
Welcome & Introduction to the Strategic Transport Plan
+
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect
+
+
+
+
+
10:15
+
+
+
Keynote Speech
+
Wendy Morton MP, Minister of State in the Department for Transport
+
+
+
+
+
10:30
+
+
+
What the STP means for Road, Rail & Technology
+
Panellists: Karen Heppenstall, Head of Rail, Richard Bradley Head of Strategy & Swati Mittal, Head of Roads all Midlands Connect
+
+
+
+
+
10:45
+
+
+
Coffee Break
+
+
+
+
+
11:00
+
+
+
Political panel
+
Chair: Paul Waugh, Chief Political Commentator, i newspaper Panellists: Alex Norris MP, Lord Ravensdale & Cllr Abi Brown, leader Stoke-on-Trent City Council
+
+
+
+
+
11:40
+
+
+
HS2 panel
+
Chair: Richard Guttridge, Agenda Editor, Birmingham Mail
+
Panellists: Andy Street, WM Mayor, Cllr Ben Bradley MP & Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect
+
+
+
+
+
12:15
+
+
+
Lunch
+
+
+
+
+
12:20
+
+
+
Sarah Speaks podcast recording – how can transport help us recover as a region from COVID
+
Chair: Sarah Spink, Midlands Connect
+
Panellists: Rick Blackmore CBI Regional Director Midlands, Andrew Pritchard Transport for the East Midlands, Clare James , MD, East Midlands Airport & Graeme Cooper, Head of Future Markets at National Grid
+
+
+
+
+
13:00
+
+
+
+
Keynote Speech
+
Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport
+
+
+
+
+
13:30
+
+
+
+
Levelling up & transport
+
Chair: Hannah Al-Othman, Sunday Times
+
Panellists: Baroness Nicky Morgan, Elliot Shaw, Executive Director for Strategy and Planning at National Highways and Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, Railway Industry Association, Leader of Staffordshire County Council Cllr Alan White
+
+
+
+
+
14:15
+
+
+
Coffee Break
+
+
+
+
+
14:30
+
+
+
Transport Strategy Update
+
Simon Statham, Chief Technical Officer
+
+
+
+
+
15:00
+
+
+
Closing speech: Sir John Peace
+
+
+
+
+
15:20
+
+
+
Close of event
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-building-back-better-webinar_bbvf5aqc.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-building-back-better-webinar_bbvf5aqc.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..73b3eeb7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-building-back-better-webinar_bbvf5aqc.config
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectBuildingBackBetterWebinar
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2021-02-04T00:00:00
+
+ 203
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ In February 2021, Midlands Connect is running a series of webinars on topics and themes that will affect future transport policy development.
+
This webinar focuses on 'Building Back Better' post Covid-19.
+
Chaired by East Midlands CBI Regional Director, Richard Blackmore, the panellists are:
+
+
+
Alistair Baldwin, Senior Researcher, Institute for Government;
+
Clare James, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport;
+
Ed Watson, Interim Chief Executive, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-decarbonisation-webinar_kotnun2r.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-decarbonisation-webinar_kotnun2r.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..671d7b63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-decarbonisation-webinar_kotnun2r.config
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectDecarbonisationWebinar
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2021-02-18T00:00:00
+
+ 205
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ In February 2021, Midlands Connect is running a series of webinars on topics and themes that will affect future transport policy development.
+
This webinar focuses on decarbonisation and our panel will discuss how the industry can reduce transport emissions on the way to delivering a low-carbon economy.
+
Chaired by New Statesmen columnist, Jonn Elledge, the panellists are:
+
+
Claire Haigh, CEO, Greener Transport Solutions
+
Tim Campbell, Campbells Electrical Vehicle Consultancy
+
Simon Statham, Head of Technical Programmes, Midlands Connect
Join us as we bring together decision makers, senior leaders, Local Authorities and MPs to discuss the future of electric vehicles!
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Sponsored by WSP, Midlands Connect’s first ever digital Electric Vehicle Conference will take place on 1 March 2022. With an ambitious agenda including content from the full manufacturing process, we will be exploring the actions needed to kickstart an electric vehicle revolution!
+
There will be the chance to submit questions for speakers on the day, meaning that you can directly influence topics of discussion at the conference.
+
With a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars fast approaching in 2030, Midlands Connect issued the landmark report ‘Supercharging the Midlands’ in Autumn 2021. The report identified the challenges ahead as we see the popularity of the electrical vehicle grow and become a mass market item.
+
We are now building on our initial report to bring change to the Midlands, ensuring that we are truly prepared for the revolution ahead. Join us as we become trailblazers in the electric vehicle world!
Panel: Supporting communities and making decarbonised transport accessible
\n
\n
Nick Mills (Research and Insight Manager, Community Transport Association)
\n
Catherine Marris (Head of Innovation, Motability Foundation)
\n
Beth Moreley (Mobility & Human Insights Manager, Cenex)
\n
Richard Mallender (Local Government Support Programme Manager, Energy Saving Trust)
\n
Chair: Vanessa Strange (Head of Infrastructure Investment, Lincolnshire County Council)
\n
"
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+
+
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+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-levelling-up-webinar_fctdyv11.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-levelling-up-webinar_fctdyv11.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..91fc6363
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-levelling-up-webinar_fctdyv11.config
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectLevellingUpWebinar
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2021-02-11T00:00:00
+
+ 204
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ In February 2021, Midlands Connect is running a series of webinars on topics and themes that will affect future transport policy development.
+
As the cornerstone of its domestic agenda, levelling up reflects this Government’s ambition to rebalance the economy and invest in regions outside of London and the South East. The Prime Minister has signalled that levelling up infrastructure investment is a key priority within this parliamentary period.
+
In this panel, the chair will ask the panel to consider how the levelling up agenda can be delivered in the Midlands and what improvements can help increase economic prosperity, boost social mobility and create a more sustainable way of living for future generations.
+
Chaired by Sunday Times Deputy Political Editor, Caroline Wheeler, the panellists are:
+
+
+
Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and External Affairs, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
+
Jane Stevenson MP (Cons, Wolverhampton North East),
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-rural-mobility-conference_omddcm05.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-rural-mobility-conference_omddcm05.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..dce6da69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-rural-mobility-conference_omddcm05.config
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectRuralMobilityConference
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2022-06-20T00:00:00
+
+ 210
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Join us for our first ever Rural Mobility Conference, discussing how we can tackle rural transport connectivity!
+
The Rural Powerhouse Conference will take place on Monday 20th June at The Civic Suite, Parkside, Station Approach in Melton Mowbray. We will be joined by the Department for Transport, senior politicians, decision makers and experts for a number of keynote speeches, panels, discussions and debates throughout the day.
+
We will also be announcing the winners of our rural mobility competition, proposing technological solutions enhance connectivity for local communities. You can read more about the competition here.
+
The conference will be an interactive event, where attendees will be able to ask questions and influence topics of discussion. We hope to see you there!
10:00 -Welcome & introduction (Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect)
+
10:15 -Midlands Connect's work so far (Richard Bradley, Head of Strategy at Midlands Connect)
+
10:35 -Winner of rural prize announced
+
10:40 -Discussion panel for the competition winner
+
11:20 -Break
+
11:45 -Panel for two other competing schemes
+
12:15 -Lunch
+
13:00 -Keynote Speech plus Q&A (Tim Farron MP, Lib Dem Rural Affairs spokesperson)
+
13:35 -Break
+
13:50 -Rural Services Panel
+
+
Amy Cobbett (Business and Rural Affairs Adviser, NFU)
+
Vanessa Strange (Head of Infrastructure Investment at Lincolnshire County Council)
+
James Willocks (Transport Commissioning Manager, Shropshire Council)
+
Chair: Sarah Spink (Strategic Partnerships Lead, Midlands Connect)
+
+
14:20 -Panel with the Department for Transport
+
+
Deepak Marok (Policy Advisor, Department for Transport)
+
Chair: Richard Bradley (Head of Strategy, Midlands Connect)
+
+
15:00 -Close of event
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-webinar-access-to-toton_4pqpdbkf.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-webinar-access-to-toton_4pqpdbkf.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f88f9eb8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-webinar-access-to-toton_4pqpdbkf.config
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectWebinarAccessToToton
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2020-07-09T00:00:00
+
+ 201
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ In this session hear about the £2.7 billion transport plan that would guarantee fast, frequent connections between the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton and towns and cities in the East Midlands.
+
The guest speaker is Andrew Pritchard, director of policy and infrastructure, East Midlands Councils.
+
If you would like to register for this event on Thursday 9th July at 11am, please contact the team on mcadmin@midlandsconnect.uk
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-webinar-very-light-rail_hu2b1piz.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-webinar-very-light-rail_hu2b1piz.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..59596ff1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect-webinar-very-light-rail_hu2b1piz.config
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsConnectWebinarVeryLightRail
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2020-07-02T00:00:00
+
+ 200
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), Coventry City Council and Transport for West Midlands are collaborating on an innovative low-cost tram solution for Coventry. In this session chaired by the Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace, the speakers will share progress to date and future plans for encouraging drivers to leave their cars at home and travel by public transport.
+
The guest speakers are Margot James, executive chair, Warwick Manufacturing Group and Colin Knight, director of transportation & highways, Coventry City Council.
+
If you would like to register for this event on Thursday 2nd July at 3pm, please contact the team on mcadmin@midlandsconnect.uk
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect.config
index b3dff767..db89d920 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-connect.config
@@ -20,59 +20,7 @@
- Subscribe today to our newsletter to keep up to date on the latest information on transport investment in the Midlands",
- "link": "[{\"name\":\"Midlands Connect\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/ba5299dd422e4f188dbfd981c34ef23c\"}]"
- },
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- "title": "The engine room podcast",
- "copy": "
Ever wondered why your train isn't running on time, what the future holds for electric vehicles or what the big fuss is about HS2? Learn about the social, economic and political forces behind transport investment in the Midlands.
Our flagship rail project; a package of improvements that will create space for faster, more frequent passenger services between the East and West Midlands.
Our plan to improve access to Birmingham Airport on the conventional network, with better connections from the south of England, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East.
A proposal to boost line speed to 90 miles per hour by aligning two minor points railway corridor, as well as improvements around signalling on the line.
Slow and infrequent rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln mean only a small proportion of journeys on this corridor are made by train. We're working on proposals to improve connectivity between cities.
Reinstating direct rail services between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham for the first time in two decades, creating over 2mil extra seats on the region’s rail network every year.
\n
Read more about the Coventry - Leicester - Nottingham project
\n
Derby - Stoke - Crewe
\n
We are investigating the feasibility of doubling the frequency of services along this east west corridor, and cutting journey times.
Midlands Connect are highly supportive of Government's Union Connectivity Review, published in Winter 2021. We believe that improved transport connectivity could unlock the full potential of The Marches and East/Mid Wales.
\n
Read our strategic priorities for The Marches report
"
+ "richText": "
Key projects
\n
Midlands Rail Hub
\n
Our flagship rail project; a package of improvements that will create space for faster, more frequent passenger services between the East and West Midlands.
Our plan to improve access to Birmingham Airport on the conventional network, with better connections from the south of England, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East.
A proposal to boost line speed to 90 miles per hour by aligning two minor points railway corridor, as well as improvements around signalling on the line.
Slow and infrequent rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln mean only a small proportion of journeys on this corridor are made by train. We're working on proposals to improve connectivity between cities.
Reinstating direct rail services between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham for the first time in two decades, creating over 2mil extra seats on the region’s rail network every year.
Midlands Connect are highly supportive of Government's Union Connectivity Review, published in Winter 2021. We believe that improved transport connectivity could unlock the full potential of The Marches and East/Mid Wales.
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-goes-large-on-regional-collaborations-and-consortiums_ichi52pm.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-goes-large-on-regional-collaborations-and-consortiums_ichi52pm.config
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@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MidlandsGoesLargeOnRegionalCollaborationsAndConsortiums
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2023-07-17T00:00:00
+
+ 246
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ But we’re now finding a new, high-value role to support local transport authorities in meeting urgent Government priorities to help decarbonise the transport system and to refresh local transport plans with quantifiable carbon reductions (QCR).
+
This has catapulted us from delivering major infrastructure business cases, like Midlands Rail Hub, to also urgently delivering final business cases and supporting authorities in building contracts that deliver across all geographies and local policies that can help tackle local emissions.
+
We use estimates of carbon emissions to help us prioritise our support, which gives us a clear reason to focus on road transport. In the local electric vehicle infrastructure funding (LEVI) pilot, we helped form a successful Midlands consortium led by Lincolnshire and including Stoke-on-Trent, Herefordshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
+
We are now centrally supporting two further consortiums using more than 50% of the whole Midlands £66m LEVI funding. At the time of writing this blog we have the largest consortium, an approach promoted by Government to find the optimal public/private partnership.
+
The consortiums will require contracts that cover large geographies and last 15 years or more. But they are expected to attract some 80% private funding and ensure that public charge-points are available for all.
+
Contracts for the first consortium will need to be ready for November 2024 and we’re trying to motivate suppliers for societal benefit as well as profit. What we are learning is how strong the region is when pushed to work together at pace.
+
Decarbonising road haulage requires a longer-term collaboration across regions to understand the choice of mode and fuel type for moving heavier goods over long distances.
+
We’re taking a ‘telescopic view’ of Great Britain to understand these likely choices, modelling 2050 scenarios of annual tonnage for road, rail, sea & air. We’re also taking a ‘microscopic view’ across regions to find areas with good access to energy, land and skills and considering fuel availability, trade routes and vehicle fleets and strategic fit and scalability.
+
When we combine these different views, we think we need a national network of refuelling, recharging and modal interchange hubs, with:
+
+
Super Hubs, for more long-haul and of national importance.
+
Strategic Hubs, for shorter-haul and important for connecting the region and its ports, whether air, sea or free.
+
Local Hubs, which are the key distribution hubs adjacent to towns and cities, for example Amazon warehouse clusters.
+
+
It will probably be of little surprise that the top-priority locations for these interlaced energy and transport activities are focused around the two Midlands airports. As such we are working with Midlands Net Zero Hub and Leicestershire LEP on the ‘East Midlands Energy Super Hub’ project, including the Airport and Freeport zone.
+
The Department for Transport has also asked us to support the local transport authorities in delivering QCRs as part of a 2024 local transport plan update. For this we’re work across all seven regions to deliver the Decarbonisation Policy Playbook. This will help authorities find the best policies that fit local geographies and communities, and then allow them to understand likely carbon reductions within their network.
+
These three work programmes represent the initial phases of our vision-led pathways as we plan for a greener, fairer and stronger future. They will support local, regional and national efforts to decarbonise the transport system and play a major part in decarbonising the UK economy.
+
Richard Bradley is Head of Strategy at Midlands Connect.
+]]>
+
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+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-rail-hub-business-case-launch.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-rail-hub-business-case-launch.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..554126b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-rail-hub-business-case-launch.config
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
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+
+
+ Events
+ /MidlandsConnect/Events/MidlandsRailHubBusinessCaseLaunch
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+ 2024-03-12T10:59:14
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+ 6
+
+
+ ContentPage
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+
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+ On the 5th December 2022, we launched our Outline Business case for Midlands Rail Hub. You can watch a full recording of the event here:"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-rail-hub-leaders-back-plans-for-rail-upgrades.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/midlands-rail-hub-leaders-back-plans-for-rail-upgrades.config
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+ \n
Leaders from East and West Midlands have signed statement backing plans.
\n
Leaders joined by business chiefs to welcome scheme.
\n\n
A series of senior leaders in local government in the East and West Midlands have all signed a statement welcoming last week’s £123 million to begin work on the Midlands Rail Hub.
\n
The leaders and portfolio holders from councils and business groups have come together to sign the joint statement.
\n
The Midlands Rail Hub will serve more than 50 stations – covering 7 million people across the region – benefitting from the plans, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding. The first phase of the Midlands Rail Hub will mean an additional train every hour in both directions between central Birmingham and locations including Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham & Worcester. When delivered in full, the hub will see services on most routes increase by between 50% and 100%. Birmingham’s Cross-City line will be given a ‘turn-up-and-go’ service with a train every 10 minutes.
\n
The statement from the leaders, portfolio holders and business chiefs says:
\n
“We welcome the news that funding has been announced for the Midlands Rail Hub. The funding we have now received will enable us to finalise the design and finally kick start the delivery of Midlands Rail Hub - allowing extra services initially from Birmingham to Worcester, Cardiff and Bristol.
\n
\"Although this funding is for one section of the project, we are progressing at pace with the Rail Hub’s \"Eastern\" scope securing - as set out in Network North's proposals - improved rail connections between Birmingham and key destinations in the East Midlands like Leicester, Nottingham and Derby.
\n
“Through our Midlands Connect partnership and WMRE and Transport for the East Midlands, we will continue to work with government to ensure the benefits of the Rail Hub ripple throughout the region including communities like Hereford and Lichfield.
\n
“When delivered in full, Midlands Rail Hub will create faster and more frequent east-west journeys including 14 million extra seats every year.
\n
“Our message to government is clear: The £123m is very welcome and we must now work together, full steam ahead, to get the project off the ground.”
\n
Signed by:
\n
\n
Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of Worcestershire County Council
\n
Councillor Nick Rushton, leader, Leicestershire County Council
\n
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills
\n
Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment
\n
Councillor Marjory Bisset, Joint Leader of Worcester City Council
\n
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet lead for transport
\n
Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor, Leicester City Council
\n
Henrietta Brearley, CEO of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
On the 5th December 2022, we submitted our Outline Business case to the Department for Transport.
\n
Read the summary document
\n
Subsequently, in Autumn 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that Midlands Rail Hub would be delivered in full. Read Government's announcement here.
"
+ "richText": "
What happens next?
\n
On the 5th December 2022, we submitted our Outline Business case to the Department for Transport.
Subsequently, in Autumn 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that Midlands Rail Hub would be delivered in full. Read Government's announcement here.
\n
In February 2024, Government announced £123m of funding for design work to begin on Midlands Rail Hub. Read the story here.
Midlands Rail Hub is the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme - a £1.5bn blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands.
\n
The scheme will add more than 100 additional trains on the rail network each year and provide faster, more frequent or new rail links for over 30 locations including: Leicester, Bromsgrove, Nuneaton, Worcester, Hereford, Cardiff and Bristol.
\n
The Midlands Rail Hub proposes building two ‘chords’ as well as 11 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands.
The West Chord: consists of improvements between Bordesley and Moor Street, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from South-West and Wales, and making sure services are improved on the Hereford and Worcester corridors.
The East Chord: creates an access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.
Other plans for engineering upgrades include:
\n
\n
Snow Hill platform 4
\n
Moor Street platform 5
\n
Improvements around Kings Norton-Barnt Green
\n
Stoke Works junction
\n
A Malvern Wells turnback facility
\n
Ledbury – Shelwick partial double-tracking
\n
Moor Street platforms A & B (east side)
\n
Bordesley viaduct widening
\n
Water Orton remodelling
\n
Nuneaton to Wigston signalling headways
\n
Freight loops between Nuneaton and Leicester.
\n
"
+ "richText": "
What is Midlands Rail Hub?
\n
Midlands Rail Hub is the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme – a £1.5bn blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands.
\n
The scheme will add up to 10 additional trains on the rail network per hour and provide faster, more frequent or new rail links for over 30 locations including: Leicester, Bromsgrove, Nuneaton, Worcester, Hereford, Cardiff and Bristol.
\n
The Midlands Rail Hub proposes building two ‘chords’ as well as 11 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands.
The West Chord: consists of improvements between Bordesley and Moor Street, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from South-West and Wales, and making sure services are improved on the Hereford and Worcester corridors.
The East Chord: creates an access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.
“The Midlands Rail Hub is a vitally-important project. Rail has been a huge part of the success story of this region, and we need this kind of investment if our network is to keep growing and supporting our economy. At around £2 billion, the Midlands Rail Hub is genuinely a bargain. The Secretary of State for Transport must persuade the Treasury to support this project to boost the region’s connectivity and with it, the region’s economy.”
Midlands could have over 2 million electric cars (EVs) on its roads by 2030
\n
58,997 new public charging points will be needed across the region by 2030 to keep pace with the boom – a 969% increase from today
\n
Research released to coincide with Midlands Connect EV conference held on 7 March
\n\n
New research from Midlands Connect suggests the Midlands remains on track for an EV boom and could see over 2 million electric cars on its streets by the end of the decade, with a significant increase in public EV charge points needed to keep up with demand. The new projections were announced today at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference.
\n
Figures suggest the Midlands will see a 1,899% increase in uptake in electric vehicles by the end of 2030, with projections predicting to rise from 103,014 EVs today to 2,059,611 on its roads by the end of 2030. These numbers indicate just under a third (32.5%) of all vehicles registered in the Midlands Connect area could be an electric vehicle by the end of 2030.
\n
New research forecasts have shown the Midlands region requires a further 58,997 public charging points by 2030 to support the increase in EV use over the next decade, a 969% increase from the 6,090 chargers existing across the region today. This equates to the installation of 27 new EVCPs every day, 194 per week, and 9,832 per year until the start of the new decade.
\n
The work is part of the Sub-national Transport Body’s efforts to support Local Authorities in increasing EV charger roll-out. In September 2023, it partnered with 14 Local Authorities for a total of £40.3mil of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to be part of consortium approach, accounting for ~61% of the regions £66.5mil funding.
\n
The figures were announced at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference today, which brought together senior leaders and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Electric Vehicle industry. Discussions included hearing from firms manufacturing EVs; electrifying fleets of vehicles and ensuring that electrified transport is accessible to everyone.
\n
Commenting on the research, Midlands Connect’s CEO Maria Machancoses said:
\n
“It’s clear we’re still on the brink of a boom in Electric Vehicles that could see every third car being an electric one by the end of decade.
\n
“Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We’re already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government.
\n
“Our conference today allowed us to bring together many different aspects of the EV industry, including Government, to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. We want to make the Midlands the home of the green industrial revolution.”
Roundtable to be held today (Wednesday 15th June) at 5.30pm
+
75% of locals said they would be more likely to take the train on Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham corridor if the journey was direct
+
Two major cities haven’t had direct rail link since 2004
+
Average speed by rail as low as 18.4mph
+
Plans to reintroduce direct trains and slash journey times between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham discussed in Parliament today by local leaders, businesses and MPs
+
+
MPs and regional leaders have gathered in Westminster today [15th June, 5.30pm] to call for the reintroduction of direct rail links between the major cities of Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham.
+
Event chair Alex Norris MP called for “urgent intervention to move these plans along and speed the route to delivery”.
+
Speaking at a roundtable discussion in Parliament, MPs cited new research with which suggests that 75% of locals would be more inclined to travel by rail across the corridor if the journey was direct. Poor journey times between the cities and the need to change trains part way through the journey mean that just 3 per cent of trips from Leicester to Coventry are currently made by train.
+
The poll, which was carried out with 600 residents, also found that over a third of respondents cited the lack of direct services as something that put them off switching to rail.
+
Regional transport body Midlands Connect has drawn up plans that would see direct services run between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham for the first time in two decades. The scheme would see the creation of a dive-under at Nuneaton, creating space for trains to pass through the station – at the moment, passengers have to get off one train at Nuneaton and onto another to continue their journey.
+
Once in place, the changes will allow a direct, twice hourly service between Coventry and Leicester, slashing journey times from 54 to just 38 minutes. It will also create new direct links from Coventry to Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway and Nottingham. Journey times from Coventry to Nottingham would also be cut from 108 minutes to 70 minutes – a 35 per cent reduction.
+
Local MPs, council leaders and businesses are now asking Government to support the creation of an Outline Business Case for the plans, which would provide more detailed analysis of the engineering work needed, costings and calling patterns.
+
Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, said:
+
“These much-needed improvements have cross-party support from MPs and leaders across the Midlands – we’ve come together today to communicate this to Government – we want direct links between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham as soon as possible. The research released today clearly demonstrates that connectivity is lacking, and that these plans will create the step-change in convenience and journey times that local people need to leave their cars at home. It’s essential that we now get the support we need to finalise these plans, so that they can become a reality.”
+
Colleen Fletcher, MP for Coventry North East, said:
+
“Reinstating this rail link is an obvious solution. Given how poor the current service is – slow and indirect – it’s no wonder that so many people still drive between the major cities of Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham. These plans have been around for a while now, they will bring down journey times and open up green connectivity. We can’t afford to wait any longer, it’s essential that Government gets behind these improvements and gives us the support we need to move them forward.”
+
Jane Hunt, MP for Loughborough, said:
+
“Since I was elected as the MP for Loughborough I have supported efforts to improve railway connectivity, in particular to major cities in the west midlands and in the north. We are fortunate to be served by a good service on the Midland Main Line, which provides a direct rail link to cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham and London, but I am always supportive of plans which seek to improve journeys to other destinations. That is why I am backing this proposal; it will create a direct rail link between Loughborough and Coventry and will help people living in my constituency to make greener travel choices.”
+]]>
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/my-mental-health-has-become-a-lot-better-thanks-to-my-apprenticeship-sullivans-story.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/my-mental-health-has-become-a-lot-better-thanks-to-my-apprenticeship-sullivans-story.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d06fedb9
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+ \\\"My life path would have been very different without my apprenticeship.\\n
\\\"I’m not academic and I knew once I left school that A Levels were not for me.
\\n
\\\"I decided to take up an apprenticeship in bathroom conversions, but 10 months after I started, my brother passed away. At that moment in my life, I felt really down and the apprenticeship was not going the way I wanted it too.
\\n
\\\"My mum, who works at Sandwell Connections, told me about an apprenticeship opportunity at Doocey. To be honest I’d never heard of them and didn’t even know what type of work they did.
\\n
\\\"For those of you that don’t know, Doocey is a civil engineering and utility contractor that operates across the West Midlands and nationally. You can find out more about the group here.
\\n
\\\"I had nothing to lose and needed something to get me out of bed in a morning to give a sense of purpose in my life, so I applied. It was a huge risk to take, but has it paid off? Yes 100%.
\\n
\\\"I enjoy getting up and going to work. I'm excited to come in every morning.
\\n
\\\"I get to have a bit of a joke with my mates at work and I'm always learning as well, which is the key part.
\\n
\\\"My mental health has become a lot better and just being able to smile again - I love it.\\\"
\"\n }\n ],\n \"settingsData\": []\n}",
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/my-train-journey-home-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow_k1qccsud.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/my-train-journey-home-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow_k1qccsud.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..44c91360
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/my-train-journey-home-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow_k1qccsud.config
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/MyTrainJourneyHomeYesterdayTodayAndTomorrow
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2021-11-17T00:00:00
+
+ 228
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ As a self-confessed rail enthusiast, it’s fair to say I missed my daily commute more than most during lockdown. Although I enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with my family, since recently returning to the office, I’ve found myself reflecting on how much my journey has been affected by the pandemic and how my journey could be further transformed over the next decade. Although COVID’s impact on the rail industry has been unprecedented, we must not lose sight of our longer term goals to simplify, modernise and decarbonise our network over the coming years.
+
I live in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and work 50 miles away in Birmingham. As I have no desire to tackle the M5 during rush hour, a 42-minute train journey has long been my preference. In 2019, I commuted every day and faced busy crowds both in the morning and afternoon. I battled with backpacks and paperbacks as all passengers moved as one, following our collective goal of rushing to and from the workplace.
+
In 2021, my train journey to work looks quite different, as we tentatively move towards spending more time at the office. Mornings on the platform are quiet, when high peak-time ticket prices apply and the once-bursting car park is only half full. I see far higher numbers of workers and leisure travellers at the evening peak however when prices are lower and rail becomes more accessible. It’s clear that the way we use our railways has changed in line with new attitudes towards work and flexibility – but have rail companies done enough to alter their services to reflect this?
+
Some timetables have still not been restored to pre-covid levels and instead replaced by longer trains with more capacity during busy periods. This isn’t the like for like swap it immediately seems - although the number of seats may sometimes be the same as before, services are less frequent and this reduces convenience for passengers. Whilst I sense frustration from fellow commuters and agree that capacity must match demand, in time, Covid will become a page in the history books rather than a significant part of our daily lives. Lasting success for rail in the UK lies in seeing beyond the constraints of the pandemic and planning sustainable projects for the long term.
+
As a rail policy expert, I know my journey to the office in ten years’ time could look quite different both from pre-Covid and present times. For a start, the way I purchase my ticket will be made much simpler by the wider introduction of smart ticketing and multi-operator tickets made possible by new body Great British Railways, set to begin operating in 2023. Rail ticketing will become less fragmented and confusing, more modern and easier to use, helping to encourage more people out of the car and on to the train.
+
Building the Midlands Rail Hub, Midlands Connect’s flagship rail project, will bring a selection of smaller, strategic upgrades across the network. These improvements have been designed to improve journey times, generate more direct journeys and open up capacity for new routes – Cheltenham is set to see 2 extra trains per hour, journeys 5 minutes faster and direct links to HS2 (services will call into Moor Street station, which is adjacent to the planned HS2 station at Curzon Street) as a result.
+
With Government’s new mandate to fully decarbonise transport by 2050 in place, we know that the future of rail is green. Even though many trains are still running fully or partially on diesel and taking the train remains one of the greenest choices we can make today, the era of carbon-neutral electric trains is fast approaching. My journey to work in ten years’ time could well be carried out on an emission-free electric train, if Government commits to a rolling programme of electrification, as is hoped by the industry.
+
Although not everybody may share my passion for trains, all passengers ultimately want the same thing – faster, easier, greener and more affordable journeys for work and leisure. By designing rail policy with the long-term firmly in mind, I truly believe we’re heading for a bright future of quality rail journeys which suit the needs of all users.
+]]>
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new file mode 100644
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@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/network-north-conference.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/network-north-conference.config
index 6cec0d9d..c6c60f55 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/network-north-conference.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/network-north-conference.config
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-last-piece-of-the-puzzle.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-last-piece-of-the-puzzle.config
index 5dfb6392..3027eb7f 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-last-piece-of-the-puzzle.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-last-piece-of-the-puzzle.config
@@ -10,11 +10,11 @@
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-nearly-three-quarters-support-upgrade.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-nearly-three-quarters-support-upgrade.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2d7800f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/newark-bypass-nearly-three-quarters-support-upgrade.config
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+
+
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+ News
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+ 2024-01-29T14:30:37
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+ NewsArticle111
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+ \n
Research by Midlands Connect shows that nearly three quarters (73%) of local residents support the completion of the Newark bypass.
\n\n
\n
Consumer research done for Midlands Connect by Censuswide shows that more than one in three (35%) fully support the completion of the Newark bypass and a further 38% support it to some extent. Only 9% don’t support the scheme.
\n
70% think the completion of the bypass could boost the economy and create jobs and 44% believe the scheme could be deemed as levelling up.
\n
Last week Midlands Connect released our report proposing upgrades and finishing the Newark bypass. The £400 - £500 million scheme has been dubbed as ‘imperative’ by Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace. The “Last piece of the puzzle” report outlines an upgrade scheme which will:
\n
• Improve traffic signals at Farndon roundabout to achieve smoother traffic flows in peak hours.
\n
• Plan new dual-carriageway bridge over the A1.
\n
• Enlarge and partial signalling of Winthorpe roundabout to reduce congestion and improve journey reliability.
\n
• New grade separated junction at the Cattle Market roundabout.
\n
Commenting on the research, Integrated Transport Programme Lead Swati Mittal said:
\n
“This much-needed upgrade will bring safer and more reliable journeys both for the local communities enduring delays. The improvements will also provide an economic boost for communities across the region, supporting growth and development.
\n
“Congestion is only going to get worse here around Newark, so we want to act now to develop this modified route and help build a better, safer road network.”
\n
Cllr Richard Davies, Vice-Chair of Transport for the East Midlands, said:
\n
\"Improvements to the Newark Bypass are essential to unlocking the full potential of the A46 as a vital national trade corridor, driving economic growth in the region.
\n
\"Improvements to the bypass remain TfEM's top strategic road priority, and this research shows that completing this work is a local priority too.\"
\n
Michael Hardy, Newark Business Club - Action Group Chair added:
\n
\"As a business club we are fully supportive of this scheme and it's long term benefits. Newark is an important gateway to and from the Midlands for ports for business and the coast for leisure, the current road configuration has not been acceptable for years.
\n
\"Improving the infrastructure will have a positive impact on local businesses in and around town as current congestion levels put consumers off visiting. It will also open up opportunities for investment, bringing jobs to the area.\"
\n
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/north-hykeham-relief-road-lincolnshire.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/north-hykeham-relief-road-lincolnshire.config
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-lincoln.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-lincoln.config
index da59f112..dc032f3e 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-lincoln.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-lincoln.config
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
ContentPage
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+ We have submitted an Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport on speeding up rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln.\n
What is the scheme?
\n
Only 10% of journeys between Nottingham and Lincoln are taken by train due to slow and infrequent services. Our proposals to speed up the line from predominantly 50mph to 75mph throughout the route will encourage people onto trains, reduce the dependency on their cars and benefit local economies.
\n
The project has an estimated £18mil cost and for every £1 spent on investment will bring £2 worth of benefits to the region.
\n
What happens next?
\n
An Outline Business Case was submitted to the Department for Transport in early 2023.
\n
Read the Outline Business Case summary document
\n
Works could begin in 2026 with completion in Summer 2028, subject to funding.
"
+ "richText": "
We have submitted an Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport on speeding up rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln.
\n
What is the scheme?
\n
Only 10% of journeys between Nottingham and Lincoln are taken by train due to slow and infrequent services. Our proposals to speed up the line from predominantly 50mph to 75mph throughout the route will encourage people onto trains, reduce the dependency on their cars and benefit local economies.
\n
The project has an estimated £18mil cost and for every £1 spent on investment will bring £2 worth of benefits to the region.
\n
What happens next?
\n
An Outline Business Case was submitted to the Department for Transport in early 2023.
Works could begin in 2026 with completion in Summer 2028, subject to funding.
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-transport-summit_zlzacwgm.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-transport-summit_zlzacwgm.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3697be7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/nottingham-transport-summit_zlzacwgm.config
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
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+
+ Hear from Midlands Connect colleagues, councillors, and transport experts at NTU Events and Conferencing, as they discuss the latest and future transport developments in the city.
+
Nottingham is at the heart of the midlands and can benefit from many of the schemes championed by Midlands Connect. Two major rail proposals would see Nottingham have better connections to Coventry, Leicester, and Lincoln. the city will also benefit from our flagship project, the Midlands Rail Hub.
+
This event will have a focus on transport as we head towards a net-zero future. Electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and public transportation are all hot on the agenda.
+
There will be speeches and panels, with opportunities for Q&As. Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up for this event as soon as possible.
+]]>
+
+
+
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-freight-routemap-for-the-midlands.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-freight-routemap-for-the-midlands.config
index 717c5ff2..d4ebd979 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-freight-routemap-for-the-midlands.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-freight-routemap-for-the-midlands.config
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
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index e7959a96..b8a33479 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-partners.config
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-shared-vision-for-the-east-midlands-2024.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-shared-vision-for-the-east-midlands-2024.config
new file mode 100644
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+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-shared-vision-for-the-east-midlands.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-shared-vision-for-the-east-midlands.config
index cf2a1691..fd98313c 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-shared-vision-for-the-east-midlands.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-shared-vision-for-the-east-midlands.config
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
8
-
+ Publication
@@ -24,5 +24,11 @@
}
]]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-strategic-transport-plan.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-strategic-transport-plan.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..345ba501
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/our-strategic-transport-plan.config
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+
+
+
+ Publications
+ /MidlandsConnect/Publications/OurStrategicTransportPlan
+ false
+ publication
+ 2024-01-27T15:49:07
+
+ 14
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/overwhelming-support-to-improve-junction-28-of-m1_s54hqfdq.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/overwhelming-support-to-improve-junction-28-of-m1_s54hqfdq.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bfbc5b45
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/overwhelming-support-to-improve-junction-28-of-m1_s54hqfdq.config
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/OverwhelmingSupportToImproveJunction28OfM1
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2022-05-31T00:00:00
+
+ 236
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Junction 28 has, in recent years, become famous for the number of queues which build up every day from vehicles leaving the motorway and either heading off towards Mansfield and Nottingham or down the A38 towards Derby. There are also concerns about the level of noise and air pollution from cars and HGVs that are at the junction, especially around rush hour.
+
The poll showed that 82% of respondents supported improvements being planned and just 6% said they did not.
+
Over half (51%) of respondents questioned said the improvements of Junction 28 would be ‘very important’ for many businesses in South Normanton and Pinxton, with 33% of respondents saying the same for residents in this area. A further 47% said this upgrade would be ‘quite important’ for businesses and for residents (55%), both in South Normanton and Pinxton. Compared to just 2% who said it would not be important to businesses there.
+
In Ashfield 89% of respondents said improving the junction on the M1 would be important* to residents, with this increasing to 94% when asked specifically to respondents from Ashfield.
+
80% of respondents deemed the project, in their mind, as levelling up and 83% supported the project of improving Junction 28 of the M1 even though we are in a climate emergency.
+
This scheme is a Midlands Connect priority project and we will be submitting it to the government for funding as our ask for third round of the Road Investment Strategy. We have created our shortlist of priorities through our programme of strategic studies, route strategies, specific areas of research and work with stakeholders. We ask for these schemes to be developed as part of Road Investment Strategy pipeline of schemes that may be built, if supported by government, in the third road investment period which runs from 2025 to 2030.
+
Commenting on the consumer research, Midlands Connect Head of Roads Swati Mittal said:
+
“These figures bare out what I heard at the recent roundtable hosted by Mark Fletcher MP, this scheme is overwhelmingly supported in the local community and is a key priority for Midlands Connect.
+
“We believe that this project will create jobs and generate economic benefits for the whole region, at the same time as maintaining our roads for today’s drivers. We will reduce our own carbon emissions, and support government's ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
+
Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said:
+
“Junction 28 is a busy interchange and gateway to and from the M1 for traffic travelling from Alfreton, Derby, Mansfield and Ashfield as well as the immediate surrounding area.
+
“It also serves the increasingly popular East Midlands Designer outlet and nearby Clover Nook Industrial Estate as well as other key employment zones in Nottinghamshire.
+
“We wholeheartedly support the bid for Government funding to keep this part of Derbyshire moving by easing congestion to improve journey times for businesses, commuters, residents and visitors alike and cut carbon emissions generated by vehicles caught up in lengthy queues.”
+
Commenting further, Mark Fletcher MP, Member of Parliament for Bolsover added:
+
‘’This data supports what I have been hearing from local residents in South Normanton and Pinxton since being elected in 2019 – that the project has overwhelming support from local community.
+
In March I held a junction 28 roundtable to bring together local businesses and politicians in support of this project and in the coming weeks I will be submitting a petition alongside the results I have received from my local survey to help strengthen the strategic business case.
+
These improvements are long overdue and are absolutely essential for the economic development of the region. Residents in Bolsover and Ashfield clearly agree it is a key part of our levelling-up agenda.
+
I look forward to working with Midlands Connect and other stakeholders to deliver this vital infrastructure project for the Bolsover constituency and wider East Midlands.’’
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/panel-impact-of-network-north-on-rail-freight.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/panel-impact-of-network-north-on-rail-freight.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..33f95cca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/panel-impact-of-network-north-on-rail-freight.config
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+
+
+
+ Events
+ /MidlandsConnect/Events/PanelImpactOfNetworkNorthOnRailFreight
+ false
+ contentPageMidlandsConnect
+ 2024-03-12T09:37:29
+
+ 3
+
+
+ ContentPage
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Panel: Impact of Network North on Rail Freight\n
As part of our first Freight Week we hosted a webinar discussing the impact of the Government's Network North plans on rail freight. If you missed it you can watch the recording below.
"
+ },
+ {
+ "contentTypeKey": "0e036bae-9e85-4f47-80b7-2513b3e299f7",
+ "udi": "umb://element/9c61a04cb25e4fb394d99c03ead05ce9",
+ "video": "[\n {\n \"url\": \"https://vimeo.com/887985275?share=copy\",\n \"width\": 360,\n \"height\": 240,\n \"preview\": \"\"\n }\n]"
+ }
+ ],
+ "settingsData": []
+}]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/partner-event-network-rail-newark-to-lincoln-level-crossing-and-signalling-project-information-event_idzeknbm.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/partner-event-network-rail-newark-to-lincoln-level-crossing-and-signalling-project-information-event_idzeknbm.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4b011e0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/partner-event-network-rail-newark-to-lincoln-level-crossing-and-signalling-project-information-event_idzeknbm.config
@@ -0,0 +1,289 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/PartnerEventNetworkRailNewarkToLincolnLevelCrossingAndSignallingProjectInformationEvent
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2020-08-12T00:00:00
+
+ 202
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ Network Rail is inviting residents to public information events in August on the Newark to Lincoln level crossing and signalling project
+
12th August - Collingham Memorial Hall, 67 High Street, Collingham, Newark NG23 7LB
+
13th August - Best Western Hotel, Newark Road, South Hykeham LN6 9NH
+
Both events shall run from 14:30 - 18:30.
+
At these events Network Rail intends to provide local people with more information regarding works due to take place on the railway in the area.
+
In 2022, Network Rail plans to make significant improvements to the level crossings and signalling infrastructure on the Newark to Lincoln line. Once these works are complete the line speed shall also be increased to 75mph where at present it alternates between 50mph and 70mph.
+
The existing infrastructure is in many locations at the end of, or has even considerably exceeded, its expected life expectancy. Network Rail therefore intends to undertake works at 13 level crossings on the public highway and at 3 level crossings on public footpaths including:
1 full level crossing closure and construction of new diverted road;
+
1 full renewal of the existing crossing;
+
5 minor infrastructure upgrades at crossings to improve safety and reliability;
+
Works at 1 bridleway crossing to be confirmed;
+
3 level crossings on public footpaths to be upgraded to ensure they remain safe once the line speed is increased.
+
+
+
The work will also include renewing the signalling infrastructure thereby replacing the last of the mechanical signals on the line with modern lightweight LED signals. These works will be taking place at various locations in the area prior to planned completion at the end of 2022 and will require our teams to access the railway numerous times in order to undertake a wide range of activities.
+
These works are vital to ensure that the Newark to Lincoln line and the crossings associated with it, are safe and fit for the future, ensuring the railway continues to improve its service to the local community.
+
For confirmation of the list of locations affected, please see the table below overleaf.
+
Affected Level Crossings
+
+
+
+
+
Location
+
+
+
Post Code
+
+
+
Existing Crossing Type
+
+
+
Works Description
+
+
+
+
+
Cottage Lane
+
+
+
NG23 7QJ
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Conversion to Manually Controlled Barrier with Obstacle Detection
+
+
+
+
+
Coney Green
+
+
+
NG23 7QJ
+
+
+
Public Footpath Crossing
+
+
+
Red light warning system
+
+
+
+
+
Westbrook Lane
+
+
+
NG23 7RE
+
+
+
Gated Crossing with Miniature Stop Light
+
+
+
New CCTV cameras installed
+
+
+
+
+
Butts
+
+
+
NG23 7NA
+
+
+
Public Footpath Crossing
+
+
+
Red light warning system
+
+
+
+
+
Dykes End
+
+
+
NG23 7NA
+
+
+
Public Footpath Crossing
+
+
+
Red light warning system
+
+
+
+
+
Collingham Station
+
+
+
NG23 7RB
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Conversion to Manually Controlled Barrier with Obstacle Detection
+
+
+
+
+
Cross Lane
+
+
+
NG23 7NY
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Crossing closure and construction of new highway
+
+
+
+
+
Swinderby Road
+
+
+
NG23 7NY
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Full renewal
+
+
+
+
+
South Scarle Lane
+
+
+
LN6 9JA
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Signalling upgrade
+
+
+
+
+
Meardsall Lane
+
+
+
LN6 9JA
+
+
+
User Worked Crossing
+
+
+
Solution for bridleway to be confirmed
+
+
+
+
+
Swinderby Station
+
+
+
LN6 9HY
+
+
+
Manually Controlled Gated Crossing
+
+
+
Conversion to Manually Controlled Barrier with Obstacle Detection
+
+
+
+
+
Eagle Barnsdale
+
+
+
LN6 9EA
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Telecommunications upgrade
+
+
+
+
+
Eagle & Thorpe
+
+
+
LN6 9DY
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Telecommunications upgrade
+
+
+
+
+
Thorpe-on-the-Hill
+
+
+
LN6 9BS
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Telecommunications upgrade
+
+
+
+
+
Hykeham
+
+
+
LN6 9AT
+
+
+
Automatic Half Barrier Crossing
+
+
+
Conversion to Manually Controlled Barrier with Obstacle Detection
+
+
+
+
+
There is no need to confirm attendance, please simply turn up on the day and Network Rail shall be ready to discuss the project and answer your queries.
+
Please be aware that due to the restrictions caused by coronavirus there will be social distancing measures in place and a strict limit on the number of people allowed within the hall at any one time. Network Rail would therefore ask you to be patient should you be asked to remain outside until we are able to allow you in.
+
if you have any additional questions or concerns, please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/contact or telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
Funding for improvement works to the A50/500 corridor between Stoke and Derby was announced as part of the Government's Network North campaign in October.
\n\n
\n
Midlands Connect has refreshed its evidence to Government to make the case for the investment and move forward with this important scheme.
\n
Proposals developed by Midlands Connect will see parts of the road layout reconfigured to improve road safety and ease traffic flow.
\n
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, the sub-national Transport Body for the Midlands, said: \"This 44-mile long A50/A500 North Midlands Manufacturing Corridor generates an economic output of around £20.3 billion from the areas of Derby, and the Stoke-on-Trent conurbation.
\n
\"It is a major through route between the M1 to the East and the M6 to the West. Its economy is dominated by road-reliant industries like manufacturing, automotive, and distribution.
\n
\"As such, the A50/A500 is a nationally significant trade and export artery and we are engaging with local and national partners so we can progress with our proposals at pace following the Network North announcement - key to supporting growth along the corridor.\"
\n
Midlands Connect met with Burton MP Kate Kniveton, to discuss the plans. She has been campaigning for investment and improvements to the A50 for years.
\n
Kate Kniveton, MP for Burton, said: \"We have world-renowned businesses along this corridor and they need to be able to plan ahead and know that issues with this critical route will be addressed.
\n
\"Improvements are needed to help ease congestion, tackle delays and improve air quality.
\n
\"There are a couple of specific roundabouts creating serious pinch points that disrupt traffic flow, but it is also important to look at the whole corridor.
\n
\"Improvements will benefit housing development in the wider area, and support jobs and economic growth.\"
\n
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, Philip White, said:
\n
“The A50/A500 corridor is a critical east/west route for Staffordshire and the wider region, and we’re pleased to be part of the Midlands Connect partnership making the case for these improvements to the Government.
\n
\"Now this has been included in the projects listed under the Network North proposals we want the Government to ensure it delivers on its commitments.
\n
“This transport corridor is set to become a national hub for the manufacture of hydrogen engines for vehicles from cars to aeroplanes, in addition to plant and machinery.
\n
\"Streamlining the route supports our collective ambition to ensure it can become a global centre of excellence in this sector in the future. Delays along the route currently experienced restrict growth, increase costs and cause significant inconvenience.”
We are committed to maintaining customer privacy and maintaining the security of any personal data we receive from you. The West Midlands Combined Authority provides the accountable body function for Midlands Connect and is the Data Controller for any personal information.
\n
Full details of the West Midlands Combined Authority privacy policy can be found here.
\n
Visitors may be asked to enter basic personal information. This information on our database is not available for sale and use by third parties. Information may be stored manually / electronically. Personal information collected via the website will be processed in accordance with, and will comply with, the Data Protection Act 1998.
\n
The website will automatically track certain information such as your IP address and browser identification in the course of your use of the website. This information is used only for system administration and for providing statistics to evaluate use of this site.
\n
Information about Midlands Connect's use of cookies
\n
Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users. This information helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and it also allows us to improve our website accordingly.
\n
What is a cookie?
\n
Cookies are small data files which most website operators place on browser settings or hard drives of their user's device, including computer or mobile devices (to include phones or tablet devices). Cookies may gather information about the user's use of the website or enable the website to recognise the user as an existing customer when they return to the website at a later date.
\n
How does Midlands Connect use cookies?
\n
During the course of any visit to Midlands Connect's website, the pages you see, along with a cookie, are downloaded onto your device. Some of the cookies are necessary for the functionality of the website and they are deleted from your device once you close your browser.
\n
Midlands Connect also uses \"analytical\" cookies. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around the website when they are using it. This helps us to improve the way our website works, for example, by ensuring that users are finding what they are looking for easily.
\n
You can find more information about the individual cookies we use and the purposes for which we use them in the table below:
\n
\n\n
\n
\n
Cookie Set
\n
\n
\n
Cookie Name
\n
\n
\n
Purpose
\n
\n
\n
More information
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Essential site cookies
\n
\n
\n
ASP.NET_SessionId
\n
\n
\n
This cookie is essential for the website facilities and is set upon your arrival to the website. This cookie is deleted when you close your browser.
This cookie is essential for the website facilities and is set upon login to the website. This cookie is deleted when you close your browser.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Essential site cookies
\n
\n
\n
JSESSIONID
\n
\n
\n
This cookie is essential for the website facilities and is set upon your arrival to the website. This cookie is deleted when you close your browser.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Essential site cookies
\n
\n
\n
User Token
\n
\n
\n
This cookie is essential for several website functions and is set upon opening the site. This cookie persists after you have closed your browser and helps manage all your personalised preferences
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Google Analytics
\n
\n
\n
_utma _utmb _utmc _utmz _utmv
\n
\n
\n
These cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the site, where visitors have come to the site from and the pages they visited.
This cookie is set when you log in to the site and is removed from your machine 10 days after visiting the site.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Text size cookies
\n
\n
\n
NWM_textsize
\n
\n
\n
This is used to store your text size choice when changing the text size on the screen using the web site facility to do this. This cookie is deleted after 1 year on your machine.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Cookie Acceptance
\n
\n
\n
NWMCookieAccept
\n
\n
\n
This cookie is used to indicate that you have acknowledged that cookies are used on this site.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Hide Survey Dialog
\n
\n
\n
showSurvey
\n
\n
\n
This cookie is used to hide our Survey Dalog popup
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Hide Timetable Popup
\n
\n
\n
mdv_ttb
\n
\n
\n
This cookie is used to hide a information dialog on our Timetable pages
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\n
\n
Third Party Cookie
\n
Please note that during your visits to West Midlands ITA’s website you may notice some cookies that are not related to West Midlands ITA or West Midlands ITA’s contractors. When you visit a page with content embedded from, for example, YouTube, you may be presented with cookies from these websites. West Midlands ITA does not control the dissemination of these cookies. You should check the third party websites for more information about these.
\n
How to reject Cookies?
\n
Midlands Connect will not use cookies to collect personal identifiable information about you and we recommend that you allow the use of cookies. However, if you wish to restrict or block the cookies which are set on the West Midlands ITA website, or indeed any other website, you can do this through your browser settings. The Help function within your browser should tell you how.
For more information about \"cookies\" and how to reject them, please see the Interactive Advertising Bureau's website:http://www.allaboutcookies.org.
\n
Questions regarding this privacy policy should be addressed to the Data Protection Officer at Centro House, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham B19 3SD.
\n"
+ }
+ ],
+ "settingsData": []
+}]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/project-open-day_kgmjf1or.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/project-open-day_kgmjf1or.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3189662b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/project-open-day_kgmjf1or.config
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/ProjectOpenDay
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2019-02-28T00:00:00
+
+ 184
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ The event is a great opportunity to:
+
+
Drop in and talk to the team's technical experts;
+
Ask questions relating to a Midlands Connect project;
+
Be guided through project studies and maps;
+
Speak to representatives from partner organisations including West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for West Midlands and Transport for the East Midlands.
An overview of Midlands Connect's plans to improve connectivity along the Shrewsbury-Black Country-Birmingham rail corridor. As well as outlining a strong case for this scheme to progress, as outlined in a newly-released report, this scheme aligns strongly with the Government's levelling up agenda, allowing us to building back better post-COVID 19.
14:40 – 14:50: The case for investing in the Shrewsbury-Black Country and Birmingham route, Steve Fisher, Senior Rail Programme Manager, Midlands Connect
+
14:50-15:00 Jane Stevenson MP
+
15:00-15:10 Shaun Bailey MP
+
15:10-15:30pm: Contributions from other attendees and Q&A session with speakers (Chaired by Midlands Connect)
+]]>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/ramadan-what-is-the-holy-month-and-why-do-you-fast.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/ramadan-what-is-the-holy-month-and-why-do-you-fast.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4aefa462
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/ramadan-what-is-the-holy-month-and-why-do-you-fast.config
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+
+
+
+ Blog
+ /WestMidlandsCombinedAuthority/Blog/RamadanWhatIsTheHolyMonthAndWhyDoYouFast
+ false
+ blogArticle
+ 2024-03-19T07:36:51
+
+ 27
+
+
+ BlogArticle
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ My name is Tawfieq Zakria, and I am a Degree Apprentice (Data Scientist) at the West Midlands Combined Authority.\\n
Before I start my blog on Ramadan, I’d like to tell you a little bit about myself. I’m trilingual – I can speak Dutch, Arabic and Sudanese Arabic. Some of my favourite hobbies include playing football (is it bold of me to assume that I think I am the best within the Combined Authority?), camping, and hiking.
\\n
I’ve put together a short piece for my colleagues on Ramadan - what it is, a typical day and how to respect people in the workplace who are observing the Holy Month.
\\n
1. What is the Holy Month of Ramadan?
\\n
The Holy Month of Ramadan is when the Qur’an got revealed to our Prophet Muhammad SAW (Sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam), which translates as “Allah bless him and grant him peace.”
\\n
Fasting for Muslims is instituted as one of the five pillars of Islam, where it is compulsory for Muslims once they have reached a certain age and starts from sunrise until sunset for a period of 30 days. For 2024, Ramadan began on 10 March and will end on April 9.
\\n
2. How and why do you fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan?
\\n
As Muslims when we fast, food or liquid is not allowed to be swallowed from sunrise until sunset, and when Muslims break their fast, it is broken with Iftar – which is a meal to end the fasting usually eaten together with the family. However, this still does not complete your fast, as a Muslim must still complete their five compulsory daily prayers. Ramadan is a month where Muslims must strive to seek more knowledge about the religion of Islam, ask for forgiveness from Allah S.W.T (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) which translates as, \\\"Glory to Him, the Exalted\\\", offer Zakat (charity), pray more to show gratitude, amongst many more sincere acts.
\\n
3. What does a typical day involve for you during Ramadan?
\\n
A typical day for me during Ramadan, is starting off the day very early in the morning during a period called Suhoor, where Muslims can eat up until the call of Fajr, the morning prayer which is the first of the day. Following the five compulsory prayers, I try to offer as much prayer as possible and read more of the Qur’an, seek Islamic knowledge, and give charity where I can, and after Iftar I usually attend Taraweeh, which is when we pray in congregation during Ramadan after Isha, the last prayer of the day.
\\n
4. How can non-Muslim colleagues be respectful to Muslims during the Holy Month of Ramadan?
\\n
Ways in which my non-Muslim colleagues can be respectful during the Holy month of Ramadan, is by educating themselves foremost on what it is and why Muslims do it. Ramadan is a month where millions of Muslims around the globe practice one of the five pillars and more, which is Sawm (fasting).
\\n
There are many informative resources on the internet where you can find out more about Ramadan – these include BBC Bitesize and New Muslims eLearning.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/regeneration-and-transport-growth-in-the-midlands-2019_vk3p0xn3.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/regeneration-and-transport-growth-in-the-midlands-2019_vk3p0xn3.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fc1f7547
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/regeneration-and-transport-growth-in-the-midlands-2019_vk3p0xn3.config
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+
+
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+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/RegenerationAndTransportGrowthInTheMidlands2019
+ false
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+ 2019-11-14T00:00:00
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+ LegacyNewsArticle1
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+
+
+ Midlands Connect's heads of technical programmes Simon Statham joins the speakers' lineup for a conference bringing the most up to date insight on the key transport and development plans which are modernising the Midlands and optimising the regeneration opportunities these projects create.
+
The event will explore how the region can maximise and respond to major infrastructure delivery through increased collaboration, improved connectivity and future planning. Discover perspectives from local authorities, transport bodies and housing development consultants on the plans and timelines for growth, including how to maximise the wider economic advancement.
+]]>
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/seven-things-that-you-may-not-know-about-the-west-midlands-digital-economy.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/seven-things-that-you-may-not-know-about-the-west-midlands-digital-economy.config
index e3973fb0..09a847e0 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/seven-things-that-you-may-not-know-about-the-west-midlands-digital-economy.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/seven-things-that-you-may-not-know-about-the-west-midlands-digital-economy.config
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@
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@@ -52,5 +52,8 @@
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/site-properties_khlnik0q.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/site-properties_khlnik0q.config
index 0b18db45..9d05cb1b 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/site-properties_khlnik0q.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/site-properties_khlnik0q.config
@@ -41,16 +41,24 @@
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/smart-ticketing-group-to-meet.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/smart-ticketing-group-to-meet.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3a4b8ce9
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+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/smart-ticketing-group-to-meet.config
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
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+ \n
A forum is being set up to develop a tap and cap ticketing solution for the country.
\n\n
\n
The Integrated Ticketing Advisory Forum (ITAF) will be chaired by sub-national transport body Midlands Connect. It will provide an opportunity for Midlands local transport authorities and other sub-national transport bodies to share the work they are doing to make a single multi-operator smart ticketing solution possible.
\n
The group will meet four times per year, with the first meeting happening this Friday (19 January).
\n
Midlands Connect, along with the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Project Coral (bus operators’ group) and Department for Transport are working together on a ticketing solution which will make multi-modal travel cheaper and easier for individuals using their smart phone or contactless bank card, capping payments at a daily or weekly limit.
\n
The focus of this work is on bus and tram travel; making it easier to pay for journeys when using a number of different operators.
\n
Although developed in the Midlands, this is to be offered as a national solution for all of England outside of London.
\n
Bharat Pathania, Head of New Technologies at Midlands Connect, said:
\n
“This forum is an exciting opportunity for us to work collaboratively with transport authorities. Transport users are long overdue a simplified tap-and-cap solution and this will really streamline the work we’re doing.
\n
“The extra flexibility and ease of smart ticketing will help attract more people to public transport and create a more efficient and modern offer.”
\n
Matt Lewis, Swift technical director at TfWM, said:
\n
“Simplifying payment for bus travel is an important part of encouraging more people to use bus services.
\n
“This national project will see the introduction of ‘tap and go’ solution for customers using their bank card on regional bus services where, irrespective of which bus operators they use, they will get best value fare – this will finally allow us to bring the benefits to our bus passengers, which public transport users in London have enjoyed for more than a decade.
\n
“The creation of the ITAF will ensure that local transport authorities are aligned in their thinking as we work in partnership with bus operators as we jointly deliver this exciting project.”
\n
"
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new file mode 100644
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@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stocking-the-shelves-for-christmas-from-the-lincolnshire-food-valley-to-your-table_vxmdtozk.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stocking-the-shelves-for-christmas-from-the-lincolnshire-food-valley-to-your-table_vxmdtozk.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bca173c4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stocking-the-shelves-for-christmas-from-the-lincolnshire-food-valley-to-your-table_vxmdtozk.config
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/StockingTheShelvesForChristmasFromTheLincolnshireFoodValleyToYourTable
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+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2021-12-15T00:00:00
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+ LegacyNewsArticle1
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+
+
+ Over the course of the pandemic, many of us have come to appreciate the things we’d taken for granted. Despite the far-reaching effects of COVID, Brexit or global supply chain disruption caused by a blockage in the Suez Canal, mercifully (bar a few temporary shortages) our supermarket shelves have stayed stocked throughout.
+
Maintaining access to life’s essentials is a complex process, one that steps up during the festive season as an army of pickers, processors, and drivers work around the clock to deliver the ingredients and gifts we need this Christmas. You may be surprised to learn that the Midlands is home to the country’s biggest food producing area, in the Lincolnshire ‘UK Food Valley’ over 28,000 people and 40% of local jobs are based in food processing and production.
+
The importance of the food valley is now being recognised, with over £700m invested in strengthening the food chain in South Lincolnshire over the past five years. This generates 18 million tonnes of goods along the A16, 16 million tonnes along the A17 and 1,200 lorries leave Spalding every day - in the run up to Christmas, this rises to 3,000 per day.
+
We’ve been talking to local businesses to discuss just how important South Lincolnshire is to the Midlands and the UK. Midlands Connect is working to ensure that not only the right capacity and technology is available on our strategic road and rail network but also how important it is for us to work with partners to get goods efficiently to and from the food valley.
+
To help illustrate, I’ll talk you through the journey of my potato from the fertile Boston soil to a roastie on my plate for Christmas day. At first it seems as easy as jumping over the road and digging it out of the ground but actually, the process is far more complicated and technology driven.
+
My potato’s journey starts from being picked out of the soil. Lack of labour during the pandemic has forced farmers to turn to greater automation in potato harvesting, which continues through to the quality check - what was six human quality checkers becomes one human camera operator. This continues along a production line similar to making cars with half the workers now needed within the potato factory. Whilst the factory is less reliant on human labour, just one point of failure along the production line could cause my potato to get severely delayed.
+
At this time, there are simply no longer the right people available to take these jobs. The producers are working their way through automation teething problems and we should be grateful for their hard work in keeping potato production and processing going. Businesses have warned us however about the ongoing lack of staff that is leading to exploitation of foreign workers, something they are also desperately trying to tackle.
+
Finally, my potato is loaded to be moved from Holbeach to the Spalding distribution hub. This must be on time or it will miss its slot with the distribution company at Spalding - this 15-mile trip can become the least predictable time for my potato. The local roads are a labyrinth of single carriageway major and minor priority junctions, with lorries getting stuck at give-ways. We are now working with our partners to discover how technology can help solve these long-standing congestion issues.
+
Technology is also helping digitise the journey from the factory and along the route to the waiting distribution lorry. Such digitised, well established routes could also be the prime routes to see greater vehicle automation in a drive to improve safety, reduce costs and provide more reliable journey times. If we can make these crucial 15 miles easier and more predictable, we can then have more realistic talks about using freight trains in Spalding to get some of these lorries off the A16 and A17. That could be very important as the area around the UK Food Valley is not served by dual carriageways or trunk roads.
+
The hub also provides a great opportunity to help transition vehicle fleets to alternative fuels for producers and distribution companies in and around Spalding. Midlands Connect have been asked to lead the country in planning how we can transition to alternative fuels and Spalding could become part of a wider network of refuelling and recharging hubs around the country. For heavy duty vehicles, hydrogen could support longer journeys and we could see local hydrogen production, storage and distribution. Electric vehicles with ultra-rapid charging at hubs could support shorter journeys. This could have broader implications for the area not only in transitioning away from fossil fuels but also developing the UK’s Green Economy.
+
Eventually, my potato finds its way to the M&S depot, which is finally shifted on its pallet to the M&S store for me to buy in time for Christmas. This last part of my potato’s journey also will benefit from working with our partners to implement our freight improvement plan to make this whole journey as easy, as cheap and as green as possible.
+
The UK Food Valley is a crucial industrial centre, one that is finally being viewed with the importance it deserves. By working alongside businesses and our partners to understand the challenges of food processing, logistics and delivery challenges, we can ensure that whatever comes our way, we’ll keep our shelves stocked, employees in jobs and our carbon footprint down.
+
Richard Bradley is Head of Strategy at Midlands Connect
+]]>
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stoke-on-trent-city-east-link-road-staffordshire.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stoke-on-trent-city-east-link-road-staffordshire.config
index 7f656835..af67d5fc 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stoke-on-trent-city-east-link-road-staffordshire.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stoke-on-trent-city-east-link-road-staffordshire.config
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index 70188a3f..7e72b5a7 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stp-summary-document-extended.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/stp-summary-document-extended.config
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-plan-full.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-plan-full.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7e8f8833
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-plan-full.config
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches.config
index eed11842..1ebd28fa 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches.config
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches_jpen2b1u.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches_jpen2b1u.config
index 3fd272ce..57f7eedb 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategic-transport-priorities-for-the-marches_jpen2b1u.config
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategy.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategy.config
index 41610696..ebeb4f9b 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategy.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/strategy.config
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
ContentPage
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+ Full strategic transport plan press release
Note from our CEO Maria Machancoses"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/supercharging-the-midlands.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/supercharging-the-midlands.config
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new file mode 100644
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--- /dev/null
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@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/technology-and-innovation.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/technology-and-innovation.config
index 8b6d6483..ddbc2904 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/technology-and-innovation.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/technology-and-innovation.config
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
ContentPage
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+ We’re harnessing the power of technology to change the way that we use and access transport across the Midlands. Our plans include a 'tap and cap' smart ticketing system, creating smarter roads and working to support local authorities as they accelerate the roll out of Electric Vehicle charging points.\n
Major road network technology strategy
\n
Midlands Connect has been empowered by Government to work alongside its partner Local Authorities to shortlist and submit priority schemes for development and delivery on the Major Road Network, a new tier of economically-important local ‘A’ roads managed by Local Authorities.
We're investigating opportunities to maximise road connectivity, with projects including universal 5G coverage, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV), access to electric vehicle charging points and full integration with technological innovations on the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
Working closely with Midlands Connect stakeholders, we've identified quick win options as well as long-term planning solutions.
You can read more on the schemes we are supporting.
\n
Smart ticketing
\n
We've worked with Transport for West Midlands and Nottingham City Council to develop plans for a region wide, 'tap and cap' smart payment system for public transport.
Once delivered, it will allow passengers to travel seamlessly across multiple modes of transport including bus, tram and train, paying for travel via one smart device such as a debit card or mobile phone, with fares falling under a daily payment cap.
We're seeking £20million from Government to deliver this 'tap and cap' system.
\n
Rural Mobility
\n
Communities living in rural areas face a unique and varied set of challenges, many caused or exacerbated by poor access to transport. Our research has found that rural areas suffer from:
\n
\n
Poorer access to services via public transport, such as schools and healthcare facilities – average travel time to these amenities was almost twice as long as in urban areas
\n
A lower concentration of social mobility ‘hotspots’ compared to the UK average
\n
Worse productivity – economic contributions per job are 10% lower than in urban areas
\n
\n
In Spring 2022, Midlands Connect published The Future of Rural Mobility report, which made the case for rural communities and called for solutions to the challenges they face.
\n
To facilitate solutions, we held a competition asking stakeholders to create solutions to transport challenges within rural areas. The winners were Derbyshire County Council in collaboration with Cenex, winning £100,000 to create a portal where residents could share their vehicles and EV charge points with other residents.
We’re harnessing the power of technology to change the way that we use and access transport across the Midlands. Our plans include a 'tap and cap' smart ticketing system, creating smarter roads and working to support local authorities as they accelerate the roll out of Electric Vehicle charging points.
\n
Major road network technology strategy
\n
Midlands Connect has been empowered by Government to work alongside its partner Local Authorities to shortlist and submit priority schemes for development and delivery on the Major Road Network, a new tier of economically-important local ‘A’ roads managed by Local Authorities.
We're investigating opportunities to maximise road connectivity, with projects including universal 5G coverage, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV), access to electric vehicle charging points and full integration with technological innovations on the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
Working closely with Midlands Connect stakeholders, we've identified quick win options as well as long-term planning solutions.
\n
Smart ticketing
\n
We've worked with Transport for West Midlands and Nottingham City Council to develop plans for a region wide, 'tap and cap' smart payment system for public transport.
Once delivered, it will allow passengers to travel seamlessly across multiple modes of transport including bus, tram and train, paying for travel via one smart device such as a debit card or mobile phone, with fares falling under a daily payment cap.
We're seeking £20million from Government to deliver this 'tap and cap' system.
\n
Rural Mobility
\n
Communities living in rural areas face a unique and varied set of challenges, many caused or exacerbated by poor access to transport. Our research has found that rural areas suffer from:
\n
\n
Poorer access to services via public transport, such as schools and healthcare facilities – average travel time to these amenities was almost twice as long as in urban areas
\n
A lower concentration of social mobility ‘hotspots’ compared to the UK average
\n
Worse productivity – economic contributions per job are 10% lower than in urban areas
\n
\n
In Spring 2022, Midlands Connect published The Future of Rural Mobility report, which made the case for rural communities and called for solutions to the challenges they face.
\n
To facilitate solutions, we held a competition asking stakeholders to create solutions to transport challenges within rural areas. The winners were Derbyshire County Council in collaboration with Cenex, winning £100,000 to create a portal where residents could share their vehicles and EV charge points with other residents.
9:35 – 9:45 | Keynote speech (Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham)
+
9:45 – 10:45 | Panel: “Going for growth: The case for connectivity”
+
This panel session will bring together key stakeholders to highlight the benefits of specific schemes, and how they improve the socio-economic outcomes for the wider region. The discussion will also explore how government and devolved authority interventions can ensure the Union Connectivity Review is a success.
+
Panellists: Craig Williams (Private Secretary to the Prime Minister & MP for Montgomeryshire), Rachel Laver (CEO, Marches LEP), Ian Price (Wales Director, CBI), Helen Morgan (MP for North Shropshire), Philip Dunne (MP for Ludlow & Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee)
+
10:45 – 11:00 | Keynote speech plus Q&A (Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail and author of the Union Connectivity Review)
+
11:00 – 11:25 | Coffee Break
+
11:25 – 12:25 | Panel: “A platform for growth: Expanding the benefits of regional transport”
+
This will explore how the benefits of key regional projects – including the Midlands Rail Hub - can expand far beyond the immediate boundaries of the Midlands by connecting communities, businesses, and transport hubs.
+
Panellists: Cllr Gibson-Watt (Leader, Powys County Council), Cllr Ian Nellins (Deputy Leader, Shropshire Council), Drew Flowers (Director of Trade at Chambers Wales), Will McWilliams (Partner, Grant Thornton)
The problem with economic growth: why our current economic system has the wrong focus?
You’re probably used to measures like gross domestic product (GDP) when thinking about economic growth. These statistics focus on production and outputs as the key measures for prosperity.
GDP is defined by the OECD as ‘the standard measure of the value added created through the production of goods and services in a country during a certain period. As such, it also measures the income earned from that production, or the total amount spent on final goods and services (less imports).’
\\n
The Bank of England says it is ‘a measure of the size and health of a country’s economy over a period of time’. GDP is considered the single most important indicator of the health of an economy. Put simply, GDP is the value of everything produced in an economy.
\\n
The limits of GDP
\\n
GDP is still a useful measure. It’s used globally and it can be helpful to track and compare countries. Though strictly speaking, GDP is a measure of economic outputs in the form of goods and services and is not meant to be a measure of welfare and wellbeing. It isn’t a good at measuring welfare either. The metric does a great job at what it is supposed it but it is often used to track the overall progress of a country.
It is vital that it should not be used as the most important metric and should only be used to measure production. It only accounts for activity where money changes hands. There is greater context beyond how much a country produces that is needed to make judgements about the overall wellbeing of a country. GDP, or indeed GDP per capita (GDP divided by the population to give an average), can’t tell us about unpaid productivity such as unpaid care nor can it tell us about how wealth is distributed across society.
\\n
Trickle down economic – the link between GDP and people
\\n
Traditional economics taught in universities tells us that demand creates its own supply. This means that if people have the money to purchase things that they want (demand goods and services), then they must have the money (there must be wealth within that country) to purchase goods.
This is why production and consumption are seen to be related to prosperity.
As well as this there is a belief in economics that when a country is wealthy, even if that wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small group, it will trickle down to everyone.
Trickledown economics tell us the wealthier those at the top are, the better life will get for all. This is because of the belief that when those with wealth spend money or invest, they create jobs. This in turn means people are paid salaries which they can then spend.
The idea is that by paying people salaries, this distributes the wealth. This is not the experience for many people who find that despite living in a country with a high GDP they are still not able to live a fulfilling and good quality life.
\\n
More more more – endless growth
\\n
GDP and GVA are measures of production and output. They focus on goods and services produced as a measure of productivity and vitality in an economy. However, this focus means that economic progress is coupled with consumption, in other words the purchasing of stuff.
Constant growth means more and more production and consumption. Producing and consuming goods at a rapid and ever-growing rate is both energy, and resource intensive. This means taking advantage of our planet by over utilising its resources. This is unsustainable and continuing this trajectory will destroy our planet.
So, if the current model isn’t working for people or the planet what are our options. If growth isn’t the goal, then what should we be focusing on?
An alternative is a model of growth that focuses more on what matters to our people like creating thriving communities with healthy and happy people while respecting our planet. If you want to know more about this then read ‘The Case for Change’
The problem with economic growth: why our current economic system has the wrong focus?
You’re probably used to measures like gross domestic product (GDP) when thinking about economic growth. These statistics focus on production and outputs as the key measures for prosperity.
GDP is defined by the OECD as ‘the standard measure of the value added created through the production of goods and services in a country during a certain period. As such, it also measures the income earned from that production, or the total amount spent on final goods and services (less imports).’
\\n
The Bank of England says it is ‘a measure of the size and health of a country’s economy over a period of time’. GDP is considered the single most important indicator of the health of an economy. Put simply, GDP is the value of everything produced in an economy.
\\n
The limits of GDP
\\n
GDP is still a useful measure. It’s used globally and it can be helpful to track and compare countries. Though strictly speaking, GDP is a measure of economic outputs in the form of goods and services and is not meant to be a measure of welfare and wellbeing. It isn’t a good at measuring welfare either. The metric does a great job at what it is supposed it but it is often used to track the overall progress of a country.
It is vital that it should not be used as the most important metric and should only be used to measure production. It only accounts for activity where money changes hands. There is greater context beyond how much a country produces that is needed to make judgements about the overall wellbeing of a country. GDP, or indeed GDP per capita (GDP divided by the population to give an average), can’t tell us about unpaid productivity such as unpaid care nor can it tell us about how wealth is distributed across society.
\\n
Trickle down economic – the link between GDP and people
\\n
Traditional economics taught in universities tells us that demand creates its own supply. This means that if people have the money to purchase things that they want (demand goods and services), then they must have the money (there must be wealth within that country) to purchase goods.
This is why production and consumption are seen to be related to prosperity.
As well as this there is a belief in economics that when a country is wealthy, even if that wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small group, it will trickle down to everyone.
Trickledown economics tell us the wealthier those at the top are, the better life will get for all. This is because of the belief that when those with wealth spend money or invest, they create jobs. This in turn means people are paid salaries which they can then spend.
The idea is that by paying people salaries, this distributes the wealth. This is not the experience for many people who find that despite living in a country with a high GDP they are still not able to live a fulfilling and good quality life.
\\n
More more more – endless growth
\\n
GDP and GVA are measures of production and output. They focus on goods and services produced as a measure of productivity and vitality in an economy. However, this focus means that economic progress is coupled with consumption, in other words the purchasing of stuff.
Constant growth means more and more production and consumption. Producing and consuming goods at a rapid and ever-growing rate is both energy, and resource intensive. This means taking advantage of our planet by over utilising its resources. This is unsustainable and continuing this trajectory will destroy our planet.
So, if the current model isn’t working for people or the planet what are our options. If growth isn’t the goal, then what should we be focusing on?
An alternative is a model of growth that focuses more on what matters to our people like creating thriving communities with healthy and happy people while respecting our planet. If you want to know more about this then read ‘The Case for Change’
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+
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+
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/the-uk-infrastructure-show-2019_2qio2p05.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/the-uk-infrastructure-show-2019_2qio2p05.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..76e2b320
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+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/the-uk-infrastructure-show-2019_2qio2p05.config
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+
+
+
+ News
+ /MidlandsConnect/News/TheUKInfrastructureShow2019
+ false
+ legacyNewsArticleMidlandsConnect
+ 2019-04-30T00:00:00
+
+ 185
+
+
+ LegacyNewsArticle1
+
+
+
+ UK Infrastructure Show 2019 – part of the UK Public Sector Sourcing Expo – brings together major projects and programmes from some of the biggest spend areas within infrastructure, all under one roof.
+
With many networking and learning opportunities on the day, this is one event you can’t afford to miss. Key event features include:
+
+
Project Pavilions
+
Supply Chain Engagement Zones
+
Networking and Collaboration Zones
+
UK Infrastructure Show 2019 Live Stage
+
+
Keynote speakers announced include Robert Jenrick MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury; Phil Graham, Chief Executive, National Infrastructure Commission and Matthew Vickerstaff, Interim CEO, Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
+]]>
+
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\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/time-to-talk-in-coventry.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/time-to-talk-in-coventry.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f704ba8c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/time-to-talk-in-coventry.config
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+
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+ News
+ /SaferTravel/News/TimeToTalkInCoventry
+ false
+ newsArticleSaferTravel
+ 2024-03-14T15:23:08
+
+ 122
+
+
+ NewsArticleSaferTravel
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Time To Talk' is the message from Safer Travel Police as they invite passengers to join them at Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry to discuss any issues that make them feel unsafe whilst using public transport.\n
The team will be there between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday 21st March to listen to any concerns people have, as well as explaining how they respond to incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) on bus or train.
\n
Pop along, say hello and find out more about the team and their safety campaigns.
\n
'If you experience ASB whilst using the bus network you can report it by texting 'SeeSay' to 81018 with full details of the incident, including where, when, service and fleet number.
\n
This information is then used at our monthly tasking meeting to set patrol priorities for the following month. You can help to ensure police resources are in the right place at the right time by letting us know about issues affecting your journey.
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/time-to-talk-in-west-bromwich.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/time-to-talk-in-west-bromwich.config
new file mode 100644
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+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/time-to-talk-in-west-bromwich.config
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
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+ News
+ /SaferTravel/News/TimeToTalkInWestBromwich
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+ 2024-05-21T07:58:30
+
+ 123
+
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+ NewsArticleSaferTravel
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Time To Talk' is the message from Safer Travel Police as they invite passengers to join them at the bus station and metro stops in West Bromwich to discuss any issues that make them feel unsafe whilst using public transport.\n
The team will be there between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday 23rd May to listen to any concerns people have, as well as explaining how they respond to incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) on bus, train or tram.
\n
Pop along, say hello and find out more about the team and their safety campaigns.
\n
'If you experience ASB whilst using the bus network you can report it by texting 'SeeSay' to 81018 with full details of the incident, including where, when, service and fleet number.
\n
This information is then used at our monthly tasking meeting to set patrol priorities for the following month. You can help to ensure police resources are in the right place at the right time by letting us know about issues affecting your journey.
Commenting on the Government’s response to the Union Connectivity Review, Midlands Connect CEO Maria Machancoses said:
\n\n
\n
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to the Midlands Rail Hub at the heart of the Union Connectivity Review. The Rail Hub might be a vital, local scheme but will have a national impact and seeing that acknowledged today is fantastic.
\n
“At Midlands Connect we are working hard push the Midlands Rail Hub forward but with the Prime Minister’s support for the Midlands Rail Hub is something we are very thankful for.
\n
“We also want to thank Sir Peter Hendy for his review and the collaborative way he went about it.
\n
In the Midlands our relationship and deep connections with Wales matter to us and we will continue to work with the new Marches Forward Partnership to promote some of our road and rail priority schemes in the border areas.”
\n
"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/useful-information.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/useful-information.config
index b9773c4f..4f8cd146 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/useful-information.config
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Join us as we bring together decision makers, senior business leaders and Local Authorities to discuss the future of electric vehicles!
\n
\n
\n
Our virtual EV Conference will be taking place on 7 March from 10am – 2:30pm and will cover a range of topics in the EV sector from manufacturing EVs to ensuring that electrified transport is accessible to everyone. See the agenda below to find out the topic we’ll be discussing.
\n
There will be the chance to submit questions for speakers on the day, meaning that you can directly influence topics of discussion at the conference.
\n
Agenda:
\n
10:00 – 10:15 | Speech – welcome and introductions
\n
10:15 – 10:30 | Presentation – our work in the last 12 months
\n
1030 – 11:15 | Panel: Exploring the rural and urban journey with Midlands EV Infrastructure Consortium
\n
11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee break
\n
11:30 – 11:45 | Keynote speech
\n
11:45 – 12:30 | Panel: Business & manufacturing - how do we electrify vehicles for 2035?
\n
12:30 – 12:45 | Coffee break
\n
12:45 – 13:30 | Panel: Electrifying your fleet
\n
13:30 – 14:15 | Panel: Supporting communities and making decarbonised transport accessible
+]]>
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+ The web content team from the West Midlands Combined Authority]]>
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/west-midlands-insights-on-society-and-economy-issue-4-january-2024.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/west-midlands-insights-on-society-and-economy-issue-4-january-2024.config
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Every month, we publish the West Midlands Insights on Society and Economy (WISE) Newsletter. In this month's issue, we take a deep dive on some of the latest insights around our digital economy. Here's a foreword from this month's guest editor:
\\n
Welcome to the fourth edition of the WISE Newsletter. Following the publication of the latest Ofcom Connected Nations report, and launch of the refreshed WM Digital Roadmap (details in section 2.2), our editorial this month focuses on the opportunities for digital technologies to transform our region.
\\n
Universal access to fast and reliable mobile and broadband connectivity is the foundation of our digital economy. The latest independent Umlaut data confirms that the West Midlands has extended its leadership as the best connected region for 5G (outside of London) – with over 65% 5G geographic coverage – and the December Ofcom Connected Nations report shows our relative advantage in gigabit broadband – with 94% of premises having access versus 79% in the UK overall. This reflects the unique partnership between operators, Local Authorities and Government led by WM5G.
\\n
But there remain significant parts of the West Midlands that don’t have access to fast and reliable mobile and broadband connectivity. For example, there are over 100,000 premises that don’t have and are unlikely to get access to gigabit broadband in the next three years and the region is not yet achieving its fair share of full fibre broadband investment. In addition the latest Ofcom data shows over a-third of households are struggling to afford connectivity during the cost-of-living crisis.
\\n
The WMCA and WM5G are committed to address these issues and go further by accelerating the adoption of 5G and fibre, data & AI and sensors to boost economic growth and transform public services. Despite the West Midlands’ digital strengths, the region ranks as 6th out of 12 UK regions for business ICT adoption overall – reflecting the impact of Covid on the sectors the region is strong in as well as long-standing skills and productivity challenges. Hence the WMCA and WM5G are delighted to have won £3.8m of Government investment to accelerate the adoption of 5G, data & AI in the advanced manufacturing and social care & housing sectors – working closely with their partners JLR and the WMCA constituent Local Authorities. In addition, as part of the Deeper Devolution Deal secured in April 2023, the WMCA and WM5G are leading a pioneering programme called Smart City Region to scaling the adoption of key technologies to accelerate hospital discharges, speed-up cancer diagnosis and boost wellness & prevention.
\\n
By accelerating the adoption of new technologies, the region will not only transform the demand-side sectors that it’s strong in – creating skilled jobs, boosting productivity and wellness and attracting inward investment – but it will also accelerate the growth of the West Midlands £15 Billion tech sector – creating more successful scale-up businesses, following in the footsteps of SCC, Gymshark and others. The potential of the latter is evidenced by recent analysis showing that there are already 300 AI businesses in the Midlands (11% of the national total) – a growth of 122% in the last decade.
Every month, we publish the West Midlands Insights on Society and Economy (WISE) Newsletter. In this month's issue, we take a deep dive on some of the latest insights around our digital economy. Here's a foreword from this month's guest editor:
\\n
Welcome to the fourth edition of the WISE Newsletter. Following the publication of the latest Ofcom Connected Nations report, and launch of the refreshed WM Digital Roadmap (details in section 2.2), our editorial this month focuses on the opportunities for digital technologies to transform our region.
\\n
Universal access to fast and reliable mobile and broadband connectivity is the foundation of our digital economy. The latest independent Umlaut data confirms that the West Midlands has extended its leadership as the best connected region for 5G (outside of London) – with over 65% 5G geographic coverage – and the December Ofcom Connected Nations report shows our relative advantage in gigabit broadband – with 94% of premises having access versus 79% in the UK overall. This reflects the unique partnership between operators, Local Authorities and Government led by WM5G.
\\n
But there remain significant parts of the West Midlands that don’t have access to fast and reliable mobile and broadband connectivity. For example, there are over 100,000 premises that don’t have and are unlikely to get access to gigabit broadband in the next three years and the region is not yet achieving its fair share of full fibre broadband investment. In addition the latest Ofcom data shows over a-third of households are struggling to afford connectivity during the cost-of-living crisis.
\\n
The WMCA and WM5G are committed to address these issues and go further by accelerating the adoption of 5G and fibre, data & AI and sensors to boost economic growth and transform public services. Despite the West Midlands’ digital strengths, the region ranks as 6th out of 12 UK regions for business ICT adoption overall – reflecting the impact of Covid on the sectors the region is strong in as well as long-standing skills and productivity challenges. Hence the WMCA and WM5G are delighted to have won £3.8m of Government investment to accelerate the adoption of 5G, data & AI in the advanced manufacturing and social care & housing sectors – working closely with their partners JLR and the WMCA constituent Local Authorities. In addition, as part of the Deeper Devolution Deal secured in April 2023, the WMCA and WM5G are leading a pioneering programme called Smart City Region to scaling the adoption of key technologies to accelerate hospital discharges, speed-up cancer diagnosis and boost wellness & prevention.
\\n
By accelerating the adoption of new technologies, the region will not only transform the demand-side sectors that it’s strong in – creating skilled jobs, boosting productivity and wellness and attracting inward investment – but it will also accelerate the growth of the West Midlands £15 Billion tech sector – creating more successful scale-up businesses, following in the footsteps of SCC, Gymshark and others. The potential of the latter is evidenced by recent analysis showing that there are already 300 AI businesses in the Midlands (11% of the national total) – a growth of 122% in the last decade.
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+ Welcome to the fifth edition of West Midlands Insights on Society and Economy. In this issue, we take a deep pe into exports in the West Midlands. The most recent data available for the wider West Midlands region in January 2024 shows that total exports of goods and services have recovered strongly: back to where they were before the pandemic closed the infrastructure of trade. These are indications that there has been a bounce back for the ever-important automotive industry for the West Midlands.\\n
But looking at economic data, and comparing change over time, sometimes requires us to stand back a little and take a deeper or wider look. The huge impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the time lags often involved in collecting economic data make this even more important.
\\n
According to the latest WMREDI report, exports of goods and services from the WMCA fell by one fifth from 2019, when it was the largest exporting region by value, to 2020 and did not recover in 2021. Other regions saw stronger recoveries in that period.
\\n
Nationally, service exports are predicted to grow from 25% of all trade currently to 28% by 2035. London’s service exports dwarf all other cities – it exports approximately 15 times more than the second largest service exporting city – but they are also growing from the West Midlands, just not as fast as exports of goods. Again, this could be seen as an indication of a weak service economy; but look back to the pandemic period and the drop does not seem so severe. Trade in services was largely able to continue during lockdowns and the impact was much less drastic – a slower recovery is inevitable from a shallower decline. Considered over a longer period, service exports from the West Midlands look robust and healthy, rather than weak.
\\n
There remains plenty to do to encourage firms in the West Midlands to export, both goods and services. Global shifts in geopolitics, energy, the movement of people and rapid changes in technology all require careful consideration. Let's hope that despite the longer-term trends, recent strong export performance in the West Midlands gives them a useful foundation to navigate these headwinds.
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+
+ March marks the first anniversary of the West Midlands Trailblazer Devolution Deal and - perhaps coincidentally - the publication of a number of new reports on the importance of devolution for driving economic productivity and tackling regional inequality in the UK.\\n
CIPFA, in partnership with the University of Birmingham City-REDI, has just published a study which investigates whether English local authorities can replicate the success of certain international cities that have effectively addressed notable social and economic inequalities through innovation in recent years. Our work is based on four case studies in England, one of which is Dudley, where we find clear evidence of some of the ‘success factors’ found in other international cities.
\\n
Our report concludes that to replicate international success, public funding in England needs to be longer-term, less fragmented and more flexible. This is the principle that lies behind the West Midlands’ Single Settlement, currently being negotiated with government on the back of last year’s devolution deal.
\\n
We are not the only organisation calling for a renewed approach to devolution and local funding and finance. The latest report from Harvard University’s series on closing Britain’s regional divides has recommended giving English sub-regional leaders a multi-year financial settlement for devolved matters including ‘compensatory investment for historic underspending’ in some UK regions. And New Local have a new report out making the case for place-based budgets too.
\\n
Devolution may not be an end in itself, but as we head into election season, there is a growing body of evidence that shows that access to local knowledge and a willingness to collaborate can accelerate levelling up across the UK, leading to a better quality of life for West Midlands communities.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/west-midlands-insights-on-society-and-economy-issue-7-april-2024.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/west-midlands-insights-on-society-and-economy-issue-7-april-2024.config
new file mode 100644
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+
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+ Blog
+ /WestMidlandsCombinedAuthority/Blog/WestMidlandsInsightsOnSocietyAndEconomyIssue7April2024
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+ 32
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+ BlogArticle
+
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+
+
+ Last month saw the release by the ONS of latest data on regional research and development (R&D) spending by businesses, with £49.9bn invested across the UK in 2022. This latest data underpins the focus of the West Midlands Innovation Board on two critical innovation areas for the region, our policy work with Government and the broadening of the innovation bandwidth within the region.\\n
Business spend on research and development is a critical driver for the regional innovation ecosystem because it drives higher-value processes and products which contribute to regional economic growth with two associated benefits; first R&D activity within the region significantly improves the chances of ‘sticky’ growth while second, the critical mass of R&D creates spillover benefits as new technologies are applied to emerging challenges in different sectors.
\\n
Businesses in the ITL1 West Midlands region spent an estimated £3.8bn in 2022 on R&D (or £637 per person living in our region). Over a similar timeframe, public spending of £0.7bn in our region means the West Midlands continues to have a high ratio of private to public investment (now 5.1:1). This confirms that the West Midlands remains remarkably efficient at using public investment to lever private activity - an important strategic reference point that myself, University Vice-Chancellors, and the Mayor highlight in the ongoing Strategic Innovation Partnership discussions with the Science Minister, our bilateral \\\"West Midlands Action Plan\\\" work with Innovate UK and we amplify to the world in the ‘Tech that Makes Tomorrow’ campaign.
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The Innovation Board has already identified that the region’s business R&D has historically been deep-but-narrow. We will continue to maintain our competitive advantage in automotive and aerospace technologies, but increasingly have championed efforts to stimulate new emerging clusters (Cleantech, Medtech/Health Tech, Creative Industries) by diversifying public and private R&D through activities like the £33m Innovation Accelerator, the new West Midlands Investment Zone, and partnership with Plug and Play UK.
As Chair of Commonwealth Games England, a Brummie and businessman, I wanted to reflect on the return we got on the £778m of public funding and £120m invested in the Games from the commercial sector.
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We proved to a global audience that Birmingham and the West Midlands can deliver. A condensed lead-in, the pandemic, and supply chain disruption had a major impact but all local, national and international partners united to deliver the Games on time and under budget. Our tracks, gyms, sports fields and pools were a high-quality backdrop for Team England to win a record breaking 176 medals, all manufactured in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
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My personal highlight was how we used top class sport to bring people together and to develop new skills. The wonderful volunteers from the Commonwealth Collective gave athletes and visitors alike a warm West Midlands welcome. Nearly 12,000 volunteers, nearly two thirds from the West Midlands, gave more than a million hours of their time and were a credit to the region. The Games’ Jobs and Skills Academy helped a further 21,000 people (52% from ethnic minority groups) develop skills and kickstart their careers, securing jobs related to the preparation and delivery of the Games.
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West Midlands businesses stepped up to capitalise on the commercial opportunities. According to the independent evaluation, the Games boosted the region’s economic output by £516.2m (£1.2bn overall across the UK) during the five years culminating in the summer of 2022. This includes the benefits of the Business and Tourism Programme, expertly led by the West Midlands Growth Company, which attracted additional visitors to the West Midlands and increased visitor spend in the city and region. I’m delighted that the evaluation also recognised the Organising Committee’s efforts, to deliver a carbon neutral Games and, through its procurement, an exemplar social value programme.
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Finally, we should be proud of our bold legacy. Over 2,450 schools engaged with the Games and young people are benefitting from the 16,000 pieces of used Games equipment handed out to over 290 West Midlands organisations. Having delivered the Games under-budget, the Government was persuaded to return the £70m surplus to the region in the shape of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, which is being disbursed by the Combined Authority. This has been used to support a variety of initiatives across the West Midlands in line with the original legacy ambitions, including the ongoing work of United by 2022, the excellent Games legacy charity.
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Through the Global West Midlands programme, the Legacy Fund has continued to invest more widely in the business and tourism opportunities created by the Games. Hosting the Games has enabled the region to secure the 2026 European Athletics Championships as well as 9 regional events across 2024 and 2025, including 2 major E-sports tournaments, the Kabaddi World Cup, Judo junior European cup and cultural events such as Coventry’s Godiva Festival and the Birmingham Weekender. April 2024 also saw the region successfully host 1,500 top global sports administrators and business leaders, for the 2024 Sport Accord summit at the ICC. With Ugur Erdener, the President of Sport Accord, describing the summit as “the best Sport Accord ever”, the West Midlands is absolutely at the Heart of UK Sport, firmly embedded as the Region of choice for hosting major sports events, with all the business and social benefits this will bring.
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Ian Metcalfe OBE
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Chair of Commonwealth Games England (2014 – 2022), Non-executive director on the Board of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (2018-2022), and Chair of SportAccord-West Midlands Executive Steering Group (2024)
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+ Since 2020, England has had the highest proportion of inadequate housing in Europe, with 15% of all homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard, a basic regulatory measure of housing quality (WMCA area 2019 estimate 17%, or roughly 200,000 homes). Damp and mould, and their detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing, are part of the critical issue of poor-quality housing.\\n
In 2023 the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) secured nearly £15 million from the Social Housing Quality Fund (SHQF) to tackle severe damp and mould in social housing properties across the region. The Centre for the New Midlands (CNM) has been commissioned to evaluate the range, scope and scale of organisational and tenant impacts of this funding programme.
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We are determined, as a think tank, to work collaboratively with stakeholders and communities to produce rigorous research with, and for, our region. Our recent co-design workshops have been invaluable in helping refine and improve our research tools like our tenant survey and interview protocols.
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These sessions, attended by tenants with lived experience of severe damp and mould, academics, health practitioners, charity and civic organisations, have revealed how the topic of damp and mould provides a frame for a plethora of interconnected issues such as:
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·the competing demands between developing new homes and improving the quality of existing older stock;
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·the importance of trust and communication between landlords and tenants in both gaining access to undertake repairs and understanding how to live with the new technologies and interventions in their homes;
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·the inextricable link between housing, health and wellbeing, and the cost of living;
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·the overlap between damp and mould interventions and retrofitting homes in the transition to net zero housing.
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We need to make the environmental, the social impact and the economic case for improving our housing stock. Poor housing conditions are profoundly harmful to our region and its citizens, particularly vulnerable groups living in poor quality and unsuitable accommodation. Both the development of new social housing and improving the quality of existing housing are crucial to ensure everyone in the West Midlands, and beyond, has access to a safe, affordable and decent home.
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Dr Halima Sacranie PhD FHEA
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Halima Sacranie is the Director of Housing Research at the Centre for the New Midlands, and chair of its Housing and Communities Leadership Board. She is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, and a trustee of the charity Climate Outreach.
That’s not really the return on investment we were hoping for.
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Introducing the doughnut
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The brainchild of economist Kate Raworth, the doughnut is a new model for measuring health of an economy and establishes new goalposts for policymaking.
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The parameters are simple. We should ensure everyone’s basic needs, including everything from food, to housing, to political voice, are met. This lower threshold is called the social foundation and is derived from the sustainable development goals agreed by the United Nations.
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However, we can only push our planet so far. Our activity takes place within the delicate confines of the natural world, and there’s only so much it can tolerate. Climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss all place our only home in jeopardy. This is where the upper limit comes in: the ecological ceiling (you’ll be unsurprised to hear that Sir David Attenborough is among the theory’s fans).
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The area between these two goalposts is referred to as the safe and just space for humanity. Doughnut economics provides a roadmap for us to get there and stay there.
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It favours thriving within our ecological constraints over endless GDP growth, distribution by design over speculation that wealth will trickle down, and viewing the economy for what it is – a complex system, embedded within the social and natural world.
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So, how can this work in practice?
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Just like there’s no one way to enjoy a doughnut, doughnut economics leaves plenty of room for pragmatism and codesign. It’s been adopted as a framework for measuring impact by businesses, cities, regions, and even a national park.
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The West Midlands Combined Authority is one of these pioneers, and you can read more about how we’ve integrated doughnut economics into our inclusive growth fundamentals here. But what can we learn from our peers?
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Circular Amsterdam
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Amsterdam was the first place in the world to develop a ‘City Portrait’, an application of doughnut economics’ methodology on a city-wide scale. The portrait questions what it would mean for Amsterdam’s people and natural environment to thrive, and for the city to respect the health of the planet and wellbeing of its inhabitants. Through this process, it identified several specific targets for policymaking spanning multiple sectors.
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Furthermore, Amsterdam stands out for its local-level initiatives. For instance, in 2019, it pioneered the concept of ‘Doughnut Deals’ in the Bijlmer area, itself a story of neighbourhood renewal and newfound pride of place. This shone a welcome spotlight on community-led projects as a means of arriving at the doughnut from the bottom up.
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In 2022, the city undertook its first ‘Doughnut Deal Day’, connecting hundreds of stakeholders from across the city to hash out solutions that covered everything from education to waste disposal. With the launch of the Implementation Agenda for a Circular Amsterdam, this approach has gone all the way up to the mayor’s office. Something is clearly working.
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A Regenerative Melbourne
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Taking the doughnut down under, Greater Melbourne was the first city region in Australia to produce a city portrait – the Melbourne Doughnut. It’s an impressive document, mapping the region’s existing strategic plans onto the doughnut and incorporating the results of workshops undertaken with the community.
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The strategy is the result of sustained collaboration with stakeholders. Dozens of academics, six universities, and over 150 experts contributed to the project. This has generated ideas, insight, and intelligence that wouldn’t have otherwise been available to policymakers in the city region.
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In both cases, the doughnut has provided these areas with a map for navigating the defining issues of the 21st Century. The pioneers of doughnut economics have found a way to make growth work for their places, rather than treating it as an end in itself. It’s only natural to question the rules of the game in light of new information.
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The lesson from these examples is that by meaningfully engaging with local communities and absorbing the expertise of regional stakeholders, we can pin down what the safe and just space for humanity looks like city by city, and region by region.
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A well-made doughnut really does make everything a bit better.
A combined authority is an organisation that aims to make their area a better place to live and thrive in and meet the needs of their community.
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They get powers and money from central government to help boost the economies in their local areas. Their main goal is to ensure that everyone in the UK can have a high quality of life. They make decisions on behalf of their area because they know its’ needs best.
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How many combined authorities are there in the UK?
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Would you like to get to know all the combined authorities that exist so far? Currently, there are 11 in the UK:
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West Midlands Combined Authority
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Greater Manchester Combined Authority
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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
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Tees Valley Combined Authority
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South Yorkshire Combined Authority
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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
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West of England
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West Yorkshire
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York and North Yorkshire (new for 2024)
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East Midlands (new for 2024)
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North East Combined Authority (new for 2024) – North of Tyne expanded
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West Midlands and Greater Manchester are known as ‘trailblazer’ combined authorities because they are paving the way and experimenting with new ways of working and new projects to deliver.
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There are more combined authorities on the horizon too. Look out for these in 2025:
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Norfolk
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Suffolk
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Greater Lincolnshire
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Hull
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East Yorkshire
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Who makes decisions at combined authorities?
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Most combined authorities have a mayor who is in charge. These mayors were elected by the community. All the local councils in the area vote on big decisions.
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For example, in the West Midlands we have seven local councils:
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Birmingham
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Solihull
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Sandwell
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Wolverhampton
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Walsall
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Coventry
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Dudley
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Is a Combined Authority the same as a council?
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It can be easy to get us mixed up with your local council. But we are different.
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Councils deliver vital local services like::
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Emptying your bins
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Filling potholes
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Cutting the grass in your local park
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So, what does the West Midlands Combined Authority do?
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We make the West Midlands a better place to live and work by leading on projects that are better co-ordinated at scale over a regional level.
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We’ve billions of pounds of investment for our region since we were set up in 2017, and here’s how we are using it:
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Being better connected by:
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Improving public transport
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Building new bus lanes
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New railway stations
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Sorting problems with traffic
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Being greener and healthier by:
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Improving the environment
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Aiming to reduce carbon emissions to zero
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Being fairer and more prosperous by:
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Regenerating derelict land so affordable homes can be built
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Helping people get qualifications at all ages (joining forces with colleges/universities)
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Supporting people to get better, well-paid jobs
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How are Combined Authorities funded?
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Our funding comes in several main pots at the moment in the West Midlands. A lot of it comes from adult education funding and the transport levy. It also comes from membership fees from local councils.
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But after a new deal we made with government in 2023, we will soon be treated like a government department with one pot of money, giving us more flexibility to plan and deliver our projects.
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This will allow us to continue making the West Midlands the best region in the UK to work in, live in and visit for the years to come.
Inclusive growth is a concept with many names but with one main aim: putting people, places and the planet at the heart of what we do.
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This concept is one that many people are familiar with. You might know it as ‘community wealth building’ or creating a ‘Wellbeing Economy’ or the ‘Foundational Economy’ etc. There are several different approaches, each with a slightly different focus. However, all ensure people and place benefit from the model. We call it ‘inclusive growth’ at the WMCA.
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Inclusive growth defined
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We define inclusive growth as:
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‘A more deliberate and socially purposeful model of economic growth, measured not only by how fast or aggressive it is; but also, by how well it is created and shared across the whole population and place, and by the social and environmental outcomes it realises for our people.’
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Put simply, we want everything that we do contribute to creating opportunities for all our citizens to live fulfilling lives and thrive while respecting the boundaries of our living planet.
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Our inclusive growth doughnut has eight themes that are fundamental to the West Midlands.
We think that in order to achieve our definition of inclusive growth in the West Midlands we need to work across eight different themes. We call these our fundamentals of inclusive growth.
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These fundamentals are:
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Climate resilience
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Affordable and safe places
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Education and learning
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Connected communities
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Health and wellbeing
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Power and participation
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Inclusive economy
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Equality
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The seven fundamentals you see in the centre of the ring are our people focused areas, making up the social foundation of the doughnut. The outer ring is our planetary boundaries. This is the upper limit for our planet and its ability to replenish itself. Whatever we do should not exceed this.
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What does inclusive growth look like?
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Under each fundamental, we have a key goal or outcome that we are aiming to achieve along with our local partners, central government, businesses and communities. We’ll know that we’ve made a difference when things start to change for our people and planet.
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These outcomes are:
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Climate resilience: Carbon emissions decoupled from economic growth and reduced to net zero by 2041
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Affordable and safe places: Designing out homelessness in the West Midlands through prevention by design: ensuring a supply of affordable homes, tackling welfare related poverty, good employment, information, integrated prevention, advice and guidance
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Education and learning: improved levels of skills for all to flourish and realise their potential
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Connected communities: People live in connected communities which enable everyone to interact with the world around them, both physically and digitally.
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Health and wellbeing: avoidable differences in health outcomes are reduced so that everyone can live longer, healthier, and happier lives
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Inclusive economy: people experience an increase in their household incomes and a better standard of living
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Power and participation: people have the power and can fully participate in influencing and exercising agency in the things that matter to them
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Equality: reduced employment inequalities so that people have the opportunity to thrive and flourish regardless of their protected characteristics and backgrounds
Our inclusive growth model is based on a theory called ‘Doughnut Economics’ by Kate Raworth - an economist who challenges traditional economic thinking around growth. We have taken inspiration from her work, matching it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the themes which we cover to create a bespoke inclusive growth framework for the West Midlands region.
Inclusive growth is a concept with many names but with one main aim: putting people, places and the planet at the heart of what we do.
\\n
This concept is one that many people are familiar with. You might know it as ‘community wealth building’ or creating a ‘Wellbeing Economy’ or the ‘Foundational Economy’ etc. There are several different approaches, each with a slightly different focus. However, all ensure people and place benefit from the model. We call it ‘inclusive growth’ at the WMCA.
\\n
Inclusive growth defined
\\n
We define inclusive growth as:
\\n
‘A more deliberate and socially purposeful model of economic growth, measured not only by how fast or aggressive it is; but also, by how well it is created and shared across the whole population and place, and by the social and environmental outcomes it realises for our people.’
\\n
Put simply, we want everything that we do contribute to creating opportunities for all our citizens to live fulfilling lives and thrive while respecting the boundaries of our living planet.
\\n
Our inclusive growth doughnut has eight themes that are fundamental to the West Midlands.
We think that in order to achieve our definition of inclusive growth in the West Midlands we need to work across eight different themes. We call these our fundamentals of inclusive growth.
\\n\\n
These fundamentals are:
\\n
Climate resilience
\\n
Affordable and safe places
\\n
Education and learning
\\n
Connected communities
\\n
Health and wellbeing
\\n
Power and participation
\\n
Inclusive economy
\\n
Equality
\\n\\n
The seven fundamentals you see in the centre of the ring are our people focused areas, making up the social foundation of the doughnut. The outer ring is our planetary boundaries. This is the upper limit for our planet and its ability to replenish itself. Whatever we do should not exceed this.
\\n
What does inclusive growth look like?
\\n
Under each fundamental, we have a key goal or outcome that we are aiming to achieve along with our local partners, central government, businesses and communities. We’ll know that we’ve made a difference when things start to change for our people and planet.
\\n
These outcomes are:
\\n
Climate resilience: Carbon emissions decoupled from economic growth and reduced to net zero by 2041
\\n
Affordable and safe places: Designing out homelessness in the West Midlands through prevention by design: ensuring a supply of affordable homes, tackling welfare related poverty, good employment, information, integrated prevention, advice and guidance
\\n
Education and learning: improved levels of skills for all to flourish and realise their potential
\\n
Connected communities: People live in connected communities which enable everyone to interact with the world around them, both physically and digitally.
\\n
Health and wellbeing: avoidable differences in health outcomes are reduced so that everyone can live longer, healthier, and happier lives
\\n
Inclusive economy: people experience an increase in their household incomes and a better standard of living
\\n
Power and participation: people have the power and can fully participate in influencing and exercising agency in the things that matter to them
\\n
Equality: reduced employment inequalities so that people have the opportunity to thrive and flourish regardless of their protected characteristics and backgrounds
Our inclusive growth model is based on a theory called ‘Doughnut Economics’ by Kate Raworth - an economist who challenges traditional economic thinking around growth. We have taken inspiration from her work, matching it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the themes which we cover to create a bespoke inclusive growth framework for the West Midlands region.
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+ It is a national event led by the Campaign for Learning, the focus of the week is to encourage organisations like ours to prioritise learning and growth among it’s greatest asset – its people! \"\n },\n {\n \"contentTypeKey\": \"48cee39d-6ba9-4599-b547-147a9bb31a82\",\n \"udi\": \"umb://element/3d07c82522da4062aef4761b5f233667\",\n \"textbox\": \"
What did we do?
\\n
Each year there is a theme for the week, this year it was ‘Learning Power'.
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Once the theme was announced, engagement sessions were held to get a sense of what colleagues would like to see available across the week.
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Coincidentally LAW Week and Mental Health Awareness Week fell at the same time this year.We saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with the Equality, Diversity Inclusion and Well-Being team and our Health and Communities team to combine the week and create a timetable focused on both.
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This helped shape a range of interactive workshops led by external providers and internal colleagues. These included topics such as Developing a Growth Mindset, Coaching and Mentoring here at West Midlands Combined Authority, Creating a Healthier West Midlands, Introduction to Power BI and the launch of an interactive board game which is now part of our Diversity and Inclusion offer.
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To highlight Mental Health Awareness Week, there were tips shared to encourage movement which was the theme. An interactive Stay Active session which was externally hosted. A colleague openly sharing their personal experience with mental health to normalise conversations and remove stigma. We participated in wear it green day and green mental ribbon pins provided to support mental health and wellbeing.
LAW Week isn't just about ticking a box; it's about investing in our people. Participating allows colleagues to acquire new skills, expand existing knowledge, and gain fresh perspectives to enhance their personal and professional development.
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Why It's Important to the Organisation:
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Our Chief Executive opened the week and reinforced the importance of taking the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow.
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Last year we launched our People and Culture Strategy, one of the key principles is to become a agile, curious and learning organisation.
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By actively supporting initiatives like LAW Week, it reinforces a culture that values continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation.
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Investing in our people not only enhances individual performance and job satisfaction but also drives organisational agility and success.
In our last blog we answered the question ‘what is inclusive growth’ and introduced the eight fundamentals of inclusive growth. But which of the eight fundamentals takes priority?
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Is health the most important part of the equation? Or is it having a safe and secure home? Does the answer lay in employment? What is the key to cracking inclusive growth for all?
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Think of inclusive growth as a traditional cake and the fundamentals as the ingredients. Each ingredient is essential in the prescribed quantity. Take away the flour and you’re left with a sweet but curdled mess. Take away the eggs and the batter won't bind together. Forget the sugar and while the cake may look ok, it's not really a cake. In the same way, each fundamental is essential to creating inclusive growth.
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Many of the difficulties that residents face in the West Midlands are not simple issues which are independent of other aspects of their lives. People’s lives are complex with lots of intertwined aspects. Often their problems are compounded by other issues. This is why trying to solve each problem in isolation of the wider context may not work. A systems approach is needed where we look at the whole picture.
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The fundamentals themselves are interdependent, particularly when look at it from the perspective of an individual.
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Meet Tanya, she is a 34-year-old single mother of three children aged nine, five and two. In her early late teens and early 20’s she was the main carer for her elderly grandmother and so, did not go to university. She has been in and out of work but hasn't worked since the arrival of her youngest child. She has been trying to get back into work which has been quite a stressful experience for her as she struggles to afford childcare for her youngest child. As well as this, many of the jobs she is qualified for do not pay very well and require her to be working on site. This will mean she will not be able to drop off and pick-up her children from school. The process of finding a job that works around her children has begun to negatively affect her mental health.
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In Tanya’s case there are multiple compounding issues which are affecting her quality of life. In order to really change her circumstances, there are a few different things that would need to change – some of which are in Tanya’s control. For example, she may need to do some training so that she is able to access new employment opportunities which may be more flexible and pay better. Affordable and reliable transport could help Tanya access employment and/or training as well as make trips to help children's school quicker and easier. Good transport provision would also mean she could widen the area she is searching for jobs in. Where possible, more flexible behaviours from employers will also help more people engage with the labour market. These changes would help reduce her financial worries and could help with both her physical and mental health.
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In order to create a happy and healthy society where everyone can thrive, we could need to address all of the issues. Just like each problem feeds into the other, the way we work to try and solve them should also feed into each other.
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Tanya’s experience demonstrates how interwoven the fundamentals are. When addressing an issue in one policy area there is opportunity to create real change by looking beyond and at the whole system. Looking at the whole system creates more meaningful and comprehensive change that makes a real difference to people.
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This is why we do not prioritise one fundamental over another. Going back to the cake analogy, like each ingredient is essential to creating a good cake each fundamental is important role to play if we are to create a fairer, greener and, better connected West Midlands.
We’ve got one option for you… training courses! Did you know that 39% of UK employees would sacrifice a job offer if there was no prospect of further training? New skills are a superpower in today’s world and a way to embrace new beginnings but you may say “there are so many training courses out there, how do I know what course is right for me?” This is a great question. It’s important to pick the course best suited to you as you wouldn’t want to spend your precious time learning something you are not interested in!
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And did you know... if you earn less than £32,000 and live in the West Midlands, you can do many different types of courses completely free!
The main purpose of training courses is to enhance your abilities in a certain field. They might be to give you a new skill for work, or they might just help you feel more confident with everyday tasks.
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There are online and offline courses available. We lead busy lives, so it is essential that these courses can work around you.
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Mark Burke, aged 51, spent 30 years in security but decided he wanted a change in career, and was offered a training course in traffic management. It transformed his life for the better. He spent two weeks in the classroom which then got him into the career that he has now and is enjoying.
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What course should I choose?
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You can start off by considering how much time you can dedicate to a course. Is there a particular field you want to go far in? How do you learn best - visually, verbally? Then you can decide your personal and professional goals. This might make the course you’d like to take part in clearer to see, such as if you need a specific digital qualification for a job you would like to try for.
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Mark said: “I knew it was going to improve my life and help me support my newborn daughter.” Mark chose traffic management as he had “heard many good stories about it”, and the industry has experienced a lot of growth.
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How will a course help me?
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\\n
\\n
Taking part in a training course could open a load of doors for you. We all can benefit from self-improvement and becoming better versions of ourselves. Courses can help you develop abilities like creative thinking, collaboration, and time management. These can then help you to get higher quality jobs and offer transferable skills to new employers. You can become a real asset to your team and gain better satisfaction at work. Of course, these skills look great on your CV too!
\\n
\\n
\\n
We couldn’t agree more with Mark, now working full-time at his dream job, who said “the only way I want to go is upwards!” Have a look at training courses available to take you to that next step here:
\\n
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/what-we-do.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/what-we-do.config
index 653a3f72..180b68ca 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/what-we-do.config
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/what-we-do.config
@@ -8,13 +8,194 @@
2023-10-23T12:01:191
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ContentPage1
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+ As well as our usual daily high visibility patrols and day to day policing responsibilities, the team focus on intelligence led operations, with the aim of preventing and reducing crime on the bus/train/tram network.\n
Our team is intelligence led, drawn from a number of sources such as the officers, transport operators and reports from the public. The team also have access to over 1400 CCTV cameras, which are staffed 24/7 to identify and respond to incidents which are located in Bus, Rail and Metro stations.
Tackle cycle crime by offering cycle surgeries throughout the year to raise awareness of bike safety and maintenance, as well as offering free bike marking and registry.
Work alongside National Express to run Trojan bus operations on routes where buses are at risk of criminal damage. The specially adapted National Express vehicle is also used to detain offenders responsible for damage and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Provide a problem orientated approach to tackling ASB and nuisance incidents on public transport by using the Safer Travel ASB Team to utilise a range of civil prevention interventions.
Help young people aged between 10 to 18 years old, who have been involved in incidents of nuisance or anti-social behaviour and do not have a previous offence history via the Restorative Justice Scheme.
Work alongside our 24/7 CCTV control room who have access to over 1,400 cameras, in order to identify and respond immediately to any incidents relating to the bus, train and Metro.
Conduct covert plain clothes operations to increase the opportunity of an arrest where intelligence suggests a specific time period for offences.
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/who-we-are_z3ibwksx.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/who-we-are_z3ibwksx.config
index 806665ba..64789c22 100644
--- a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/who-we-are_z3ibwksx.config
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-disability-shouldn-t-be-a-barrier-to-learning-as-an-adult-kay-s-story.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-disability-shouldn-t-be-a-barrier-to-learning-as-an-adult-kay-s-story.config
new file mode 100644
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@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
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+ \\\"I have learning difficulties including dyslexia. I struggle with words and numbers. Maths and English were always hard for me when I was at school. \\n
\\\"I am currently doing a numeracy course called Multiply.
\\n
\\\"I was nervous before I started it as I thought I would be the only one who didn’t know what they were doing. But when you hear other people’s stories, you know you are not alone. I also thought I’m not going to be able to do this and then as the weeks went on, I’ve got better and better. I can only go forward now.
\\n
\\\"I want to let everyone know that there are people out there to help and open doors for you.
\\n
\\\"The tutors make you feel at home – they don’t judge, they help you. If you get something wrong, they show you another way of doing it. Ultimately, they have so much patience.
\\n
\\\"The more you go to the classes, the more your confidence goes up because you are achieving more. When I get something right, it gives me a buzz. It makes me want to jump and scream, let it all out. You feel good in yourself as you have achieved something that you think wouldn’t be able too.
\\n
\\\"The Multiply course has taught me how to understand bills, wage slips and tax credit. My husband used to do it all for me but now I’m starting to do it myself which I’m really proud of.
\\n
\\\"I would recommend Multiply to anybody that’s struggling with maths because it helps with day-to-day things such as shopping and helping the kids with their homework.\\\"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-its-never-too-late-to-get-a-new-qualification-max-s-story.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-its-never-too-late-to-get-a-new-qualification-max-s-story.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6be32f25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-its-never-too-late-to-get-a-new-qualification-max-s-story.config
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
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+ \\\"I found myself unemployed after my job in security came to an end. I’m 39-years-old and was genuinely worried about my next move – I’ve got a family to support and bills to pay.\\n
\\\"Last year, I went to a jobs fair at my local job centre in Wolverhampton. I must admit I didn’t hold much hope, but I was very wrong!
\\n
\\\"A chance encounter with Michelle from In-Comm Training changed my life. She told me about an opportunity to enrol on a six-month advanced engineering course with Collins Aerospace through In-Comm Training.
\\n
\\\"I was intrigued, I’d applied to work at Collins before but was unsuccessful. I thought to myself this is a fantastic opportunity to get a qualification and ultimately a career. I did want to go straight into work and earn money, but I’ve had to stay on benefits for six months while doing the course.
\\n
\\\"At first, I thought I’ve bitten off a bit more than I can chew as it’s a Level 3 NVQ in engineering, but the tutors at In-Comm have made it easier for me. I’ve even finished my assessments ahead of time! It’s graft but at the end of the six months I know I will get a career in engineering.
\\n
\\\"The course has changed my life phenomenally. I feel so much more confident about the future. I’ve got a family and it’s a case of working for them. To me it’s about showing them daddy goes out to work and this is what you fundamentally do when you grow up.
\\n
\\\"My son asks how was my school because he knows I’m at training college and not actually at work. My family are proud of me, they know it’s going to be beneficial in the long run.
\\n
\\\"I’m 40 this year and this is just the start. Who knows where this qualification can take me.\\\"
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diff --git a/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-life-is-never-too-busy-to-learn-andres-story.config b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-life-is-never-too-busy-to-learn-andres-story.config
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..637a89da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Wmca.Web/uSync/v9/Content/why-life-is-never-too-busy-to-learn-andres-story.config
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+
+
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+ Blog
+ /WestMidlandsCombinedAuthority/Blog/WhyLifeIsNeverTooBusyToLearnAndresStory
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+ blogArticle
+ 2024-05-20T11:16:58
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+ 43
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+ BlogArticle
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+
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+ \\\"I’m a designer, architect, musician and artist. I also run a creative space called the People’s Studio in Walsall.\\n
\\\"Last year I felt like I’d hit a bit of brick wall with the studio – I was extremely busy with my other projects and lost that creative spark and energy.
\\n
\\\"I heard about the West Midlands Combined Authority’s venue technician bootcamp and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to pause everything, learn something new and come back refreshed.
\\n
\\\"I also needed to reconnect with people who are interested in developing creative spaces and hear their ideas as to how my space could be utilised better.
\\n
\\\"Through the bootcamp I met so many amazing and like-minded people. I’ve learnt new skills and made some great contacts that will help shape my vision for the People’s Studio.
\\n
\\\"By taking this time out, it’s proved that life is never too busy to learn. I feel re-energised and can’t wait to put what I’ve learnt into my project.
\\n
\\\"Opportunities like the skills bootcamps are great for young professionals who feel they are at a crossroads in their career.
\\n
\\\"My advice for anyone in a similar position to me is just do it – you are never too busy.\\\"