The NEC Group has been sold to another private equity firm. Funds managed by Blackstone have acquired the live venue and conference group which owns the NEC and Genting Arena in Solihull and the ICC and Arena Birmingham in the city centre. The confirmation today brings to an end speculation that Blackstone was in line…

Claudia Matthews had just minutes to cuddle her premature baby twins Archie and Hugo before they died in her arms. Devastatingly, she and husband Benjamin, from Tanworth in Arden, would go on to suffer the loss of another four babies. Today, Claudia, 40, who runs her own legal recruitment firm, tells her remarkable story in…

No specific pot of money has been set aside by Solihull Council to deal with financial upheaval which might arise from Brexit. With less than six months remaining until Britain leaves the EU, and growing concerns about the impact on the economy, the organisation has been questioned about its preparations. The councillor responsible for the…

Medicinal cannabis will be available on prescription in the UK next month. The Home Secretary Sajid Javid said cannabis-derived products that meet safety and quality standards will be reclassified by the Autumn. From 1st November, they will be prescribed by specialist clinicians without the need for a special licence. In the meantime, all fees for…

A Solihull mum and World Champion Duathlete is riding roughshod over cancer by taking on an epic cycle challenge for Stand Up To Cancer. Single mum Debbie Bradley (44) is cycling over 500 miles in five days from Glasgow to London, calling at Cancer Research UK’s key research centres en route. Debbie, who won the…

WMP Force Response A Unit Solihull attended an incident in Baxterley Green, Solihull this morning (10th October), after two 50 caliber bullets and a 1kg WW2 incendiary device were located in a loft clear out by a member of the public. A spokesperson said: “Fortunately a very peaceful road in Solihull so no disruption caused…

HS2 has released images for two of its brand new stations, marking a significant milestone for the programme, cementing the project’s commitment to the Midlands and emphasising the region’s place at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The images will be officially released at Birmingham Library at the first of a series of…

A mixed-used development centred around the HS2 Interchange Station is set to play a key part in bolstering the region’s economy, a council report has said. Birmingham City Council’s cabinet will tomorrow (Tuesday 9th October) receive an update on plans for the parcel of land, which lies to the east of the NEC and airport….

A Solihull DIY store – set to close in the coming months – would be demolished to make way for a new unit, under plans submitted to the council. During the summer it had been announced that the Homebase outlet, in Oakenshaw Road, was one of 42 branches that the national chain would be closing…

Cash seized from criminals is helping West Midlands Police puncture the plans of other crooks using the region’s roads – after being spent on equipping a fleet of response cars with tyre-deflating ‘stinger’ devices. A total of 19 ‘stingers’ have been bought thanks to a donation of just over £10,000 from the Proceeds of Crime…