Latest news with #BCIMO
BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Dudley-based rail research firm bought by local council after going into administration
An organisation that has been involved in a Very Light Rail system for Coventry has been bought by a council, after going into Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), a not-for-profit research organisation, was sold to the area's council, administrators RSM UK also stated it ensured the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, operated by BCIMO, remained Council said the authority had previously given the Black Country organisation financial support and decided to bid "to protect this investment". Council cabinet member for resources Steve Clark said as site owner, it would receive income from "existing tenants", while looking for an acquisition decision would generate income for the council, champion local innovation and support creating "high value employment opportunities", he UK said the business and assets were sold to the council and the transaction had safeguarded the centre's future and "laid the foundation for renewed investment in transport innovation".A lack of anticipated funding and rising costs had led to cash flow challenges for BCIMO, the administrators had earlier Black Country organisation came into being in 2019, which was before the council completed the building of the innovation centre in 2022, the administrators stated is like a tram, but involves single, battery-powered cars that can each transport about 50 people and do not need deep tracks to run this month, Coventry City Council said it was disappointed to hear BCIMO was in administration, but it was "business as usual for us" and the vehicle was in Alcester for the next stage of development. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Dudley rail research firm goes into administration
A not-for-profit organisation which has been involved in a Very Light Rail (VLR) system for Coventry has gone into Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) runs what it describes as a "unique world-class centre for rail innovation."The £32m VLR centre was built with money from a range of sources, including regional enterprise partnerships and Coventry City Council and Dudley Borough Council.A lack of anticipated funding and rising costs had led to cash flow challenges for BCIMO, administrators RSM UK said. The VLR centre remained open and continued to trade during the administration period, they added, but there had been a "small number" of to sell the business and assets were being "rapidly explored," with a view to keeping the centre going and rescuing the BCIMO brand, said RSM UK."BCIMO has been responsible for the important work undertaken at the VLR centre over the last few years," stated joint administrator Deviesh parties were encouraged to come forward in the "coming days." BCIMO came into being in 2019, ahead of the centre being completed by Dudley Council in is like a tram, but involves single, battery-powered cars that can each transport about 50 people, and do not need deep tracks to run Coventry the city council is working on a new system using special weight bearing concrete slabs and vehicles specially designed for tight has been developed in partnership with BCIMO and WMG at the University of Warwick. 'Business as usual' Coventry City Council said it was disappointed to hear that BCIMO was in administration, but it would not have any impact on Coventry Very Light Rail."It is absolutely business as usual for us," said cabinet member Jim O'Boyle."Following the really successful on road trial in the city centre, the vehicle is now in Alcester for the next stage of development," said the the vehicle is worked on, an 800-metre section of track is set to be laid from the railway station to the University Technology Park, to show how it can run in live traffic. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two companies announced as sponsors for Dudley family day event
TWO companies have been announced as gold sponsors for a family day event in Dudley. X2 Workspaces and Neutrino Global Ltd are supporting the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) family day on Saturday, May 17. The event is part of the Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the Stockton and Darlington Railway opened in 1825. It will be held at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) in Dudley. The day will include stalls from businesses and organisations, fairground rides, live entertainment and a variety of food and drink options. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ride the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) vehicle along the full test track. This will take passengers through the Dudley railway tunnel and around a 15m radius loop. The event will support five charities and will be opened by Pete Waterman OBE, president of the Railway Benefit Fund. Clive Poole, director at X2 Workspaces, said: "X2 Workspaces are proud to sponsor the BCIMO family day, reflecting our own values of supporting the community and innovation. "We were delighted to be involved in the innovation centre fit out two years ago, helping to create a standout functional collaboration space and innovative interior environment. "We are equally pleased to offer continued support as a partner to the organisation following this major project, through the provision of printed signage to help promote the event." Adam Taylor, director at Neutrino, said: "We're always delighted to support the live projects at BCIMO, they're a wonderful team and are a pleasure to work alongside. "The auditorium and exhibition hall are both excellent live event spaces; they're well provisioned with core AV equipment that we can augment on occasion and they couldn't be easier to integrate with." For more information about the event, including how to become a sponsor, buy tickets, or get involved in any other capacity, visit the BCIMO family day website page.
