Latest news with #Solihull-based
Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Times
Gymshark profits fall as tariffs threaten to squeeze US business
Gymshark's profits slipped in the year before President Trump's tariff regime threatened to squeeze its crucial American business and upend its 12-year streak of uninterrupted revenue growth. Pre-tax profits fell from £13.1 million to £11.9 million in the year to the end of July as the British athleisure brand invested in new stores in London, New York, Dubai, Amsterdam and Manchester. Ben Francis, the Solihull-based company's 32-year-old co-founder and chief executive, owns more than 70 per cent of the business, with US private equity firm General Atlantic and management the rest. No dividend was paid, but the pay of the company's highest-earning director rose to £1.15 million from £968,000 last year and almost twice the level paid in 2022. The decline in pre-tax profits
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Birmingham Airport changes ahead of 'busiest Easter on record' as 650,000 passengers expected
Birmingham Airport has told passengers jetting off on their Easter holidays to expect a number of changes inside the terminal. The Solihull-based airport is bracing for its "busiest Easter on record" with an expected 15 per cent increase in customers year-on-year and more than 650,000 passengers expected through the doors for the Easter break. This Easter, Dubai, Antalya, Alicante and Palma de Mallorca are the most popular beach breaks and Amsterdam, Istanbul and Paris are the most sought-after city breaks from Birmingham. READ MORE: Birmingham Airport changes in 'busiest year ever' - from security and parking to new routes Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp As the terminal braces for record numbers, BHX bosses have flagged a number of changes that passengers will see in the terminal following "a series of significant investments to enhance customer service". Birmingham Airport has also issued guidance for people travelling through security to help ensure a smooth experience as new changes are rolled out. A key change, introduced in March, is the opening of two additional security screening lanes at the airport. Described as "two state-of-the-art" lanes, the new lanes will have a capacity to successfully screen up to 3,600 passengers and their luggage per hour in peak times. However this will only work at its best if people stick to packing the correct liquids in their hand luggage and avoid non-compliant items. At the start of March, BHX appointed a new assisted travel partnership to in a bid to "focus on passenger experience enhancements." From April 1, Wilson James was announced as the new operators of the assisted travel system in the terminal. Birmingham Airport also revealed plans to invest £10 million into the development of an additional outbound baggage carousel in the North Terminal, as well as a reconfiguration and expansion of the south immigration area. The airport said this will bring in "potential for faster processing times". Work on a 'full reconfiguration' of the south arrivals area is already under way, but no fixed date has been confirmed for when passengers will see this change come into effect. Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director of Birmingham Airport said: 'We are preparing for our busiest Easter holiday getaway on record with many passengers jetting off to enjoy the spring holidays. 'Since last Easter we have invested in our security area to ensure ease and simplicity for our customers travelling through the airport. "Our security hall that opened in June last year, was further complemented with a further two screening machines, enabling large electricals to stay in hand luggage, but more importantly allows liquids in containers under 100ml to remain in bags too. 'Our colleagues will be on hand in the terminal to assist customers on their way through the airport. However, we encourage all to look at our website for the latest guidance on travel.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Route map reveals every stop new West Midlands autonomous shuttles will make
The official route of a new autonomous shuttle service in the West Midlands has been confirmed - and it includes key destinations in the region. The cube-like buses will run a 7km route to major venues like the NEC, the bp pulse LIVE Arena and Birmingham International Rail station, which links to Birmingham Airport - but passengers will have to wait to experience the full route. While the full map has been revealed, passengers can only ride on the first phase of the route as it is being rolled out in phases. READ MORE: Futuristic autonomous shuttles operating for West Midlands passengers - all you need to know Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp Solihull Council said the shuttle route would be fully operational in the summer - but no exact date has yet been given. The trial is called The Solihull and Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project and is being delivered by a consortium led by Solihull Council, including WMG at the University of Warwick and Coventry University, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the NEC, Coventry City Council and automated vehicle simulation specialists IPG and dRISK. Currently, the futuristic shuttles are ferrying passengers around the first phase of the route, which encompasses the bp pulse LIVE Arena to the VIP and blue badge parking area. The route will be extended in further sections to link passengers from Birmingham International railway station to the NEC and Birmingham Business Park by the summer. Shuttles will be operating between 10am and 3pm on the following dates: Wednesday 26 March Monday 31March Wednesday 2 April Friday 4 April Monday 7 April Wednesday 9 April Thursday 10 April Monday 14 April Wednesday 16 April Wednesday 23 April Thursday 24 April Friday 25 April Monday 28 April Wednesday 30 April Thursday 1 May The map below shows what the 7km route will look like once fully operational. The blue, green and red shuttles are fully-accessible and the creation of New Zealand-based autonomous vehicle manufacturer Ohmio, represented in the UK by Ohmio UK. Each vehicle can carry up to 14 passengers and has cameras and sensors to understand their surroundings, allowing them to interact with live traffic and move around safely. Each journey will also be tracked in real time from TfWM's control centre on Summer Lane. Coun Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, said: "Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we get around. "We are excited to be leading the way, not just in Solihull, but regionally and across the country, in providing learning on CAM deployments in different settings and scenarios. 'Taking place across one of the best-connected destinations in the UK and Europe, this new Solihull-based route will join up three key assets within the UK Central Hub area, operating in a busy but controlled environment and gaining further real-world operating experience. 'As part of our continuous learning, colleagues at TfWM will be conducting a series of passenger surveys to better understand attitudes around this technology and potential barriers. "I'd encourage anyone who is interested in helping to shape the future of automated transport to check the next development dates and take a ride for themselves."
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Futuristic autonomous shuttles operating for West Midlands passengers - all you need to know
Solihull's new self-driving shuttles are now in operation - but passengers face a wait for the full route to go live as it is being rolled out in phases. The cube-like driverless buses will eventually operate a 7km route along key destinations in the borough and stops will include the bp pulse LIVE Arena, Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham Business Park. The route is going live in phases, Solihull Council has confirmed, which means that full route will only be available from the summer. READ MORE: Major Solihull update on plans to transform Mell Square shopping centre Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp However, the NEC portion of the shuttle route is now live and is shuttling visitors around for "busy events", council bosses confirmed. The fleet of autonomous buses will eventually operate a seven kilometre-route, a little over four miles, in Solihull. Solihull Council said the Solihull and Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project had been established to better understand how self-driving vehicles might feature within future transport systems. The first phase of the route, linking bp pulse LIVE Arena to the VIP & blue badge parking area, was launched on March 19 during an international trade delegation visit. Currently, the trial service is now open for passengers visiting upcoming major events at the NEC including the Commercial Vehicle Show. The first phase of the shuttle route at the NEC is live until April 7, but will be extended in further sections to link passengers from Birmingham International rail station to the NEC and Birmingham Business Park by the summer. The accessible fully electric shuttles being used have been built by New Zealand based autonomous vehicle manufacturer Ohmio, represented in the UK by Ohmio UK, and can carry up to 14 passengers. Shuttles have cameras and sensors to understand their surroundings, allowing them to interact with live traffic and move around safely. Each journey will also be tracked in real time from TfWM's control centre on Summer Lane. The project is being delivered by a consortium led by Solihull Council, including both WMG at the University of Warwick and Coventry University, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the NEC, Coventry City Council and automated vehicle simulation specialists IPG and dRISK. Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, said: "Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we get around. "We are excited to be leading the way, not just in Solihull, but regionally and across the country, in providing learning on CAM deployments in different settings and scenarios.' 'Taking place across one of the best-connected destinations in the UK and Europe, this new Solihull-based route will join up three key assets within the UK Central Hub area, operating in a busy but controlled environment and gaining further real-world operating experience. 'As part of our continuous learning, colleagues at TfWM will be conducting a series of passenger surveys to better understand attitudes around this technology and potential barriers. "I'd encourage anyone who is interested in helping to shape the future of automated transport to check the next development dates and take a ride for themselves."
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
A Star Care Services Expands Live-In Care Operations to London Market
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2025) - A Star Care Services Limited, a leading provider of home care services with nearly three decades of experience, today announced its expansion into the London market. It will offer its comprehensive live-in care services to meet the growing demand for personalised home care solutions in the capital. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for the Solihull-based company, extending its award-winning care services to London residents. The expansion will provide round-the-clock care solutions for individuals of all ages, including specialised services for those with complex medical needs, dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. 'Our expansion into London represents a natural progression in our mission to provide exceptional live-in care services,' said Jennifer Lindsey, founder of A Star Care Services. 'We're bringing our proven approach of personalised, compassionate care to London residents, ensuring they can maintain their independence while receiving professional support in the comfort of their homes.' The company's London operations will offer comprehensive live-in care services, including: 24/7 personalised care assistance Specialised dementia and Alzheimer's care Support for individuals with brain injuries and spinal conditions Health and well-being monitoring Companionship care Complex medical care management This expansion addresses the increasing demand for high-quality home care services in London. Many residents prefer to receive care in their own homes rather than move to residential facilities. A Star Care Services' approach emphasises maintaining clients' dignity and independence while providing professional care support. 'What sets our service apart is our commitment to building genuine relationships between caregivers and clients,' Jennifer added. 'Our transparent pricing structure, experienced care team, and personalised care plans ensure that each client receives the exact support they need to maintain their quality of life.' The company's expansion into London includes a rigorous recruitment drive for experienced caregivers and the establishment of local support infrastructure to maintain the high standards of care that have defined A Star Care Services since its founding in 1997. About A Star Care Services Limited Founded in 2018, A Star Care Services Limited is a leading provider of home care and live-in care services, headquartered in Solihull, England. The company specialises in delivering personalised care solutions for individuals of all ages, including elderly care, specialised medical care, and support for various health conditions. With a focus on compassionate care and maintaining clients' independence, A Star Care Services has established itself as a trusted name in the health and social care sector. Media Contact 01216289790
