Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons


Contact: Marilyn Castree T: 0845 603 6650


In Brief


Tamworth based Fishers Solicitors has promoted Ruth Jewell (pictured) to head of dispute resolution. Ms Jewell, who has


more than a decade of experience as a lawyer, joined Fishers last year. Fishers’ director


Charles Killin said “Ruth’s passion for seeking the best outcome for her clients together with her outstanding attention to detail and unfailing good humour make her a key member at Fishers.”


Crystal Specialist Finance (CSF) has won one of the most prestigious categories at the professional finance industry’s annual awards. The firm has been named as ‘Commercial


Finance Specialist Distributor of the Year 2018’. The awards was held at a glittering


ceremony at London’s Lancaster hotel, hosted by TV star and Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman.


Tamworth invests in upskilling jobseekers


A district in Tamworth has been given almost £190,000 of funding to help jobseekers. Glascote is one of nine areas across the region


to get a share of £4m, as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) new three-year Employment Support Pilot Schemes, to help people get into work. As well as helping people find work, the pilot


also aims to equip low paid workers with the skills needed to land better jobs. Overall, the programme is targeting around


4,500 people across the nine areas, with a particular focus on young people, disabled people and other vulnerable groups. The money is being made available to the


WMCA by the Department for Work and Pensions as part of the transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall to the West Midlands following the region’s decision to form a combined authority, led by an elected mayor. Dr Julie Nugent, the WMCA’s director of skills


and productivity, said: “We are determined to use our new powers to make a real difference to people’s lives, addressing the things that matter


to them like good homes, jobs and opportunities for the future. These Employment Support schemes are part of our investment into community-led projects that help more local people get into work and, for those already in employment, to upskill so they can earn more.” The nine schemes will run for three years, to


boost the support that is already available through Jobcentre Plus. Tamworth & Lichfield Chamber of Commerce


& Industry director Marilyn Castree said: “Allocating these funds is fantastic news for the West Midlands, and in particular the Glascote area with fall within the district of Tamworth. “It will bring unseen opportunities for those


who need to raise their self-esteem and those craving self-development in gaining employment and/or enhancing further work-life skills. “Supporting skills and employment opportunities, together with enhancing jobs prospects and the chance to get into higher paid work, will also continue to aid building a successful economy and help bring the local community together.”


Approval for highways scheme designs


Three major highways schemes in Staffordshire have been recognised by the Institute of Highway Engineers for the quality of their design. The schemes are: improving the centre of


Newcastle-under-Lyme for pedestrians and cyclists; creating the gateway to the new Branston Locks business and housing development near Burton; and building a pedestrian and cycle steel bridge to a new housing development in Tamworth. In Newcastle, the highways team worked with


Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and walks and cycle charity Sustrans to create a scheme in High Street and Hassell Street. This has improved pedestrian connections from the town to the bus station and the area around the war memorial. At Branston Locks, the highways team has


created the gateway to new housing, business and leisure development by realigning Branston Road and building a new canal bridge. The development will include 2,500 houses, 50-acre employment site, a primary and secondary school and community and recreational facilities. The Tamworth project has seen the creation


and installation of a bridge over the Birmingham to Derby railway, connecting a housing and school development of Ashby Road. Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for highways and transport, Helen Fisher, said: “Our highways team does a


34 CHAMBERLINK June 2018


Helen Fisher with Stephen Rose from developer Bellway Homes at the new bridge in Tamworth


tremendous job and its work is vital for Staffordshire’s connectivity and economic growth. “These three projects which have been


recognised by the industry are all different but have all involves complex design, intricate


planning and close partnership working – with a range of organisations and with local communities. “The finished schemes ensure there is safe and


suitable access to new and existing development and have literally paved the way for future growth.”


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