May
2012
Articles from 17th May 2012
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'Tombstone' plans for Birmingham's Central Fire Station rejected
May 17 2012 | West Midlands News
The third set of plans for modern glass 23-storey skyscraper rising above Birmingham’s historic Central Fire Station have been overwhelmingly rejected by city councillors. Read
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1.7 million visitors to Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) since renovation
May 17 2012 | West Midlands News
Birmingham’s Mac arts centre has attracted more than 1.7 million visitors since it reopened in 2010 following a £15 million renovation. Read
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Firms produce Jubilee and Olympic merchandise in 'buy British' campaign
May 17 2012 | West Midlands News
The bunting has been hung and Birmingham’s Bullring bull has had a Union Flag make-over as the city gears up to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics. Consumer Correspondent Emma McKinney investigates how this summer’s major British events could prove a boost for the city’s economy Read
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New city centre hotel to kick start Arena Central development
May 17 2012 | West Midlands News
The first stage of the long-awaited Arena Central development in Birmingham city centre is set to be approved – in a move which could kick-start development in a key city centre location. Read
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Alex McLeish: My regret at letting Aston Villa fans down
May 17 2012 | Aston Villa FC
Alex McLeish has expressed his regret at letting down the Aston Villa fans following his season of failure with the club. Read
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Aston Villa manager search starts as Mick McCarthy rumours subside
May 17 2012 | Aston Villa FC
Aston Villa bosses have begun their search for a new manager in earnest following the arrival yesterday of owner Randy Lerner. Read
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Another summer search for a manager at Aston Villa
May 17 2012 | Aston Villa FC
Aston Villa are hoping it will be third time lucky as their hunt for a manager to bring back European football gathers pace. Read
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David Murphy earns extra two years on Birmingham City contract
May 17 2012 | Birmingham City FC
David Murphy, one of Blues’ star performers this season, has had his immediate St Andrew’s future secured. Read
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Chris Hughton's future depending on Birmingham City ambitions
May 17 2012 | Birmingham City FC
The dust may be settling a little on a campaign of emotional highs and lows for Birmingham City. Read
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Video: Tributes to disco queen Donna Summer, who has died aged 63
May 17 2012 | UK News
Tributes have been paid to disco star Donna Summer who has died aged 63. Includes video with Paula Yates interview on The Tube. Read
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Facebook shares to cost £24 each
May 17 2012 | UK News
Facebook has priced its initial public share offering at 38 US dollars (£24). Read
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Greece's credit rating downgraded
May 17 2012 | UK News
An influential financial ratings agency has downgraded debt-crippled Greece deeper into junk territory. Read
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Bank shareholders voice frustration
May 17 2012 | UK News
Taxpayer-backed Lloyds Banking Group has faced frustrated calls from shareholders wanting to know when the lender expects to rebuild its battered share price. Read
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PM issues warning on euro stability
May 17 2012 | UK News
David Cameron has warned fellow European leaders of the need for the eurozone to take "decisive action" to ensure stability in a high-level conference call to discuss the Greek crisis. Read
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Peter Hain contempt case shelved
May 17 2012 | UK News
A court case which saw the Northern Ireland judiciary pitted against Westminster MPs has been shelved with both sides claiming moral victory. Read
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Ahmadinejad 'blocked from Olympics'
May 17 2012 | UK News
Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims he has been blocked by the UK authorities from attending the Olympic Games in London. Read
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Peter Hain contempt case dropped
May 17 2012 | UK News
A contempt of court case taken against Labour MP Peter Hain over criticisms he made of a judge in Northern Ireland will not proceed, the High Court in Belfast has ruled. Read
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Cameron 'told how to treat Murdoch'
May 17 2012 | UK News
News International executives briefed David Cameron on "what to say and how to say it" before he met Rupert Murdoch but he "refused to play ball", the Leveson Inquiry has been told. Read
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New twist in solar tariff cuts saga
May 17 2012 | UK News
The Government is considering "tweaking" the start date for the next reduction in solar tariffs, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey has said, insisting there would be no "massive change". Read
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GP denies claims over TB death girl
May 17 2012 | UK News
A doctor has denied recommending a spiritual healer to a 15-year-old schoolgirl in the weeks before she died from tuberculosis. Read
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Two held over attack on woman, 93
May 17 2012 | UK News
Police have arrested two people in connection with an attack on a 93-year-old woman who was severely beaten in her own home. Read
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Mladic UN war crimes trial delayed
May 17 2012 | UK News
The war crimes trial of ex-Bosnian Serb commander General Ratko Mladic has been delayed by a judge in The Hague due to "errors" by prosecutors in disclosing evidence to defence lawyers. Read
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Support Greece or see euro fail: PM
May 17 2012 | UK News
David Cameron has issued a call for action from eurozone states and institutions to support weaker economies like Greece or see the single European currency break up. Read
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Media wins video footage battle
May 17 2012 | UK News
Media organisations have won their High Court battle against orders forcing them to give police film footage of the high-profile evictions of residents from the Dale Farm travellers' site. Read
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Vauxhall wins £125m jobs boost
May 17 2012 | UK News
The UK economy has received a major boost with news of a £125 million investment in Vauxhall's car plant, creating thousands of new jobs. Read
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Warning given over 'housing crisis'
May 17 2012 | UK News
More new homes must be built to tackle "the country's burgeoning housing crisis", a new report has said. Read
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Social care 'at breaking point'
May 17 2012 | UK News
The social care system is at breaking point, with 88% of social workers fearing that cuts are putting vulnerable children's lives at risk. Read
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Pay vote clears way for investment
May 17 2012 | UK News
Vauxhall car workers have voted massively in favour of a new pay and conditions deal which clears the way for huge new investment in the UK motor industry. Read
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Obama set to host world leaders
May 17 2012 | UK News
More than two dozen world leaders will join President Barack Obama in an extraordinary weekend of back-to-back summits to tackle Europe's mounting economic woes and solidify plans for winding down the decade-long war in Afghanistan. Read
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Caretaker PM takes helm in Greece
May 17 2012 | UK News
A senior judge has been sworn in to head Greece's caretaker government for a month as the debt-crippled country lurches through a political crisis that threatens its membership in the 17-nation eurozone. Read
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Vauxhall set for investment boost
May 17 2012 | UK News
The UK economy is set to receive a major boost with news of a huge investment in a Vauxhall car plant, creating new jobs and adding an extra production shift. Read
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Double record for kidney donor
May 17 2012 | UK News
An 83-year-old man has achieved a double by becoming the oldest living kidney donor in the UK and the oldest person in the country to give a kidney to a stranger. Read
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Queen to visit zoo on jubilee tour
May 17 2012 | UK News
The Queen is visiting Chester Zoo as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour to celebrate 60 years on the throne. Read
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Coe relishes 2012 flame touchdown
May 17 2012 | UK News
The touchdown of the Olympic Flame on British soil could trigger the greatest buzz yet about the London 2012 Games, Lord Coe hopes. Read
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Old films bring back the memories
May 17 2012 | UK News
Archive films are being used to help people with dementia and other memory disorders in a new project. Read
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More growing own food to save cash
May 17 2012 | UK News
One in six adults have started growing their own food in the last four years, with the majority saying they have done so to save money, according to a poll. Read
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Home-working side-effects revealed
May 17 2012 | UK News
Mothers face unexpected side-effects when they work from home, including higher energy bills and having more washing-up to do, according to a new study. Read
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Three held after far-right protest
May 17 2012 | UK News
Three people were arrested as far right-groups were accused by police of using diversionary tactics to promote their message. Read
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PM queries single currency survival
May 17 2012 | UK News
The survival of the European single currency is in question, creating "huge risks" for Britain's economy, Prime Minister David Cameron is to say. Read
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Short apprenticeships 'no benefit'
May 17 2012 | UK News
Apprenticeships of less than six months provide "no real benefit" to trainees or their employers, a parliamentary report has warned. Read
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Spain 'snubs Queen's jubilee lunch'
May 17 2012 | UK News
Queen Sofia of Spain will not be attending a lunch to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee amid a row over Gibraltar, it has been reported. Read
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Cheltenham to face Crewe at Wembley
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Cheltenham withstood heavy first-half pressure before goals from Jermaine McGlashan and Marlon Pack secured a 2-1 win at Torquay to confirm their place in the npower League Two play-off final. Read
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British duo strike gold in Eindhoven
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow ended Great Britain's 74-year wait for a female European Diving Championships title in Eindhoven. Read
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Whelan reveals Reds' Martinez approach
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has given Liverpool permission to speak to manager Roberto Martinez, following an approach from the Carling Cup winners. Read
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Broad keeps Windies in check
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Stuart Broad and the rest of England's famed pace attack had to earn their successes on an attritional first day of the Investec Test series against West Indies at Lord's. Read
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Snedeker makes light of missing clubs
May 17 2012 | National Sport
In a history going back to 1964 the World Match Play Championship has never seen anything quite like Brandt Snedeker's victory over Thomas Bjorn in Spain. Read
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Reds won't rush decision on new boss
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists owners Fenway Sports Group are taking the advice of "pre-eminent people in football" in their quest to find the right man to replace Kenny Dalglish. Read
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Owen vows to play on
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Former England striker Michael Owen has no intention of retiring following his release by Manchester United. Read
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Olympic Flame handed over to London
May 17 2012 | National Sport
The Olympic Flame has been handed over to London. Read
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Odds slashed on Solskjaer to lead Villa
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rapidly emerged as a red-hot favourite to become the next Aston Villa manager. Read
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Stoner announces retirement
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Reigning world champion Casey Stoner has stunned the MotoGP paddock by announcing that he will retire at the end of the 2012 season. Read
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Murray beaten in Rome
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Andy Murray came off second-best against a determined Richard Gasquet in the Rome Masters. Read
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BOA remove lifetime drugs ban
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Former drugs cheats Dwain Chambers and David Millar have been formally cleared to take part in the London 2012 Olympics. Read
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Final all that matters to Mata
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Juan Mata has refused to even contemplate the prospect of playing in the Europa League next season ahead of Chelsea's Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Read
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Cottagers agree new Diarra deal
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Fulham have agreed a one-year contract extension with midfielder Mahamadou Diarra. Read
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Barath and Chanderpaul lift tourists
May 17 2012 | National Sport
West Indies remained on course for a competitive total after two sessions of graft against England's famed attack at Lord's. Read
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Couch and Barrow eye Euro gold
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow moved a step closer to ending Great Britain's 74-year wait for a women's European Diving Championships gold medal after qualifying first for the platform synchro in Eindhoven. Read
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Defoe attributes call-up to pre-season
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Jermain Defoe thinks a gruelling pre-season training camp in France helped him break in to England's Euro 2012 squad. Read
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Ayre: League results forced Dalglish out
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists they had to sack Kenny Dalglish because results did not match up to longer-term expectations. Read
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McLeish reveals Villa regrets
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Alex McLeish has expressed his regret at letting down Aston Villa fans following his season of failure with the club. Read
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Mallinder commits future to Saints
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder has agreed a new contract with the Aviva Premiership club. Read
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Wilshere facing minor knee surgery
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is to undergo a minor procedure on his knee in the next few days, the club have confirmed. Read
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Barath defies England attack
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Adrian Barath defied England's famed pace attack, and the expectations of many, to guide West Indies to a lunchtime 83 for two at Lord's. Read
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League results forced Dalglish out: Ayre
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists they had to sack Kenny Dalglish because results did not match up to longer-term expectations. Read
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Anderson double strike for England
May 17 2012 | National Sport
James Anderson struck twice to spoil much good work by the West Indies - who defied the expectations of many against England's famed new-ball attack for much of the first hour at Lord's. Read
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Bairstow handed England debut
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Jonny Bairstow will make his Test debut against West Indies at Lord's today. Read
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Sacked Dalglish backs owners
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Sacked Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has given his backing to owners Fenway Sports Group. Read
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Owen set for United exit
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Former England striker Michael Owen is set to leave Manchester United after revealing he will not be offered a new contract. Read
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Poulter relishing cut-throat match play
May 17 2012 | National Sport
If Ian Poulter was put in charge of world golf - now there's a thought - half the tournaments during the year would be match play. Read
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Coe relishes 2012 Flame touchdown
May 17 2012 | National Sport
The touchdown of the Olympic Flame on British soil could trigger the greatest buzz yet about the London 2012 Games, Lord Coe hopes. Read
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Suarez row pressure worst for Evra
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Patrice Evra has admitted the pressure he was under prior to his non-handshake with Luis Suarez was the greatest he had ever felt in his life. Read
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Hodgson puts faith in Oxlade-Chamberlain
May 17 2012 | National Sport
England boss Roy Hodgson is preparing to sling Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain "in at the deep end" to see if he can cut it at Euro 2012. Read
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Drogba ready to seize final chance
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Didier Drogba has admitted he fell into the trap of thinking Chelsea would be back in the Champions League final a year after losing to Manchester United. Read
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Rio signals England career at end
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Rio Ferdinand appears to have brought down the curtain on his England career. Read
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Reds searching for new king
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Liverpool's owners are focused on ensuring their next appointment is the right one after deciding Kenny Dalglish was not the man to deliver their vision. Read
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Davis backs young side to win at Wembley
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Crewe boss Steve Davis has backed his young side to finish the job after they sealed a trip to Wembley in the npower League Two play-off final. Read
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Rangers to continue transfer ban fight
May 17 2012 | National Sport
Rangers have lost their appeal against a 12-month transfer embargo and £160,000 fine but administrators Duff and Phelps have suggested they could explore further ways of challenging the sanctions. Read
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England comfortable with No.1 rating, says Jonathan Trott
May 17 2012 | Cricket News
Jonathan Trott insists that England’s players are wearing the world number one tag lightly as, for the first time, they head into a season at the top of the global rankings. Read
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Allen-Jones returns to Harrison Clark as family law partner
May 17 2012 | Legal
A former trainee of three counties law firm Harrison Clark has returned as its sixth partner in its family law department. Read
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Pensions hires at Squire Sanders
May 17 2012 | Legal
Global legal practice Squire Sanders has expanded its pensions practice across the UK with the hire of two new partners including one at its Birmingham office. Read
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Ahmed rejoins Williamson & Soden
May 17 2012 | Legal
A specialist criminal law solicitor has returned to Solihull and Birmingham law firm Williamson & Soden after a couple of years with a rival firm. Read
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Top ten charity ranking for Anthony Collins
May 17 2012 | Legal
A Birmingham law firm has been named as a UK top-ten charity law firm in CaritasData’s Top Legal Advisors list. Read
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New intellectual property partner at Cobbetts
May 17 2012 | Legal
An intellectual property lawyer has joined the Birmingham office of Cobbetts as a partner, boosting its intellectual property group.boosting its intellectual property group. Read
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Forresters climb the trade mark rankings
May 17 2012 | Legal
National intellectual property specialist Forresters, which has an office in Birmingham, has leapt up to second in a list of UK firms filing the most Community Trade Mark applications, new figures have revealed. Read
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Chris Game: Labour rejects opportunity for new scrutiny in Birmingham
May 17 2012 | Politics News
Sir Albert Bore’s new overview and scrutiny appointments have not been his greatest moment, argues Chris Game Read
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Birmingham Labour leaders accused of high risk strategy on children's social care
May 17 2012 | Politics News
The appointment of a young novice councillor to run Birmingham City Council’s challenged education and children’s social services departments at a time of great change has been labelled a “high risk strategy”. Read
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Bodybuilders hit out at George Osborne after VAT rise
May 17 2012 | Politics News
A new group has joined pensioners and pasty enthusiasts in venting its anger at George Osborne – and this one has muscle. Read
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Peers ready to put up fight over House of Lords reform
May 17 2012 | Politics News
The House of Lords is ready to “put up a real fight” over plans to replace it with a mainly-elected chamber, Midland peer Lord Cormack has warned. Read
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Birmingham City University unveils £125m city centre campus plan
May 17 2012 | Education News
Birmingham City University has unveiled ambitious plans to build a £125 million base in the heart of the city. Read
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Darren Campbell says WADA should adopt BOA's life ban for drug cheats
May 17 2012 | Other Sport
British sprint legend Darren Campbell has called on the World Anti-Doping Agency to pay more attention to the opinions of athletes following the organisation’s successful legal challenge to Britain’s lifetime Olympic ban for drugs cheats. Read
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Great Britain water polo squad fighting for medals and funding
May 17 2012 | Other Sport
Birmingham’s Rosie Morris admits the GB women’s water polo team will be playing for more than medals at London 2012. Read
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Paralympic hopeful Jordanne Whiley wins first ITF 1 Wheelchair Tennis title at Atlanta Open
May 17 2012 | Other Sport
Halesowen wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley must now wait to until next month to find out if she has done enough to secure selection for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Read
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Movie Reviews: The Dictator, The Raid, 2 Days In New York, Piranha 3DD
May 17 2012 | Film
Graham Young reviews the latest cinema releases including, The Dictator, The Raid, 2 Days In New York and Piranha 3DD. Read
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Jazz Diary
May 17 2012 | Music
I’m getting a bit worried about calendars and diaries and clashes. The jazz scene in Birmingham is a healthy one but it’s not particularly big, and so it seems unfortunate that, for example, Friday and Tuesday evenings seem to have become popular. Read
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Jez Moxey laments wasted millions at Wolves
May 17 2012 | Wolves FC
Jez Moxey says he expects a busy summer of transfer activity – and has bemoaned a wasted £10 million spent last season. Read
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Stale Solbakken aiming for success with style at Wolves
May 17 2012 | Wolves FC
The Championship next season looks like a lengthy line of Bullseye contestants who’ve just flunked at the 101 in the six darts challenge and then been presented with the caravan they would have won. Read
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WBA release four players ahead of summer dealing
May 17 2012 | West Bromwich Albion FC
West Brom have released four players and taken up contract options on five as they look to reshape their squad for next season. Read
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Ben Foster hails West Brom recruitment policy
May 17 2012 | West Bromwich Albion FC
Eyebrows were raised somewhat when news first broke that West Bromwich Albion were planning to sign Gareth McAuley from Ipswich Town last summer on a free transfer. Read
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Griffiths & Pegg wins darts deal
May 17 2012 | Financial
Black Country firm Griffiths & Pegg have been appointed accountant partner to the Professional Darts Players Association. Read
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Fusion Contact Centre Services invests in new technology
May 17 2012 | Financial
Insurance firm Fusion Contact Centre Services has announced a major investment in its technological capability. Read
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Towergate Insurance appoints new regional MD
May 17 2012 | Financial
nsurance firm Towergate Insurance has appointed Paul Watts as regional managing director for its Midlands businesses. Read
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360 Creative Event Services recruit after securing finance package
May 17 2012 | Financial
Events management company 360 Creative Event Services is looking to recruit new staff and grow the business after securing a seven-figure finance package from Santander Corporate Banking. Read
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New faces at Barclays
May 17 2012 | Financial
Barclays has appointed two new staff to its Midlands corporate multinational team. Read
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Jobs boost at Hama Investments after bank deal agreed
May 17 2012 | Financial
Midland property developer Hama Investments has created 30 jobs after securing a £590,000 loan to help complete the construction of a luxury apartment block. Read
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Business Profile: Steve Hollis, regional chairman of KPMG
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
KPMG’s regional chairman Steve Hollis talks to Ian Halstead about his career, his philosophy... and bling Read
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Facebook set for mammoth stock market flotation
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
Facebook is heading for one of the biggest ever US stock flotations when it sells hundreds of millions of shares to the public. Read
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Aer Lingus to run Birmingham-Knock route after bmibaby closure
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
Irish airline Aer Lingus is to take over the route linking Birmingham Airport with Knock in the west of Ireland after the closure of budget airline bmibaby was announced. Read
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RSM Tenon suspends tax products after avoidance clampdown
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
Accountancy firm RSM Tenon has suspended a line of specialist tax products after a government clampdown on tax avoidance. Read
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Food focus helps Marston’s achieve sales rise
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
Midland brewer Marston’s has revealed a 7.6 per cent increase in sales on the back of a focus on food revenue. Read
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West Midlands suppliers boosted by £125m Ellesmere Port investment
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
Suppliers in the West Midlands have been boosted by news of a £125 million investment in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port car plant, creating thousands of new jobs. Read
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Lord Digby Jones blasts 'lynch mob' mentality which attacks top earners
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
The “lynch mob” mentality that cost Fred Goodwin his knighthood and fellow banker Stephen Hester his bonus will damage British business, Lord Jones of Birmingham has warned. Read
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Book celebrates history of Walsall's JA Crabtree
May 17 2012 | Latest Business News
A new book, The Crabtree Story, is being published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Walsall's biggest manufacturer – the first visit of a monarch to the town. Read
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Peter Sharkey: Chisora and Haye brawl their way to a pay-per-view fortune
May 17 2012 | Business of Sport
Disgraced boxers David Haye and Dereck Chisora will reportedly receive a minimum of £2 million as a reward for violent behaviour in Munich more suited to a vomit-strewn pavement outside of a city centre nightclub. Read
