Serbian Ambassador seeks trade links with Black Country

BUSINESS leaders and councillors in the Black Country pressed the case for investment in the area’s automotive and aerospace industry when Sandwell played host to a visit from the Serbian Ambassador Dejan Popovic. The Ambassador, together with First Counsellor for Economic Affairs Sasa Uzelac, were visiting the borough to explore the potential for a bi-lateral economic co-operation with Serbia, with a particular focus on the two key sectors. The visit was arranged by Peter Mathews, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Lead Member for International Trade. During their visit, the Serbian delegation attended the quarterly meeting of Black Country chief executives at Sandwell Council in Oldbury. 

Keyfuels recognised for employee engagement strategy

WALSALL based fuel management firm Keyfuels has been listed as a rising star in the Best Companies Accreditation scheme. The company, which employs 50 people at its headquarters on the Premier Business Park, provides fuel card and fuel management services to some of Europe’s largest fleet operators. The award recognises the high level of employee engagement at the firm. Peter McCarthy, service and operations director, said: “This award is based on staff feedback, making it a true reflection of how our employees feel about the business.” Jonathan Austin, founder and chief executive of Best Companies said: “Organisations like Keyfuels have continued to focus on their employees and have been rewarded with an engaged workforce who tell us that this is a great place to work.”

Going Solar sets to work on £1.2m solar panel contract

WORCESTERSHIRE renewable energy installer Going Solar has started work on the UK’s largest rooftop solar power project. It is fitting 2,200 photovoltaic panels on to a series of warehouse roofs at Debach Enterprises, Ransomes Europark in Ipswich.  The panels will span more than an acre when the project is completed next month. The Neen Sollars firm said the 500kWp installation would help generate up to 440,000 kW hours a year, which will not only provide free power to the warehouse, but also feed enough power back to the grid to supply over 100 homes. The firm clinched the £1.2m contract from a London-based renewable energy developer. In all, it has undertaken the planning and building regulations applications, electrical design and grid connection for the Suffolk project.