Chamber welcomes road investment report

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a new report by Midlands Connect that outlines 17 road projects across the region that could have a transformational effect.

It includes improvements on the A46 in Coventry and between Stratford and Warwick as well as a range of other projects across the wider Midlands.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Chamber, said improving the road network was vital in stimulating growth.

He said: “Midlands Connect has set out where it believes investment should be targeted and the priorities for our region when it comes to our roads.

“Of course, we want to see improvements on our own patch but when you look at the wider report there are, for example, calls to improve the A5 which directly affects our members too.

while we want to grow the business for ourselves and for our family, we want to give back. We want to be a business that the city is proud of and one that invests and creates good jobs.

“It was good to chat through those plans but also to talk about some of the challenges you face when it comes to growing because being in business doesn’t run in a straight line as there is always something new to think about – whether its costs going up or trying to recruit key staff.

“So, being able to go on the Amazon Accelerate Programme was great for me and for the business. I just want to learn all the time and soak up as much information as possible and it was a real eye-opener.

“We see this is very much as a partnership with the Chamber so we are thrilled to be backing the Green Futures: Expo & Summit next month.”

Steve said: “We are fortunate to have so many great businesses here in Coventry and Warwickshire, who are innovating and growing and, in this instance, helping other companies to become more sustainable.

“I was fascinated to hear the back story but also the future of the business and we will do everything we can to support its growth.”

“It’s vital to take a regional viewpoint. Businesses and their staff don’t adhere to local authority boundaries – they travel across borders and having a road network that is fit for purpose is vital.

“I think everyone would agree that there have been major improvements in Coventry and Warwickshire in recent years and the recommendations in this report would provide a further boost to our region.”

Mike Bull, Programme Director at Midlands Connect, said: “We never recommend a project for funding unless we believe the benefits outweigh the costs. The 17 road projects mentioned in the report have the ability to cut congestion, help create new jobs and homes, as well as improve safety across the region. They are real ‘no brainers’ for stimulating economic growth during this challenging time.

“We will continue to support National Highways and the relevant Local Authorities in making the case for these much-needed schemes to Government.”

Call to action as charity marks 10 years of supporting grieving parents

A Warwickshire-based charity is marking a decade of being a vital support system for grieving parents, helping them during the most difficult time of their lives.

Freddie's Wish is a charity with love at its heart, providing counselling to parents who've lost a baby or child, and educating parents and carers in Paediatric First Aid.

Freddie's Wish was set up in early 2015 after Charlotte Jolliffe lost her son Freddie in December 2014. He died at just 13 months old due to injuries he sustained from a road traffic collision.

This December will mark 10 years since Freddie tragically lost his life, but also 10 years of incredible fundraising and support and the charity is hoping to make this year its best yet.

"I can't believe the support we have received over the last decade and how grateful we are to each and every person and business who has supported us over that time,” said Founder Charlotte.

“The love and support we have been shown has enabled us to grow and expand, saving lives both mentally and physically, and being able to provide that education and support makes me immensely proud and demonstrates what a legacy Freddie's life has left behind.”

The charity delivers First Aid courses, as Charlotte says that CPR being performed on Freddie at the scene gave him the best chance of survival as well as giving the family the chance to say goodbye.

First Aid shouldn't be a luxury, says the charity – it should be something everyone should have access to, enabling it to become a priority and instilling confidence in parents, enabling them to act quickly should a first aid situation arise.

The charity also offers fully funded bereavement support and counselling delivered by accredited counsellors, making this life-saving support accessible to parents whose world has fallen apart. The service is available to all parents who have lost a baby or child, from the moment of conception to any age.

All fundraising is so important to keep the charity delivering these vital services, so anyone who would like to get involved to make the 10th anniversary incredible is invited to get in touch.

See https://freddieswish.org/