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News, News Titles

Shropshire businesses offered free online marketing tips at MNA Digital workshop

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24th April 2019

- News, News Titles

Shropshire businesses will be able to find out how to attract and convert more customers online at a free digital marketing workshop next month.
 
MNA Digital, the online arm of Shropshire Star publisher the Midland News Association, will be staging the event at Haughton Hall on May 16 to help delegates understand the ever-changing web landscape.
 
Andy Hill, managing director of MNA Digital, will give the talk, drawing upon his 25-year experience not only of working in Shropshire but from his earlier work at Zoopla and Autotrader.
 
The workshop organisers say the morning event is designed for local small and medium-sized enterprises, with the being aim to provide real-world advice and techniques which those attending can use to generate more business from your website.
 
Digital experts will be on hand to provide free one-to-one consultations for business delegates. 
 
Digital sales campaign manager Natalie Coughlan, who is organising the workshop, said: “It can be tough knowing where to focus your efforts when you plan your digital marketing. Those who join us on May 16 can get the latest digital marketing tips and advice.
 
“Whether you’re looking to get started online, learn more about PPC, SEO or social media our team will be on hand to help. Don’t miss out save your space today.”
 
The event will be informal, with free breakfast and networking to start and then an interactive presentation from Andy Hill, followed by the free one-to-one sessions.
 
Save your space by registering through Eventbrite (https://bit.ly/2IPcokx) or call 01902 928 662 for more information.
 
The Haughton Hall workshop is the second to be staged by MNA Digital. In March representatives from a range of companies attended the first event, held at Casino 36 in Wolverhampton.
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News

E&S photo archive team join Twitter celebration

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18th April 2019

- News

The Express & Star photo archive Twitter account is taking part in the #Archive30 campaign taking place throughout April. 
 
Archive30 is organised to celebrate photo archives and the history they preserve, as well as marking the work and dedication shown by those who work behind the scenes.
 
Every day the photo archive team are posting a photo based on the theme of the day. 
 
Visit the Twitter page here: https://twitter.com/ESPhotoArchive
 
Web users flocked to the new Express & Star photo archive website when the resource went live for free to the public last month.
 
In the first three weeks, 7,000 users clocked up 100,000 page impressions as they trawled the new resource, admiring images from the region’s industrial past which had not been seen since they appeared on the pages of the region’s most popular local newspaper in years gone by.
 
Around 3,000 historic photos of the Black Country and its surrounding areas have been digitised for future generations and published on the website: https://photo-archive.expressandstar.co.uk/
 
The Express & Star Photographic Collection partnership, co-ordinated with the University of Wolverhampton and council-run City Archives, received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to digitise photographs dating back over the past century.
 
After volunteers gave the equivalent of 260 working days, the launch realised the partnership’s ambition of making the photos available through a single web portal, allowing free on-line public access for the first time.
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News, News Titles

Chip, chip, hooray! Third win in a row

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17th April 2019

- News, News Titles

A chip shop in Walsall has been voted the best in the area – for the third year running.
 
Aldridge Chippy 2, on Salters Road, has claimed the top prize in the Express & Star’s Chip Shop of the Year competition.
 
Chippies were rated by the number of tokens handed in by readers, while there was also a mystery shopper element which saw the takeaway taste tested.
 
Manager Tryfonas Papettas said: “All the customers help us and we’re really pleased about the win.
 
“Nothing has changed with the quality of service – it’s still high. We would like to say a big thank you and we’re grateful for the customers’ support.
 
“As we try to always go for the best quality products and it’s a constant battle to always give the customer the best.
 
“Make sure everything is the same – customers can expect that all the time and there’s no changes.
 
“It’s really nice to win and we’re very happy about it. We’re going to carry on.”
 
Tryfonas, known as Triv, said the chip shop aimed to win it next year – but said it would be difficult.
 
He said: “You never know – there’s always somebody new but we can only try our best.”
 
The manager, who has been at the shop for nine years, said no plans had been made over what to do to celebrate the win, adding: “We’re going to try and do something with the staff and take them out, but we haven’t got any plans yet.
 
“We’re very happy but it doesn’t mean we’re going to stop – we will carry on and do the best we can.
 
“The important thing is the customers – they’re very happy with the win. They’re very grateful that we’ve won it.”
 
The chippy offers a wide variety of classic meals and holds a five-star food and hygiene award.
 
Mr Papettas, who comes from Sutton Coldfield, said the focus of the chip shop was to provide high quality food at a reasonable price.

 

Family-run business Pearl’s Fish Bar, Milton Street, Palfrey, finished as a runner-up.
 
Owner Shamim Ahmed said he was “very happy” to come second.
He said: “I’m very happy with it. I would like to thank the local community and all of the staff – which are qualified in food safety. We do some healthy options for the customers as well and we love to be a part of the company as a long-serving chip shop in the area.
 
“It gives me a sense of pride and that’s why they voted for us. I’ve been here a long time – about 20 years now.”
 
Mr Ahmed said customers like visiting the chip shop because of the food, service and to discuss local issues.
 
“It’s a family-run business and we live in the area. The customers come in and we chat about local issues and we’re doing litter-picking in the area because we want to keep it clean.
 
“That’s why I think people like us – and we provide a great service and great food.
 
“Staff always are very keen to provide a nice service to the customers and also spend some time and money for their training as well.
 
“The fish and healthy eating food and fresh fish and chips. They are very popular and it’s mainly the quality of the food.”
 

Broadway Chippy, Hawes Close, finished third in the competition.

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Events, News

MNA leads way with Black Country Business Festival

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17th April 2019

- Events, News

The MNA has played a leading role in shaping the Black Country Business Festival 2019, the second annual showcase for local industry.
 
The programme for the fortnight-long festival, which includes more than 100 live events across the region, was officially launched by editor-in-chief Martin Wright at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton on Tuesday.
 
The celebration will include large expos and gala dinners through to factory tours, small workshops and networking events.
 
The events will take place at venues all over the Black Country. Most are free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance and are available on a first come, first served basis. 
 
Kim Hazel and Darren Griffin, who partnered the Chamber to organise the publication and the advertising, both attended Tuesday’s launch.
 
Martin Wright said: “It’s fitting that as the biggest-selling regional daily newspaper in England we are supporting one of the country’s largest business events. 
 
“This is a region that is really going places and we at the Express & Star are delighted to support the festival and to be part of this wonderful success story.
 
“The 52-page brochure is packed with useful information about the festival, not least that all-important calendar of events, and it showcases the thriving business community we have here.”
 
 
The MNA is staging two events for the festival, which has eBay as the headline sponsor. 
 
The Star Public Relations “escape room” challenge on May 17, which will see delegates test their PR skills in real-time at the Grand Theatre, is fully booked.
 
Colleagues from across the MNA will take part in Content is Key: How to share your business news, which will be held at the Express & Star on May 21. 
 
John Corser, Express & Star business editor, will give his insight into how companies can ensure they get their messages to multiple audiences at once.  
 
He will also explain how he has adapted to the digital world and in particular, how his social media presence has developed a whole new audience. Delegates will be given guidance by Sundeep Sehijpal of Star PR.
 
 
At Tuesday’s launch, Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Business Festival founders the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “Things are really starting to heat up now. 
 
“We’ve got an extremely strong programme of over 100 useful, interesting, thought-provoking, exciting and engaging events that will benefit businesses across the Black Country and beyond, helping them to learn, share, interact, engage and grow. 
 
“Tickets to events will be flying out the door from now, so it’s important that everyone registers for the events they want to attend as soon as possible.”
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News

Feeling chipper after hat-trick of awards

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16th April 2019

- News

A family-run chip shop has been named the best “plaice” for the cuisine in Sandwell – for the third year running.
 
The Port chip shop in Dudley Port saw off fierce competition to be named Chip Shop of the Year for Sandwell in the Express & Star’s competition.
 
Chippies were rated by the number of tokens handed in by readers, while there was also a mystery shopper element which saw the takeaway taste tested.
 
Manager Manny Dhariwal described the hat-trick of awards as “amazing” – and put his success down to customers, staff and quality products.
 
He said: “It’s amazing. It’s great to win it three times on the bounce and the fact we can repeat the quality and the success of it is amazing.
 
“The chip shop is owned by three brothers – I’m the nephew to two of them.
 
“I would like to give a huge thank you to the customers more than anyone else – especially over the years. For them to keep coming to us and helping us grow as a small business is incredible.
 
“The one thing that we emphasise is using quality products – that we don’t negotiate on. We get the best fish, potatoes and kebab and we keep that quality.
 
“The staff are brilliant and their relationship with the customers is fantastic. Without them, we wouldn’t have a smooth sailing ship.”
 
Mr Dhariwal’s family reopened The Port in 2015, marking 30 years since the previous owner shut the doors of former chip shop Guest Fish and Chips.
 
And since then, the chippy has aimed to create a sense of nostalgia among its older customers by offering an unusual 
dish. 
 
“The main thing is that we cook our battered chips in beef dripping to create nostalgia – especially for the older people and that’s a recipe that’s worked for us,” he said.
 
“The heritage of the chip shop is close to 50 years. It was a chip shop then and when we reopened, it’s always had an attraction and a heritage there and to continue that success is fantastic.
 
“It’s like with everything – things are always going up and trading is so hard and the fact we can still run a success business through this time is amazing.”
 
Family-run chippy The Codfather, on Brades Road, came runner-up in the competition. Raan Kandola, manager of the Oldbury-based business, said: “We would like to thank the customers. They are very very loyal.”
 
Despite finishing second, the 52-year-old said it had been a “nice experience” to take part. She added: “We tried really hard this year. But we said at the beginning to all customers, even if we don’t win it’s been an experience.”
 
George’s Fish Bar, on Great Bridge Street in West Bromwich, finished third.
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News

Fast moving Kim gets back on bike to ride to Paris for charity

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15th April 2019

- News

An MNA production team member is preparing to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for an Alzheimer’s charity.
 
Pre press assistant Kim Fawcett, who works at the Wolverhampton head office, will pedal 300 miles between capital cities in July to collect funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
 
Kim said she agreed to take part because she “likes a challenge”.
 
She said: “All the funds I raise will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Society. Like many families, my family has been affected by Alzheimer’s so I would love to reach my target of £750.”
 
Kim will cycle around 80 miles per day over four days to reach her destination, with all those who complete the challenge getting to see the Tour de France pass through Paris.
 
She said: “I am training every weekend and during the week, which has been intense.
 
“This challenge will take over my life over the next few months.”
 
Kim will take part in the ride with her friend Jen Morris, who she cycles alongside as part of the Wolverhampton Wheelers group.
 
Click here to visit Kim’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kimfawcett
 
The London to Paris adventure is the latest in Kim’s series of fundraising exploits.
 
In 2013, she took part in the Aberdovey 100 mile bike ride and raised more than £300 for local charities only to have a serious accident 70 miles into the journey which resulted in her breaking her knee.
 
A year later she managed to get back on her bike to do the challenge again and finished what she had set out to do 12 months before.
 
In January 2015 Kim was undergoing treatment for a serious illness and decided to raise awareness for breast cancer. With the support of her family and friends she took part in the Race for Life held at Wolverhampton’s West Park to raise money for breast cancer.
 
September 2015 she rode tandem in the Carvers Wolverhampton Marathon Bike ride to collect funds for the same cause. In 2016 Kim took part in the Prudential Ride London 100 and raised over £1500 for Breast Cancer Care.
 
In 2016, Kim was named production person of the year at the MNA Real Awards.
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News

Picture archive has been labour of love for MNA and partners

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7th March 2019

- News

From late relatives to lost landmarks, Black Country residents have been enjoying a trip back in time using the Express & Star Photo Archive.
 
The project, a partnership between the Express & Star, the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton City Archives and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has seen thousands of people view images online dating from 1970s to 1990.
 
The 3,000 images published on the website as part of the £60,000 National Lottery project include photos taken during steel industry operations and during the final years of the mining industry.
 
An archivist, representative from the University of Wolverhampton, project volunteer and a former Express & Star photographer were invited to Queen Street to look at the physical archive and be interviewed by the BBC.
 
Scott Knight, from the University of Wolverhampton, said talks began about the project 10 years ago, and after hundreds of hours of work from volunteers the website went live this week.
 
He said: “Now we’re set up to do more, it’s just trying to get funding.
 
“There’s 800 Second World War pictures which we could do for as little as £1 per photo.
 
“It’s absolutely vitally important for local people to be able to see these pictures.
 
“There are changes in architecture, the industry, the landscape, it has all changed so much.
 
“The page views on the website and the response on social media has been fantastic. We put up a photo of six Payton brothers from Wolverhampton who had been to war and some distant family members responded.”
 
Heidi McIntosh, senior archivist at Wolverhampton City Archives, was also present, as were former Express & Star photographer Dave Bagnall, from Ironbridge and Sue Beardsmore from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund.
 
Brian Lester, from Kingswinford, volunteered after retiring from his job as a teacher.
 
He said: “You’d look through and occasionally you’d see someone you know who was obviously a lot younger in the photographs.
 
“The interesting thing for me was the social history, how things have changed and how life has evolved.”
 
Chris Leggett, marketing and communications director at MNA Media, said the Express & Star was contacted by a relative of a man in a photo posted on social media.
 
He said: “Someone contacted us and said the man in the picture was their late father and they said they hadn’t got many pictures of him and asked for a copy – it really meant something to them.”
 
 
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News

MNA’s Tim helps make night to remember for young snappers

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5th February 2019

- News

Some of the finest budding photographers have been recognised for their work at a prestigious awards ceremony, thanks to a panel of judges including MNA chief photographer Tim Thursfield.

Schoolchildren from across Wolverhampton were honoured for their bright, thoughtful and impressive photography skills at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Organised by Wolverhampton Photographic Society, almost 300 young people entered the competition, doubling the number of entries from last year.

Judged by three photographic experts, including four time MNA Real Award winner Tim Thursfield, the hundreds of entries were reduced to a final 10, before the top three were announced at the awards evening.

Pictured are winners of the Wolverhampton Young Photographer of the Year, Natasha Rodrigues, front, with category winners, back, from left, Lyla Harris, Simi Kaur, Emily Rodwell and Sam Jones.

All of the top three were presented with a certificate, while the winner of each category was also given a £50 cash prize. This year there was an under 15 category, followed by four categories covering different photography styles – creative, open, portrait and reflection.

The four winners from those categories were then up for the overall award, with that artist receiving a trophy and being crowned Wolverhampton Young Photographer 2018.

Rob Cowell, chairman of Wolverhampton Photographic Society, said: “The whole idea of this competition is to inspire young people to get hold of a camera, go out and think about what they’re taking.

“If we just inspire one person a year to go into photography then that would be a success.

“It’s vitally important for young people to get involved. There is some real skill in the photos we have here, it’s fantastic.

“It gives them confidence to put their ideas forward and it takes a lot to come on a night like this and wonder if you’re going to win. Everybody achieved so much.

“The judges were unanimous that the standard of the work for the age group was extremely high.” Natasha Rodrigues was thrilled when she picked up first place in the portrait category with her piece titled Rembrandt.

But the 18-year-old from Ormiston New Academy was soon shocked when she was named Wolverhampton Young Photographer 2018.

She said: “I can’t believe it, I really didn’t think I’d win, let alone win one category and then the overall category. The school and my teachers got me into photography in the first place.”

The winner in the under 15 category was 13-year-old Lyla Harris with her photo titled London Bridge in Motion.

After picking up the gong, the Saint Matthias School pupil is planning to continue with her snaps.

The winner in the creative category was 18-year-old Simi Kaur with her piece titled Abandoned III.

The Wolverhampton Grammar School student said: “My mum was so happy when it was announced that I had won, I really didn’t expect it.

Fellow grammar school student Sam Jones, 16, was the winner in the reflection category for his clever illusion piece titled Empty.

Ormiston New Academy student Emily Rodwell, 17, won the open category with her photo, New Beginnings.

The final Schools Award, new for this year, and was presented to the school with the most children in the top three, which was Ormiston New Academy.
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