Marks & Spencer launches recruitment drive for new Lichfield distribution centre

Major investment expected to bring around 600 jobs to the area as new automated facility prepares for 2027 opening.

Marks & Spencer has begun recruiting staff for its major new distribution centre in Lichfield, marking another important step in the retailer’s investment in the area.

The new 437,000 sq ft automated facility will support M&S’s fashion operations, with approximately 600 jobs expected to be created when the centre becomes fully operational in 2027.

More than 70 vacancies are already being advertised, offering opportunities for local people to become part of the new operation ahead of its opening.

The development represents a significant boost for Lichfield’s local economy, bringing employment opportunities and further investment to the area.

Alongside the distribution centre, Marks & Spencer is also developing a new foodhall in Lichfield, which is expected to create approximately 70 additional jobs.

With recruitment now underway, the project is moving closer to becoming a major new employer in the district.

Looking for a new opportunity? Anyone interested in working for Marks & Spencer can explore current vacancies through the company’s official careers website.

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St Giles Hospice Fundraiser Represents West Midlands at Pride of Britain Awards

A remarkable fundraiser who dribbled a football more than 2,000 miles from Morocco to the Midlands has represented the West Midlands at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards.

Football coach James Lewis attended the national ceremony in London after being named the region’s Fundraiser of the Year.

His extraordinary fundraising achievements have helped raise more than £129,000 for St Giles Hospice, making him the charity’s biggest individual fundraiser.

An incredible journey for St Giles

James completed an 86-day challenge, travelling from Morocco to the Midlands while dribbling a football.

The journey was undertaken in memory of his father, who received care from St Giles Hospice when James was just 11 years old.

The challenge attracted considerable attention and support, helping James raise substantial funds for the hospice.

His fundraising page has now reached £75,680 for the challenge alone, while his lifetime fundraising total has exceeded £129,000.

The achievement earned him the West Midlands Fundraiser of the Year title in September and a place among 17 finalists competing for the national award.

Representing the region in London

James attended the Pride of Britain Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London, accompanied by St Giles Hospice events manager Sam Colclough.

Although the overall Fundraiser of the Year award went to 85-year-old Barry Walden from Hull, James’s selection among the national finalists was a significant recognition of his dedication.

Barry received the national honour in recognition of 65 years spent raising money for charities through his singing.

For James, the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of fundraisers from across the country.

A proud moment for St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice Chief Executive Elinor Eustace welcomed James’s achievement and the recognition it brought to the charity.

His fundraising has made a substantial contribution to the hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people and families facing serious illness.

The challenge has also inspired young people, with James sharing his experiences in schools.

His determination, commitment and willingness to undertake such an extraordinary journey have made him an outstanding ambassador for the charity.

Pride of Britain television broadcast

The Pride of Britain Awards ceremony will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday 22 October 2026 at 8pm.

For supporters of St Giles Hospice, it will be another opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of a fundraiser whose efforts have made such a difference.

James may not have taken home the overall national award, but his journey from Morocco to the Midlands has already secured something equally important: lasting support and recognition for a charity close to his heart.

Lichfield Karting Star Finlay Lines Secures International Success in Belgium

A talented young racing driver from Lichfield is celebrating a remarkable achievement after finishing runner-up in the 2026 BNL Karting Series.

Finlay Lines completed his championship campaign in style at Karting Genk in Belgium, taking overall victory during the final weekend and securing second place in the championship standings.

The result means the young driver finishes the season as BNL Junior Max vice-champion.

A successful end to the championship

Finlay arrived at the final round holding second place in the Junior Max standings, with the championship still to be decided.

Facing competition from international drivers, he produced an impressive performance to secure the overall weekend victory.

Although the championship title remained out of reach, finishing as vice-champion represents a significant achievement in a competitive international series.

The result is also an important milestone in his developing motorsport career.

Representing Team UK in Portugal

Finlay’s performance has earned him a place at the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portimão, Portugal.

He will represent Team UK at the international event in November, competing against talented karting drivers from around the world.

The opportunity represents another important step for the Lichfield racer, whose achievements are attracting attention beyond the local motorsport scene.

A proud achievement for Lichfield

Karting provides an important pathway into competitive motorsport, requiring considerable skill, determination and commitment.

Finlay’s latest success demonstrates the opportunities available to talented young drivers willing to compete at an international level.

With a championship runner-up finish secured and another major competition approaching, the young Lichfield driver has plenty to look forward to.

His next challenge will be representing Team UK in Portugal as he continues his motorsport journey.

Petrol Station Approved at Former Canwell Caravan Site

Plans Approved for New Petrol Station at Former Canwell Caravan Sales Site

Plans to transform a former caravan sales site at Canwell into a petrol station have been approved by Lichfield District Council despite objections from nearby residents.

The development will occupy the former Canwell Caravans Ltd site on London Road.

The approved proposals include a petrol filling station, car wash facilities and drive-through jet wash bays.

A change of use for the site

According to documents submitted with the application, the land previously operated as a petrol station before being converted to caravan sales.

The new development will use existing access arrangements from London Road.

However, the proposals attracted objections from residents concerned about the potential impact on the surrounding area.

Concerns over traffic and lighting

Objectors questioned whether the proposed development would generate significantly more traffic than the former caravan showroom.

Concerns were also raised about external lighting, the size of the proposed structures and the possible effects of additional activity on nearby homes.

One issue considered during the planning process was the site’s location within the Green Belt.

Council considers impact

Planning officers acknowledged that the proposed petrol station would represent a more intensive use of the land.

They also recognised that additional lighting, vehicle movements and new structures would have some effect on the site’s appearance.

However, officers concluded that the impact would be limited by the site’s existing developed character and the fact that the proposals remained within previously developed land.

The application was therefore approved.

Proposed opening hours

The application documents indicate that the petrol station would operate between 6am and midnight.

The jet wash facilities would operate between 8am and 8pm.

No confirmed construction timetable or opening date has been established from the published report.

Residents wishing to examine the approved proposals can access the planning documents through Lichfield District Council.

Lichfield City Centre Bucks National Trend as Shop Vacancies Fall by More Than a Third

Lichfield city centre is showing encouraging signs of resilience, with newly publicised figures revealing that the number of empty retail premises has fallen by more than a third since 2021.

Figures released by Lichfield District Council show that just 16 of the city’s 311 retail premises were vacant in June 2025, compared with 25 in April 2021.

That represents a vacancy rate of approximately 5%, significantly below the national high street average of 13.5% quoted by the council.

The findings offer encouraging news for local traders at a time when many British town and city centres continue to face challenges from changing shopping habits and competition from online retailers.

Investment in Lichfield’s future

Lichfield District Council leader Councillor Doug Pullen has welcomed the figures, pointing to investment in the city centre and improvements to public spaces as important parts of the council’s approach.

The authority believes its ongoing regeneration programme is helping make Lichfield an attractive destination for businesses, residents and visitors.

The planned Everyman cinema development is also expected to strengthen the city’s leisure and entertainment offering.

By providing additional reasons for people to visit the centre, the council hopes to support existing retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses.

Supporting local businesses

Independent shops, established retailers, cafés and restaurants all contribute to Lichfield’s distinctive character.

The vacancy figures provide a positive indication of the city’s retail position, although they represent a snapshot from June 2025 rather than a current count of occupied premises.

The council has also indicated that its regeneration ambitions extend beyond Lichfield, with £1.2 million earmarked for improvements in Burntwood.

For Lichfield’s businesses, the latest report offers an encouraging reminder of the importance of a thriving and attractive city centre.

Image – Lichfield Live

Spectacular Winter Light Experience Coming to The Belfry This Christmas

A magical new illuminated Christmas experience is coming to The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Sutton Coldfield, promising families an enchanting evening of festive lights, interactive entertainment and seasonal surprises.

The Winter Light Experience opens on Friday 27 November 2026 and continues until Saturday 2 January 2027, with the attraction closed on Christmas Day.

The event will transform part of The Belfry’s famous Brabazon golf course into a spectacular illuminated trail featuring more than 30 installations.

Visitors will follow a route stretching over a mile, with the experience expected to take approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

A Christmas mystery to solve

The attraction follows a festive storyline in which Santa has accidentally scattered Christmas magic after an unexpected landing.

Families will be invited to search for clues and help recover the missing magic as they make their way through the illuminated displays.

Along the route, visitors can expect interactive features, games and characters bringing the Christmas adventure to life.

Festive food and winter treats

A Christmas Courtyard will provide a place to enjoy seasonal food and drinks before or after exploring the trail.

Entry to the courtyard itself will be free.

Visitors will also find opportunities to toast marshmallows beside fire pits, while heated winter cabins will be available to book separately.

Something for the whole family

The organisers have also planned quieter sensory sessions on 30 November and 8 December, offering an alternative experience for visitors who prefer reduced sound levels and smaller crowds.

Selected evenings will welcome dogs, while guide dogs will be permitted throughout the event.

Tickets and dates

The Winter Light Experience opens on Friday 27 November, with a special preview evening offering reduced admission prices.

Standard tickets start at £18.50 for adults and £12.50 for children aged three to 15.

Family tickets for two adults and two children start at £57.25, while children under three can attend free of charge.

Prices vary depending on the date and session selected.

The event runs daily during its advertised operating period, except Christmas Day.

For tickets and full information, visit the official Winter Light Experience website.

Lichfield Santa Sleigh Fundraiser Opens Applications to Local Charities

Local charities and community organisations are being invited to take part in one of Lichfield’s much-loved Christmas traditions as preparations begin for the annual Santa Sleigh fundraiser.

Organised by Lichfield Round Table, the popular festive initiative sees Father Christmas travel through local streets during December, bringing seasonal cheer to families while raising money for worthwhile causes.

Each evening, representatives from participating charities and community groups accompany Santa’s sleigh, helping collect donations and promote the work of local organisations.

Applications to participate open today, Friday 16 October 2026.

The Santa Sleigh has become a familiar part of Christmas in Lichfield, combining festive entertainment with practical support for the local community.

For participating organisations, the initiative provides an opportunity to raise funds, meet residents and increase awareness of their work.

The annual event also depends on volunteers who give their time throughout the Christmas period.

Local charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit groups interested in participating are encouraged to follow Lichfield Round Table’s announcements.

Further details about the application process will be published through the organisation’s Facebook page.

Photograph Courtesy of Lichfield Live