InSolihull Magazine - Summer 2020

Summer

LIFE & STYLE FROM THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK IN ENGLAND

SAFTEY FIRST FOR SOLIHULL TOWN CENTRE We talk you through new measures to keep you safe when visiting the town centre

SOLIHULL MONSTERHERO SAFARI Join us on a trail to find the MonsterHeroes and support the NHS

NEW OPENINGS IN SOLIHULL TOWN CENTRE Despite the pandemic, Solihull is the home to some new arrivals 1

NOW OPEN AGAIN!

Want to know which businesses are open in Solihull Town Centre?

Visit the Store Tracker on our website for opening times and updates.

WWW.SOLIHULLBID.CO.UK/STORETRACKER info@solihullbid.co.uk

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@SolihullBID

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0121 285 1370

COVID-19 has touched all our lives and affected the global economy like nothing ever before.

Whilst we are all still in various levels of recovery, it is clear that the fighting spirit of the nation remains strong and stories of kindness, resilience and innovation have been a consistent reminder of our survival spirit.

4-5 FASHION Zoom call and summer inspo

6-7 HOME INSPIRATION

Everything you need for your home 8-9 SAFE RETURN TO SOLIHULL See what’s in place to welcome you

INBUSINESS

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We aim to take strength from the crisis, take what we have learnt over the past months and craft our new projects to align with our changed future.

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Melanie Palmer Chief Executive melanie@solihullbid.co.uk

For more information on shopping, entertainment and what’s on in Solihull visit: www.solihullbid.co.uk or call: 0121 285 1370

those in need

with Solihull Police

15

STREET WARDEN’S TIPS

Top tips for visitors and staff

17

NEW OPENINGS

Play House to the Town Centre

We welcome Tastes of Britian and

18-19 HITIO AT HOME Home workouts from the new gym

Together we will build a new future that will put Solihull once again shining brightly and leading out from the front.

Mel.

12-13 SAFETY FIRST

Floor stickers, hopscotch & benches 14 NEW RADIOS

Solihull BID working in partnership

If there ever was a time that the town centre needed strong place management and leadership it is now.

We can only do this with your continued support, enthusiasm, confidence, and innovation.

10-11 GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Town Centre businesses helping

coming to Solihull

20-21 MONSTERHERO SAFARI

Find the 10 monsters and help raise

money for the NHS

22-23 SEE, SHOP, SNAP

Instagrammable Solihull 24 COMPETITION TIME

Win 1kg of sweets from Mr Simms

28-29

Editor in Chief Amy Hubbard amy@solihullbid.co.uk

Design amy@solihullbid.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Steven Coney steven@solihullbid.co.uk

Advertising Enquiries Amy Hubbard amy@solihullbid.co.uk

Newshound Misty

3

WORK FROM HOME When working from home, you will be more productive if you get up and get ready, as if you were going to work.

We have put together our favourite items, perfect for any video call meetings during the day.

Top, £30 Dorothy Perkins Shirt, £29.99 Zara

Blazer, £35 Dorothy Perkins Earrings, £9.50 Marks and Spencer

Top, £42.50 Fat Face Headband, £9 Accessorize Top, £19.99 New Look

Shirt, £30 Roman Originals Hat, £20 Next

Top, £39 Monsoon

Top, £24 Next

NG WORKI IN THE ?

GARDEN

Sunglasses, £17.50 Marks and Spencer

Top, £14.99 Topshop

Trainers, £258 Le Scarpe

Chinos, £20 Burton

Boots, £39.99 New Look

Rugger, £100 GANT Sungalsses, £34.99 H&M

Hat, £34.95 The Vines

Top, £25 Shorts, £38 Fat Face

SS20

The perfect items this summer, whether you’re spending quality time with the little ones, working from home, or heading back into the office.

Tee, £11.99 New Look

Shirt, £24.99 Swim Shorts, £35 Topman White Stuff

Sunglasses, £19.50 Marks and Spencer

Hat, £10 Sainsbury’s Shirt, £26 Jeans, £45 Trainers, £45 River Island

Face Mask, £14.95 The Vines Polo Top, £85 GANT

Shirt, £25 Burton

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HOME LOVES Being in lockdown meant we all found ourselves with more time on our hands. During this time, many people have got crafty, enjoyed fitness from home and many have focused on home improvements, whether this is re-styling your home interiors or enjoying the weather and your garden. Here are a few of our favourite items found in Solihull stores.

Sideboard, £845 Loaf

Firepit, £159 John Lewis & Partners

Planter, £11 Argos

Chair, £175 John Lewis & Partners

Vase, £80 House of Fraser

Sun Lounger, £275 Next

2 seater bistro set, £199 Dunelm

Rug, £89 Dunelm

Bali Hand Chair, £195 each Liv’s

Mixer, £499 Lakeland

Diffuser, £27 Wishes and Kisses

Cushion, £12 Marks and Spencer

Shelving, £399 Next

Faux Cactus, £24 Argos

Truffle Love Seat Chaise, £1345 Loaf

7

YOUR SAFE RETURN TO SOLIHULL TOWN CENTRE Solihull town centre as a whole has worked extremely hard to ensure it is a safe and welcoming environment for the people that work and shop here.

Here at Solihull BID, we have implemented a number of measures across the town centre to help our businesses get back on their feet which you will read about on Page 12.

Below we have included a list of actions taken by ourselves and our partners at Solihull Council, Mell Square and Touchwood.

If you have visited the town centre following the re-opening of non-essential retail and hospitality, we hope you have had a pleasant experience.

For those of you still to return, the following will give you an idea of what to expect. We hope to see you soon!

MELL SQUARE

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One way system on Mill Lane. Keep to the left of the planters when heading in either direction between Mell Square and the High Street.

Benches, funded by Solihull BID, dotted around Mell Square for people needing a rest or for families waiting for somebody who is in a shop with limited capacities.

Floor graphics advising social distancing and direction of travel in Poplar Way with hands-free sanitiser stations at entrances/exits.

TOUCHWOOD

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Image courtesy of Edwin Ladd

Touchwood are operating a one-way system around the centre.

Guests are encouraged to keep to the left at all times and follow directional signage.

In the Touchwood Car Park, entry will be via the Orange Welcome Hall only (this is the entrance nearest the Cinema).

Pedestrian exit to the car park will be via the Blue Welcome Hall.

Queuing outside retail stores is not permitted as this will impact on the space available to ensure safe passage and social distancing around the centre.

Image courtesy of Edwin Ladd

HIGH STREET

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Shoppers and visitors are kindly asked to walk on the darker brick path down the centre of the High Street to allow for queues outside of shops.

Shops on the High Street are permitted to have their queues along their own shop front only.

Many have social distancing floor stickers to reinforce this message.

PARKING

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Parking charges in Solihull Council owned car parks and parking bays recommenced on July 1. For a full list of Council owned Solihull town centre car parks, and charges, please visit: http://tiny.cc/SolCarParks Touchwood and John Lewis car parks are open but it may be necessary to restrict the use of individual bays or sections of the car parks, dependent on capacity.

Image courtesy of Edwin Ladd

TOILETS

Image courtesy of Edwin Ladd

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The public toilets in Mell Square are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday and 11am to 3pm on Sunday. A full time attendant and ‘door person’ will be on hand.

Touchwood toilets and baby change facilities will be open however, they may need to restrict access to ensure social distancing. These facilities will be open during centre opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm; Sunday: 11am – 5pm.

If you have questions or concerns about a particular business or shop, please politely speak to a member of staff. This is still relatively new to us all and all businesses are doing their best to keep staff and customers safe.

BE KIND, BE PATIENT. SHOP SOLIHULL, SUPPORT LOCAL. 9

NEWS & DEVELOPMENTS FROM ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LEADING COMMERCIAL REGIONS

Solihull town centre businesses go the extra mile during COVID-19 lockdown

olihull’s town centre businesses have shown why they are so special during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

The pandemic has had a huge effect on the High Street and global economy as a whole but some companies have gone above and beyond to provide for their communities.

Solihull continues to prove that it remains a jewel in the crown of the West Midlands with a

variety of different town centre businesses providing essential services and going the extra mile.

Midlands with hot meals to say thank you for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Yakinori, the Birmingham-born independent, family owned Japanese restaurant brand, opened in Touchwood in March just before the lockdown came into force.

Yakinori has now re-opened alongside other restaurants including independent Touchwood eatery – Jamaya.

Owner Ali Karakaya refused to let that overshadow their arrival and has been providing doctors, nurses, and other key workers from hospitals in the West

The multi-award-winning Jamaican restaurant provided 200 meals to NHS staff at Solihull Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital as part of the ‘Meals for the NHS’ project to feed our NHS heroes.

The hospitality industry is not the only one to have been hit hard by the lockdown and other sectors have pulled together to support the Solihull community.

BNP Paribas UK, which has its UK Personal Finance business located in the heart of Solihull, is providing £1million worth of support in the UK. Stephen Hunt, CEO at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, said: “In such a short space of time, daily life has changed significantly for so many people.

“We hope this support package will offer relief and comfort to some of those people who are most in need across the West Midlands and the UK.” One of the UK charities benefitting from this will be the Trussell Trust, which runs the largest network of foodbanks in the country and provides a valuable lifeline for struggling families. Its work includes supporting organisations such as Sparkhill Foodbank, who the Solihull team have worked closely with since 2013.

Age UK Solihull set up an emergency food bank and delivered 3,000 emergency food parcels to older and vulnerable people. Town centre businesses including Solihull Summerfest, Sembcorp Energy and Paragon Bank chipped in with donations which enabled Age UK to keep their essential services running.

Solihull School have helped to manufacture visors and other materials for the Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital and £5,600 was raised for Acorns Children’s Hospice with an Old Silhillians virtual quiz. Members of staff, pupils and parents also took part in the recent Brummie Big Camp Out for Sifa Fireside and the #SIFASurvives campaign.

Boots in Mell Square set up a safe space for victims of domestic abuse. The scheme was launched by the ‘UK Says No More’ campaign in response to increased challenges faced by victims who are forced to isolate at home with perpetrators.

ESG Security, based on Warwick Road in Solihull town centre, offered free Empty Property Inspections - all accredited to British Standards - and Mobile Patrols to fellow town centre companies.

Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for the town centre – supported companies throughout the pandemic with the latest information on financial support from the Government and how to claim for it.

The BID work in partnership with over 450 businesses from a range of sectors, all of which have pulled together during this testing time.

Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, said: “Solihull has a heart of gold and the support listed above goes to show that we are working hard together to get through the crisis.

“I am so proud to be part of a town centre that shows it really cares in such generous and innovative ways.”

Meanwhile, Solihull BID are also working alongside key partners including Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Police, Touchwood, Mell Square owners IM Properties and Solihull College & University Centre to produce a Town Centre Recovery Plan.

For more information on the Town Centre Recovery Plan – designed to shape how Solihull town centre welcomes people back as businesses re-open – visit their website – www.solihullbid.co.uk

National Grid Ventures joined forces with University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Charity to launch a special appeal to raise £1million. National Grid Ventures kick-started the appeal with a £100,000 donation that was used to purchase almost 400 tablet computers for patients that allowed them to speak to their loved ones while in isolation.

The tablets were distributed to wards across the Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope, Solihull and Nightingale Hospital.

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Safety first for Solihull town centre as businesses reopen Visitors to Solihull town centre were welcomed back with a clear message of safety first.

With most businesses given the green light to open their doors, Solihull has experienced a steady rise in the number of visitors to the town centre.

To ensure people feel safe and welcomed, Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for the town centre – has been working alongside key partners to make sure shoppers enjoy a stress-free return.

The BID has funded social distancing floor stickers as well as benches for people waiting to enter stores.

The floral floor stickers – which have been offered to all town centre businesses – are designed to reinforce the social distancing directive from the Government, whilst also conveying a ‘Be Kind’ notion to customers. They include messages such as ‘Nice Shoes’ and ‘Form A Posh Queue Here’ to put visitors at ease.

The BID is also leading on a town centre campaign, asking people to be kind and patient as the town centre responds to a situation never seen before.

Visitors will be able to see which businesses are currently open via the BID’s Store Tracker available on their website or on the Solihull BID app available for Apple and Android devices.

Benches have been dotted around Mell Square, High Street and Touchwood for people that have to wait to enter a queue or for family members shopping.

The BID’s Street Wardens are also on hand to help and ensure people and properties remain safe – as they have done throughout the lockdown period.

These important steps all form part of the Town Centre Recovery Plan which has seen the BID work alongside Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Police, Touchwood, Mell Square owners IM Properties and Solihull College & University Centre to look at the challenges facing the town centre.

Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, said: “The town centre has opened its doors as part of the next phase following Government guidelines.

“We want to make sure we all work together to make our town centre safe and well managed for our visitors to return to.

“We look forward to welcoming our loyal visitors back to our wonderful business community.”

For more information on the Town Centre Recovery Plan – designed to shape how Solihull town centre welcomes people back – visit the BID website – www.solihullbid.co.uk

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New radio boost for Police in partnership with Solihull BID Solihull’s safety first stance has been reinforced with brand new radios for Solihull Police thanks to funding applied for by Solihull BID. The Business Improvement District for Solihull town centre work alongside the Police on the Retail Radio scheme to help shoppers and premises remain safe.

Businesses across the town centre are linked in with the Police, the BID Street Wardens, Solihull Council’s enforcement officers and CCTV operators via the Retail Radio system.

Aware of the need for up to date and reliable equipment, the BID successfully applied for backing from the Active Citizens Fund launched by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

The funds were used to purchase state-of-the-art radios for Solihull neighbourhood policing teams including those who cover the town centre.

Angus Mcpherson at Solihull Police, said: “Retail Radio has been successful for a number of years in many different parts of the West Midlands thanks to the determination of everyone involved to make town centres and High Streets a safer place.

“Solihull Police in partnership with Solihull BID have a new retail radio system that will allow us to work more closely in a joint approach to continue making Solihull town centre a safe place for visitors and shoppers” Keeping the town centre safe and secure is one of the BID’s focuses and this has led to an even stronger relationship between the BID, Solihull Police and Solihull

Metropolitan Borough Council’s enforcement officers.

The BID’s Street Wardens, a visible presence in the town centre, provide support to businesses and the public with a clear message of zero tolerance in regard to crime and antisocial behaviour.

New funding streams will also be explored to further support the local community.

Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, added: “We are extremely proud of our strong working partnership with our local Police and Council enforcement team.

“Our combined message of zero tolerance to crime and anti-social behaviour makes us the clear choice of where to shop, work and invest.”

Tips for visitors and staff now the town centre has re-opened Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our street wardens, Jason and Amy were on duty keeping Solihull Town Centre safe and ensuring properties were looked after during lockdown. As restrictions are lifted with most businesses now open, we have asked them for their tips on how to keep safe when visiting and working in Solihull Town Centre.

FOR VISITORS • Please stick to social distancing guidelines and keep clear of other people and staff in shops.

• Be patient when queueing, take your turn to access goods in fridges and freezers.

• When wearing a face mask, make sure it fits correctly and covers your mouth and nose.

• Avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands, many stores are provided hand sanitiser on arrival and cleaning shopping trolleys and baskets between customers. There are also a number of sanitiser stations found in Touchwood and Poplar Way. • Please stick to one-way systems and guidelines put in place, they may be frustrating and different to the norm, but they are there for everyone’s safety.

• If in need of assistance, please look out for Jason and Amy who will be willing to help you.

• If you are shopping as a family, we have some benches and children’s activities such as hopscotch available in Mell Square to use, one family at a time, one parent could wait with the children whilst the other shops.

• Remember to take books or small toys to entertain your children whilst you wait, as queueing may take longer than usual at this time.

FOR SHOP ASSISTANTS AND STAFF • Make sure you have enough people on to manage the queue and numbers in your store.

• Make a show of cleaning, the public want to see that you are COVID compliant and are taking every measure to ensure the shopping environment is clean and inviting.

• Be aware that government guidelines are constantly evolving, keep an eye on these through the Solihull BID website (www.solihullbid.co.uk).

• Make sure your staff are on the ball, greeting or at least acknowledging all customers who come in. This is not only great customer service, but also makes potential thieves feel uncomfortable knowing their presence has been noted.

• Be sure to keep all staff areas locked and only accessible to staff.

• Remember the retail radio is a quick and easy way of communicating with the street wardens, CCTV Operatives, Touchwood and Mell Square security and the Police.

• If you see something suspicious or have any issues in store, please call our street wardens through retail radio or on 07792 673 377.

If you need any more in dept assistance, please contact the street wardens about Loss Prevention Training.

Most of all please be kind and patient. If you have any questions about the town centre re-opening, please email info@solihullbid.co.uk. For a full list of stores that have re-opened, visit out store tracker – www.solihullbid.co.uk/storetracker.

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WE HAVE A RANGE OF ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO SUIT ANY BUDGET! For a friendly chat get in touch with Geoff on 07857 250557 or send us an email to Studio@Solihullradio.com

Solihull NEW OPENINGS Play Lane Mell Square is proud to welcome, Play Lane, a children’s role play centre and café coming soon to Drury Lane.

Play Lane comprises of eight role play areas including a police station, fire truck, supermarket, vets, pizzeria, building site, garden and even a boutique clothes store where children can enjoy playing dress-up.

With a team of fully qualified childcare staff, all of whom are DBS checked and first aid trained, you can be assured that your children are in safe hands. Offering both ‘stay and play’ and ‘drop off to shop’ sessions, the Play Lane team will be on-site to support children with their learn through play experience.

For hungry little ‘uns or for parents who fancy a coffee and a catch-up whilst their children play, you’ll enjoy Play Lane’s on-site café. Here you’ll discover a range of tasty food and drink made fresh by its in-house chef.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and opening information by following ‘Play Lane’ on Facebook or visit www.mellsquare-shopping.com.

Play Lane

Tastes of Britian Solihull-based shopping centre, Mell Square, is proud to welcome new gourmet delicatessen, Tastes of Britain, which specialises in craft gin and spirits, as well as British deli produce including artisan cheeses, quality charcuterie, and other deli favourites.

This family-run business, owned by Solihull residents Paul Venner and Alexandra Halasz, will be offering same-day contactless delivery options to the Solihull area. On Friday 12th June, Tastes of Britain opened their doors to their first bricks and mortar store on Mill Lane in Solihull town centre (previously EE).

Working with independent producers throughout the British Isles, Tastes of Britain will be supplying Solihull with gourmet deli items including traditional and artisan cheeses, fresh bakery, and charcuterie. Luxury hampers and cheese celebration cakes, with vegan and gluten free options will also be available. Its offering also includes a range of over 150 small batch craft gins and spirits from independent British distilleries, comprised of award-winning dry and flavoured gins, liqueurs, vodkas, rums, and guest whiskies, with the opportunity to try before you buy in-store.

Tastes of Britain co-founder, Paul Venner, said: “Alex and I are really looking forward to taking your senses on a journey around the British Isles. We are on a mission to help people find their favourite tastes and we believe that Mell Square is the perfect place to do exactly that. We are also very proud to be creating new employment opportunities in the area. We obviously opened during very challenging times but have put in place robust health and safety measures to ensure our customers and staff are safe.

“Quality and variety are at the core of everything we do, so we are really excited to introduce our award-winning cheeses and unique collection of craft gins and spirits – both of which you can sample in store. When it is safe to do so, we will be partnering with distilleries and dairies to run regular themed tasting events, which will give the people of Solihull the opportunity to learn about, and experience, the wide range of exceptional products on offer.”

Rob Hemus, asset director at IM Properties, owners of Mell Square said: “We are delighted to introduce another new independent business to Mell Square, and are excited for people to sample what Tastes of Britain has to offer. I’m sure the delivery service will also be well-received locally during the on-going COVID-19 situation. It’s really positive to welcome a new retailer to the scheme during these challenging times and is a testament to the ongoing appeal of Mell Square and Solihull town centre as a whole.”

Tastes of Britain’s delivery service is available nationwide, with same day delivery options available to Solihull postal codes B90 to B94 when ordered before 2pm.

For more information, visit www.tastesofbritain.com or follow @tastesofbritain2020 on Instagram

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HITIO AT HOME With the uncertainty surrounding gyms re-opening, we wanted to give you something to look forward to and let you into a little secret.

Successful Norwegian gym and martial arts franchise, HITIO Gym, has announced it will be launching a brand new gym in Solihull.

I started Martial Arts when I was eleven with my three younger sisters so for me Martial Arts has always been a family event. I had a successful competitive career in Karate winning various regional, national and international titles in several weight classes.

HITIO Gym Solihull has a versatile offering for fitness consumers that combines a dedicated gym floor, with private studios for fitness as well as a selection of martial arts classes.

Once I started training more seriously I realised my passion wasn’t just for Karate it was a passion for health and fitness. The more I trained the happier I was and the lessons I have taken from my training have carried over into all walks of my life.

The brand’s offering has allowed it to become one of the largest fitness chains in Norway, with 30+ clubs nationwide and a large pipeline for international expansion this year.

HITIO Gym Solihull is supporting a new fitness culture in the UK and they want the whole family to be a part of it.

The gym’s membership model is tailored for all fitness needs and also encourages the whole family to get active. With martial arts classes from ages 5+ (all abilities), a separated and dedicated gym floor (Strength, Cardio and functional) as well as an all encompassing fitness class timetable, there is something for everyone.

We thought this would be the perfect time to speak to Jamie Murphy, Head of Product for HITIO Gym UK and gain some tips on how to keep fit at home until the gyms open.

Meet Jamie:

My name is Jamie Murphy and I am the Head of Product for HITIO Gym UK as well as a franchisee and I’m very excited to bring HITIO Gym to Solihull.

I’m incredibly excited to be able to provide a state of the art gym space for families to come and train and to be able to also accomodate martial arts is a dream come true for me.

I can’t wait to open and welcome everyone with a free class at Hitio Solihull.

Lesson Plan for Martial Arts style fitness classes THE PROGRAM For the wonderful Solihull residents I have put together a martial arts based fitness workout that anyone can do. Now more than ever it is so important that we look after our health and try to stay as active as we can. Exercise is vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. The NHS guideline for adults suggests we should all try to be active every day and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities.

BASIC STRUCTURE 1.

2.

3.

5 minutes warm up light stretching 5x 3 minute rounds / 1x minute rest in between each round 5 minute cool down

YOUR STANCE If you are right handed stand with your left leg in front in Orthodox stance, if you are left handed stand with your right leg in front in a Southpaw stance.

ROUND 1 • • •

Jab/Cross (Gradually increasing the speed) - 2 minutes Push ups - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute

Round 2

Building off of Round 1 we do the same but with legs. Alternating front kicks

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Front kicking - 2 minutes Standing squats -1 minute Rest - 1 minute

Round 3 • Jab/Cross

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Jab, Cross, front kick - 2 minutes Flutter kicks - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute

Round 4 • • •

Lunge punching, alternating legs & arms on every punch - 2 minutes Wall sit hold - 1 minute Rest - 1 minute

Round 5

Speed challenge

• Front Kicking Lunge Punching

Wall Sit Hold

How many punches can you throw in 3 minutes and keep pushing until the buzzer sounds.

Move around as you’re punching but be mindful of space and focus on the technique and still get full extension on your punches - 3 minutes

Cool Down •

Light stretching focusing on the key areas worked in the workout, back, legs, and arms.

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MAKING SOLIHULL SAFE AND PLAYFUL, WHILE SUPPORTING THE NHS Solihull Business Improvement District is providing a family fun ‘Safari’, a high street storytrail, to engage with our communities, support the NHS and give families a safe reason to return to the High Street.

Launched on Saturday 4th July, families and households in Solihull are invited to search the town centre for 10 cute and colourful Monster Heroes. Using smartphones, the Safari allows you to learn each of the Monster Heroes names, their story, and superpowers. Once all 10 Monster Heroes are found, a free e-book, that tells the story of their first team-up, will be unlocked.

The Safari works by utilising contactless NFC technology and QR codes, without the need for players to download or sign up to anything, they simply need to tap or scan, using their phone’s camera, to play. The Safari aims to bring fun back to our high streets and demonstrates an effective opportunity to entertain shoppers and their families. A clever way to help increase visitor footfall within a safe environment.

Art, with the aim of raising over £100k for NHS Charities Together.

In times of great stress, this project aims to provide the local community with a memorable high street experience that will bring a smile to the community of Solihull.

Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Wild In Art again to engage safely with our younger visitors and their families, in line with our aim to ‘keep smiling through the crisis’.

“This is a perfect example of utilising safe digital activity whilst raising funds for our own heroes out there on the NHS front line.

Solihull is open for business and offers a safe and well managed environment for all.”

Coordinating the national project is Martin Blackwell, former CEO of ATCM and the Charity Retail Association, who said: “When I heard about the concept it just resonated with me and I knew I had to support it. I loved the idea of heroes; the idea of a “safari on the high street”! I just thought, if something fun like this can help make families feel good about going back out onto the High Street and raise money for such a worthy cause then let’s go for it.”

To learn more about the story-trail please go to www.monsterherosafari.com or www.solihullbid.co.uk.

Over 100 BIDs and councils across the UK are taking part in the MonsterHero Safari project, which has been sponsored by Wild in Look out for MonsterHeroes in the following locations: • • • • • • • • • •

Wishes and Kisses MiniMini Kids Vita Lesley Ashworth Specsavers Waterstones Children’s Air Ambulance Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe Krispy Kreme Yakinori

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GET INSTA SOLIHULL Join us for Instagram inspiration!

Our amazing angel wings are ready for the perfect pose.

See, shop, snap.

Get Insta Solihull.

Theatre Square Mell Square High Street

SEE www.solihullbid.co.uk

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SHOP 01212851370

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info@solihullbid.co.uk

SNAP |

@SolihullBID

K R I P SY K R E M E

F I V E G U YS

THE BEECH HOUSE

TA ST E CO L L E C T I V E

T U RT L E B AY

GREENS

T H E I N D I A N B R E W E RY

MR SIMMS

YA K I N O R I

V I TA

B O STO N T E A PA RT Y

TA P & TA N D O O R

J A M AYA

C RO W N E P L A Z A T E R R AC E

T H E I N D I A N B R E W E RY

V O CO ST. J O H N S H OT E L

CO F F E E LO U N G E

E S A B E L L A’S

CAFE ISABELLA

THE DELHI

23

Competition Time

WIN 1KG OF SWEETS We have teamed up with Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe to give you the chance to win 1kg of sweets!

Mr Simms is located in Poplar Arcade, Touchwood and is a nostalgic, independently owned, franchise dedicated to retro and modern sweets, chocolate and American candy.

Back in 2004, frustrated by the growing standardisation of the British High Street, the rise of bland chain stores and predictable products, they saw an opportunity for a truly distinctive, evocative and enchanting retail experience.

Inspired by the ideas of re-imagining traditional values of service, quality, and care for their communities, of showcasing a mind-blowing range of products and of bringing joy to the lives of sweet lovers of all ages, the first Mr Simms store was born. Fast forward 15 years, and Mr Simms now has over 75 How to enter – To enter this competition, all you need to do is visit www.solihullbid.co.uk/ insolihull and fill in the competition entry form answering the following question –

What is Mr Simms’ best selling sweet?

A) Pear Drops B) Pineapple Rock C) BonBons 7 Poplar Arcade, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GH www.instagram.com/mrsimmssolihull/ www.facebook.com/MrSimmsOlde FashionedSweetShopSolihull/ Comptition rules Competition opens 28th July 2020 and closes on 28th August 2020. One person will win a 1kg bag of sweets. Only one entry will count per person. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash value. You must answer the question correctly to win. The competition can be found at www.solihullbid.co.uk/insolihull.

The winner will be contacted by 27th August 2020.

stores in the UK alone and has started to expand internationally.

They have a mind-blowing collection of traditional and contemporary sweets including all your favourites from Pineapple Rock, Cherry Lips, Pear Drops and Cough Sweets to their Specialist Liquorice, Sugar Free Sweets and Shocking Mega Sours!

They are renowned for a fantastic selection of Pick’n’Mix and also stock their own exclusive Mr Simms Handmade Chocolate Collection, a range of unusual chocolate bars that offer something a little bit different to the usual High Street offerings. They make great gifts for that person who has everything - you can guarantee they’ve never had a chocolate tickle before!

Your local, award winning legal experts

Coronavirus - 5 Steps to smooth the Return to Work As the health crisis eases attention has shifted to the return to work and most importantly how it can be managed. To help both employers and employees we’ve set out 5 key steps to help smooth the return, adapt to the “new-normal” and provide a path to the future.

1. Dialogue and Consultation As we all know the past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for us all. Whilst the advice has been to “stay at home” it remains critical that employers and employees remain in contact as much as possible. As many are understandably concerned about returning to work and increasing social contact the need to increase dialogue grows. Employers can address concerns by discussing the return to work in a collaborative manner, letting their staff know what steps they have taken to improve safety and being willing to adapt working practices where possible to address fears. Equally employees will need to understand that it’s not a return to the world we left in March.

2. Flexibility This is going to be required from both employers and employees. One key area will be start times, in the short term, particularly where there is limited transport capacity, expecting all staff to arrive by 09.00 may not be practical. Measures such as staggered starts will enable employees to get to work without being subject to a packed bus or train journey, equally employees will need to show flexibility with break times and finish times. Shared coffee and lunch breaks are also something that may need to be reconsidered.

Rob Pettigrew, Director Thursfields Solicitors 0121 796 4022 rpettigrew@thursfields.co.uk

3. Adapt and Refocus Those that are reluctant to adapt, and to adapt quickly, will struggle. Acknowledging that change is a constant process and adopting a positive mind-set, with open and honest dialogue and refocused and achievable goals, will be crucial. Leadership will be key in addressing laments for the how things used to be as a common focus on how things can be will be much needed.

4. Utilise Technology One thing we’ve learned over the last few weeks is that many of us can work quickly and efficiently from home. Zoom was something many of us had never heard of a few weeks ago and yet almost overnight it has become an almost indispensable tool. We all know technology can be used to reduce costs, increase competitiveness and provide greater reach and the key is to ensure it is the “right technology”.

This means analysing where you wish to use the technology (e.g. to reach new markets) and then identifying the technology you need.

5. Embrace the Change The world has changed but that’s nothing new. New working practices, business models, use of space….. how we respond to all of these and more will be the difference between success and failure. Whilst we will need to accept that we are not returning to a preCovid world we can seize the opportunity to shape how we want the world of work to look and make it a better place for us all.

Thursfields Employment Law & HR experts are able to assist and guide you throughout these changing times.

For further advice please contact the team on 0345 20 73 72 8 or info@thursfields.co.uk

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