New research shows the huge impact the ongoing war in Iran is having on businesses across the Midlands. The research – carried out by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce – reveals that 80% of businesses have seen costs increase because of the conflict. Some 64% of manufacturers said they had faced “moderate or significant” extra costs, with 5% saying the increases threatened their viability. Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber, says the survey highlighted the need for more government support with energy costs and better contingency planning to develop price stability.

More information www.tinyurl.com/ya37he64

Manufacturers across the southeast are set to create 50 new jobs after investing more than £0.5m in AI, robotics and digital technologies. Some 17 projects have been supported by £245,000 of grants from the Government-backed Made Smarter South East programme, unlocking £563,000 of private sector investment in technologies. Projects include AI-powered automation, robotics, automated testing, advanced digital inspection, integrated ERP and CRM systems, digital scanning and 3D printing technologies, helping manufacturers improve productivity, reduce manual work and strengthen quality.

More information www.madesmarter.uk

A group of Black Country air cadets are flying high after receiving a generous donation from a local manufacturer. 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron Air Training Corps will use a £5000 grant from Alloy Wire International’s ‘Wired for Good’ campaign to purchase flight simulators and essential equipment to help young people take part in activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It will help up to 60 cadets, aged between 12 and 20 years old, gain valuable ‘flight time’ in their bid to gain their blue wings, while also supporting the squadron’s desire to grow to 100 cadets.More information www.alloywire.com