Wear a mask warns Metro Mayor
Wear a mask in shops and on public transport – that is the urgent call issued by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to all West of England residents. Metro Mayor Norris is writing to 10,000+ public facing businesses across the region with a poster to display in their windows urging customers to wear a face covering.Continue reading “Wear a mask warns Metro Mayor”
Metro Mayor secures best transport settlement in UK
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has welcomed the news that the West of England will receive a bumper injection of cash to improve local transport. The Chancellor is set to announce in next week’s budget that just over half a billion pounds will be invested in the region’s transport infrastructure – around £560 per person. ThisContinue reading “Metro Mayor secures best transport settlement in UK”
Metro Mayor blasts unambitious climate goals
“Government plans to change the way we heat our homes barely scratch the surface,” said Metro Mayor Dan Norris. His comments came after the Prime Minister announced a plan to subsidise low-carbon heat pumps to replace gas boilers for homeowners. “These government plans fall far short,” said Dan Norris. “They don’t recognise the urgency orContinue reading “Metro Mayor blasts unambitious climate goals”
Protecting the West’s best ideas
The brilliant ideas of West of England inventors, artists and designers need to be protected, says Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and now he is launching a brand new scheme to help do just that. Creative West of England people will be able to access expert support to protect their trade secrets and stop theirContinue reading “Protecting the West’s best ideas”
Death of David Amess MP
Following the news that David Amess MP has passed away having been stabbed at a constituency surgery, Dan Norris, Metro Mayor for the West of England said “This is utterly awful and tragic news. My thoughts are with David Amess’s family. I first met David when I was an MP and he was a thoroughlyContinue reading “Death of David Amess MP”
Mayor Gives Guide To Disrupting Status Quo
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has spoken out at Bristol’s first ever Blue Earth Summit. The summit is a prestigious event jam packed with adventurers, pioneers and athletes. Amongst the line up is Sir Tim Smit, from The Eden Project, Rosie Stancer, a Polar Explorer and Melissa Reid a Paralympic Triathlon medallist. Metro Mayor Dan NorrisContinue reading “Mayor Gives Guide To Disrupting Status Quo”
Young people ahead of politicians at Climate Summit
Metro Mayor Dan Norris heard the views of young people at a special climate emergency summit in Bristol. 16-18 year-olds from across the West of England were be joined by engineers and environmentalists from across the region at The Youth Engineering for Environmental Sustainability (YEESS) Summit. During the event they will discuss ways in whichContinue reading “Young people ahead of politicians at Climate Summit”
Santa Special! Back on track in time for a seasonal visitor at Avon Valley Railway
Metro Mayor Dan Norris helped Bitton-based Avon Valley Railway launch its upcoming season of ‘Santa Special’ train rides. Volunteers at the charity explained to Mr Norris how they’re getting back on track after the pandemic’s impact, with Trustee Chair Roger Eynon and the Mayor donning Santa hats to promote the festive family steamContinue reading “Santa Special! Back on track in time for a seasonal visitor at Avon Valley Railway”
New report says ‘green skills needed’: Metro Mayor in talks at South Gloucestershire braking firm
Fewer than half of UK manufacturers are confident that current training on offer will help them reach net-zero targets, according to a new report published today. ‘Unlocking The Skills Needed For A Digital And Green Future’ is written by Make UK, the group championing British manufacturers. They will brief Metro Mayor Dan Norris on theContinue reading “New report says ‘green skills needed’: Metro Mayor in talks at South Gloucestershire braking firm”
End of an era
As Marks and Spencer announced the closure of its Broadmead store Metro Mayor Dan Norris said “For most of us, Marks and Spencer in Broadmead has been a Bristol fixture all of our lives. This is a real blow to a shopping centre that is at the heart of the community, and many people acrossContinue reading “End of an era”
Mayor is flying high
Metro Mayor Dan Norris dropped in to meet emergency doctors and paramedics when he visited Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, to launch its status as one of the West of England Combined Authority’s charities of the year. Great Western Air Ambulance Charity provides an air ambulance and critical care car service for people across theContinue reading “Mayor is flying high”
Mayor strolls down Staple Hill High Street
People in Staple Hill met Metro Mayor Dan Norris as he checked out the views of traders looking to boost business after the pandemic’s severe impact. The Metro Mayor was invited by Cllr Ian Boulton, who chairs The Staple Hill Partnership, to hear thoughts about how more people can be encouraged to use the localContinue reading “Mayor strolls down Staple Hill High Street”
Metro Mayor calls into Body Shop and calls on government for plan to phase out animal experiments
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris called in to Bath’s branch of The Body Shop – pioneers in championing cruelty-free products – to join calls on the government for a clear action plan to phase-out UK animal experiments. The Labour Metro Mayor is asking West of England people who oppose animal cruelty to sign aContinue reading “Metro Mayor calls into Body Shop and calls on government for plan to phase out animal experiments”
Support for people working in adult social care
People who work in adult social care will be able to get more professional support with the launch of a new scheme funded by The West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The focus of the Adult Social Care Workforce Resilience Programme will include:• ensuring excellent training opportunities• providing mental healthContinue reading “Support for people working in adult social care”
Bus passengers face disruption due to driver shortage
A driver shortage means local passengers are being left bus-less. There are cancellations and reduced services again today including on the Number 10 serving Stoke Gifford and Thornbury, the 462 in Emersons Green, and 12 and 3X in Bristol. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “A lack of strategic planning over the last decade means weContinue reading “Bus passengers face disruption due to driver shortage”
Clumsy government end to furlough increases worker uncertainty
The blanket ending of government furlough support from 1 October shows a ‘clumsy one-size-fits-all’ approach that doesn’t match the needs of workers across the West of England, says Metro Mayor Dan Norris. “The pandemic has not ended,” says Dan Norris. “People are still getting ill with Covid-19. With winter approaching, a clear end is definitelyContinue reading “Clumsy government end to furlough increases worker uncertainty”
Sir Keir Starmer looks to the future
Speaking from Labour Party Conference following Sir Keir Starmer’s Leader’s Speech, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Today we heard a deeply personal speech from Keir, setting out his values. His decency, honesty and sense of service shone through. “But the speech was much more than this, it set out a serious future-focusedContinue reading “Sir Keir Starmer looks to the future”
Tonic for Bedminster shop as new mobile bar caters for growing social event demand
A South Bristol craft beer shop and bar will be lifting spirits as it goes on the road with a mobile bar thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The Metro Mayor visited Alpha Bottle Shop & Tap, where owners Emily Penney and Mike FenlonContinue reading “Tonic for Bedminster shop as new mobile bar caters for growing social event demand”
Building a better future – literally! Metro Mayor opens new Advanced Construction Skills Centre
The foundations were laid for a brighter future for thousands of young people from south Bristol and beyond when Metro Mayor Dan Norris formally opened the new City of Bristol College Advanced Construction Skills Centre in Hengrove. Students at the Hengrove Centre will be able to learn trades such as bricklaying, carpentry and construction, andContinue reading “Building a better future – literally! Metro Mayor opens new Advanced Construction Skills Centre”
Government ‘cloth ears’ risks impact on local businesses
As fuel runs dry at the pumps across the region Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who is responsible for jobs, business investment and skills said: “We could see this coming a mile off. The alarm bells have been ringing for months. But this government has cloth ears and seems to be incapable of horizon scanning. “OverContinue reading “Government ‘cloth ears’ risks impact on local businesses”
Top Dog! Angel opens new pet store – joined by Metro Mayor owner
A new pet store in Warmley, South Gloucestershire welcomed a special guest when Angel – ‘the First Dog of the West of England’ – performed its official opening. Angel’s owner, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, joined her for the ceremony at Jollyes. The store wrote to Angel inviting her to do the honours,Continue reading “Top Dog! Angel opens new pet store – joined by Metro Mayor owner”
‘A paw-some achievement!’ Metro Mayor visits Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
Cats, rats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, snakes and other small animals greeted dog-owner and Metro Mayor Dan Norris when he visited a Bristol animal welfare charity to learn about its work. The Metro Mayor was invited to meet staff and volunteers as he toured the centre to find out about some of the 10,000 vulnerable animalsContinue reading “‘A paw-some achievement!’ Metro Mayor visits Bristol Animal Rescue Centre”
Living standards of over 66,000 West of England families hit by Universal Credit cut, as energy prices soar
Over 66,000 West of England families will see their household income fall next month, as government cuts to Universal Credit come into effect, according to new figures obtained by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. A £20-a-week universal credit uplift, introduced during the pandemic to assist households on low-incomes will be phased out in October. “This cutContinue reading “Living standards of over 66,000 West of England families hit by Universal Credit cut, as energy prices soar”
National accolade for local social enterprise
Metro Mayor Dan Norris presented a national award to a Bristol-based organisation that helps people turn their lives around, when he called in to its Horfield offices. The Restore Trust has been named ‘UK Social Enterprise of the Year Award 2021’ for its work supporting adults and young people across the West of England. The Trust’s CEO,Continue reading “National accolade for local social enterprise”
It’s official: West of England Combined Authority backs Metro Mayor to oppose Bristol Airport expansion
The West of England Combined Authority’s Joint Committee has today voted to officially “oppose the latest plans to expand Bristol Airport”. The move has been roundly welcomed by environmental groups including Friends of the Earth South West and Bristol Airport Action Network. The motion brought by Metro Mayor Dan Norris makes good on his manifestoContinue reading “It’s official: West of England Combined Authority backs Metro Mayor to oppose Bristol Airport expansion”
Floating film studio in Bristol welcomes Metro Mayor to launch new service
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited MB Tempora, home of Floating Harbour Films, to find out how a grant from the West of England Combined Authority which he leads is allowing them to launch a brand new service so more people can experience live events from their own homes. Floating Harbour Films, which is marking its tenthContinue reading “Floating film studio in Bristol welcomes Metro Mayor to launch new service”
A beacon for the future
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has followed in the footsteps of The Beatles, David Bowie, Bob Marley and Ella Fitzgerald by visiting an iconic Bristol concert venue. He took a tour of the Bristol Beacon to check out the progress being made with the major redevelopment underway there. The once-in-a-generation transformation is being supported by £11.85mContinue reading “A beacon for the future”
West of England Zero Carbon event attracts largest audience on national tour
The West of England has attracted a record audience when it welcomed the national #ZeroCarbonTour on its way to the UN’s Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Nearly 200 people including students, campaigners, entrepreneurs and business leaders and gathered at the University of the West of England (in person and on live stream) to hear fromContinue reading “West of England Zero Carbon event attracts largest audience on national tour”
An eye-opener!
World-class optometry equipment was the focus of a visit to UWE Bristol’s Glenside Campus by Metro Mayor Dan Norris as he opened its new £2 million Bristol Eye Clinic. This summer saw the first group of UWE Bristol Optometry graduates complete their degrees, and the new clinic will offer future students placement opportunities so they can perfect their skillsContinue reading “An eye-opener!”
Metro Mayor opens new school in Warmley
Metro Mayor Dan Norris officially opened a brand new school catering for children with special needs when he cut a ribbon at Neptune School, Warmley. The 25-place school in Poplar Road is newly-built and will welcome learners aged seven to 14, helping address a shortage of places for children who have social, emotional and mentalContinue reading “Metro Mayor opens new school in Warmley”
Scrap Channel 4 privatisation plans, says Metro Mayor
The government’s failure to give assurances that the West of England’s creative industries will be protected from the privatisation of Channel 4 means the plans must be scrapped, according to Metro Mayor Dan Norris. In a response to the government’s consultation on looming privatisation plans, The West of England Combined Authority today set out itsContinue reading “Scrap Channel 4 privatisation plans, says Metro Mayor”
West of England Mayor calls on local council leaders to show moral leadership on climate emergency
Now is not the time to expand Bristol Airport, according to the West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris – as he called on the leaders of the region’s four local councils to back his stance. The Labour Metro Mayor will propose a motion, seconded by BANES Lib Dem leader Cllr Kevin Guy, at aContinue reading “West of England Mayor calls on local council leaders to show moral leadership on climate emergency”
No to Airport expansion: Moral leadership needed
West of England Mayor calls on local council leaders to show moral leadership on climate emergency Now is not the time to expand Bristol airport, according to the West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris – as he called on the leaders of the region’s four local councils to back his stance. The Labour MetroContinue reading “No to Airport expansion: Moral leadership needed”
Real aficiona-dough – Mayor Norris makes pizza in Bath
Metro Mayor Dan Norris ‘checked out’ the customer service skills of staff at Morrisons, Bath, this week and got a hands-on lesson in pizza-making. Mr Norris, whose West of England responsibilities include jobs and skills, met some of the apprentices who work at the Morrisons York Road store which employs a total of 175 staff.Continue reading “Real aficiona-dough – Mayor Norris makes pizza in Bath”
Cross-party West of England support for Metro Mayor’s government bus support call
The battle to improve the West of England’s bus services has been boosted by cross-party support for the Metro Mayor’s call for more government cash. A letter from Metro Mayor Dan Norris to Baroness Vere, the Government Minister in charge of buses, has received local Lib Dem and Tory MP backing. It explains that theContinue reading “Cross-party West of England support for Metro Mayor’s government bus support call”
Wheel-y good! Metro Mayor rolls into South Bristol skatepark setting sights on future Olympic winners
One of the West of England’s most eye-catching indoor venues – based in a former swimming pool – got a visit from Metro Mayor Dan Norris as his dog Angel l, as he learnt more about how Campus Pool skatepark is using a grant from the Combined Authority he leads. Skateboarding in the UKContinue reading “Wheel-y good! Metro Mayor rolls into South Bristol skatepark setting sights on future Olympic winners”
A complete mess’: Will alpaca owners be queuing for tests now, asks Metro Mayor
Following reports that Geronimo the alpaca did not have bovine tuberculosis, according to the preliminary findings of the post-mortem examination, Metro Mayor for the West of England Dan Norris, where Geronimo lived, said: “I’m heartbroken by this news and I know millions of people around the world will feel the same if Geronimo was needlesslyContinue reading “A complete mess’: Will alpaca owners be queuing for tests now, asks Metro Mayor”
Mayor serves up a slice of history
A slice of history was served up to nine residents of a Winterbourne Almshouse when Metro Mayor Dan Norris cut a cake to celebrate a remarkable 170th birthday. The Perry Almshouses in Winterbourne have been providing accommodation to local people since 1851 and so, 170 years on, staff there organised a birthday party, asking the MetroContinue reading “Mayor serves up a slice of history”
Let’s keep skills cash local
Around half a million pounds has been pledged to help people across the West of England develop new skills through apprenticeships. Now the Metro Mayor is urging more firms here to ‘keep it local’, by adding to the shared funding pot with their unused apprenticeship levy funds. To date some £485,000 has been pledged toContinue reading “Let’s keep skills cash local”
Metro Mayor tells Government to honour Afghanistan evacuation heroes
Service personnel who took part in the evacuation of Afghanistan should be honoured with medals according to Metro Mayor Dan Norris. More than 1,000 UK personnel took part in Operation Pitting, which airlifted 15,000 people fleeing oppression and persecution to safety as the country fell to the Taliban. The mission was the largestContinue reading “Metro Mayor tells Government to honour Afghanistan evacuation heroes”
Cutting edge: Metro Mayor opens Brunel Centre
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris cut the ribbon to formally open the brand new £7 million Brunel Centre on Saturday 4 September, ready for students to enrol and begin studying there two days later. The South Gloucestershire and Stroud College Centre in Stoke Gifford has sustainability and student wellbeing at the heart ofContinue reading “Cutting edge: Metro Mayor opens Brunel Centre”
Zero Carbon Tour Rolls in to Bristol
Metro Mayor Dan Norris will be urging businesses and local organisations to take immediate action and cut carbon emissions as the West of England Combined Authority and UWE host Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour on Friday 10 September, 12-4pm. The Mayor will be visiting the #ZeroCarbonTour as it stops off at UWE’s Frenchay campus on its wayContinue reading “Zero Carbon Tour Rolls in to Bristol”
Expertise flows into the Chew Valley as Metro Mayor learns about healthier river project
West of England Metro Mayor and Chew Valley resident Dan Norris and his dog Angel took a walk along the bank of the River Chew as he learnt about measures to protect this famous West of England waterway. The Mayor, who lives near Pensford, saw first hand where a series of new measures will makeContinue reading “Expertise flows into the Chew Valley as Metro Mayor learns about healthier river project”
Curtain up!
Metro Mayor Dan Norris officially opened a brand new support programme on 1 September to help people working in the West of England’s thriving creative sector. The Mayor addressed the event at the Watershed in Bristol and met freelancers and people who work in 55 local businesses including music recording, web design, photography, theatre, illustration,Continue reading “Curtain up!”
Past, present, future
For decades it’s lain derelict, but Metro Mayor Dan Norris, alongside local Labour councillors, got a glimpse of the exciting future of Kingswood’s historic Whitfield Tabernacle, when he went to see renovation work, beginning to transform it into a community arts venue. The 18th century building, which has deteriorated for over 20 years after a devastatingContinue reading “Past, present, future”
Tory empty promises mean empty shelves
West of England supermarket shelves have been running empty but lacklustre Government steps to tackle a shortage of HGV drivers are simply “short term and dangerous”, according to Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Responding to an open letter from Government Ministers to the road haulage industry, the Metro Mayor said the measures outlined are simplyContinue reading “Tory empty promises mean empty shelves”
Kingswood community farm café expands
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has been lending a hand in the kitchen at Kingswood Community Farm’s social enterprise café. The Barn Café at Grimsbury Farm is growing thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, which the Metro Mayor leads. The café is run by the Brandon Trust charity whose Chief Executive, SueContinue reading “Kingswood community farm café expands”
Regional TV reviews Mayor Norris’s first 100 days.
Regional News program Points West reviewed Dan Norris’s first hundred days as Metro Mayor for the West of England.
Responding to ‘Code Red’ – new chance for residents to save money and the planet
As the UN calls for ‘immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’, residents across the West of England will get their chance to save money on their energy bills, and play their part in cutting carbon emissions. It is all thanks to a new scheme being launched by the West of England CombinedContinue reading “Responding to ‘Code Red’ – new chance for residents to save money and the planet”
West of England Metro Mayor to appear on Any Questions
Metro Mayor Dan Norris will become the first West of England Metro Mayor to appear on Radio 4’s Any Questions this Friday 27 August. The Labour Mayor will appear on the long running show which has been a fixture in the schedules since 1948. The radio show is hosted by Chris Mason and will featureContinue reading “West of England Metro Mayor to appear on Any Questions”
Mayor Praise For Animal-Tastic Thornbury Family Fun
West of England Metro Mayor and animal lover Dan Norris popped into a Thornbury shop and cafe that is going the extra mile for local families during the summer holidays by holding a free animal themed activity day for children. The mayor met Tabi and Garry Marsh, the owners of Papilio, who introduced himContinue reading “Mayor Praise For Animal-Tastic Thornbury Family Fun”
Mayor makes bee-line to Bristol farm
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris sampled the first jar of honey to be produced by Bristol’s last working farm. The Metro Mayor, who has pledged to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK, went to Yew Tree Farm, Bedminster Down, to meet farmer Catherine Withers. Her familyContinue reading “Mayor makes bee-line to Bristol farm”
Season ticket costs for trains now doubled under the Tories
West of England commuters face an unwelcome price hike as season ticket fares are set to rocket by biggest increase in a decade, next year. Passengers on average were hit with a 2.6 per cent increase on the cost of train travel from March 1 2021. But new Retail Price Index (RPI) figures released todayContinue reading “Season ticket costs for trains now doubled under the Tories”
Minute’s Silence for Keyham victims
At 11am today (Monday) Metro Mayor Dan Norris and staff at the West of England Combined Authority which he leads will fall silent for a minute to remember the victims of the shootings in Keyham. The Mayor has also urged West of England people to stop and reflect at 11am wherever they are. Mr NorrisContinue reading “Minute’s Silence for Keyham victims”
Midsomer Norton firm goes green
A Midsomer Norton firm that supplies specialist “green walls” – where plants are grown up or cascaded down the side of buildings – has been awarded a grant so their HQ can go more environmentally friendly too. Metro Mayor Dan Norris who leads the West of England Combined Authority, visited MMA Architectural Systems to seeContinue reading “Midsomer Norton firm goes green”
Redevelopment of old Magistrate’s Court
Local charity Creative Youth Network welcomed West of England Mayor Dan Norris to the site of the derelict Magistrates Courts in central Bristol. The Courts will be developed into a creative enterprise hub for the region, offering diverse and disadvantaged young people the chance to gain the skills, contacts and experience they need to getContinue reading “Redevelopment of old Magistrate’s Court”
Labour’s rural review stops off on S Glos
The Shadow Environment Secretary Luke Pollard MP was in Gloucestershire to listen to local residents as part of Labour’s Rural England Policy Review. Alongside Metro Mayor Dan Norris, the MP met local people at Poplar Farm in Latteridge, Iron Acton. At the dairy farm, they discussed how rural communities have been impacted by the coronavirusContinue reading “Labour’s rural review stops off on S Glos”
Bee-ware the honey fraudsters
The Shadow Environment Secretary Luke Pollard swarmed to the defence of North East Somerset’s hardworking beekeepers on a visit to Radstock. Luke Pollard MP is the guest of West of England Metro Mayor (and bee fan) Dan Norris. The Labour duo met beekeeper Dave Roberts at his hives and sample some tasty Somerset honey. SadlyContinue reading “Bee-ware the honey fraudsters”
Demand growing for lab space for deep tech
Over half the lab space at a converted 30,000 sq. foot former stationary warehouse in Old Market due to open this Autumn has already been pre-let to ambitious deep tech start-up companies. Deep tech is the pivotal science at the cutting edge of engineering and science. The project is Science Creates’ second incubator,Continue reading “Demand growing for lab space for deep tech”
Metro Mayor hits the high street with “blooming” big spending boost
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Bath’s Milsom Street to check out plans to get more people shopping and eating out, thanks to over a million pounds of investment from the West of England Combined Authority, which he leads. Sitting in one of the colourful “parklets”, which provide outdoor seating areas planted with flowers and shrubs,Continue reading “Metro Mayor hits the high street with “blooming” big spending boost”
Mayor shines light on growing Bristol business
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited the region’s largest independent holiday club provider, Shine Wraparound Care Ltd as the Bristol based business celebrates its 10th Birthday. Handing over a Birthday card the Mayor met co-founder Shaun Parker who will explain how in the last decade the company has expanded from a ‘two man band’ to overContinue reading “Mayor shines light on growing Bristol business”
Metro Mayor wins bumper Transport cash injection for region
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has secured a multi million transport fund for the West of England The Metro Mayor has been pledged between £540 million to £880 million over five years by the government to enable him to improve transport across the West of England. This is a significant increase in transport funding for theContinue reading “Metro Mayor wins bumper Transport cash injection for region”
Travelling between Bath and Bristol
How can we make travelling between Bristol and Bath better on foot, by bike or by bus? That’s the question residents who live near or travel along the A4 are being asked, to help shape transport improvements along the route. The West of England Combined Authority wants to hear about the issues people face asContinue reading “Travelling between Bath and Bristol”
UK Innovation Strategy needs to do more for West of England
Plans to turbo charge the UK’s most innovative businesses will fall flat if the Government keeps creating its plans in Whitehall, rather than the regions. That is the message from Metro Mayor Dan Norris as the Government unveiled itsNew Innovation Strategy. The Government laid out how it will specify ‘innovation missions’ to set the directionContinue reading “UK Innovation Strategy needs to do more for West of England”
Mayor’s laser focus on skills
Knowle West Media Centre’s The Factory has successfully been awarded nearly £10k of cash from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, to create a new online learning portal to help more local creative people cut through skills barriers. The Mayor was shown The Factory’s state-of-the-art laser cutters that can be used to cut out intricate designs, while speakingContinue reading “Mayor’s laser focus on skills”
New grants for high tech future
Local businesses are being offered the chance to apply for grants of between £20,000 and £50,000 from the West of England Combined Authority led by Dan Norris. The Mayor announced the latest cash on offer to innovate and grow at NuNano, a Bristol company which takes very high-res images of tiny objects that are nanometresContinue reading “New grants for high tech future”
Red hot mayor has cool plan
As the West of England swelters, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has called for a maximum workplace temperature of 30C to be set by employers. He also wants local companies to put measures in place for workers who are at home, without access to things like air conditioning. When temperatures plunge, workers have a right toContinue reading “Red hot mayor has cool plan”
We don’t like to be beside the seaside
As the West of England swelters in the hot summer many residents minds might be turning to a trip to the beach. However those wishing to travel from Bristol to Weston Super Mare by train may be disappointed. Great Western Railways are making reductions to the regional train service, cutting the rail link to theContinue reading “We don’t like to be beside the seaside”
Full steam ahead to net zero for Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction
Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, is sailing towards carbon neutral thanks to a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The mayor visited the ship to see how pioneering upgrades are being carried out to install a heat recovery device which circulates dehumidified air onto the fragileContinue reading “Full steam ahead to net zero for Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction”
Chipping away at carbon emissions
With Net Zero Week in full swing, Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited a Bristol kitchen cabinet company doing its bit to help the city reach our ambitious net zero targets. The Mayor tried his hand at some bespoke joinery at Made By Husk based in Montpelier Bristol. The company which transforms IKEA kitchen cabinets withContinue reading “Chipping away at carbon emissions”
Lights on at Wardrobe Theatre
During a tour of the Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market, Bristol, Metro Mayor Dan Norris got to grips with the theatre’s lighting rig and heard how, thanks to the cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority, the theatre has received business management support and funding to move performances online. After having to closeContinue reading “Lights on at Wardrobe Theatre”
A Deep tech future
Over half the lab space at a converted 30,000 sq. foot former stationary warehouse in Old Market due to open this Autumn has already been pre-let to ambitious deep tech start up companies. Deep tech is the pivotal science at the cutting edge of engineering and science. The project is “Science Creates” second incubator, asContinue reading “A Deep tech future”
Super Mario’s a cut above the rest
It is shear delight for a Hengrove barber who has been crowned the best in the UK in a nationwide competition. Metro Mayor Dan Norris popped in for a trim and to offer his congratulations. Mario Marotta has won the best barber competition run by the Barber Magazine and King C. Gillette and voted forContinue reading “Super Mario’s a cut above the rest”
Mayor wants to Electrify Skills
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has met apprentices learning how to service the electric vehicles of the future. They discussed how training was the solution to remove roadblocks to the plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This is a vital part of the West of England’s ambitious plan for netContinue reading “Mayor wants to Electrify Skills”
Metro mayor no dummy at Weston College
Metro Mayor Dan Norris met health and construction students at Weston College at the official national Launch of the UK’s twelve Institutes of Technologies. Weston College is the lead college for the West of England Institute of Technology in partnership with UWE, and local employers including Airbus, the NHS and the National Composites Centre. MayorContinue reading “Metro mayor no dummy at Weston College”
Bristol Pupil shows racism the red card
A talented Bristol student has won a prize in a national anti-racism football competition. In a week that saw England’s footballing heroes in a major final, but also shocking abuse of black players, Metro Mayor Dan Norris will visit Bristol Brunel Academy (this Thursday 15th of July at 10am) with the goal of presenting GeorgiaContinue reading “Bristol Pupil shows racism the red card”
From Tears for Fears to Roni Size – how musical history is helping drive business growth
Smart phone in hand and headphones at the ready, Metro Mayor Dan Norris will visit some of Bristol and Bath’s hidden music gems as part of an innovative project called ‘Everything is Music’. It’s like Pokemon Go – but for the local cultural scene explained Tom Frost Co-founder of the biggest independent free monthly culture magazine in Europe. Music loversContinue reading “From Tears for Fears to Roni Size – how musical history is helping drive business growth”
Mayor praises The Week In as bus service saved
The No 17 bus service which local people feared would be scrapped at the end of August has been saved. The bus route is operated partly by bus company First on a commercial basis and subsidised by the West of England Combined Authority, led since May by newly elected Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris. MayorContinue reading “Mayor praises The Week In as bus service saved”
Joy of the Journey
Aardman Animations, Bath’s Royal United Hospital and Lost Horizon Coffee are helping to get more people walking and pedalling to work by sharing their experiences in a new guide launched by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The “Joy in the Journey” guide is jam packed with helpful advice for businessesContinue reading “Joy of the Journey”
The Show Must Go On
Metro Mayor Dan Norris is promising more help for creative freelancers with the launch of a new support program to help them recover from the impact of Covid-19. The Creative Sector Growth Programme aims to support recovery by working with creative businesses and freelancers to help them improve their business’s resilience. It will offer support including: – £3,000 of professional expertise (mentoring, coachingContinue reading “The Show Must Go On”
Jobs & Skills Summit to lead our recovery
West of England Metro Mayor, Dan Norris, will meet local residents whose jobs have been hit by Covid-19, as part of the region’s first Jobs & Skills Summit, July 5 – 9. During the week, he will be talking with apprentices in Bristol and Radstock; community learners in South Gloucestershire; Bath mums returning to work, and studentsContinue reading “Jobs & Skills Summit to lead our recovery”
Cheese-ey does it for Kelston
Metro Mayor Dan Norris donned his whites to learn the art of cheese making at Park Farm at Kelston. The Mayor was the guest of Hugh Padfield, founder of the award-winning organic cheese makers, The Bath Soft Cheese Company. When Covid struck, the local business decided they could not just ‘let it brie’ but insteadContinue reading “Cheese-ey does it for Kelston”
Welcoming back Keir Starmer
I was delighted to welcome leader of the opposition Keir Starmer back to West of England. I have a relentless focus on jobs and our recovery, to that end we visited the Bristol Port company to witness their investments in young people’s future through apprenticeships. Watch here: Keir Starmer on Instagram: “Dan Norris plans forContinue reading “Welcoming back Keir Starmer”
E-Bikes to get people cycling
More residents and employees across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will soon be able to reap the benefits of pedal power, thanks to additional funding secured by the West of England Combined Authority. Metro Mayor Dan Norris, has won £248,000 from the Government to buy e-bikes, expand e-bike loanContinue reading “E-Bikes to get people cycling”
Don’t silence communities on planning
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has warned local people risk being gagged from speaking out against inappropriate developments in the West of England as the House of Commons votes on the so-called Developers’ Charter (today Monday 21 June).The Metro Mayor has branded the Government plans “unacceptable and undemocratic.” The Government’s proposed reforms of the planning systemContinue reading “Don’t silence communities on planning”
Heating up the tourism recovery
West of England Mayor Dan Norris heated up the recovery of tourism in Bath as he tried his hand at glass blowing. Independent glass production company, Bath Aqua Glass, has received a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority that Mayor Norris leads. The Metro Mayor tried his hand at blowing a glassContinue reading “Heating up the tourism recovery”
No to Channel 4 Privatisation
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has warned that the West of England’s creative sector could be at threat from government plans to privatise Channel 4. Mayor Dan Norris said: “This proposal threatens to rip out the heart of Channel 4 – a much-loved broadcaster which has only just set down roots in the West of England.Continue reading “No to Channel 4 Privatisation”
Mayor and bus boss in step for Clean Air Day
Newly elected West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris and First West of England’s new Managing Director, Doug Claringbold, took the meeting room outdoors to celebrate Clean Air Day. The pair marked their first official discussion by walking and talking around Arnos Vale Cemetery, one of a number of circular and one way walks thatContinue reading “Mayor and bus boss in step for Clean Air Day”
Cargo-bike deliveries put business in espresso line
Bristolian coffee lovers are full of beans to receive their caffeine boost by e-bike after Lost Horizon Coffee received a grant for a cargo e-bike. Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Kit Nisbet, founder of Lost Horizon Coffee and rode the cargo e-bike that is transforming the speciality coffee roastery. Kit will feature in aContinue reading “Cargo-bike deliveries put business in espresso line”
Slow Barbecue Food Takes The Brisket
Metro Mayor Dan Norris popped in on local Westfield business Nomads’ BBQ for the antithesis of ‘fast food’. Accompanied by local councillor Grant Johnson, the Metro Mayor will see how the family run firm uses locally sourced wood and charcoal to cook its meat for up to 12 hours and boasts ‘not an electric plugContinue reading “Slow Barbecue Food Takes The Brisket”
Mayor to paddle power the recovery
A growing Bath business is set to receive a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority led by the Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The funding will help “Wild Swim Bike Run” to create more new jobs. Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited “Wild Swim Bike Run” to discover more about their guided tours withContinue reading “Mayor to paddle power the recovery”
Freedom day postponed
Commenting on the postponement of so called “Freedom Day” Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “This news comes as a disappointment to many local people. Yes, there has to be a safety first approach, but where is the additional support from the Government for these most badly hit workers? “Locally, I have pledged to double theContinue reading “Freedom day postponed”
New Event Planners Guide Launched
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Bath’s Francis Hotel as a new guide for event planners was launched. The Mayor said: “I love the West of England. It is a vibrant and exciting region which is a great place to go on holiday or hold a business event. We’ve got wonderful places to visit and fabulousContinue reading “New Event Planners Guide Launched”
Tree-mendous plan launched
Metro Mayor Dan Norris gave his seal of approval at the official launch of the The launch of the “Forest Avon Plan: A Tree and Woodland Strategy for the West of England” alongside the West of England Nature Partnership, the Forest of Avon Trust and other local environmental groups. The plan has a target toContinue reading “Tree-mendous plan launched”
New minibuses for Community groups
Kingswood Community Transport, Green Community Travel in Yate and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport in Thornbury have received the keys to their brand new minibuses. West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “I am so pleased to hand over the keys to three brilliant local groups who are at the heart of their communities:Continue reading “New minibuses for Community groups”
Mayor Norris paves the way for even better Keynsham high street
Mayor Norris donned his work boots and high viz jacket as he helped lay a paving slab in Keynsham High Street. The improvements to the high street are part of a £1.5 million investment by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Alongside footpath widening and resurfacing, better signage andContinue reading “Mayor Norris paves the way for even better Keynsham high street”
Charity Bike Biz Plans To Cash In On Bridgerton Boom
A Bath charity is launching a brand new e-bike scheme for tourists which will raise vital cash to reduce homelessness and tackle long-term unemployment. Thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, the Julian House Bike Workshop is investing in a fleet of e-bikes which theyContinue reading “Charity Bike Biz Plans To Cash In On Bridgerton Boom”
Mayor pledges to work with world-beating research centre
Newly-elected Metro Mayor Dan Norris took a tour of the National Composites Centre – the West of England’s world-beating research centre. This is where the West of England’s top designers, researchers and engineers come together to create composite materials which are stronger, lighter and less likely to corrode. The National Composite Centre hosts a £10Continue reading “Mayor pledges to work with world-beating research centre”
Saving cash and energy is child’s play
A Bradley Stoke children’s playground specialist was visited by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to see how the local company is benefiting from a Green Business Grant scheme. Pentagon Play has received a grant £3,000 from the West of England Combined Authority which is led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The cash injection means Pentagon PlayContinue reading “Saving cash and energy is child’s play”
Full steam ahead
Metro Mayor Dan Norris met GWR to discuss exciting plans for new stations and improved rail services across our region which is vital for creating jobs and encouraging local people to switch away from cars to more journeys by train.