Colmore Life

In this issue:

The latest news and views from the District’s people and places

SPRING 2023

Welcome

to the Spring 2023 edition of Colmore Life.

It’s a busy time for Colmore BID as we get out and about to speak to businesses across the District during our BID4 consultation process.

The spring 2023 consultation will influence our business plan for our fourth term between 20242029, should our BID member ballot be a ‘yes’ vote later in the year.

We’re listening to all your ideas and requests and taking notes.

So, with consultation in mind, we thought it would be handy to use this edition of Colmore Life to give you an update on a few of our priorities for the coming years as we continue to develop a safe, welcoming and exciting Colmore Business District.

City Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, reflects on Birmingham 2022, the buzz, the excitement and how we must harness its legacy.

Colmore BID Chair, Nicola Fleet-Milne, talks about the District of today and tomorrow, while hospitality experts Lawrence Barton, Matt Lockren and the BID’s Paul Street share their thoughts about the growth and challenges of our night-time economy.

Elsewhere you’ll find the usual mix of business updates, movers & shakers, food & drink news and public art projects.

As ever, there’s lots going on in the District. I hope you enjoy the magazine and please get in touch if you’d like to know more about BID4.

THE BID TEAM

Michele Wilby Chief Executive Officer

Jonathan Bryce Operations Manager

Katy Paddock

Special Projects Executive

Kelsey Dwyer Events Executive

Paul Street

Strategic Projects Officer

Mike Mounfield Projects Manager

Lee Stirrup Database Officer

Ruth Thompson Finance Director

Ali Abbas Rangwala Bookkeeper

John-Jo Von Johnson

Street Operations Manager

Ryan Boothe Project Support

James Crooks Security Officer

Zack Palmer Security Officer

Dimitri Mitropoulos Security Officer

Nicole Panayiotou

Business Liaison Executive

Peter Charalambous District Cleaner CONTACT

Colmore BID, 37a Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5TJ info@colmorebid.co.uk colmorebusinessdistrict.com

We’re also on:

FOR COLMORE LIFE MAGAZINE

Stacey Barnfield Editor

Designed and produced for Colmore BID by: Edwin Ellis Creative Media edwinelliscreativemedia.com

NEW WORKING GROUP INVITATION

Following on from the success of the Welcome to Birmingham events, Colmore BID is introducing a new working group This working group will focus on supporting the District’s new professionals. Interested in joining?

Please email Kelsey.dwyer@ colmorebid.co.uk

CALL FOR DIVERSITY FEEDBACK

Equality, diversity and inclusion is extremely important to Colmore BID and the events team wants to learn more about different cultural celebrations in and around the Distric.

Colmore BID Events Executive, Kelsey Dwyer, said: “We would love to hear from you to understand what events are important to you and how they are celebrated.”

If you have any feedback, advice or want to highlight a special date please email Kelsey.dwyer @colmorebid.co.uk

MICHELE WILBY, CEO, COLMORE BID

DID YOU KNOW? The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games contributed at least £870 million to the UK economy, according to an independent study. The report found that the West Midlands economy received half of that, with over £453.7 million benefitting the region.

A DAY IN THE DISTRICT

IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT FOR A MEETING? WHY NOT MAKE A DAY OF IT?

1 BREAKFAST

WAYLANDS YARD

Named one of England’s 50 best coffee shops, Waylands Yard prides itself on serving‘proper coffee and proper food’.

Not only does Waylands Yard serve a great breakfast, you can enjoy brunch, lunch and cakes all day. Dog friendly too.

42 Bull Street, B4 6AF

4 ME TIME 2 TO THE SHOPS

CROCKETT & JONES

Crockett & Jones has been making the finest quality shoes since the late 1800s – a history and heritage that comes across in every pair to this day.

You’ll find loafers, boots, Oxford & Derbys, plus belts and shoe care accessories.

25 Colmore Row, B3 2BS

3 SEE THE SIGHTS

CLARENDON FINE ART

The new name for Whitewall Galleries, Clarendon Fine Art offers the finest artwork from around the world to a discerning audience of art lovers.

Treat yourself to a colourful memento of your visit to Birmingham.

9 Colmore Row (near the entrance to Snow Hill station), B3 2QD

MARY JAY’S HAIR AND BEAUTY

This family-run hair and beauty salon in The Minories, off Bull Street, specialises in AfroCaribbean hair and caters for all hair types with an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere in their salon.

Unit 12, The Minories, B4 6AG

5 DINNER

6 ONE FOR THE ROAD THE FLORENCE

For laid-back cocktails or a full menu of hearty meals in the evening (or bottomless brunches at weekends), The Florence is a great spot in the heart of the Business District.

106-110 Edmund Street, B3 2ES

BIJOUX BAR

A Grade-II listed venue on the corner of Newhall Street and Colmore Row recently transformed as a St Tropez-style venue for those who live and work in the District and looking for a colourful night out.

85-89 Colmore Row, B3 2BB

Lowdown

DISTRICT’S DAY OF YELLOW FOR CHARITY

A Colmore BID-based charity is calling on all businesses in the District to join in Big Yellow Friday, a day of yellow themed fun to raise funds for a vital, but overlooked, cause.

Big Yellow Friday on March 31st is the national awareness and fundraising day for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the Birmingham charity which is the only one in the UK dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease.

“Many people don’t realise that liver disease is something which affects babies and children,” says the charity’s Chief Executive, Rebecca Cooper. “But each week in the UK, 20 children are diagnosed with a condition for which there is still no cure. A diagnosis means a lifetime of medical care and the effect on families is devastating.

“We provide information, emotional support and funds for research but we rely on voluntary donations, so Big Yellow Friday is the big day in our calendar and it would be wonderful to receive the support of our neighbours in Colmore BID.

“Joining in is easy. Anything goes as long as it’s yellow! So whether it’s wearing yellow to work, holding a cake sale or commuting in that banana costume, it all counts.”

Find out more and download your fundraising pack at childliverdisease.org

Food festival is back for summer

POPULAR EVENT TO RETURN WITH A NEW HOME FOR 2023

The much-loved Colmore Food Festival is making a return to Birmingham for its 10th anniversary on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd July 2023.

The free, must-visit festival will return in a new location in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral and will provide guests with a tasty and affordable spread of mouth-watering mini dishes from local traders’ latest menus.

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just fancy sampling the best of the District’s food and drink scene, the festival will be host to many food and drink stalls, with a range of options available to tickle everyone’s tastebuds!

The award-winning event showcases the

best food and drink offerings from across the Colmore Business District and attracts over 30,000 visitors each year.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with the stalls made up of local restaurants, coffee shops, bars and hotels offering a selection of meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Colmore BID will be inviting businesses, operating in the District, to showcase tasters of their dining at the festival stalls. Completely free to attend, price caps are set per item to ensure the selections on offer are both tasty and affordable for all. More details will be released soon, so keep your eyes peeled on Colmore BID’s social media channels for more information.

LATEST NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT

WORKS TO IMPROVE VICTORIA SQUARE

A multi-million pound regeneration of Birmingham’s city centre is taking place with Victoria Square, Colmore Row and Waterloo Street being repaved.

It has been nearly 30 years since significant improvements have been made to the city centre’s public spaces – Victoria Square was pedestrianised in 1993.

Ongoing works to The River (the Floozie in the Jacuzzi’s real name) will also be carried out.

The overall project has secured £5 million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and £20.478m from corporate funding, which was approved as part of the Council 2020/21+ Capital Programme in February 2020

The second part of the works, which are set to be completed by mid-2024 will see improvements to the areas around Colmore Row and Waterloo Street providing a pedestrianised, safe and accessible environment.

Colmore BID consults members ahead of autumn 2023 ballot

Colmore BID (producers of Colmore Life magazine) has started consulting levy paying businesses ahead of its ballot in September for a fourth five-year term. Businesses in the District will be sent ballot papers late September giving them the opportunity to vote on the services proposed in the BID4 Business Plan.

More details can be found in the BID consultation document through the Colmore BID website. The consultation period for feedback from levy paying businesses is until the end of March 2023.

The consultation document delves into seven key areas that the BID is committing to improve, which are:

n Create a greener, more attractive business District

n Create a more sustainable District

n Develop a creative and cultural District

n Promote an enjoyable District

n Develop a safe and secure business District

n Build and grow our business community

n Work collaboratively and pursue opportunities to improve the District and the city core. Review the document at colmorebusinessdistrict.com

NEW WAY OF SUPPORTING HOMELESS

Colmore BID, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and Change into Action have installed the first two contactless giving points in the District.

The contactless giving points support the WMCA’s Change into Action scheme and are located at Waylands Yard on Bull Street and Snow Hill station.

With a swipe of a contactless bank card or smart phone, the public can donate to Change into Action, an alternative giving scheme supporting specialist charities and street teams working to help those experiencing homelessness.

By donating to the scheme, donators will directly support the initiative and help change the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Donating £5 will provide a day’s bus pass to go to appointments with homelessness services, £10 could help purchase basic kitchen items when moving into self-catering accommodation, while £50 will buy new clothes that fit and give confidence to their new owner.

BID4 2024-2029

COLMORE BID CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

Glynn’s new venue is the plates to be

Birmingham’s first Michelin-starred chef has opened ‘Plates by Purnell’s’, just one street away from his flagship restaurant in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District.

Glynn Purnell, who holds a Michelin star at Purnell’s, is now bringing classic Spanish tapas inspired food and drinks to the bar, which is on the site of the former Spanish café bar Pinchos on Edmund Street.

Named Plates by Purnell’s, the tapas bar will be run by Purnell, who has won the acclaim of Michelin judges and graced TV screens on Saturday Kitchen and The Great British Menu, and his team.

The venue has been empty since closure during the COVID pandemic and has now been transformed by the Purnell’s group. Plates by Purnell’s has around 28 covers inside and a small number on the pavement outside. It serves sharing plates inspired by classic Spanish tapas with influences from Purnell’s time training and working in northern Spain. The menu includes small plates such as anchovies on toast, chorizo in red wine, cheese croquettes, grilled octopus, and Crème Catalan.

Purnell said it had been a long-held ambition to expand his brand in his home city of Birmingham: “Having worked in northern Spain, I have had a soft spot for pintxos or tapas for many years. In Spain, I used to spend my days off eating and drinking in small tapas bars, which is the same philosophy we want to breed here at Plates by Purnell’s.

“Guests are welcome to stay for two

or three hours and graze, or nip in for a quick drink and a small plate of food. In the current climate, people are very conscious of what they’re spending, and I wanted to be able to provide an offering for anything from a full gastronomic evening, a pitstop while shopping or a pre-theatre bite.

“My award-winning team and I have worked hard on making this a stunning venue which will serve some amazing dishes. There will be some recognisable tapas dishes on the menu – all with an added sprinkle of Purnell’s magic. The food will be tasty, satisfying and will put a smile on people’s faces. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an engagement, a graduation or just celebrating life itself, we look forward to welcoming you for delicious drinks

and fantastic food in a place where you can have lots of fun and make lasting memories.

“I have been overwhelmed by all the support and well wishes we’ve had so far since we opened our doors to the public on Friday 10 February. Plates by Purnell’s underwent a stunning refurbishment before we opened, and the team have worked incredibly hard and gone the extra mile to ensure the venue looks absolutely beautiful.”

Bookings for Plates by Purnell’s are now open via the website (www. platesbypurnells.com). Reservations can be made for Wednesdays to Saturdays between 12pm and 3pm for lunch and between 6pm and 9pm for dinner. Reservations can also be made via telephone on 0121 461 9254.

YUMMY BRUMMY GLYNN PURNELL OPENS NEW TAPAS BAR

As part of Reneé Porter-Fraser and Alishaba Iman’s Level 3 Business course at University College Birmingham (UCB) they are required to do a work placement in the city. Here, the students talk about their placement with Colmore BID, which started in October 2022.

“Since joining the skilled team, we have gained many employability skills and they have made us feel a part of this team.

Our first day with Colmore BID was the second day of the ‘Welcome to Birmingham’ week of events. It was amazing to see how the BID interacted and encouraged young professionals to thrive in a new environment. Even though we were only there for one day we were able to be a part of some events such as the TAG How to Network event. This was our first networking event, and it was amazing to see an overview of how events like these are run and understand how to network.

Following on from this event we were also involved in opening night of ‘Christmas in Cathedral Square’ where we interacted with many vendors and those who attended. We had to get involved with the team to ensure the event ran smoothly and helped hand out umbrellas quickly when it started to rain!

We are excited to have the chance to work with Kelsey on the Colmore Food Festival which is taking place

on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd July. By attending and having hands on experience with events have significantly guided us with our course and one unit which is ‘Managing an Event’. In this unit have learnt about what it means to be an event planner and working with the BID has allowed us to see first-hand and use this experience to apply to our work.

We feel having this opportunity at Colmore BID is allowing us to experience different aspects of the working world and help us shape our future aspirations.

Our goals may be different, but this placement is supporting us both and showing where this experience along with our qualification can take us. Not only this but it shows us what it’s like to work in an office and the importance of having a good rapport with clients.

Placement is a brand-new experience to the both of us and is among our top and most beneficial experiences. We just want to say thank you and appreciate this opportunity to work in such a great community.”

COULD YOU HELP? UNPAID INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS – UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

University College Birmingham is looking to collaborate with Birmingham-based businesses that would like to benefit from taking on Business, Finance and Marketing Level 3 students for unpaid industry placements.

If you are a business that could offer experience in Administration, HR, Finance, Accountancy, Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Management, Events or Customer Service, UCB want to hear from you.

Taking on a student for industry placement can offer you a free spare pair of hands, a fresh set of eyes, and maybe even an opportunity to develop a pipeline of talent. Students must complete 45 days of placement over the two years of their course and will be based with a business for one day a week and several block weeks Monday- Thursday. Students are ready to start placements from late October/ early November 2023. If you want to learn more email J.Otoole@ucb.ac.uk

‘This opportunity is allowing us to experience different aspects of the working world’

The Big Interview

‘We have learned that you don’t have to be locked to your computer 9-5’

NICOLA FLEET-MILNE TALKS ABOUT DISTRICT LIFE AFTER COVID AND BID4 PRIORITIES

As Chair of Colmore BID, Nicola Fleet-Milne has certainly overseen some challenges since she took over in 2020 – most notably, steering the Board through the Covid19 pandemic. Here she discusses the key focus of BID4, how the city’s property sector has changed and shares her perfect day out.

Nicola’s desire to have an impact on the city shines through as soon as we start chatting. Her beaming smile and friendly nature are perfectly paired with her drive to succeed. And my, can she succeed.

She’s the owner of the multi-award winning FleetMilne, one of the city’s most respected residential property agencies. She founded her business in 2004, and has since battled and flourished her way through countless challenges. Yet despite navigating economic downturns and a pandemic, she is still able to shift her focus to head up the Board of the Colmore BID. In this role, she represents more than 35,000 employees working at 600 businesses –all of whom experienced the turmoil of the past few years.

“What I enjoy most about being Chair is I get to meet so many different people,” she says. “It helps raise my personal profile and by going to lots of events I raise the profile of the District. I love the BID team I work with, there is such a sense of pride in the city. I’m a Londoner originally, but have been here for 25 years. I would defend Birmingham over London any day!”

Her current focus is Colmore BID’s fourth term –BID4 – which last month started its consultation process with levy-paying businesses ahead of its

ballot in September for a five-year term between 2024-2029.

“Our BID4 focus is very much on the environment and sustainability, alongside diversity and inclusivity. These

are such important focusses for our businesses and we are putting a lot of time and effort into them.

“As an example, we want to create a greener Business District as well as more culture, art and public spaces. We have such a rich heritage and vibrant arts scene within the District – these are the things that create a feeling for a place. Yes, it needs to be clean and safe, but it needs a heart too.

“We work really well with the City Council, we have fostered a very professional relationship, and this has helped us with a number of projects over the years that have really enhanced the area.”

She recognises that to foster a greener, more sustainable ethos she needs to get businesses on board.

“Sustainability is hard to do; everyone has a different idea of what it is. We are working towards a ‘pedestrian-first’ district with fewer vehicles. This means a huge focus on working with freight and deliveries to our bars and restaurants. So while we understand the need for deliveries, we want to look at more curated times of the day.

“We also want to promote public transport and a push towards more cycling, and this helps wellbeing and efficiency come together. The city has always wanted to be known for being bold, and these are bold initiatives. Safety and security is key, and we have an excellent security patrol team. Our emphasis is on a collaborative approach, with all the BIDs working together.”

Her role as Chair means working hand in hand with seven business leaders from a range of organisations, as well as four directors from key public sector

‘We also want to promote public transport and a push towards more cycling’

partners. They all share one common goal – the development of the District, whether that’s through the public realm, supporting those who work here or attracting visitors to its bustling hospitality venues.

“We are planning on promoting, celebrating and highlighting our business community and launching a Festival of Business, similar to our Food Festival that we organise every summer. Everyone knows who our big firms are, but also we have lots of smaller ones too. The leisure and hospitality venues need support, they need us to enjoy ourselves.

“Colmore BID is a destination area, with beautiful bars and restaurants, and Covid showed how incredibly resilient they are. They have had to pivot to find their way through, be more flexible, and they are stronger for it. Since Covid, the busier days have adjusted, so they have had to adapt to staff their venues in a different way.

“I would like to see people in the city get away from their desks more and seek downtime. Take a walk or go out for lunch; run or go to a yoga class. One of the things we have learned is that you don’t have to be locked to your computer 9-5.”

It’s impossible to interview Nicola and not discuss the state of the city’s property sector, which really took a hit during the pandemic.

“The BID area is the least residential in the city, but overall it is the same picture – sales are challenging, lettings are staying strong. But there’s not enough choice and this means rents are rising.

“I began my career in property 22 years ago, just as the city living sector was starting. Back then there were only five private residential developments. Today there are well over 150, with many more in the pipeline.

“City living used to be the preserve of the industrial workers from nearby factories, not the middle and upper classes. That has changed beyond recognition and now people realise that the city centre is a nice place to live and there’s plenty to do. We’re also seeing more retirees choosing to live in the city; the kids have moved out and if they downsize, they won’t have unused rooms and gardens to care for.”

NICOLA’S DISTRICT DELIGHTS

Restaurants: “High end, Orelle; mid-range, Fazenda or The Ivy; brunch at Wayland’s Yard.”

Bars: “Vagabond or Loki for wine; The Colmore and Purecraft both do a great pint. And cocktails at The Grand.”

THE PERFECT DAY:

“I’d start the day with a workout at MK Health, then head for some breakfast at Yorks, followed by some afternoon dwell time in Paradise. Late afternoon I’d visit Town Hall or BMAG; then dinner at Dishoom and I’d end the evening in Albert’s Schloss.”

and Albert’s Schloss

People elsewhere are asking: Why can’t we be more like Birmingham?’

AND THE BUSINESS DISTRICT FROM IAN WARD

The spring edition of Colmore Life is of course an opportunity to look forward to the exciting year ahead for the District and our city, but I hope you’ll forgive me if I start by briefly looking back at 2022.

Because, let’s face it, last year was very much ‘The Year of Birmingham’ as we played host to the best

ever Commonwealth Games – an unforgettable celebration of sport, culture, community, and togetherness. And I’m immensely proud of the way we collectively rose to the challenge of staging such a major global event, welcoming over 5 million visitors to Birmingham, and showing the world’s media that ours is a great city with a lot to shout about.

I know of course that there were doubters in the lead up to the Games, but I can say hand on heart I was always confident that we would absolutely

smash it. We did exactly that and the rest of the world is catching up on what we’ve known for some time: That Birmingham is an amazing, vibrant, and welcoming city with something for everyone.

For years people here in Birmingham have asked: Why can’t we be more like [insert name of major city]?

Now, people elsewhere are asking: Why can’t we be more like Birmingham? That’s because ours is a city on the up. We don’t aspire to be a major city – we are a major city.

AN OPEN LETTER TO BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward reflects on how the city will build on last summer’s triumphant Commonwealth Games.

I was born in Birmingham, and I’ve lived my whole life here. I’m a shameless cheerleader for our city, its people, and its businesses because I know that negative and outdated perceptions are exactly that - outdated.

Hopefully we put much of that negativity to bed once and for all last summer as, from the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay right the way through to an unforgettable ‘Ozzy Osbourne inspired’ closing ceremony, we showed the world the real Birmingham.

And don’t just take my word for it. I’m pleased to say that our summer in the limelight did not go unnoticed elsewhere, as we won or were nominated for a raft of awards, including being named the Estates Gazette City of the Year. But the biggest prize will be the legacy and how we build on our Games triumph.

I’m confident that many of our Games visitors will be back, because they experienced at first-hand that our warm, friendly city is a world class destination for business and leisure tourism, with award-winning museums and galleries, world class cultural institutions and festivals, major sporting events, family friendly attractions, amazing parks, and scenic waterways.

Our challenge now of course is to build on the Birmingham 2022 success, to show everyone that we’re no ‘one-hit wonder’, and to ensure that we realise the full potential of our Golden Decade of Opportunity – a period book-ended by the Games at one end and the arrival of HS2 at the other.

Like all truly great cities, Birmingham is not standing still. The ongoing transformation – Smithfield, Perry Barr, Digbeth and so much more – is delivering homes, jobs, and opportunities.

Meanwhile, a number of the UK’s biggest companies, such as PwC and HSBC are now proud to call the city home. Goldman Sachs and Arup are currently joining us and with partners like Lendlease, Turner Townsend and Mace, we have the businesses and the talent to grow our economy and build the international city of the future.

And nowhere better showcases Birmingham’s status as a city on the up

than Colmore Business District. As everyone knows, we’ve faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years and the post-Covid landscape for city centres and business districts is vastly different to what existed before Spring 2020.

Thankfully Colmore BID has been ahead of the curve when it comes to adapting to that new landscape and the 2021 study on The Future Business District ‘The Space Between’ set out a compelling vision for an exciting future where the Colmore Business District – and therefore Birmingham – will not merely survive but will thrive.

As the report stated, the business quarter will continue to thrive by ‘curating The Space Between that gives Colmore life and makes it attractive to businesses, professionals and visitors.’

That phrase ‘The Space Between’ describes the areas used to move, connect and recharge – including transport hubs and routes, open and green places, cultural and hospitality spots. All of which are essential to supporting business within the workplace.

In lay terms, this means the allimportant added value - the stuff that helps Birmingham stand out from the crowd. Yes, the District is a long-established hub for business and professional service firms, but it is increasingly clear that the nature of economic development is shifting from business location and business attraction (where the jobs are) to talent

and talent attraction (where the people are).

So, we need to be creating the type of places where people want to be. Places that attract and – even more importantly – retain businesses and talent. Well, take a walk around the constantly evolving Colmore Business District and it’s clear that is exactly what is happening in the heart of our city centre.

Working in the Council House, Colmore Business District is very much home territory for me, so I know this particular ‘Space Between’ very wellfrom the public spaces like Cathedral Square and Victoria Square, to the area’s magnificent cultural offer and of course the thriving leisure and hospitality offer.

The District shone throughout last summer’s Games and we will not be resting on our laurels, as the transformation of our city centre continues apace. Victoria Square is currently undergoing a welcome facelift, while improvements to Colmore Row and Waterloo Street are next.

Our city centre welcomes more than 42 million people a year and our ongoing programme of improvements to public spaces in the city centre will ensure we continue to offer a worldclass welcome to those visitors.

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games were a fantastic start to our Golden Decade of Opportunity.

But watch this space (and the Space Between) - there’s so much more to come.

Above: Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, with Alex Tross of Colmore BID and Deputy Council Leader Cllr Brigid Jones, at Colmore Food Festival

The Big Interview

‘We try and make it feel like a local pub. It’s all about the welcome and people come back because of our service’

MATT LOCKREN, PURECRAFT BAR & KITCHEN

Soaring costs, staff shortages and changing work patterns means the hospitality industry is facing unprecedented pressure.

Colmore Life speaks to the general manager of one of the Business District’s favourite eating and drinking destinations to find out how it’s navigating its way through such turbulent times.

Unpredictability is something Matt Lockren at PureCraft Bar & Kitchen is learning to take in his stride.

“Some weeks we’re massively up in terms of takings and others we’re down,” says the general manager of the popular bar in Waterloo Street.

“Our trade patterns have disappeared and it’s difficult to know exactly how many people are going to come in from day to day which makes it difficult to plan.

“Tuesday was our busiest day one week and we still don’t know why. That would never have been the case before lockdown.

“People seem to be doing things more on the spur of the moment. Although as long as they are coming in that’s great.”

While footfall in the city centre may be

more sporadic Matt, pictured above, believes there are opportunities to encourage customers into its bars and restaurants.

“Although there are less people in the city centre because of working from home I think some people are going out more often when they’re here because it’s an occasion,” explains Matt.

PureCraft Bar & Kitchen has developed a loyal following since its arrival in the Business District in 2014, thanks to its award-winning drinks teamed with dishes like traditional pork pie and Purity cider jelly.

Another element which helps it stand out from the crowd are its events. It’s held ‘Anti-Networking’ sessions billed as a chance to meet and share ideas with “entrepreneurial, disruptive business leaders and high-performers”.

PureCraft founder, Paul Halsey, and England Wasps rugby players Brad

Shields and Josh Basset, are among those who’ve shared ideas at the sessions over a beer.

Beer tasting events, which include a tour of PureCraft’s ‘Theatre of Beer’ (also known as its cellar) are also popular.

But times are still tough. “The cost of goods has gone through the roof,” says Matt.

“A portion of fish for fish and chips used to cost £1.50, now it’s £4.50. Things have just gone crazy.

“As a business we are adapting though. We’re not just sticking to traditional food but trying different things.

“You’ve got to be more creative and open-minded about the products you use. It’s easy to do a menu of fish and chips and burgers but we try to think outside the box as well.

“We’re also offering dishes which use different cuts of meat from the butcher which can still be cooked beautifully but which aren’t in such high-demand and so haven’t gone up in terms of price as much.

“For example, we have confit lamb belly on our menu instead of pork belly which is delicious.

“Luckily we are owned by a brewery so our beer is as cheap as it can be.”

The brewery in question is the awardwinning Purity Brewing Company based in the Warwickshire village of Great Alne near Alcester. It’s known for producing drinks like Mad Goose Pale Ale and Lawless Lager. It’s also the official ale supplier to Aston Villa FC and Wasps and Coventry rugby clubs.

Staff shortages are another headache the hospitality industry is having to deal with.

“There always used to be lots of EU citizens looking for jobs but that’s

Interview: Catherine Hendrick

disappeared,” Matt explains. “It would be easy to just blame Brexit but I have friends in Germany and Poland in the hospitality industry who are finding it hard to recruit too. I think it’s a combination of Brexit and lockdown.

“The industry has traditionally been run on the basis of casual contracts. It’s common for people to move from job to job.

“So I think a lot of people fell through the gaps when it came to getting support from the Government during lockdown. So many left the industry for more stable work and haven’t come back.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom according to Matt. Although staff shortages are currently a worrying challenge for bars and restaurants he believes the hospitality industry has a chance to emerge stronger in the long-run.

“Historically the hours have been rubbish, the pay terrible and the treatment of staff by some chefs has

been horrific,” he explains. “A lot of people are now realising you can’t treat people like that. Staff need a decent wage and work-life balance.

“This industry has never been viewed as a proper profession where you can make a career. I think most people see it as a stop-gap.

“Hopefully that will change and people will up their game and the packages they offer. If it does then ultimately it will be good for the industry.”

Matt, who has been with PureCraft Bar & Kitchen for nine years, points out that the company already pays its staff above the Living Wage.

“We’ve got a core team who worked here pre-pandemic which is unheard of in the hospitality industry.

“We’ve always treated people well. We always look to recruit people from outside of the industry without any or much experience and then train them fully and give them a career.

“All of the people who work for us are

friendly and have a passion for quality and hospitality. All our staff have a knowledge and interest in great beer and food and many are creative and artistic and have a love of music. We work with Birmingham School of Art to recruit people.

“Some branded restaurants have a list of the same ten things staff need to do during service, including questions to ask customers, so their service can be a bit robotic.

“We don’t do that so when someone comes in and our staff say “hello how are you?” it’s genuine.

“We tailor our service to each table, whether that might be an older lady eating fish and chips on her own or a group of lads.

“We try and make it feel like a local pub. It’s all about the welcome and people come back because of our service.”

PureCraft Bar & Kitchen is at 30 Waterloo Street. Tel: 0121 237 5666 or visit www.purecraftbars.com

As the city’s first new Night-Time Economy Champion, Festival Director for Birmingham Pride and Director of Southside BID, Lawrence Barton starts the year with a packed in-tray. He talks to Colmore Life about the opportunities these combined roles present.

Interview: Lisa Piddington

Lawrence Barton is a busy man. He has been at the forefront of the Birmingham LGBTQI+ sector for two decades and is renowned for raising the community’s profile across the city and beyond.

And now he has taken on a brand new role, as the region’s first Night Time Economies Champion.

With an overflowing in-tray, Lawrence is aware of the enormity his combined roles entail but is excited by what the

future holds. “Night-Time Economy Champion is about lobbying for support for the sector and constantly reviewing safety and security. That could be street lighting, safe walking routes and CCTV, and working closely with the police to protect, enhance and celebrate,” he explains.

“I intend to take a holistic approach to drawing up the plan to protect and enhance the city’s nightlife,” he adds.

‘I intend to take a holistic approach to drawing up the plan to protect and enhance the city’s nightlife’

LAWRENCE BARTON, BIRMINGHAM’S NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY CHAMPION

The Big Interview

“This means bringing together all the key stakeholders – including the police, business owners, and employees – to come up with a design which will futureproof our night-time economy so it can be enjoyed for years to come.

“At this stage it is too early to say what my pledges will be for the coming year but I have started holding listening events. A recent one was attended by 15 key businesses and gave me the opportunity to listen to their issues and challenges.

“Safer streets, taxi ranks in lit-up areas and night-time transport were all high up on their lists; as was the Clean Air Zone double charging some drivers coming back into the city during the evening, so I am talking with the Council to discuss the negative impact the 24-hour tariff has.

“There are many similar themes facing businesses in the city, so I intend to understand their needs as well as the needs of residents in tackling as much as possible, from criminality to the way Birmingham is branded.”

As chair of Southside BID he is at the helm of a district that has blossomed into the cultural heart of Birmingham.

“My role as Chair of Southside BID is about making the area the Covent Garden of Birmingham because it is so rich in entertainment venues, diversity and heritage,” explains Lawrence. “It’s about protecting and embracing the LGBTQI+ and the Chinese community, and working with partners to make the space as amazing as possible. And all the while celebrating one of the UK’s landmark areas.”

By teaming up with other BID Chairs across the whole of the city centre to improve the vital night time economy, Lawrence now sees his responsibilities as “more joined up”.

“Both positions [Southside BID Chair and Night Time Economy Champion] work really well together and put me in a unique position to oversee things and combine the roles. It means I am ideally

placed to work with the other BID Chairs to address the societal issues that affect our inner city.”

Southside is famous for its vibrant bars, clubs, theatre and retail that stretch from the steps of New Street Station, along Bristol Street and around the new Smithfield development. But that wasn’t always the case.

“At one time, the area was badly underdeveloped. It was surrounded by derelict buildings and it was fairly miserable. It has seen massive development and improvements in so many areas, especially when it comes to lighting, CCTV and safety. These may not be things that people see happening but they are aware of the improvements these make.”

Since Southside BID was established in 2011, Lawrence and his team have worked tirelessly to drive footfall, keep the area safe and clean, and lobby the City Council. A packed programme of events – such as Birmingham Pride, Chinese New Year and Summer in Southside – provide a fun and inviting place to visit. And while that certainly sounds like a hectic to-do list, for Lawrence it is very much part of his DNA. “I have been running night time venues in Birmingham for two decades,

supporting the gay community and raising the area’s profile, speaking to the media as a voice of the sector.

“The LGBTQI+ community has evolved so much over that time, as we have witnessed increasing equality and tolerance. Our Pride Festival has raised our visibility and connected us to the wider community. Albert Schloss, for example, offers drag nights away from the traditional ‘Gay Village’, and is just one of the brilliant things being done that have meant the community is now more integrated and embedded.

“What we offer now is wonderful, and I am very proud of our city and everything we have achieved in terms of diversity and culture. Having said that, we still haven’t received the accolades we deserve nationally, Birmingham still feels like a hidden gem.

“But look at the likes of Colmore Row or Westside. These areas attract thousands of visitors. The Grand Hotel, for example, has gone through a beautiful refurbishment. The Commonwealth Games did an amazing job of shining a spotlight on the city around the world and we need to keep that image alive. I am prouder than ever to bring visitors here and show off what we have to offer.”

And if he finds he has a rare night off and can spend time in his neighbouring Colmore BID area, where does he like to go? “I love The Ivy and Adam’s, if I’m after a real treat. And you can’t beat cocktails at The Grand!”

Above: Orelle at 103 Colmore Row and Madeleine at The Grand are just two of the venues helping to change the face of leisure and hospitality in the Business District Facing page: Lawrence Barton

‘What we offer now is wonderful, and I am very proud of our city and everything we have achieved in terms in of diversity and culture’

Safe & Sound in Colmore

evening out... more pleasing,

With more than 30 years’ service in West Midlands Police, Paul Street is perfectly placed as Strategic Project Officer: Safe & Sound Work Stream for the Colmore Business District.

Over the last decade, the night time economy in the Colmore Business District has changed beyond recognition.

Where once it was the preserve of work colleagues sneaking in a postoffice pint, these days it’s the wellheeled who come to wine and dine. With the likes of Henman & Cooper, The Grand Hotel, Gaucho, Vagabond and Vinoteca rubbing shoulders with Michelin-starred Purnell’s and the skyscraping Orelle, the area has become renowned as a stylish place to socialise. And as the impressive list of fine dining hotspots grow, so too has the need to offer safe and secure spaces.

Heading up initiatives concentrating on joined-up security is former police

officer Paul Street. “Historically, Colmore BID has been a commercial business area and at one time the hospitality offer was very small,” he says. “It was generally those working in the area that visited the restaurants and bars. More recently we have seen this change, as the offer has grown, vacant premises have been taken over and it has become more appealing to a wide audience. In fact, there are now really clear indications that some of those who socialise here have no association with the district as a place of work; instead they are choosing to come here.

“It’s become a much nicer area for an evening out, and more aesthetically pleasing, safe and enjoyable. There is little public disturbance and that is not lost on those who choose to socialise here. While we still have a strong presence of young people, the audience we attract is often from an older age group – people wanting to enjoy the atmosphere and classy venues.

“We are recognised as a safe destination, and the BID has developed a strong relationship with our hospitality venues, both licensed and nonlicensed, to ensure this. For example, we realised that many younger women felt more relaxed meeting in a coffee shop rather than a bar, but traditional ‘pub watch’ schemes didn’t cover these establishments, so we have expanded our safety projects to cover these types of venues too.”

One of the key policies adopted by the BID is the Licensing Security

and Vulnerability Initiative (SAVI). This self-assessment scheme offers owners and operators of licensed premises the tools to provide a safe environment for staff, customers and local communities. It was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, with input from security experts and industry professionals.

Three of its objectives are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance, and it comes hot on the heels of a YouGov survey that found three out of four adults supported improved safety procedures in bars, pubs and nightclubs following recent national publicity around women’s safety.

“Business crime is often not what is happening inside the venue; it is what goes on outside and can give the wider perception that places are not safe,” says Paul. “We looked at how to work better and smarter with BID groups from across the city as well as nationally. This has led to us working in tandem with others, where we all have crime and safety as a priority. We now have five venues that have gained five star SAVI accreditation – Primitivo, Fazenda, The Square Peg, The Old Joint Stock and, most recently, Purecraft Bar & Kitchen – with others working through the process at the moment.”

Licensing SAVI brings together the most comprehensive, single source of information that licensees need to meet the requirements of police and council licensing teams, as well as information

‘It’s become a nicer area for an

safe and enjoyable’

PAUL STREET, COLMORE BID’S SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICER

Interview: Lisa Piddington

‘Our BID4 manifesto will see us strengthening our security teams. This will mean that during the night time there will be a more visible presence’

on effective management practices and security.

Another key scheme – and part of the BID4 business plan – is Ask For Angela. This national programme means anyone who feels unsafe or threatened can discreetly seek assistance by approaching staff in participating venues and asking them for “Angela”. This code-word indicates they require help with their situation. “It might be simply keeping an eye on them or helping them get a taxi. Or the person who is making them feel intimated will be asked to leave or, in more extreme circumstances, the police will to be called,” explains Paul. However, while much has been

done to boost safety and security, Paul acknowledges there is still more work needed to support hospitality venues post-Pandemic.

“Our BID4 manifesto will see us strengthening our security teams and extending their tours of duty into the evenings. This will mean that during the night time there will be a more visible presence.

“We are also working closely with Lawrence Barton, the city’s new NightTime Economies Champion. He is very open to offering his commitment and support to anything that ensures we provide a safe environment, and we look forward to continue working with him in future.”

COLMORE BID DURING BID4

Colmore BID recently released its Consultation Document, which will help shape its Business Plan for the BID’s fourth term between 20242029. The development of a safe and secure District is a priority with themes including:

n Update the Colmore BID security patrol team rotas to work later into the evening and support our growing night-time economy.

Above: The Old Joint Stock and Purecraft Bar & Kitchen receive their 5-star National Police Safety Award from Licensing SAVI, adding two more to the list of restaurants and bars with a 5-star safety rating in Birmingham

Facing page: Paul Street of Colmore BID

n Continue safety classes, and develop the Women’s Safety Group through events, and guidance.

n Launch a new resilience alert system to immediately share critical information with businesses about emergencies, public disorder and other safety matters.

n Support a contactless giving scheme to benefit the charities and organisations the BID works with.

Find out more about Colmore BID’s BID4 ambitions by visiting colmorebusinessdistrict.com

Movers&Shakers

A round-up of the latest Business District launches, relocations, appointments and promotions

DEBRETT’S PRIVATE FINANCE

Corporate advisory and investment practice, Debrett’s Private Finance has appointed a new team member to bolster their team and service offering.

In just its second year of trading, DPF completed 11 transactions with a combined value of over £200 million.

The team has also grown to 14 people with the appointment of highly experienced dealmaker, Gabriella Eeles who joins as a Principal.

Eeles began her career in Forensic accountancy at Mazars before moving to BDO as a Corporate Finance senior manager where she has advised on a number of public and private M&A transactions including acquisitions, disposals, carve outs and private equity investments. Sector experience includes the industrials and facilities management sectors, with recent successful transactions including the carve out of Hill and Smith Holdings plc’s Swedish road safety rental business to RentSafe Sverige AB and the sale of Newtons Group to Q3 Services Group.

Prior to her career in Corporate Finance, Eeles was a professional oboist, playing with orchestras including Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Opera.

CBRE

CBRE has welcomed a new crop of apprentices and graduates to its office in Birmingham.

The global real estate firm’s 2022 intake includes apprentices Tristan Coane, Jasmine Butler, Chleo Harris and Tania Conde-Nfuamba, and graduates Lauren Wood and Amar Sangha.

All six have joined as part of CBRE’s Next Generation programme, which offers a range of

WEIGHTMANNS

National law firm Weightmans LLP is to relocate its Birmingham office to 103 Colmore Row.

The firm has signed a ten-year lease on the 9th floor (12,132 sq ft) of the 26-storey buildingBirmingham’s tallest office tower.

The deal will see Weightmans’ 168 staff move from St Philips Point, on Temple Row, where it has been based since 2006.

graduate, internship and apprenticeship places to people looking to forge a career in the real estate industry.

In Birmingham, the first cohort of apprentices to join the Next Generation programme in 2018 recently qualified. Having passed their APC, Jorge Bray and Brooke Matthews have secured roles in valuation and office agency respectively. Nick Barnes has also passed his APC and joins the rating team, resulting in a 100 per cent APC pass rate for the office.

Jawaid Rehman, partner and head of Weightmans’ Birmingham office, said: “In recent years we have really embraced ESG principles and worked hard to embed sustainability into our ‘business as usual’. The Birmingham office move is part of this plan, as the new site offers low impact environmental footprint and a host of other ethical and emission reducing benefits.

“We remain committed to Birmingham and the Midlands and look forward to welcoming guests to Colmore Row in the summer.”

(L-R): Will Ventham, Tania Conde-Nfuamba, Tristan Coane, Nick Barnes, Brooke Matthews, Jasmine Butler and Amar Sangha

BEVAN BRITTAN

Law firm Bevan Brittan has announced plans to move to a new location in the Business District following the growth of its team in Birmingham.

The move from One Temple Row to 45 Church Street coincides with the appointment of property partner Rebecca Pendlebury as the new head of office for the firm in the Midlands, while its total number of colleagues in the region has passed 100.

The firm will move to the new office in spring 2023.

Last year, Bevan Brittan announced its ninth consecutive year of growth as revenues topped £60m for the first time.

Pendlebury said: “With over 100 colleagues based out of our Birmingham office, our new home at Church Street is a really exciting move for us and the next stage of our story in Birmingham and the wider Midlands region.

“Our new location will strike the right balance for everyone in our team, and continue our development in the Midlands as we work with more clients across our existing and emerging markets.”

Bevan Brittan has made a host of notable appointments in Birmingham in recent years, such as IT and commercial partner Ash Woodcock, construction partner Helen Andrews and higher education corporate partner Rachel Soundy.

Others include senior associate William Cursham, who joined the dispute resolution team, and Louise Mansfield, a legal director who specialises in health and safety and criminal regulatory law.

SHC DIGITAL

Progressive Performance Agency, SHC Digital, based at WeWork, Colmore Row, is not only expanding rapidly but it has recently picked up its first national award.

The company, which was only set up in July 2019, has grown swiftly amidst the pandemic, following a succession of new business wins and is ending the year on a high after being awarded the Best Integrated Campaign award at the Performance Marketing World Awards (PMW).

The award was presented at a Black-Tie event held at Grosvenor House in London.

SHC Digital which comprises a team of eight, including four graduates from Birmingham City University, won the award for its digital work with University College

Birmingham. They delivered an integrated approach to target prospective students and their parents to drive college applications, even though there were age restrictions across the online platforms. SHC Digital produced a significant uplift in completed applications compared to the previous year and data shows the quality of applications was also higher.

Founder and director, Sally Hawkesford, said: “We have been on an amazing journey since we started the business and have been fortunate to continue growing despite the pandemic and the current economic climate, but this is a testament to the hard work of my team.

“We are pleased to have won the Best Integrated Campaign award. We were up against amazing competition, so it is great to receive this recognition.”

ANTHONY COLLINS SOLICITORS

Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) has become the first law firm in the Midlands to achieve B Corp status, recognising the social purpose and environmental values of the company.

ACS is a social purpose law firm, and works with the social housing, health and social care, local government and charity sectors, as well as private individuals. It has more than 350 employees and offices across the Midlands and North West.

Being certified as a B Corp means the company is held to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Companies are evaluated on how their business success is measured, shifting the focus more to people and the planet as well as profit, and ACS is just the fourth law firm in the UK to achieve the accreditation.

There are only 1,000 B Corp organisations in the UK and 6,000 businesses worldwide making up the B Corp community, including global brands such as Innocent, Patagonia, Charity Bank and The Body Shop.

Each company’s business model, operations and structure are rigorously assessed to ensure they demonstrate high social and environmental values, they must provide a legal commitment to changing governance structures and be transparent on their performance.

Peter Hubbard, senior partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors, said: “ACS’ values focus on improving lives, communities and society and this is now ingrained in the firm’s DNA. Clients, staff and stakeholders can rely on our B Corp status as evidence of our positive social impact on society and the environment as a business. Becoming a B Corp is a natural development to our ongoing commitment to being a force for good alongside our clients.”

Movers&Shakers

EY

EY has strengthened its private team in the Midlands with the appointment of a new director.

Anisha Patel will originate and build relationships with both new and existing clients in the privately-owned business market, connecting clients with expertise from across all areas within the firm, including tax and corporate finance.

Patel has more than eight years experience working in mergers and acquisitions and growth capital markets. She joins from BGF, a growth capital investor where she was responsible for leading on origination across Central and East of England.

SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS

Edmund Street-based Squire Patton Boggs has welcomed Tom Durrant, the former national head of Gateley’s Corporate practice, as the new managing partner of its Birmingham office. He succeeds Charlie Frost, who will become general counsel for the firm’s UK LLP from May 1, 2023.

The move marks a return to Squire Patton Boggs for Mr. Durrant, who qualified at the firm over 20 years ago.

A highly regarded corporate M&A and private equity lawyer, Durrant will play a key role in the ongoing expansion of the firm’s UK and international crossborder corporate and private equity transactional work.

“I am excited to return to Squire Patton Boggs, a global law firm with a strong regional heritage and a collaborative, dynamic and entrepreneurial culture,” said Durrant. “The firm has an impressive pedigree in the Midlands and has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years. I am looking forward to working with new and familiar colleagues on the next phase of the firm’s growth and development as one of the region’s premier practices.”

Tom Addyman, EY’s head of private in the Midlands, said: “As EY celebrates three years of record growth, our work in Private has been at the heart of this. Anisha’s appointment and the growth of our Midlands Private team aligns with the investments we are making across the rest of the country. We are seeing an increased demand for privately owned businesses seeking relationships with partners who understand their needs. I’m looking forward to working with Anisha and developing these client relationships further.”

CENTRICK

Property management specialist David Clark has joined Centrick as non-executive chairman to support the company’s service driven, national growth strategy.

Clark is well known across the property sector and was until recently chair and co-owner at Mainstay Group, a national residential leasehold and mixed-use asset manager based in Worcester.

He said: “I’m hugely excited to be joining Centrick, which is a fantastic business. I have

known founder James Ackrill for some time and we come from a similar business background.

“I owned and managed Mainstay and we had a fast growth story and the company was very successful. I think Centrick can be even better. It is a great brand, it’s full of great people, and it was exciting to be asked to come and work alongside James and the management team to strategically deliver exceptional service.

“The next few years is going to see this business kick on to a national size and presence. It has all the right ingredients to succeed and has a very strong leadership team and that is half the battle.”

Tom Durrant

Anisha Patel

James Ackrill and David Clark of Centrick

JOHNSON FELLOWS

Newhall Street-based Johnson Fellows LLP has bolstered its commercial agency team with the arrival of highly-experienced commercial property specialist Richard Bache.

Bache has joined as a partner, having worked in Birmingham and the Black Country over the past two decades for companies including Bulleys, Cushman & Wakefield and, most recently, Pennycuick Collins where he was associate director.

He brings to the Johnson Fellows LLP agency team a wealth of experience in all aspects of commercial property including sales, lettings, acquisitions, valuations, rent reviews and lease renewal. As a partner in the commercial agency department, working alongside Chris Gaskell and Mark Fitzpatrick, he will deal with all aspects of marketing for lettings and sales, as well as search and acquisition work.

He said: “I am thrilled to have joined Johnson Fellows to work with well-respected professionals across all property sectors. The firm has such a wellestablished reputation built on hard work and professionalism. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to dealing with a whole range of properties for existing and new clients.”

Welcoming Richard to Johnson Fellows, partner Chris Gaskell said: “Richard’s knowledge of all aspects of commercial property will be invaluable to the agency team.”

Movers&Shakers

PORTMAN HOUSE

A private investment company has bought an impressive building near Birmingham Cathedral for £1.425 million, thanks to commercial property agency Bond Wolfe.

Bond Wolfe acted for Swali Investments & Holdings Ltd in their purchase of Portman House at 5-7 Temple Row West, pictured above, which extends to an approximate total space of 6,200 sq ft. The building is currently bringing in rents totalling £59,000 per annum from Middle Eastern café Damascena on the ground floor, and the Baron Davenport’s Charity for local hospices, young people and women in need on the first floor.

Bond Wolfe has now been retained by Swali to market the currently vacant floors of the

CUBO

Cubo has announced that its flex office space in Birmingham has reached 100% occupancy less than six months after opening – and there are now plans to expand in the city.

The flex office space at Two Chamberlain Square, Paradise Birmingham has become the quickest Cubo to reach full capacity.

As a result, there are now plans to take another floor of the building, which will allow more businesses to be based at this prestigious address.

The 24,000 sq. ft workspace opened in Summer 2022 and its arrival brought a different

property, with offers based on a rent of £15,000 per annum being sought for each floor.

James Mattin, managing director – agency at Bond Wolfe, explained that Portman House was in the heart of the Business District, within easy walking distance of mainline railway stations, the extended Metro tram route and quality restaurants, bars and shops.

Mattin said: “We are delighted to have secured this prime mixed-use investment on behalf of a retained client. The property is in a superb location directly opposite St Philip’s Cathedral and provides the buyer with ample asset management opportunities.”

Paul Warder of commercial property firm KWB represented the undisclosed seller in the deal. The seller’s legal advice came from Solomon Taylor & Shaw in London, while Swali was advised by Blackhams Solicitors of Birmingham.

kind of flexible and co-working provider to an increasingly competitive market in the city.

Occupancy levels at Cubo Birmingham have exceeded all expectations, with regional, national and global businesses taking advantage of the building’s strategic location and Cubo’s unique offering.

High profile businesses who now call Cubo Birmingham home include accountancy firm Cooper Parry; marketing specialists M3 Agency; recruitment consultants Skilled Careers; Cartwright Communications and Solos Travel.

Cubo was launched in 2020 and is rapidly establishing itself as the leading provider of high-end flex office and co-working space in the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Richard Bache

Movers&Shakers Profiles

Four years and counting: Why FHP continues to grow in Birmingham

Leading commercial property consultancy, FHP, is a household name in the East Midlands, where it’s been established for more than three decades. Yet, as one of its directors, Doug Tweedie (right), explains, the firm’s Birmingham office is making plenty of headlines of its own.

Having launched its premises at 122 Colmore Row on Valentine’s Day 2019, you could say that FHP and Birmingham were always destined for a lasting relationship.

With a strong base of regional clients and a raft of opportunities available in Birmingham, expansion into the city was a natural step for the ambitious agency. It was also one that Doug “couldn’t turn down”.

Formerly head of Midlands retail and leisure at Cushman & Wakefield, Doug is an experienced property agent who advises landlords, investors and developers on a wide range of projects nationwide.

Asked to front FHP in Birmingham, he didn’t think twice about taking on the challenge. “Opening our Colmore Row office was a proud moment and a sure sign that if FHP was going to expand into the West Midlands, it was going to do it properly,” says Doug.

“We enjoyed terrific support from our clients from the outset, which enabled us to grow quickly and develop the business through a variety of instructions.”

MORE THAN 750,000 SQ FT OF LETTINGS, SALES AND ACQUISITIONS

Fast forward four years and the list of achievements is impressive. FHP Birmingham has transacted more than 750,000 sq ft of lettings, sales and acquisitions, from large scale regeneration projects to roadside and neighbourhood schemes.

There have been several shopping centre leasing mandates in areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Wolverhampton, as well as key instructions like Derbion in Derby and Nottingham’s Victoria Centre.

FHP has also strengthened its CV in Birmingham city centre too, launching the retail and leisure element of major mixed use development, Soho Wharf, as well as securing a string of standout lettings, including London-based operators Franco Manca and Flight Club – both of which were new to the city.

SAFER STREETS PROVIDE SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS

There are many different aspects that go into putting forward a recommendation on a new retail or leisure letting. So what makes an area an attractive proposition for occupiers and investors? “Our clients are knowledgeable people and often know where they want to be and why,” says Doug.

“We cannot understate the importance of a clean, safe environment on the business decision to invest in a particular location. The better the street scene and surrounding elements, the more attractive it is for customers. It drives the footfall and in turn, the spend.”

Creating locations that consumers want to visit involves a significant number of stakeholders working together, from local authorities to landlords. Areas such as Lichfield and Leamington Spa have capitalised on occupier interest, thanks largely to a reputation for safe streets, an attractive street scene and lively events.

But so too has Birmingham city centre. In Doug’s view, the role of Colmore BID will be central to the continued success of Birmingham’s commercial heart.

He says: “The work that Colmore BID and others have undertaken in championing safety, street scene improvements and attracting investment to the district, is critical in keeping Birmingham a highly desirable place to do business.

“It really does resonate across a number of markets that FHP operates regionally, where there are very good and very bad examples of how areas are managed.

“I’ve been saying to anyone who will listen, that Birmingham has emerged from the financial crisis better than any other city in Europe. Having a motivated team to bring together the minds and the resources available is going to be crucial to sustaining that. Hopefully the same kind of results can be achieved across the West Midlands.”

FHP Birmingham in four instructions...

JAMAYA, COLMORE ROW, BIRMINGHAM

“We helped multi award-winning Jamaican restaurant, Jamaya (above), to open its first outlet in Birmingham. Several offers were received for the unit but we chose Jamaya due to the people involved with the business, the quality of the shop fit out and standard of the food offer. We were confident they would survive in what is a highly competitive market.”

FLIGHT CLUB, TEMPLE STREET, BIRMINGHAM

“Flight Club transformed the ground and first floor of 13 Temple Street Birmingham into a stunning venue. Its exterior is almost unrecognisable and it’s just as impressive inside. We believed the offer could stand the test of time and that it would prove to be a solid, long-term occupier for the building, which is critical to supporting the investment value.”

SCHOOL YARD, HIGH STREET, HARBORNE

“Our client was a restaurant operator looking for space to relocate its business. We were aware that the previous occupier, Prezzo, was in administration and believed we could gain vacant possession of the space. The decision was taken to try and buy the investment which included three other complementary occupiers. Having purchased the building we were able to execute the business plan.”

SOHO WHARF, BIRMINGHAM

“This is a new residential community with 650 apartments and 102 townhouses. Our task is to find quality, complementary occupiers to provide valued services to the residents of the development and wider community. Occupier selection for the commercial space is critical, and we’ll be favouring those who can make active use of natural features such as the green spaces and access to the canal network.”

CURIUM SOLUTIONS: NO STRANGERS TO THE BUSINESS DISTRICT

Established in 2008, Curium Solutions spent its first five years on Church Street, drawn to the opportunities, networking culture and ease of access to the Business District. However, as the company grew in size it moved to Newhall street before settling in Edmund Gardens, where the office was spacious and a real hub of energy. Queue covid…

The pandemic swept through, changing everything. It felt abrupt at first, adapting to home working was easier for some rather than others. But, over time it fundamentally changed the way we work. Our eyes were opened to the worlds of home and hybrid working, which has been a game changer, as businesses grapple with what best work for them, their teams and their customers.

Due to the needs of our clients, we’ve always had an element of remote working. With businesses in UK, USA and Canada, we work all over the world, supporting our customers with their transformation agenda.

“We have benefited from aspects that are quoted in studies; uplifts in productivity, environmentally friendly processes and cost savings associated with travel and expenses,”says Emma Taylor, CPO.

“The painful decision to give up our permanent office space during lockdown along with the move to remote working did shine a light on our strategies to maintain a great culture. Our culture will always be our absolute priority.”

We put our people first, encouraging collaboration and communicating regularly, with weekly team calls, monthly team days, one-to-ones, regular video updates, WhatsApp group, internal app and an office space on Colmore Row.

“We align with our company values and mission in all that we do. These values are the foundation of Curium, and they shine through consistently in all that we do,” adds Emma.

Today, we’re at 55 Colmore Row, a modern setting and vibrant space to bring clients, escape the home office and meet for coffee and a chin-wag.

New life for NatWest banking hall doors

FAMILIAR FEATURE FROM DEMOLISHED TOWER RESTORED AND RETURNED TO 103

The ornate banking hall doors from the former NatWest Tower on Colmore Row have been returned to their original home nearly 50 years after they were first hung.

The NatWest Tower was demolished in 2015 to make way for Birmingham’s tallest office tower, 103 Colmore Row. Following an appeal from the family of the doors’ designer and maker, Henry Haig, the developer of the new building pledged to salvage them and return them to site.

103 Colmore Row owner Tristan Capital Partners and developer Sterling Property Ventures tasked building contractor BAM with overseeing the restoration and return of the aluminiumcast doors. Bromsgrove-based W&G Metalwork undertook the £10,000 project.

Dorset-based Henry Haig (1930 –2007) was an artist and sculptor. He was particularly known for his stained-glass commissions, which appear in churches and cathedrals around the country.

In the 1960s/70s he produced works – including large-scale murals – in pre-cast concrete, aluminium, vitreous enamel and cold-cast bronze. As part of the 1960s/70s building boom, Haig was commissioned to produce works for commercial buildings, including the doors to Birmingham’s NatWest Tower.

The doors, which include an early incarnation of the NatWest logo, were fashioned using hand-moulded and sculpted clay, from which a plaster cast was made. A fibre-glass mould was then made for the final casting in aluminium.

Members of the deceased artist’s family, including son Alistair and daughter Imogen, visited 103 Colmore Row to view the restored doors, which now hang in the building’s D&D-run ground floor bar and cafe, Orelle.

Alistair Haig said: “As children we grew up in a home surrounded by our father’s art, with his workshop and studio adjacent to the house. To see him working on commissions was a normal

part of everyday life, and he – and our artist mother – always encouraged us to be creative, including playing and working with clay and plaster.

“As the eldest, I have very vivid memories of the banking hall doors being made. We are so thrilled the doors have been restored to their former glory and considerately incorporated in the new building where they can be viewed by visitors.”

Imogen Haig added: “We would like to thank everyone involved in the new 103 Colmore Row for recognising the importance of our father’s contribution to Birmingham’s public art heritage, particularly from this era, and for having the vision and integrity to incorporate the doors into the new building. His work reflected his belief in acknowledging the past whilst being anchored in the present and we think he would be delighted with their new location. Thank you!”

Andew Hawkins, development director of Sterling Property Ventures, said: “To inherit these wonderful doors from the original building was an absolute gift. They were in a prominent place on Colmore Row for nearly 50 years and had become a much-loved part of the streetscape. It has been our pleasure to restore them and return them to a public place.”

David Loewi, CEO D&D London, said: “We feel very privileged that Orelle, our recently launched restaurant, cafe and bar, now houses the magnificent and iconic original banking doors for all our customers to view on their way to our restaurant on the 24th floor.”

Above: Andrew Hawkins of Sterling Property Ventures; Imogen and Alistair Haig

Above right: Henry Haig

Divine Beauty brightens winter

In January, nearly 3,000 visitors enjoyed a spectacular light and sound experience at Birmingham Cathedral called Divine Beauty at Night.

The production, by the worldrenowned artistic team at Luxmuralis and generously supported by National Lottery players, via The National Lottery Heritage Fund, also raised over £5,000 towards the upcoming conservation work on the cathedral’s four stained-glass windows.

Divine Beauty at Night was an immersive light and sound experience. The 15-minute show, which included specially-composed

music and imagery from the four remarkable windows, projected floor to ceiling at the East end (front) of the Cathedral.

The production also paid tribute to their designer, Edward BurneJones, and revealed aspects of their creation nearly 130 years ago – over 150 years after St Philips was built and consecrated as a Parish Church.

Visitors described the performance as a ‘lovely way to experience the cathedral in a new way’, and a ‘wonderfully serene experience with mesmerising colours and patterns’, with many requests for the show to be brought back again in future.

This year is going to be a busy year for Birmingham Cathedral as the Divine Beauty Project moves into the important conservation stage.

This spring, scaffolding will be put up inside the cathedral to allow specialist conservators to get up close

in Brum with spectacular show

to the windows and undertake the work. There will also be opportunities for visitors to go on special guided tours and see the work for themselves. Workshops with the conservators will also be held for those wanting to learn more about the process.

The project will include cleaning and repairing this historic glass, followed by improvements to the protection of the windows through new grilles and damage prevention measures. This vital work will allow them to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Free guided tours of Birmingham Cathedral will also be continuing this year – with Heritage tours on

Mondays at 12.30 and tours focused on the windows taking place at 11.30 on Wednesdays. These are led by friendly and knowledgeable Heritage guides and can be booked online via the Birmingham Cathedral website.

The Divine Beauty project will also provide the opportunity for children and young people to learn about the windows – through music, poetry and art.

Birmingham Cathedral’s second annual children’s poetry festival has just been launched – which is focused on encouraging young people to respond to the beautiful colours,

imagery and patterns in the windows. The festival will culminate in a special event this summer, supported by Birmingham Poet, Casey Bailey, along with a display of all entries on the railings in Cathedral Square. There will also be music workshops for schools taking place throughout 2023, which will culminate in a special Divine Beauty performance at the cathedral in the autumn.

Keep up to date with progress on the Divine Beauty project via the Birmingham Cathedral website and Divine Beauty Project social channels.

MATT WINDLE JUSTICE MENTOR TKO (TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, OPPORTUNITIES), SHAW TRUST

FIRST OF ALL, TELL US ABOUT THE DAY JOB…

I work within the justice sector, mentoring adults with the aim of helping them to live a healthier, more productive lifestyle. I deliver a range of physical activities designed to be both spiritually and physically beneficial. From meditation to boxing, walking to football and yoga to weights, everyone has the capacity to engage in exercise and sports to some degree. Bottomline; I help to instil confidence and selfworth within my mentees.

After Hours

YOUR PASSIONS AND PROJECTS OUTSIDE THE 9-5

SHARE WITH READERS A FEW BUSINESS DISTRICT FAVOURITES?

Food… now we’re talking! I’ve gone mad on Thai the past few years; Thai Express and Giggling Squid are personal faves. I also love stew chicken, rice & peas with a dumpling from Caribbean takeouts. Since working as a mentor, I’ve spent a lot of time by the canal. Running into work or walking canalside with my mentees. There’s something tranquil about water and greenery.

I absolutely love the galleries that Birmingham has to offer such as Clarendon Fine Art, Castle Fine Art & the Ikon gallery. I also can’t forget Pure Gym Snowhill and McCracken’s Gym in Tyseley.

THIS FEATURE IS CALLED AFTER HOURS… WHAT’S YOUR POST-WORK PASSION?

One is boxing and the other is poetry.

Boxing: I’m a Light-Flyweight professional boxer and the current Commonwealth champion, becoming Britain’s lightest professional champion and the first Brit to capture this belt in its 120 year history. I’m also the British and

European No.1. I’ve had British Fights of the Year in 2019, 2021 and it was announced over Christmas that I won the Fightzone TV Fight of the Year in 2022 with my 11th round knockout victory over an unbeaten South African. I will defend my title in the first half of 2023 and then hopefully capture an Intercontinental title after that, which should rank me in the world’s Top 20 or higher!

Poetry: I’m the former Young Poet Laureate and Birmingham Poet Laureate. I was the first male in the country to hold the title of Young Poet Laureate. That happened in 2007 and since then I’ve made a living as a freelance artist by teaching poetry in schools both nationally and internationally – I’ve reached as far as Malaysia and Indonesia with my school workshops.

My role as a poet also includes motivational talks and being commissioned to write and perform

Picture courtesy Dexter Hastings

Inset: Matt at Birmingham Council House after being presented with a pair of golden cufflinks featuring the city’s coat of arms to commemorate becoming the first Brit to win the Light-Flyweight Commonwealth title

for businesses and events for the likes of the Commonwealth Games, Team England, Barclay’s Premier League, BBC, Royal Mail, Skinny Food Co, BT (I was commissioned to write the poem for their new building in Snowhill) and countless others. I love being able to encapsulate the essence of a company or help them to spread their message amongst current or potential clientele. I still do this alongside my mentoring and boxing.

WHAT PUSHED YOU TO DO THIS?

Boxing: I’m built to be a jockey but as a nipper we wouldn’t have been able to afford a horse, so my parents sent me to Warley Boxing Club for £1 a session instead and I eventually became a Light-Flyweight boxer! But, in all seriousness, I always had a passion for combat. My big brother

After Hours

did karate, I loved Bruce Lee, WWF wrestling, Lennox Lewis and Naz and I was a physical football player. Expressing myself artistically through the means of physical combat is something that I was destined to do. I have to smile though because this isn’t my side project.

I’m a full-time professional athlete, training 12x per week as well as being a full-time mentor and poet. Don’t ask me how I do it.

Poetry: I attended a PRU school (Pupil Referral Unit) for the final two years of my education and the first person to ever encourage my poetry is unequivocally my Year 10 English teacher, Sue Barnes. She was the lady that said “I saw this and thought of you” as she handed me the Young Poet Laureate application form.

I also love going into schools, working with young people and encouraging them to pursue their

passions. And of course, my parents. From football to athletics to boxing to poetry, they have always encouraged me to pursue any and every interest that I have had and I’m so lucky to have the parents that I do. I’d be lost without them.

HOW COULD READERS FIND OUT MORE OR GET INVOLVED?

The best way to keep up to date with what I’m doing is via social media. You can find me using the handle @mattwindlepoet on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so please give me a follow. I’m very receptive on socials should you wish to get in touch.

I’m also looking for new sponsors to help support my boxing career during 2023, so if anyone would like to talk to me about a potential partnership then please get in touch.

Picture courtesy David Rann

Network & Drink

COLMORE BID BID4 CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LAUNCH

Colmore Business

District’s first Network & Drink event of 2023 provided the opportunity to discuss the future of the Business District as the BID launched its BID4 consultation document.

Network and Drink is hosted bi-monthly, giving guests a chance to hear from speakers, have a drink and network with like-minded professionals.

January’s event, held at the Orelle Café at 103 Colmore Row, changed its regular format and gave attendees the chance to speak about what they would like and what they need from the Business District in the coming years.

It was also an opportunity to learn about what projects the BID has delivered and how it supports the District.

The BID’s consultation document was on hand at Network & Drink. This outlines key ideas ahead of the BID’s official fiveyear Business Plan which will launch in June 2023.

Members of the Colmore BID board were also present at Network & Drink to answer queries and listen to feedback about life and work in the District.

How uni graduate Ruth received a warm welcome to Birmingham

Graduate Ruth Kimacia received a very special welcome to the Business District from Colmore BID – her first job!

The former Coventry University student had applied for a series roles in Birmingham with little success.

“I’d been searching for a job for a few months and submitted many online job applications that often received no response,” explains Ruth, who has a Masters in Organisational Psychology.

“I was struggling to get interviews and was losing confidence that I would find anything.”

Then Ruth heard about Colmore BID’s Welcome to Birmingham events. The week-long programme of activities is aimed at newly arrived professionals.

It’s designed to help them learn more about the Business District and the work of Colmore BID and how it can support their careers.

Activities at the last event included mentoring sessions, training on how to network and a chance to meet the BID’s Board of Directors.

There were also wellbeing activities, including group runs, free online yoga and a hands-on Cookalong session where people could learn how to whip-up affordable recipes with a professional chef.

Ruth says: “As I was new to the city when I heard about the Welcome to Birmingham events I thought it would be a great way to meet working professionals and seek potential job opportunities.

“I attended the “How to Network” workshop where I gained helpful tips about networking.”

Ruth was then introduced to one of the directors of Hays Recruitment at another Welcome to Birmingham event last autumn.

The specialist recruitment business, which is based on the third floor of One Colmore Square, provides careers expertise across a range of sectors including accountancy and finance, construction and property, IT and education, energy and legal and marketing.

Ruth also had the chance to meet another employee of Hays through Welcome to Birmingham whose positive experience made her want to work for the company. They kept in touch and when a vacancy came up she was able to provide her with helpful advice for her interview.

Ruth is now an Associate Recruitment Consultant at Hays. “I recruit for temporary workers in the professional

services sector,” she explains. She’s thrilled with her new role and enjoys being based in the Business District.

“My new job has allowed me to interact with amazing people in Birmingham,” Ruth says.

“I have found supportive colleagues and have really enjoyed working for such an established company.

“Working in the Business District has been quite exciting. It is filled with vibrant people who work hard and play hard.

“To someone looking for work, I’d encourage them to not be afraid of networking. Get plugged into groups such as Colmore BID, attend events and just talk to people. You never know what can come out of a conversation.”

Colmore BID is planning a new series of Welcome to Birmingham events from May 15 to 26.

To find out more keep an eye on the Colmore BID website at www. colmorebusinessdistrict.com

‘I have found supportive colleagues and have really enjoyed working for such an established company’

CONFIDENCE BOOST AFTER ATTENDING COLMORE BID EVENT