GBCC Events guide 2023

INTRODUCTION

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) events calendar is one of the largest in the British Chambers network –with more than 200 events a year across our 10 divisions.

In 2022 we delivered a busy calendar of both online and in-person events including international conferences, speaker breakfasts, business growth seminars, speed networking and large awards dinners, which attracted key business leaders and decision-makers from across the region.

This guide will provide you with a flavour of what’s on in Birmingham, Burton, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth over the coming year.

All dates and venues are subject to change so please keep an eye on our online events calendar at greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Through a range of event sponsorship and advertising opportunities, GBCC provides a fantastic platform for businesses to gain brand exposure and showcase their offering to the region’s business leaders and key decision-makers.

Our social media following has grown significantly across all channels and attendance at our events continued to grow over the last 12 months. There has never been a better time to take advantage of the Chamber’s channels to promote your business. OUR REACH

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THEMED DIVISIONS

CHAMBER EVENTS PROGRAMME 2023

ANNUAL DINNERS & AWARDS

GREATER BYPY AWARDS 2023

£2,500+VAT

CHAMBER EXPOS

30

Aston Villa 06

Edgbaston Stadium

FORMAT

• Approx. 100 exhibitors and 800–900 delegates per event

• 2–3 seminars and a speed networking session

WHY ATTEND?

• A full day of networking and seminars

• Large scale networking

• Business card draws and giveaways

REGIONAL EXPOS

SOLIHULL EXPO

25

Village Hotel, Solihull

COST & SPONSORSHIP

FREE to attend

Exhibition Stands from £250+VAT

Headline Sponsorship from £2,500+VAT

Seminar Sponsorship from £500+VAT

Car Sponsorship £1,000+VAT

Sutton Town Hall

greaterbirminghamchambers.com

TRADE CONFERENCE

FORMAT

• Approx. 150 delegates

• Join business leaders at the Global Trade Conference to discuss new international opportunities for businesses. The event will also include networking opportunities throughout the day

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Headline Sponsorship £5,000+VAT

Session Sponsorship £2,500+VAT

Networking Reception Sponsorship £2,500+VAT

Exhibition Stands £500+VAT

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

FORMAT

• Approx. 80 delegates

• Celebrate the journey and successes of women who have played an extraordinary role in our community and hear their story, whilst enjoying a 3-course meal in a relaxed atmosphere Edgbaston Stadium

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members £40+VAT

Non-members £60+VAT

Headline Sponsorship £1,500+VAT

Exhibition Stands from £200+VAT

BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST

WHEN AND WHERE?

• 3 x Birmingham

• 3 x Burton & District

• 3 x Cannock Chase

• 3 x Lichfield & Tamworth

• 3 x Solihull

• 3 x Sutton Coldfield

FORMAT

• Approx. 60 delegates per event

• Keynote speaker from a local business or a panel discussion on a range of topics including, cybersecurity, fintech/technology, social media, sustainability, people, council-led updates, and access to funding

WHY ATTEND?

• Increase knowledge of local hot topics

• Early-morning breakfast networking

• Hear from experts from local businesses

• Meet valuable new contacts

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members £50+VAT

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT

NETWORKING LUNCHES

WHEN AND WHERE?

• 3 x Birmingham

• 4 x Burton & District

• 4 x Cannock Chase

• 4 x Lichfield & Tamworth

• 4 x Solihull

• 4 x Sutton Coldfield

FORMAT

• Approx. 40 delegates per event

• Enjoy relaxed networking over lunch in one of the region’s venues (usually a bar, hotel or restaurant venue)

WHY ATTEND?

• Network during work hours

• Relaxed informal introductions and networking

• Promote your business

• Raise your profile

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members £50+VAT

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT

SOCIAL NETWORKING

WHEN AND WHERE?

• 4 x Birmingham

• 4 x Burton & District

• 4 x Cannock Chase

• 4 x Lichfield & Tamworth

• 4 x Solihull

• 4 x Sutton Coldfield

FORMAT

• Approx. 70 delegates per event

• Enjoy relaxed social networking in one of the region’s venues (usually a bar, hotel or restaurant venue)

WHY ATTEND?

• Evening networking

• Relaxed, informal introductions

• Meet valuable new contacts

• Pop in on the way home from work

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members £50+VAT

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT

SPEED NETWORKING

WHEN AND WHERE?

• 4 x Birmingham

• 4 x Burton & District

• 4 x Cannock Chase

• 4 x Lichfield & Tamworth

• 4 x Solihull

• 4 x Sutton Coldfield

FORMAT

• Approx. 40 delegates per event

• Your chance to sell your organisation’s products and services in 60 seconds

WHY ATTEND?

• Meet a number of new prospects at one event

• For quick, efficient introductions

• To improve your networking skills

• Share experiences & ideas

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members £20+VAT

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT

1813 CLUB MEMBERS PRIVATE DINING

01JANUARY

31

PREMIER MEMBERS BREAKFAST

1813 CLUB & PREMIER MEMBER EVENTS

• 3 x Social Networking

• 3 x Exemplar Business Visits

• 3 x Training and Development Sessions

Hosted in various venues

FORMAT

• Exclusive events providing an opportunity to connect with other members. Events range from social networking, training and masterclass sessions to invitation-only private dining. Plus, discover how other businesses have grown and developed through venue visits and tours.

WHY ATTEND?

• Raise awareness of your business

• Strategic introductions to relevant members

• Network with key decision-makers

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT

START-UP & SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY

WHEN AND WHERE? WORKSHOPS: Hosted in Birmingham

16 MARCH LAUNCH

10

21

09

22

17

18

20

FORMAT

19

07

• Practical business growth programme with input from leading business experts on a range of topics including business planning and growth, marketing, productivity and processes, closing sales, people management, financial forecasting and cashflow.

WHY JOIN?

• Gain valuable practical expert advice to grow your business

• Structured support programme connecting you to a wider network across the region

• Be part of a network of small business owners to share experiences and make connections

COST

Members FREE (open to all levels of membership) via programme application form. Email j.hume@birmingham-chamber.com

events@birmingham-chamber.com

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) is the largest Chamber of its kind, the ABCC acts as a gateway for any organisation looking to target the West Midlands Asian business community. As well as social networking and leadership series sessions, the ABCC will also deliver a vibrant and exciting programme of festivals.

WHEN AND WHERE?

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-Members £30+VAT (festival events)

Headline Sponsorship £1,000+VAT (festival events)

Exhibition stands from £150+VAT (festival events)

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT (non-festival events)

VAISAKHI CELEBRATION EID CELEBRATION DIWALI CELEBRATION

Future Faces welcomes young professionals from all sectors seeking to share experiences, to learn from business leaders and to work with their peer groups to develop new skills, knowledge and best practice. Typically, Future Faces run two member-only events per month – social networking and professional development – as well as running an annual Future Faces Mentoring Scheme.

WHEN AND WHERE?

31

Hosted in various venues

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Event Sponsorship £250+VAT

Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce (GBTCC) is the Birmingham Chapter of the British American Business Network (BABN): this is the largest Transatlantic business network, with 22 Chapters, and more than 2,000 member companies based in the major economic centres of the US, Canada, and the UK. Its membership includes many of the world’s largest multinationals, as well as hundreds of middle-market and smaller companies.

The BABN network strengthens and supports its chapters through content, connections, and opportunities. Chapters, in turn, help member companies grow their businesses by leveraging network connections across the UK and North America. The BABN also engages with the US and UK Governments on a broad range of policy issues impacting the trade of goods and services between the UK and North America. We maintain an ongoing dialogue with the Government on many of these issues and make direct, formal representations to Government on issues of particular concern.

The events programme, which is contributed to by all Chapters throughout the UK and North America, offers a variety of opportunities to network and develop business.

CHAPTERS:

Atlanta

Birmingham (UK)

Carolinas

Chicago

Los Angeles

Manchester (UK)

Miami

Michigan

New England

New York & London

Northern California

Ohio

Orange County

Pacific Northwest

Philadelphia

Scotland

Tampa

Texas

Toronto

Washington DC

greaterbirminghamchambers.com

The GBGCC promotes local businesses to most countries across the globe through its connections with High Commissions, Embassies in the UK, British diplomatic posts overseas and Chambers of Commerce based in global markets.

The GBGCC network strengthens and supports its members through content, connections, and opportunities. GBGCC helps member companies grow their businesses by leveraging network connections across the UK and the wider world. GBGCC also engage with the UK Government, High Commissions and Embassies in the UK and abroad, and with local authorities on a broad range of policy issues impacting the trade of goods and services between the UK and the rest of the world. An ongoing dialogue with the Government is maintained on many of these issues and make direct, formal representations to Government on issues of particular concern.

The events programme, which is contributed to by all Chambers and Missions throughout the UK, and further afield, offers a variety of opportunities to network and develop business.

INSIGHT & INTELLIGENCE EVENTS

The Insight and Intelligence events are designed to provide businesses with a core understanding of the local political landscape and ever-changing economic terrain. Helping businesses understand and engage with the region through conferences, webinars, seminars and panel discussions.

BIRMINGHAM ECONOMIC REVIEW

WHEN AND WHERE?

Hosted in Birmingham 26

OVERVIEW

The Birmingham Economic Review (BER) offers an annual in-depth exploration of Birmingham’s economy, providing detailed information to assist with research, policy and investment decisions. The review provides world-class data-driven academic insights and experienced advice from some of the city’s most prominent business leaders as to how the region and its businesses can seize new and emerging opportunities.

WHY ATTEND?

• As a business leader if you are looking to gain insights on the local economy and new and emerging opportunities in the region

• To hear a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of recent global events on the local area

• To better understand how we can make the most of Birmingham’s unique strengths to build a more inclusive, environmentally sustainable and prosperous city-region

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members FREE

GROWTH THROUGH PEOPLE

WHEN AND WHERE?

Hosted in Birmingham or online

OVERVIEW

The Growth Through People campaign aims to share and encourage the implementation of best practice approaches to leadership and people management in order to support business growth. The campaign is delivered by the GBCC with a range of partners, it includes free training sessions and workshops, delivered as events and webinars throughout March, alongside research and digital thought leadership content.

GROWTH THROUGH PEOPLE CONFERENCE

The Growth Through People conference, held on the 10 May, will feature further, exceptional perspectives on topics from responsible leadership in challenging times, to fostering resilience. Take away new ideas to drive and inspire positive change within your business, boost your firm’s productivity and grow through improved leadership and people management skills.

WHY ATTEND?

• Expert insights on developing your leadership and people management skills

• Advice from experienced peers on effectively attracting the right talent, making the most of your workforce and improving employee engagement

• Advice and guidance on the changing nature of work in the current economic climate

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members FREE

Headline Sponsorship £5,000+VAT

Series sponsored by

Further headline sponsorship opportunities are available.

4 Workshops

35+ Partners

350+ Delegates

4 Chamber Podcasts

98% of delegates recommend

*2022 figures

events@birmingham-chamber.com

QUARTERLY BUSINESS BRIEFINGS

WHEN AND WHERE?

07 20 18 21

Hosted in Birmingham

OVERVIEW

A review of local economic data and business trends from the latest Quarterly Business Report (QBR) featuring a high-profile panel of well-known business leaders. Recent speakers have included Dr Justin Varney, Head of Public Health, Birmingham City Council; Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 and representatives from firms such as Openreach and RSM.

WHY ATTEND?

• Insights and intelligence sharing

• To join other senior-level delegates for networking and discussions

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members FREE

THE GOOD BUSINESS FORUM

WHEN AND WHERE?

18 19 11 12

OVERVIEW

Profit with purpose, Environmental & Social Governance (ESG), Social Value, CSR. From climate change to attracting and retaining a new more socially minded generation of employees - recent events have brought exploring and articulating businesses’ wider role in society up many board and exec agendas.

WHY ATTEND?

• Insight into approaches to ESG, CSR and Social value

• Opportunities to learn from and share with your peers

• Practical tips that you can apply in your organisation

• Meet board members, leaders and managers from a range of businesses

COST & SPONSORSHIP

*2022 figures *

THE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SERIES

WHEN AND WHERE?

Hosted in Birmingham

OVERVIEW

The Sustainable Business Series increases awareness and stimulates action to progress businesses to net zero, through sharing knowledge, best practice and guidance. The Series is delivered by the GBCC with a range of partners and includes free training sessions and workshops, delivered as events and webinars throughout October, alongside research and thought leadership content culminating in a face-to-face conference.

In the lead up to the conference, the events will focus on key topics:

• How to progress to a net zero business through energy, transport, the circular economy and business management

• Low-carbon and environmental technology business growth

• Green finance

• Sector decarbonisation

THE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Understand how the region is responding to environmental sustainability from regional and national business leaders, at the Sustainable Business Conference on 2 November. Learn how themes can support your businesses progress on environmental sustainability. Previous topics included the role of business in net zero, the financial case for sustainability and the role of Government in net zero, innovation, collaboration, strategy and low-carbon business development.

WHY ATTEND?

• For practical advice on environmental sustainability

• If interested in understanding the measures you can take to progress your business to net zero

• To find out what financial and non-financial support is available to support the growth of your low carbon business or decarbonisation journey

COST & SPONSORSHIP

Members FREE

Non-members FREE

Headline Sponsorship £5,000+VAT

events@birmingham-chamber.com

BESPOKE COURSES

TRAINING COURSES

WHEN AND WHERE?

Hosted in various venues or online

COURSES

• 11 BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (BCC) INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING MODULES (complete 6 and gain the Foundation Award in International Trade –a nationally recognised qualification)

• SELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE NON-BCC ACCREDITED TRAINING COURSES

• SALES TRAINING

• MARKETING WORKSHOPS

• HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING

• BESPOKE TRAINING PACKAGES

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Training courses and packages built to suit all industries for all staff members, from company directors to administrators, or beginners to advanced senior team members looking to refresh their knowledge

I found the marketing workshop ‘Building a brand which brings you customers’ to be really informative. The session was split up well, with presentations from the tutor, followed by group discussions on each topic. This allowed us to explore how the workshop was relevant to our own business and how ideas could be implemented moving forward, rather than purely theoretical scenarios. I would definitely recommend this workshop for anyone wanting to improve marketing opportunities within their business.

Steph Brown SH Projects

COST

Members from £75+VAT

Non-members from £105+VAT

To book your place or to find out more, please visit: greaterbirminghamchambers.com/training, email: training@birmingham-chamber.com or call 0121 274 3301

The course instructor was approachable and helpful, making me understand all the aspects of the course especially the elements of customs procedures and documentation. I extremely enjoyed that course although it was difficult in parts as I didn’t have huge experience in Customs. This course really helped me understand further all the ‘ins and outs’ of Customs formalities and the paperwork. I would highly recommend.

Aneta Doroszuk Anixter UK

Innovate UK EDGE is a key part of the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, and their investment in the businesses that drive economic growth. We focus exclusively on supporting ambitious, innovation-led businesses with the potential for high growth.

Our team of Innovation & Growth Specialists will work closely with your business to gain an understanding of your short-term needs and longer-term objectives. They will then help you to identify the most effective strategy to accelerate your business’ growth and maximise its potential.

OUR BUSINESS GROWTH AND SCALE SUPPORT INCLUDE:

• Assisting in developing an Intellectual Property (IP) culture within your business

• Improving innovation management and capacity

• Sourcing funding and finance

• Entering new international markets

For more information on how Innovate UK EDGE can support your business, please contact the team directly at:

Avalon.Maison@innovateukedge.ukri.org

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about our events, including booking your place and sponsorship enquiries, please email the Chamber events team events@birmingham-chamber.com

All event dates and times are subject to change – stay tuned to greaterbirminghamchambers.com for the most up-to-date events calendar. Event terms and conditions apply.

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