Aston Hall set to reopen

The importance of protecting your Intellectual Property

In April 2021 we all had ring side seats to the battle royale of teatime treats – Colin vs Cuthbert.

Not often do we see such a high-profile case in the news illustrating how important brand protection is for your business.

So, as we wait to find out which way the cookie will crumble, here at NBR, we have been cooking up the sweetest recipe for success when it comes to protecting your business’ Intellectual Property (IP).

Firstly, make sure your Marketing Manager has Twitter worthy puns up their sleeve at a moment's notice and secondly, it is essential to get an expert’s advice when it comes to protecting your company’s valuable and individual assets.

At NBR we have nearly 40 years’ experience in business name and brand protection and understand that trade marking your companies IP can do more than simply protect you from copycat(erpillars).

Research shows investors use trade marks as a key driver when valuing a company; enhancing their market value and improving their chances of obtaining venture capital - even more effectively than patents. This encompasses all marks including marketing innovations, such as your firms branding, logo and name, unique advances in your products or services and new technologies you may have developed.

To review whether a trade mark, or our other brand protection services, could benefit your business get in contact today 0800 069 9090 or email info@start.biz

Iconic Aston Hall reopens following year-long closure

Magnificent: The Long Hall at Aston. Picture: Birmingham Museums Trust

Aston Hall, one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings, is set to welcome visitors from 7 July after being closed for more than a year.

The Grade 1 listed mansion reopens its doors with new displays that explore the fascinating lives of the Hall’s residents and its colourful past.

Full of architectural and historical delights - from its Long Gallery to the battle scars of the Civil Wars Aston Hall is one of Britain’s finest treasures steeped in 400 years of history.

The new displays focus on the key players and periods of Aston Hall’s history, illustrating enthralling stories of family rifts, royal visits and pitched battles. There are over 30 rooms to explore, including King Charles’ Chamber and the elaborate Great Stairs.

Visitors can also see paintings spanning four centuries, including Peter Lely’s famous official ‘warts and all’ portrait of Oliver Cromwell, as well as portraits of the people who lived at Aston Hall painted by some of the most famous artists of their day, including Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Godfrey Kneller and George Romney. Highlights from Birmingham’s collection of Dutch paintings will also be displayed at Aston Hall while Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is closed. Plus, there’s a new family trail and a new menu on offer at the Stable Yard Café.

Kimberley Biddle, museum team manager at Aston Hall, says: “The past year has given us the opportunity to consider how we retell, reimagine and redisplay the four centuries of Aston Hall’s history.

“Nowhere else in Birmingham can you explore such a magnificent and iconic building. It’s a must-see destination this summer.”

Also opening at Aston Hall in July is Black is Beautiful, Black without Apology - a transformation of Aston Hall’s Boudoir into a young Black girl’s contemporary dressing room. Featuring an imaginative combination of contemporary and 18th century items, the display celebrates black women and the rich diverse culture within the Black diaspora.

The narrative for the display springs from Sarah Newton, Lady of Aston Hall’s involvement in the enslavement of Black people during the 18th century. It has been created by local young people as part of Don’t Settle - a collaboration between Beatfreeks and Birmingham Museums Trust.

Birmingham ballet appoints board trio

Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced the appointment of three new board members. They are Marverine Cole (pictured), Shireenah Ingram and Christine Ondimu.

A radio and television presenter and news reporter from Birmingham, Marverine Cole is currently the director of the BA (Hons) Journalism course at Birmingham City University and also part of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.

Originally from Birmingham, Shireenah Ingram is an actor, presenter and songwriter who began her performance career in 2012.

Shireenah founded her own company ‘Red Lens’ in 2021 which offers acting classes to increase personal performance confidence.

Shireenah’s relationship with BRB began as the youngest participant in and star of Channel 4’s ‘Ballet Hoo, Ballet Changed My Life’ and now she comes full circle to take her place as the youngest member on the Board.

Christine Ondimu is an experienced banking professional who is passionate workplace inclusion. She was co-chair of the HSBC UK Compliance Diversity and Inclusion Network.

Christine is a qualified lawyer and works as a Diversity & Inclusion Manager at HSBC UK Network leading 6,000-plus colleagues on diversity and inclusion.

Her career spans the financial services sector where she has worked in four countries – United States of America, South Africa, Kenya and now United Kingdom.

Chair of the board at BRB, David Normington, said: “These new appointments complete the work we have been doing over the last two years to rebuild the skills and knowledge of the Birmingham Royal Ballet board to support the transformation of this company.”