Chamberlink Sep 2024

See page 6 ...led by Mayor and Chambers

• EXCLUSIVE: Parker writes for Chamberlink

• ABCC president in plea over riots

• New patrons are right on track

Picture: Elliott Franks

Contents

Chamberlink September 2024

34 Freeths advises on Urban Automotive investment

Events

48 The latest list of Chamber events

Price, co-director of Birmingham Wholesale

Where Do You Fancy?

36 International Trade: German Ambassador to host summer event

38 ABCC: Offa launches buy-to-let finance

40 Cannock Chase: Economic benefit of international students

41 Burton & District: Celebrating the best of Burton

42 Lichfield & Tamworth: Dancers helped by Social Value Initiative

43 Royal Sutton Coldfield: BBC composer adds to Town Hall history

44 Solihull: JLR apprentice follows in grandad’s footsteps

46 Future Faces: : Awards shortlist revealed

Features

51 Corporate Christmas: The gift of partnership this Christmas

55 Festive fun or HR nightmare?

60 Legal Services: Preparing for the new employment landscape

Sector Focus

64 Business Travel: Airline partners with RollsRoyce

66 Finance: Birmingham named a top city for investment

68 Manufacturing: High-speed bridge in highspeed installation

70 Legal: Law firm welcomes framework reforms

72 Property: Big-box units in high demand

74 Skills: Student wins top scholarship award

77 Technology: Method for testing virus infectivity devised

80 The Arts: Independent chair joins Music Hub

82 Sport: Top alternative sports to travel to named Member Section 83 Chamber Insight Phil Hayes, Hayes Collins Media 84 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

CHAMBER

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Editor: John Lamb

07814 539329 lambjohn@mac.com

Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052

d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com

Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin

07963 405538

j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com

Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 0121 2743240, 07508 317356

f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com

Reporter: Darby Newman

07951 245985

86 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is here to connect, support and grow local businesses. Accredited by the British Chambers, we have acted as the voice of local businesses since 1813.

Editor’s View

BY JOHN LAMB

Positive change is picking up speed

All change! That seems an appropriate phrase to welcome you to the September issue of Chamberlink

First, you may have noticed we have a new government after Labour won the election following 14 years of Conservative rule.

And the Chambers of Commerce in the West Midlands – Greater Birmingham, Coventry & Warwickshire and the Black Country – were quick off the mark in making representations to the heart of power by sending a delegation to the House of Commons.

‘Delegates were accompanied by recentlyelected West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker’

It was an opportunity for a Parliamentary launch of the final Business Commission West Midlands report (see page 6), which sets out a roadmap for unlocking business growth.

And delegates were accompanied by recently-elected West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, who was joined by Lord

FRONT COVER: Richard Parker and Henrietta Brealey at the House of Commons . See page 6

Philip Hunt of Kings Heath and several of the region’s MPs plus members of the business community.

The Mayor was also able to report back after meeting Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer and fellow regional mayors, with skills and devolution high on the agenda.

And the GBCC’s director of external affairs Raj Kandola presented key headlines from the report, which includes recommendations around subjects close to the interests of Greater Birmingham businesses like AI and digitisation, innovation, net zero, the built environment and people, process and skills.

And, marking another change for the Chamber, West Midlands Trains, the Birmingham-headquartered operator which carries millions of passengers on its rail services, has become a patron (see page 5)

As Chamber chief executive Henrietta Brealey points out, patrons are our closest partners as a cross-sector network combining many of the cityregion’s largest, and most civic-minded organisations.

West Midlands Trains epitomise this combined with a strong commitment to sustainability. Welcome aboard...

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Business News

Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

On board – WM train operator now patron

By Dan Harrison

West Midlands Trains, the Birminghamheadquartered operator which carries millions of passengers on its rail services, has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Since 2017, West Midlands Trains has run services between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston under the London Northwestern Railway brand.

In addition, the operator carries passengers to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill, under the West Midlands Railway brand.

In 2023, West Midlands Trains delivered around 60 million passenger journeys across 13.3 million miles.

Significant progress has also been made with a £1bn investment programme in new trains, depots and stations.

The flagship electric Class 730 fleet, manufactured in the UK by Alstom, has been introduced in the West Midlands, including on the Cross City line – the largest commuter route outside London.

Around 3,000 staff are employed by West Midlands Trains across its network, with investment in skills and employment being a key focus area.

West Midlands Trains is the first operator in the UK to gain the prestigious Engineering Apprenticeship Employer Kitemark accreditation in recognition of its engineering apprenticeship programme.

The organisation currently has 89 active apprentices, a quarter of whom are aged 25 or under.

Max Taylor, commercial director at West Midlands Trains, said: “As a significant employer headquartered in Birmingham, we’re delighted to have become patrons of the Chamber.

“We recognise the important role public transport has to play in helping people access work, education and leisure and we look forward to working with the business community to support the growth of our regional economy and deliver for rail passengers.”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We are proud to be working with West Midlands Trains, as both a leading employer and a key stakeholder in driving business productivity through transport connectivity, investment in skills and commitment to sustainability.”

Businesses across the region can take advantage of West Midlands Trains’ Just Business platform – a free-to-use resource for booking and managing business travel.

Benefits of Just Business include:

• The cheapest end to end fares, covering all train operators, are always visible on the platform with no booking fees.

• Manage all business travel from one place, through an agreed payment method

• Individual logins to access a streamlined booking process, with a dedicated helpdesk team on hand if needed.

• Remove timely payment claims, ensuring staff are never out of pocket. Tickets can be downloaded or picked up from West Midlands Trains stations.

• Track your business travel carbon footprint by using Just Business’s unique reporting tool.

To find out more visit www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk

Working with the business community: Max Taylor and Henrietta Brealey

SMEs targeted in minimum wage crackdown

Small and medium-sized businesses in Birmingham are being targeted as part of a crackdown by HMRC on perceived non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Birmingham is one of 11 locations being specifically targeted by the tax authority. Businesses found guilty of non-compliance will be ordered to pay NMW arrears to workers in addition to increased National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

If a business does not accept HMRC’s initial offer of a healthcheck meeting, they also risk financial penalties of up to 200 per cent and public naming and shaming.

Many of these businesses could be inadvertently breaking the rules due to their complexity and common misunderstandings around how to accurately calculate NMW beyond an hourly rate of pay.

HMRC has committed more than £27 million to tackling NMW noncompliance, with regional enforcement being its main focus.

‘Maintaining compliance with National Minimum Wage is commonly misunderstood’

Areas are being targeted based on data suggesting a larger volume of workers potentially being paid below the required NMW rate, as well as intelligence gathered such as complaints made by workers in the region.

HMRC is targeting workers paid in excess of £30,000 per annum.

Azets estimates that more than 50 per cent of Birmingham's SMEs could be caught up in the enforcement activity, requiring checks of their business records and hours’ worth of administrative burden, even for compliant companies.

Kyle Newton, head of national minimum wage, at Azets UK, the top 10 accountancy and advisory firm which has eight offices across the West Midlands, said: “Maintaining compliance with National Minimum Wage is commonly misunderstood, with the calculation made up of several components across five core pillars – it is not just an hourly rate of pay.

“As an employer, unless you understand these pillars and have policies in place to govern and control each, you are at risk of noncompliance.”

Region takes views to the government

The views of West Midlands businesses were delivered to the heart of the new government when the region’s three Chambers of Commerce presented the findings of key economic reports in Parliament.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce - in partnership with the Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers - held a Parliamentary launch of the final Business Commission West Midlands report.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath and several of the region’s MPs joined members of the business community in the Churchill Room to hear the findings of the report, which sets out a roadmap for unlocking business growth.

‘We will continue to champion the recommendations over the coming months’

After guests were welcomed by Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards, the GBCC’s director of external affairs Raj Kandola presented key headlines from the report, which includes recommendations around AI and digitisation, innovation, net zero, the built environment and people, process and skills.

Fresh from his meeting with new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and fellow regional mayors, Richard Parker took part in Q&A, in which skills and devolution were high on the agenda - as well as his desire to make the West Midlands “the best place in the UK to do business”.

Representatives from the region’s business community then took centre stage, as Business Commission West Midlands chair Mark Taylor hosted a panel discussion featuring Eleanor Deeley, joint MD of Coventry-based construction form Deeley Group, Anne Green, Professor of Economic Development at

University of Birmingham, and Uko Umotong, cofounder of UB Healthcare.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to take the voice of West Midlands businesses right to the heart of government. From the conversations with our region’s mayor, newly elected and re-elected MPs, stakeholders and our business community in the room, there is real appetite and energy for working in genuine partnership to drive positive change on business growth.

“The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is proud to champion our members interests. While the Parliamentary launch of the final report of the Business Commission West Midlands: A Roadmap for Business Growth was a key moment in the programme, there’s plenty more to come.

“We will continue to champion the recommendations over the coming months with all political parties and look forward to reconvening to review the impact one year on from its initial launch. Thank you to all of our members and partners who have contributed to the Commission. It’s a privilege working with you.”

Business Commission West Midlands was convened last year by the region’s three Chambers of Commerce. The commission comprised a panel of 11 private-sector commissioners from a range of industries, supported by an advisory panel of seven academic experts.

More than 432 businesses contributed evidence to the Commission, alongside eight public sector and 10 membership organisations or cluster groups.

The commission is supported by sponsors Aston University, Birmingham City University, University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham and Douglas Wright T/A McDonald’s.

Go to greaterbirminghamchambers.com to read the Business Commission Midlands final report.

Parliamentary delegation: Henrietta Brealey (front row, second left), Richard Parker (front, third left) and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber CEO Corin Crane (back row, third left) are joined in Parliament by BCWM commissioners and partners

Birmingham wins bid to host Invictus Games

Birmingham has won the bid to host the 2027 Invictus Games –beating off a rival bid from Washington DC.

In the event, held every two years, injured military personnel and veterans from around the world compete in a range of sports.

Staged at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the Birmingham games will be the first time the event has come to the UK since the Duke of Sussex staged the inaugural tournament in London in 2014.

The city’s successful bid –announced just two years after it hosted the Commonwealth Games to great acclaim – was warmly welcomed by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey.

She said: “Hosting the Invictus Games is a huge opportunity for the region to continue to showcase its strengths for delivering worldclass sporting events. The city is home to exceptional sports and major events infrastructure through the NEC Group and key venues.

“Furthermore, it holds a deep connection to the Armed Forces

community, particularly through University Hospitals Birmingham.

As a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award Holder at the Chamber, we look forward to supporting the Invictus Games.”

‘Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point’

In a tribute to Birmingham’s successful bid, Prince Harry said: “Your city’s strong ties to the armed forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start. We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all - something your city knows well.”

Museum enters next phase of reopening

Birmingham Museums Trust has announced the next stage in its phased reopening of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery as it shares more of the city’s collections and tells stories about Birmingham as a complex, vibrant, multicultural city. The trust is boosting Birmingham’s part in the national story.

Several gallery spaces will re-open to the public on 24 October 2024, after essential maintenance work to the heating, electrics, lifts and roofing was completed on schedule across the whole Council House complex.

The Round Room Gallery, Industrial Gallery, Bridge Gallery and Edwardian Tearooms are among the gallery and visitor spaces to reopen in time for October half-term week.

The museum’s Round Room will be at the heart of the reopening with new and familiar artworks back on display surrounding Jacob Epstein’s bronze sculpture, Lucifer. The Industrial Gallery will reopen with a new ‘Made in Birmingham’ display, which celebrates the city of a thousand trades, its self-deprecating humour, creative people and their worldwide impact. The popular Tearooms and Shop will also reopen in October for hot drinks, a new food and drink menu and unique gift collections and collaborations with local artists and makers in the museum shop.

Due to visitor demand, the Victorian Radicals exhibition of world-famous Pre-Raphaelite art will continue in The Gas Hall until at least Christmas 2024.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-CEOs at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We know this is news that a lot of people have been waiting for and we are so happy to be able to open more of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. We can’t wait to welcome visitors again in time for October half term.”

The £26m government-backed bid drew on the armed forces' connections with Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. During the Afghanistan conflict, severely injured military casualties evacuated from Helmand province were treated at the QE Hospital in Selly Oak. The hospital is also home to the Royal College of Defence Medicine, while the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre is also based in the Midlands.

Stephen “Hoops” Hooper, Team UK captain for the 2025 Games, said: “Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point.

“With support from the Royal British Legion for Team UK, Invictus has helped me embrace life again. As we prepare for Canada next year, it's great to know the games are coming home in 2027.”

Chamber links SMEs with opportunities

A “Meet the Buyer” event, part of Get Ready 2 Supply programme, will offer local SMEs the opportunity to meet with Bournville Village Trust to discuss live contracting opportunities.

The programme gives small businesses in East Birmingham and North Solihull support to win new contracts with some of the region's largest institutions.

Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Get Ready 2 Supply is delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Newable Ltd.

Eligible businesses can receive one-to-one support from experienced business advisers and the opportunity to apply for grant funding of up to £8,000 (terms and conditions apply).

The programme also offers free networking sessions with key buyers and workshops sharing best-practice advice and guidance on successfully winning new contracts.

Get Ready 2 Supply's next ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will take place on 25 September with Bournville Village Trust.

This offers local suppliers 1-2-1 meetings with the procurement manager at the trust to discuss live opportunities in:

• Landscaping and Tree Works

• Signage

• Cleaning

• Catering

• PAT testing

• Pest control

For more information go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Strong ties with Birmingham: Prince Harry

Call for overhaul of business rates

Midland business leaders renewed pleas for a overhaul of business rates to ease costs and drive growth as vacancies continue to decrease and new jobless figures revealed a rise in unemployment over the past three months.

Emily Stubbs (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), called for business rates reform to help relieve “unrelenting” cost pressures as statistics showed despite signs of a cooling labour market local firms continue to face recruitment difficulties.

Business leaders have hailed “a sense of positive momentum” as the UK economy continued its recovery from last year’s recession.

According to official figures, the economy grew by 0.6 per cent between April and June.

The latest figure was in line with forecasts and follows a 0.7 per cent increase in the first three months of this year.

The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates for the first time in four-and-a-half years was welcomed by business leaders across the West Midlands.

The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by five votes to four to reduce its base rate to five per cent from 5.25 per cent - the first interest rate cut since March 2020.

GDP growth lowest in UK

The economy in the West Midlands is predicted to grow by 0.7 per cent this year, up from 0.2 per cent in 2023 according to the latest PwC UK Economic Outlook. But the West Midlands still lags behind the predicted GDP growth for the UK overall, which sits at 1.0 per cent.

PwC’s Framework for Growth report demonstrates how crucial localised strategies are. Business leaders interviewed for the report said that the changes most critical to their business were best driven at a local level.

Brum’s global reach is highlighted at QBR event

The brand of Birmingham in the global landscape took the spotlight at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Quarterly Business Report launch event.

The event, sponsored and hosted by Birmingham City University (BCU), was chaired by GBCC CEO Henrietta Brealey.

Professor Harris Beider, pro vice-chancellor of engagement, enterprise, and innovation at BCU hailed the diversity in the city.

Mr Beider said: “BCU have over 30,000 students, and 3000 staff members along with alumni that are represented from over 100 countries from around the world. This diversity is a strength for us. It reaches out both in and outside of the city and we're very proud of the fact we have 6,000 international students.

“Fundamentally what we want to do is to align to your ambitions as organisations that want to grow, that want to export products, that want to make Birmingham the centre of how we do business, nationally and internationally.”

Presentations were also given by GBCC head of policy Emily Stubbs, RSM partner Richard Eccles, and

Tom Screen, aviation director at Birmingham Airport. Emily Stubbs, the GBCC’s head of policy, said: “This quarter, inflation concerns – reported by 26 per cent of respondents – remain among the most frequent concerns cited by local businesses. However, we've now seen two consecutive quarterly decreases in this figure and this is the lowest it has been since Q3 2021.”

RSM partner Richard Eccles said: “One of the powers and the strengths that we have got here is that we are the second largest city and have a huge skills base.

“The fact that we've got a big pool of talent here means we can deliver to global businesses.”

Tom Screen, aviation director at Birmingham Airport, highlighted the growing expansion of Birmingham airport. He said: “Today people travelling to and from Birmingham airport can fly to 133 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the subcontinent with one stop connections to a further 500 destinations. We contribute 2.1 billion pounds to the economy of the region and support around 33,000 jobs.”

To read the full report go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Participants needed for survey

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Quarterly Business Report survey for Q3 has launched with each participant having the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a spa day and three-course lunch for two at Hoar Cross Hall, near Burton.

The report, sponsored by Birmingham City University, is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the city region, offering an up-to-date snapshot of the performance of the Greater Birmingham business community.

Each participant will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw

to win a spa day and three-course lunch for two at Hoar Cross Hall, the luxury spa near Burton-on-Trent (terms and conditions apply). The survey remains open until 13 September.

Raj Kandola, GBCC director of external affairs said: “With both a new Government and West Midlands Mayor in place, it’s now more important than ever that we collect vital information from the local business community in order to shape regional and national policymaking. The findings from

are

Bank of England, Treasury and the Department of Business Trade –each response will have a direct impact on Government policy at the highest level.

“We want to hear from start-ups to multinationals; respondents don't need to be a CEO or director to take part, just to have an understanding of how their business is performing.”

To take part in the survey scan the QR code above.

the Quarterly Business Report

shared with key contacts at the

QBR speakers (left to right): GBCC head of policy Emily Stubbs, RSM partner Richard Eccles, GBCC CEO Henrietta Brealey, Professor Harris Beider, pro vice-chancellor of engagement, enterprise, and innovation at BCU, and aviation director of Birmingham Airport Tom Screen

President’s Focus

Omar Rashid, president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and managing director of The HR Dept Birmingham Central and Wolverhampton, looks at the roots of the unrest sparked by the murder of three little girls in Southport.

The scenes that unfolded across the UK at the end of July and early August felt like a flashback to the mid-1980s in Handsworth.

Although I was only a child at the time, it’s clear that, sadly, we haven’t progressed as much as we would have hoped when it comes to tackling racism, handling sensitive situations, and simply upholding basic human decency.

The Handsworth riots of 1985 were believed to have been triggered by high unemployment and racial tensions.

Over two days, from 9 to 11 September, many Asian businesses were destroyed, and tragically, two Asian brothers lost their lives in a fire at the post office they ran.

Fast forward to this year, and once again, we found ourselves facing violence, this time sparked by the tragic events of 29 July, when three innocent girls were stabbed to death in Southport.

What should have been a moment of national mourning quickly spiralled into unrest, fuelled by false information circulating online.

Social media became a breeding ground for anger and misinformation, with rumours that the suspect was a Muslim immigrant, triggering attacks on mosques and businesses across the country.

The speed with which fake news spreads and incites violence is frightening. Social media platforms, notorious for their role in developing falsehoods, also serve as outlets for hate, often racially charged, under the guise of free speech.

Who can forget the aftermath of the Euro 2021 football final and the three penalties missed by black English players and the vile abuse they received.

Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), now owned by Elon Musk, must take more responsibility for what is posted online.

Musk, who describes himself as a “free speech absolutist,” bought the platform to enable open debate, yet his recent comment about Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling him “two-tier Keir,” has done little to help matters. His suggestion that police treat far-

right protesters more harshly than minority groups can only fuel what is already a volatile situation.

It’s often said that the culture of a business reflects its leadership, and X is no different. When users of the platform are encouraged by its owner to allow speech that fuels hatred, social media becomes dangerous, putting innocent civilians, places of worship, and businesses at risk.

‘It is the minority who seek to exploit any excuse to express their personal biases and prejudices’

After the Handsworth riots, the Institute of Asian Business (IAB) was established in 1987 to represent and support ethnic businesses. Over time, it evolved into what is now the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), operating under

the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The ABCC remains the only Asian Chamber in the UK and continues to stand firm for its members, providing support, networking opportunities and a voice in challenging times. It takes an inclusive approach, encouraging collaboration and engagement across communities.

The recent unrest serves as a stark and harsh reminder of the need for organisations like the ABCC to support ethnic businesses.

What was reassuring to witness, however, was the unity that emerged in response. People and organisations from all walks of life came together to stand against the far-right protesters and the unrest they sought to create.

This solidarity extended to Birmingham, proving that it is the minority who seek to exploit any excuse to express their personal biases and prejudices against ethnic communities.

Moving forward, we must ensure this unity is preserved as we work to rebuild confidence in our communities.

While the swift action and harsh sentences handed down to the perpetrators are welcome, there is still a need for ongoing support for local businesses and communities.

This includes stronger regulation of social media platforms to prevent the spread of harmful and false information.

For all the good that social media can do, it’s clear that more must be done to ensure accurate information is shared, and that the platform is not used to incite hatred or violence.

It is vital that we continue to champion humanity. Diversity is a strength, both in everyday life and in business, and it is everyone’s responsibility to promote understanding and unity.

• This article first appeared in The Birmingham Post.

Omar Rashid

The Griffin Report

Birmingham

Wholesale Market dates back to 1166 but these days it is focused very much on the future and where it sits in the digital age. JON GRIFFIN looks back and ahead with the markets’ co-director Eddie Price

It’s been called the World’s Pantry - with hundreds of workers toiling through the night to supply fresh meat, fish, poultry, flowers and vegetables to up to 5,000 independent retailers and restaurants throughout the UK.

Attracting around 13,000 visitors a week to its 18-acre site and supporting around 15,000 jobs in the wider economy, today’s Birmingham Wholesale Market is a £275m turnover business dating all the way back to 1166, when the Lord of the Manor Peter de Birmingham first obtained a Royal Charter permitting him to hold a market at his castle.

Predating the Industrial Revolution by around 600 years, the market founded during the reign of Henry the Second is said to have provided the initial impetus for the development of Birmingham as a commercial centre.

But, despite nearly 1,000 years of history, the Wholesale Market has rarely hit the headlines in the same way as the likes of Rover, Cadbury, HP Sauce, the Bull Ring – or even Crossroads and Ozzy Osbourne.

Eddie Price, Wholesale Market co-director who knows the recent history as well as anyone after helping galvanize the move from Digbeth to the old IMI site at Witton, says: “I have been doing

this for 15 years. The average business does not know what goes on here. There are businesses that could use the market but do not know about us. This is the World’s Pantry but hardly anybody knows the real story – it is incredible. I would be delighted if members of the Chambers of Commerce would pay us a visit.”

‘We became aware that they were threatened

with

closure –

the

tenants said they were facing a real challenge, can you find a solution?’

It’s a story that Eddie is happy to share with a general public largely ignorant of the inner workings of the largest integrated wholesale market in the UK, a bustling hive of activity which attracts quality produce from virtually every corner of the globe, from Australia to Asia, Africa to China and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the market boasts the likes of fish retailers J. Vickerstaff, dating back to 1827, and fruit and vegetable specialists George Perry, founded back in 1870.

And it’s a story which continues to unfold to this day – as the markets’ directors aim to future-

proof a historic commercial enterprise which predated the Magna Carta but now faces 21st century competition from the likes of Amazon and Ocado in the Internet age and 24-hour fast food deliveries.

Eddie has been a key figure in the Wholesale Market story ever since his business advisory firm Technolink saved the then lossmaking markets from potential closure by persuading Birmingham City Council to invest in a new site at Witton, opening in October 2018.

“We became aware that they were threatened with closure – the tenants said they were facing a real challenge, can you find a solution? In 2011 we were given the contract to save the market.

“We presented our case to the council – it took us three years of battling and they agreed a multimillion investment to build a new market. We quickly agreed that it should be a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and the tenants. Refurbishment of the existing city centre site would not have been economical and the decision was understandably made by the council to create a new site. This was not just a commercial enterprise – the Wholesale Market has a major commitment to the societal benefits of Birmingham.

“Birmingham City Council may be facing a lot of criticism at the moment but I really can’t stress my thanks enough to the council’s previous and current leadership. It is really important that we acknowledge how supportive they have been. And Keith Simpson (Technolink director) took over as chairman of the board several years ago and has made an irreplaceable, unique contribution.”

Nearly six years on from the launch of the Witton complex, the Market and its 47 tenants have continued to write new chapters in their distinguished history by battling through Brexit, Covid, intensifying price wars with budget supermarket chains, supply chain issues following the Ukraine war and other factors.

Now Eddie, the board, general manager Andrew Barnes, the

tenants and countless others in the market’s supply chain are eagerly looking to the future for Birmingham’s most historic commercial enterprise.

Says Eddie: “The fresh produce supply chain has been subject to both supply and demand disruption in the last few years. On the supply side, you have got inflation, the climate, the global supply chain with Ukraine, Brexit and Government policy on agricultural land use. In recent years the way people purchase meals has been transformed. The supply chain has been severely disrupted but the tenants are brilliant, so resilient and responsive to challenge – these guys are as sharp as city traders.

“There are businesses...that do not know about us”: Eddie Price at Birmingham Wholesale Market in Witton

Long Links: Eddie Price (left) with Steven Waters, managing director of fish retailers J. Vickerstaff

And there has been a big impact on demand – kids all ring up on their app to order food and this is eating away at traditional demand.

“But while the market will always find an equilibrium to survive, we have got to ask the question – how will the market look in the next five years? That is what Technolink are now working and delivering on.”

To that end, Eddie and Technolink are currently drawing up a four-point plan to ensure the Wholesale Market has a thriving role to play in the future economy of Birmingham and the wider UK.

“The important thing is the future – Birmingham City Council has commissioned Technolink to do a report on the future of the

market. I have now put a business plan to the council with four specific actions.

‘You think of somebody who is trying to build up a distribution service for fresh produce. Where better to locate than having a couple of units here?’

“The first thing is we need to bring new tenants into the market which do not compete with existing tenants and add value to visitors. It is no good bringing in another

apples company because there is already total demand for that. The existing tenants already meet the total demand.

“The second thing is we want to increase the footfall and we have devised a social media campaign which has been successful and we need to continue with that. Thirdly, we are working with Cambridge University to investigate whether our digital platform could work for the benefit of tenants, or not.

“Fourthly and most importantly, we are working with the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and John Cotton, Birmingham City Council leader, to investigate how the market can be utilised better as a regional asset.”

In an age of instant food and 24hour takeaway deliveries, Eddie firmly believes Birmingham Wholesale Market has a vital role to play in preserving a tradition of quality service and fresh produce which has stood the test of time for centuries.

“You think of somebody who is trying to build up a distribution service for fresh produce. Where better to locate than having a couple of units here? That is where it is important we look to the future, recognise the threats and develop a plan to respond to those threats. The global supply chain is moving away from the UK but having come 15 years with this, we are not going to see it fail now, are we?”

Sale announced for Thursfields

Shareholders at law firm Thursfields have agreed a deal to sell the business to Knights.

Knights currently has 23 offices across the country and employs over 1300 colleagues.

Michelle O’Hara, from Thursfields, said: “Thursfields has changed immeasurably in the nearly 20 years I have worked here – it’s been quite a journey from a high street to a quality regional practice – and this is an exciting next step in the story of the business.

‘We have a shared commitment to excellent customer services’

“Knights is the perfect business to take Thursfields, our people and our clients into the future. We have a shared commitment to excellent customer services for regional clients and a strong ambition to grow our business.”

Knights’ CEO David Beech said: “Thursfields is based in great locations where it is very well regarded, and does a mix of quality commercial and private client work for regional and national clients.

“It is a great firm with the opportunity, as a part of our business, to unlock more potential for clients and colleagues alike.”

All client-facing shareholders will be joining Knights on completion.

Knights will continue to operate from offices in Worcester, Kidderminster and Solihull, with its Birmingham employees joining the Knights team in their Birmingham office at Two Chamberlain Square.

• For more legal news – see page 70

New CEO joins local hospice

Birmingham Hospice has appointed Paul Bytheway as its next CEO.

Paul has a long-established background in the NHS, qualifying as a nurse in 1995. He enjoyed a successful career in emergency nursing before moving into general management in 2003 and became group chief delivery officer at Humber Partnership Group.

Paul will take over from Simon Fuller, who will be stepping down at the end of this year after four years in the role.

Training helps refugee build on existing skills

Ukrainian refugee Oleksandr Novolotskyi has a dream – to be able to return home one day and use his newfound construction skills to help rebuild his country.

Oleksandr is one of several Ukrainian refugees undertaking the Step into Construction skills course, managed by RMF Training and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The 40-year-old came to the UK two months ago to join his wife Lily and 10-year-old son, who arrived here shortly after the war started two years ago. The family are currently living in Northfield.

Oleksandr has completed his training at RMF’s 22-acre Hounsfield Lane training centre, which includes classrooms and facilities for plant and vehicle training. As a result, he has obtained a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, enabling him to work on construction sites across the UK.

Oleksandr is now settled in the West Midlands with his family and keen to continue to contribute to

the construction industry but the one place Oleksandr would love to be able to use his new skills is back in the Ukraine.

Step into Construction is a practical training course, developed with funding from WMCA, providing on-site learning alongside real-world experience. Using industry-standard facilities, it includes plant and vehicle training as well as providing classroombased face-to-face learning.

Oleksandr said: “My family have been here in the UK for two years but because I had been caring for my 72-year-old mom back in Odessa, I only arrived here two months ago.

“Back in the Ukraine I was a drilling rig operator, so when I found out about this placement at RMF Training I was pleased I could work in construction here –building on the skills I already had.

“Everyone has been very welcoming in the UK and our lives have really changed for the better. I am glad that I am able to contribute to our local community.

“Although I’d really like to go back and help rebuild my country I need to build my life here with my family for now and hope that my mother will be able to join us soon.”

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the WMCA, said: “The West Midlands is a region that offers a safe haven and support for all refugees, helping them to integrate into our society, providing security, safety and opportunity.”

Security partnership launched

An award-winning global cyber security innovator is joining Pathway Group in a strategic partnership to address the current and future needs of the industry.

Chris Woods, founder and CEO of CyberQ Group, will be joining Pathway Group’s careers education, information, advice and guidance advisory board as an industry expert.

With a wealth of experience in managing elite security teams at the European Space Agency, HP and Fujitsu, Chris is now leading a team of cyber and business professionals at CyberQ Group, based in Alpha Tower, Birmingham.

‘Future skills and lifelong learning will be pivotal over the next five-10 years’

For over two decades, Tyseley-based Pathway Group has been at the forefront of supporting people in upskilling and reskilling. Operating across regions of England, the group delivers a range of government-funded programmes, and employer-led solutions to meet the needs of communities and stakeholders.

Committed to empowering people to achieve their career goals, Pathway focuses on acquiring new knowledge and skills and applying them in an everchanging workplace.

Stephen Crawley, chief operating officer at Pathway Group, said: “In today’s evolving job market,

understanding workforce trends is crucial. Emerging industries and new roles are reshaping opportunities, with technology and automation driving continuous adaptation.

“Future skills and lifelong learning will be pivotal over the next five-10 years as industries transform. Bridging gaps between current education and industry needs is vital to ensure a well-prepared workforce ready for future challenges and opportunities.

“Our strategic partnerships, with organisations such as CyberQ Group, will support us to achieve this, through the delivery of programmes such as Skills Bootcamps.”

Addressing the future: Stephen Crawley (left) and Chris Woods

Settled: Oleksandr Novolotskyi

My ambitious vision for region

By Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands

Three months ago, I had the honour of being elected Mayor of the West Midlands, a role that comes with big responsibilities and the chance to make a real difference. The people of the region voted for change and that’s exactly what I want to deliver.

At the moment, too many of our communities feel left behind or let down. This is leading to divisions in our region - ones that we all have a duty to address.

Everyone wants to see economic growth, but when it isn’t creating jobs and opportunities for our residents – where they can access, learn and thrive - then it isn’t growth that is working for our communities. I want our West Midlands to be the region where residents know they’ll get the best possible start in their careers.

To achieve this, I want a thriving economy that gives people a wide choice of businesses they might want to work for. A key part of this plan is the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, running

‘Aligning skills with business needs, especially young people, is crucial’

from Birmingham City and Aston Universities through Duddeston and Nechells to Aston.

It will offer tax incentives and use business rate retention, to attract a diverse range of businesses, encourage greater investment, and enhance Birmingham’s reputation as a leading hub for innovation.

In today’s fast-changing world, we must grow our current industries while taking the lead in preparing for future ones. That’s why we are already supporting entrepreneurs and investors in emerging sectors like green technology and life sciences – and also backing colleges and universities to deliver the skills of the future.

We’re making Digbeth a thriving creative hub, boosted by the BBC’s new development at the Tea Factory. I want this area to become a beacon for the creative industries, driving both cultural and economic growth.

The first King’s Speech of our new Government set out exciting plans for a national industrial strategy - something our business community has long supported. This strategy will work hand in hand with my local plans, which focus on our strengths in areas like advanced manufacturing and digital technology. While an economy with strong, cutting-edge sectors is important, it’s not enough on its own. We also need to support Birmingham’s everyday economy - businesses in hospitality, retail, and care - that play a vital role in our community. These sectors are the backbone of Birmingham’s economy and deserve our full attention.

Improving our transport links is another key focus. By making the city better connected and greener, we can support economic growth, help people access jobs and training, and ensure essential services are within reach.

Investing in public transport and better cycling and walking routes, will help keep Birmingham vibrant, accessible and sustainable. It will mean that the jobs and opportunities that we deliver are in everyone’s reach.

Finally, I’m calling for businesses to get involved in shaping the West Midlands Local Growth Plan - a plan that I want to be the most ambitious in the country. Aligning skills with business needs, especially for young people, is crucial.

That’s why my Youth Plan includes a commitment to create 20,000 new work experience opportunities, training placements, and apprenticeships. I aim to secure opportunities for our young people that will help us retain and grow talent, but it requires businesses to open their doors and open up jobs specifically for young people in the region.

Economic development is a team effort, and by working together, we can make Birmingham, and the West Midlands, the best place in

to do business.

the UK

Building for the future: The Mayor with new Cooksley Works resident Shanjahan Iqbal, 39, and his son

In work: Mr Parker with Jake Collins, previously unemployed but now working as a ward service officer at Sandwell Hospital after undergoing a WMCA-funded skills course

New ways to drive economic growth

and careers, Jo Birch has launched a new consultancy, GROWTHINNK.com.

The name was inspired by Jo’s passion for innovation and transformation and her desire to support growth by enhancing organisational capacity to think.

Jo said: “Place plays a major part in driving economic growth. I have spent the last 10 years studying innovation across the globe, understanding how people, infrastructure, spaces and activity can work harder to deliver improved outcomes.

“The results underpinned the thinking for STEAMhouse – a collaborative centre for innovation bringing STEAM and the arts together to support and create more businesses to use innovation as a fundamental plank for growth.

“One of the biggest challenges I have experienced is that businesses get lost in the volume of opportunities and struggle to connect the offers with their customers or the market needs.

“I also noticed that great buildings and spaces don’t always make great vehicles for innovation or growth, without a deep understanding of customer need and the drivers for connecting people.”

consultancy, workshops, programme design, coaching and mentoring, with the end user at the forefront of design thinking.

It aims to drive and realise new opportunities by providing bespoke support in the development of strategy, skills, business models, funding and networks - providing central springboards to make new ideas, based on user need come into reality.

“Collaboration has been at the heart of everything I have done. Being open minded has been a real asset to learning and appreciating the power of seeing opportunities through multiple lenses. It’s resulted in significant shifts in performance in the teams I have run.”

In addition to Higher Education, Jo has worked in a variety of companies in the private sector from brewing, media, recruitment, distribution and property.

Jo adds: “I’ve worked in a number of professional disciplines throughout my career but as I look back it’s easy to see my passion for innovation, transformation and people in everything I have done – I like looking at how you can change the way things are delivered and how you can build talent to create new results.”

Bespoke support:

Jo Birch

Pitch competition makes return

A competition designed to showcase the West Midlands’ best women-led SME and start-up businesses is returning for a second year.

The Women Entrepreneurs Pitch competition is delivered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), NatWest and the British Business Bank. It provides female entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their business by pitching to a live panel of investors.

Businesses interested in pitching have until 30 September to submit their application. The finalists will be invited to pitch to a panel of judges at a Birmingham city centre venue on 13 November.

Jordan Dargue, co-founder of angel investor network Lifted Ventures will be among the judges.

The finalist selection panel, who will select up to five businesses to pitch on the night, includes Forensic Pathways founder and former GBCC president Deb Leary, and Nigel Hall, founder of The Digital Consigliere.

Last year, biotech firm SymbioTex Ltd was selected as the winner following a successful pitch by CEO and founder Olivia Simpson.

The competition is designed to showcase the best of the region’s women-led SMEs and start-ups and address some of their barriers to growth.

Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC, said: “The

National Theatre comes to The Rep

The Rep has announced three additional productions to be added to its 2024/25 season of drama, comedy, musicals and premieres.

This autumn, it will be hosting two critically acclaimed National Theatre Live productions for the Midlands, in The Studio, which is fitted with cutting-edge lighting and sound equipment as well as a cinematic quality screen.

The first production will be the multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy, Present Laughter starring Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Fleabag, Vanya), to be screened on Monday 7 October with two screenings at 1pm and 7pm.

The second National Theatre Live production will be Prima Facie, starring Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The Last Duel, Help), who won both an Olivier and a Tony Award for her performance in this gripping one-woman play written by Suzie Miller on Monday 18, November.

On 6-10 May, The Rep will be diving into the drama (and comedy) behind the scenes of Jaws with the Birmingham premiere of Broadway favourite, The Shark Is Broken.

• For more arts news – see page 80

“We, and our partners, know that there is a very big gender investment gap impacting the region’s businesses. We also know from our Business Commission West Midlands that there is a need to improve investor networks in the region. With the Women Entrepreneur’s Pitch Competition we’re doing just that – putting a spotlight on incredible female founders, offering a platform to engage leading investors actively looking to work with businesses in the region and creating opportunities to network and community build around women’s entrepreneurship.”

Harinder Kunor, ecosystem manager at NatWest, said: “We are incredibly excited about this year’s Women Entrepreneurs Pitch competition and are very much looking forward to hearing from some amazing women entrepreneurs from across the region.”

Tracy Sherratt, UK senior network senior manager (West Midlands at British Business Bank), said: “We know that female entrepreneurs can face additional barriers when seeking investment. The British Business Bank is keen to play its part in breaking down these barriers and supporting a platform for women to succeed in their sector.”

For more information on how to apply visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Community projects benefit from Games

A total of £11.8m has been distributed to projects across the West Midlands through a Commonwealth Games legacy fund.

Heart of England Community Foundation has announced it has distributed 388 grants totalling £11.8m through its Inclusive Communities Fund, which was established to empower communities to tackle local challenges.

Inspired by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the fund supports community-based organisations, offering them access to new opportunities and legacy funding from the Games.

The figures mean that the Foundation has completed what would ordinarily be approximately four years’ worth of grant making in just seven months, making this fund the largest programme it has ever delivered.

The Foundation has worked to meet the overwhelming demand, processing more than 1,300 applications totalling over £71m.

The Inclusive Communities Fund is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, which is using

the underspend from the Games to ensure the positive legacy is felt right across the region and for many years to come.

Heart of England Community Foundation is the administrator of the Inclusive Communities Fund across the region.

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The Inclusive Communities Fund will touch the lives of many thousands of people right across the West Midlands.

“It is already providing valuable and in some cases life changing opportunities to take part in organised sport and community activities, improve local facilities, to learn important new life skills, and to get involved with arts and culture.

“As mayor, I want everyone to have the same opportunity to thrive. This fund and the wider Commonwealth Games legacy programme is putting money directly into the hands of these communities to help deliver their own solutions to important issues like health inequalities, social isolation and inactivity.

“These are the changes that are needed to create brighter futures for generations to come.”

One-women play: Jodie Comer

Picture: Helen Murray

Women Entrepreneur’s Pitch Competition is back and better than ever. At the Chamber, we’re here to unleash businesses potential.

Last year’s winner: Olivia Simpson, CEO and founder of SymbioTex Ltd

Where do you fancy?

Managing director Tomas Maunier co-founded Fazenda in Leeds in 2010 with a vision to offer an extraordinary culinary journey that combines exquisite food, exceptional wines, and an unforgettable experience. Fazenda strives to celebrate a dual culinary heritage, bringing the vibrant traditions of Argentina and Brazil’s Pampas to life. The inspiration stems from the Gauchos, the legendary cattle herders of South America. Their traditions have been transformed into the social dining experience that Fazenda offers today, aiming to embody the essence of sharing and togetherness that is central to South American culture.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink

At the heart of Fazenda’s culinary journey is its passion for sharing. Guests are treated to continual tableside service of grilled meats, allowing them to dictate the flow with double-sided controllers at their pace. Complementing the meat selection is a selection of hot side dishes such as feijoada - a traditional Brazilian stew. The Market Table has an array of charcuterie, continental cheeses, seafood, fresh salads and vegetables.

The new menu elevates their core rodizio experience to another level, with the introduction of appetisers, small plates and a la carte mains, as well as the Pampas Menu - a sharing menu defining the essence of the Pampas.

Lunch

Eight grilled meats and pineapple, carved at the table, are available alongside sides and a selection of dishes from the Market Table. Guests can also choose from a la carte dishes, which include empanadas de wagyu and croquetas de asado –richly flavoured croquettes, both an homage to Fazenda's Argentinian roots.

For seafood lovers dishes include gamba patagonica, a giant king prawn drizzled in spicy chimichurri,

or queen scallops (vieiras) enveloped in moqueca sauce, coconut and farofa, embracing the quintessential flavours of Brazil.

Dinner

Thirteen grilled meats and pineapple are carved at diners’ tables, alongside sides and a selection of dishes from the Market Table. Cuts of beef, such as picanha (cap of rump) and filet mignon (beef tenderloin), plus lamb, pork and chicken are cooked to diners’ preferences.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Wines

Fazenda passionately believes that South America is home to some of the world’s most exciting wines with a combination of quality and value. South American premium wines continue to improve each year.

The selection features wines from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

Business facilities

For group dining, Fazenda offers The Pampas Menu - a four-course sharing menu with a taste of all culinary elements across the menu. £75 per person.

Private dining facilities

Fazenda has three private dining rooms which can accommodate:

• Room 1 – up to 16 guests

• Room 2 – up to 14 guests

• Large room – up to 60 guests seated, up to 80 reception-style.

A canape menu is also offered a perfect addition to a networking event, or a drinks reception hosted at Fazenda.

Conference facilities

Set away from the main restaurant, their large private dining and events room is suited to a number of formal or social corporate events.

The integrated events technology - including a 106in 4K projector and audio systemaccommodates any networking and presentation requirements.

The bar offers an alternative for cocktails and canapes for drink receptions for groups of most sizes.

FazendaBirmingham

55 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2AA

T: 0121 728 5656

E: birmingham@fazenda.co.uk

W: fazenda.co.uk/location/birmingham

Owner: Southern Wind Group Ltd

Head chef: Tom Sandwell

Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 12pm–3pm; 5pm–9pm Sat: 12pm – 3pm; 4.30pm – 10pm Sun: 12pm – 3pm; 4.30pm – 9pm

Exclusive offer for Chamber members

Complimentary room hire for events in private dining rooms is available until Sunday 3 November 2024. Email Fazenda Birmingham's relationships and events manager Patrycja at rembirmingham@fazenda.co.uk to enquire and for additional exclusive rates.

Doctors of dedication...

Three personalities who have close relationships with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce have been honoured with honorary doctorates from three of the city’s universities. Mike Hopkins has dedicated his career to education and community overarched with a commitment to diversity. Carl Richardson has been honoured for his family’s contribution to regional and global business. Jim Simpson’s doctorate was a fitting reward for his dedication in keeping Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival alive for 40 years.

Mike’s

devotion to education rewarded

The principal of South & City College Birmingham has been awarded an honorary doctorate of science (DSc) by Aston University in recognition of his significant contribution to raising skills and aspirations in the West Midlands.

Born in Lozells in Birmingham, Dr Mike Hopkins has had a remarkable career dedicated to education and community development. As the principal of South & City College Birmingham, he has transformed the institution into the largest college in the region and one of the largest in the country, serving students from age 14 and having the largest 19+ adult education budget nationally.

In 2021, Mike was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to education.

He has been a mentor and role model for many aspiring leaders, particularly through his involvement with the Black FE Leadership Group and other mentoring initiatives.

Honour for the king of jazz and blues

Jim Simpson, the original manager of Black Sabbath and the undisputed king promoter of jazz and blues in Birmingham and beyond, has received an honorary Doctorate in Music.

The University of Birmingham bestowed its award on the city’s famous live music impresario at a graduation ceremony on the eve of Dr Jim’s 40th annual Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival.

Jim was the original manager of Black Sabbath. But it is jazz and blues that has kept Jim’s enthusiasm for live music going and, although he is now in his 80s, he is still running his Big Bear Music business in offices at Quayside Tower on Broad Street,

at the heart of Westside Business Improvement District (BID).

When asked about his Doctorate, Jim was typically humble and humorous, making the fact that he is now

University recognises businessman’s contribution

International businessman and investor Carl Richardson has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in recognition of the exceptional contributions to both regional and global business made by the Richardson family.

After receiving the award at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Carl encouraged BCU business graduates to remain resilient.

Carl said: “Today my two brothers and I lead an organisation focused on making the world a fairer, better and safer place.

“Like business, there will be obstacles you must overcome in your own lives. Our world is obsessed with success and fears failure. The key is to get back up, dust yourself off and keep going.

“It’s only failure if you fail to try.”

The award was presented by the outgoing Chancellor of BCU, Sir Lenny Henry. The ceremonies were the last that Sir Lenny attends as Chancellor after serving as the leading figurehead of the institution for the past eight years.

“doctored”. But pressed on the matter, he admitted: “I’m overwhelmed and chuffed to have received such a special acknowledgement from the University of Birmingham.”

Mike’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is reflected in the college’s staffing and management, which mirror Birmingham’s multicultural makeup.

He has been a driving force behind the establishment of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology on Aston University’s campus, fostering close ties between the college and the university.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike is known for his active involvement in local causes and his passion for cycling, including riding the entire Tour de France route in 2021 a week ahead of the race, raising £1.1m for Cure Leukaemia.

He said: “I am both proud and humbled by this award which came as an incredible surprise. I have never sought out awards or recognition, as I have always been passionate about making a real difference and creating an environment where everyone can improve their lives.”

Remarkable career: Dr Mike Hopkins

Family doctors (left to right): Carl Richardson, Roy Richardson and Sir Lenny Henry

Jim “doctored”: Jim Simpson receives his doctorate from Professor Stephen Jarvis, provost and vice-principal at the University of Birmingham

Investing in new talent:

Marrons’ Brum team expands

Marrons’ planning team in Birmingham has more than doubled in size in 24 months.

The eight-people-strong team takes the lead in developing Marrons’ planning offering in the region, providing services including strategic land acquisition, town planning, heritage solutions, and promoting greenfield and brownfield land to meet future housing and employment needs.

The multi-service design, planning and development firm launched in Birmingham in summer 2022 led by planning directors Sachin Parmar and Charlotte El Hakiem, who have more than 30 years’ experience between them.

Sachin said: “Doubling the size of our team in such a short span is a testament to the growing demand for our planning services in the Midlands due to our high success rates. Our expanded team is now even better equipped to provide comprehensive support to clients.”

Dinner invite for junior lawyers

Birmingham Law Society (BLS) has launched its Alternative Dinner, sponsored by Verify365, BCL Legal and St Ives Chambers.

Returning for 2024, the Alternative Dinner, is aimed at aspiring and junior lawyers who may not have always had an opportunity to attend the BLS formal dinners.

Bringing together more than 100 guests at Aston Villa FC on Thursday, 12 September, from 7pm, the dinner will be a chance for young professionals to build their networks and gain confidence.

For more information and to book tickets go to: birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

Cabin crew initiative helps the over 50s soar

easyJet is launching a new recruitment drive for cabin crew with more over 50s, careers changers and those looking to “unretire” being encouraged to apply.

The airline has launched a initiative dubbed “returnships”, after new research showed that three quarters of over 50s (74 per cent) agreed that this was the perfect time for a new career and 67 per cent had considered returning to work.

‘Through our initiatives like our ‘returnship’ campaign, we can tackle misconceptions’

As part of the campaign, the airline will offer free online cabin crew career info sessions and a hands-on cabin crew training taster session at its London Gatwick cabin crew training centre, to give those considering a new career the opportunity to find out more about the job from the airline’s crew training and recruitment experts.

Since launching its first campaign in 2022, the number of new hires over 50 more than doubled, while the number of over

Please take notice: Course delegates learn how to go through safety features

60s joining as cabin crew has increased four times over.

With the latest ONS data showing that the employment rate for those over 50 is increasing again, easyJet wants to encourage more of this experienced and skilled demographic to apply for the hundreds of cabin crew roles available for 2025 in many of easyJet’s bases across the UK, to bring their valuable experience to the profession.

New research by the airline of 2000 Brits over 50 revealed that 67 per cent of over 50s have considered returning to work and nearly half (46%) have considered a new career.

Festive fair to spread joy this Christmas

Focus Birmingham’s annual Accessible Christmas Fair will place on Saturday, 7 December, aiming to spread holiday cheer to everyone, especially to those who often face barriers due to accessibility issues and disabilities.

The fair will be held at the Focus Birmingham premises in Harborne and this year’s highlights include the presence of real reindeers, an accessible Santa's Grotto, and a variety of family-friendly entertainment.

Focus Birmingham, an independent local charity that strives to make lives better by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs, is offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals who wish to contribute to this inclusive event. Sponsors can choose to support various elements of the fair, including:

1. Reindeer sponsorship: They say this enchanting experience will delight visitors and create unforgettable memories for families.

2. Accessible Santa’s Grotto sponsorship: Many children and adults with disabilities never get the chance to meet Father Christmas due to accessibility issues. This Santa’s Grotto wil welcome everyone.

But 71 per cent believed that their age would stop them being accepted for the job.

Michael Brown, director of cabin services at easyJet, said: “Since launching our campaign to encourage more over 50s and career changers to become cabin crew, we’ve been delighted by the fantastic response with many more joining us. Being cabin crew can be a job for anyone with the skills, no matter their age, which is why it’s important that through our initiatives like our “returnship” campaign, we can tackle misconceptions about the job and broaden horizons for even more talented people looking for a new opportunity.”

3. General event sponsorship: Support the overall event, helping to fund decorations, entertainment, refreshments, and more.

Focus Birmingham say they understand that the festive season can be particularly challenging for individuals with disabilities and their families and invite the Birmingham business community to support a vital cause but gain visibility and goodwill within the community.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact: Tracy Johnson, income generation and partnerships manager, Focus Birmingham Call: 0121 720 3099

Email: Tracy@focusbirmingham.org

Visit: www.focusbirmingham.org.uk

Sachin Parmar and Charlotte El Hakiem

Meeting Santa: Easy accessibility

More growth for marketing firm

Swof Media, a Birminghambased marketing business, has strengthened its team by appointing a client relationships director.

Chester Booth has over 30 years’ experience in delivering solutions across multipleindustry sectors, and his main role will be to focus on business development and account management across Swof’s portfolio.

In their 12th year in Birmingham, Steve Swoffer, the founder and CEO, is committing to grow the team to improve client results and support the internal team and their culture at Swof Media.

He said: “Having another team member solely focused, on business development and account management, holds the team accountable to our high standards and ensures we’re always delivering for our clients.

“Working in marketing, whether we’re delivering websites, or establishing full marketing campaigns, we’re only as good as our team – and that’s why we have just strengthened our team.

“This has increased the resource we can offer to our clients and has also improved the efficiency of our operations. I am delighted with our team and we are ready to grow further.”

The firm undertakes creative campaigns and digital marketing for a range of clients - from green energy firms to local Japanese restaurants and even racing teams. The team say they pride themselves on their flexible approach and ability to quickly adapt and learn new markets for their clients.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Nasir Awan has thrown his support behind the boss of his chosen charity Cure Leukaemia, ahead of a gruelling 224-mile run during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Run The Nations 2024 will see Cure Leukaemia chief executive James McLaughlin take on the extraordinary feat across 16 locations where the charity provides funding, throughout September. The ambitious endeavour aims to raise £100,000, which would fund the equivalent of two Cure Leukaemia research nurses, while also supporting the fight for 250,000 people living with blood cancer across the UK.

James is embarking on the challenge to highlight the ongoing need for funding of specialist research nurses to enable blood cancer patients to access potentially life-changing therapies. He will kick off his run from the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on Monday 9 September and make his way around 16 key locationsrunning an average of 14 miles in each location to signify that every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer.

Run The Nations 2024 is due to finish in Manchester at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital on Monday 25 September, with the Birmingham leg taking place on Wednesday 18 September.

Another accolade for Chapter Chamber president backs charity challenge

It’s a new chapter in the success story for Birmingham restaurant Chapter – after being named in the Good Food Guide Best 100 Local Restaurants 2024.

The Edgbaston-based diner has achieved the accolade for the second year running after being nominated by customers following an inspection from the Good Food Guide team.

Inspectors were looking for independently-run restaurants rooted in the local community with affordably priced, regularly changing seasonal menus and strong relationships with local suppliers.

All the restaurants are inspected anonymously and to the same stringent criteria, following up on the most promising of 60,000 public nominations.

The judges said: “It’s heartening to look around a dining room and find older couples, young families and groups of friends all united by their love of great food, a comfortable, warm setting and an accessible price point.”

Nasir is backing James ahead of the run, having chosen Birmingham-headquartered Cure Leukaemia as the charity of the year for his GBCC presidency.

He said: “As a Birmingham-headquartered charity, Cure Leukaemia is putting our city-region on the map by leading the fight against a horrible, life-threatening illness which is affecting people around the world.

“I wish James all the very best as he spreads the charity’s message around the country by taking on such an incredible feat.

“I would encourage the business community to show their support for James as he highlights the need for ongoing funding of these highly-skilled nurses who can make a huge difference in improving the outcomes for blood cancer patients.”

James said: “I am honoured to take on this challenge and run for the countless individuals affected by blood cancer. Every step of this journey is dedicated to the patients, families, and medical professionals who inspire us daily.

“Through Run The Nations we hope to not only raise vital funds but also amplify the voices of those who need our support the most.”

For more information about Run The Nations 2024: www.cureleukaemia.co.uk/events/run-the-nations

A Chapter statement said: “To us, this accessibility is at the heart of Chapter. A big thank you to the huge support we receive every day, and to our talented and enthusiastic team.

“It’s a joy being a restaurant embedded in the Birmingham community. And a special mention to our suppliers with whom we have worked for many years –they are an amazing bunch and supply the produce that creates our signature style.”

Expanding team: Swof personnel (left to right): Jay Muldoon (marketing manager), Steve Swoffer, (founder and CEO), Gary Black (operations partner) and Chester Boothe (client relationship director)

Good Food Guide accolade: The Chapter team

Good luck: Nasir Awan (right) with James McLaughlin

Ex-uni students in Europe race

An Aston University alumnus will be competing in the renowned 24h Series racing events across Europe, working with Venture Innovations.

Chris Jones, who graduated with a BSc in international business and management from Aston University in 2015, and his team will be racing their Mercedes AMG GT4, a car that secured a class victory in the British Endurance Championship 2023.

Venture Innovations, alongside its sister company Venture Engineering, is recognised for its extensive capabilities ranging from historic car restorations and design and fabrication solutions to EV conversions and prototype builds.

‘The education and experiences we gained have been invaluable in shaping our careers’

Many of its team members have been involved in international motorsport successes, particularly in the realms of sportscar and GT racing, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the race circuit.

The team comprises two professional drivers and two amateurs, including Chris and his father.

Chris said: “Studying at Aston University has been a significant part of my journey. My brother also studied at the University, so Aston has a close place in our hearts.

“We also had friends at the university who studied engineering and were involved in building race cars during their time there.

“The education and experiences we gained have been invaluable in shaping our careers.”

Kerrie Holland, executive director of alumni relations and development at Aston University, said: “We wish Chris and the team well in their

Metal Forming, Metal Fabrication & Welding Specialists

upcoming races, culminating in the 24h Series.

“Chris’s involvement in the 24h Series highlights the diverse paths that Aston University alumni take and the heights they can achieve. His participation in such a prestigious racing series underscores the University's commitment to fostering talent that excels in various fields.”

We are renowned for our superb customer service and while working with you on your metal forming project, our expertise and experience leads you all the way through from the initial metal working process, to the successful delivery of your project.

Overflowing with cups: Chris Jones and team with their Mercedes AMG GT4

Celebrating success: All the 2024 award winners

Stage set for biggest celebration

The region’s biggest celebration of all things business – the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) annual dinner and awards – has been announced for 2025.

Eleven sector awards will be available at the ICC in Birmingham on Thursday, 27 February, where 1,200 people are expected to be in attendance.

'Earlybird' ticket prices have been announced – with a table of 10 costing £999+VAT before Monday, 9 September (increasing to £1,700+VAT afterwards).

Individual tickets are priced at £170+VAT.

Businesses will be in with a chance of winning 11 sector awards, as well as the overall Greater

Birmingham Business of the Year.

This year's categories are:

• Excellence in Contribution to the Community - sponsored by runyourfleet

• Excellence in Customer Service

• Excellence in Hospitality, Retail & Events

• Excellence in Inclusive People Development - sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management

• Excellence in International Business – sponsored by Gowling WLG

• Excellence in Manufacturing

• Excellence in Sales & Marketing

• Excellence in Sustainability

• Excellence in Technology & Innovation

• Excellence in Third Sector

Welcome return of regional awards

A major awards ceremony recognising business success across Sutton Coldfield, Cannock Chase, Lichfield and Tamworth is returning in 2025.

The Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce have announced that the SLTC Awards will take place at The Belfry Hotel and Resort on Friday, 31 January (6pm to 11.30pm).

Applications for eight award categories are now open. The award categories are:

• Cannock Chase Small Business of the Year

• Lichfield Small Business of the Year

• Tamworth Small Business of the Year

• Royal Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year

• SLTC Entrepreneur of the Year

• SLTC Community Impact Award

• SLTC Young Professional of the Year

• SLTC Large Business of the Year

Additionally, presidents from the three Chamber divisions will each present a President’s Award on the night.

Organisations who are looking to promote their brand can also take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, starting from as little as £250+VAT.

To find out more, contact head of Cannock Chase Chamber Richard Brooks on r.brooks@birmingham-chamber.com or head of Royal Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers Charlie Elliot on c.elliott@birmingham-chamber.com. For more information on tickets, sponsorship and award entries: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

• Excellence in Training & Education – sponsored by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group

The Greater Birmingham Business of the Year - picked from the winners of the categories - is sponsored by Crowe UK LLP. Applications for the category awards must be submitted through the awards application portal on the Chamber website. Applications close at 9am on 4 November.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We're delighted to announce the return of our annual dinner and awards - the biggest celebration of its kind in Greater Birmingham and one of the largest in the UK.

“These awards are a moment for our business community to come together to celebrate, connect and have a great time. It is the ‘must attend’ event of the year. It is also an opportunity to recognise and reward excellence, something that this region has in abundance.

"Tickets and sponsorships are expected to sell out quickly, so don't miss your chance to be in the room with, or to get your brand in front of, our audience of around 1,200 leading and up and coming representatives of the business and civic community.”

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and tickets, go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

runyourfleet earns royal recognition

“I am commanded by His Majesty The King to present to you the King’s Award for Enterprise” – so said the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox on an official visit to award-winning Warwickshire business runyourfleet as he presented the firm in Henley-in-Arden with its award for innovation.

He was formally presenting the King’s Award to CEO Steve Whitmarsh and the team at Multifleet Vehicle Management, which trades as runyourfleet, in his role representing the King.

Mr Cox and his wife Penny were joined by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Mrs Rajvinder Kaur Gill, and representatives of local commerce including Eileen Schofield, President of Solihull Chamber and Kevin Johns Vice President.

runyourfleet earned the King’s Award for Enterprise for innovation in the successful development of its online platform.

Steve said: “This is an award for everyone who works here, and I am immensely proud of the success we have worked together to achieve.”

He presented the Lord Lieutenant with a commemorative pin, manufactured in Birmingham by Weston Beamor, before the official party, guests and staff enjoyed lunch outside the firm’s offices.

King’s recognition (left to right): Simon Shiner, CFO and Steve Whitmarsh, CEO of runyourfleet and Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox.

Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Franchisee unveils £1/2m upgrade

A McDonald’s franchisee who employs nearly 3,000 people across the West Midlands has unveiled a £500,000 upgrade to one of his restaurants.

The McDonald’s on Birmingham New Road, Coseley, is one of 26 sites owned by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron and current High Sheriff of the West Midlands Douglas Wright.

The restaurant has reopened after undergoing a redesign under McDonald’s Convenience of the Future Upgrade Programme, which the brand says will deliver a better customer experience for all.

‘Since we have reopened the feedback from our staff, customers and partners has been very positive’

The Convenience of the Future Upgrade Programme combines a new restaurant layout with the latest technology to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for customers.

These include a front counter redesign which will create specific areas for different sales channels, a dedicated courier waiting area and entrance and a new kitchen design which includes a bigger order assembly area and dedicated areas to prepare dine in orders.

Doug said: “Since we have reopened the feedback from our staff, customers and partners has been very positive. I look forward

to completing our next project in mid-September at our All Saints Way Drive Thru restaurant in Sandwell.”

Doug now operates 26 sites across the region, including an innovative delivery hub in Springvale near Wolverhampton.

Doug, in his role as High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also paid tribute to dedicated staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Aston University appoints first chief student officer

Aston University has appointed Maureen McLaughlin as its first chief student officer.

In this newly created role, Maureen will join the university senior leadership group to provide strategic leadership for the transformation of student services to best in class as part of the Aston 2030 Strategy.

Reporting to the deputy vice-chancellor academic, the chief student officer will oversee the entire student lifecycle at Aston University, including significant student-facing services from enrolment to graduation and will play a key leadership role in developing contemporary customer-centric services, based on a digitalfirst and ‘one-stop shop’ approach for students.

Maureen has worked in the further education and higher education sector since 1989 and has held senior administrative leadership positions in seven UK universities.

She joins Aston University from the University of Northumbria where she has held the role of academic registrar and director of Student,

Library and Academic Services since September 2021.

Before that she was director of education policy and quality at the University of Warwick, where she led the management and coordination of quality assurance, enhancement, policy development and academic governance across the university, ensuring these activities underpinned an outstanding learning experience for students.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said: “Our 2030 Strategy articulates our promise to students, based on unique experiential learning experiences, attainment of intercultural, digital, entrepreneurial and environmental literacies through Aston Power Skills, sector leading employability, care and support via the Aston Integrated Health Hub and Student Support Hub.

“The chief student officer is a newly created role dedicated to providing strategic leadership towards this promise, ensuring that an

Honoured: Maureen McLaughlin

following a tour of the “world class” hospital.

Doug and his Chaplain, Reverend Becky Stephens, visited several of the hospital’s major facilities, including Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Waterfall House, which houses the pioneering Rare Diseases Centre for Children, and Magnolia House, the palliative and bereavement care support facility

outstanding student experience and seamless student journey across the entire lifecycle at Aston sits at the heart of everything the University offers.

“Maureen brings with her a wealth of experience of the higher education sector and a proven track record of delivering the highest quality in student experience.”

Maureen said: “I am honoured to be joining Aston University as the first holder of this exciting role. Aston is a fantastic university, offering transformational experiences for its students with a hugely positive impact on the region.”

Doug Wright with staff from the refurbed McDonald’s

Broadcaster takes up new role as chancellor

Television presenter, journalist, disability campaigner and Paralympic medallist Ade Adepitan is Birmingham City University’s new chancellor, succeeding Sir Lenny Henry.

The 51-year-old, who was a member of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team that won bronze at the 2004 Games in Athens, will take up his new position at the end of 2024.

Ade has presented programmes and documentaries for a number of broadcasters, including the BBC and Channel 4, and has written several children’s books.

He has also co-presented the BBC’s Children in Need appeal and has appeared in episodes of Casualty. He was also the lead actor in CBBC’s classic children’s drama Desperados.

Ade will be a prominent figure on Channel 4 when he co-hosts coverage of the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. He received an MBE for services to disability sport in 2005.

Born in Nigeria, he contracted polio at the age of 15 months, which ultimately left him unable to walk. At the age of three years, he moved to the UK with his mother to join his father in London.

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An inspirational sportsman, Ade not only won bronze at the 2004 Paralympics, but he also helped GB win wheelchair basketball gold at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

Ade said: "It’s an honour to be taking over from the legendary Sir Lenny Henry, who has always been a hero of mine.

“I’m extremely passionate about the power of education to uplift people from working class backgrounds and minority groups, so this feels like a dream appointment”

Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, said: “Anyone who has ever met Ade will see his enormous passion for education and for inclusion. This is a brilliant appointment for BCU.”

Returning home: A new chapter for Go True North

By Neil Betts (pictured), owner, Go True North

Last year our family made a life-changing decision to pack our bags and head back to our roots, from the sunny shores of Australia to the familiar embrace of our homeland, the UK. A year later, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. After 16 successful years abroad, I am thrilled to have established Go True North in the UK, bringing a wealth of international experience and innovative strategies to the vibrant business community of Greater Birmingham.

A global journey

My professional journey has taken me across the globe, from the bustling markets in Australia to the efficiency hubs of North America. Throughout this journey, I have honed my skills in lean methodologies, focusing on streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and driving operational excellence. I have had the privilege of working with diverse teams from the Australian Tax Office to small manufacturing companies, implementing lean solutions that have significantly improved efficiency and productivity for organisations of all sizes.

Transforming Birmingham businesses with lean expertise

Now, as I have returned to the UK, my goal is to leverage this international expertise to benefit local businesses. At Go True North we specialise in delivering lean efficiency solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Whether it’s through process optimisation, workforce hands on training, or strategic consulting, our approach is designed to help Birmingham businesses achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Looking

ahead

In the coming months, I am excited to introduce a new digital service aimed at fostering innovation and growth within the local startup business community. My vision is to empower businesses with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. By applying lean principles, we can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance.

Connect with us

I invite you to join us on this exciting new chapter. Connect with us on social media, visit

...and top lawyer is named by UoB

Preeminent lawyer, equality rights champion and Birmingham graduate Sandie Okoro (pictured) has been named as University of Birmingham’s next chancellor.

She becomes the university’s eighth chancellor since it was established in 1900 and succeeds Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea.

Sandie (pictured) is a University of Birmingham alumna, graduating with a degree in Law and Politics from Birmingham before qualifying as a barrister at City, University of London.

After switching roles to solicitor, she held posts including head of legal for Corporate Services at Schroders, global general counsel at Barings and general counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management.

our website, or meet us at upcoming local events. Together, we can create a prosperous future for Birmingham’s business community, driven by efficiency and innovation.

Email: Neil.Betts@gotruenorth.uk

Tel: 07943 448605

Web: gotruenorth.uk

Efficiency Studio: studio.gotruenorth.uk

Power of education: Ade Adepitan

1813 Club and Premier Members

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Promotion: Selma Delic

Promotion for former graduate

Selma Delic, an “invaluable” team member who joined PKF Smith Cooper as a graduate, has been promoted to partner.

Selma started her career at PKF Smith Cooper in 2012 after completing a master's degree in marketing, advertising and communications at Nottingham Business School. She founded the firm’s marketing team, growing it from one to seven-strong.

Her role further expanded in 2021 with her being at the forefront of the launch and implementation of the firm’s vision and values, as well as taking an active role in the firm’s membership of the PKF Global Network, shortly after which she was promoted to Operations Director.

Senior partner David Nelson said: “Selma’s promotion to partner is the natural next step for someone who has been so instrumental to the pace of change and development of the business.”

PKF Smith Cooper has also welcomed a new audit director. Richard Haydon has over 20 years’ experience as an auditor and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Director: Richard Haydon

Premier Membership

Contact: Gary Birch T: 0121 274 3236

Luxury cars supplier to stars advised by Freeths

A luxury automotive modifer which supplies a variety of celebrities and sports stars with customised vehicles has been advised by national law firm Freeths on a major investment.

They advised the shareholders of Urban Automotive Group on its investment from AM Group Holdings as the two businesses agreed to combine their respective expertise and reach to grow the business.

Urban Automotive upgrades several brands, including Land Rover, Mercedes, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce.

The deal, which took over a year to negotiate, represents the next chapter in Urban Automotive’s growth story. The investment from its European distributor AM Group Holdings will provide a platform to accelerate growth moving forward.

Freeths’ corporate director James Cowell led the team.

James said: “Following an intensive negotiation process for our clients, it’s been great to advise on this transaction as it comes to

fruition. I look forward to seeing the combined business develop this incredibly successful business model and well-known brand to new heights.”

As part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, Freeths have received silver-level accreditation for the first time in Stonewall’s Workplace Index. Stonewall is Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and

queer (LGBTQ+) rights, and the WEI features businesses that have displayed achievements and progress surrounding LGBTQ+ initiatives throughout the year.

Senior partner Philippa Dempster, said: “Diversity, inclusion and equality should stand amongst the key pillars of any modern business strategy, and here at Freeths, our commitment to such initiatives is indefinite.”

Pilot to upskill adult learners

University College Birmingham is launching two short courses, Introduction to Cyber Security and Introduction to Digital Marketing, in September in which learners will upskill or retrain in the subjects.

The courses, which are remaining open for registration during September, are part of the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP). It is a two-year pilot programme in the government’s upcoming Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) scheme allowing adults to flexibly retrain and upskill.

The MAP funds tuition fees for anyone aged between 19 and 60 in England and is a response to the changes in workforce needs and employment patterns in an ever-evolving economy that will suit a diverse range of learners from a variety of backgrounds. The fees are drawn down from the individual’s LLE account when it launches in 2025.

The courses are made up of modules and are an integral part of the university’s provision of practical, hands-on programmes that are industry-led and careerfocused.

It is hoped that the MAP’s wide eligibility will encourage underrepresented and disadvantaged groups to access the courses for retraining or upskilling, as well as address workforce skills gaps within the West Midlands region and assist local people to get into employment or improve their career prospects.

Encouraging the underrepresented: The UCB team

New heights for Urban Automotive Group: James Cowell

Commitment to inclusion and equality: Philippa Dempster

Baked beans bath helps raise child charity’s £5m

The NSPCC has expressed thanks to nationwide Blakemore Retail for raising more than £5m for the charity over the course of their 18-year partnership.

During the alliance – which finishes this summer –funds have been dedicated to the charity’s children’s counselling service, Childline, the NSPCC’s Helpline for adults who are concerned about a child’s wellbeing and to Speak out, Stay safe, a programme which helps children to recognise abuse in all forms.

Blakemore Retail also supported the Home or Out Alone initiative, which helps to guide parents on whether their child is ready to be left home alone or leave their home without an adult.

NSPCC say that over the past 18 years Blakemore Retail staff have gone above and beyond, running marathons, organising hikes up Snowdon, even taking a bath in baked beans to raise money for the NSPCC. One fundraiser also completed a remarkable trip to Mount Everest base camp, which raised more than £1,000.

For the 16th year of the partnership the retailer ran a sweet 16 campaign and held an 18th birthday for their final year of supporting the NSPCC. The 18th anniversary of the partnership was particularly significant as it is the whole duration of a childhood.

Jo Swinhoe, director of income generation, fundraising and engagement at NSPCC, said: “The 18year partnership between Blakemore Retail and the NSPCC has been nothing short of remarkable, we cannot thank them enough. Not only is the amount of money that has been raised fantastic, but the methods in which it was generated were truly wonderful.

“Child abuse knows no bounds, and with a child reaching out to Childline every 45 seconds, Blakemore Retail’s support has been vital.”

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.

Christmas arrives early!

Award-winning events venue Millennium Point has already launched its Christmas season in style with a tour of Birmingham.

Very early Christmas presents were delivered to lucky recipients across the city to celebrate Millennium Point’s Christmas parties going on sale.

‘Partygoers are invited to travel back to the time of mixed tapes and tinsel on 14 December’

Alongside the return of the venue’s Exclusive Christmas Party Package, Millennium Point has announced the Ultimate 80s Christmas Party for 2024. Partygoers are invited to travel back to the time of mixed tapes and tinsel on 14 December.

Millennium Point will be celebrating the best era of pop with a DJ and live band playing the decade’s best music from artists such as Duran Duran, Wham, Tiffany and A-ha

Bathing in beans: A fundraiser takes the plunge

International Trade

US exec joins Flexeserve team

Flexeserve has appointed experienced sales executive Conrad Randell as a sales manager for the US and Canada.

Conrad will be responsible for all non-retail foodservice sectors throughout the US and Canada, including c-stores, QSRs, express grab-and-go, colleges, stadiums, workplaces, and many more.

He said: “I’m really excited to be joining Flexeserve at such a pivotal time for the company’s growth across North America.

“Flexeserve expands the realm of what’s possible in the world of grab-and-go, and I can’t wait to introduce customers to the incredible benefits of our world-leading equipment and expertise.”

Flexeserve already partners with global brands, such as Starbucks, Circle K, Amazon Go, QuikTrip.

While Conrad will be travelling to visit new and prospective customers, he is also eager to invite customers to Flexeserve’s state-of-theart U.S. HQ and Culinary Support Center in Southlake, just 10 minutes from DFW Airport.

He said: “It’s here they can really be immersed in the Flexeserve culture.

“They’ll not only get to see firsthand the impressive capabilities of our cuttingedge technology, but also experience the high standards of customer support we have.”

German Ambassador to host summer event

The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce is to host a Midlands Summer Reception with the German Ambassador to the UK, HE Miguel Berger, on 19 September in Birmingham.

HE Miguel Berger took up his current role in May 2022, and one key focus of his work is to strengthen economic ties between the UK and Germany. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and connect, share their experiences and renew contacts while enjoying panoramic views of the Birmingham city skyline.

Dr Ulrich Hoppe, director general of the GermanBritish Chamber of Industry & Commerce, said: “We are delighted to welcome HE Miguel Berger to our Midlands Summer Reception.

“The reception will be a perfect opportunity to gain insight into business developments and activities in the region, to learn about opportunities and challenges in the current business environment and to further the dialogue between British and German businesses.”

The event will take place at The Cube, 196 Wharfside Street. To register, visit grossbritannien.akh.de or email e.mensah@ahk-london.co.uk

COMET unveils collaboration

COMET, a UK-based specialist known for its comprehensive suite of software and services, has announced a strategic channel partnership with RIMS, a prominent safety consultancy firm based in South Korea, working in collaboration with cyber security specialists LRQA.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for COMET

(formerly known as STC INSISO), expanding its global reach.

By bringing together COMET’s industry-leading risk intelligence technology and RIMS's extensive experience in safety consultancy, the partners aim to establish a new standard in incident prevention in South Korea.

The partnership will enable South Korean businesses across a

Significant milestone: COMET and RIMS sign a strategic channel partnership

wide range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, chemical, and energy, to benefit from the COMET technology suite and associated service offerings.

CEO Mark Rushton said: “We are thrilled to partner with RIMS to bring COMET to South Korea.

“This collaboration represents our commitment to supporting organisations in South Korea in their journey towards achieving and maintaining the highest standards of safety performance.”

Jeong Wu Lee, research director of RIMS said: “We are excited to join forces with COMET to bring world-class risk management solutions to South Korea.”

To make this partnership a reality, COMET’s CEO Mark Rushton and head of operations Craig Smith travelled to Seoul to meet with RIMS and finalise negotiations.

The trip was supported by Innovate UK and by the British Embassy.

Pivotal time: Conrad Randell

Perfect opportunity: Dr Ulrich Hoppe

Vote of confidence for UK-US ties

British and American businesses have given a new vote of confidence in the strength of transatlantic ties on trade, business and economic relationships despite an uncertain political context in the UK and US.

The fourth annual Transatlantic Confidence Index from BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company shows US companies’ confidence in the UK as a place to do business has stabilised in 2024.

This follows two back-to-back years of sharp drops in sentiment, driven by political and economic turbulence in Britain, with multiple changes of Prime Minister, previous bouts of market turmoil, and the ongoing impact of the UK’s departure from the EU.

With UK companies’ confidence in the US business environment also little changed at high levels, combined British and American business sentiment on the transatlantic economic corridor remains firmly positive, BAB and Bain report.

The headline BAB-Bain Transatlantic Confidence Index for 2024 shows a score of 7.1 out of 10, up from 7.0 last year – boosted by the

score for US investors’ confidence in the UK ticking up to 6.6, from 6.5 in 2023.

The index for UK businesses’ confidence in the US was unchanged at 8.4 out of 10.

In a further signal of the continued, underlying strength of both markets and of the US-UK economic relationship, BAB and Bain note that investors from both sides of the Atlantic report stable or increasing confidence, and plan to maintain or increase investment levels in both countries.

‘This

year’s results underscore the strong confidence in the transatlantic corridor’

The findings suggest a current calming of conditions after a series of major disruptions for both US and UK business in recent years –including the Covid-19 pandemic, resurgent inflation and higher costs of doing business in both nations – as well as pointing to cautious optimism over AI and its potential boost to productivity.

Accountants launch global collective

Two leading accountancy firms, Cooper Parry (UK) and Aprio (US), have launched ATLAST - a collective of likeminded and independent professional service advisers with a shared global vision.

The two co-founding firms are joined by Ilv Silver (Spain), Rosenblum-Holtzman & Co (Israel) and BSC Advisors (India). Other firms across global markets are expected to join.

Totally committed to meeting the changing needs of clients as they enter, grow and scale globally, ATLAST is a refreshingly different market disruptor that provides a dynamic resource for businesses wanting to expand their market reach.

ATLAST is about challenging the norms, collaboration and opening new opportunities for those looking to scale their business.

Ade Cheatham, CEO of Cooper Parry, said: “Now is the perfect time to launch ATLAST. It meets the global ambitions of entrepreneurial business owners and founders. Together we can go broad, dig deep and add value.

“Blending tech, talent and trust, each of the ATLAST firms is culturally aligned and delivers exceptional client experience.”

The BAB-Bain report highlights a strong focus by companies on both sides of the Atlantic on the need for stable policies – as well as stronger economic collaboration between the two countries.

Survey respondents in the UK rated the importance of UK/US policy stability, regardless of the outcome of elections, at 8.0 (on a 1 to 10 scale) while US respondents scored this at 7.4.

Anxieties over policy stability also emerged from the survey’s examination of the two countries’ strengths and weaknesses: respondents raised concerns over political stability and regulatory certainty in the US, and over political stability, as well as talent mobility, in the UK.

Duncan Edwards, CEO of BritishAmerican Business, said: “This year’s results underscore the strong confidence in the transatlantic corridor. However, concerns remain over the tax environment and the cost of doing business in both countries. The new Labour government has insisted that growth is one of its biggest priorities and we urge them to create a favourable environment for attracting greater investment from the US.”

BRB brings Ashton classics to the stage

Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), patrons of the Transatlantic Chamber, will mark 120 years since the birth of Frederick Ashton with two productions celebrating the great choreographer and founder of the Royal Ballet companies.

BRB will present Ashton’s beloved classic La Fille mal gardée at Birmingham Hippodrome (25-28 September). The season marks the first time La Fille mal gardée has been presented by BRB under the directorship of Carlos Acosta.

Ashton Classics (15 February, 2025) will celebrate the choreographer’s works with excerpts from popular favourites such as The Dream, Enigma Variations and A Month in the Country in the spectacular surroundings of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

Carlos said: “The impact and importance of the great Frederick Ashton on the ballet world is immense. As founder of the Royal Ballet companies, it is a pleasure to honour his contribution by presenting what has to be one of his most popular works, La Fille mal gardée, for the first time since I took on the role of director.”

Global Chamber Patrons

TRANSATLANTIC CHAMBER PATRONS

Classic Ashton: Momoko Hirata in La Fille mal gardée

Picture: Bill Cooper

Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK

Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0121 274 3255

Offa launches innovative buyto-let finance

Offa, the UK’s first Sharia-compliant bridge finance fintech, has launched an innovative buy-to-let finance (BTL) service with fast funding decisions delivered via a modern paperless process.

The service aims to disrupt and transform the traditionally old-fashioned and cumbersome world of Islamic finance.

Powered by the latest software, Offa’s BTL service meets the needs of both Muslim and non-Muslim property investors with its flexible property finance solutions and end-to-end digital processes, making it fast and easy to apply and get a quick decision.

Sagheer Malik, Offa’s chief commercial officer and MD of retail finance, said: “Offa is all about a high-quality modern service and speed is crucial in real estate. With the launch of our ultra-quick buy-to-let service, combined with our teams’ decades of industry experience, we are bringing Islamic finance into the 21st century, leaving behind the onerous paperwork and cumbersome systems that many customers have typically suffered in the past.

“Our streamlined digital application process – which is unparalleled in the Islamic finance market – means clients can potentially get a fair decision within minutes, depending on credit rating and risk criteria.”

Instead of using interest, Offa’s BTL product involves the Islamic finance principles of co-ownership-with-leasing. Customers acquire the property in partnership with Offa and make monthly payments to increase their share, over time owning it.

Another key feature of Offa’s BTL product is that where a customer’s rental income is not sufficient for the required affordability criteria for the BTL finance, Offa allows them to make up the difference with their personal monthly income (commonly known in the industry as top-slicing).

The service is available to anyone purchasing property in England and Wales aged 21 or over where the property’s value is between £60,000 and £1m.

First-time landlords can also apply, and Offa’s BTL solutions are also available for houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs).

City has ‘huge potential’ says Eid speaker

By Feron Jayawardene

A leading Birmingham academic has warned that Birmingham must tackle the issue of unemployment by giving work opportunities to people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mike Hopkins, principal of South & City College Birmingham (SCCB), was speaking at an Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) event to celebrate Eid at Millennium Point.

He said: “Birmingham is a great city, but we have some issues that need rectifying, including employment.

“At SCCB we try to fulfil the issue of unemployment by helping students gain a valuable skillset across different areas, spanning from construction to AI.

“We’re the biggest college in the region with more than 1,500 students and we have eight campuses across Birmingham where a large proportion of students come from disadvantaged background.

“Giving people the opportunity is what we’re all about. We educate them and upskill them to get new jobs.”

More than 100 members and guests attended the event, sponsored by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).

It was hosted by ABCC vice president Neelam Afzal while president Omar Rashid welcomed guests. The keynote speech was delivered by Zhagum Arshad, CEO of Loft 25 Group, who

shared his inspirational business journey and talked about how businesses should get together to create a better city.

He said: “My wife and I started selling duvet covers from our loft which was the 25th, making it our brand name.

“We designed and manufactured our own products. Later we outsourced it to Pakistan to create more jobs there. Now we sell our products across nine countries.

“My father comes from a town in Pakistan called Gojra. And in that town, we managed to create over 100 manufacturing jobs. But I wanted to do something more. So, two years ago, we set up an IT skills company called

Cloudsearch where we train students from Pakistan with the necessary skills who now assist businesses in the UK.

“This journey also led us to understand about the skills that UK businesses need. We then set up another academy called TriVA, which plays a main role in empowering women.

“There is huge potential in Birmingham and a long way to go with lots to do. And we have to take charge. This is our city, our responsibility, and our time.”

Other speakers included Martin Grant and Ash Mehmood from Business Growth West Midlands, president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Nasir Awan, and Victoria Webb, from Millennium Point.

Chamber president Nasir Awan outlined plans for the GBCC’s charity Cure Leukaemia.

After surpassing the initial target of £20,000 and raising over £35,000, Nasir said that he is planning to push the target to £50,000 with some new fundraisers including a skydive and a charity abseil.

Eid Ul Adha signifies the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all able Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lives. Around two to three million Muslims every year complete the pilgrimage, which is spread over five days.

Sharia-compliant finance: Sultan Choudhury (left), executive chairman at Offa, and Sagheer Malik, chief commercial officer and MD of Retail Finance

Speakers at Eid celebration (left to right): Martin Grant, Neelam Afzal, Mike Hopkins, Nasir Awan, Omar Rashid and Zhagum Arshad.

Two more awards sponsors announced

A qualifications provider set on a mission of changing lives through skills and work in the UK and a provider of highquality healthcare services are the latest sponsors of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) awards night.

The Pathway Group will sponsor the Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year award while Practice Plus Group has agreed to sponsor the ABCC Overall Business of the Year.

The awards night, catered by Mahirs Experience, will take place on Saturday, 30 November, at the ICC.

The Pathway Group has been at the forefront of supporting individuals looking to upskill and reskill. They are an established provider of the Adult Education Budget, Advanced Learner Loans, apprenticeships, commercial training services, European Social Fund (ESF) initiatives, and skills bootcamps.

Safaraz Ali, founder and CEO of the Pathway Group, said: “We are proud to sponsor the ABCC Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year Award.

“For over 24 years, Pathway Group has been working towards its mission of

Students bridge skills gap with Industry Day

Students at Birmingham’s Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College helped bridge the skills gap – with their first Industry Day project.

changing lives through skills and work, and our emerging talent programme further reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and honouring future leaders.

“We are truly honoured to support and celebrate these achievements through this award.”

Practice Plus Group was founded as Care UK in 1982 and rebranded in 2020. Today the healthcare services include hospitals and surgical centres, GP practices, NHS walk-in centres, GP out-of-hours, prison health services and

AS-Level students took part in the interactive two-day initiative aimed at providing insightful employer-led programmes within the sector of their choice.

The purpose of the sessions was to broaden the students’ horizons, deepen their understanding of career opportunities they may have not considered before, and give them invaluable industry experience in their chosen field.

The sessions covered the curriculum areas of humanities, science, art and design, business and finance, maths and computing, and social science. 395 AS-Level students were eager to take part in the sessions working with the 33 employers, who generously gave their time to support the college’s students.

clinical assessment and diagnostics facilities.

Sam Doubleday, hospital director at Practice Plus Group’s latest hospital opening soon in the heart of Birmingham, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Asian Business Awards. We believe the awards are an excellent platform to showcase the fantastic work of our Asian communities.”

Go to greaterbirminghamchambers. com for more information and to book tickets.

Freeths advise on buy-out

National law firm Freeths has advised leading international creative agency The Boundary, an investee company of Mobeus, and its shareholders, on its sale to Kester Capital.

The Boundary has been acquired by Kester Capital which has backed the existing management team.

Freeths supported Mobeus on its initial investment into The Boundary in May 2021 and further assisted in the acquisition of BuildMedia (a New Zealand-based creative studio with specialisms in city-scale digital twins) in 2023. The Freeths team was led by corporate finance and private equity partner Dahren Naidoo, who was supported by banking and finance partner James Dyson, managing associates Fiona Woodhead and Alex Angelidas, associate Farrell Tang and legal assistant Madelaine Gape.

Dahren said: “We are delighted to have supported The Boundary on this transaction, and this represents our further strength in supporting private equity backed businesses on the journey through initial investment, acquisitive growth, and exit.”

A spokesman for the college said: “Employer interactions are vital for Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College’s students’ growth, and help to bridge the skills gap, which has become more important than ever. The college would like to express its thanks to all the employers and its students who attended.”

The college is currently seeking to support its students by providing opportunities for work experience, industry days and mentoring sessions. Interested employers or charities are encouraged to head to the college website: www.jcc.ac.uk or submit an email to wex@jcc.ac.uk.

This year, 2,400 Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College students also experienced an employer interaction. The spokesman added: “This is especially important in a time when bridging the skills gap is more important than ever.

“As an educator, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College aims to continually weave employer-led, industry experiences into its curriculum. This is showcased by the fact that, across its AS/A-Level and BTEC courses, the college has run various valuable work-related activities, including work experience, industry sessions, and trips/visits with over 150 employers in a wide array of sectors.”

To show its appreciation the Sixth Form College hosted a ‘Employer Thank You’ event, with 92 employers in attendance, including Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Asian Chambers members.

The spokesman said: “It was a wonderful day filled with outstanding networking, delicious food, entertainment, and even a small gift.

“The college would like to thank all the employers who attended and supported its students throughout the year.”

Delighted to support: Dahren Naidoo

Changing lives: Safaraz Ali

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Economic benefit of international students

Staffordshire and Keele Universities have welcomed a report highlighting the economic benefits that international students bring to the region.

The new report, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), has outlined the economic benefits that firstyear international students bring to the constituencies they study in across the UK.

The data shows that the 1,500 first-year international students in the three Stoke-onTrent constituencies and Newcastle-underLyme bring around £176m of economic impacts to the region, with many of those studying at Staffordshire and Keele Universities.

Speaking up: International Sports Journalism graduate Sharanya Ranganatha Urs was selected as one of the speakers at TEDxStaffordshire University

Green light for net zero training centre

South Staffordshire College has announced a new net zero energy training centre at Rodbaston College.

The building work has been completed and the college will be offering free, funded and full-cost green energy courses from September. Thanks to a £1.6m Getting Building Fund, the Net Zero Energy Training Centre is a state-of-the-art skills delivery centre designed to equip the local workforce with skills needed to make the transition from carbon-based plumbing and transport technologies to carbon-free net zero technologies in line with the Government’s commitment.

The training centre is equipped with the latest advancements in energy efficiency such as photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging, air source heat pump installations and hydrogen boilers as well as energy distribution and management systems.

Neil Sambrook, director of faculty at South Staffordshire College, said: “The Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College offers employers and individuals the opportunity to learn and incorporate technologies that will enable transition to an alternative, cleaner future of energy generation. The flexibility of the centre offers everything from environmental awareness through to installation techniques, covering multiple industries, from construction and building services through to vehicle technologies.”

The data from London Economics, commissioned by HEPI and Kaplan International Pathways, shows - for the first

time - the value of international students to the UK economy according to the new parliamentary constituency boundaries.

Staffordshire University vice-chancellor Professor Martin Jones said: "International students offer far more than just a financial benefit to the UK, but this research clearly demonstrates how important these students are to our universities and our regional economy.

“New restrictions on the student visa conditions limit and prevent international students accessing UK higher education and are an act of economic self-harm.

“We can only hope the new government is able to repair the damage being done to international student recruitment and the UK's reputation for providing a world class student experience.”

Budding entrepreneurs take part in business competition

Executive committee members of the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce lent their expertise to a Dragons’ Den-style competition at Cannock Chase High School.

The event, named the Future Business Bonanza or ‘Bears Cave’, was designed, developed and delivered by the Cannock Chamber, aiming to promote and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among local students.

The event was led by Richard Brooks, head of Cannock and Burton Chambers of Commerce.

Members of the executive committee David Jackson from McArthurGlen, and Chris Wheeler, from Auditel, joined Richard in enlightening the next generation of potential entrepreneurs.

The competition brought together 35 enthusiastic students, aged 13 to 14, who showcased their innovative business ideas to the panel of seasoned professionals.

Mr Brooks said: “It’s inspiring to see such young talent and their potential to drive future business growth in our area.

“The event provided these budding entrepreneurs with a platform to develop their ideas, receive valuable feedback, and gain insights into the business world.

“The success of the Future Business Bonanza highlights the Chamber's ongoing efforts to foster strong links between education and the local business community, ensuring a brighter future for Cannock Chase.”

Dragons Den: Richard Brooks (second from left) and David Jackson (third from left) with teachers of Cannock Chase High School

Contact:

Richard Brooks

T: 07796 242029

Celebrating the best of Burton

A lunch to celebrate the best of business in Burton and district takes place at the Pirelli Stadium on Wednesday, 20 November, from 12 to 2.30 pm.

Four awards will include one from Burton & District Chamber of Commerce president Richard Wileman for the businessperson who has been instrumental in shaping Burton’s business landscape.

The Burton Celebratory Lunch will also present awards for:

• Startup Business of the Year

• Future Face of Burton

• Business of the Year

The deadline to apply for an award is 7 October.

Bringing together over 50 guests to recognise the achievements of the region, the lunch includes a drinks reception, three-course meal and entertainment plus an opportunity to network with other businesses.

Mr Wileman said: “This year, our theme centres on positivity, business connections, support, and growth.

“The people have spoken, and we have a new government who we trust will enable all of us to achieve our aims and targets in our business community.

“Together, we create an environment that fosters positive energy, builds meaningful connections, supporting one another, and encouraging sustainable growth. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey."

Head of Burton and District Chamber of Commerce Richard Brooks said:

“The Celebratory Lunch is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to come together, enjoy a meal, celebrate our local successes, and network.

“This year, we are particularly excited to introduce our new president, Richard Wileman, who is committed to steering the Chamber towards even greater achievements.

“His vision and leadership promise a bright future for our business community. Join us in celebrating the spirit of Burton's businesses and forge stronger connections for mutual growth."

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Contact Richard Brooks on r.brooks@birmingham-chamber.com for more information regarding sponsorships.

Dealership announces partnership with Brewers

Burton Kia is to be the Burton Albion FC frontof-shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 season.

The partnership represents a significant milestone in Burton Kia’s longstanding close relationship with the club, having supported the Brewers in various capacities for almost 20 years.

Burton Kia, of Centrum Gate, Burton, is a franchise dealership retailing new and used cars plus Kia aftersales.

On completion of the new front of shirt sponsorship, managing director Charlie Bullock and sales director Harry Bullock were on hand to meet with Burton Albion deputy chairman Tom Davidson and CEO Fleur Robinson, as well as first team players Danilo Orsi and Grace Hennessy Fernández.

Fleur said: "We are starting off a new era at Burton Albion with a new front-of-shirt sponsor and we are delighted that our long-standing commercial partners Burton Kia have taken up this exciting opportunity.

“Not only is this the first season under the ownership of the Nordic Football Group, but also the start of the new Sky TV deal which will see the club televised on Sky Sports Plus at least 20 times this season.

“That brings massive extra exposure to all our commercial partners and Burton Kia’s brand will now be highly visible on the front of our new shirts to that increased TV audience as well as fans here at the Pirelli Stadium.

“It’s especially pleasing to be sharing this opportunity with a Burton dealership that has built a strong reputation for service and community values and which has long seen the benefits of partnering with a successful EFL club. We look forward to seeing that partnership grow and flourish.”

Challenging bike ride aids animal sanctuary

Richard Fisher, a member of AI Global Media, has embarked on a 1,200km bike ride across England for Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue – Midlands.

AI Global Media, a magazine publisher based in Burton, provides its employees with the opportunity to spend a day away from the office to volunteer for a charity of their own choice in a bid to give back to the community.

The ride has raised £2,048 so far, helping the charity’s ongoing missions to rescue and care for animals in need.

Richard, who had once brought a pigeon to the sanctuary all the way from Leeds to treat a broken wing, said: “Even now, I can’t believe I did it. It’s amazing to know that I can push my body and mind to complete extreme tasks as it was definitely more mentally challenging than physically.”

2023 success: Winners at the Burton Celebratory Lunch last year

Shirt deal (left to right): Burton Kia sales director Harry Bullock, Burton Albion CEO Fleur Robinson, Burton Kia managing director Charlie Bullock and Burton Albion deputy chairman Tom Davidson

Pushing limits: Richard Fisher

Retail workers highlight serious workplace risks

Lichfield-based Legionella and Fire Safe Services has highlighted a critical need for thorough health and safety compliance in the retail sector.

It comes after a survey revealed that 26 per cent of retail workers have reported inadequate risk assessments in their workplace.

Legionella and Fire Safe Services says the alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for comprehensive health and safety measures within the retail sector.

The survey by a leading health and safety organisation asked 1,500 participants UK-wide which health and safety regulations are most commonly broken in workplaces and why.

Kym Morris, business manager at Legionella and Fire Safe Services, said: “This is very surprising, as completing a thorough risk assessment is essential as part of HSE compliance. The failure to complete an appropriate risk assessment can not only result in a hefty fine but can also put the public and employees at considerable risk.”

Legionella and fire risk assessments play a crucial and potentially life-saving role in the workplace.

These assessments are vital to identifying potential hazards and implementing measures to mitigate risks.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides an Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8, which offers detailed guidance on adhering to legal and regulatory duties in managing legionella risks.

All businesses are required to recognise and fulfil their legal and regulatory obligations concerning the management of legionella – the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially deadly lung infection.

In retail, the main risks to the public from legionella bacteria are from any water facilities provided for customer use, such as toilets and wash basins.

Café areas and takeaway drinks facilities also need to be considered in a legionella risk assessment.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 serves as the cornerstone of fire safety in retail, focusing on preventive measures such as the installation of exits and fire detection systems.

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Dancers helped by city demolition firm

Lichfield District Council’s drive to get community value from its contracts with suppliers has seen a city dance school secure sponsorship from the company demolishing the Birmingham Road multistorey car park.

Cawarden donated £500 to the Elite Academy of Performing Arts which it used to pay for hoodies for its dancers to wear while representing Team England in the Global Dance Open competition in Holland and to help cover the dancers’ registration fees.

The money was donated through Lichfield District Council’s Social Value Initiative, which aims to see residents benefit directly from its procurement spend.

The initiative ensures that for every pound spent by the council on the delivery of goods, services and works, that pound will also produce

wider social, economic, or environmental benefits for the community.

Councillor Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for finance and commissioning, said: “I’d like to thank Cawarden for making this generous donation. It helped local dancers to participate in international competition where they enjoyed considerable success.

“There are many fantastic suppliers that are keen to help

improve residents’ lives through social value, and many ways that they can make a contribution.

“The donation from Cawarden is a great example of social value in action, benefiting young people from across the district.”

Oliver Crooks, commercial director at Cawarden, said: “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to support Elite Academy by funding the local dance team's clothing for an international competition.”

Tracing the roots of rock

The author of a new book which explores the 20th-century musical explosion in Britain is appearing at Lichfield venue The Hub at St Mary’s next month.

Why Britain Rocked: How Rock Became Roll and Took Over the World by Elizabeth Sharkey (pictured), travels deep into Britain’s history to trace the events that led to its musical explosion.

Completely rewriting the history of British pop music, Why Britain Rocked argues that The Beatles’ arrival that so surprised the world, really shouldn’t have been a surprise at all.

From the Celts and the Quakers, to Ira Aldridge and Paul Robeson, Why Britain Rocked breaks out of British pop history’s twentieth century confines.

foundations of America’s folk music and ultimately, rock n’ roll.

Instead, Sharkey starts the story in Celtic Britain and follows the migration of the peoples who carried their music from the British Isles to the southern States, laying the

Back on British shores, Sharkey reveals how Henry VIII ensured Britain’s art colleges became feeder schools for Top of the Pops; she identifies the Celtic inheritance of superstars from Lonnie Donegan and The Beatles, to David Bowie, John Lydon, Kate Bush, Johnny Marr, Noel Gallagher and Ed Sheeran; and completes the story with the enduring power of British balladry and the Marxists, who liberated the voices of England’s working class, inspiring a revolution of British singer-songwriters. Join Elizabeth to hear her discuss the book on Wednesday, 25 September (8pm).

Tickets cost £14 and are available at thehubstmarys.co.uk or in person at The Hub’s box office.

Support: The hoodie paid for by Carwarden

Suspire survey: Kym Morris (business manager) and Steve Morris (managing director)

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

BBC composer adds to Town Hall history

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall welcomed celebrated composer David Lowe for an exclusive event showcasing the secrets behind his famous TV themes.

Known for creating iconic television themes for BBC News, Countryfile and The One Show, audiences were taken through a series of anecdotes in which David described how he developed the theme tunes to popular shows such as Countryfile, The X Factor and the Antiques Roadshow.

The Town Hall was thrilled when David offered to create an original piece of music to accompany the launch of the Town Hall’s new logo.

David, who hails from Sutton Coldfield, explained the last time he stood on the stage at

was to receive his school certificate in 1977.

Returning to the same stage, the evening closed on a poignant note, when the composer asked participants of the show to choose the final notes to what will become the new theme tune for Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

The Town Hall’s new logo was designed at no cost to the Town Hall Trust by Paul Brookes, creative director of Brooko Studio, who said: “I saw an opportunity to create a logo that truly reflects the town's character and aspirations when asked to contribute to the rebranding.

“I'm excited to deliver a brand identity worthy of Sutton.”

Charity match raises funds

Chamber members and staff donned their cricket whites to raise £835 for Sutton Coldfield-based charity The Cancer Support Centre.

A team representing Greater Birmingham Chambers and the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce took on a Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club XI at Sutton Coldfield Cricket and Hockey Club in the charity cricket match.

The Sutton Coldfield CC team came out on top against a Chamber side featuring Royal Sutton Chamber president Naeem Arif, head of media and communications Dan Harrison, Press & PR executive Feron Jayawardene, policy advisor Kuran Singh and head of the Royal Sutton Chamber Charlie Elliott.

The match was organised by Naeem Arif, who is also a Sutton Coldfield CC member, to raise funds for The Cancer Support Centre, which is the Royal Sutton Chamber’s charity of the year.

Based in Lindridge Road, Sutton Coldfield, The Cancer Support Centre provides support to those across the West Midlands who have been affected by cancer.

Naeem Arif, said: “In our role as the Chamber of Commerce we will always strive to support the community and brand of Sutton Coldfield as a great place to do business and visit socially. I am so proud of the community in Sutton Coldfield for

New office is ‘perfect spot’ for design firm

Darren Langley Web Design, members of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber since 2016, has opened a new, easy-to-find office located 34 High Street in Sutton Coldfield.

They agency say the move not only strengthens their presence in the region but also reflects its commitment to offering a more convenient and personalised experience for clients.

The new office is designed to be a bright, welcoming and collaborative space, making it easier for clients to meet with the Darren Langley Web Design team.

The office has a modern feel in the heart of the historic conservation area and has been revitalised to be a centre of creativity and innovation, ensuring that every project continues to meet the high standards of design and functionality that the agency is known for.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have found the perfect spot in Sutton Coldfield’s High Street,” said Darren Langley, founder of the company.

“Our new office is not just about having a physical presence; it’s about being more accessible to our clients and offering a space where ideas can flow freely.

“We’ve always believed in building strong, face-to-face relationships with our clients, and this move allows us to do that more effectively.”

coming together for this event which raised awareness for the Cancer Support Centre.”

Brian Davies, fundraising manager at The Cancer Support Centre, said: “'The Cancer Support Centre Sutton Coldfield is extremely grateful to all involved in the charity cricket match. A huge thank you to Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber president Naeem Arif in particular who was the driving force behind the event, and to chairman of Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, Nick Baker for hosting the match.”

Darren Langley Web Design has earned a reputation in the web design industry, delivering tailor-made websites that are both visually stunning and highly functional.

The agency’s new location is set to become a hub for creativity, where the team will continue to deliver exceptional web design services, from initial consultation through to final launch and ongoing support.

Royal

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

On the move: Darren Langley with junior web designer Emily Slack.

Fund raisers (left to right): Charlie Elliott, Naeem Arif, Sutton Coldfield CC chairman Nick Baker, Brian Davies and Jackie Price, centre manager at The Cancer Support Centre

TV secrets: David Lowe Picture: Lee Williams

Recognition for recruitment expert

Susie Ankrett, founder of Plum Executive, has received her Honorary Fellowship Award, given by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) for her significant contribution to the recruitment industry.

The REC is the largest membership organisation responsible for setting standards for the UK recruitment and staffing sector.

For over 23-years Susie has been helping individuals find jobs and assisting businesses in recruiting talented and skilled people for their future success. She is now the trusted partner to local organisations helping maximise and optimise their talent acquisition and recruitment strategies.

Her journey and relationship with the REC started in 2001 as founder and director of Plum Personnel in Solihull. She was an elected member of their council for several years and more recently an active member of their advisory council and the employment policy committee.

Neil Carberry, CEO of the REC, said: “The Fellowship recognises the significant and exceptional contribution Susie has made to both the industry and to the REC, which plays such an incredibly crucial role in the UK economy, in people’s careers and in business.”

Susie said “I love being part of such an important, dynamic, vibrant, responsive, innovative industry that is so vital to UK plc – and the positive difference it makes to individuals. I am so proud to be part of a sector that has such a massive impact.

“I cannot express how much this award means to me. It is truly a privilege to be nominated by my peers and to receive such recognition.”

All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community

Contact: Samantha Frampton

T: 0121 678 7488

JLR apprentice follows in grandad’s footsteps

A T-Level engineering student from Solihull College & University Centre is gearing up to start her four-year apprenticeship with car giant Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Lemeah Simpson-Smith, 18, loves going to car shows, drawing cars and would welcome an opportunity to race them too, so when it came to choosing options after school, it wasn’t too difficult.

She says: “My grandad used to work at JLR, I would see him go to work at 5am and hear the stories from the shopfloor. He has been a massive inspiration for me to get into the automotive industry, and I can’t wait to do him proud.”

Lemeah is one of only a handful of apprentices taken on by JLR in a highly competitive process and she is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve learnt so many skills during my time at Woodlands Campus, and I feel as though I was really well equipped to get through the JLR process. The T-Level was perfect for me as I got to spend time on placement at the ZF group, which is a local manufacturing company.”

Lemeah was the only girl on her course but that didn’t faze her: “I was treated equally as it should be, I was respected by my peers. It would be great to see more girls in engineering, so I would encourage anyone to just get on with it.”

Lemeah’s tutor, David Ridewood, comments: “Lemeah is a very hard worker, always pushing herself to achieve.

“She has grown in confidence over the last two years and has shown a high skill level within the workshop. She is a very capable student and I am so pleased she has been offered the apprenticeship at JLR.”

Family Hubs to offer support in Solihull

The Family Hubs programme in Solihull is now officially open, following a launch event at Elmwood Family Hub.

Elmwood, Evergreen and Riverside Family Hubs have all opened and are already helping children, young people and families across Solihull. The Evergreen Hub (which is run in partnership with the Colebridge Trust and first opened in autumn 2023) reopened, with Elmwood and Riverside opening their doors for the first time.

The mayor of Solihull, Cllr Shahin Ashraf, and the deputy leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Karen Grinsell, both spoke at the event. Attendees also had a guided tour of the hub, seeing first-hand a range of sessions.

Cllr Ashraf said: “I was delighted to declare our three Family Hubs officially open. It was

great to see first-hand the range of services that are available at the hubs, helping to make sure the right support is available at the right time.

“Bringing all the services under one roof means the Family Hubs will be able to act as a one-stop-shop for local families, with the refurbishment work really helping to modernise the Hubs and make them as welcoming as possible.”

Each hub will provide a wide range of sessions for children and families, including health appointments, youth clubs, parent and child sessions as well as help for people with special educational needs.

Later this year, a fourth hub will open at Hatchford Brook, once more extensive refurbishment works are completed. As well as

the four hubs, outreach services will operate across Solihull. People attending the hubs will also be able to book onto sessions and find out about the latest news and events through the Solihull Family Hubs app and webpages.

Gearing up with Jaguar Land Rover: Lemeah Simpson-Smith

BBC presenter to host awards

BBC West Midlands Breakfast Show presenter PJ Ellis is to host the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards 2024.

Known in the West Midlands for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic feats, PJ is the co-founder of LoveBrum, a local charity that reaches out to Birmingham-based projects that are delivering real change to the city.

PJ read Law at the University of Birmingham and then practised as a solicitor for seven years. He set up the social media agency, Blake7, which merged with Lightbox Digital in the summer of 2018. He exited that business in July, 2023.

An advocate of all things Birmingham, PJ is a founding trustee of the cancer charity, Help Harry Help Others in 2012, and was responsible for establishing, and organising, the Harry Moseley Charity Ball which raised over £230,000 in its first two years. The annual event continues to this day.

PJ then co-founded LoveBrum in 2014, which shines a light on the “hidden gem” projects of

Solihull Chamber of Commerce has revealed the shortlisted applicants for the Solihull Awards 2024, taking place at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday, 13 September.

Forty-four businesses have been shortlisted across 12 categories.

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to see the list of fantastic businesses that have been shortlisted for this year’s awards. I would like to thank everyone that has taken the time to apply, and I look forward to seeing everyone on the night.”

The shortlist for this year’s 12 award categories is:

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Change & Sustainability

Amtico International

Polestar Solihull

The Window Centre

Touchwood Solihull

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Contribution to Community- sponsored by runyourfleet Birmingham Business Park

Lil-Lets

Solihull Summer Fest

Visit Knowle

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Customer Services

CAPE Coaching & Development Ltd

Evac+Chair International

Polestar Solihull

Röhlig UK Ltd

Runyourfleet

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Hospitality & Retail

Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant LTD

Birmingham. LoveBrum has since funded over 300 local charitable projects addressing vital issues and serious challenges the city faces, including homelessness, serious crime, drug addiction, social injustice, art and culture, and education.

KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar

Touchwood Solihull

Visit Knowle

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Professional Services

Davisons Law

Jerroms

Prime Accountants Group

Sydney Mitchell LLP

Thursfields

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Sales, Marketing & Communications

Eric Lyons Ltd

K Hulse Consulting

Perception Copywriting

The Recruitment Duo

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Technology & Innovation

Evac+Chair International runyourfleet

Surgins

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Third Sectorsponsored by Birmingham Business Park

Birmingham Dogs Home

Sport 4 Life UK

St Basils Charity

Solihull’s Award for Excellence in Training, Education & Development in People

Forward Education Trust

Jerroms

MAN Commercial Protection Ltd

Solihull College & University Centre

Solihull’s Outstanding Start-Up, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Glam and Glow Beauty Lab

Having helped raise nearly £1m for charity, PJ received from the then Prime Minister a Points of Light award in 2018, which recognises outstanding UK volunteers in their community, and was selected to be a Batonbearer for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

He is currently also working as a roving reporter for BBC Radio WM.

PJ said: “Anything celebrating local businesses, charities, community projects and individuals, always gets a massive tick from me. So, I am delighted to be involved with the upcoming Solihull Chamber Awards and cannot wait to be your host. Bring it on.”

The Solihull Awards 2024 are being held on 13 September, at Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

For more information on the awards, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, scan the QR code.

Jim Kringle

Solihull Virtual Assistant

UB Healthcare Ltd

Solihull’s Rising Star & Future Leader

Zain Ahmed from Made Architecture

Rory Pickin from Röhlig UK Ltd

Sarah Breslin from Solihull College & University Centre

Ian Rogers from Solihull Summer Fest

One business will also be crowned Solihull’s Business of the Year, sponsored by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

Judging this year’s applicants were Ruth Pipkin, managing director at Rewired PR; Calum Nisbet, CEO at Kaleidoscope; Kingston Myles, director of enterprise at Birmingham Museums Trust; Sarah Griffiths, head of projects at Intercity Technology; Sam Watson, store director at Selfridges Birmingham; and Harvir Sahota, CEO at Mahirs Experience.

Kingston Myles said: "It's clear that the business community is strong in Solihull. Despite the current economic conditions, it's been inspiring to see a range of international, national and local businesses all based in Solihull apply for a variety of awards.

“Judging these awards wasn't easy. All of these businesses are contributing to the economy and community in a wealth of waysthey're all worthy winners but I look forward to seeing the overall winners for these awards announced in September."

For more information on the awards, visit the Chamber website at www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/eventcalendar/solihull-awards-dinner-2024.html

Co-founder of LoveBrum: BBC presenter PJ Ellis

Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 07540 751590

‘Exceptional’ shortlist revealed

A shortlist for 13 categories of the Future Faces Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2024 has been revealed.

The winners will be announced at the annual dinner and awards on Friday, 18 October, at the ICC Birmingham.

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said: “This year, we are proud to have shortlisted a record number of exceptional young professionals, each showcasing incredible talent, dedication, commitment and passion to the Greater Birmingham region. They are a testament to the bright future of our region’s business.”

Over 80 young professionals across wider Birmingham have been shortlisted, spanning across a wide range of sectors and professions.

The shortlist for this year’s 13 categories is:

Greater Birmingham Apprentice of the Year

Emily Berridge - Browne Jacobson LLP

Bradley Bolton - DP Building Systems

Santina Bunting - Arup

Mike Fahy - Claritas Tax Limited

Roshan Hamesh Pau - Claritas Tax Limited

Hannah Wright - Digital Innovators

GBYPY- Creative Arts & Culture

Sunjay Kohli - AAA Media

Updesh Singh - Deutsche Bank

Lucy Tranter - Birmingham Royal Ballet

Dan Wharton - Ark Media Group

GBYPY- Digital, Technology & Innovation

Fay Elmi - Intercity Technology

Grace Macwilliam - Mills & Reeve LLP

Ileana Lupsa - TechUK

Lewis Lydiard - Techcare

Kiranjit Kaur Shergill - Barclays

Charlotte Stanyer - Entec Si

GBYPY- Environmental, Social & Governance

Blu Hardy - Hardy Signs

Charles Hughes - Canal & River Trust

Alex Peart - KPMG LLP

Katherine Stanfield - Jacobs

GBYPY- Events, Retail & Hospitality

Sarah Chin - Blackberry Events

Money Chopra - Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin

Christie Gaskin - Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Emma Jones - AllinAll Events Ltd

Sophie Paoloni - Albert’s Schloss

Sigita Pjampite - Unique Venues Birmingham

Charlotte Wheeler - City of Birmingham

Symphony Orchestra

Elise White- Aston University

GBYPY- Finance- sponsored by mfg Solicitors LLP

Jack Clews - Unity Trust Bank

Jay Dhaliwal - Chase de Vere

Faye Jacklin - Claritas Tax Limited

Nadia Johnstone-Smith - Quilter Cheviot

Financial Planning

Winners all: The Category winners at the 2023 awards

Ash Karra - Forvis Mazars LLP

Katrania Lowers - Colmore Partners

Mark Pallet - City of Birmingham

Symphony Orchestra

Chris Ronan - EFG Harris Allday

GBYPY- Legal

Joel Blake - Wilkes LLP

Sarah Gale - Mills & Reeve LLP

Rebecca Horley - Shoosmiths LLP

Shereen Johal - Shoosmiths LLP

Kavita Mehey - Lawrence Kurt Solicitors

Grace Mullis - Irwin Mitchell LLP

Christie Nelson - Wilkes LLP

Vyara Yordanova - Mills & Reeve LLP

GBYPY- Property, Construction & Engineeringsponsored by Birmingham Metropolitan College

Aysha Bateman - West Midlands Combined Authority

Max Bambury - Tyto Contracting Ltd

Ruby Dennis - Crown Highways

Kaan Geundogdou - Ramboll

Ben Stubbs - Crown Highways

Natalie Wride - Mott MacDonald

GBYPY- People & Wellbeing- sponsored by PI-KEM

Ellie Dalton - Soteria Self Defence

Hollie Dunster - City of Birmingham

Symphony Orchestra

Lakshman Ganatra - Evolving Families

Charlie Pendlebury - Mills & Reeve LLP

Amat Saeed - Canal & River Trust

Iona Wolvers - Mitchells & Butlers

GBYPY- Sales, Marketing & Communication

Hope Adie - Colonel Duck

Sophie Allen - Serrano Media

Graham Allsopp - Ark Media Group

Clare Genner - Liquid

Thomas Newbold - Eleven Views

Rory Pickin - Rohlig UK Ltd

Katrina Raipuri - New Vine Marketing

Beth Sheldrick - Switch Management Ltd

GBYPY- Start-Up, Enterprise & Entrepreneurshipsponsored by Birmingham City University

Rosie Billington - Rosie Billington

Alex Kyte - Build an Experience Ltd

Aldi Mehmeti - Pawionic

Shubham Parikh - Webosis Limited

Harry Pegg - Helixx Industries Ltd

Iveta Pudilova - Happy Autistic Lady

GBYPY- Not for Profit

Francesca Bagley - United by 2022 Charity

Natasha Ceres Chanda Johnson - St Basils

Amaan Dad - Our Community Foundation

Kerrie Henry-Edge - Birmingham Mind

GracefilledOkeke - Feedo Needo

Zachariah Okusi - Sport 4 Life UK

Natalie Pursall - Birmingham Dogs Home

Maria Elena Roselli - YMCA- Heart of England

GBYPY- Training & Education

Rachel Arnold - Solihull College & University Centre

Carolyn Burton - City of Birmingham

Symphony Orchestra

Paul Carbery - Arden Academy

Shuai Qin- Aston University

Jat Sidhu - Solihull College & University Centre

The overall winner from the sector categories will be crowned the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2024. There is also a bonus category: Future Faces President’s Award, chosen by the Future Faces division’s President, Kasim Choudhry.

Interviews will be taking place at the Library of Birmingham on Monday, 2 September.

For more information on tickets and sponsorship, scan the QR code.

The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow.

Broadcaster to host Future Faces awards

Radio, TV and sports broadcaster Amber Sandu will be the host for Future Faces’ Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2024 next month.

Amber, from Wolverhampton, presents across the BBC Asian Network every Saturday afternoon and reports for Sky Sports News in their Premier League coverage.

Her big TV breakthrough came as the lead reporter for Midlands Today at the Commonweath Games, whilst with her two sporting loves of football and cricket, she has reported and presented a number of tournaments such as The Hundred for BBC Sport and Women's Ashes for Sky Sports.

Amber said: “I am so excited to host the awards this year. I can't wait to celebrate and shout about the incredible winners and all their hard work. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and putting on a night of fun, celebration and joy.”

Amber also recently met with Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell on the latest episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast to discuss the upcoming awards, and topics such as personal brand, imposter syndrome and tackling emotional news stories.

Scan the QR code to listen to Amber’s episode.

UVB announced as pre-awards partner

Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB) are partnering with Future Faces for their pre-party for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2024.

Unique Venues Birmingham will once again be sponsoring and hosting the applicant interviews, taking place on 2 September at the Library of Birmingham, as well as the shortlist BBQ on 11 September. Food will be sponsored by UVB, giving guests a flavour of the creative menus on offer to their conference and event planners.

The shortlist BBQ will be a chance for candidates to meet fellow contenders, celebrate their achievements so far and network with likeminded individuals.

Sigita Pjampite, sales manager at Unique Venues Birmingham, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to support the GBYPY 2024 preawards by hosting the shortlist BBQ and

interview sessions. At Unique Venues Birmingham, we’re all about nurturing creativity and celebrating young talent in the industry.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for emerging professionals to shine, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of their journey. Our commitment to innovation and community fits perfectly with the values of the GBYPY Awards, and we can’t wait to contribute to this inspiring event.”

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said: “We are thrilled to be holding two of our iconic elements of the Greater BYPY Awards at one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings.”

Find out more information about the awards by scanning the QR code.

...and BOX to host after party

Future Faces, the largest young professionals’ network in the West Midlands region, have announced that BOX will also be hosting this year’s Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards after-party.

It will take place from 10:30pm onwards, after the awards ceremony at the ICC on Friday, 18 October.

BOX, situated in Brindley Place, is a gamechanging sports bar where patrons can eat, drink, play and party, as well as watch all of the best Sky, TNT and Box Office sporting events.

Saskia Keatman, business development manager at Arc Inspirations, said: “BOX are really excited to be hosting the Greater BYPY Awards after party. Hosted in our private event space, BOX

Up, on the canal side, we look forward to welcoming everyone for drinks all evening long.”

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said: “We can’t wait to host the Greater BYPY after party in our own private bar at BOX. It’s going to be so much fun, a night to remember.”

BOX: After-party venue

Host: Amber Sandu (left) with Sophie Poduval-Morrell

Celebration: The shortlisted applicants at the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2023 shortlist BBQ

Birmingham Business Expo just got bigger

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is holding its biggest business expo to date – offering firms the opportunity to boost their profile and make new connections.

Taking place at Edgbaston stadium on Wednesday, 3 October, the Greater Birmingham Business Expo is expected to attract representatives from around 500 businesses.

For the first time, the Chamber’s biggest networking event will be spread across three floors, accommodating 130 exhibition stands, as well as an expanded programme of seven webinars and workshops.

The two main seminars, “The Fundamentals of AI” and “Your Risk, Your Reputation: A review of business threats and innovative ways to mitigate them” have been announced, featuring guest panellists from a host of member businesses.

Five pop-up workshops are also taking place throughout the day. They are:

• How to stand out on social media (even if you think your industry is boring!

• Developing Your Young Professionals

• The Power of PR: Telling the Story of Your Business

• Understanding your Customer through Effective Business Development and Marketing

• Mental Health in the Workplace – Moving Awareness to Action Delegates can also sign up now for a speed networking session, running from 8.15am to 10am, prior to the main expo.

The expanded event aims to build on the success of the GBCC’s previous expos, which have proved popular with members.

Past attendee Michael Wood, managing director of Embrace Video Ltd, said: “We’ve attended numerous expos organised by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and have found them all incredibly useful.

“They’ve given us a platform to meet prospective clients, forge new relationships, promote our brand and secure potential leads.”

Holly Vaughan, director of The Recruitment Duo, added: “The seminars are always very topical and a great value add to businesses in attendance.

“We’ve exhibited previously and would highly recommend it to other Chamber members.”

For more information visit www.greaterbirminghamchabers.com

Training provider to boost manager skills

Leading training provider

Performance Through People (PTP) has been approved by the Government to expand its provision to deliver managerial skills in the West Midlands.

PTP, headquartered in Walsall, has been approved by the Department of Education to build its resources to become an accredited Chartered Management

Institute (CMI) centre, following a successful tender process.

From September, PTP will offer the 18-month CMI level five diploma for operational leaders and managers. Potential candidates can apply now, with no formal entry requirements to join the programme other than being employed in a relevant job role.

The course is being offered as a

higher technical qualification, an educational training route promoted by the Government to bridge the skills gap in technical industries by providing specialised knowledge and skills.

Performance Through People has driven regional employment initiatives and since 2014 been a key partner in the delivery of the Ladder apprenticeship scheme

which expanded from the Black Country to encompass Greater Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Gill Durkin, business executive at PTP, said: “This programme designed to enhance the skills of practising managers and leaders who are typically accountable to a senior manager or business owner.”

Richard Kendrick, curriculum director, said: “The new managerial training programme will build on the proud history of PTP in delivering exceptional training and development opportunities to meet the needs of learners and businesses for more than 50 years.

“As businesses look to address gaps in skills, managerial training will be vital to shape the leaders of tomorrow so we look forward to working with learners across the West Midlands to develop good quality learning to shape their future careers.”

Based at headquarters in Essex Terrace, Intown in Walsall, PTP employ 78 members of staff across its training centres throughout Birmingham, the Black Country, and Staffordshire.

To find out more on the CMI training from PTP, call 03332 408302.

Boosting business: Scene from an earlier expo

Bridging the gap (left to right): Rob Colbourne, Tim Carver, Lisa Holyhead, Chris Stearn, Maureen Begum, Carolyn Stokes, Julie Heathcote and Richard Kendrick

Two months packed with events

With many Chamber events planned for September and October, highlights include awards ceremonies for both Solihull Chamber and Future Faces. And at Solihull, the popular Retro Games make a return on 26 September.

AND MANY OF THE EVENTS ARE FREE TO CHAMBER MEMBERS

September

Sustainable Business Series -

Building the Future: Green Infrastructure Solutions

Date: 10 September

Time: 8:30 – 10:00

Venue: Coton House Farm, Whittington

Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free

Non-members: Free

Birmingham Networking Lunch and Speed Networking

Date: 10 September

Time: 11:45 – 14:00

Venue: TBC

Division: Birmingham

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Royal Sutton Coldfield AGM and Networking Lunch

Date: 12 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: TBC

Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

ABCC Member Social

Date: 12 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:00

Venue: TBC

Division: ABCC

Cost: ABCC members only

Solihull Awards 2024

Date: 13 September

Time: 18:00 – 23:00

Venue: Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Division: Solihull

Cost: £125+VAT

Table of 10 - £1,250+VAT

Lichfield & Tamworth Business at Breakfast

Date: 19 September

Time: 8:30 – 10:00

Venue: Assembly Rooms

Division: Lichfield & Tamworth

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members:

£15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

International Networking

Date: 19 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Global & Transatlantic

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Professional Development

Date: 25 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Future Faces Members only

Growth Through People - Does ‘Work from Home Culture’ Pose a Threat to UK Productivity?

Date: 26 September

Time: 9:00 – 11:00

Venue: TBC

Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free Non-members: Free

Pro Solihull – Retro Games

Date: 26 September

Time: 16:00 – 19:00

Venue: Hogarths Hotel Solihull

Division: Solihull

Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

October

Greater Birmingham Business Expo

2024

Date: 3 October

Time: 9:00 – 14:00

Venue: Edgbaston Stadium

Division: GBCC

Cost: Free

Joint Chamber Social Networking Date: 8 October

Time: 16:30 – 18:30

Venue: The Hub at St. Mary’s

Division: Burton & District, Cannock Chase, Lichfield & Tamworth and Royal Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

The Good Business Forum Date: 9 October

Time: 15:00 – 17:00

Venue: TBC

Division: GBCC

Cost: Member: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Premier Members Networking Breakfast

Date: 10 October

Time: 8:30 – 10:30

Venue: TBC

Division: GBCC

Cost: Premier members only

Joint Chamber Social Networking

Date: 16 October

Time: 16:30 – 18:30

Venue: New Hall Hotel & Spa

Division: Burton & District, Cannock Chase, Lichfield & Tamworth and Royal Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Meet the Neighbours

Date: 17 October

Time: 15:45 – 17:00

Venue: Online

Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free

Non-members: Free

Greater BYPY Awards 2024

Date: 18 October

Time: 18:00 – 23:00

Venue: The ICC

Division: Future Faces

Cost: General sale: £115+VAT

Table of 10: £1,150+VAT

Solihull Networking Lunch

Date: 23 October

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: TBC

Division: Solihull

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Networking & Diwali Celebration 2024

Date: 23 October

Time: 18:00 – 21:30

Venue: TBC

Division: ABCC

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: £15 + VAT

Non-members: £60+VAT

Lichfield and Tamworth Annual General Meeting and Networking Lunch

Date: 29 October

Time: 12:00 - 14:00

Venue: Drayton Manor Park

Division: Lichfield and Tamworth

Cost: Members: Free Future Faces members: Free

Non-members: Free

Game time: The Solihull Retro Games are returning this month

The gift of partnership this Christmas

By Charly Slater (pictured), CEO, Urban Heard: Youth Engagement Specialist CIC

Christmas evokes many different feelings depending on your life’s experience of what has happened over the festive period, particularly from when you were a child. For those who have fond memories, it connotes a time of celebration, joy, excitement, family, feasting and presents. For others, it is a time where your economic situation is highlighted, abuse is heightened and the feeling of loneliness has never been more present. The sad reality is these contrasts are not unique to Christmas but an inequality that children and young people face 365 days a year.

Solihull is often seen as an affluent metropolitan borough but there are some serious areas of deprivation in the North but also in pockets throughout the whole borough.

‘It was clear that young people desperately needed a safe space to go to’

Since the austerity measures decimated the youth service over a decade ago, the needs of children and young people did not simply stop, in fact they got more complex. The rise of youth violence, the rise in mental health problems, the rise in exploitation and the rise in school exclusions. Throw in a pandemic and you have a whole generation who is crying out for support.

During this time the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector stepped up for the children and young people of the borough.

Putting competition aside, the organisations in Solihull came together to support one another and to ensure that the children and young people can be supported, listened to and encouraged in the community at an early intervention

and prevention level. This is now in the format of the youth partnership called Young Opportunities Solihull.

Urban Heard CIC is one of these organisations, who celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

They have spent a decade providing peer-led intervention and behaviour change programmes around risky behaviours such as substance misuse and sexual health. In 2021, in direct response to the pandemic, it was clear that young people desperately needed a safe space to go to, so found an underused community hall, to turn into a youth centre. In the past few years, Urban Heard has taken this hall and turned it into a fully thriving safe space for 11- to 18-year-olds, with a music studio, stage, sporting opportunities, pool and table tennis tables, gaming and spaces for the teenagers to simply hang out with their friends.

The music studio

A place for young people to hang out with their friends

There are boys’ groups, girls’ groups, music sessions, LGBTQ+ groups, SEND support groups and drama groups, as well as termly open access sessions and holiday clubs.

Every young person gets a hot meal, five days a week and the only eligibility criteria is the age, other than that, all are welcome. In 2024 the centre has provided in excess of 7,000 meals just from Crabtree Hall.

‘The VCSE is able to ‘handhold’ the young people, be their advocates when needed’

Working in partnership with Solihull Council, we have also had the opportunity to support more young people via the Family Hubs, which has allowed even more opportunities.

None of what Urban Heard has achieved, would have been possible without partnership working, across all sectors. This year was the first year we have worked closely with local businesses, who have helped provide CCTV after we were tragically broken into, and other businesses supporting with

redecorating. Working closely with other VCSE groups, we can support young people to refer to counselling in the community groups, play therapy and sporting opportunities.

We also work closely with schools, Early Help Teams, Exploitation Teams, Police, mental

health services and Children’s Services to ensure that all are safeguarded and given the specialist help when needed. The VCSE is able to ‘handhold’ the young people, be their advocates when needed and ensure that they have someone to turn to at all steps.

System change is needed and we firmly believe this is only possible from successful partnership working across all sectors: private, statutory, voluntary and health. Although it is cliché, communities really are stronger together. So I ask you, how are you going to strengthen your community in 2025?

All young people are welcome at Urban Heard

Festive fun or HR nightmare?

When organising the office Christmas party, an employee will have to face a minefield of HR challenges to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff. Chamberlink explores some of the questions an employer should ask before hosting a Christmas bash

As an employer, what should I do to prepare for the festive season?

Your first step should be to issue a statement to all employees ahead of a Christmas party or similar work-related event. This should not simply outline the where’s and when’s of a party but also remind staff of conduct matters, what could constitute as inappropriate behaviour and what the penalties for such behaviour will be. A dress code is always a good idea to keep things professional. Additionally, make sure that all managers familiarise themselves with the workplace policy on work-related social events.

Do I really need a policy on workplace social events?

Yes, regardless of the size of your organisation. Employers should always maintain a policy on workplace events because they have a duty of care towards their staff, and this will ensure that all staff know what appropriate behaviour is in such settings. The Equality Act 2010 makes employers liable for acts of discrimination, harassment and victimisation carried out by their employees, unless they can show that they took reasonable steps to prevent such acts.

Can I make attendance at any Christmas events compulsory?

It is prudent to allow employees to decide themselves if they wish to attend a Christmas party or group event. The chosen date may fall on a non-Christian holiday, or staff may simply find that in the run-up to Christmas they are simply too busy with other commitments to attend. Additionally, making attendance compulsory means that employees may be entailed to claim the time back too.

Is it appropriate to do an office

‘Secret Santa’?

It’s a nice gesture to bring the spirit of giving into the workplace and a Secret Santa gift-giving

ceremony is a great way to involve the whole company. However, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, review your company’s gift giving policy and make sure all staff are aware of it – and if you don’t currently have a bribery policy implemented, now would be a good time to have one written up. It is important to remember that in a work environment, gifts cannot be inappropriate or offensive. It’s also wise to include an upper spend limit on any gifts exchanged to keep it fair.

What if an employee comes to work late or not at all the day after the Christmas party?

You can include in your disciplinary policy the fact that you can take action for any lateness or non-attendance after a Christmas party, and staff should be reminded of this.

As an employer, you can make deductions from employees’ pay if they turn up for work late the morning after the company Christmas event –providing the right to make deductions for unauthorised absence is written into the employment contract.

If an employee misses work due to legitimate illness, you should follow you usual attendance management policy and procedures.

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Preparing for the new employment landscape

By Emma Gross, employment partner at Spencer West LLP

Since the election victory, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government has been hard at work to implement some of its manifesto promises. The King’s Speech emphasised the new Government’s plans for change with a litany of legislative commitments – some of which have profound implications for the employment sector.

Here, we examine some of the party’s ambitious manifesto and proposed policies and explore what Labour’s win means for the employment landscape moving forward.

In its 2024 manifesto the party presented a bold vision for transforming the workplace. It placed a strong emphasis on fairness, equality, and security focussing on a fair and properly managed immigration system, supporting people into work, and ensuring work pays fairly.

Firstly, it promised a “fair and properly managed immigration system”. In practice, this means that the party plans to reform the pointsbased immigration system to ensure that it is fair and properly managed. To do this, they propose to make visa regulations stricter by implementing appropriate restrictions on visas to better control net migration; and to link immigration to a skills policy by ensuring immigration policies are aligned with the country’s skills needs.

These changes would have an impact on employment law and practices, not least by enhancing both oversight and enforcement. Employers and recruitment agencies will face stringent scrutiny to prevent the abuse of the visa system. Those who flout the rules will be barred from hiring workers from abroad, promoting compliance with employment laws. In addition, any violations of employment law related to immigration could result in severe penalties, encouraging businesses to adhere strictly to legal standards.

The government has strongly vowed to invest in local workforce development by promising upskilling initiatives for local people rather than continue the country’s dependency on foreign workers. To do this, it promises the

implementation of training programmes to upskill local workers. Sector specific workforce plans are also promised in a bid to develop comprehensive workforce and training plans for sectors heavily reliant on foreign labour, such as health and social care, and construction, to ensure sustainable local employment solutions. Labour also plans to enhance the role of the Migration Advisory Committee, fostering collaboration with skills bodies, the Industrial Strategy Council, and the Department for Work and Pensions, with the aim of addressing the skills shortages effectively and holistically.

‘In its 2024 manifesto the Party presented a bold vision for transforming the workplace’

Secondly, in a bid to support people into work, Labour plans to streamline and enhance employment support through integrated services and localised plans. To do this, they propose merging Jobcentre Plus and The National Careers Services and so creating a national jobs and careers service to streamline and enhance employment support.

Thirdly, enhanced support for vulnerable populations has also been proposed. Labour plans to work with local areas to develop strategies to support disabled individuals and those with health conditions into work. This includes tackling the backlog of Access to Work claims and reforming the Work Capability Assessment to better support these individuals. They also propose establishing a guarantee of access to training, apprenticeships, or employment support for all 18- to 21-year-olds.

And finally, Sir Keir Starmer and his team have promised to “make work pay”. Labour’s manifesto focuses on improving workers' rights and working conditions, ensuring fair wages, and promoting collective bargaining. To do this a legislative overhaul is to be expected within the

first 100 days of government and will focus on improving workers’ rights and working conditions, and engage businesses, workers, and civil society in consultations

These overhauls will have a huge impact on employment law and practices with a real focus on enhanced worker protections by way of introducing legislation to ban exploitative zero hour contacts and end fire and rehire practices; and focussing on basic rights from day one which are designed to ensure workers have access to the likes of parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment.

The “Make Work Pay” initiative also includes strengthening collective bargaining by empowering trade unions and establishing a Single Enforcement Body to ensure employment rights are upheld with the aim of providing a robust mechanism for addressing any violations. Fair wages have also come into this proposal ensuring the minimum wage is a genuine living wage by adjusting it to reflect the cost of living, and removing any discriminatory age bands to ensure all adults receive the same, thereby providing a pay rise to much of the workforce.

All of the above will have many implications for businesses and their HR departments across the UK. The proposed changes indicate a comprehensive approach to addressing employment challenges, focusing on fair treatment, local skills development, and strong enforcement of labour laws. These changes reflect Labour’s vision of a fair, inclusive, and prosperous labour market that benefits both workers and employers, fostering a stronger and more resilient economy.

The party’s policies promise significant improvements in wages, job security, and work life balance for employees, while presenting both challenges and opportunities for employers. As these changes unfold, ongoing dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders will be crucial to navigating this new era in employment.

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Sector Focus

The latest news from the sectors that matter to business

Airline partners with Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce and easyJet have joined forces to work on a new set of ground-breaking hydrogen research tests at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

This will be the third Rolls-Royce test stand at NASA Stennis, expanding a relationship with NASA that goes back decades and includes joint research on a variety of aerospace technologies.

This programme is part of RollsRoyce’s goal to develop technologies that meet the world’s growing demand for power while enabling net zero by 2050.

The testing will demonstrate the integration of technologies required for 100 per cent hydrogen fuel

operation on a modified RollsRoyce Pearl 15 engine. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is providing engineering expertise to Rolls-Royce to achieve this milestone.

‘We are delighted with the progress our partnership with Rolls-Royce has made’

Deborah Robinson, director of test and experimental engineering for Rolls-Royce, said: “Rolls-Royce is at the forefront of developing technologies that will be needed to reach net zero by 2050. We are

excited to partner with other global leaders like easyJet and NASA to explore the viability of aviation decarbonisation through the introduction of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.”

David Morgan, chief operating officer at easyJet, said: “We are delighted with the progress our partnership with Rolls-Royce has made and where greater place to do this next phase of testing than at one of NASA’s facilities.

“It’s a truly remarkable feat – in just a few short years – to go from conceptual design stage to full engine testing with 100 per cent hydrogen, helping take us a step closer to our vision of operating

zero-carbon hydrogen-powered aircraft technology in the years to come.”

John Bailey, NASA Stennis director, said: “We welcome the opportunity to team with RollsRoyce on its new test project. RollsRoyce has been a valued tenant of NASA Stennis for many years, and we look forward to working together with them on this noteworthy endeavour."

The testing scheduled for NASA Stennis represents the culmination of a comprehensive, global programme set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for aerospace engines.

Eco-friendly flight takes to the skies Airport launches new Spanish route

A new Spanish route is launching from Birmingham Airport following “strong demand” from holidaymakers.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have added an exclusive route to Jerez Airport in the Costa de la Luz region from next summer.

The tour operator is also launching holidays to the Costa de la Luz via Faro Airport from Birmingham Airport in 2025.

Flights are on sale now with weekly Friday services operation from 2 May to 31 October 2025.

Tom Screen, aviation director at Birmingham Airport, said: “This new and exclusive direct route to Jerez from Birmingham Airport will be music to the ears of those wishing to experience the beauty of southern Spain's Andalusia region.

“Jerez, known for its amazing wine, horses, and flamenco, will now be ever more accessible for those in the West Midlands region and beyond.

“We are also thrilled to see the launch of holidays to Costa de la Luz from Birmingham, and we’re sure that our customers will be too, as they look forward to their next escape to the beach in summer 2025.”

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be giving customers and independent travel agents the chance to discover an authentic slice of Spain thanks to the launch of Costa de la Luz as a new destination for Summer 25 from Birmingham Airport.”

Birmingham Airport has welcomed the inaugural Lufthansa City Airlines flight. This was Lufthansa’s first flight using the A320NEO aircraft, which is up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than previous models.

The aircraft forms a part of the forward-looking fleet expansion from Lufthansa City, including aircraft from the Airbus A320 family and Airbus A220-300.

Lufthansa brand on the already popular service from Birmingham to Munich.

Jens Fehlinger, managing director of Lufthansa City Airlines, said:

Lufthansa City Airlines’ partnership with Birmingham Airport strengthens the

“Lufthansa City Airlines is committed to successfully positioning itself in the European short and medium-haul segment from Munich and Frankfurt. A major investment in the future that will strengthen Germany as an aviation location and create numerous attractive jobs.”

Dig this: easyJet team up at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi

New check-in system aims to ease travel for disabled flyers

Passengers with hidden disabilities are to be provided with a new check-in system at Birmingham Airport as a way of discreetly making others aware of their needs.

A new check-in facility is being introduced to ensure that customers who require the “Sunflower Lanyard” service can access assistance by trained staff while travelling through the airport.

Sunflower Lanyard users are required to first register with the assisted travel desk on-site, before accessing security. Once registered, airport teams can discuss the level of assistance required with customers.

Chris Wilson, head of terminal operations, said: “The Sunflower Lanyard has been in place for many years here at Birmingham Airport to assist our customers with hidden

disabilities and those requiring assistance whilst travelling through the airport.

“This new process ensures we can fully support our customers with the help they need, whether from the check-in point to the aircraft or just through the security process. The choice is up to our customers, ensuring their independence.”

Birmingham Airport added that the service is there to ensure that the airport journey is as stress-free and calm as possible for those with hidden disabilities.

Andy Wright, independent chairman of the Birmingham Airport Accessibility Forum, said: “I am aware of the increase in passengers now requiring a Sunflower Lanyard. This new scheme will help better manage the

service offered to customers registering upon arrival.”

The new process for customers is:

• Customers who have booked assisted travel with their airline or tour operator should go to the Assisted Travel desk when on site, or call from a help point, as is the current process.

• Customers arriving on the day who need assistance and will be using the Sunflower Lanyard due to hidden disabilities, are required to check-in at the Assisted Travel desk.

• The Assisted Travel Team will liaise with the customer to ensure their assistance needs are understood and a tag will be issued.

• The lanyard, and the tag, should be visible to airport colleagues so that they can use their enhanced training to make the experience more comfortable or simply ask if there’s anything they can help with.

• The Sunflower Lanyard does not automatically guarantee passage through the Express Lane, and this is monitored by customer service teams each day.

Committed to help: Zelf

Carpetright sold to Tapi

PwC have been appointed as joint administrators of Carpetright Ltd, the British retail chain selling carpets, flooring and beds and a subsidiary of Nestware Holdings Ltd.

Founded in 1988, the Company operates across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Headquartered in Purfleet, Essex, it has 273 stores and 1,898 employees.

Zelf Hussain, Rachael Wilkinson and Peter Dickens of PwC were appointed as joint administrators.

On appointment, the joint administrators completed a sale of 54 stores and two logistics hubs to CWHP Ltd., part of the Tapi Group. The transaction includes the transfer of 308 employees.

The company has been hit by challenging trading conditions, predominantly due to changing consumer preferences and a drop in home improvement spending post-pandemic. The business was also impacted by a cyber attack in April 2024.

The administrators will retain employees at the company's head office in Purfleet for a short time to support in winding down operations. Over 1,000 individuals employed at sites which were not included in the transaction have had to be made redundant.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said: “Carpetright has fallen victim to challenges facing many retailers. The sale of some stores and the brand to Tapi has allowed over 300 jobs to be saved. However, it is deeply saddening that for the remainder of the workforce there will be redundancies. We are committed to helping those affected and will make sure redundancy claims are processed as quickly as possible.”

Birmingham named a top city for investment

Birmingham has been at the forefront of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects since 2023, leading the West Midlands and outperforming all other cities outside of London, according to the latest EY UK Attractiveness Survey.

The West Midlands attracted 127 FDI projects in 2023, its highest total of the last decade. The region’s project total was 72 per cent higher than in 2022 and raised the share of all UK projects to a decade-high 12.9 per cent.

Birmingham recorded 67 FDI projects in 2023, setting a record for the highest number of projects managed by any city outside the capital in the last ten years.

The West Midlands also recorded an increase in employment associated with FDI projects, up 9.2 per cent to 6,784 – the region’s highest recorded total since 2017.

‘These figures reinforce the West Midlands as a strategic necessity to inbound investment’

While the West Midlands saw an upward trajectory, the East Midlands experienced a downturn in inward investment. The region recorded 31 projects in 2023, a 35 per cent decrease on the previous year.

This decline marks the second-lowest total of FDI projects for the East Midlands in a decade, causing its share to drop to 3.1 per cent of all UK projects.

The East Midlands ranked as the UK’s tenth best performing region in attracting investment. The East Midlands recorded almost the same number of jobs associated with FDI projects in 2022 as in 2023. The

total in 2023 was 2,848, ranking the East Midlands eighth out of 12 UK regions for FDI-associated employment.

The Software and IT Services sectors have been a significant driving force behind the West Midlands’ FDI success, contributing 38 projects – the sector’s highest project total in the region since 2017.

Simon O’Neill, office managing partner for EY in the Midlands, said: “The West Midlands recorded a meteoric rise in inward investment last year, a clear indicator of the region’s strong economic potential and its growing appeal to international capital.

“Birmingham’s exceptional performance exemplifies the city’s strategic position as a hub for innovation and business growth. While we celebrate these successes, we remain committed to understanding the challenges faced by the East Midlands and to supporting its efforts to regain momentum in attracting global investment.

“The West Midlands’ success story is not only a win for the region but also a significant contribution to the UK's position as a prime destination for foreign investment.”

Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) – the region’s official investment promotion agency – said: “These figures reinforce the West Midlands as a strategic necessity to inbound investment.

“Despite challenging macro-economic conditions, the region has bucked a trend of decline, witnessing UK-leading, and record-smashing growth in FDI.

“Critically, WMGC’s Global Growth Programme, intensive international relations and targeted marketing helped convert this interest into tangible investmentfrom which thousands of new jobs have been created.”

Sunflower network gets support

Crowe UK, the leading national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, has announced that it has become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

This is the latest inclusivity initiative from Crowe, which has its Midlands and South West offices in Oldbury, Cheltenham and Bristol.

Ross Prince, managing partner at Crowe Midlands and South West, said: “Crowe is a great place to work, and we are very clear that we want each and every one of our staff to feel valued, appreciated and understood.

“Becoming part of the Sunflower network further demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that everyone who works at Crowe can thrive in a supportive environment.”

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network collaborates with high profile organisations to raise awareness of disabilities and conditions that may not be immediately apparent. Since launching in 2016, the Sunflower

has become a globally recognised tool to signify non-visible disabilities.

The Sunflower is a voluntary symbol that can be worn as a lanyard, wristband, or pin badge. It discreetly indicates to others that the wearer has an invisible disability or condition and that they may need a helping hand, understanding or more patience –whether in the workplace or in public spaces.

Simon Crookston, partner and lead of the Crowe Ability Network, said: “We’re proud to be providing an inclusive work environment.

“Becoming a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network reinforces Crowe’s long held commitment to creating an environment where people have an awareness of neurodiversity and wider disabilities and where people of all abilities are able to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Dipesh Chhatralia, partner, Crowe UK, said: “At Crowe, our people are the core of our firm and inclusivity is rooted in our culture, so we are honoured to have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

“Our Crowe Ability Network (CAN) supports neurodiversity, long-term health conditions and all types of disabilities, and the Sunflower is helping us continue to build wider understanding of nonvisible disabilities through sharing knowledge and resources to our valued people and clients.”

Hussain

Not all disabilities are visible: Simon Crookston

Crystal Image launch new range

Award manufacturers Crystal Image have launched their latest collection for 2024 with a range of top-quality glassware and awards.

Following extensive searches and product development over the previous two years, this is their most substantial new product release and features items in the awards, giftware and tableware collections.

Martin Smith, from Crystal Image, said: “Like many sectors, sourcing and developing new product following Covid, proved extremely difficult.

“However, after much hard work, we are very pleased to release this collection of products, which complement our existing ranges extremely well.”

Virtually all the products shown on the collection have been designed to facilitate the engraving of a crest, logo or wording to create a personalised award, reward or gift that is sure to be treasured by the recipient.

High-speed bridge in high-speed installation

In a major construction operation, HS2 has moved a 1,600-tonne steel and concrete bridge into place in Saltley, Birmingham in just five hours.

The new Aston Church Road bridge, which is 84 metres long and 21 metres wide, was moved over the existing Birmingham to Derby railway line. It will also sit above the new HS2 tracks as high-speed trains travel in and out of Birmingham.

The bridge provides an upgraded, safer section of Aston Church Road including cycleways, which connects Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells in north-east Birmingham.

It took five hours for the team to move the bridge into place, reaching its final position at 3am on a Sunday morning. The operation was delivered by HS2’s main works contractor in the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and their specialist bridge move contractor Mammoet, during a Network Rail blockade. The railway was handed back to Network Rail five hours earlier than planned.

The technique of building the structure on land next to the existing railway and moving it into position in one operation over one weekend, significantly minimises disruption to rail passengers.

Heavy lifting engineering experts Mammoet moved the bridge into place using two 128wheeled self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) across a matting bed put down over the tracks by Pod-Trak to provide a level surface.

The new bridge was designed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra working for HS2’s main works contractor in the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV).

The design incorporates local feedback, with a wide pedestrian walkway creating enough space for cyclists, an LED lighting strategy to enhance safety, and new woodland planting around the bridge.

Public feedback resulted in the stainless steel finish being replaced

with weathered steel panels incorporating a perforated pattern to maximise light and views.

Steve Powell, HS2’s head of delivery said: “This is another great construction milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands, with our teams using the most innovative techniques to deliver feats of engineering safely and efficiently. It’s also a great example of how the new infrastructure we’re building for HS2 also provides big improvements for local communities.”

Dan Binns, project manager –Saltley Area for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because the bridge needed to be driven over four existing network rail lines, requiring years of precise planning.”

Burton sign manufacturer celebrates 31st anniversary

Hardy Signs, a leading provider of professional and digital signage solutions, is celebrating 31 years in business.

Marking over three decades of innovation, growth, and industry leadership, the company is celebrating with a series of events and activities that reflect its vibrant culture and commitment to excellence.

Founded in 1993, Hardy Signs has grown from a small start-up into a multi-award-winning enterprise, delivering high-quality signage solutions to a diverse range of business sectors across the UK and beyond.

Over the past 31 years, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and technology, becoming the preferred signage partner for both national and international organisations.

To celebrate this significant milestone, Hardy Signs is treating its dedicated team to a range of activities:

• A Caribbean feast: The festivities kicked off with a Caribbean lunch catered by Monica and Dermaine from Datties Soul Food.

• Go-Karting extravaganza: Demonstrating their competitive spirit off the clock, the Hardy Signs team is set to hit the racetrack for a thrilling go-karting day followed by dinner and drinks.

• Spoof-news-style video: Building on the success of last year's Jurassic Park-themed video, which delighted clients and partners alike, Hardy Signs has produced a new spoofnews-style video to commemorate the 31st anniversary. The video, filled with humour and nods to the company’s remarkable journey, is a testament to the team’s creativity and camaraderie.

The 31st-anniversary celebrations also include a series of surprises, team-building activities and opportunities for the team to reflect on the company’s journey and its bright future.

New collection: Part of the Crystal Image range

Job done: The giant bridge took just five hours to move

Celebrating (left to right): Dermaine Dunbar from Datties Soul Food with Val and Nik Hardy from Hardy Signs

Law firm welcomes framework reforms

Browne Jacobson has welcomed the government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system, which opened to consultation last month.

The consultation seeks views on the proposed approach to revising the framework in order to achieve sustainable growth in the planning system.

The government is also seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Ben Standing, a partner at the Colmore Rowbased UK and Ireland law firm specialising in planning and environmental law, said: “It’s welcoming to see the new Government waste no time in unveiling its plans for reforming the planning system, but it must ensure it works in close collaboration with the local authorities that will execute this new regime, rather than forcing something on them.

“The proposals point to a whole-system upheaval, but it must also consider whether any system can function effectively without the necessary people and skills, which are in high demand in local government due to insufficient funding over a prolonged period.

‘It’s welcoming to see the new Government waste no time in unveiling its plans for reforming the planning system’

“Time and again, we hear from local planning authorities that they are having to consider the merits of large, complex developments that require specific expertise to handle a wide range of planning and legal issues.

“Their inability to call upon this resource is bringing the planning system to a gridlock and prevents councils from regularly updating local plans, which is why only a third have a plan that is under five years old.

Appointment to help local councils

Social purpose law firm Anthony Collins has been appointed to the North East Procurement Organisation’s (NEPO) public sector procurement framework.

This is the second time Anthony Collins has been selected for the prestigious framework after it was first appointed in 2019. The firm also sits on other public sector frameworks including London Boroughs’ Legal Alliance and East Midlands Law Share.

Anthony Collins will provide a range of legal services through NEPO, spanning areas such as governance, employment law, property and planning.

The firm’s current work with Newcastle City Council on the authority’s decarbonisation programme is one of several contracts it has secured through the framework.

This latest appointment follows a restructuring of the framework which has been simplified to give public sector organisations more flexibility when choosing suppliers.

Matthew Gregson, partner and head of local government, said: “The appointment provides the opportunity for our firm to be part of a legal framework that has the potential to improve the way councils all over the country work and receive legal advice.”

Urgent

“We would therefore urge the government to tackle this issue in co-ordination with its proposed revision of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We would like to see new funding announced for local authorities and a focus on accessing the necessary training.

Perhaps a dedicated central resource of specific skills could be made available.

“The combination of more resource, along with an NPPF that clearly sets priorities for specific issues, should allow the planning system to be quicker and more consistent in its outcomes.”

Wilkes celebrates as they make shortlist

Award-winning law firm Wilkes are in line for even more accolades at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers awards at the Birmingham Hilton on 12 September.

They have been shortlisted for Corporate Law Firm of the Year, Deal of the Year (sub £10m), Deal of the Year (£10m- £50m) and Corporate Lawyer of the Year (Rick Smyth).

Rick Smyth, partner in Wilkes Corporate team, said: “Being shortlisted in more than one category this year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We are looking forward to attending the event, celebrating the successes of our industry and hopefully bringing home another win.”

Wilkes has also successfully acted on behalf of the shareholders of Elevate UK Lifts Limited in the sale of the entire issued share capital to Deltron Lifts Limited.

Elevate UK Lifts Limited, a family-owned business led by Harriet and Adam Taylor based in Stourport-on-Severn, has grown since its founding in 2014.

Wilkes provided comprehensive legal support to the sellers throughout the transaction, ensuring a smooth exit process. The corporate team was led by Jeremy Parkin, consultant, assisted by Christie Nelson.

Lifting experience: Jeremy Parkin and Christie Nelson

issues: Ben Standing

Helping councils: Matthew Gregson

Big-box units in high demand

Analysis by real estate advisors Avison Young of the industrial and logistics sector has highlighted a notable uptick in the take-up of “bigbox” units over 100,000 sq ft of grade-A space.

The first half of 2024 marked a total take-up of 10.9 million sq ft, marking a 30 per cent increase compared to H1 2023, reflecting improving market sentiment. Avison Young says that while activity remains below the five-year H1 average, the comparison is skewed due to the exceptional demand seen during the global pandemic.

The Midlands accounted for 68 per cent of H1’s leasing activity as the region continues to be a hotbed of activity for both occupiers and investors, particularly locations within the “Golden Triangle”.

Avison Young reports overall big-box supply has decreased to 47.4 million sq ft, across 207 units, down from 48.1 million sq ft at the end of Q1 (209 units).

Avison Young say the Midlands, with its industrial heritage and skilled workforce, is well-positioned to benefit further, along with other key UK locations including the North East and the South West, where Jaguar Land Rover’s planned new gigafactory in Bridgwater, exemplifies this positive trend.

The Avison Young analysis, however, also points out that planning constraints, including lengthy approval processes and stringent regulations, hinder the timely delivery and construction of new facilities. This could lead to a shortfall of new grade-A units, especially in high-demand regions like the Midlands, where current supply relative to the five-year average demand remains under 16 months.

Siddall Jones advise on law firm move

Property experts Siddall Jones has advised a leading Midlands law firm on a move to new state-of-the-art premises in Birmingham.

Lodders, which has offices in Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham and Henley-in-Arden as well as Birmingham, has taken 6,500 sq ft at 1 Newhall Street.

1 Newhall Street is 50,000 sq ft of refurbished Grade A office space across 11 floors in the heart of the city’s Colmore Business District.

Siddall Jones managing director Ed Siddall-Jones said: “Lodders’ relocation to 1 Newhall Street, Birmingham, is a landmark move towards a more sustainable future.

“The building’s extensive sustainability features, from efficient water and energy systems to advanced lighting solutions and supportive transport facilities, make it a model of modern, eco-friendly office design.

“By choosing such a forward-thinking workspace, the firm is not only enhancing its operational efficiency, but also making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.”

Lodders is moving from its current offices in St Paul’s Square in the Jewellery Quarter and intends to be in the new offices this month.

Andrew Jackson, managing director, industrial and logistics at Avison Young UK, said: “Despite elevated stock levels and a notable imbalance in available shed sizes, prime headline rental growth remains robust, especially in the best locations.

“This encouraging uptake underscores the strong demand and investment potential within the industrial sector, particularly in key strategic locations.

“Furthermore, the new government’s growth focus and £7.3 bn National Wealth Fund will help spur development of advanced manufacturing such as gigafactories.”

‘Get Britain building’ pledge welcomed

A leading global building solutions firm has welcomed the government’s early pledge to “get Britain building”.

Peter Hogg, UK cities director at Arcadis, said: “The Chancellor has started to ink in some of the detail around Labour’s oft-repeated pledge to ‘get Britain building’. Reclassification of green belt – the socalled ‘grey belt’ – is confirmed, as is a return to housing targets – and ambitious ones too.

“Ms Reeves also began to put a little more meat on the bones of what planning reform might look like. More national decision making on major planning decisions and less weight to local objections figured, as did faster decision making.

“The suggestion of cross departmental collaboration is very positive and the speech came tantalisingly close to committing to

a national infrastructure pipeline, which in Arcadis’ view would be hugely beneficial to investment in UK infrastructure.

“On housing, beyond target setting and planning reform, the speech was a little lighter on detail. It is crucial that stimulating housing focuses on meaningful supply-side measures; the time for tinkering with demand-side incentives that arguably make the housing crisis worse is well and truly over.

“The Prime Minister’s meeting with the UK’s metro-mayors was also a positive early step, and created a great platform for Sir Keir to re-iterate his government’s commitment to further devolution.

“Bringing the mayors together is a good start but Sir Keir and Ms Rayner will need many more meetings with the mayors to get to the right outcome.”

Baily Garner achieve B Corp status

Construction consultancy Baily Garner has successfully attained B Corp status.

The firm says the milestone underscores its dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and aligns with their core purpose: to positively impact people’s lives.

The certification covers five key pillars: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Baily Garner's focus on sustainability and social responsibility, especially in relation to public sector projects benefiting communities with high levels of deprivation, significantly boosted their score.

Moving in (left to right): Edward Siddall-Jones, managing director, Siddall Jones, with Beverley Morris, partner, Alexis Nicholls, operations director, and Graham Spalding, partner at Lodders

Booming: Big box development at Ergo Fradley Park, Lichfield

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STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION

A popular family-friendly farm park and artisan ice cream wholesaler in Derbyshire has undergone a significant green transformation to become more environmentally friendly and reduce its energy costs.

Bluebell Dairy has partnered with renewable energy experts Geo Green Power to install a 210 kW ground-mounted solar PV system, which will generate over 188,000 kWh of electricity per year.

This solar energy will power the wholesaler’s industrial freezer system, along with other key operations on the 300 acre farm, which features two sites for ice cream production and a number of family attractions.

Increasing energy costs and a growing requirement from their corporate customers to reduce emissions in their supply chains led to the Bluebell Dairy team investing in the system.

Oliver Brown, director of Bluebell Dairy, said: “Our freezer system uses a high amount of energy, and investing in solar power is the ideal solution to reduce both our energy costs and carbon footprint. This advancement towards a sustainable future for our business will not only make us more environmentally friendly but also meet the increasing green credentials demanded by our distribution partners, such as the National Trust and National Heritage.”

E: info@geogreenpower.com T: 0800 988 3188 / 01509 880 199 www.geogreenpower.com

Skills initiative is welcomed

A new Skills England initiative has been launched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to help bridge a skills gap, which is blamed for 36 per cent of UK job vacancies.

The government announced the launch of Skills England to bring together the fractured skills landscape and create a shared national ambition to boost the nation’s skills.

The education secretary has also appointed Richard Pennycook, former chief executive of the Co-operative Group and lead non-executive director at the DfE, as the interim chair.

Skills England will bring together central and local government, businesses, training providers and unions to meet the skills needs of the next decade across all regions, providing strategic oversight of the post-16 skills system aligned to the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

The initiative was welcomed by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce head of policy Emily Stubbs, who said: “Our latest Quarterly Business Report found that almost two in three firms currently face recruitment difficulties, and labour costs are of increasing concern to local businesses.

“Skills shortages have been a challenge here in the West Midlands since well before Covid and Brexit, and better planning is needed to address these. We need a long-term national skills strategy that ensures institutions are adequately funded and supported to deliver the training the economy needs and gives businesses the confidence to meaningfully increase investment in training.”

To read the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Report, go to: www.greater birminghamchambers.com

A student with a vision for creating affordable housing for all is the winner of the 2024 Millennium Point Scholarship.

Patrick Mezzano from Ward End has been awarded a fully-funded degree at Birmingham City University thanks to the Millennium Point Trust. Patrick is the 10th local student to benefit from the trust and university’s scholarship scheme, funded by Millennium Point’s work as an award-winning events and business destination.

A record number of students applied for this year’s scholarship, but organisers say Patrick stood out with his passion for finding solutions to the national housing crisis. He wowed judges with his vision for creating affordable housing for all. Thanks to the Scholarship, he is now closer to making his ideas a reality with a funded degree in real estate.

Patrick said: “I am over the moon to have won the Millennium Point Scholarship.

“I am really excited about starting my degree in Real Estate, and hopefully using it to help other young people’s housing ambitions.”

This year marks 10 years of the Millennium Point Scholarship. Alongside Birmingham City University, the Millennium Point Trust has been transforming the lives

New apprenticeship launched Student with vision wins top scholarship award

of students for a decade, empowering them to make their mark on the world.

Patrick follows last year’s winner Safa Bibi, who is about to complete her first year studying for a degree in computer science. 2024 Scholarship finalists, Joe Paddock, Jordan Badger, Benyamin Bansal and Shahzeb Khan were awarded laptops by the trust to help with their further studies.

Millennium Point CEO and scholarship judge Abbie Vlahakis said: “I am delighted that Patrick is this year’s winner and that we can support him in making his dream a reality.

“Patrick embodies everything that Millennium Point stands for with his passion for using his education to transform the lives of those around him. I can’t wait to see what Patrick achieves with his degree, and I’m thrilled that Millennium Point could enable an exciting academic future for him.”

Anyone interested in the 2025 Scholarship programme, further information on how to apply or get involved can be found at: www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/scholarship

The S&A Academy, a leading provider of technical apprenticeships in the UK, has launched UK’s National Polymer Processing Technician Apprenticeship Programme.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the polymer processing industry and provide a pathway for new and existing professionals to develop highly sought-after technical expertise.

The polymer manufacturing industry is critical to the UK's manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to the economy. However, a shortage of skilled operators has long been a challenge.

The S&A Academy’s apprenticeship programme is designed to address this issue head-on by offering comprehensive training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience over a period of 24 months. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including material properties, processing methods, quality control, and continuous improvement.

The S&A Academy has collaborated with leading industry experts and companies to ensure the apprenticeship programme meets the highest standards. Partners include prominent names in the polymer processing sector, providing apprentices with invaluable insights and opportunities for real-world application.

Kayleigh Bulman, operations process manager at Advanced Plastics, said: “We are thrilled to launch this pioneering apprenticeship programme.

“Our goal is to equip the next generation of technicians with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the polymer processing industry. This programme represents a significant investment in the future of UK manufacturing.”

Jemma Perks, director of The S&A Science Academy said: “We’re committed to creating an industry-led training programme, which aligns with skills gaps of employers in this sector.”

Vision: Patrick Mezzano with Abbie Vlahakis

Addressing skills gap: Jemma Perks

Challenge: Emily Subbs

Uni devises method for testing virus infectivity

A new method devised by a University of Birmingham (UoB) research team that can rapidly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious could revolutionise the response to future pandemics.

Called FAIRY (Fluorescence Assay for vIRal IntegritY), it can screen viruses against virucidal antivirals in minutes, allowing for the effectiveness of antiviral measures, such as disinfectants that break the chain of infection, to be quickly determined.

The FAIRY assay is based on research that was originally started at the University of Manchester. University of Birmingham Enterprise has filed a patent application covering the compounds, their methods and use in determining the viral integrity of virus samples. The company is now seeking commercial partners for licensing or collaboration and expects a high level of interest from companies using virucidal ISO standard testing, testing/screening companies and contract research organisations.

Dr Samuel Jones, from University of Birmingham’s School of Chemistry, led the research team. He

said: “On average, every four years a new virus is discovered that has pandemic potential, and there are many more already known viruses that could cross the species barrier.

“Yet to the best of our knowledge there is currently no assay capable of identifying whether a sample contains intact or non-intact viruses, and therefore shows whether it is infectious or non-infectious, without cell cultivation that could take weeks.”

The current gold standard method for determining viral

Engineers of the future take home top prize

The winners of the Air Link Rail Challenge at Birmingham Airport have been announced after two teams from WMG Academy for Young Engineers Solihull battled it out.

The challenge was launched in November 2023, with immersive experiences that included professional interactions, an on-site visit earlier this year and making a final student pitch.

Two teams submitted their presentations to the judging panel, led by Steve Walton, head of terminal infrastructure, who was accompanied by John Gregory, engineering manager, infrastructure; Andy Holding, corporate responsibility manager; Luke Phipps, electrical manager; Stuart Twomlow, terminal operations lead and Jon Davies, energy and carbon manager.

The judging criteria was meticulous, incorporating nine elements including: the customer journey, sustainability, mechanical and electrical engineering aspects, commercialism and budget control.

Students presented innovative solutions such as rainwater electricity generation from hydroelectric guttering, carbon capture paint and Pavegen kinetic flooring.

infectivity uses cultured cells, which takes many days to show results, requires specialist staff to do the testing, and also needs a cultivatable cell line, which is not available for all viruses.

The new method uses a dye that can ordinarily penetrate viruses through pores in the capsid (protein shell) that surrounds its genetic material (DNA or RNA).

‘On

average, every four years a new virus is discovered that has pandemic potential’

This dye is conjugated to a larger molecule, which prevents it from penetrating the capsid pores. When the dye binds to viral DNA or RNA it provides a fluorescent signal.

The resulting assay shows whether the virus is intact, and therefore infectious or not.

Dr Jones added: “This simple, low-cost, assay can rapidly screen multiple disinfectants and viruses. It could have screened every disinfectant for antiviral activity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and so deliver a more rapid response during the next pandemic.”

Team One won with 319 points and received the prizes of £50 gift cards, a week’s work experience and a tour and exploration at Birmingham Airport. The runners up were awarded £20 gift cards.

Richard Hardwick, teacher of engineering, said: “I was very proud of how the students presented themselves and their projects in light of the difficulties and changes undertaken during the project. It was phenomenal to have the link with Birmingham Airport so students could showcase their skills to a real world engineering problem and be challenged by industry professionals.”

Steve Walton said: “The young engineering students from WMG Academy were tested in delivering real world solutions in a live engineering environment. The quality of the submissions from both teams was first class and the level of effort was a credit to both the students and the school.

“The project has exceeded the expectations of the airport and I offer huge congratulations to both teams for what they produced. I will be following the careers of all involved closely. Our industry is in good hands, and I would like to wish all involved the very best for the future.”

MESOX wins national award

A spin-out company from Aston University’s pharmaceutics research group, MESOX, has won a national medical technology and life sciences industry award.

MESOX, founded by Aston University pharmaceutics lecturer Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, has been awarded the National Start-Up Award from Medilink UK. The awards recognise outstanding contributions to medtech life sciences.

With in-depth expertise in particle engineering for drug delivery and pharmaceutical spray drying, MESOX uses IPprotected carriers to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market.

The award is presented to a newly established company that shows a promising future. As a result of the win, MESOX went on to compete in the national awards against the other regional winners. The independent judging panel, representing key stakeholders in life sciences, assessed entrants in each of the seven categories on the merit of their contribution to the improvement of patient care.

The award was presented by Kevin Kiely, executive chairman, Medilink North of England, and Bill Cruise, chairman of Medilink UK, at a ceremony at the London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE).

Dr Al-Khattawi said: “This is a proud moment for the MESOX team and a testament to the potential of our company. To be selected from among hundreds of great life science start-ups in the UK is a great privilege. This highlights the transformative potential of our company in advancing the formulation development of innovative therapeutics.”

Proud moment: Dr Ali Al-Khattawi

New virus every four years:

Dr Samuel Jones

High fliers: The winning team

Team building in a VR world

Birmingham-based meeting, training and events venue group thestudio has teamed up with Sandbox VR to deliver innovative virtual reality team experiences to their clients in the city centre.

Sandbox is a futuristic virtual reality experience where guests can see and physically interact with everyone inside a virtual world just like in reality.

Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, these exclusive worlds give guests the experience of completing activities and challenges, just as if you are a reallife character within the game or movie.

Guests can try a range of experiences from competing with each other in Netflix’s Squid Game, being part of the Starfleet in Star Trek, fighting zombies in Deadwood Valley or hunting down the long-lost treasure in the Curse of Davy Jones.

These original worlds are exclusive to Sandbox and designed by their own in-house game development team. This helps to develop and strengthen relationships with colleagues and create a memory to share.

Julian Kettleborough, commercial director at thestudio, said: “We’re always keen to offer innovative experiences to our guests and often have clients seeking a cost-effective solution for team activities, particularly for smaller groups.

“The decision to partner with Sandbox VR felt instinctively right and offers a ready-made suite of team activities for groups of two and upwards.

“Many of our team have already had the opportunity to have a go at some of the experiences and have been talking about them non-stop ever since!

“The quality of the experience is simply incredible”

Max Beesley, sales and event manager for Sandbox VR Birmingham, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with thestudio to offer our products to a wider business-focussed audience.

“Our fully immersive experiences are challenging, fantastic fun and as a result act as a superb ice breaker or a really enjoyable way to unwind after a busy day for business audiences.”

Change expected for digital security Bills

By Amy Peacey, Clarke Willmott

New flagship data and cyber security legislation was unveiled in the recent King’s Speech.

Having failed to make the previous Conservative government’s legislative “wash up”, the Labour government has introduced two replacement Bills which take a slightly different approach.

It is difficult now to determine the full scope of the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill (DISDB) Bill but it appears it will take a different approach to the Bill proposed by the Conservatives - with the focus on the sharing of data to facilitate growth securely.

The new government’s stated aim is to harness the power of data for economic growth, to support a modern digital government and to improve people’s lives.

Some of the proposals in the new Bill are similar to those in the DPDIB including:

• the establishment of Digital Verification Services to assist individuals with moving house, pre-employment checks and buying age-related products by supporting the creation of secure and trusted digital identity products and services.

• Smart Data schemes to provide for the secure sharing of customer data with authorised third-party providers.

• moving to an electronic system for the registration of births and deaths.

• plans to strengthen the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The new Bill also includes proposals such as:

• developing a National Underground Asset register using a digital map that will revolutionise the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of cables and pipes which will give planners and excavators secure, instant access to the data they need to carry out their work effectively.

• establishing a Data Preservation Process that will provide access to data which is necessary for the investigation into the death of a child.

• the ability for scientists to ask for broader consent for the use of data for scientific research.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB)

This Bill is part of the government’s pledge to enhance and strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity measures and protect the digital economy. The existing UK regulations reflect law inherited from the EU.

The new government says the cyber security regulations need an “urgent update”, and it is likely that the CSRB will be similar to the proposed EU legislation.

The Bill will:

• expand the remit of the current UK NIS regulations to protect more digital services and supply chains.

• provide regulators with greater powers to ensure essential cyber safety measures are being implemented. This would include potential cost recovery mechanisms to provide resources to regulators and provide powers to proactively investigate potential vulnerabilities.

• implement increased incident reporting to provide data on cyber attacks, including where a company has been held to ransom. The purpose is to improve the understanding of cyber threats and provide essential data to enable identification of patterns of attacks and an effective response.

For further information on the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill and the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, contact Amy Peacey, at amy.peacey@clarkewillmott.com or 0345 209 1329.

Independent chair joins Music Hub

The director of Birmingham Arts School and former associate director of the Birmingham Rep has been appointed independent chair at Services For Education – which was recently announced as Music Hub Lead Organisation for Birmingham as part of an ambitious programme to enable more Birmingham children to enjoy playing music.

Dr Steve Ball (pictured) will chair the new hub board that will work with Services For Education’s executive team and the charity’s trustees to deliver the Government’s National Plan for Music Education - The Power of Music to Change Lives.

For Birmingham, the plan includes a multi-millionpound programme to further increase music education in the city’s schools investing up to nearly £650,000 in new music instruments, equipment and technology for children and young people including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

artistic director of Language Alive Theatre in Education. He also co-chairs the Drama and Theatre Education Alliance.

During his 18 years at Birmingham Rep, Dr Ball directed and produced work for children and young people and led the theatre's learning and participation and community engagement programmes. He was previously head of arts for Birmingham City Council and is the founding

Sharon Bell, chief executive of Services For Education, said the role of independent chair was crucial to ensuring that the organisation exceeded the expectations of Arts Council England – which recently appointed Services For Education as one of 43 new music hubs in England.

Dr Ball said Birmingham’s national and international reputation as a centre for music and drama, would only be maintained by providing young people with greater opportunities to enjoy music and the arts.

“The opportunity now is to work with partners locally and nationally to enable more Birmingham children and young people to participate in music-making whilst also maximising this significant investment in music education for our city,” said Dr Ball.

Services For Education was appointed in May 2024 as one of 43 new Music Hub Lead Organisations in England by Arts Council England following a bidding process. The 43 new hubs replace the existing 116 Music Hubs with the new structure being implemented from September 2024.

Support for creative industries

A new plan to capitalise on the potential of the region’s cultural and creative industries to help grow the economy has been launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Over the next two years the WMCA will invest in the arts, heritage and culture to support the ambition and capacity of the sectors, recognising their significant economic and social value to the region.

As part of this latest investment, the WMCA will use £1m of funds to offer a package of sector specific skills and business support that early and mid-career freelancers, small cultural organisations and creative businesses say they need to help them develop and prosper.

The Activate programme, for which applications are now closed, will provide up to 100 individuals and small organisations with tailored workshops, mentoring, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and wellbeing support.

The programme will also include internships to get the next generation of talent into work within the cultural and creative sectors, helping to support the Mayor Richard Parker’s new flagship plan to tackle high levels of youth unemployment,

Additionally, the Future Boards Accelerator will support future leaders to develop the skills and confidence they need to take up positions on governing boards.

Creatives: The launch of WMCA's Activate programme at St Mary's Guild Hall in Coventry included a panel discussion featuring Nyasha Daley and Amy Dalton-Hardy, who are members of the West Midlands Cultural Leadership Board, and fellow freelancers Jamie Wright and Navkiran Man

Mr Parker, who also chairs the WMCA, said: “The West Midlands’ cultural and creative sector is one of the biggest in the country – and the people at its heart make a remarkable social and economic contribution to our region. They must be able to look to the public sector for our support and they have already told us that one of the biggest barriers to success is the lack of sector specific support to sustain and grow their businesses.”

Artistic friends across borders

Ikon and macLYON will present works by over 20 artists from the British Council Collection and macLYON that explore the meaning and role of friendship in contemporary life from 2 October until 23 February.

Taking place in the partner cities of Birmingham and Lyon, Friends in Love and War — L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es also reflects on diplomatic friendships.

Melanie Pocock (artistic director, exhibitions at Ikon) and Marilou Laneuville (head of exhibitions and publications at macLYON) said: “This exhibition is much more than a one-off partnership. It represents our shared commitment to building artistic friendships.”

Emerging artists show off talent

City artist Ava Khera is a rising star – after being unveiled winner of the Birmingham Creates: The Open art competition celebrating the area’s emerging artistic talent.

Ava, whose winning entry was “Nature’s Embrace,” was one of three exceptional artists chosen by a judging panel and an enthusiastic public vote who emerged with top honours.

With an eight-year career in design before pursuing her passion in fine art, Ava now combines her curiosity of the modern female experience with her love of the natural world.

She said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have my work recognised in such a prestigious competition. Birmingham's art scene is thriving, and I’m proud to be

part of it. Thank you to Colmore BID and the judges for this incredible opportunity.”

David Collier’s “Rotunders” received high commendation for its poignant reflection on the city'sbuilt environment history. The Birmingham-based artist’s winning piece is a photomontage based on the original –but never undertaken - plans for Birmingham city centre to build five Rotundas to represent the human hand.

Misha Leigh Raybone was chosen as People’s Choice Winner for her work Stained Glass Gator.

The overall winner has been awarded a £2,000 prize, and the Highly Commended and People’s Choice winners will each receive £1,000. The prize for all three winners includes a full portfolio review undertaken by Colley Ison Gallery.

Honoured: Ava Khera

The Business of Sport

Breaking new ground:

Electric grounds fleet launched

Warwickshire has become the first professional cricket club in the country to operate an all-electric fleet of grounds equipment to maintain its pitches.

The club has agreed a new partnership with leading international grounds equipment brand Dennis Mowers to supply a range of 10 battery-powered lawnmowers for its Edgbaston pitch and Colts training ground.

Replacing the outgoing petrol versions, the state-ofthe-art grounds kit will save the club around £4,500 a year in fuel costs and reduce its CO2 emissions by more than seven tonnes annually.

The move is all part of Warwickshire’s Edgbaston for Sustainability pledge and an ambition to make the iconic stadium Net Zero by 2030.

It follows a successful trial of the all-electric grounds machinery used to prepare Edgbaston’s Go Green Game last September which was the first sustainable international match of its kind.

A report following the England vs New Zealand IT20 match found total carbon emissions were reduced by 33.7 per cent against a comparable major match day in 2022.

Edgbaston’s head of sports turf, Gary Barwell, said: “This is a great opportunity to work with a leading supplier in the sports turf industry who can supply everything we need to help us prepare international standard surfaces.

“With two mowers we can cut the outfield two ways on one battery charge so there are certainly no issues with ‘range anxiety’.”

Missing The Olympics? easyJet has you covered

Finland’s Wife Carrying Championship, Dutch lake-leaping contest and French wine marathon have been revealed as the top must-do alternative sports to travel to watch.

Mud Olympics in Germany, Hobby Horse Championships in Finland and famous Scottish Haggis throwing contest also feature highly in a new alternative European sports tournament list compiled by airline easyJet and voted for by the British public.

With major international tournaments and sporting events taking place across Europe this summer, the study of 2,000 sportsloving Brits by the airline has revealed a new hot list of lesserknown sports events across the continent, with some even offering the opportunity to take part.

easyJet boosted its seats by around 20 per cent across routes to European destinations hosting sports events this summer, including the Euro 2024 football champions across Germany and the Olympics in Paris.

Sophie Dekkers, chief commercial officer, easyJet, said: “Sport is unquestionably a great celebration of cultures and communities and with our unrivalled short-haul network

offering over 1000 routes to 35 countries, easyJet is perfectly placed to take customers to an amazing range of events.”

The top 10 alternative European sporting events as voted for by the British public are:

1. Wife Carrying Championship, Finland (July 2025)

2. Fierljeppen, Netherlands (until September)

3. Concurs de Castille, Spain (5 October)

Stadium selects hotel partner

A new Radisson hotel is set to transform the Edgbaston Stadium skyline as centrepiece of the world-famous cricket venue’s Masterplan redevelopment.

The proposed Radisson RED Birmingham Edgbaston Stadium – part of the group’s RED lifestyle four-star brand – will feature 146 rooms, including 85 with pitchfacing balconies.

Eighteen of the pitch-view rooms will be fully convertible into hospitality spaces, while Level 4 will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar with a 160 square metre outside terrace offering panoramic views of the Birmingham skyline.

The hotel is the centrepiece of a project that includes the redevelopment of the stadium’s Raglan and Family Stands, incorporating a modern, new concourse with enhanced food and drink options and improved facilities for disabled spectators.

4. Marathon du Medoc, Bordeaux, France (7 September)

5. Coopers Hill Cheese Rolling, UK (May 2025)

6. Haggis Hurling, UK (June 2025)

7. Mud Olympics, Germany (17 August)

8. Hobby Horse Championship, Finland (June 2025)

9. Air Guitar Championships, Finland (June 2025) – 24 per cent

10 Turkish Oil Wrestling, Turkey (July 2025)

If permission is granted, the project is expected to be finished by Spring 2027 with the hotel opening in time for that year’s men’s Ashes Test against Australia.

Edgbaston chief operating officer Craig Flindall said: “We’re delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group; the brand’s upscale lifestyle theme is a perfect fit for our vision of the stadium’s ambitious Masterplan project.

“The redevelopment will cement our position as one of the country’s few premier stadia and hotel complexes and offer a genuine destination experience for people wanting to visit Birmingham or the West Midlands.”

Warwickshire’s electric mowers in action at Edgbaston

Vision: How the Radisson at Edgbaston would look

easyJet does it: Flights include a visit to the wife-carrying championship in Finland

Chamber Insight

Focus on a member

Name: Phil Hayes

What does your company do?

We prepare people to make successful appearances on TV and radio news – either to explain themselves in a crisis or to promote their work.

How did it all start?

My fellow director Sandra Collins and I (pictured) were both Civil Service press officers. As part of civil service reforms we were made redundant in 2012 and decided to go into business as media trainers.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Sandra and I won a contract with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, which opened up work all over the world.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Ironically, our greatest achievement was also our greatest risk as we relied too heavily on one large contract and when we ran into temporary contractual problems – driven by a change of civil service policy and through no fault of our own – our single major source of turnover was at risk. We used this as a spur to diversify and win more work elsewhere.

What keeps you awake at night?

Very little, as I trust the team of experienced freelances that I work with, which includes current and ex-broadcast and print journalists.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently? I would have focused on working

with businesses right on my doorstep, here in the West Midlands.

What has surprised you most in your job?

Even the most senior people are worried about the challenge of appearing on TV news. We acknowledge this in our training, using those nerves to prompt the preparation that makes the difference between an okay interview and an excellent one.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Never burn your bridges. Word of mouth and reputation are very powerful.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

Later this year, I’ll be attending the Emergency Planning Society’s annual conference to film and interview keynote speakers. This is a great opportunity for me to meet senior leaders of the crisis management world.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

After a decade of working all over the world, Sandra and I wanted to help businesses and charities on our doorstep, here in the West Midlands. We’ve realised that talking to people face-to-face is the best way to demonstrate what we do.

Tel: 07866 635285

Visit: www.hayescollins.co.uk

Company:

Hayes Collins Media

Job Title:

Company director and information security manager

New Members

Your guide to new sign-ups

JUNE

Aspire

Ben Rawal 0330 133 2645

aspire-consulting.co.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Best 4 Business Communications Ltd

FREDDIE HAWKER

0333 366 3333

www.b4bc.co.uk

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Brew

Matthew Bowell 07885 754452

www.wearebrew.co.uk

Advertising agencies

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Chartered Institute Of Arbitrators

Anita Chiverton 020 7421 7444

www.ciarb.org

Activities of professional membership organisations

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Control Freak UK

Brandon Davies 0121 468 4121

www.controlfreakuk.com

Manufacture of electric lighting equipment

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cord Power Technologies Ltd

James Hylton 0330 102 5656

www.cord-ev.com

Manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment for motor vehicles and their engines

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Enterprise Loans East Midlands

Danielle Davis 0345 602 7355

www.first-enterprise.co.uk

Credit granting by non-deposit taking finance houses and other specialist consumer credit grantors

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Enzygo Ltd

Tony Sheach 0114 321 5151

www.enzygo.com

Environmental consulting activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Executive Lily

Jeanette O'Connell 07553 127465

www.executivelily.co.uk

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

FreshBreeze Environmental Ltd

Muhammad Rajput 07774 803184

freshbreezeeltd.co.uk

Environmental consulting activities

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Gaskell Safety Ltd

Arron Gaskell 01283 777074

www.gaskellsafety.co.uk

Public order and safety activities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Global Wills

Amar Jawaid 0121 740 0501

Globalwills.co.uk

Banks

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Go True North

Neil Betts 07943 448605 gotruenorth.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

IET Birmingham: Austin Court Angena Devi 0121 600 7500

austincourt.theiet.org

Activities of conference organisers Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Kapadia Rose Emily-Rose Cluderay 07917 866212

www.kapadia-rose.co.uk

Specialists medical practice activities

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Knightwood Limited

Hussain Rahim 0330 321 1343

knightwood.uk.com

Accounting and auditing activities

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Millennium Point

Victoria Webb 0121 202 2203

www.millenniumpoint.org.uk

Letting and operating of conference and exhibition centres Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

PH Logistics UK Limited

Mike Hickey 0121 740 1274

www.phlogistics.co.uk

Sea and coastal freight water transport Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

RandalSun Capital Limited

Danielle Wells 01636 707343

www.randalsuncapital.co.uk

Activities of investment trusts Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

S & T Enterprises Ltd

Olusegun Akande 0121 714 2221

www.prideofafricafoods.com

Wholesale of other food, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Shine Pix Ltd

Shaun Fellows 07977 518588

www.shinepix.co.uk

Photographic activities not elsewhere classified Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Skyscape IT Limited

Robin Whiting 0121 274 0378

skyscapeit.co.uk

Information technology consultancy activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

TestUK

John Ramsden 07386 729866

www.testukltd.com

Electrical installation

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Chartwell Practice Limited

Steven Bourne 01283 741400

www.chartwellpractice.com

Accounting and auditing activities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

The Voice For Epilepsy

Kasam Parkar 07772 450676

www.thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

UK Legionella Water Services Ltd

Mick Reed 07983 339313

www.uklegionella.co.uk

Water collection, treatment and supply

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Vercox Consulting Ltd

Nicholas Folidis 07375 917167

vercox.com

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

JULY

Amba Care Solutions Community Interest Company

Jay Chauhan 07572 110569

www.amba-uk.org/home

Other human health activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Anawim Birmingham Centre for Women

Anna Makanjuola 0121 440 5296

anawim.co.uk

Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

ARC Inspirations - BOX and Manahatta

Saskia Keatman 0121 269 5700

www.thebox.co.uk/bars/brindleyplace

Public houses and bars

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Auditel

Andrew Buxton 07816 661104

auditel.co.uk

Environmental consulting activities

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

As the voice of local

connect, support and grow.

B13 AI

Tara Lawrence 07459 474773

www.b13.ai

Business and domestic software development

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Ballards LLP

Andy Bewick 01905 794504

ballardsllp.com

Accounting and auditing activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce/ Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Transatlantic Chamber

BeePro Cosmetics Ltd

Aisha (Vanessa) Jallow 07984 246022

Retail sale of cosmetic and toilet articles in specialised stores

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham United FC Foundation

CIC

Siraj Hussain 07491 532706

www.bufcfoundation.co.uk

Other sports activities

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Van Centre

Sophie Quinn 0121 382 5657

www.birminghamvancentre.co.uk

Sale of used cars and light motor vehicles

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC)

Helen Cobain 0121 643 4343

www.bvsc.org

Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Burpham23 Ltd

Bav Tamber 07973 777772

Buying and selling of own real estate

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

CCR Consulting Services LTD

JASVINDER SINGH 0330 221 5438

auditel.co.uk/jasvindersingh

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

CRFS Limited

Keren Coulson 01223 859500

crfs.com

Manufacture of communication equipment other than telegraph, and telephone apparatus and equipment

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cubbi

Olivia Davson 07517 802958

www.cubbi.uk

Advertising agencies

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

eKim Commerce

Michael Farr 07970 193561 www.ekimcommerce.co.uk

Advertising agencies

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

EMG International Logistics LTD

Emre Cinkir 07474 952551

emginternational.co.uk

Cargo handling for land transport activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

G4S Secure Solutions UK Ltd

Atif Javed 0845 900 0447

www.g4s.com

Private security activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Gallagher

Angelo Cugini 07763 208186

www.ajginternational.com

Non-life insurance

Transatlantic Chamber

Hush Healthcare Ltd

Raminder Sidhu 07946 602409

www.rothercarepharmacy.co.uk

Dispensing chemist in specialised stores

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Malted Waffle Co Limited

Laura Barrett 0121 308 6040

www.waffles.co.uk

Manufacture of breakfast cereals and cereals-based food

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Marktlink

Joe Moran 07586 574413 www.marktlink.com/uk

Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Maximus UK

Chris Kingsbury 0300 456 8114

www.maximusuk.co.uk

Other human health activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Minor Weir and Willis Parveen Mehta 0121 289 4000

www.mww.co.uk

Wholesale of fruit and vegetables

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Partstown UK Limited

Chris Goodayle 01543 577778

www.partstown.co.uk

Agents involved in the sale of machinery, industrial equipment, ships and aircraft

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Privilege HR Birmingham Central

Pav Dubb 0121 269 7999

Privilegehr.co.uk

Human resources provision and management of human resources functions

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Rocliff Workwear Rental

Charlie Howard 01743 442121

www.rocliff.co.uk

Manufacture of workwear Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

SARAC

Caroline Fotheringham 01283 535110

sarac.org.uk

Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Signature Personnel Ltd

Katrina Bullock 07368 213071

www.signaturepersonnel.co.uk

Temporary employment agency activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

FUTURE FACES NEW MEMBERS

Saskia Keatman ARC InspirationsBOX and Manahatta

Sunny Pal Astella & Co limited

Kerri-Anne Anim Birmingham City University

Cameron Florey Buddy Bag Foundation Isabelle Winter Burton upon Trent & District YMCA

Jessica Goodchild Else Solicitors LLP

Lakhvir Singh Else Solicitors LLP

James Twells Ginho Europe

Precision Manufacturing Co Ltd

Armaan Sadiq Global Wills

Kate Dissington Hoar Cross Hall

Amie Montgomery Katie Bard

Katie Moran Katie Bard

Manisha Chauhan Lichfield Garrick

Theatre Limited

Amelia Woodward Leopard Co.

Kirstie Bowman Leopard Co.

Alexandra Clarke Malone Group

Charlie Gregory MIH Solutions

SMS Technology

Mark Robinson 0333 443 2522

sms-tech.org

Business and domestic software development

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Snowball Community Ltd

Clive Cooper 07906 896813

snowballassessment.com

Other information service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Topremedy Ltd

Adrienn Hamori 07414 807431

www.topremedy.co.uk

Travel agency activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Vantage 365 Limited

Matthew Weston 01384 593720

www.vantage365.com

Information technology consultancy activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Weightmans LLP

Sarah Perry 0345 073 9900

www.weightmans.com

Solicitors

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Pav Dubb Privilege HR Birmingham Central

Jade Martin Rushton Hickman Limited

Taylor Millington Rushton Hickman Limited

Max Beesley Sandbox VR

Sefton Jeans Sefton Trading Limited

Jack Marshall Select Car Leasing Ltd

Thomas Brown Select Car Leasing Ltd

Sophie Allen Serrano Media

Olivia Garner SF Recruitment

Helen Rushton Stubbs Spectrum Telecommunications Limited

Natalie Posteraro Tali Designs

Hanna Kelsey The Chartwell Practice Limited

Rebecca Hayles The Chartwell Practice Limited

David Lukic Weightmans LLP

James Statham Weightmans LLP

Lasya Nair Weightmans LLP

Rhiannon Moody Weightmans LLP

Rikesh Chauhan Weightmans LLP

Suneetra Singh Weightmans LLP

...any other business

A roundup of news from Chamber members

Love letter to Brum unveiled at station

A popular poem celebrating the life, culture and community of Birmingham has been unveiled on the walls of one of the West Midlands’ busiest railway stations.

Titled Dear Brum, the poem was written by Casey Bailey as a “love letter” to the city. The installation, which was led by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with Casey and West Midlands Railway, has been unveiled at the new-look station.

The installation has taken pride of place in the new station building that opened in January following a multi-million pound upgrade to cater for growing passenger numbers. University welcomes millions of passengers every year.

Casey, a former Birmingham Poet Laureate, said: “When I wrote this poem I wanted it to reach the people of Birmingham and people who were coming to Birmingham. Seeing it on the

wall at University station takes that to a whole new level. It’s amazing.”

The artwork at the station features the first five lines of the inspirational 45-line poem, with a QR code available for passengers to scan to find out more and read the full verse.

Zoe Hodgins, area station manager for West Midlands Railway, said: “As a rail operator, communities are at the heart of our business and this artwork is designed to celebrate all the people who make Birmingham unique at our newest railway station. With the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital on

Queen Elizabeth’s pen goes on display

The pen used by the late Queen Elizabeth II when she first visited Aston University was unveiled at a special event to highlight the role of history and archives held at the University’s headquarters, John Cadbury House, in Birmingham city centre.

The event, organised by the department of history at Aston University and the Aston University archives team, brought together representatives of cultural heritage organisations from across the city and wider region.

The programme included a talk by Dr Ilaria Scaglia, senior lecturer in modern history and chair of the Aston University archives committee, during which she explained the history of the Parker 51 pen, the day on which it was used during the royal visit to Aston University (then the College of Technology, Commerce and Art) on 3 November 1955 and the role of history and archives in bringing the past to life.

The pen exhibit was then unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands Sir John Crabtree, assisted by Professor Aleks Subic, vicechancellor and chief executive of Aston University and professor of Higher Education Learning and Management and associate dean of Aston Business School, Helen Higson.

Dr Scaglia teaches on the BA (Hons) History programme at Aston University which offers an engaging exploration of the past during the modern and contemporary period (since 1789).

the doorstep, the station is one of the busiest on our network which makes it the perfect place for this celebration.”

Clare Mullett, head of research and cultural collections at the University of Birmingham, said: “We are a civic university, and working together with our community and making connections is fundamental to what we do.

“Collaborating with important artists from our own city, like Casey Bailey, helps us to welcome people through University station and onto a beautiful campus that is filled with art, museums and wonderful free things to do.”

Balding? You must live in Birmingham

Birmingham is among the UK’s hair loss hotspots, according to one of the most bizarre surveys ever conducted.

The baldest city emerges as Wakefield, while Derby ranks as the most hirsute.

Birmingham’s dubious honour is based on the average of Google searches for terms related to male balding, like “how to cover a receding hairline” and “how to prevent male hair loss”.

Birmingham ranks eighth, with 265 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens for terms related to male balding.

Stress, pollution, and poor dietary habits, apparently all common in large cities, are blamed for hair loss, according to health experts.

Baldness champions Wakefield recorded 314 monthly Google searches per 100,000 citizens. Derby, by contrast, recorded just 77 monthly Google searches per 100,000 citizens.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that 39.4 per cent of Wakefield’s population is over 50, among the highest in the ranking, compared to the national average of 37.9 per cent. This slightly older population could contribute to the city’s rate of men experiencing balding.

The analysis was carried out by barber shop Ruffians, who have premises in Covent Garden, Marylebone, Shoreditch Soho in London and Edinburgh.

The value of the research is difficult to estimate but you can be pretty sure the barbers do sell hair products designed to promote hair growth.

Poem of love for Birmingham: Casey Bailey

Historic pen: Sir John Crabtree (left) and Professor Aleks Subic

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