BULLRING CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS: PAGE 24
EDIT FREE
AUTUMN 2017
CITY CENTRE RETAIL SURVEY FINDINGS: PAGE 14 EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 1
Meet the new BID Chairman DIRECTOR’S HOPES FOR CITY CENTRE: PAGES 4 & 5
BRING ON THE GAMES BIRMINGHAM NAMED AS UK CANDIDATE TO HOST COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022
PAGE 2 EDIT AUTUMN 2017 EDIT magazine is brought to you by
Retail Birmingham is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Birmingham city centre’s retail area and has been supporting its members since 2007, promoting, enhancing and developing the shopping and leisure experience in the city centre. While the retail environment is forever changing with the challenge of shopping online, the Retail BID firmly believes in supporting the shopping experience delivered by retailers in the city centre, maintaining Birmingham’s position as the regional capital for shopping. RETAIL BID MANAGER Steve Hewlett steve.hewlett@retailbirmingham.co.uk DEPUTY BID MANAGER Assia Sohaib assia.sohaib@retailbirmingham.co.uk MARKETING EXECUTIVE Holly Barry holly.barry@retailbirmingham.co.uk BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICERS Paul Barnett and Peter Ash support@retailbirmingham.co.uk Office: Suite 103, Cheltenham House, Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5BG Call 0121 643 3896 Visit www.retailbirmingham.co.uk www.shoppinginbirmingham.com Twitter @ShoppinginBham Facebook ShoppingInBirmingham Instagram ShoppinginBham
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WEEKENDER PAGE 6
BIG SLEUTH PAGE 17
IRON MAN PAGE 9
A WARM WELCOME, FROM RETAIL BIRMINGHAM There is a great deal of work taking place each day by the BID team and it is important that we’re able to communicate this to you through this latest issue of Edit and our new member website retailbirmingham.com. The BID is involved in all aspects of city centre life, dealing with the day to day issues, future planning, transport networks and work alongside a host of partners. We’re pleased to see that the A38M Aston Expressway works have now been completed, after Retail BID consulted very early in the process with Highways England and Birmingham City Council to ensure the unavoidable works were completed quickly so as to not disrupt the important festive trading period. The Big Sleuth bear trail has been a huge success in the city centre this summer, organised by Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. We’ve seen lots of families out and about interacting with the bears throughout the school holidays, which has boosted footfall. We now look forward to the Birmingham Weekender on September 22-24. Retail BID is the main sponsor of the weekend and it will be a fabulous event that will truly showcase Birmingham as a world-class city for arts and entertainment, attracting many thousands of visitors to the city centre. As we now get ready for the key autumn/winter season in stores and of course, Christmas, you are guaranteed the BID’s full support, so please do get in touch.
Steve Hewlett, Retail BID manager
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BULLRING CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS: PAGE 24
Christmas visitor campaign unveiled
BID joins forces with Growth Company Retail BID is partnering with West Midlands Growth Company – formerly Marketing Birmingham – for a joint Christmas visitor campaign. The campaign will target families and couples and encourage overnight stays in the city centre so people can enjoy the booming night-time economy in addition to retail. The combined budgets of Retail BID and West Midlands Growth Company will give the campaign a larger reach and better media buying power. The campaign will include digital, outdoor and social activity and there will be various executions of the visuals which will include Baubles + Bratwurst, Big + Boutique plus others, which highlight the message ‘Birmingham has it all’. Christmas campaign activity is due to go live on October 30, running in to the New Year. House of Fraser’s traditional Santa’s Grotto will also return on December 1, open until Christmas Eve. Funds raised from the grotto will be going to Action for Kids. And Birmingham’s German Market will take place between Thursday, November 16, and Sunday, December 24.
KEY DATES:
Retail BID visitor campaign launches: October 30 German Market opens: November 16 Black Friday weekend: November 24/25 House of Fraser Grotto opens: December 1
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New Retail BID Chair Richard Norgrove is a Director at Hortons’ Estate
Passion for prosperity The new Chair of Retail BID outlines his hopes and priorities for his time at the helm of the body; including a focus on New Street public realm and safe, welcoming streets
The new Chair of Retail BID is hoping to build on his predecessor’s ‘passion for Birmingham’ as he takes charge of the organisation. Birmingham property director Richard Norgrove has been appointed Chair of the BID at the same time as the appointment of four new board members. A well-known figure in the West Midlands property sector, Richard has been a Director at Midlands-based Hortons’ Estate since 2008. Hortons’ own and manage a large property portfolio within Birmingham city centre, including the historic New Street building occupied by the Macdonald Burlington Hotel and Piccadilly Arcade; home to a thriving independents scene. Richard, who has been a Retail BID Board director since 2009, replaces Jonathan Cheetham as Chair. Jonathan is remaining on the Retail BID board as a co-optee and will be focusing on public realm and business crime reduction on behalf of the BID (see page 6). “I’ve been on the Retail BID Board since 2009, during which time Jonathan has led the Board with a passion for Birmingham,” said Richard. “My aim is to pick up on that passion he injected into the Board. “The city is moving into a new stage with all the investment and new developments from a property and regeneration perspective. It’s about trying to take advantage of that investment.” A reimagined New Street is one of the key priorities of Retail BID’s third term, and Richard is keen to see this work progress quickly. The street is Birmingham’s most prominent thoroughfare, linking High Street and Bullring to the Town Hall, Victoria Square and Brindleyplace beyond. Working with key partners such as the city council, the BID’s ambition is re-energise New Street as a premier destination and retain its role as an exciting place for business that is appealing, safe and accessible.
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JONATHAN PASSES ON THE BID BATON As he steps down as Chair of Retail BID, Jonathan Cheetham describes the role as ‘an honour’:
“The retail area plays a huge part in the future of the wider city centre and New Street is an area I’m keen to see redeveloped,” explained Richard. “It’s the gateway into the city from New Street station and Lower Temple Street. “I’m really keen to see public realm improved in that area following on from the Metro extension works. “That visitor experience at the moment needs to be improved.” The Retail BID board is made up of some of the most senior roles in Birmingham retail, commercial property and culture and Richard’s appointment as Chair comes as four new board members have also been announced. Selfridges and John Lewis General Managers Sam Watts and Lisa Williams are joined by Phil Innes of award-winning Loki Wine and Nick Loveland, Chief Operating Officer at Town Hall Symphony Hall, who will be bringing their vast experience in business leadership to help shape the direction of Birmingham city centre. “I want to work with the Retail BID Board to make sure Birmingham is a safe, welcoming environment that people want to visit,” added Richard.
“There is a bit of uncertainty with Brexit and terror concerns and these can unsettle consumers and visitors. “There are other challenges we need to address, such as the homelessness issue, which isn’t unique to Birmingham and a sensitive situation to resolve. “I’m pleased there is a task force looking to address this in the correct way, and to understand how people can be helped. The BID will play its part in this. “The Board has had a number of new members and that’s reinvigorated what we’re trying to do. “Nick Loveland’s addition reflects the changes to Birmingham over recent years, with a much stronger culture offer. “Birmingham has very much become a tourist destination and there’s a positive story to tell at the moment. “I lose count of how many Michelin stars we have these days and there doesn’t seem to be any let-up in the number of restaurants wanting to open. “A lot of this is on the back of increased residential options in the city and with the cultural experience such as Town Hall and Symphony Hall it all adds to the experience.”
Richard is keen to see progress on the work to improve the public realm in areas such as New Street and Lower Temple Street, above
“It seems an eternity since Birmingham was chosen as one of 20 pilot cities to trial the process of Business Improvement Districts,” writes Jonathan Cheetham. “At the time I was Chair of the City Centre Partnership, the sponsor agency for BIDs and I have been involved in the establishment and promotion of BIDs since inception. “All successful, all examples of co-operation, co-ordination and showing the will, leadership and determination to deliver. “It has been an honour for me to have had the opportunity to chair and lead Retail BID Birmingham into a stronger mandate on both its second term and again with an improved mandate into its third five-year term. “With the completion and sale of Grand Central and leaving this business, I have stepped down as Chair, however I am pleased to accept the Board’s offer to remain as a Co-optee, with a particular reference to addressing business crime in the city centre. “I am delighted the Chair has been accepted by Richard Norgrove, Director of Hortons’ Estate, an experienced and passionate advocate for Birmingham. “The Board has also been reinforced by new directors, Lisa Williams, GM of John Lewis, Sam Watts, GM of Selfridges and Phil Innes, owner of Loki Wines, bringing a wealth of experience. “Finally, and importantly, Nick Loveland, the COO of THSH, has accepted and been co-opted to the Board and this appointment brings a whole new consideration and dimension to the BID team.”
NEW PLANS TO TACKLE RETAIL CRIME: PAGE 6
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Outgoing BID Chair, Jonathan Cheetham
FORMER BID CHAIR TO LEAD CRIME PARTNERSHIP The former Chair of Retail BID is to spearhead a new partnership aimed at tackling all forms of retail crime in Birmingham city centre. The Birmingham Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) will be launched by the BID in conjunction with key partners such as West Midlands Police and the city council. Jonathan Cheetham has spent more than 20 years in Birmingham’s retail sector, most recently as manager of the award-winning Grand Central development, and has extensive knowledge of how crime impacts the city centre economy and visitor appeal. The BCRP will be a standalone notfor-profit organisation with support from specialist agencies. Several Retail BID area businesses have already expressed an interest in the BCRP, which will be based at the BID’s offices.
The BCRP will also aim to tackle city centre anti-social behaviour and keep retail businesses aware of other threats such as terror, demonstrations and potential business disruption. “The world has changed, and so too has the way crime in city centres manifests itself,” said Jonathan. “Businesses need to step up to the plate and combat these issues in the best way possible. “There is no strength in doing something like this on your own. The strength lies in co-ordination, communication and organisation, and that’s what we will deliver. “There are lots of strains on any business to run itself, and although crime is an important issue, people haven’t got the resources or expertise to deal with it. “That is where a new crime organisation comes along.”
Counting down to a wonderful Weekend Download the brochure to find out what takes place and where
Birmingham Weekender, the city’s biggest arts festival, is almost here. More than 120 performances will take place during the event, which runs from 22 to 24 September. More than 300 artists will be taking part. Retail BID played a lead role in helping to bring back the culture extravaganza to the city centre. Deputy manager Assia Sohaib said: “We are very pleased to be bringing Birmingham Weekender back to the city, following the success of the previous event in 2015. “The event brings the city centre to life and offers us an opportunity to showcase our fantastic shopping and dining offer to the thousands of visitors it attracts.” The full events schedule and brochure is available to read and download on the Birmingham Weekender website. Among the highlights will be a range of events from disco to folk, bhangra to Northern Soul as well as striking ‘Kathakali’ dancers who will be visiting especially from India, followed by live music various DJs each evening, including Craig Charles, David Rodigan and Don Letts. The Birmingham Royal Ballet will be putting on a performance in Bullring, and
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CITY SOCIAL BRINGS LIFE TO MAILBOX UNDERPASS
there will be South Asian dance throughout the weekend as well as new commissions from 2Faced Dance and Rosie Kay. Other highlights include Rangeeli, a colourful community parade taking place through the city centre complete with Harminder the elephant, as well as an alternative village fete based at the Bull Ring featuring drag queen story time, and a ‘mega den building project’. There will also be plenty of musical attractions, including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, at New Street Station, Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans at Town Hall Birmingham. Selfridges host live performances throughout the weekend from Bostin Brass to Soweto Kinch as part of their ‘Music Matters’ campaign. The Mailbox will host performances by Birmingham Opera Company of works by three Birmingham composers, Susannah
Self, Chloe Knibbs and Yfat Soul Zisso. Visual arts will include live painting from Soul City Arts and The Barber Institute presenting The Barber on the Streets with artist Matt Reeves, to ethereal projections in Cathedral Square by Tony Oursler presented by Birmingham Museums Trust and Artangel. At the New Alexandra Theatre there will be sky dancers and inflatable sculptures by world famous artists Designs in the Air, and elsewhere BBC Birmingham will be opening of its new ‘The Archers’ exhibition in The Mailbox. Outside street theatre will be everywhere, including the ‘hummelmania tribe’ of rubber band creatures created by Rotterdam artist Mette Sterre. Birmingham Weekender is being organised by by Culture Central, the city’s cultural development agency, and is supported by Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council and Retail BID Birmingham.
Hans Raj Hans (top left), Craig Charles (above) and dancers in Victoria Square
VISIT WWW. BIRMINGHAM WEEKENDER. COM FOR THE FULL EVENTS SCHEDULE
The underpass connecting Mailbox to the city centre will come alive with live music and food stalls during Birmingham Weekender. City Social is a three-day live entertainment extravaganza that will make use of the busy pedestrian space under Suffolk Street Queensway during Birmingham’s biggest arts festival. Starting at 5pm on Friday, September 22, DJ Matt James will be followed by solo singer Vanessa Lee. Acoustic sessions take place during Saturday, September 23, while Sunday’s performances feature reggae with One Love and more acoustic sounds from Paul Petrov. For more information visit the Birmingham Weekender website.
The Mailbox underpass
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City in running for Games This is how Victoria Square could look if city secures Commonwealth Games 2022 Birmingham has taken a major step forward in its bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 after beating Liverpool to be named as the UK’s candidate city. The city could now go forward to face potential rival cities from Australia, Canada and Malaysia in the race to stage the Games and bring thousands of global athletes and visitors to the city. Commonwealth Federation judges picked Birmingham after being impressed by the range of sporting facilities and infrastructure in the city. The city will now work with Government to firm its proposals ahead of the international contest. A successful bid will see major investment ploughed into Birmingham, not only
through upgraded sports venues and training facilities. Local firms and workers will also be at the front of the queue for contracts. Victoria Square would transform into a sporting and cultural landmark for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Set against the historic backdrop of the Council House and Town Hall, 3×3 Basketball will showcase the city centre to the world. The Games will feature the Urban Street Festival, which will celebrate urban street sport activity: sport without boundaries, music, lifestyle, and a healthy legacy. Activities will include free running, skateboarding, BMX, street dance and sport climbing.
The competition to host the Games was opened up after the withdrawal of original host city Durban earlier this year. Timescales to put together the bid, make the decisions and deliver the Games are, as a result, tighter than usual. Retail BID manager Steve Hewlett said: “What great news that Birmingham has been chosen as the UK’s candidate city to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. “This could bring thousands of extra visitors to the city centre to watch the basketball in Victoria Square or the Urban Street Festival. We know there is a long way to go before we bring the Games to Birmingham but we await the final decision with excitement.”
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CITY’S IRON MAN ON THE MOVE Famous sculpture put into storage to enable Midland Metro extension works through Victoria Square Birmingham city centre’s famous Iron: Man statue has gone for a lie down after 24 years standing proud in Victoria Square. The 20ft statue was lifted clear of its plot to make way for the construction of the new Midland Metro extension and Town Hall stop. It is the second major public art work to be removed ahead of the tram works following the Boulton, Watt and Murdoch statue which was hoisted from its Broad Street spot last month. Both statues are being put in storage by Birmingham Museums Trust until late next year, when work on the Metro extension from New Street Station to Centenary Square will be nearing completion. They will be re-sited near to their previous locations. Retail BID has delved into its archives and unearthed images of Iron: Man’s unveiling in 1993, attended by creator Sir Antony Gormley. Gormley is famous the world over for his striking sculptures and fans of the Iron: Man will be keen to see it return. METRO WORKS: PAGE 13
RARE PICTURES SHOW ANTONY GORMLEY WITH IRON: MAN IN 1993...
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New Board members plotting bright future for our city centre The New Alexandra Theatre
THEATRE LAUNCHES CORPORATE SCHEME The city’s historic New Alexandra Theatre has launched a new Corporate Partnership scheme. For the first time in the history of the venue, it is opening its doors to local businesses and organisations to offer the opportunity for collaboration. You can find out if your organisation could benefit from partnering with New Alexandra Theatre and Ambassador Theatre Group, the global leader in live theatre. From unique advertising offers to sponsorship and hospitality packages, theatre managers have invited firms to get the first look at the brand-new range of partnership deals designed to create the ultimate experience for customers and clients. The theatre recently held a launch event in the beautiful Piano Bar, when visitors got to know the venue like never before, with entertainment, speakers and special backstage access throughout the evening. Retail BID member businesses interested in finding out more about the corporate partnership scheme should email GavinRichards@theambassadors.com
From Bull Street to New Street, independents to high street chains, the BID’s four new Board members are keen to see a prosperous city
The Retail BID Board has welcomed four new members to help steer the direction of the BID and continue to support city centre businesses. Here, they speak about their ambitions for the BID and Birmingham:
need to continue the groundwork, and achievements that have been laid down in the previous BID term. “The focus for this next period should be a large focus on anti-social behaviour and homelessness within the city centre. This NICK LOVELAND, CHIEF OPERATING will take a collaborative approach with OFFICER, TOWN HALL SYMPHONY other BIDs as well as with the numerous HALL: authorities and charities working on the “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be situation. “This is one of the most pressing issues working in Birmingham. There is so much as it directly effects visitors’ perceptions of going on – the Paradise development, the retail area, as well as the city in general. the latest Metro extension and Centenary “The BID also should focus on the Square to name just a few projects. revitalisation of the high-street areas of the “For city centre businesses this can be a BID which includes, Corporation Street, bit of a curse as well as a blessing in the New Street and Bull Street areas, with the short term, whilst the works take place. shift in focus towards the indoor shopping There is no doubt that very soon the centres, these areas are not as vibrant as city centre will be an amazing, vibrant, they used to be. inter-connected place to be ‘The BID “This produces barrier to develvisiting. But in the meantime, the BID needs to make sure that its should aim opment of the wider BID area, as well as creating an environment members manage the very best that they can in the interim. This to encourage that fosters antisocial behaviour, retailers and other associated issues. The means good communication of approach should be to improve all the works and the implications to invest, the environment in these areas, therein, as well as giving busibecause nesses additional opportunities but also make other attempts to for branding and signposting to investment is make the area more appealing ensure that customers know they high quality retailers, which infectious’ to are still open for business. can only be achieved by taking “Managing the cleanliness around worka holistic approach working with the local ing areas is also a key priority to make authority to improve the built environment sure that visitors to the city can still enjoy as well as public transport provisions, and moving around its streets.” support for businesses in the area.” PHIL INNES, OWNER, LOKI WINE, GREAT WESTERN ARCADE: “Over the new term of retail BID we
LISA WILLIAMS, HEAD OF BRANCH, JOHN LEWIS BIRMINGHAM: “The priorities should be all about
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NICK LOVELAND
PHIL INNES
enabling retailers to join up and work together and to promote and market the city’s fantastic retail offer through events and an eye-catching marketing campaign. “We have an unbeatable retail offer as a city, and it’s crucial that we promote that fact, great transport links to bring you in and then a wealth of choice with everything from big department stores, like John Lewis, through to boutique shopping and dining. The BID will play an important part in shouting about our city centre, something we need to do more of in order to take our rightful share of trade. “Whether large or small, retailers need
LISA WILLIAMS
to work together as a group to promote and gain the largest possible footfall to the city, competition is still healthy but co-operation will win the day!” SAM WATTS, GENERAL MANAGER, SELFRIDGES BIRMINGHAM: “Continual investment is essential to the success of any city. The BID should aim to encourage retailers to invest, because investment is infectious, cumulative and leads to a more attractive retail proposition and a better city. “With the influx of new offices, workers and the anticipation of HS2, Birmingham
SAM WATTS will become more local to London and Europe and we need to make sure that we are a place where people want to visit, shop and do business. “Around the turn of the century Selfridges invested in creating its futuristic Birmingham landmark store, but like every other retailer, we can’t stop at one big investment, it needs to be continual so that our store will continue to amaze, amuse and surprise in the future. “If the BID can inspire retailers to take that extra step beyond the ordinary, then the district will continue its improvement, for the benefit of everyone.”
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West Bromwich Albion FC’s Chris Brunt with inspirational endurance runner and charity fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley promote the Birmingham International Marathon
SPORTS EVENTS TO TAKE TO CITY STREETS Two mass-participation events bringing thousands of extra visitors to the city centre will take place this autumn. The first ever Vélo Birmingham 100-mile closed road cycle takes place on Sunday, September 24. Starting and finishing on Broad Street, the cycle event will see many of the 15,000 participants and spectators visiting the retail area to meet friends and family. On Sunday, October 15, the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon takes place on the same day as the established Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run half marathon. The marathon starts at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barry but finishes in the city centre near Aston University. The half marathon starts on Jennens Road near BMET college and also finishes near Aston University. Some 21,000 people are expected to be running for both events. Both events will see road closures for all or part of the day on Sunday, September 24 and Sunday, October 15. Find out if you will be affected at: velobirmingham.com (for the 100-mile cycle) www.greatrun.org (for Birmingham International Marathon and Great Birmingham Run)
Marcello Distefano, MD San Carlo Group, Sam Watts, General Manager Selfridges Birmingham, Carlo Distefano, Chairman San Carlo Group and Sacha Distefano, Director San Carlo Group
Selfridges to host £1m Fumo restaurant Award-winning San Carlo Group to open restaurant at iconic store
The award winning Italian restaurant company, San Carlo Group, has announced it is to further expand operations in Birmingham with a £1 million Fumo restaurant at Selfridges. The Italian family owned and run group which has 17 UK restaurants, including the original San Carlo on Temple Street and Fumo on Waterloo Street, is to open a Fumo in Selfridges on the 4th floor. With stunning views overlooking the iconic Bullring and a nod to the popular and critical success of its Fumo restaurants in Birmingham, Manchester and St Martins Lane, London, Fumo will serve seasonal Italian small plate dishes to share or eat alone and a feature a cocktail and Laurent Perrier champagne bar. The £1 million restaurant will be the third
Selfridges San Carlo Group restaurant – San Carlo Bottega and Gran Café are situated within Selfridges Exchange Square, Manchester. The Group’s success has been built on providing original Italian food using the freshest produce, much of which is flown in from markets in Milan and Sicily. It is this passion for food and attention to detail that has seen Fumo on Waterloo Street scoop several awards since its launch 5 years ago including Best Italian Restaurant at the BFDH Awards and Les Routiers Restaurant of the Year. A further 16 individually designed venues are located in Manchester, Cheshire, Liverpool, Leeds, Roundhay, Bristol, Leicester and London and further afield diners enjoy San Carlo restaurants in Qatar, Bahrain and Bangkok.
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Alert over Metro works Extension will take tram past Town Hall and on to Centenary Square
City centre businesses are being alerted to the next phase of street works to enable the extension of the Midland Metro. As work gets underway to extend Midland Metro further into the city, changes regarding parking, deliveries and pick-ups have come into effect. The Midland Metro tram is being extended from Stephenson Street, along Pinfold Street and past Town Hall before reaching Centenary Square and Broad Street. The 840-metre extension will be operating on battery power throughout, and will be the first tramway in the UK to do so. This will remove the need to fix electric wires to key buildings along the route, reducing the environmental footprint of the project, and the vertical space below the tracks. Passenger services are expected to begin in 2019. “With funding in place this will be the next phase of works following the tram extension to Birmingham city centre in May 2016,” explained the Midland Metro Alliance, the consortium of engineering and construction partners leading the project. “Within Birmingham, the line will continue from Grand Central past Town Hall to Centenary Square. “The area is seeing a lot of redevelopment, and the extensions to the tram network are designed to tie-in with these. “The extension will provide tram stops serving Victoria Square and the Paradise and Arena Central developments.” Disabled and motor-
cycle parking bays will now be located in Swallow Street, while the top of Pinfold Street will become pedestrian access only. Shops will remain open during the works. Access to all car parks in the area will be maintained. A new loading and unloading bay will be in use at Ethel Street and the bottom of Pinfold Street. Use is restricted to between 6pm and 10am (as per loading/unloading times in New Street). Access to the loading bay in Ethel Street is from Colmore Row to Temple Street and through New Street. On exit vehicles should travel via New Street and up Bennetts Hill. Traffic marshals will be in the area between 7.30am to 5.30pm to assist with any queries.
FACT FILE Visit www.metroalliance. co.uk to find out more about Midland Metro Alliance and its projects. You are also able to contact communications@metroalliance.co.uk with any additional questions or call Stakeholder Liaison Officer Amy Walker on 07801840251.
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BID survey looks at health of city centre 38% OF BUSINESSES TRADING UP ON LAST YEAR BUSINESS OUTLOOK POSITIVE GUM, LITTER AND PUBLIC FACILITIES ‘NEED IMPROVEMENT’
A comprehensive survey of Birmingham city centre businesses was carried out on behalf of Retail BID. The independent survey was conducted to understand how the city centre is performing and to direct improvements for future growth and initiatives, as well as to obtain views on how Retail BID Birmingham is perceived as performing. The confidential and bespoke questionnaire was issued throughout June and July 2017 and distributed in four areas: main shopping centres, High Street, New Street and Corporation Street/Colmore Row. More than 200 businesses completed the surveys, which were carried out by The Retail Group Informed Solutions.
The survey found that 38% of businesses are trading up on last year and the trading performance across the city centre is described as more positive than negative. Two thirds of businesses questioned said they are trading in line with or above company average and only 15% are trading below company average. Over half (55%) are serving the same or more customers than they were last year and the business outlook for the city centre is positive. Shop theft is an issue for a number of retailers in the city centre; for a quarter it is a ‘significant’ issue. Businesses were asked about commu-
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nication and updates from Retail BID with hard copy newsletters and the printed Retail BID Edit magazine combining to be the outright preferred contact method. The physical aspects of the city centre were challenged and many aspects rate well with gum, litter and public facilities highlighted as needing improvement. A number of operators consider them priorities. Questionnaire respondents said safety, digital connectivity and overall management are aspects for improvement, while street interference such as chuggers, traders, peddlers, preachers, sleepers and beggars are all priority improvement aspects.
RETAIL BID BUSINESS SURVEY IN SUMMARY n 206 completed surveys n 70% of respondents are ‘retail shops’ and 20% food and beverage operators – reflective of the city centre offer n Most managers have been in post less than five years, although over a third have been in situ for over six years n Most shops have less than six staff (full-time and part-time) n Employee numbers are stable n Recruitment and retention of staff are not issues n A quarter of businesses have 1-5 job vacancies n Future BID contact should be via personal email and hard copy newsletter n Positive performance trends with many more trading ‘up’ on the year than ‘down’; area 2 has more
trading ‘down’ than the city average n Businesses are performing well against chain average, or at least ‘in line’ n Shop theft is an issue for many retailers, over 55% and for 25% it is a significant issue n Many city centre aspects need improving; crime reduction, policing and cleaning are all identified as priority aspects n Many city centre experience factors are viewed as good or only needing minor improvement, however chuggers, traders, peddlers, preachers, sleepers, beggars and drinkers are all rated priority improvement areas n At the macro level the general health of the city centre is rated positively with the notable exception of ‘safety in Birmingham’
THIRD OF BUSINESSES HAVE OVER SIX EMPLOYEES
FINDING STAFF IS ‘NOT A PROBLEM’ FOR 85% OF RETAILERS SHOP THEFT AN ISSUE FOR A NUMBER OF RETAILERS
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Costa at Stephenson Street, above, and Starbucks on Cannon Street, below
Fashion chain H&M is transforming the former BHS store by removing the concrete canopy over the entrance
NEW COFFEE SHOPS FOR RETAIL AREA Two of the UK’s most famous coffee chains have opened cafes in the city centre retail area. Costa has opened in the unit facing the Stephenson Street entrance to New Street station. The coffee shop has taken the prominent site in the red-brick Guildhall Building, which has recently been refurbished to provide new office and retail spaces. Meanwhile, Starbucks has opened on the corner of Cherry Street and Cannon Street in the unit previously occupied by Carphone Warehouse.
Wraps come off new H&M concept store Giant store on site of former BHS helping to rejuvinate New Street
METRO BANK PLANS FOR CITY CENTRE: PAGE 20
The wraps have started coming off a new flagship H&M store due to open inside the old BHS building in New Street. This picture shows how the clothing store is shaping up – which will completely refurbish the huge shopping space left behind by BHS. The two-storey shop will cover all of units six to nine which run alongside the arcade. The building’s concrete canopy has been removed as part of the refurbishment, helping to open up New Street and allow more natural light to reach the street.
H&M is yet to confirm a date for the new store’s opening. The Swedish based company is known for its on-trend, reasonably-priced women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, footwear and accessories. The BHS store transformation is one of a few major shopping developments taking place in the city centre. In nearby High Street Primark is creating a megastore in the old Pavilions building called Primark Pavilions, which will open in December 2018, while Metro Bank has submitted a planning application to refurbish the High Street/ New Street corner unit facing Bullring.
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 17
City’s farewell celebration for summer-long Big Sleuth trail Temper’s ‘Window Shopping’ bear for Retail BID and, below inset, bear spotters in Victoria Square
The Big Sleuth has won the hearts and minds of everyone in Birmingham over the summer. So called because ‘sleuth’ is the name of a group of bears, The Big Sleuth has brought ‘Bear-mingham’ city centre alive with colour and activity this summer as people took on the free, public art trail and tracked down giant bear sculptures. Retail BID has backed The Big Sleuth by sponsoring two of the charity bears and helped arrange for a bear in the name of Bradley Simpson of The Vamps, who signed the sculpture, and a Peaky Blinders bear, endorsed by Stephen Knight, creator of the Birmingham-based crime drama. All in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, over 200 sculptures took to the streets with each one telling a different story, from raising awareness of the children’s hospital to the plight of the sun bear, celebrating a community, the city’s industrial heritage or a famous film character or artist. Elinor Eustace, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We can’t bear-lieve that after months of sleuthing fun, our bears are going to be prowling off our streets and The Big Sleuth is coming to an end. “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed with the response our bears have had over the past few months and how much joy they’ve brought to tourists and residents alike. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played their part in this initiative, including our wonderful artists and sponsors. “We’re hoping kind-hearted sleuthers, in-
cluding businesses and individuals, will buy the bear-utiful bears back so we can keep them in our region as a lasting memory, as well as raise much-needed funds for the 90,000 children our hospital cares for each year.” FAREWELL WEEKEND Did you manage to see all of the bears this summer? All large bears, together with the special celebrity bear cubs, will join together for one last time before they’re auctioned to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. The Farewell Weekend is your last chance to snap a selfie with your favourite bear or meet up with any paw-fect pals you didn’t manage to see. Head down to Eastside City Park, Birmingham between Friday, October 6 and Sunday, October 8 2017 and say a fond farewell to the bear-utiful sculptures with craft stalls, entertainment, face painting, official Big Sleuth merchandise and more. Find out more about the Farewell Weekend at www.thebigsleuth.co.uk/farewell THE AUCTION On Thursday, October 12, the corporate sponsored large bears and the special celebrity bear cubs are going under the hammer to raise much-needed funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. The projects predecessor, The Big Hoot, raised over £500,000 at auction in 2015 and this year, the children’s hospital charity aims to do the same. Find out more about The Big Sleuth auction here: www.thebigsleuth.co.uk/ auction
PAGE 18 EDIT AUTUMN 2017
New music venue to open in historic John Bright St building Plans revealed for former Rosie O’Brien’s nightclub building in busy leisure area Plans to launch a new live music venue in Birmingham city centre have been revealed. The promoter which works with the likes of Ed Sheeran and The Flaming Lips has acquired a freehold unit on John Bright Street. DHP Family runs Rock City in Nottingham which counts Duran Duran, Nirvana and Red Hot Chilli Peppers among the many artists who have played there. The company has now bought the Grade II-listed former Birmingham and Midland Skin Hospital building, in John Bright Street, where it plans to open a bar with a full programme of live music and club nights. Plans are now being drawn up for a complete refurbishment of the premises, which has previously operated as a Rosie O’Briens nightclub. John Bright Street is home to a thriving leisure scene with a Cherry Reds bar, The Stable pizza restaurant, Brew Dog and Turtle Bay Caribbean Restaurant among others. The new venue will offer bar and food along with a full programme of live music and club nights. George Akins, owner of DHP Family, said: “Birmingham is the UK’s second city and has a rich musical heritage – but the city centre has lacked a characterful and creative venue for a long time. “We believe with the revitalisation of the area around New Street Station that the time is right to create a place that the music fans of Birmingham will welcome.” Anton Lockwood, director promotions
at DHP, added: “We plan to use the skills and knowledge we’ve gained from award-winning venues like Rock City, Oslo, Thekla and Rescue Rooms to deliver something exciting that echoes the DHP values and standards, but is also a unique experience to Birmingham.” DHP Family runs venues, club nights and festivals, and also acts as a promoter.
The Grade II-listed former Birmingham and Midland Skin Hospital has been bought by DHP Family
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 19
Las Iguanas on Temple Street
CARNIVAL OF COLOUR AT NEW LAS IGUANAS
World-famous The Ivy on its way Celebrity hotspot is a massive coup for booming dining quarter
Pictured above: The Ivy will open in the units currently occupied by Louis Vuitton and Austin Reed
World-famous celebrity restaurant The Ivy is to open a branch in Birmingham on Temple Row. It will take over the site of the Louis Vuitton luxury luggage store and open early next year. The 25-year lease of the Birmingham site, on the corner of Temple Row and Temple Street, has been sealed with Troia UK, the property development arm of The Ivy. It is headed by restaurateur Richard Carling who’s Caprice Holdings group owns restaurants and private dining rooms across London including The Ivy itself and Le Caprice. It is part of ambitious plans to open a string of Ivy restaurants at selected spots across the UK, including Bristol, Bath and Harrogate. The new restaurant will take in 67-71 Temple Row, including both the former Austin Reed premises and the next-door store currently occupied by Louis Vuitton. Fit-out of the 7,000 sq ft unit is expected
to start in early December, once Louis Vuitton’s relocation within the city centre has been confirmed. The upmarket brasserie and bar will open in the first quarter of 2018. The Ivy’s addition to the Temple Street, Waterloo Street and Bennetts Hill area is helping to build a booming dining quarter in the retail area. Nearby restaurants include a new Las Iguanas, Jackson and Rye, Pie Minister on Waterloo Street and Indian Streatery on Bennetts Hill among many others. The original Ivy in London’s Covent Garden recently marked its 100th anniversary. A favourite haunt of celebrities it is expanding in the UK regions under its Ivy Collection brand.
Las Iguanas has opened the doors of its latest venture bringing their trademark carnival of Latin American food and culture to bustling Temple Street in Birmingham city centre. The restaurant has opened in the unit formerly occupied by Temple Street Social and joins a booming dining scene to Temple Street and nearby Bennetts Hill and Waterloo Street. The vibrant restaurant décor reflects travels to South America, with the interior showcasing the tropical styles and sun-kissed colours of Brazil. The menu at Las Iguanas is developed by a team of foodies who work tirelessly to discover unique flavours and inspiring recipes from across Latin America. The new menu additions include Bolinhos de Caranguejo – crab, prawn and potato croquettes, while the Cuban Sandwich consisting of roasted pork belly, pulled pork, Emmental Cheese and ham with sweet mustard and green pickle relish promises to leave people wanting more. For those who prefer the classics, they are still on the menu. Sizzling fajitas are the perfect start to any party, whilst the homemade chilli con carne with rich, chunky beef and black beans will tantalise taste buds and leave diners feeling satisfied but wanting more.
PAGE 20 EDIT AUTUMN 2017
Plans submitted for new branch in prominent location near Bullring
Metro Bank is planning to change the façade of the building facing Bullring for its first city centre branch
Metro Bank adds to changing face of high street finance Thirty jobs could be created if plans are approved for a Metro Bank branch on the corner of New Street and High Street in the city centre. Metro Bank was founded in London in 2010 with a growing network of around 50 outlets in the capital and South East. The ‘challenger bank’ is now expanding into the Midlands after submitting plans with Birmingham City Council to open on the ground floor of 85-88 High Street. Metro Bank has agreed a 25-year lease on the units at the corner with New Street which are currently occupied by Vodafone, Card Factory and Foot Asylum.
In addition to the bank itself there will be training facilities for approximately 200 people to serve planned future openings elsewhere in the Midlands. The group was founded by American Vernon Hill, a former fast-food restaurant franchisee who launched a similar challenger bank called Commerce Bancorp, in New Jersey, in the 1970s. It was later bought out and the brand dissolved. Metro Bank offers retail and commercial banking services, but has no investment arm, and its trading hours typically mirror those of retailers. Hours of business are seven days a
week, including bank holidays, and until 8pm during the week. It says it wants to focus on local customers and lending to small- and medium-sized businesses. This would be the third opening of a new bank branch in this part of Birmingham city centre in recent months. TSB chose New Street last year as the English test bed for its new style of bank branch, joining a sister venue in Aberdeen, where it offers the latest in smart technology services and face-to-face personal banking. And Yorkshire Bank has converted a unit in New Street for its digitally focussed banking service ‘B’.
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 21
‘B’ STORE IS A FIRST FOR CITY Yorkshire Bank has opened a new B store on New Street in the city centre. This is the bank’s first store using its award-winning digital brand, B, and combines a new Business Banking Centre. Yorkshire Bank has invested heavily in digital banking services and launched B last year; a digital banking service that uses a smart app to help customers manage their money. As well as developing digital capabilities, part of the Yorkshire Bank strategy is to increase its presence outside its core North of England and Scottish regions, and has chosen Birmingham to be the first location for a B store. The bank has a successful SME presence in the West Midlands, but has moved from its current location in Temple Row to the new store as it grows its footprint. Yorkshire Bank announced in April that it was making £6 billion of lending available to Britain’s SMEs, with £100m being earmarked for the Midlands. Paul Reeves, Head of Customer Banking in Birmingham, said: “We recognise the important role local businesses have in forming the backbone of the UK economy. We have been a champion for the UK’s regional economies for over 175 years and we have a history of supporting businesses at critical moments in their growth. “The launch of our first B store in Birmingham is an exciting milestone for Yorkshire Bank. “I am thrilled the business has chosen Birmingham, as the UK’s second biggest city, it has a growing reputation as a hub for digital technology, and the region’s economy has huge potential.”
Indian street food comes to Bennetts Hill
Paul Reeves, Head of Customer Banking in Birmingham
A new Indian street food restaurant has opened on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham city centre, serving locally themed dishes such as the ‘Cannon Hill Picnic’. Serving a selection of authentic street food dishes, The Indian Streatery is a dual-concept restaurant, providing grab-and-go lunches during the day and casual dining by night. The Indian Streatery has signed a 15-year lease on 21a Bennetts Hill, formerly Adam’s restaurant, with landlord Hortons’ Estate Limited. The new venture is from the family team behind The Indian Rasoi, Birmingham’s original chaat specialists, which has been serving chaat on the city’s street food scene, including Digbeth Dining Club, for years. Rajan Sharma, who along with brother Dhiraj came up with the concept, said: “After many requests at our street food events and pop-ups, we’re excited to be opening a restaurant in our home city of Birmingham.
“We’re delighted to have found a partner in Hortons’, which has a strong track record of working with local independents.” Mother Meena Sharma, the first Asian female chef to front a Birmingham Indian restaurant, said: “As a self-taught chef, with many years of experience gained in our family kitchens and a passion for home cooking, my aim is to create traditional dishes that are reminiscent of our childhood memories growing up in Birmingham. “Dishes such as Cannon Hill Picnic, which is a nod to the long summers spent in Cannon Hill Park.” Steve Tommy, commercial surveyor at Hortons’, said: “We’re excited about the opening of The Indian Streatery. Bennetts Hill has a great mix of bars and restaurants, so when we were approached by them we knew it would be a good fit. As a landlord, wherever possible, we like to support independent traders and we wish The Indian Streatery every success.”
PAGE 22 EDIT AUTUMN 2017
Caption in here
Top interiors brands to open flagship stores at Mailbox
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 23
Coup for city centre as leading names to open at Mailbox this autumn Two of the leading names in interiors are set to open in Birmingham city centre this autumn, launching a significant new homewares offering at the Mailbox. Heal’s and MADE.COM are the headline brands to open at the new 20,000 sq ft homewares section on Level 1 at the Mailbox, creating the ultimate destination for interiors in Birmingham. Heal’s, the home of design since 1810, will be opening in the Midlands for the first time in its 200-year history. As well as furniture, Heal’s is known for its lighting, decorative accessories and kitchenware and its careful edit of some of the world’s most iconic furniture and lifestyle brands, including Case and Tom Dixon. MADE.COM was set up in 2010 in reaction to the standard ways of thinking, living and buying. Thoughtfully designed, timeless and versatile, MADE’s collections are designed to outlive trends and evolve with the consumer’s changing style. MADE.COM designs for how people live today, bringing high-end lifestyle design to everyone at a fair price. Marking the first showrooms in the Midlnds for both Heal’s and MADE.COM, the brands will be joined by a collection of other homewares, furnishings and accessories retailers including Danish brand BoConcept and Italian smart design experts, Calligaris, famous for giving design lovers the opportunity to create bespoke pieces of stylish, practical furniture since 1923. The Design Quarter will feature a design-led, curated collection of contemporary furniture including Content by Conran and SITS, the innovative upholstered hand-made furniture brand, together with Wesley Barrell. Based in Oxfordshire. Wesley Barrell has been handcrafting bespoke upholstery, sofas and armchairs since 1895. The new Homewares at the Mailbox offering will complement existing names including Kitchen Gallery SieMatic, Castle Fine Art and Fine & Country. Lighting specialist iLite is also set to open in the
Autumn and will feature brands such as Swarovski, Foscarini, Masiero, Diesel, Flos and Schonbek. Commenting on the launch, Simon Samuels, Partner at Brockton Capital, joint owners of the Mailbox with Milligan, said: “We know that our customers are interested in high end contemporary furniture and accessories, and Homewares at the Mailbox will be a must-visit destination for both aspirational and accessible brands. We’re delighted to be welcoming two real interiors heavyweights in Heal’s and MADE.COM, alongside a host of other brands, as we launch this new offering.” Hamish Mansbridge, CEO at Heal’s said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Heal’s, giving us a new regional flagship store in the Midlands. This significant move shows the desire of local residents for beautiful, well-made pieces of furniture that will stand the test of time. “Building on the success of our store at the Redbrick complex in Yorkshire, our Mailbox showroom will offer the finest in furniture design from Heal’s as well as internationally recognised designers and brands. The shop itself will be a unique retail space that will bring the best of our online offering to Birmingham.” Annabel Kilner, Commercial Director at MADE.COM added: “Having seen great
Homewares collections from Heal’s, top, and MADE.COM, opposite page
‘We’re delighted to be welcoming two real interiors heavyweights’
promise from the MADE Birmingham pop up, we are delighted to announce the opening of our showroom in the Mailbox. Birmingham is an important city for MADE. COM and we’re keen to see the impact the bigger location will have on sales.” The announcement comes on the back of recent signings at the Mailbox and will mark a raft of new openings including twice Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar’s new restaurant concept, NRI and leading bridal retailer, The Wedding Club. The Mailbox is also home to Harvey Nichols’ 45,000 sq ft flagship store; fashion retailers including Paul Smith, BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Underwear, Armani Collezioni, Daniel Footwear, L.K. Bennett and Gieves & Hawkes; Ribble Cycle’s first ever flagship showroom, in addition to Everyman Cinema, Castle Fine Art, Kitchen Gallery, Malmaison, AC Hotels and the Mailbox’s popular canalside bars and restaurants. The Mailbox will launch its leading edge, smart technology solution this month, bringing a range of new and exciting services to deliver a whole new level of engagement. The new Mailbox app will allow customers to pre-book and pre-order food, access personalised promotions and experiences, book tickets for events and get the latest exclusive content.
PAGE 24 EDIT AUTUMN 2017 NOVEMBER MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
01/11/2017
02/11/2017
03/11/2017
04/11/2017
05/11/2017
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
07/11/2017
08/11/2017
09/11/2017
10/11/2017
11/11/2017
12/11/2017
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
13/11/2017
14/11/2017
15/11/2017
16/11/2017
17/11/2017
18/11/2017
19/11/2017
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
Black Friday weekend
Black Friday weekend(Sat)
20/11/2017
21/11/2017
22/11/2017
23/11/2017
24/11/2017
25/11/2017
26/11/2017
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
7AM-10PM
8AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
FRI
SAT
SUN
27/11/2017
28/11/17
29/11/17
30/11/2017
10AM-10PM
10AM-10PM
10AM-10PM
10AM-10PM
DECEMBER MON
TUE
WED
THU
01/12/2017
02/12/2017
03/12/2017
10AM - 10PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
04/12/2017
05/12/2017
06/12/2017
07/12/2017
08/12/2017
09/12/2017
10/12/2017
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
11/12/2017
12/12/2017
13/12/2017
14/12/2017
15/12/2017
16/12/2017
17/12/2017
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
10AM- 10PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
18/12/2017
19/12/2017
20/12/2017
21/12/2017
22/12/2017
23/12/2017
24/12/2017
9AM-10PM
9AM-10PM
9AM-10PM
9AM-10PM
9AM-10PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
25/12/2017
26/12/2017
27/12/2017
28/12/2017
29/12/17
30/12/17
31/12/17
CLOSED
8AM-8PM
9AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
10AM-8PM
9AM-8PM
11AM-5PM
JANUARY MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
01/01/2018
02/01/2018
03/01/2018
04/01/2018
05/01/2018
06/01/2018
07/01/2018
11AM-5PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
10AM- 8PM
9AM- 8PM
11AM-5PM
Christmas Eve
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day
Correct at time of going to press. Check with Bullring for latest information
BULLRING CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS
06/11/2017
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 25
How Bullring remains at the art of the city The past few months have seen several changes at Bullring and Grand Central in the form of new retailers. Last month alone at Bullring we welcomed Russell & Bromley, Coach and Jacamo, and have just announced the exciting addition of Mowgli to Grand Central. Both Russell & Bromley and Coach have joined the line-up on the premium Upper East Mall with their first stores in the region bringing with them luxury product ranges in a quality setting. Over the last three years the landscape of this mall space has changed vastly with brands such as Whistles, Michael Kors and Ted Baker all opting to take premium space alongside Selfridges. Meanwhile the Upper West Mall has seen a flurry of new retailers open stores including Smashbox, New Look Men and T2, with menswear retailer Jacamo opening its unit last month. In another first, we recently welcomed Volkswagen to the centre with its first retail store in the UK on Lower East Mall. The unique shop fit showcases the brand’s in-car technology, advanced features and eye-catching styling displayed by three cars, which are featured in-store and regularly refreshed. Customers can also test drive selected cars from Bullring’s Centre Car Park. Last month we were able to announce that Indian street food restaurant, Mowgli, has chosen Grand Central as its location for the brand’s debut Birmingham restaurant. The restaurant, which is due to open later this autumn, joins the likes of Pho and Tapas Revolution and is the brainchild of YouTube star, Nisha Katona. Whilst LinkStreet, which is located on the mall in between the two centres, continues to be a focus for new and emerging brands looking to establish themselves in the market. The pop-up kiosk spaces are
proving popular with a variety of different traders and our current offering includes homeware and accessories, clothing and the hugely popular new concept of rolled ice cream from Birmingham’s own Lo and Be Cold. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE As well as new retailers we also welcomed a very exciting new addition to Bullring, an artist in residence. Multimedia artist Rachel MacLean, renowned for creating fantastical visions using green screen technology, moved into the centre during the summer and spent four weeks on-site and living at Rotunda as part of an upcoming Channel 4 documentary. Having set-up a pop-up studio and editing suite in a unit on LinkStreet, Rachel created a film unique to the centre based on her experiences and interviews with team members from the centre, retailers and customers, whilst a documentary crew followed her journey. The programme will be aired on Channel 4 in 2018. IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE CENTRE We continue to invest throughout the centre, especially in the facilities we offer to our customers. A full refurbishment of our toilets and changing facilities on the Upper West Mall is currently in process following a major refurbishment of our East Mall toilets in 2016. We’ve also recently unveiled our new-look Centre Car Park, which offers the very latest in car park technology. Customers using the award-winning facility can now take advantage of bay monitoring technology, which indicates available spaces with lighting, and dynamic digital wayfinding providing real-time space availability data. Michaela Moore, General Manager of Bullring and Grand Central
Artist in residence in addition to host of new openings at Bullring and Grand Central
Building work on Mowgli at Grand Central
NEW INDIAN STREET FOOD RESTAURANT FOR GRAND CENTRAL
Students to head to Bullring for special promotions In October we’ll be hosting our exceptionally popular Student Sessions event, which last year saw over 18,000 students pack into the centre to take advantage of exclusive discounts and offers. We’re confident we can exceed the success this year as many of Grand Central’s retailers look to get involved too. With the busiest and arguably most exciting period of the retail calendar approaching both centres are in a strong position, ultimately strengthening Birmingham’s offering as a major retail destination during the festive period.
Mowgli Indian street food restaurant is opening in Grand Central at New Street station at the end of September. The restaurant chain was founded by Nisha Katona, who gave up her 20-year career as a barrister to open her first restaurant in Liverpool in 2014. Nisha has a YouTube cooking channel and her daily tweeted recipes have over 23,000 followers. “I am very excited about taking Mowgli to Birmingham and particularly to Grand Central,” said Nisha, who has written for the Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times. The new restaurant will feature alongside other popular food venues within Grand Central including Tapas Revolution, Pho and Tortilla. A spokesperson said: “Rather than a quiet or intimate dining experience, Mowgli is about the taste of adventure. “The restaurant’s famous Yoghurt Chat Bombs will be at the absolute heart of Mowgli. It will that give diners an explosion of flavour like no other.”
PAGE 26 EDIT AUTUMN 2017
Gym gets in shape for stronger corporate connections New manager of popular High Street venue aiming to build on The Gym’s position as part of business community The new manager of The Gym on High Street is keen to make sure the popular club is in perfect shape for the future by building relationships with the city centre business community. Chris Woodhall took over as General Manager just weeks ago and is making it his priority to expand partnerships in the corporate world. The Gym is open 24/7 and offers membership for just £14.99 per month with no contract. It offers the latest cardio and resistance kit, all well maintained and durable. Its central location near Bullring has made it popular with city centre workers, residents and a growing student membership. Chris, aged 33, said: “There’s a healthy amount of budget gyms at the moment with fantastic facilities at a great price and
I hope we’re helping to get England fitter Chris Woodhall moved to The Gym on High and more active. Street just weeks ago “Because there is no contract people can come and go if it’s not for them. “One thing I’m keen to expand on is our partnerships with the corporate community. We offer some great deals and will also consider removing the joining fee. “I’m hoping to communicate to businesses we have some great facilities and we’re going to improve the kit to make sure we compete with our competitors in what is a really strong market.” The Gym features the latest cardio and resistance machines and a timetable of classes that give members a chance to socialise and meet the team. “We’re looking at providing a more extensive timetable that meets the needs of people who live and work in the city centre,” added Chris.
“Lots of people pop in before or after work for a quick workout and we cater for students, which means the gym is used during the day. Gyms famously are really busy at peak times so it’s nice to have people during the day and this creates a really good atmosphere at all times.” What are Chris’s first impressions of his ‘new office’ after several weeks in the role? “I moved across from a competitor chain and I’ve been really impressed with The Gym, which is always trying to be innovative and do things differently,” he said. “We can be really flexible with businesses. We’ve held corporate classes to some of the big stores, such as Debenhams, when we’ve delivered classes and well-being events on their behalf. “We’ll be happy to support charity and
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 27
Betwatch scheme a success as five are handed bans
CSR events by helping to staff them or provide the kit needed. It’s not all about getting more members, we want to play our part in the business community. “We do a lot of work with charities and recently provided two bikes to a store for them to carry out a sponsored cycle. If charities come to us for some support we’ll be keen to help. “It’s interesting just how much a gym can work with corporate partners in different ways. “At one of my previous gyms we staffed a festival, volunteering at the entrance barriers. We held triathlon events for Boots’ head office, which helped them raise thousands of pounds. “A city centre gym has to be so much more than just getting people through the doors and play its role in the business and visitor community.”
New efforts are being made to tackle gambling related problems in the Retail BID area. Betwatch is a partnership between the Gambling Commission, West Midlands Police, city council and bookmakers, designed to tackle localised anti-social and criminal behaviour in and around betting shops. Five people suspected of dealing drugs have already been banned from 24 betting shops across the city centre as part of the scheme. The innovative Betwatch scheme means that a ‘banned from one, banned from all’ policy has been implemented by bookmakers. Having been handed the ban by Betwatch, the five individuals involved are now prohibited from entering any bookmaker in the city centre. Names and images have also been circulated among the betting shops to allow staff to identify the individuals concerned. Helen Venn, programme director for
compliance at the Gambling Commission said: “This is a really positive result for Betwatch. “We want the community, whether they are a customer at a local bookie or not, to feel safe and that they are protected. This stands for betting shop employees too. “The reality is anti-social behaviour and the crime associated with betting shops can only be tackled if gambling businesses, police, local authorities and the Gambling Commission work together. “Betwatch achieves this, allowing each partner to address issues with the tools they have available to them, and in circumstances such as this, refuse service to those that pose a risk to the public.” Sharon Horner, West Midlands Police’s Designing Out Crime Officer, said “Betwatch illustrates the calmative effect of people working together to reach a mutually desired outcome of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the community and enhancing the betting experience.”
PAGE 28 EDIT AUTUMN 2017
Debenhams does its bit New approach to vacancies, in partnership with Job Centre, grabs attention of store’s head office A new approach to recruitment could be rolled out across Debenhams stores nationwide after the scheme proved so successful at the Bullring store. Debenhams Bullring launched its Work Inspiration programme last year and since then 82 people have been offered placements and training. Out of those 82 people the store has recruited 51 into permanent positions, creating a 62 per cent success rate. Several of those taken on by Debenhams are experienced department store employees who have worked in a retail environment for many years but fell victim to the high-profile closure of BHS and its Birmingham New Street branch. BHS closed its doors for the final time in August 2016 after an 88-year presence on UK high streets, with more than 11,000 people affected by the chain going into administration. Debenhams’ Work Inspiration scheme, supported by the Job Centre, was spearheaded by Debenhams Bullring Store Manager Rob Miller. Rob joined Debenhams at Bullring 18 months ago after holding similar positions at the group’s Walsall and Lichfield stores. He is passionate about helping the local jobs market and believes the Work Inspiration scheme benefits the wider city centre retail sector, in addition to filling much-needed vacancies at Debenhams. “During my time at Debenhams in Walsall we researched a government scheme to get people back into work,” explained Rob.
Rob Miller (second from right) with Nick Brand, Senior Store Manager (centre) celebrate with staff during the graduates’ day
“The Government funds 30 hours of an eight-week store placement through the Job Centre. “It ran successfully there with a smaller take-up so when I came to Birmingham we looked at how we could implement the scheme in a flagship store environment.” After transferring to Birmingham Rob contacted the Job Centre once again, which was supportive of launching the scheme in Birmingham. Rob’s first intake at Bullring was to help fill Christmas vacancies and with the support
of local Job Centres 25 people were successful; all of whom attended an assessment to make sure they were the right candidates to represent Debenhams. “We offered them an eight-week programme and viewed it as a 50/50 partnership,” added Rob. “Our commitment is to make sure we train them and give them all the resources they need to get them back into work. “I attended the inductions for all 25 people and stressed the need to be punctual, willing to learn and deliver the service expectations of Debenhams.
EDIT AUTUMN 2017 PAGE 29
for Midland jobseekers ‘We were able to tell them they had a permanent job. They were absolutely delighted’
“If they did that I guaranteed them a job at the end of it.” Each of the trainees are assigned to a store ‘buddy’ and has a weekly review to consider any issues. The trainees are coached in price alignments and customer service, among other skills. “We wanted to make sure they get a rounded experience,” added Rob. “Some of the people had been out of work for two or three years so to be a part of a team meant so much to them. “Having a ‘buddy’ partner enables us to
pick up any issues on a weekly basis so I was confident by the time we got to the end of the programme we would be ok. “We took 18 on from that pre-Christmas intake, all at the Birmingham store. “It helped us to have people who could go straight into jobs to support the busy Christmas period. “From those 18 pre-Christmas starters seven are still with us to this day. Others have used the experience gained on the placements to find work at other city centre stores, which is great. “One of our trainees now carries out
audits for us and does a really great job. “We had a trainee working with our visual team over Christmas and they really added something to the look of the store. “Bearing in mind some of these people have been out of work and on jobseekers’ allowance for two or three years, it’s a great achievement.” After the completion of the first programme a HR Director from Debenhams head office visited the Bullring store with a representative from Birmingham City Council for a graduates’ day. “Our HR Director congratulated the trainees and presented them with a certificate,” added Rob. “It was then we were able to tell them they had a permanent job. They were absolutely delighted. “Some of them had been struggling lately and they were in tears to find out they had a job. I’m so glad we were able to offer some support.”
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INSTA CITY what our retailers have been snapping
buffaloandrye Come to the dark side... we have bourbon and wings!
Learn from experts at city Digital Garage The Google Digital Garage at 134b New Street
mossbros Get the autumn look with @mossbros
Technology giant Google offers workshops for businesses
Projekt_21 New drop of @smlwheels inc the Tom Knox signature 53mm wide
Retail BID members are invited to develop their digital skills at a new Google Garage in the city centre. Technology giant Google has returned to Birmingham with its Digital Garage project at 134b New Street where it is offering free, face-to-face digital coaching until the end of 2017. Its return follows a similar project housed in the Library of Birmingham in 2015. The hub is delivering 13 new courses and workshops which build on the small business support previously on offer, according to a Google spokesperson. Attendees can select from tailored coaching designed to boost their confidence and help them take the next step in their career alongside advice on how to start and grow a business.
Ronan Harris, managing director of Google UK and Ireland, said: “It’s a pleasure to return to Birmingham to open our newest Digital Garage. “We believe this is a truly transformative era where new solutions to everyday problems are being answered more and more by technology. “Throughout history, Birmingham has been renowned for its industry and entrepreneurial spirit and, with over 6,000 technology businesses employing 40,000 people, the city has made real strides towards a flourishing digital economy. “We look forward to playing our part in this digital scene.” Find out how to book training by visiting https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage
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How to tweet and be tweeted Social media is a form of free advertising for every business, so it is vital that we utilise it in the right way for maximum impact. Here are Retail BID Marketing Executive Holly Barry’s top five tips on how to get the most out of your social media channels. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS There is a perception that to have a good online presence, you need to be on all social media platforms – this isn’t the case. For a small independent business, you’re handling everything from running the store to paying the bills so having multiple social media channels to look after can be overwhelming. My tip is to choose just one or two and focus on putting your content out there and growing your followers. You need to start with one solid social media channel before utilising more, this concept is often applied to business in general starting small and growing over a period of time. SCHEDULE YOUR POSTS AT PEAK TIMES Scheduling posts as an independent business is vital. When you’re the sole person running the shop and your social media, sometimes it is difficult to manage both. However, with the help of scheduling tools, you can create a queue of posts to appear at specific times. One important factor to note when it comes to preparing your posts is to ensure you are scheduling them to appear at peak times when your followers are most likely to be online – this way, your posts will reach a wider audience. INCORPORATE NATIONAL DAYS/ POPULAR HASHTAGS INTO YOUR POSTS
If you want your posts to be seen by many, incorporating National Days and popular hashtags into your posts is an excellent way to do this. The trending section on Twitter can help to establish which hashtags or topics are trending that day, for example, #FridayFeeling is a regular hashtag that is used a lot on a Friday. There are plenty of weird and wacky National Days out there, many of these you never even knew existed. You can find which National Days are taking place each month at https:// nationaldaycalendar.com/calendar-at-aglance/ KEEP YOUR POSTS REGULAR In addition to scheduling posts, it is important to keep your posts regular to ensure your followers do not lose interest and unfollow. It’s entirely up to you how often you want to post, many factors can influence this, like arrival of new stock or even how much time you have to schedule posts. The general guide to posting on all the social media channels can vary. For Twitter, it is recommended that you tweet between 3-10 per day, Facebook is 1-2 posts per day and the same goes for Instagram. VIDEO WORKS WELL ON SOCIAL MEDIA Video is taking over social media with video representing 74% of all internet traffic. Therefore it makes sense to get involved in this aspect of social media. Try to keep your videos under 2 minutes long – preferably, only a few seconds long depending on the content. People scroll down their feeds very quickly and will ultimately stop for something that grabs their attention, keeping it short will
Retail BID Marketing Executive Holly Barry
help with this. Facebook has been rated the most impactful social media for video – 8.4x higher than any other social media channel so this is something to bare in mind when deciding where to post your video. To learn more about social media I highly recommend booking a place on Google’s Digital Garage free courses which take place on New Street. You can learn how to create a social media strategy and get advice on writing social media posts in a handy one hour session.
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EDIT AUTUMN 2017: THE LAST WORD
Meet your city centre Business Support Officers Highly-trained Retail BID duo are here to help... Hello, we are Peter and Paul, your Business Support Officers. As the title suggests we are here to support your businesses. This can be in many ways, and recently the bulk of our time has been spent discouraging anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area which has a negative impact on visitors and those that work in the area. We encourage those that are causing the ASB to engage with the relevant groups to find accommodation or assistance with addiction. On a daily basis we will work with West Midlands Police, Colmore BID, Westside BID, Retail Crime Operations, BCC ASB Officers and the Homeless Outreach Support Team. We also provide a safe and reassuring presence in the area and provide advice and directions to visitors to Birmingham, who may have come from all over the world to visit us. Peter was a police officer for West Midlands Police for 25 years, working with the Police Engage Team for the last three years, which specifically dealt with rough sleeping, begging and anti-social behaviour. Since leaving the police Peter has worked for Midland Heart and BCC Outreach Team which gives him excellent knowledge of the different types of help available to those encountering difficulties. Peter loves Spitfires and kittens. Paul was a Street Warden for Birmingham City Council for ten years, working the night-time economy for nine years and the city centre during the day in the
last year. Before this he worked in call centres as a business trainer. This experience helps him deal with the public on all levels and gives him a great overall knowledge of the street scene in Birmingham city centre. Paul loves Lego and Dr Who. It would be fair to say there is rarely a typical day in the city centre. We would normally start with a high visibility patrol of the BID area, often responding to calls from businesses reporting anti-social behaviour near them. We will look to deter ASB but also be a welcoming and smiling presence for those people who work or visit the area. We can also report dumped rubbish, highway defects, graffiti and the like.
Peter Ash and Paul Barnett, the BID’s Business Support Officers
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH YOU CAN CONTACT PAUL AND PETER BY CALLING THEM ON‌ Paul: 07825 318157 Peter: 07552 218257 Or email: support @retailbirmingham.co.uk