Retail BID Edit Autumn/Winter 2018

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AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BIRMINGHAM New LED tree lights decorate streets for seasonal visitors

PLUS

BID’s life-sized Lego Noddy Holder welcomes Christmas shoppers

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EDIT magazine is brought to you by

INSIDE THIS EDITION 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 BUSINESS PATROL OFFICERS Wayne McLoughlin and Bryan Edwards support@retailbirmingham.co.uk Office: Level 4, Upper Mall West, Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BU Call 0121 643 3896 Visit www.retailbirmingham.co.uk www.shoppinginbirmingham.com Twitter @ShoppinginBham @retailbid Facebook ShoppingInBirmingham Instagram ShoppinginBham

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www.edwinelliscreativemedia.com While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publisher takes no responsibility for the accuracy of statements or content, and can accept no liability for errors, omissions or any inconvenience. Please check latest details with host venues if travelling to events.

TAKE IT AS RED...

Malcom Faulkner, Community Fundraiser Birmingham, Royal British Legion, Jane Britton, Area Manager West Midlands, Royal British Legion, switch on the BID’s new LED tree lights, with Wayne McLoughlin (second left) and Steve Hewlett from Retail BID (right). The BID supported the Royal British Legion’s ‘Thank You’ initiative and, at the same time, switched on the new city centre LED tree lights for the first time.

WELCOME TO EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

‘Encouraging people to come here with friends and families, to meet, to feel safe, stay longer and spend are key priorities for the BID’ The BID team has been busy in the lead-up to the important festive trading period, working closely with partners, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police and the Mayor’s office to ensure the retail area is a safe and welcoming environment.

Hopefully you will get some time to have a walk across the city centre to see how many businesses and organisations have really ‘stepped-up’ their Christmas offer this year, with huge investment in the arcades, new Christmas lights in Bullring & Grand Central, a really attractive offer at Mailbox, the festive

dressing of store windows, bars and restaurants and the stunning building lighting on House of Fraser.

Add to that the surprise independent ‘pop-up’ areas as well as the Frankfurt Market, there really is lots for visitors to enjoy in Birmingham this year.

Encouraging people to come here with friends and families, to meet, to feel safe, stay longer and spend are key priorities for the BID. You’ll see the BID has made its single biggest investment this year in installing remote-controlled colour-changing LED tree lighting to New Street, Temple

Street, High Street and Union Street. In the absence of local authority funded lights and the practical and costly difficulties of cross-street installation on buildings, we felt there was a real opportunity to invest in the area’s tree assets and animate the streets. Over 220 lamps that use very little energy were fitted in 29 trees throughout the Summer months, with the added bonus being the lighting can now be used all year round to support key shopping periods and city events. To start the lighting programme, it was an honour to be able to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal this year by turning the trees red and installing large poppies in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the First World War. I’m also pleased to advise that the BID has been able to provide last-minute sponsorship for Birmingham’s huge Christmas tree in Victoria Square, which was at risk of not happening this year without our support.

As we approach 2019 and the uncertain Brexit era, we will be striving to continually support you as our members. We are working hard with partners to improve the public realm; we know where work is needed and I am confident we will get there together, with a determination to make it better for you. We are already working closely with the 2022 Commonwealth Games organisers as they shape their plans, to see where we can get involved and maximise opportunities for businesses in the city centre.

Finally, just as we get to Christmas, I have to mention our Noddy Holder Lego tribute. It was one of those bizarre conversations that happened over 12 months ago when we talked about creating something fun, ‘Christmassy’, had a local link and toy related, that would spark the imagination of visitors of all ages and hopefully raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

What better than to recognise one of the greatest Christmaaaaas songs of all time! When we first pitched the idea to the board I was a little nervous as to

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The Victoria Square Christmas tree

their reaction, but thankfully all the smiles around the table gave us confidence we were on to something. After lots

‘I’m pleased to advise that the BID has been able to provide last-minute sponsorship for Birmingham’s huge Christmas tree in Victoria Square, which was at risk of not happening’

of negotiation, 43,500 bricks and 288 build hours later, Noddy’s Lego statue is now standing proud (and proving very popular) in New Street Station for six weeks leading up to Christmas.

The best bit (as well as raising muchneeded funds for poorly children) is that he can go on tour next Christmas so if you’d like to have him near you let us know!

I hope you all have a really profitable and successful time and as ever, if you need the team’s support, be that in person or to promote your business at any time, please do get in touch.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Steve Hewlett, Retail BID Manager

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£375,000 facelift for Piccadilly Arcade

IN THE PRESS 3

www.birminghamlive.co.uk

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018 BIRMINGHAM MAIL

News

PAINT THE TOWN RED!

TREES LIT UP IN CITY CENTRE TO SUPPORT POPPY APPEAL TREES in the city centre are turning red in support of Birmingham’s Poppy Appeal.

Twenty-five trees on New Street, Temple Street and High Street will be lit red for the duration of the appeal, which began on Thursday and runs until Armistice Day, Sunday, November 11.

The aim is to create a beautiful visual statement in support of the work of The Royal British Legion and to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Retail BID Birmingham is also giving city centre visitors the opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to all those involved in the war effort by displaying large poppies throughout the city centre retail area.

The Royal British Legion, which has a branch on New Street, provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans, and their families.

By the end of the First World War more than a million British and Empire Forces were among the dead, a further 1.25 million were injured and a fifth were disabled for life.

Four million soldiers returned home to find a shortage of hous-

ing and jobs, and a struggling economy.

Despite this they brought the same resolve to peace that they had shown in the war, helping to rebuild Britain.

Retail BID, the Business Improvement District for the city centre shopping and leisure area, is backing the Legion’s ‘Thank You’ initiative, which

encourages people to get involved in all sorts of activities in memory of those who served, sacrificed and lost their lives.

Richard Norgrove, Chair of Retail BID, said: “Birmingham has a long history of supporting the Royal British Legion and it’s something we as businesses should respect and recognise.

“We endorse everything the

Legion does and hope it can raise even more funds during the Poppy Appeal to support their great work.”

Steve Hewlett, Retail BID Manager, said: “Retail BID has made a significant investment by spectacularly lighting the trees throughout the area to support events and activities in the city centre and this was the perfect opportunity to launch the lighting and the large poppies in support of the Royal British Legion and to recognise all of our armed forces.”

Sophia Snell, Royal British Legion Community Fundraising Manager, said: “This Poppy Appeal, as we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, The Royal British Legion is asking the nation to say ‘Thank You’ to the entire First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world.

“Everyone has a reason to say ‘Thank You’. We all have a connection to the First World War and the Legion wants to encourage the people of Birmingham and beyond to recognise the legacy that generation left us, whilst also remembering today’s generation of veterans, those serving and their families.”

Birmingham Mail

BBC Midlands Today

Birmingham Updates’ facebook

The city centre’s retailers are backing the Poppy Appeal by turning the trees red

BID’s Poppies and LED tree lights honour war heroes

THE BID’S NEW LED TREE LIGHTS BRING CHRISTMAS COLOUR TO NEW STREET...

BID unveils remote-controlled lighting for seasonal displays Retail BID gave city centre visitors the opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to all those involved in the war effort by displaying large poppies throughout the city centre retail area.

Twenty-five trees on New Street, Temple Street and High Street were lit red using the Retail BID’s new LED lighting system for the duration of Birmingham’s Poppy Appeal – Thursday, October 25 until Armistice Day, Sunday, November 11 – to create a beautiful visual statement in support of the work of The Royal British Legion and to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The Royal British Legion, which has a branch on New Street, provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women,

veterans, and their families. Retail BID backed the Legion’s ‘Thank You’ initiative, which encourages people to get involved in all sorts of activities in memory of those who served, sacrificed and lost their lives in the First World War. The Poppies were unveiled on Thursday, October 25, when the tree lights were also switched on. They stayed in place until Armistice Day, which this year has added poignancy, as it recognised 100 years since the end of the First World War. Richard Norgrove, Chair of Retail BID, said: “Birmingham has a long history of supporting the British Legion and it’s something we as businesses should respect and recognise. We endorse everything the Legion does and hope it can raise even more funds during the

Poppy Appeal to support their work.”

Steve Hewlett, Retail BID Manager, said: “Retail BID has made a significant investment by spectacularly lighting the trees throughout the area to support events and activities in the city centre and this was the perfect opportunity to launch the lighting and the large poppies in support of the Royal British Legion and to recognise all of our armed forces.”

Sophia Snell, Royal British Legion Community Fundraising Manager, added: “We are very grateful for the support we have received this year from Retail BID, who wanted to mark this centenary year with a display of poppies along New Street – a poignant display that says Thank You to Birmingham’s First World War generation.”

Piccadilly Arcade has been given a £375,000 facelift by landlord Hortons’ Estate Limited.

The popular shopping arcade on New Street, which is home to a range of independent boutique shops, has had new automatic glass doors installed at the entrances on New Street and Stephenson Street, and has been repainted and the lighting upgraded.

The arcade’s impressive handpainted ceiling mural has been retained.

Piccadilly Arcade is one of the city’s oldest arcades. Originally built as a cinema in 1910, after its closure in 1926, the building was largely redeveloped into a shopping arcade. The cinema’s original frontage can still be seen above the Stephenson Street entrance.

Today, tenants include Cotswold Outdoor, Faculty Coffee, Marco Benito, Petals of Piccadilly, Piccadilly Cobbler, Piccadilly Jewellers, Piccadilly Opticians, Smithsonia, Top Tailor, 16 Bakery, Shepherds Barbers and Be At One. Jeremy Boothroyd from Hortons’ Estate said: “It’s nearly 100 years since Piccadilly Arcade was first opened, so it’s fitting that it has been given a facelift ahead of this significant milestone.

“Our investment ensures the arcade is well maintained and presented, for visitors and our tenants.”

STATION MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS OF PUB BOMBINGS On November 21, 2018, a new memorial to the victims of the Birmingham pub bombings was being unveiled outside New Street station, exactly 40 years after the atrocity took place.

The memorial has been designed by local artist Anuradha Patel who already has a number on works on display across the West Midlands including the Aspire sculpture at Hawthorns railway station. Anuradha has worked closely

with the victims’ families and Birmingham City Council, and the new memorial entails a grove of sculptured metal trees with the names of the 21 victims engraved on the leaves. Seating will be built into the base of two of the trees providing visitors with a place to rest and contemplate.

Network Rail is funding the artwork’s installation in keeping with its section 106 planning obligations agreed with the city council as part of the New Street station upgrade.

Hortons’ Estate invests in popular destination

WINTER PLANTS The Retail BID has invested in new planting for the winter months.

The BID has funded 9 new Euonymus bushes which have been installed in the BID’s granite planters.

The Corporation Street granite planters were installed at the beginning of the year to complement the new public realm and assist with pedestrian safety.

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S S A A A M T IITT’S CHRIS

BID commissions Lego recreation of music legend Noddy Holder

Merry Christmas, Birmingham!...

Visitors to New Street station will be greeted by a life-sized Lego recreation of one of the Midlands’ most famous musicians this Christmas.

Slade frontman Noddy Holder – best known for writing the Christmas anthem Merry Xmas Everybody – has been recreated in his famous yellow and red 1970s glam-rock suit using more than 43,000 Lego bricks, taking over 260 hours to build.

The colourful Noddy sculpture has been commissioned by Retail BID and is in aid of the work of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, with Noddy selfie-snappers encouraged to donate to the charity and support the #momentsofmagic campaign.

In its first four days on display Lego Noddy had raised more than £700 for the Children’s Hospital.

Noddy, from Walsall, has one of the most recognisable voices

Above: Jodie Perkins from Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and Steve Hewlett with Noddy Left: Noddy being built by the Bright Bricks team Below left: Slade on stage

in rock music and his ‘It’s Christmas!’ chant during Merry Xmas Everybody has become an instantly recognisable seasonal staple.

Slade rose to prominence during the glam rock era in the early 1970s, securing 17 consecutive top 20 hits and six number ones. The British Hit Singles & Albums names them as the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles, while Merry Xmas Everybody has been called the best Christmas single of all time by several music publications. The band

built a fanbase around the world and became as famous for their flamboyant clothing and live performances as they did their chart-topping singles. Noddy is the proud recipient of an MBE for his services to music.

The statue was designed by Bright Bricks, the UK’s only specialist Lego builders.

In addition to colourful new LED lighting on trees on New Street, High Street and Lower Temple Street the Lego statue is another attraction unveiled by the BID to help brighten the city centre during the Christmas shopping period.

The BID is also keen to raise awareness of the outstanding work at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where ‘Moments of Magic’ happen every single day.

Noddy Holder said: “I’m really chuffed!

It’s a great honour to have the statue made and I know a lot of hours have gone into it. The fact that it is helping to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity at Christmas time makes it feel extra special.”

Steve Hewlett from Retail BID said: “The retailers wanted to create something fun that everyone visiting the city could enjoy and also raise money for the children’s hospital. The statue has been designed from an original band photo of Slade and it’s a tribute to a much-loved song and made from one of the most popular toys at Christmas.”

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to Noddy Holder and Retail BID for supporting the 90,000 children treated at our hospital every year. Noddy is a local legend and this iconic Lego statue is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face as they walk past.”

IN THE PRESS

Express & Star

Birmingham Mail

HOUSE OF FRASER GROTTO IS BACK! See Back Page

Latest events and campaigns in city Retail BID is continuing its schedule of events and promotional campaigns to attract visitors to the city centre.

Beauty Live took place on September 29 and this was the second year for the event which promotes the huge beauty offering on offer in the city centre, encouraging shoppers to explore the different stores and spend a day in the city. The campaign included digital adverts, targeted social media advertising and a viral film which had a reach of 101,736 people.

The Movember campaign in

November is supporting businesses in Piccadilly Arcade to raise awareness and money for The Movember Foundation Charity.

Independent retailers in the arcade are offering discounts, offers and treats throughout the month.

Working with Hortons’ Estate, Retail BID has created a joint campaign to drive footfall to the arcade and raise awareness for such an important cause.

The BID will continue with its Christmas campaign from 2017, which will be used across its owned channels and promoted through digital and social in the build-up to Christmas. The objective of the campaign is to keep Birmingham at the forefront of shoppers’ minds as ’the’ one-stop destination for Christmas shopping. The Christmas campaign will lead into sales messaging following the same campaign, look and feel.

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Safety in the city

6-PAGE FOCUS ON THE PARTNERSHIPS AND PROJECTS FIGHTING CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

BID launches organisation to tackle store crime A new organisation called City Safe has been launched to tackle business crime and create a more welcoming environment in Birmingham city centre.

It provides businesses with the latest digital radios, access to a secure two-way network and a text messaging system which will give the ability to identify and respond to issues immediately.

Led by Retail BID and working in partnership with West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, City Safe has been brought about in response to Retail BID members who are becoming increasingly concerned about business crime and the impact of anti-social behaviour on the safety of staff and visitors.

Responding to the needs of businesses,

CITYSAFEBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK

the organisation’s prime focus is to reduce crime and to help create a safe and secure city centre. Prior to its launch, more than 45 partners have signed up and trialled the radio network, which is monitored

by West Midlands Police and the Police camera control room. It is the first time a digital network has been put in place for this purpose.

Within the first hour of its trial period, City Safe identified a travelling criminal in possession of ÂŁ6,000 of stolen goods.

The City Safe steering group will lead on its direction and is made up of managers Continued over

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SAFETY FIRST... MEET THE RETAIL BID PATROL TEAM

CITY SAFE LIAISON OFFICER CHRIS TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES Steve Hewlett, Jonathan Cheetham, Chris Poole – City Safe Business Liaison Officer – and Wayne McLoughlin help launch City Safe at the Retail BID offices. Chris will be visiting businesses to assist with all enquiries related to City Safe. He will provide training to businesses using the new digital radio network and be involved with the regular City Safe member briefings.

From previous page

from Retail BID, Bullring and Grand Central, Mailbox, Selfridges, John Lewis, Boots, H&M, Primark, British Transport Police and West Midlands Police. It has the support of Birmingham City Council.

City Safe will tackle crime issues differently and adopt a community approach to support businesses with instantaneous data and intelligence sent to the mobile devices of those signed-up. The organisation will be GDPR compliant and use closed networks for all communication.

City Safe is a member of the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships (NABCP) and is being managed by Jonathan Cheetham, formerly general manager of the Grand Central and Pallasades centres and the previous Chair of Retail BID. “Our members were becoming increasingly concerned about business crime and the impact of anti-social behaviour on the safety and wellbeing of their staff, visitors and customers and asked for our support to combat these issues,” said Mr Cheetham.

“City Safe was created to deliver a solution, recognise and take ownership of issues, with its sole purpose being to support, assist and strengthen the

‘City Safe was created to deliver a solution... harnessing the latest technology’ effectiveness of our members in resisting the burdens to wellbeing, safety and profitability which business crime imposes on them.

“We are harnessing the latest technology, giving our partners communication via a digital radio network with instant text-messaging ability coupled with a secure digital data and imaging system enabling clear identification of issues. Over the last two months we have trialled and tested our radio system prior to launching and the successes we have had in identifying crime, the performance

of the system and the subsequent arrests has exceeded our expectations.

“As membership increases, this technology and sharing will become more effective as the data trends will expose and help eliminate criminality, creating value commercially, environmentally and societally for the city. The use and sharing of intelligence data in this way is something not currently done,” added Jonathan.

“Our goals are clear: to approach tackling crime as a business using the organisation’s existing skills for the benefit of all our members who will be given access to training and support in anticrime and safety initiatives.

“Our objective is to create a city-wide platform at modest cost for all to join to enable a transparent and co-ordinated approach in communication and assistance, improving and strengthening the safety of our city, learning from each other and thus creating value for all our partners.”

TO JOIN CITY SAFE

CALL 0121 389 8809 OR EMAIL CITYSAFE@RETAILBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK OR VISIT WWW.CITYSAFEBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK

BUSINESSES URGED TO USE ONLINE CRIME REPORTING WEBSITE PAUL BARNETT

BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER

BRYAN EDWARDS

BUSINESS PATROL OFFICER

PETE ASH

BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER

WAYNE McLOUGHLIN BUSINESS PATROL OFFICER

EMAIL THE TEAM: support@retailbirmingham.co.uk

West Midlands Police has launched a new online crime reporting portal.

The Force is encouraging all BID members to use the new system to report crime, which will give officers a greater idea of hot-spots and resource needs.

The system is for reporting non-emergency incidents with all reports sent over a secure internet connection and all information treated confidentially.

Categories include burglary, theft and criminal damage.

For matters relating to fraud, traffic collisions and neighbourhood issues the website offers a Live Chat facility.

Visit https://www. west-midlands. police.uk/ incident-report

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BID BACKING NEW POLICE PROJECT A new police project is launching in Birmingham city centre just in time for Christmas after a successful roll-out at Birmingham Airport earlier this year.

‘Project Servator’ will see officers adopting new specialist tactics aimed at tackling a range of criminal activity, including terrorism. The first roll-out will be in and around the Bullring area before being rolled out across the city.

The tactics have also been adopted in specific locations across the country, including key transport hubs. They are designed to deter, detect and disrupt a range of crime, whilst reassuring members of the public.

The highly visible deployments can take place at any time and at key locations in the city centre and will be used at events over the Christmas period.

Birmingham Police Superintendent Ian Green said: “The safety of everyone visiting and working in the city centre is our priority and these tactics will continue to help us to further combat crime.

“One of the key elements of Project Servator is unpredictability, so don’t be surprised if you see a visible police presence pop up at any time.

“Our officers are here to keep people safe and I need people to speak to us if they have any concerns.”

West Midlands Police is also encouraging everyone to follow national ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) guidance. More information on what to look out for and how to contact police can be found at www.gov.uk/ ACT. Anyone who sees anything that doesn’t feel right can report it directly to an officer or via 101. In an emergency always call 999.

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City council applies for three-year PSPO A draft map of the area under which the PSPO would apply if it is introduced

the Police with additional powers across a defined geographical area to tackle a wide range of anti-social behaviours. In the city centre, this is being introduced to address anti-social street drinking, groups gathering, begging and related ASB. It will introduce prohibitions for groups of people congregating and causing ASB and people behaving anti-socially when under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The order also requires any young person, found to be in breach, to be referred to the Early Intervention Team at the Youth Offending Service, who will provide appropriate diversionary measures.

Any person, found to be in breach, with drug and alcohol issues, to be referred to Drug & Alcohol rehabilitation services. Any person found to be begging to be referred to the Street Intervention Team for housing and benefit support.

This Order has been informed by evidence from residents, businesses and professionals, which demonstrates the scale of the issue for the local community.

It is be implemented for a period of time up to three years.

The city council is now at the consultation phase for this Order, which concludes in November 2018.

Safety

Sub heading in here sub headeubg

Special order is part of UK-wide ASB legislation

in the city

City centre businesses will be aware that there has been work among partners throughout Birmingham to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area.

These behaviours cause significant concern for residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

As part of the partnership approach towards this problem, Birmingham City Council has decided to apply for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the city centre.

PSPOs are part of the new ASB legislation which was introduced nationally in October 2014. This new order provides

Find out more about the PSPO at www.birminghambeheard.org.uk

Introducing your new City Centre Police Inspector Safety

Sub heading in here sub headeubg

in the city

New Birmingham West City Centre Inspector encouraging businesses to report all crime

I am Suraya Latif and I have worked for West Midlands Police for more than 18 years.

I have been an Inspector for the past four years and I have been responsible for a number of teams across the Birmingham area. I have a wide range of experience dealing with 24/7 response policing, a crime and operations portfolio dealing with firearms incidents, offender management and neighbourhood policing. I have taken on the City Centre role in recent weeks and have had the opportunity to meet with many of the BID teams.

Since arriving in the city I have made some changes to my teams, having listened to both you and them. I have removed the geographical alignments of the teams and we are taking a thematic approach to the issues in the city i.e. Drugs (Mamba), Homelessness, and Robbery are just a few.

I would like to think that you have started to see some differences, increased visibility and enforcement to deal with the issues mentioned.

Moving forward I want to create a better working relationship with my teams and yourselves as this is key to a partnership response to the issues.

I have obtained a ‘duty mobile’ for access to my supervisors to allow you to contact them 24/7 however; this is not to replace the 101, online reporting or the 999 calls, but should you want to give them information or run something past them you can and I would encourage you to do so – 07557139160.

Speaking to many of you I am also

Birmingham West City Centre Inspector Suraya Latif

conscious many retailers are not reporting incidents, for me this means I do not have the full picture of demand within the city.

I would encourage all retailers to use our new online reporting facility or our ‘live web chat’ so that we can record incidents.

Please use link; https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/incident-report Finally, should you want to get hold of me I am contactable on: Email: s.latif@west-midlands.pnn. police.uk or Tel: 07391018676.

ADVICE FOR RETAILERS DURING BUSY PERIOD With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the run-up to Christmas, it has never been more important for businesses to prepare for the additional pressures which occur during this busy trading period.

It is proven that planning and partnership working in particular, has a significant impact in improving safety and on preventing some of the issues experienced in previous years. It is vital this good work continues to ensure that potential theft, violence and disorder is avoided and our retailers and business community can maximise the benefits they require to protect their well being and profitability at this key time in the business calendar.

Now is the time to make sure that communication and engagement with your own staff, regarding changes to opening times, staffing levels, increased footfall and anticipated queues is in hand.

Sharing this information with nearby businesses, security teams, local crime reduction partnerships and the police will ensure we fulfill our collective obligation to not expose the public, our staff, security personnel or the police to avoidable risk. It is encouraging that many businesses have, as last year, decided to spread the Black Friday sales period across the week rather than relying on just one day.

Retail BID will continue to support and assist communication, partnership and safety with the added benefit of the new City Safe Birmingham digital radio network which gives direct communication with West Midlands Police, the Police Camera control room, the Retail BID team, our shopping centres and all business members on the network.

For information about City Safe please call 0121 389 8809.

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Designs revealed for Curzon Street landmark station

Dippy at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

DIPPY DINO VISITORS SPEND £4.2m IN CITY The huge impact of the Dippy the Dinosaur exhibition has now been revealed. Over 250,000 people visited Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG), spending £4.2 million in the city during its 107-day run.

The record-breaking exhibition is BMAG’s most successful ever temporary exhibition with 255,548 visitors from May 26 – September 9, 2018.

Research shows that the direct economic impact of these visitors on the city is almost £1.7 million bringing additional spend to local businesses, shops, restaurants and hotels.

Birmingham was the second stop on the tour of the Natural History Museum’s iconic 26 metre long Diplodocus cast, but Dippy captivated visitors from across the region and beyond.

The exhibition attracted 140,203 additional visitors to Birmingham city centre, who visited especially to see the exhibition, including 66,844 visitors from outside the West Midlands. Meanwhile the popularity of the exhibition helped to boost BMAG’s overall visitor figures, with the museum attracting more than double the amount of visitors than during the same period last year.

Primark Pavilions to open in spring 2019 Showpiece development will help boost High Street offer

The biggest retail development in two streets, giving visitors using the new Birmingham city centre since the HS2 rail terminus direct access to the retail opening of Grand Central is due to open area. in spring 2019.

A Primark spokesperson said: “We The giant Primark Pavilions scheme on will unveil our new flagship store in High Street is breathing Birmingham during spring ‘The store will new life into the High Street 2019. This will be our largest also have a and New Street retail area store to date, featuring the with a vast retail space and personalisation latest contemporary shop fit five floors of fashion on the and an enhanced customer service; recharge experience with 160,000 sq site of the former Pavilions shopping centre. seating area and free ft of retail space and five Architects’ impressions of fashion. The store WiFi. Other surprises floors show a striking building in will create over 500 new High Street and a new view will be revealed on jobs and 430 colleagues will from Moor Street Station. transfer from our existing opening day’ The project will also location in Birmingham. involve new pedestrian access routes “Development is progressing well and to running between Moor Street and High facilitate some additional work, we have Street and new façades fronting these moved the opening date to spring 2019.

This is a unique store, with many new and exciting elements, and we want to ensure that we have the best possible in-store experience for our customers when our doors open.

“The new Primark Birmingham store will have the latest trends in women’s, men’s and children’s fashions including footwear, accessories as well as lingerie, beauty and homeware.

“In addition to amazing fashion at amazing prices, this store will also have many new features including Primark’s largest ever beauty studio for nails, makeup, hair, eyebrows and lashes; a barbers and three different dining experiences.

The store will also have a personalisation service; recharge seating area and free WiFi. Other surprises will be revealed on opening day.”

Above: Building work on the vast site and, inset, an architect’s impression of how it will look when complete

Designs for the new city centre HS2 station have been revealed.

Curzon Street will serve the new high-speed route due to be built between London and Birmingham.

HS2 is the £55.7 billion planned high-speed rail network initially running between London and Birmingham by 2026, before a second phase expands it to Manchester and Leeds.

Curzon Street will be the first brand new intercity station built in Britain since the 19th century, and create a new landmark for the city and boost opportunities for regeneration in the city. It will connect travellers to the core retail area and the Moor Street entrance to the new Primark Pavilions.

Opening with seven high-speed platforms in 2026, the new station will not only be for high speed rail passengers, it will be fully integrated into an extended tram network, as well as offering pedestrian, cycle,

taxi, bus and conventional rail connections to the rest of the city and the wider West Midlands.

The Grade I-listed original Curzon Street station will become a visitor centre and offices.

Plans have also been unveiled for Interchange Station near Solihull which will be part of a public transport interchange serving Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre.

Curzon Street is due to open with seven high-speed platforms in 2026.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the new stations will be “catalysts for regeneration” and will create jobs in the region.

“Curzon Street station will put Birmingham at the heart of Britain’s new high-speed network and enhance the rail connectivity for the city, whilst Interchange provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help drive the growth of the region,” he added.

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NOCTURNAL ANIMALS BY THE WILDERNESS The team behind the unique The Wilderness restaurant have launched their brand-new concept, Nocturnal Animals by The Wilderness.

The new venue is located at 20 Bennetts Hill and is the second venue conceived by Alex Claridge, to create a fun and inventive experience. The site, inspired by 80s pop culture, provides a culinary journey with ingenious drinks, bold flavours and afternoon tea unlike ever seen before.

Downstairs is home to a 42-cover fine dining restaurant, where the food draws heavily on the kitchen’s Konro charcoal grills, as well as eclectic influences from both modern Japanese and Chinese cooking. The restaurant offers an ambitious and accessible taster menu for both lunch and dinner – as well as an à la carte bar menu across all floors.

TIGER BITES PIG Tiger Bites Pig at 34 Stephenson Street will be run by two friends – Scottish chef Neil McGougan, formerly of Two Cats and The Church JQ, and Keith Holland, a widely travelled Australian from Perth who has been in the UK for 10 years.

The new Chinese restaurant is promising ‘bao, bowls and beer’ in the ground floor of the historic Guildhall Building.

Bao cooking often offers a meal inside a steamed, white bun.

Food will also be served in bowls and diners visiting the theatre-style kitchen will have the opportunity to wash it all down with beer, too.

ANARCHY45 Described as ‘fitness without rules’, Anarchy45 training has opened on Temple Street in the former home to electronics retailer Maplin.

The boutique gym studio – complete with its own prosecco bar – promises to give city centre professionals a ‘true high end gym experience’.

PIG AND APPLE Pig and Apple is bringing Yorkshire pudding

EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 17

From food to fitness... new arrivals to the BID LUSH ON THE MOVE

Cosmetics store Lush is opening one of its biggest branches in the UK in Birmingham city centre this winter.

The new store will take the place of the former Adidas sportswear retailer on New Street under the Rotunda.

Opening opposite a new-look JD Sports, H&M and Metro Bank, Lush will help boost a booming retail offer in the New Street and High Street area.

wraps to bustling Grand Central. With the tag line, ‘Slow Food Fast’, Pig and Apple promises honest, simple food, cooked to perfection. The menu is mainly inspired by classic pub food.

Signature dishes include slow-roasted pork with apple sauce and gravy wrapped in a Yorkshire pudding, and the slow roasted pork and stuffing sandwich with apple sauce and gravy on thick wholemeal bread.

HERMAN ZE GERMAN Another Grand Central opening, Herman Ze German will sell bratwurst, pork and chicken schnitzel as well as a range of German beers, when it opens in November.

The Herman ze German website says: “Our sausages are made by a butcher called Fritz. They are made in the Black Forest in Germany. Fritz has been making

sausages since we were kids so they are very good!”

The chain was founded in 2008 as a street-food stall touring festivals and markets all over the UK and this will be the first Herman Ze German restaurant outside the capital.

MANHATTAN AVENUE New cocktail bar Manhattan Avenue has opened in the city centre, just off John Bright Street.

The 50-seater venue will be in two units on Lower Severn Street, behind the junction with John Bright Street that is already home to a BrewDog, Turtle Bay and others.

Manhattan Avenue will serve a selection of classic cocktails such as Cosmopolitan, Long Island Iced Tea, Martini and, of course, the classic Manhattan.

Nocturnal Animals by The Wilderness

TASTE OF CANADA AT TIM HORTONS

Embracing the revolution in mobile photography Birmingham’s new-look Jessops has opened with the new store embracing the photography revolution.

Shoppers can discover new photo printing creativity areas with a team of ‘photosmiths’ on hand to help people get the most out of photos.

Jessops has seen a huge rise in the number of photos that are being taken by customers both on cameras and on phones that are at risk of being lost in the virtual universe. With over 1 trillion pictures being taken each year, the demand for printing is at an all-time high. The Jessops photo revolution is about encouraging customers to set their photos free by taking their images off their phones, memory cards or even social timelines

and sharing them with friends and family through gifting or creating something beautiful and different for their homes.

The new Jessops store on Temple Street is a playground for those who are looking for inspiration, ideas, expert advice and hands-on help to find the perfect way to show off their photos. From being able to print directly from mobile phones, to showcasing photos in exciting new ways such as on cushions, scrapbooks, photo albums, creative framing and much, much more.

The shop offers a huge range of products; from quirky colourful frames and smart-looking albums to a vast selection of personalised gifts that you can, quite literally, print a face on.

Inside the new-look store on Temple Row

SERVE PING PONG BAR IS A FIRST FOR BIRMINGHAM Birmingham’s first ever ping pong bar has opened in the Retail BID. Located on Temple Row, SERVE offers a ‘unique immersive ping pong experience within a contemporary underground nightclub, bar, and lounge environment’.

The first venue of its kind outside of London, it features 17 ping pong tables where guests can play while sampling an extensive cocktail, beer and wine list; or enjoy delicious food featuring modern classics and internationally inspired dishes made with local organic ingredients.

During the day, early bird sessions provide the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend brunch or the chance to challenge a colleague over lunchtime. After 7pm there is a strict over-18s policy as guest DJs play the latest tunes and there’ll even be masterclasses with stars of the ping pong world. A private reSERVE space with two ping pong tables is also available exclusively for corporate events and private parties.

For more information and to book a table, visit www. serve-play.com.

Canadian Café and Bake Shop chain, Tim Hortons, has arrived in Birmingham city centre.

Located on the busy corner of New Street and Lower Temple Street, the Birmingham location is the first Tim Hortons restaurant to open in the Midlands.

The Tim Hortons brand was founded in 1964 by its namesake, a professional ice hockey player, who wanted to create a space where everyone would feel at home. Fast forward to 2018 and nearly eight out of 10 cups of coffee sold across Canada are served at Tim Hortons restaurants and more than 5.3 million Canadians – approximately 15 per cent of the population – visit the café daily.

As well as its signature brewed coffee, Canada’s much loved café and bake shop is renowned for its unique French Vanilla and Iced Capp beverages, a wide range of classic baked goods and of course, Timbits, their famously delicious bite-sized doughnuts.

Kevin Hydes, Chief Finance and Commercial Officer of the Tim Hortons franchise in the UK, said: “Following the success of our recent restaurant openings across the UK, we can’t wait to bring a taste of Canada to the Midlands at our brand new restaurant.”

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EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 19

2019 10K course will capture city centre highlights

Runners ‘soak up’ city sights Runners from across the Midlands descended on the city centre and braved the downpours to take on the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run 2018 and raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

Setting off from Broad Street, participants were taken through the Georgian splendour of Edgbaston, Bournville, Cannon Hill Park and past the iconic Selfridges building, along a route lined by cheering spectators who turned out in force despite the wet weather.

Many will have been aiming to finish the 2018 running season with a personalbest time after route planners created a relatively flat course that saw the once infamous hill of Lee Bank Middleway moved to an incline near the start.

Entries are now open for next year’s

Annual event raises thousands for charity

Pictured above: A runner passing Selfridges Above right: Participants setting off from Broad Street

Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run at www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-run/ or Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10K at www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-10k.

The half marathon will help raise thousands for local and national good causes as runners were taking part to raise funds for charities close to their heart.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity had hundreds of runners wearing its famous red-balloon branded vests to show their support for such a great cause.

The brother of a Birmingham doctor who was tragically killed while they cycled together in Edgbaston made an emotional return to the scene of the accident to take on the half marathon in support of the Children’s Hospital.

Drew Bull led group of family and friends at the event in memory of his younger sister Suzanna – almost a year to the day since she died.

He was cycling with 32-year-old Suzanna, who was on a six-month GP training placement at the Children’s Hospital, when her bike was in collision with a lorry at the junction of Pershore Road and Edgbaston Road last October.

Bambos Neophytou, Brand Director at Simplyhealth, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run. The driving rain didn’t stop the thousands of people running for so many worthwhile causes; and what’s just as admirable is the thousands of community supporters encouraging all the runners every step of the way.”

Among the famous faces at the Great Birmingham Run were ‘Blues Brothers’ Paul Devlin, Paul Tait and Paul Robinson.

Former Birmingham City players Paul Robinson, who retired in May, and Paul Tait were running, or walking, the half marathon with Paul Devlin to help ‘Devs’ raise £20,000 to fund lifesaving treatment for his 12-year-old daughter Annie, who suffers from Addison’s Disease, a rare disorder of the adrenal glands.

The Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street, was also among the participants at the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run. He was taking part on behalf of city charity Acorns, which supports children with life-limiting or life-threatening illness.

NEXT YEAR’S SIMPLYHEALTH GREAT BIRMINGHAM 10K TAKES PLACE ON SUNDAY, MAY 26, A BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND. THE SIMPLYHEALTH GREAT BIRMINGHAM RUN TAKES PLACE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13.

VISIT WWW. GREATRUN.ORG/ FOR MORE INFORMATION

The thousands of people signing up for next year’s Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10K will get to pass beautiful Birmingham Cathedral and run along historic Colmore Row after organisers hinted at an exciting new city centre route for 2019.

After listening to feedback from participants and stakeholders including Retail BID, The Great Run Company has worked with Birmingham City Council to design a route that takes in some of the city centre’s most popular landmarks such as Colmore Row, Birmingham Cathedral, Victoria Square and the Jewellery Quarter. The full details of the new route will be revealed at a later date.

The new route further underlines Birmingham’s sporting credentials ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, an event that will be televised to a global audience and show off the best of the city to viewers around the world.

Victoria Square is one of the busiest spots in the city and neighboured by the iconic Town Hall, Museum & Art Gallery and showpiece Paradise regeneration scheme; soon to be home to financial services giant PwC. PwC were out in force for the 2018 Great Birmingham 10K with a team of

The new 10K will pass Victoria Square

more than 200 taking part in the Business Challenge to raise funds for the PwC Foundation. The 10K Business Challenge invites corporate teams to compete for fastest-time trophies and bragging rights in the corporate world.

10K runners, walkers and fancy dressers will also get to see the historic Jewellery Quarter; the beating heart of the nation’s jewellery manufacturing for more than 200 years and still home to some 40% of UK jewellery production.

The 10K takes place on Sunday, May 26 and is expected to attract entrants of all abilities; from club runners to first-time participants with the event’s Walking Wave growing in popularity.

VÉLO CYCLE EVENT TO RETURN Vélo Birmingham & Midlands (formerly Vélo Birmingham), the UK’s second biggest closed-road cycling event, is returning on Sunday May 12th 2019, bigger and better than before, with a new 100-mile route taking 17,000 riders through the West Midlands including Birmingham city centre and Coventry.

The event, which has now sold out, will have its ‘hub’ in the Digbeth area of the city centre. A map has been revealed to give a flavour of the Vélo Birmingham & Midlands 2019 route, with detailed locations of rider pit stops, crossing points and other relevant highways information to be shared later in the year.

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CITY TO TRIAL NEW 5G TECHNOLOGY Birmingham and the wider West Midlands has been selected to become the innovative home to the UK’s first multi-city 5G test bed, transforming business life in the city centre.

The multi-million pound trial of new high speed connectivity will pave the way for the future rollout of 5G across the UK, making the region the first in the UK ready to trial new 5G applications and services at scale.

Subject to formal approval, initial plans include live streaming of CCTV footage from public transport buses, enabling immediate action to be taken against anti-social behaviour.

“Intelligent cameras” will use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify incidents and provide the opportunity for far greater coverage than is possible at present.

The Urban Connected Communities Project, the next step in the Government’s 5G Testbed and Trials Programme, will develop a large-scale, 5G pilot across the region, with hubs in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton.

Up to £50 million is currently available for the project, subject to further development and approval of the business plan.

This includes £25 million from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and a further £25 million match funding from regional partners.

An additional £25 million may be made available at a later stage.

EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 21

How Inovape helps to change smokers’ lives Store was launched after founder’s life was changed by using e-cigarette

Few independent retail businesses can claim to have been launched due to a life-changing experience.

New Street retailer Inovape Ltd, however, is exactly that, after its founder discovered first-hand the benefits of vaping compared to smoking and wanted to pass on what he had learned.

Chris Breslin had been a heavy smoker for 35 years and tried everything to give up, reaching the stage of ‘giving up trying to give up’ as he describes it, until he came across vapes.

He knew his health was seriously at risk if he continued to smoke and since quitting cigarettes he has never been in better shape, describing the moment as ‘transformational’.

Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, simulate smoking a traditional cigarette by dispensing a vapour derived from liquid ingredients in a refillable cartridge.

Typically, a press of a button begins a process to heat the liquid inside the cartridge, so it evaporates to form liquid vapour. Inhaling this vapour delivers a hit of nicotine and flavouring straight to your lungs.

The kits satisfy nicotine cravings (the nicotine is not harmful. Addictive, yes, but no more harmful than caffeine) but without any harmful tar or toxic chemicals and, according to a 2015 Public Health England study, are more than 95% less harmful than cigarettes.

Inovape Ltd stocks more than 150 flavours of premium quality vape liquids, kits, and accessories. It sees its purpose as educational to help customers kick the habit in a sensible and professional way.

Chris, a former senior manager for Shell, Massey Ferguson and Currys, was buying bits of vaping kit off the internet but felt he was being offered little explanation

regarding what was right and wrong. He spent hundreds of pounds before he found a combination he thought ‘felt like a cigarette’ and satisfied his nicotine craving.

Once he got the combination right he quit smoking overnight.

“I’d been trying cigarette-type things, which were successful but left me wanting,” he explains. “When I began using a vape tailored to my specific needs I could get it close to what I had as a cigarette.

“I thought, there needs to be a way to help people understand this process the first time round and not be constantly experimenting, so I opened a shop!

Essentially our shop is a school-type education environment.”

Shoppers are welcome to taste all the liquid flavours and nicotine strengths available and Chris describes this as important to make sure the whole experience is correct.

“You want the kit to be delivering it to feel right, but you also need the nicotine levels to be right so you’re getting satisfaction without coughing and, finally, you want the flavour to be enjoyable. It’s taking every excuse off the table.

“There’s no inhalation of the toxic

EDIT BUSINESS PROFILE

Waterloo Street apartments are a haven for visitors

chemicals or tar found in cigarettes. It’s just moisture.

“We treat people as individuals to allow them the best chance of giving up smoking, if they really are committed to it.”

Chris and his team are ‘vapers and exsmokers’ themselves and approach every transaction or meeting with a customer with professionalism and ongoing support.

“The sense of victory you get when you overcome the habit is incredible and this is what drives us.”

This is the type of feedback Chris and his team receive daily, and helps push them to provide the best service and guidance they can.

“Every day we get people in the shop telling us how their lives have changed.

It makes us feel fantastic that they’ve achieved a healthier lifestyle. And a cheaper habit! The costs of vaping are about 75% cheaper than cigarettes.

“We’re here to provide guidance and encouragement. We know people fall off the wagon and might have a cigarette, but we tell them they’ll be fine. Just keep at it and it will work spectacularly.

“This is a very serious business that we run extremely professionally, but it’s also a terrific and satisfying business to be in.”

Chris Breslin founded Inovape after personally experiencing the benefits of using an e-cigarette compared to smoking

8 Waterloo Street is a stunning Art Deco building in Birmingham city centre, centrally located near Cathedral Square with easy access to transport, shopping and major attractions.

The selection of luxury apartments is the perfect place to stay for business or pleasure; just a short walk away from the BID’s booming dining quarter and restaurants such as The Ivy, Adams, San Carlo and next-door-neighbours The Cosy Club and Lost & Found.

Each of the 31 self-contained serviced apartments have an eclectic mix of modern and traditional styles and are surrounded by all the amenities of a city centre location.

With a choice of one or two bedrooms, each apartment has been individually designed with a stunning, classic, contemporary twist.

Their impressive use of luxury furnishings and attention to detail

places No. 8 Waterloo Street among the best places to stay in the city centre.

Features include stylish living and dining areas, designer furnishings, free WiFi and TV entertainment packages.

Bathrooms feature The White Company toiletries, rain showers and Fired Earth bathroom fittings.

Visit www. www.8waterloostreet. co.uk to find out more.

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EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 23

BURROWS & HARE

PINOCCHIO

At Home with Mailbox this winter As Mailbox celebrates the first anniversary of opening ‘Home at Mailbox’, design lovers need look no further for their next dose of home inspiration.

ENGLISH BRANDS

Mailbox welcomes independents Clothing brands and family-run restaurant join premium destination

Mailbox – Birmingham’s premium shopping, dining and lifestyle destination – has welcomed two new independent stores, English Brands and Burrows & Hare, and family-run Italian restaurant, Pinocchio.

At English Brands, shoppers can expect to find a range of the finest handmade leather shoes and boots, alongside popular, quality and high-end men’s fashion brands including Sanders, Loake, Gaziano & Girling, Cheaney and John White.

Burrows & Hare is an independent family-run business that presents Mailbox customers with the best in men’s fashion, lifestyle and grooming, for a new generation of discerning gentleman.

Winner of the Best New Retailer category in the Drapers Independent Awards 2018,

Burrows & Hare brings impressive brands such as Sunspel, Oliver Spencer and A.B.C.L to Mailbox, supporting the store’s philosophy that through classic styling, quality materials and meticulous finishing, each stocked product becomes timeless, making it a modern classic.

David Pardoe, head of marketing, retail and tenant engagement at the Mailbox, said: “We’re delighted to welcome English Brands and Burrows & Hare to the Mailbox.

Their high quality products perfectly complement our existing mix of highend fashion retailers; consolidating our reputation as the city’s leading destination for menswear and lifestyle pieces.”

The latest food offering to launch at Mailbox, Pinocchio, has taken residence amongst the popular canal side restaurants

The Mailbox at night

and Everyman Cinema, and is the third Midlands-based venue from the owners of the much-loved La Galleria on Ethel Street in Birmingham and Cafe Casita on Clarence Street in Sedgley.

Pinocchio showcases authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sicilian-born owner Erminio’s passion for quality, fresh ingredients is evident in the extensive menu, presenting an array of pasta, pizza and risotto dishes, as well as steak, lamb, veal, and a daily fish option, all perfectly complemented by a curated wine list and a choice of beers.

Erminio said: “As a family business, we view the opening of Pinocchio as another welcome opportunity to contribute to Birmingham’s lively and varied food scene, which we are proud to be a part of.”

HEADLINE BRANDS Known as the home of modern and contemporary designer furniture, the Heal’s showroom at Mailbox presents the best in contemporary furniture design and craftsmanship from its in-house designers, alongside exclusive branded pieces from Tom Dixon, Myer Halliday and Tom Raffield.

For high-end, affordable design, head to MADE.COM, for a selection of the retailer’s range of furniture, homewares and gift accessories; the perfect choice for those looking for timeless pieces.

EUROPEAN DESIGN BoConcept showcases contemporary Danish furniture for the living room, bedroom, dining room and home office. From designer sofas and armchairs through to practical TV and wall units, each modern piece has been made to the highest functionality, design and quality.

As an international brand famed for artistic pieces which are as ergonomic as they are beautiful, the showroom from Italian smart design experts, Calligaris, is not to be missed.

A SPACE FOR LIVING Design Quarter presents an exciting collection of contemporary furniture and upholstery from some of the most inspirational brands of the moment. Expect to find innovative, affordable and made-to-order Swedish sofas from SITS, a dining table

collection by Italian experts, Devina Nais, and the iconic and ever-popular Content by Conran range.

Wesley Barrell has been producing fine English upholstery in Oxfordshire since 1895, and today it offers customers beautiful, handmade sofas covered in the latest trending fabrics from across the globe. Uniting its bespoke interior design service is a large choice of cabinetry, fabric, paint and wallpaper to help you design your perfect living space.

THE HEART OF THE HOME Kitchen Gallery brings world-class design to Mailbox in its chic SieMatic kitchen studio. Renowned as one of the leading international brands in bespoke kitchen design, this flagship showroom features the first apartment-style VIP Design Room, and showcases SieMatic’s three lifestyle collections; Urban, Pure and Classic.

Adding to Mailbox’s kitchen credentials is bespoke designer and manufacturer, Harvey Jones, specialising in high quality, hand-built bespoke kitchen designs made to suit all tastes with expert designers available on-hand throughout each project.

AN ARTISTIC TOUCH Whether you’re yet to acquire your first purchase, or are looking to add to your growing collection, head to Castle Fine Art for original and limited edition pieces from today’s most talented artists.

Those looking to set the tone of the room through a statement lighting piece should look no further than iLite; a specialist retailer providing an extensive collection of brands including Swarovski, Foscarini, Masiero, Diesel, Flos and Schonbek.

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EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 25

CHANGES TO GRAND CENTRAL TRAM STOP

Metro extension to Centenary Square is gathering pace

New arrangements have been put in place for customers using West Midlands Metro’s terminus at Grand Central.

As part of the ongoing Birmingham Westside extension project to extend the Metro network to Centenary Square by 2019 and Edgbaston by 2021, the Midland Metro Alliance is starting the process of connecting the existing track on Stephenson Street to the new lines which are now being constructed.

As a result, Metro services will arrive and depart from the same platform immediately outside New Street railway station until summer 2019. The normal departure tram stop towards Wolverhampton will not be in use during this period but services will otherwise be unaffected by the work.

During the works, the lower section of Pinfold Street will be closed to all vehicles and Stephenson Street will become accessible to traffic in both directions under marshal control.

Pedestrian access in the area will be maintained at all times.

Hoarding designs on route construction sites help enhance works

‘Once complete, the new city centre route will allow passengers to access attractions in the heart of the city’

Construction of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension has gathered pace in recent months with the next stage of works already underway from Victoria Square to Centenary Square.

New hoarding designs have also gone up at the Midland Metro Alliance’s construction sites across the city centre to enhance the works, while also providing passers-by with more information about the route including directions to landmarks in the city centre.

The blue and pink panels have been installed in Victoria Square, Swallow Street, Pinfold Street and Paradise Street. They follow hoarding artwork designed by pupils at Regents Park Community Primary School, which were put up in Victoria Square earlier this year after being chosen as a runner-up in the Ivor Goodsite 2018 Hoarding Competition. Some of the new hoarding sits alongside the children’s designs.

Meanwhile, works to connect the existing track on Stephenson Street to the new lines, which are currently being constructed, have begun with the installation of a sectional insulator device which isolates the overhead lines creating a safe environment for the construction teams carrying out the work.

Once complete, the new city centre route will allow passengers to access

FIND OUT MORE

popular attractions in the heart of the city including Birmingham Town Hall, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall, with the addition of five new tram stops connecting people to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Hagley Road.

The extension is the next phase of works following the tram extension from St Chads to Grand Central, which opened for passenger service in 2016. It will see the new line operate between Grand Central to Hagley Road in Edgbaston,

improving transport links to and from the west of Birmingham, making journeys faster and more accessible, in turn helping businesses and supporting more jobs.

The first phase of the works will take the route from New Street Station to Centenary Square, with services expected to commence in late 2019.

The second phase will continue to Edgbaston, and is planned to open in 2021, in time for Birmingham’s hosting of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, for which transport improvements in the city, including the Metro extension, will play an

important part in delivering a successful event.

The extension is being designed and built by the Midland Metro Alliance working on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has embarked upon an ambitious plan to regenerate the region and to provide new opportunities for residents and businesses.

Central to this plan is the expansion of the Metro network which will triple in size by 2026, providing high quality, safe and dependable travel across much of the region.

Above: An artist’s impression of West Midlands Metro calling at a new Metro stop in Victoria Square.

Facing page: The new hoarding in Swallow Street.

For further information about this and other Midland Metro routes, please visit www. metroalliance. co.uk/or email communications@ metroalliance. co.uk.

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EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 27

Centre that transformed the city centre skyline in 2003 continues to maintain reputation as one of Europe’s most successful shopping destinations We reached an exciting milestone in September, with the Bullring celebrating its 15th birthday.

Bullring transformed Birmingham’s city centre when it opened in 2003 and continues to thrive in the heart of the city.

On opening, Bullring brought 53 new brands to the city and more than 50 of those original brands continue to trade here including Selfridges, Zara and Molton Brown. With the acquisition of Grand Central in 2016, the combined Bullring Estate has become one of Europe’s most successful shopping and dining destinations and regeneration projects.

Over the last 15 years, the number of restaurants, aspirational fashion and consumer brands at the centre has doubled. This year’s unexpectedly hot summer hasn’t slowed that momentum, with the Bullring and Grand Central welcoming a host of new brands to the centre. Most recently, H&M’s latest fashion offer, Arket, opened a 13,000 sq ft regional flagship on Bullring’s upper level and HUGO BOSS launched its first store outside of London and only second in the UK for new menswear-only concept, HUGO. Outdoor and Country also opened Birmingham’s only dedicated Barbour clothing store at Grand Central, bringing 10 new jobs to the city.

The luxury timepiece offer at Bullring has grown significantly with pre-owned watch specialist, Watchfinder & Co., opening a store between Links of London and COS. The new store is the brand’s first in the West Midlands and stocks an extensive range of pre-owned watches from more than 50 brands including, Omega, Cartier and TAG Heuer. Luxury high street jeweller, Goldsmiths, also launched a newly-transformed store at Bullring in June, boasting the third largest Rolex concession in the UK. Selfridges Birmingham has continued

Left: Bullring staff celebrate the centre’s 15th birthday with its most famous face.

Clockwise from above: the new look Goldsmiths, Gucci at Selfridges and NYX Professional

City’s iconic Bullring celebrates 15 years

to invest in its store with designer international fashion brands, Christian Louboutin and Gucci, both opening new boutiques as part of the continued investment in level four. This follows the launch of Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Fumo and the second ever Shoe Galleries concept, completing the transformation of Birmingham’s leading luxury destination.

We recently announced that US beauty

retailer, Morphe Cosmetics, is set to open its first store outside of London and only second in the UK at the end of the year. The popular brand, which boasts 7 million followers on Instagram, will take a prominent space on the middle level of the Bullring alongside leading fashion brands Mango and H&M. Morphe follows the recent opening of global make-up brand NYX Professional Make-Up, located on the ground floor of Bullring. The store opened in June and offers a range of professional beauty products.

Recognising the importance of personalisation in retail, in July we commissioned local Birmingham artist, Sabina Gran, for a special ‘Kustomised Kicks’ event in LinkStreet, with the aim of

inspiring visitors to express their own individuality through their personal style.

Bullring and Grand Central customers were invited to book a bespoke customisation session, completely free of charge, where Sabina embellished their trainers with a hand-painted design of their choice. The event was a huge success, with all slots snapped up in advance and a live stream of activity across our social channels.

Looking ahead to the all-important Christmas period, Bullring and Grand Central certainly remain the region’s premier destination to shop and dine at. We have lots of festive fun, seasonal surprises and exciting events to delight the whole family, which in addition to the string of new brands ensures the centre offers the very best experience for all our visitors.

Danielle Bozward, Marketing Manager of Bullring & Grand Central (pictured left)

PAGE 28 EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

EDIT AUTUMN 2018: THE LAST WORD Popular attraction is back for 2018 to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity House of Fraser Birmingham will once-again open its doors to its annual Christmas grotto from Friday, November 30.

The festive grotto, which was refurbished in 2017 with the support of Retail BID and in-demand artist Temper, will offer children an enchanting experience for the eighth year running.

Liam Harford, Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to bring back our magical grotto this year, especially after the brilliant news that our iconic store is staying open.

“The grotto at House of Fraser brings back so many memories for people in the city, including the wonderful days of Rackhams.

“Year after year we get such great feedback from parents and children.

Christmas is all about spreading goodwill and we are very proud to be supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity during this festive period.”

Children, along with their family and friends, will enter the grotto on the 5th floor into a whimsical Christmas world.

They will be welcomed by a flurry of fake snow, Christmas trees, twinkling fairy lights, a traditional elves’ workshop, animatronic animals before getting to meet Santa in his grotto.

As well as sharing their Christmas wishes, Children are also encouraged to bring a letter to post in Santa’s post room.

In addition to meeting Santa, the £7.00 entry fee includes a quality gift for each child. Entry for adults costs just £1.00 with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising

Magical Grotto returns to city’s House of Fraser Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to House of Fraser for supporting our sick kids in this magical way. The money raised will help make sure our charity can continue sprinkling its magic all around the hospital to benefit our brave children and families – not just at Christmas, but all year round.”

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS The House of Fraser grotto will be open from 11am-5pm all week until Christmas Eve when it will open from 10am-3pm.

There will be extended hours on some days, details of which can be found at https://tickets.globalstar. systems/193 along with details to book tickets.

EDIT AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 PAGE 29