Spotlight
SOUTHSIDE BID WELCOMES TRIPLE BOARD APPOINTMENT SOUTHSIDE
Southside Business Improvement District (BID) has announced three new appointments to its board of directors as it enters a crucial year with its renewal ballot in November.
WITH PRIDE
Hina Simpson, general manager at Radisson Blu Hotel and Graeme Findlay, head of digital engagement at Legal and General, have joined as new members of the board representing both hospitality and professional services within the Southside BID area.
SHOUTS More than 75,000 festival-goers celebrated ‘Freedom’ in May as Birmingham Pride took to the streets in and around Southside’s Gay Village. Visitors enjoyed a weekend of live music as Union J, Jess Glynne, Miss Dynamite, Only The Young and Atomic Kitten took to the various stages throughout the area. The festivities for the UK’s biggest twoday festival for the LGBT community started at 12pm in Victoria Square with Pride’s annual Parade. People of all genders, sexualities, race and faiths filled the streets in all manner of colours and outfits as they made their way to Hurst Street. The celebrations continued throughout Saturday and Sunday with live music, cabaret, drink and food.
The board also welcomes the appointment of Paul Garry, director of Gallan Group, as Chairman. Paul takes over from Stuart Griffiths, CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome, who stepped down earlier this year.
With ticket sales being up on last year, organisers have predicted a fundraising total that will top £80,000 for LGBT charities. A record breaking year all round! Congratulations to all of the team at Birmingham Pride for creating such a fantastic event! We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.
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SOUTHSIDE BID TACKLES CITY’S POLLUTION PROBLEM WITH GREEN WALL
Julia Chance, Southside BID manager, said: “2015 is an important year for Southside BID as we prepare for renewal ballot. The BID has achieved so much during its term and as local authorities face continued budget cuts it will be crucial in providing much needed support for both new and established businesses in the area.
As Birmingham’s pollution levels reach crisis point, Southside BID has installed a ‘Green Wall’ on one of the city’s busiest gateways as a way of battling the problem.
“The board of directors has been instrumental in representing the diverse range of organisations within Southside and we’re delighted to welcome both Hina and Graeme to the team as well as Paul as our new Chairman and are looking forward to seeing their input strengthen the BID even further.”
In May 2014 the World Health Organisation named nine English towns and cities which were in breach of safety guidelines for air pollution - Birmingham was one. Off the back of the report, Southside BID, in partnership with Atkins, Gooch Estate and with research support from Staffordshire University, has commissioned the installation of a green wall along the A38 in an attempt to reduce pollution levels caused by motor vehicles. It is thought to be the first time that a green wall or green
It wasn’t just visitors that had a good time over the weekend though, businesses across the district reported record sales based on previous years. Radisson Blu, Holiday Inn, Ibis Hotel and Travelodge were all fully booked as well as Premier Apartments and StayCity Birmingham serviced apartments. With an increased police presence at this year’s Pride, incidents were at an all time low, a testament to Southside’s dedication to keeping businesses, residents and visitors safe.
Birmingham’s most vibrant and diverse district: embracing Hurst Street, The Arcadian, Chinatown and the Gay Village
FREE SUPERFAST BROADBAND VOUCHER SCHEME RETURNS – HAVE YOU APPLIED YET? This year sees the return of Digital Birmingham’s voucher scheme which provides businesses with grants of up to £3,000 to connect to superfast broadband. The scheme has already helped almost 600 SMEs connect to the city’s superfast broadband infrastructure, allowing them to take advantage of increased download and upload speeds, revolutionizing the way they work.
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Live, Work and Enjoy the Southside Spirit
CONTACT
Businesses who sign up need only pay their line rental and VAT as the fund covers all installation charges (up to £3,000). The new £40 million funding stream is limited however and is available on a first come, first served basis. To take advantage of this fantastic scheme or to find out more information visit: www.digitalbirmingham.org
BID Manager. Julia Chance | bidmanager@southsidebid.co.uk Chair. Paul Garry | paul@gallangroup.com
screen has been created using an existing pedestrian guardrail. The wall, which has been installed in three segments along almost 140 metres of the A38 Bristol Street’s central reservation is covered in green vegetation which it is hoped
NEW CHAIRMAN FOR SOUTHSIDE BID Former Vice Chairman and longstanding supporter of Southside Paul Garry has taken over as Chairman of the BID after Stuart Griffiths stepped down earlier this year.
a far more welcoming environment across the BID area which in turn is helping to generate significant investment in the area but there is much more we would like to do.
Paul, managing director of the Gallan Group of companies, paid tribute to the work of the CEO of the Birmingham Hippodrome.
“A key focus for us is to improve the public realm in Southside and we are working towards making some lasting physical improvements which will include a new Hippodrome Square while we also want to create much more green space across Southside for residents and visitors to enjoy.
He said: “Stuart was an excellent Chairman, in fact without him there would be no Southside BID. He had a strong vision for Southside and the work that could be done to fully unlock its potential and I am looking forward to building on this as the new Chairman. I think most people would agree that in its first term the Southside BID has successfully created
“This is an exciting year for Birmingham with the launch of Grand Central and the increased footfall this will generate for Southside is a huge opportunity for the area”
will remove a significant quantity of airborne particles. Following installation Staffordshire University will start monitoring how much particle matter is trapped by the greenery. Should it prove successful the scheme could be implemented city-wide.
SOUTHSIDE BID CONSULTATION During BID 1 Southside has achieved so much; from helping businesses with grants, supporting events such as Birmingham Pride & Summer in Southside, right through to security and street cleaning. As local authorities continue to face budget cuts, Southside’s BID 2 (2016-2021) will be vital in providing businesses with the support they need to both grow and tackle the issues they face. Please have your say on what you would like to see happen in Southside BID 2, to feedback or to arrange a visit from one of our board directors, email information@southsidebid.co.uk
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For more information, visit
www.southsidebid.co.uk or www.enjoysouthside.co.uk THE ELECTRIC CINEMA OPENS NEW GALLERY SPACE This summer The Electric Cinema adds a new string to its cultural bow with the launch of the Electric Gallery. Located in the upstairs foyer of the historic cinema, the once empty wall space is now alive with artworks.
An entertaining jamboree of spectacular street performance returns to Hippodrome Square and The Arcadian this summer. Comedic performances will line the streets with a range of high quality circus, dance and street theatre to delight and surprise. Presented by Birmingham Hippodrome and supported by The Arcadian and Southside BID, the area will be the ideal location for fun, food and more this August Bank Holiday. A highlight of this year’s programme is Tangle by Australian Company Polygot. Tangle is a huge, messy, fun, interactive elastic weaving event created live by children and their families. It’s part mass visual arts installation, part performance, part playground, part dance party and all chaos!
The debut exhibition, entitled Unleash The Beasts is the first of an ongoing programme and features artworks inspired by the Jurassic Park series with work by local artists Raj Dhunna, Millie Popvic, Lawrence Roper, Tilly Wright, Adam Corns and Jack Deacon.
Unleash The Beasts will run until 12th August. A weekend to remember for Birmingham
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Street Food INC is bringing its tasty treats to the Centre, based in Southside, on Friday, July 10, from 4pm, where hungry jazz lovers can enjoy delicious dishes from traders including The Vegan Grindhouse, Sticky Fig, Meat Heads, Fancy Fries, The Little Retro Kitchen, and White Heat.
The wait is nearly over for the launch of Birmingham’s most hotly anticipated retail event of the year with the opening of John Lewis at Grand Central – and to celebrate Birmingham is going to be having quite a party. The department store is set to open its doors at the end of September and this will coincide with a spectacular weekend of free entertainment bringing together culture, food, fashion sport and shopping.
There will also be some foodie surprises to enjoy from Chung Ying in Southside, plus Le Truc, Individual, Sobar and Caffé Chino – all of whom are based at The Arcadian. The music will continue in the IBIS Hotel, at the heart of The Arcadian, when Ricky Cool & The In Crowd will entertain jazz fans with a musical mix of genres.
As well as the launch of the new Grand Central development, Style Birmingham Live and the Rugby World Cup where Australia and Uruguay will be playing at Villa Park, September 25 will see the launch of the three-day Birmingham Weekender with free outdoor events taking place across the city.
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As if that isn’t enough, the Arcadian will also be hosting the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival so clear your diary because it is going to be a weekend not to be missed.
CELEBRATE MOON FESTIVAL WITH SOUTHSIDE
Using a variety of media and approaches, the artists have emphasized the curious and unique way that cinema captures one’s imagination, highlighting the world of possibility and meaning that can be extracted when an artist puts a film under the microscope.
The Arcadian will also be home to a stage full of theatre and music performances. Come and spend the day with your friends, then in the evening relax in one of the Arcadian’s popular bars soaking up the atmosphere.
BIRMINGHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL TO SERVE UP SOUL FOOD AT THE ARCADIAN
Southside’s Birmingham Hippodrome will be helping stage the event along with all of the city’s major arts organisations and visitors can expect everything from dance performances on top of car parks to an orchestra of bell ringers.
Live, Work and Enjoy the Southside Spirit
For more information, visit
www.southsidebid.co.uk or www.enjoysouthside.co.uk Email us at information@southsidebid.co.uk or call us on 0121 643 3720 to book your table.
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If that wasn’t enough, a special Moon Festival celebration for the public will happen on Friday 25th September from 4pm – 9pm in the Arcadian centre, there will be Chinese Acrobats, Lion Dances, Chinese Street food, music and the evening will culminate with a special firework display to celebrate the brightest Moon of the year. If you can’t wait to try Moon Cakes, they are sold in Day In Supermarket on Cathay and Wrottesley St and in Wahkee and Caffe Chino bakeries in the Arcadian. Try them, they are delicious!
SOUTHSIDE IN BLOOM
Graeme Findlay Southside Bid Head of digital engagement at Legal and General Tell us about your business?
Legal & General is a multinational financial services company headquartered in London with offices in Birmingham, Hove, Cardiff, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Theale and Barnsley. As you would expect L&G offers a wide range of financial products including life insurance, general insurance, pensions and investments. Globally we have operations in Egypt, France, Germany, the Gulf, India, the Netherlands and the United States.
How did it all start?
Moon Festival or Mid Autumn Festival as it is often known is the second biggest festival in the Chinese calendar and celebrates the brightest Moon of the year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Calendar. Traditionally it is a family festival where many gather round the table to eat together and enjoy Moon Cake, which is a sweet cake with various fillings and different artistic patterns on the surface depicting the legends of the festival. Southside BID in collaboration with Genting Casino Chinatown, Chung Ying Group and the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee are hosting a special Moon Festival Dinner fundraiser to raise money for Chinese New Year 2016. Chinese New Year has recently seen its funding cut to zero in the latest round of council cuts and in order to preserve this festival in the district, we need your help to raise funds to make up this funding shortfall. Guests at this special Moon Festival Banquet on Thursday 24th September will enjoy a three course feast by Chung Ying Garden, live entertainment, karaoke, raffles, games, fireworks, lion dances, VIP guests and a special Pop Up Casino from Genting. Tickets are just £25 each, sold in tables of 10. As many of them have already been snapped up at the time of writing, there are only 12 tables left, so don’t delay, book yours today.
Legal & General was founded in 1836 in a Chancery Lane coffee shop by Sergeant John Adams. The New Law Life Assurance Society as it was originally called was restricted to members of the legal profession before offering its products to the general public under the name of Legal & General Life Assurance Society.
Launched in 2013, Southside’s In Bloom annual campaign invites all green-fingered businesses in the district to get creative and bring their exteriors to life through floral displays. Judged by a team of horticultural specialists, businesses can win a £200 cash prize, framed prize winning certificate and some press and PR for their business. Julia Chance, Southside BID manager said: “We’re proud to be part of a city that has won international awards for its renowned Floral Trail and wanted to encourage this creativity from our own Southside businesses. We were delighted with how many businesses ‘rose’ to the occasion last year and really tried to bring the district to life through creative planting. Last year’s winners Eden Bar left us particularly impressed with their varied and interesting mix of contrasting foliage and immaculately maintained plants which helped them stand out and scoop the prize.” Enter your business or nominate your neighbour by calling 0121 643 3720 or email us at information@southsidebid.co.uk
L&G’s presence in Birmingham dates back into the 1960s with offices in Waterloo St, (where ‘L&G Assurance Society’ is still in the stone lintel on one of the buildings). We now work out of Centre City on Hill Street employing over 450 people.
What is your background?
I’ve lived in Birmingham since 1984 so have had the pleasure to witnessed first-hand how our city has changed and evolved for the better – particularly during past 10 years or so when investment has accelerated and significant infrastructure improvements delivered. Prior to joining L&G I was Head of Digital at E.ON and before that Alliance & Leicester and have worked in the digital economy since 1999.
How has your business contributed to the area? L&G have always supported the Southside BID since its original inception. We have provided Executive support at Board level as well as contributed financially to local initiatives including the fabulous Southside Christmas lights. It’s important large employers get involved with local initiatives as our people really do value the improvements to the local community that they bring.
What do you think of the continuing efforts to regenerate Southside?
The Southside BID has done a fabulous job in helping regenerate our local area. With funding cuts continuing to impact at central and local government levels our work as a Southside BID team is now even more important in order for us to maintain and improve our local environment. I’m always impressed by our Street Warden and Street Cleaning teams as a pleasant, clean local environment is a must have foundation to any area looking to develop and grow. I’m excited by what happens next for Southside BID and how we continue to ensure we provide an excellent, value for money service to all local employers. I hope you agree by engaging with the local community asking what you want us to focus on we will deliver an even better, more focused service to the local community during the next 5 year term.
What is the best thing about Southside?
I think the best thing about Southside is its diverse, multi-cultural community and the way in which Southside has developed an identity that respects all faiths, cultures, traditions and beliefs. Our area includes Chinatown, Gay Village, Theatreland, as well as a broad range of key business locations including the Hippodrome, Radisson Hotel, The IBIS, The 02 Academy, etc etc. It’s this diversity that makes Southside “best”.
What advice would you give someone wishing to start a business in the area?
Southside is a fabulous place to start a business. With affordable rents, great locations and a range of local suppliers to tap into, it’s not hard to see, why new businesses increasingly choose Southside as their starting point. I think with New Street reopening soon there will be increased footfall through our area making it an even more attractive proposition.
How do you spend your spare time?
Work is quiet demanding so it’s always a difficult job balancing work and home. However my family is fab and we love being outdoors so we do loads of walking, hiking and cycling in our spare time. Whatever the weather we’re always out and about – we have a saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather just poor equipment”. I also enjoy the occasional triathlon or two, the kids do loads of swimming and my wife and I enjoy trips to the gym.
Live, Work and Enjoy the Southside Spirit
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