Birmingham Forward Delivers Robust Financial Performance

Lobbying and networking organisation, Birmingham Forward, has once again enjoyed a successful year with increases in revenue from membership fees and sponsorship. In its statutory accounts for 2008 being received by members this week ahead of its Annual General Meeting to be held on 31st March 2009, Birmingham Forward records a pre-tax surplus of just under £18,000. 2008 has also seen the organisation's turnover exceed half a million pounds for the first time. This year's financial results reflect the success the organisation has enjoyed in providing a calendar of diverse events for its membership with a range of high quality speakers and several projects reaching critical milestones. Last week a resounding majority of organisations in Birmingham's professional and financial services district backed plans to start a Business Improvement District (BID) in the Colmore Row area. Birmingham Forward, with tremendous support from its members, sponsors and partners including the Birmingham City Centre Partnership, had made the BID a major priority and invested considerable time and effort into securing its success. The Colmore Business District will commence operations in April as a stand alone not for profit business. Next month will also see the Administration Court begin work as the first step in the Forward-led campaign to bring a permanent, resident High Court to the city. Commenting on this year's financial results Birmingham Forward Chairman Richard Edwards said: Once again this year, Birmingham Forward has delivered a surplus that will add to the organisation's reserves. As a membership organisation and particularly against the background of a more challenging economic climate for our members, it's important we run an efficient operation which our executive has done again this year. Our robust financial position, with strong reserves, means that we are able to continue providing a diverse range of events, resource the representation of Birmingham's professional and financial services sector and invest in key initiatives such as our campaign for the Colmore Business District. I believe that the contribution of Birmingham Forward can make has never been more important than in the face of current economic conditions. We are well placed to continue the work of promoting Birmingham and this sector on behalf of our members under the leadership of incoming chair Sue Lewis, the Senior Partner of Eversheds. Birmingham Forward Director Martin Finnegan of HBJ Gateley Waring will step down from his responsibility for the organisation's finances at the AGM after four years. Sally Beavan, a Partner at PKF, will then take Board responsibility for Birmingham Forward finances. Sally had previously been responsible for overseeing Birmingham Future's financial management.

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