The past few weeks have seen the city come alive with creativity; with Artsfest taking place over the last weekend, Victoria Square being ‘flashmobbed’ and the opening of the stunning new O2 Academy, we really have been pulling out all the stops. It’s so refreshing to see the work of our creative sector and those in the art and entertainment industry come to the forefront and be recognised for everyone to enjoy.
As part of our commitment to Brand Birmingham we are starting to roll out the Ambassador Programme which you may recall we started in late 2008 and early 2009 with an initial series of workshops. The principle aim remains to provide co-ordinated support from the professional sectors to assist when inward investment opportunities arise.
We also see a role for the ‘Ambassadors’ in projecting a strong and consistent image in meetings in other cities (UK and overseas) of Birmingham as a great place to do business, particularly with the concentration of professional services in and around the city centre.
If you would like more information about the programme and the work of the Ambassadors, please contact Board Director & Ambassador ChampionCallum Girvan.
Photo: Richard Brennan, CEO, Birmingham Forward
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Welcome to Birmingham – New Graduates and Trainee Young Professionals
This annual event is the unique reception for new graduate employees and trainees working in our city. This year, it is being held at The Banqueting Suite, Birmingham Council House on Wednesday 7th October (18.00 – 21.00). It is an invaluable opportunity for your new graduates and trainees to learn about the variety of career and lifestyle opportunities that Birmingham has to offer, as well as to meet fellow new professionals in the city over drinks and canapés.
This year’s guest speaker is Paul Thandi, Chief Executive of the NEC Group and number one in the Birmingham Post’s recently published Power 50 list. Guests will also take part in a fun and interactive networking session by Sarah Gee, Managing Partner of Indigo Ltd and a former Chair of Birmingham Future.
The cost of the event is £15 +VAT per attendee. Places are limited so it is advised to respond early to avoid disappointment. For further information or to book, contact Isabel Drabble:isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk/ 0121 632 2204.
Photo: Attendees at last year's Welcome to Birmingham event
Calling all creatives!
Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) is looking for a creative agency to work on the design for the event’s 10th anniversary next year.
We are looking for an agency that can put together BYPY 2010’s overall design concept, as well as the tickets, programmes, winners’ certificates and other incidentals.
Ideally the successful team will also be able to create the opening sequence, which will be broadcast on big screens at the event, and take responsibility for producing video content for use on the night and on theBYPY website.
We would like a little help with our BYPY website too! It’s a tall order but if you want to be part of one of the premier events on the Birmingham calendar and you can fulfil all or any of these requirements, then your business could benefit from exposure to hundreds of the city’s professionals.
There will be an opportunity for the chosen business to appoint a representative to the BYPY Committee, becoming more involved with Birmingham Future and working with the team on all aspects of the event. If you would like further information then please contact theBirmingham Future office. The deadline for submission is2nd October 2009.
CSR Made Easier
ProHelp is a Business in the Community initiative designed to help professional firms provide pro bono support to community organisations. The Birmingham ProHelp group is made up of diverse firms, which between them can provide a wide range of professional input.
ProHelp intervention has in a number of instances saved an organisation from failing and in the rest provided solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems. The group needs more members to deal with the increasing number of cases.
To find out more take a look at the ProHelpwebsite or come along to one of the quarterly meetings. Alternatively e-mailSimon Littlejohns, the group chair, orJayne Magee, the BITC manager.
The provision of expertise from staff in your firm could make that material difference for an organisation and those involved with it.
Pulling a pint for Birmingham Community Foundation
Several months ago an unlikely group of bar stewards stepped forward to pull a few pints behind the bar at Metro to help raise funds for the Birmingham Community Foundation. With help from punters by way of tips and sponsorship, plus a donation from Metro’s profits, the lads raised a staggering £2,000 in just over two hours.
The challenge has now been set for the girls to beat the boys’ fund raising record on Wednesday 14th October 2009 from 6pm – 8pm. With some well known ladies from around the city taking part, including Alex Bishop, Kay Cadman, Dawn Roberts and our own Jo Sollom, this will be a night to remember.
Members are invited to join in the merriment and provide a little heckling combined with lots of support. Beer pumps are available for sponsorship at £100 each.
Any funds raised during the evening can be immediately matched using the Government’s current Grassroots Endowment match funding that is currently in place. Last year’s event raised £2,000, which automatically became £4,000.
To sign up to work behind the bar or provide sponsorship for the beer pumps please contactjennifer.chatham@btinternet.com / 07775 912818.
Common Purpose launches Meridian
Birmingham Meridian 2010 - Meridian is the new international name for thier senior leaders' programme. The programme is aimed at cross-sector, experienced leaders and has an element of flexibility to help you tailor the modules to suit your calendar. There are three core, compulsory days (January, March and June) and then the rest of the 60 hours needed to graduate are made up from one set of learning groups, Understanding Change, Understanding Place and Leadership Insights. Open for applications now.
Exclusive Ticket Offer to members for The Sunday Times Style in the City
From September 24 to 26, Style in the City will turn Birmingham into a fashion haven and a glamour hotspot!
Stylist to the stars Gok Wan will be running Gok’s style sessions, the Midlands’ own TV presenter Emma Willis will host a series of catwalk shows and there will be glittering in - store events-Bullring, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, M&S Pavilions, Selfridges & The Mailbox - all across the city every day. Throw in some exclusive goody bags, super-luxe beauty treatments and your very own transport system to whisk you around the city and we guarantee you’ll be leaving with a spring in your step!
Birmingham Forward members are being offered the chance to experience the event in true style with a special offer on the exclusive Platinum ticket. Members can buy two Platinum tickets for £99 (usually £65 each-saving £31!). Platinum tickets include a private chauffeur, two course lunch with bubbly, enviable seats to Catwalk Show & Gok’s sessions, luxury designer goodie bag and many complimentary treatments and gifts!
To redeem the offer, go to the websitewww.styleinthecityevent.co.ukor call the ticket hotline 0871 270 7150 and quote WORG2499.
Photo: Gok Wan
Forthcoming Events
Breakfast Connections
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre, Vista Suite, Central Square, B1 1HH
Wednesday 23rd September, 07:00hrs for 07:30hrs until 09:00hrs
Birmingham Forward and Birmingham Chamber members will be lending their ears to leading lady Vikki Heywood, Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, at the Crowne Plaza next Wednesday, 23rd September.
Amongst the projects she directs, many of which she will touch upon at the breakfast, Vikki is also supervising the RSC’s £112.8 million building project to transform its theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon. This will climax in the re-opening of the theatres towards the end of 2010. Vikki will be sharing the vision for the transformation, whilst also considering the present and future challenges the company faces during a recession.
Tuesday 13th October 2009, 12:00hrs for 12:30hrs until approx 14:00hrs
With much recent media coverage of High Speed 2, Birmingham Forward has once again seized the opportunity to inform its members and provide a forum in which to ask the questions that will affect your company and your city. With several proposed routes, all of which are undecided and yet to be fully explained, several speakers will discuss their own perspectives and differing opinions on the positive and negative aspects of the £34 billion project.
The Burlington Hotel, Burlington Arcade, 126 New Street, Birmingham B2 4JQ
Friday 16th October 2009, 18:00 for 19:00 until 00:00hrs
Ann Widdecombe MP has become an outspoken figure in the media, appearing on several television shows and developing a reputation as a celebrity agony aunt. Ann will be coming to the rescue this time in Birmingham, at Forward’s fifth annual Chairman’s dinner.
Ann’s longevity within parliament will no doubt provide an abundance of opinion on the future of politics. The evening will be topped off with entertainment from ‘The Cubes’, comprising some familiar Birmingham faces. Jimmy Franks, WM radio presenter, will also be on hand to conduct the evening.
The Gala Dinner is the perfect opportunity for partners and friends to join members for an evening of dinner and dance, so to book your tickets, contact Isabel Drabble:Isabel@birminghamforward.co.uk/ 0121 632 2204.
Members have been vocal in their appreciation of the Bank of England Economic Update, held on Thursday 20th August at Bank Restaurant. To read more on this event, including a member review, clickhereto go to the website.
Photo: Bank of England
Other events
West Midlands Region: Leading The Way Out Of Recession
Graeme Leach, IoD Chief Economist, will lead this conference and give a projected economic view looking forward into 2010 and beyond. Other top presenters will be speaking on subjects such as managing relationships with banks, opening the door to exporting opportunities, inspiring leadership, better marketing and smart use of technology.
This event will be held in conjunction with the IoD’s colleagues from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
THRIVING in 2009? How to make the most of Commercial/Voluntary sector partnerships
Following the hugely popular event -NEW YEAR NEW CONSCIENCE / NEW YEAR NEW CONNECTIONS – How to make a difference in 2009, Thrive is organising another workshop.
Held atBVSC offices, in Digbeth on 22nd September 2009 from 6pm-8pm, the event will encourage debate between the commercial and voluntary sector on ‘best practice’ for working together to maximum mutual benefit.
Attendance at this event costs just £9.99 inclusive of VAT. All bookings can be made online by visitingwww.register-me.co.ukand clicking on CSR Workshop from the drop-down list.This payment goes towards the administration and venue hosting costs for this event only. Any surplus made will be donated to a local registered charity.
Bookings must be received byMonday 21st September. For questions, please contactFidelis.hynam@bch.nhs.uk.
